#guys this chapter is taking forever i'm sorry
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sneak peak: part III chapter 2
The hatch above sliced the weak light like a cutting wire, casting a grid on the damp stone walls below. Connell watched through half-closed eyes as two water droplets slid down the wall toward a patch of light. He wasnât betting on any droplet in particular; simply observing their progress.
Doran spoke, his voice raspy from dehydration. They werenât quite thirsty enough to start licking the walls, but it was only a matter of time.
âHey, Con,â he rasped. âWhat time dâyou think it is?â
The first dozen times Doran had asked this question, Connell had tried to make out the hour by the subtle variation in the darkness. The next dozen times, heâd responded with sarcasm. Now he didnât even bother to reply.
âIâd wager itâs lunchtime,â said Doran. âHey, Con. Whatâll you wager itâs lunchtime?â
âDoran, weâre in a pit. What do you expect me to wager, rat bones?â
There was a pause.
âI donât think all of these bones belonged to rats,â said Doran.
Connell had been trying not to look too closely at the pitiful heap of bones against the far wall. Now it loomed hugely in the corner of his eye, a portent of a future he didnât want to contemplate. He turned back to the water droplets, but they had already been absorbed into the stone.
âHey, Con.â
When Connell didnât reply, Doran kept repeating his name until he snapped.
âWhat?â
âDâyou think Toby and Luca made it to Fleetside?â
There was a long silence. This time Doran didnât try to break it.
The top of the pit opened with a scream of metal. Piercing sunlight streamed down. Connell and Doran scrambled to their feet, squinting up through watering eyes. Connell could just make out dark figures high above. He had the image of hunters looking into a trapping pit to see what theyâd caught for dinner.
There was a muffled discussion, too far up for Connell's straining ears to hear. Then something was thrown down. A rope ladder. It unrolled as it fell before jerked to a stop a few feet above the damp ground.
âThey canât seriously expect us to climb up,â said Connell.
Doran was already testing the ladderâs bottom rung to see if it would hold his weight. He cast Connell a scornful look.
âWhat else are we going to do? Stay here and starve?â
He had a point. StillâŠ
âWhat if they cut our heads off once we get to the top?â
âItâll be a better death than that poor bugger got,â said Doran, nodding to the heap of bones.
That was all the convincing Connell needed. If he was going to die, he wanted to die on his feet, under the sky, with the gods as his witnesses. Not here in a hole like a rat.
Doran was already scaling the ladder. Connell took a steadying breath and pulled himself up after.
They emerged several long minutes later, sweating, panting, dizzy with hunger and vertigo. After so long spent in the dark of the pit, even the pale gray sun was blinding. Connell wiped his streaming eyes on his sleeve. The figures swam into focusânot Dogs of Guye but a dozen armed men who wore no uniform. Still, Connell could tell they were soldiers. It wasnât just their weapons, but their air of casual menace and the readiness with which they held themselves.
Gods above and below, Connell was sick of soldiers. Nearly as sick as he was of waiting to die. He almost hoped this lot would just kill them and have done with it.
âYouâre the freedmen they call Connell and Doran?â
The question was asked by a wiry, weathered, quick-eyed man in a dark orange greatcoat. He had no symbols of office on his breast, but it was clear from the way his fellows regarded him that he was the leader here.
Connell and Doran shared a speaking look. They had no friends in this place. Anyone who was looking for them by name meant them harm.
Their fear mustâve shown on their faces. The soldier held up his hands.
âWeâre no enemies of yours, lads. Got you out of that pit, didnât we? Iâm to bring you to Robert Black. Orders from the man himself.â
âWhy?â asked Doran, only remembering to add âSirâ when Connell elbowed him.
âSomething to do with his boy,â said the soldier, shrugging. âAnyway, you ought to be thanking your lucky stars Black spared a thought for you, busy as he is. The Dogs meant to leave you down there. They were taking bets on how long you'd last.â
Connell and Doran shared another speaking look. This time it was horror that echoed between them like the sound of a scream too deep in the earth for any living soul to hear.
âHow long were we down there, sir?â Doran asked.
âTwo days,â the man replied. âAnd no wonder youâre jumpy as cats, you must be bloody starving.â He took some bread from the inside pocket of his greatcoat and tossed it to them. âThought so,â he said, as they fell on their portions like wolves. âIâm Tyburn, by the way.â
The name was vaguely familiar. From Doranâs reaction, he knew it.
As they followed the manâaway from the pit, thank all the gods; Connell would be glad to have no more dealings with pits for as long as he livedâDoran leaned in and hissed, âWilly Tyburn, Con! Heâs the Terror of Kingâs Road! His gang held up Lord Ambroseâs carriage, remember? The Duke wouldnât leave the grounds for months without an armed guard.â
As usual, Doran had spoken louder than he intended. Tyburn cast an amused look over his shoulder.
âBelonged to the Duke of Chesten, did you?â
Connell and Doran exchanged guilty looks.
âYes, sir,â said Connell. He turned his forearm to show the Dukeâs mark branded there. He was so blanched from the cold that four-ringed annulet stood out like a blood-blister.
âWe arenât runaways, sir,â said Doran quickly. âThe Dogs freed us.â
âIâm in the business of taking collars off slaves, lad, not putting âem back on,â said Tyburn. âWhether in the Dogsâ camp or ours, youâre free men.â
Doran didnât try to hide his relief. Seeing it, Connell had to tamp down a searing flash of anger. After everything Doran had put them throughâafter what had been done to them, to Toby, to Lucaâeven now, after all of it, the only thing he cared about was his precious fucking freedom.
Toby and Luca. Could they have run into Robert Black on the way to Fleetside? Luca had been a spy, after all, however difficult it was for Connell to get his head around; he and Black were on the same side. And theyâd known each other in Lyonesse, hadnât they? That brute Arkwright had said as much. Black had been one of Lucaâs clients when he was still posing as a lord. But maybe that, too, had been a ruse, a cover for their meetings. Maybe Black and Luca were better acquainted than anyone knew. Â
The same thoughts were going through Doranâs head. In a voice too low for Tyburn to hear, he whispered, âSomething to do with his boy. You donât thinkâŠ?â
Connell didnât know what to think. But he hoped. He hoped more fiercely than heâd let himself hope for anything in a very long time.
They passed through the vast gates and emerged onto the moor. When Connell was here last, it had been an expanse of damp mist drifting over earth so barren even the snow seemed to wither as it fell. Overnight, a city had sprung up. It was a city of tents, thousands on thousands, vanishing into the far distance. Within those tents and bustling between them were twice, no, three times as many menâsoldiers, Connell supposed, though few wore anything like a uniform, and some of those uniforms were in Ademarâs colors. At least half looked more like Midland peasants than battle-hardened rebels.
âCon, look!â
Connell followed Doranâs pointing finger to a group of men distinct not only for their richly-colored skin but their military bearing. These must be the Enkaaran mercenaries heâd heard about. They were certainly easier to imagine in battle than the peasants. Still, in their pale uniforms against the backdrop of gray tents and grayer sky, they looked lost, even a little forlorn, like a flock of birds blown off-course in a storm.
âPoor buggers came all the way to Castle Guye just to camp on the bloody doorstep,â said Tyburn, shaking his head. âThatâs Northern hospitality for you.â
He brought Connell and Doran to a tent that would have been indistinguishable from any of the others except for its size and the sense that, somehow, the rest of the camp had been built around it. A line of people queued outside, all with that air of self-possession particular to freeborn men. They reacted with varying degrees of indignation as Tyburn pushed Connell and Doran past them and into the tent.
Judging from the bustle of activity within, theyâd just entered the center of operations. These soldiers were clearly among the more seasoned. Connell even spotted a few faces he recognized from Redditch. Others were familiar from the wanted posters heâd seen in Lyonesse and along the Kingâs Road.
And at the center of it all was Robert Black.
He wouldâve stood out even if he hadnât been half a head taller than everyone but the barbarian who loomed at his right side. There was the red hair, of course, unnervingly similar to the color of dried blood, and the eyes that stared out of deep hollows, as hard and bright and calculating as a carrion birdâs. Connell had seen drawings of Blackâs face on wanted postersâbad drawings, heâd thought at the time, but seeing their subject now, there was some truth to the depictions. He might not have the cartoonish menace of the posters, but Robert Black was the most dangerous-looking man Connell had ever seen.
Robert looked up and saw them. It was like being pinned under a glacier.
âThat will be all,â he said.
He didnât even need to raise his voice. In a moment the tent was empty. Even Tyburn melted away. The only one who stayed was the barbarian. Blackâs bodyguard, Connell assumed. His was not a comforting presence.
Robert Black came around the desk and leaned against it. There was a silence; Connell measured its length in heartbeats. When at last Robert spoke, his voice was chillingly devoid of feeling.
âSo youâre the so-called friends who abducted Luca.â
#the golden bird#pierrot writes#original slash#whump#slavefic#wip#tgb#sneak peak#guys this chapter is taking forever i'm sorry#in my defense there's a whole election happening and it's taking up like#90% of my waking life rn#thank you for your patience <3
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"you are my witch"
lilia calderu x reader âą pure smut âą 3.2k w/c
summary: you've been friends with lilia calderu for years. drunken from the poison of wine, you confess your love for the woman. although reluctant to admit her feelings, because she harbors a secret you don't know, you learn that lilia feels the same way. years of yearning come to an end, and you find yourself falling into your desires, unable to control what has been kept away for so long.
taglist: @setsuna1415 @honeypiperpizza123 @valarmorghuli @allseingeye @im-a-carnivorous-plant @worstendingever @ramblininsomnia @wandamaximoff-simp @mrsines @onlyv4use @kenzie-floops @screamsin-gay @numenamortenia @valkyrierain @babythere @inlovewithalcinadimitrescu @astrophilliaxx @giona45-5 @evilregal2002 @crescendoofstars @yourbasicqueerie @primalnight @darkangelchronicles @sapphic-girlss @thegoddamnfeels @doctormaviatorres @i-hate-most-insects @brisgayshit97 @iheartmilfzzsposts @redrouge7e7as @novavala @finnza @wandringlightsaber @romanoffsho @kingpreciouswrld @emilyprentitss @elobv10 @wandasreallover @kaypastore38 @thegayassbit-ch @marinalunaestrella @gryffindor-forlife @lorrainemylove @anais-casablanca @girlwithissuesworld @ofgoldandbraid @justgaygirlthings @beachhausu @deathly777 @confuseuniverse @eepyvampy @whyilovewomen @r-3-becca @roksana6448 @bugcolector @etw12 @heartsfromelle @zyguard118 @thelesbianapollokid4 @opossum-in-disguise @snoopyaah @amberwhale @marisacoulterswife @ionlylikefictionalpeople @derry-n @evie-101 @ganyulover123
author's note: so first i'd like to just THANK all of you for blowing up my post asking for who'd like to be tagged, because the taglist isn't even done, i can't fit them all in the blog. also, i tagged you if you liked or reblogged the tag ask post, because i bolded i would tag those who liked or reblogged. second; i'm sorry this isn't a longer fic. it was originally planned to be, but i don't want to use my idea i came up with in a one chapter fic, i'd like it to be used in a longer more meaningful one. i really hope you enjoy this. if you have any positive, negative, or general feedback, please let me know! i want to become the best author i can be for you guys. also, i'd love to receive any asks for fanfiction or one shots! i'm currently focused on my big multi character x reader fic, but im 100% open to and willing to write for your requests.
content includes: fingering, oral stimulation, biting, praise, hair pulling, pet name usage
you noticed the difference in her eyes like it was bolded in bright red ink. her smile fell, like an angel to descend from heaven. 'this is it' you thought, 'sheâll hate me.' you turned away in shame, your heart dropped. words flooded out, stupid, careless words. "i love you, lilia."Â
you couldn't bear to look, you feared the disagreement would show on her face. your body tenses, and you scrunch the bridge of your nose with your fingers. you expect her to tell you to get out, or leave.. but you hear nothing.Â
but you feel, oh, you feel.Â
you feel her behind you, closer than when you had muttered those stupid, damning words. her fingers gently traced your neck, and you closed your eyes, the yearning in your soul up to its brink of expression. each breath you take is shaky, is heavy. you tilt your head aside, desperate to feel her warmth on your skin forever.Â
you open your eyes when you feel her breath on your neck. she must've noticed your body's reaction, because she paused, and remained still. lilia traces her fingers down your body, to your hips. she stops here, her lips close to your ears, as her body presses into your back.Â
you lean into her, your head slightly leaning back, at the pure and utter pleasure you feel being so close to her. her lips part, and with such composure, yet so little solidity, she delivers a line that would come to send shivers down your spine. "i have loved you since i saw you the first time, long ago. i am consumed and rattled by you at every waking second.." her hands pull you in, and you hum at the gesture. your eyes are closed, not because you hate this, or don't want to be there, but because the way you long for her in this moment now is too painful for you to bear. a lump forms in your throat when you feel her wet cheek graze your neck. she was in tears, and you needed to console her; but how? how should you console her now? you did not have much time to think. her lips, warm, soft, and gentle, were on your neck. the kiss she blessed your skin with felt like one that existed prior to the world, and forever past the present. it was torture, it was devastation, when she pulled away. it hurt, it was brutal.. so brutal, your lips parted, and you gasped quietly. your hand reached back for her head, and you enveloped your fingers in the curly, silver locks of her hair. you held her head close to yours, as her thumbs rubbed gently upon your hips. her voice broke as she completed her confession, and your heart broke with it; you'd do anything to protect her, to keep her from harm. "i'm a witch, y/n.. how could you ever love a witch?"Â
your eyes opened, and you stopped breathing, for just a moment. you were sure you'd heard wrong. with a furrowed brow, and a worrisome expression, you broke away from her touch, from her hold. you turned to her, and your head tilted to the side, as tears began to form in your waterline. the sight of her, so weak, so doubtful of herself, so ashamed.. your heart shattered like a broken mirror.Â
her face was lined with streaks of wet. she had cried for this, she suffered for it. she couldn't even look at you, her eyes were avert.Â
your hands raced to cup her cheeks, and you gently wipe away her tears. her lips part, in astonishment, followed by her eyes meeting your gaze. finally, you saw those beautiful eyes again. your heart skipped a thousand beats at the sight of those irises. you smile, and your face softens. "lilia.." you whisper, your forehead pressed against hers now, "i've loved you since the sun rose opposite the moon. i've chased you in all of my wildest dreams. i've loved you in every moment and i would not stop because of what you are or are not." at your notation, her lips fold into a smile. she grabs your wrists softly, holding them. once more you spoke, "you are my witch, my little piece of divinity. you are mine, and my heart is yours." you watch as her eyes move from your eyes to your lips, and you wish for nothing but her to kiss you.Â
after all these years, of being her "friend", you have never wanted anything more than for her to kiss you. it's like an insatiable hunger you cannot destroy.Â
lilia bites her lip, and she grabs your chin with her pointer finger and her thumb. you start to breath heavy, and your heart begins to race. she brings your face to hers, so close that your lips graze against one anotherâs. you ache for her, you long for her. you need to taste her, to merge your body, your soul, your heart, with hers. you need her to kiss you.Â
and she does. her lips mesh with yours in perfect harmony, like the melody of heavenâs sea. your mind is adrift, clouded. you cannot form a thought, you do not desire to form a thought. her unaccompanied hand caresses the small of your back, and you pull her closer with the hands you hold on her face.Â
she slips her tongue along your bottom lip, and you moan softly into the kiss. her grip on your chin releases, and she holds your jaw instead. she guides you through the long, heart-felt kisses. her lips control your body, your mind.Â
warmth builds between your thighs, and your head is still covered by nothing but a blanket of emptiness. lilia is the first to pull away, her lack of oxygen in her lungs being the culprit. you curse the living necessity of air.Â
you yourself breathe heavy, panting almost. liliaâs lipstick is smudged, and you smirk at the notion that you've just kissed this marvel of a woman. she notices your cocky smile, and a single eyebrow lifts. she now wore a smirk herself.Â
âyou're looking at me like you've just seen me naked, y/n.â you chuckle when she says this. âwhile i wouldn't be opposed to that, i'm just a little satisfied with the fact that in the midst of kissing me, you forgot about your lipstick.â Â
her smirk faded and her lips parted again, she pop looked offended, but you could tell it was just her beautiful sense of sarcasm.Â
âfix it for me?â she asked this with a lower tone and a wink, and you felt your core throb at the sound of her voice. she wanted you to kiss her again.Â
you ran your tongue across your bottom lip, and you couldn't help your smile. her hands guided your face close, and you pushed a curl behind her ear. she grew desperate, unable to wait. her lips caught yours, and you shut your eyes at the contact. in your head you pictured her eyes, beautiful and brown, like the rock embedded and shaded on the side of a mountain. your grip on her hair tightened as she pushed you back softly, making sure not to break the kiss. her lips were soft, so soft it felt like the comfort a pillow brings in the hour of sleep. you moan as your lower back makes contact with her counter, and your head leans back, which breaks the embrace.Â
the wetness between your thighs grows, and you figure your underwear must be utterly ruined. lilia's fingers stroked your hair, and she shook her head slightly, a whisper following shortly. "let me taste you.. every inch of you.." you bite your lip, and hold her gaze, nodding hesitantly; even though you don't feel hesitant on your answer at all. her smirk returns, and her hands descend, down from your hair to your neck. she drags them further down, past your shoulders. she stops at where the unbuttoned cardigan opens, pushing the material off of your arms and body. her warmth intoxicates you when her skin brushes against yours. she plants hot kisses on your upper arms, which are exposed because of the camisole top you wore.Â
her hands found the straps to your shirt, and she pulled them down slowly, kissing the empty place they used to cover. you tense, and your eyes shut as your lips purse together while you try to conceal the soft hum of pleasure you make.
lilia's fingers pull away the top, leaving you completely naked and exposed from your waist up. she smiles at the sight, her hands cupping your breasts. you feel the slick between your legs, it seems the inner part of your thighs had gotten soaked by extension.
her thumbs grazed over your nipples, and the sensation was enough to drive you wild. you pulled her head into the curve of your neck, your lips parted as soft moans escaped. she chuckles and her lips start to kiss your neck.Â
your knees go weak, simply from the ecstasy her lips brings you. her thumbs lose the feel of your sensitive buds, and she begins to creep down your throat. she leaves sloppy kisses down your collarbone, and down to your nipples. her eyes close as she takes one into her mouth, suckling on the sweet spot. your eyes fall back, and you inhale, biting down onto your lip to stop yourself from being loud. her fingers play with your lone nipple, and you feel as though you will not be able to take much more of this before becoming pathetic for her.Â
the witch releases your areola from her mouth and takes in the other, her tongue lapping around the bundle of nerves. her hands trace the curves of your body. they pause when she's reached your hips, and she digs her nails into your skin. the pain blends with the pleasure beautifully, and it's as if they are interchangeable.Â
you breathe heavily, your stomach twitching when she starts to drag her lips down your stomach. your pussy was so wet that she could smell the scent of arousal from your waistline. her fingers pulled up the black skirt you wore, and it revealed your soaked nude panties. she chuckled, looking up at you with eyes that were darkened and overwhelmed with lust. she bit her lip and furrowed her brow, which made you roll your eyes.Â
âyou're so wet, darling. i could just devour you.â you gently pull her hair, forcing her head back a little. she smirks, and you pout. âplease, i need youâ you say, pleading for her tongue, for her fingers, for her to be the one to shape you into a mess of a woman.Â
she winks, bringing her mouth to your inner thigh. she leaves kisses along your skin, and it seems as though sheâs teasing you. her eyes stay locked onto yours with each touch of her lips, she wants to see your face as she tortures you.
your hands release her hair, and grab onto the counter behind you, your nails scratch the surface with each new touch. her eyes look so dark, and it turns you on even more.Â
but your view of them is gone as she bites into your other thigh. her teeth are sharp, and your jaw drops, you whimper. her teeth release, and she kisses the bite mark. you open your eyes to see it, to see the mark she had left. it was dark red, and your expression changed, you felt your core throb uncontrollably, and you grabbed her head by her hair, guiding her to your cunt. your eyes pleaded with her.Â
lilia opened her mouth and licked the wet slick on your panties, all while looking you dead in the eyes. the touch was faint, but it was all your body needed to jerk up. it was so cruel, the way she left you needy and desperate for her. you couldn't think beyond her tongue on your clit, or her fingers buried in your warm folds.Â
she bit the material of your under garment, pulling it slowly down your legs. her eyes were stolen away by the sight of you completely naked and in front of her, soaked, ruined. you were such a slut for her. you wonder if she would tease you about how soiled you got for her later down the line.Â
the witch sighed, and her lips kissed the very inside of your thighs, right beside where you writhed for her. you thought you might faint.Â
using your hand, you rubbed her cheek, shaking your head at the sight of her, down on her knees, ready to please you. Â
she turned her face, kissing your gentle fingers. you smiled, and you took a deep breath as she brought her face as close as possible to your core. her eyes were focused on your face, you could tell she wanted to watch your face as she ate you out. so typical of her.Â
her face buried between your legs, her tongue circling your clit. your hands shot behind you to the counter once more, desperate to hold yourself up. your eyes closed, and your back arched. the moan that echoed through the room was inevitable. she took her time, finding the nerves that were more sensitive and paying more attention to them. you thought she must've found you stupid to be so wet and needy for her.Â
her tongue sped up, and she took your clit into her mouth, suckling the bud. you couldn't control the way your hips bucked, or the way your knees fell wobbly and weak. her hands grabbed your hips to stabilize her, and she pulled her mouth away in a flash.Â
you were worrisome, you thought maybe you'd messed up, or maybe she'd realized she didn't want you like this. it was almost heartbreaking to feel her pull away.Â
she had never stopped looking at you, though. you of course couldn't tell because your eyes had closed before out of the extremity of what you were feeling.Â
she looked serious, determined, but her eyes were still as dark as before. you blush at the sight of her face covered in your taste, your slick. her mouth opened, and you heard every word with such a heavy impact. âdo not close your eyes again. i want to see your eyes, your face, at every moment. do you understand?â
your heart starts to race again, there was just something so inexplicable about the way her words made you feel. you nod your head, scared that if you spoke your words would be jumbled. she didn't accept it though, her voice changed, from demanding to mischievous. âyou understand..? what do you understand, dear? how does it make you feel..? tell me how i make you feel.âÂ
you bite your lip, looking up at the ceiling. maybe you were throwing up a prayer that you wouldn't mess up, or maybe you were just trying to prepare yourself for what she wanted from you. her right hand slipped from your hip, and you didn't notice, so fixated on her request. you went to start speaking, but as you did, you felt her fingers inside of you.Â
your head leaned back, and you closed your eyes. a hushed âfuck!â, was followed by a loud humming. she smirked, âwhat did i say about closing your eyes, baby?âÂ
you forced them open, forced them to lock their gaze down onto her own. you wanted to make her happy. you needed to please her just as badly as you needed her to make you cum.Â
âi'm sorry, darlingââ as you began again, her fingers started to pump inside of your pussy, and your mouth lay agape. she didn't stop, even as you took a moment to continue, and you took a deep breath.Â
âyou want me to lookâ oh, fuck.. god.â it was like she went faster with each word you spoke. you took note of her devilish grin, thinking that you'd someday get your revenge. âyou want me to look at you, you want to see me whenâ shit!â your body flinches as she curls her digits inside you, her speed still gradually increasing. âcome on, princess, you're doing so goodâ she whispered this against your clit, right before sucking it into her mouth again.Â
you bit your lip and your hands pulled her by the hair, just giving you something to hold onto. âwhen i cum for you, when i'm just a puddle for you.. you want to see me when i take your fingers!âÂ
the words came out shaky, spaced between your moans and whimpers. her fingers started to go as fast as they could, and lilia lapped her tongue around your wet clit, stimulating every single part of your cunt. she was still looking at you. you held her gaze as you started to tremble, your body shaking as it came to the brink of an orgasm.Â
you finished your thought, giving her what she asked of you. âit makes me feel like abandoning everything for you, to have you like this, every second, every moment.â
her eyes closed, and you watched her remain between your thighs. your body hit a climax, and your hips bucked up, your back arching. you yelled for her, her name. your eyes rolled to the back of your head and you bit your lip to muffle any further sounds as she fucked you through your orgasm.Â
when you had came, your white fluid casing over her fingers, she pulled her mouth away from your clitoris.Â
you, with your head still fuzzy, had managed to pull her back up to you by her hair. her lips were so wet because of you. you immediately pull her in to kiss you, tasting yourself on her tongue and lips. she pulled away, breaking the contact. her teeth captured your bottom lip and you sighed when she pulled it back.Â
liliaâs lips started kissing your neck, and she brought them to your ear, whispering hushedly, âclean your pretty little mess, my love.âÂ
you whimper, and you open your lips, as she slips her two cum-covered fingers inside of your mouth. you suck off your fluid, and the growing wetness between your legs returns.
the older witch laughs, kissing your neck again. her lips find yours once more, and she kisses you like there is no other action in this world. her tongue invades your mouth, as she tastes the sweetness that remains.Â
#agatha all along#agatha harkness#agathario#rio vidal#agatha x rio#agatha harkness x rio vidal#rio vidal x agatha harkness#rio x agatha#agatha coven of chaos#aubrey plaza#vidarkness#aaa episode 8#aaa episode 9#aaa spoilers#aaa fanfic#agatha fanfic#lilia calderu x reader#lilia x reader#lilia calderu#patti lupone#witchcraft#witch x reader#character x reader#fem!reader#afab reader#smut#lesbian smut#wlw smut#wlw ns/fw#pure smut
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Female-Targeted Doujin Masterlist
Thank you anon! Sooooo, I have decided to compile a female-targeted/yumejoshi masterlist, I'll add this post to my main masterlist soon.
These were the one I could think of from memory, Iâll come back to this list and add to it if I get more, I'm sure I missed a few from my bookmarks. Feel free to add to it in the comments, and I'll try to find and update it! Also, several of these were recommended from anons in the past, so thank you all <3
FYI several links lead to nh*ntai dot net, so be aware of that.
Umekoppe
As per the post anon is referencing, Umekoppe is a doujin group that consistently puts out exclusively good content!
âThe Yandere Prince Won't Let Me Slip Awayâ
(Part One)
(Part Two)
Premise: Isekai/pseudo-reincarnation trope, premise basically explained by the title, MC is isekai'd as prince's lost lover.
"The Sacrificial Maiden Corrupted by Coupling With an Oni"
(Link)
Premise: Historical Japan setting, the "MC is an offering sacrifice to the Creature, but the Creature chooses to keep her instead" trope.
"Until the Trashiest Boy Toy Exorcist Ren-kun Crushes Me in His Embrace"
(Part One)
(Part Two)
Premise: MC is a girl that attracts malevolent spirits, exorcist-kun is obligated to help her ward them off (with orgasms, naturally).
"The Spy Who Ravished Me ~Reborn As a Mafia Princess in a Deadly Game~"
(Link)
Premise: Isekai, MC reincarnated into a game where she knows who the guy who is most likely to kill her is, but in her attempt to avoid getting killed by him, ends up taking actions that make him grow into an obsessive love-hate instead. Top tier, this boy is probably the worst (in a good way) of how all the Umekoppe love interests treat the girl.
"Heibon Onna wa Downer Kami-sama ni Izon sarete Modorenai" (this one didn't have a translated title, sorry)
(Link)
Premise: MC discovers her friend is a shrine god and wolf-boy. Wolfboy fun times ensue (and in the end she's apparently unknowingly trapped into being with him forever, so that's nice).
Youâre Cutest When Youâre Pathetic ~Obsessed Golden Retriever Boy Haruâs Disciplinary Sex~
(Part One)
(Part Two)
Premise: Softboyâą neighbor finds MC's phone with lewd stuff on it, gets her confessions in drunk conversations, turns out to not be so much of a Softboy behind closed doors.
Oniben Katze
Another group that also does a lot of fem-targeted stuff.
Serious Sex with my Brutish Boyfriend
(Link)
Premise: MC's lover gets mad over rumors that she's a slut, decides to get possessive and rough over it.
Dog Eat Dog Era
(Part One)
(Part Two/Extras)
Premise: a personal favorite, an isekai'd witch adopts two dragon boys who grow up to have a strong fixation with her and noncon ensues.
Parasite Garden
Makes notably darker stuff that contains more controversial subject matter/themes, so be warned.
The Corpse of a Goldfish is at the Bottom of the Swamp
(Link)
CW: INCEST
Premise: possessive brother wants to corrupt/mindbreak sister to keep her forever (spoiler: he succeeds)
The Neighbor in Room 203 Disappeared Leaving their Keys Behind
(Link)
Premise: stalker girl meets her match, as it turns out the boy neighbor she's stalking pulls a spiderman pointing meme and has actually been her stalker for even longer and to a much greater, darker, and more more extreme extent, and is intent on not letting her go.
My Sweet Bunny Cage
(Part One)
(Part Two)
Premise: tiny girl is kidnapped by a crazed guy convinced she is the reincarnation of his lost pet rabbit.
Other
(artist listed below titles)
If you wish, hypnosis ~Maki-san's secret love therapy~
(Link)
Artist: Meeo
Premise: pretty straightforward, after she doesn't believe it's real, MC's coworker uses hypnosis on her for Certain Specific Purposes.
Sakaki the Lazybones Shows His Talents at Night
(Link) (Contains all chapters' links on the page, you might have to scroll down on the chapter list to see chapter one on some phones)
Artist: Potsunen Jin
Premise: (Another personal favorite) MC's younger coworker, peak innocent idolizing softboy, is in love with her and takes advantage of a situation while she's drunk after watching porn to "learn what girls like." Clingy, possessive relationship ensues.
Lady K and the Sick Man
(Chapter One) (site's menu is a bit awkward to deal with, but you have to click in the corner to view the menu to go to other chapters).
Artist: Rororogi Mogera
Yet another personal favorite, this one does have slight male gaze to it in that it focuses on the girl quite a bit, but it still focuses on the guy way more than the average doujin. Also the guy is an older bigger guy, if you ever tire of the twink/twunk standard in yumejoshi stuff.
Premise: guy moves into an apartment with a ghost lady and just kinda accepts it because he can't afford to live anywhere else, but quickly decides heâs down bad for ghussy.
I Became the True Love Object of Mr. Segawa, Who Has a Huge Attitude and Body
(Link)
Artist: Haruo Haruyama
Premise: very straightforward office coworkers to lovers, coworker is a big guy who turns out to be kinda sadistic, which is good for the masochistic MC.
The Man Who Saved Me on my Isekai Trip was a Killer
(Part One)
(Part Two)
(Part Three)
Artist: Ahan Horihori
Premise: this one got kind of infamous and shock-valued the mainstream crowd due to an animated advertisement I believe, it's essentially self-explanatory from the title: isekai'd lady gets saved by a guy who turns out to be a violent murderer, dark and sometimes pseudo-incesty plot twists ensue.
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Run for the Hills
Prologue
Jack Hughes X F!Reader
a.n: This is definitely not one of the anticipated chapters you guys want but I'm trying to get myself back into writing, so I made a new fic to try out and see where it goes for now.
Warnings: cursing, bad jokes, frat boy humor
Word Count - 3k
The only sound in the room was her soft breathing and the occasional scratch of paper from her novel. She was so engrossed in the page, a daydream she lost herself inside that the outside world paled in comparison to.
Y/n licked her finger and flipped the page and settled deeper into the couch where she had burrowed herself into for the last three hours. The silence in the room was shattered as the front door crashed open, sending a gust of wind whipping through Y/n's hair as she looked up from her book in surprise.
"Get up and help me!" her roommate shouted, staggering through the doorway with her arms full of overstuffed grocery bags.
Y/n hurriedly marked her page and set the novel aside, springing up from the couch just as one of the flimsy bags gave way, sending a cascade of canned goods and produce tumbling to the floor with a cacophony of clatters and thuds.
"Oh no, let me help!" Y/n rushed over, kneeling down to scoop up the fallen items as her roommate kicked the door shut behind her.
"I didn't realize you'd be back so soon," Y/n said breathlessly, glancing up at her roommate's harried expression. "What's the hurry?"
Her roommate let out an exasperated sigh, shifting the remaining bags in her arms. "I ran into an old friend downtown and got roped into helping her move some furniture. I was supposed to be back an hour ago but it took forever." She shook her head, shooting Y/n an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for the mess - can you grab those last few cans while I get the rest of this put away?"
Y/n nodded quickly, grabbing the stray items and following her roommate to the kitchen. With her roommate's unexpected return and the sudden chaos, the quiet solitude of her novel-induced daydream already felt like a distant memory. âSo, what did you do today? Any plans? Any new boys?â Alyssa suggested slyly.
Y/n thought for a second as she filled the empty shelves with cans. âNo boys and no plans, not that its anything new.â She replied honestly, almost embarrassed to admit it. A beat of silence followed. âActually, Iâve realized I prefer fictional men as company,â she added with a laugh.
"Ugh, boring. Why'd I even bother asking?" Alyssa groaned, dramatically throwing her head back. She paused mid-eye roll, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Wait. This is perfect actually. The Bruins are playing tonight."
Y/n raised an eyebrow, failing to see the connection. "And that matters because...?"
"Because," Alyssa drawled, hopping onto the counter with the grace of someone who'd clearly done this a thousand times before, "every basic bro in the city will be glued to their TV screens. Which means..." She drummed her perfectly manicured nails against the granite, building suspense.
"Which means?"
"The good bars will be practically empty! Come on, Y/n. When's the last time you wore that little black dress that's been collecting dust in your closet? The one with the slit that makes your legs look incredible?" Alyssa's eyes sparkled with possibility. "I know for a fact that new cocktail bar downtown, Luna, will be dead tonight. We could actually get seats at the bar, maybe talk to the cute bartender I've been eyeingâ"
"Alyssaâ" Y/n started to protest, but her roommate was already in motion, sliding off the counter and grabbing Y/n's shoulders.
"No excuses! Your book boyfriend will still be there tomorrow. Tonight, we're trading fictional men for real ones. And I'm not taking no for an answer." She gave Y/n a gentle shake. "Besides, I have tea to spill about that furniture-moving friend I mentioned. Trust me, you're going to want to hear this story over a proper martini."
âŠ
Y/n stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror while Alyssa worked her magic with a curling iron, fighting the urge to retreat to her book. The truth was, it wasn't just that she preferred fictional men â real ones had become disappointingly predictable. Every dating app conversation felt scripted, every bar interaction a tepid reproduction of the last. She'd grown tired of pretending to be impressed by startup jobs and fantasy football leagues, of dumbing herself down to stroke fragile egos.
"Earth to Y/n!" Alyssa's voice cut through her thoughts. "Are you ignoring me? Anyway, Iâm done! Look at my handy work and tell me you donât look hot."
Y/n had to admit, the black dress did look good, hugging curves usually kept hidden behind work attire. But even as they walked into Luna, even as heads turned to track their entrance, she felt that familiar emptiness creeping in. What was the point? No one ever made her pulse race, made her wonder what they'd say next, made her want to chase the high of their attention.
Three hours and several expertly crafted cocktails later, Y/n was actually enjoying herself â though that had everything to do with Alyssa's company and nothing to do with the parade of predictable men who'd approached their corner of the bar. She'd perfected the art of polite dismissal, sending them away with practiced smiles that never quite reached her eyes.
The bass pulsed through Luna's speakers as Y/n nursed her martini, watching Alyssa hold court at their corner of the bar. Three guys in button-downs â clearly fresh from some financial district happy hour â had been hovering nearby for the past ten minutes, shooting what they probably thought were subtle glances their way.
"Here we go," Y/n muttered under her breath, catching the familiar look of determination cross the tallest one's face as he finally worked up the courage to approach.
"Ladies," he announced, spreading his arms wide like he was presenting a TED talk. "My colleagues and I couldn't help but notice you've been drinking alone." He gestured to his friends, who flanked him with identical smirks. "We thought we'd fix that tragedy."
Alyssa straightened, flashing her practiced giggle. "Oh my god, that's so sweet of you!"
"I'm Brad," the ringleader said, then pointed to his friends who y/n couldnât help but notice both had no socks on with their loafers. That was just the first of many icks she received that night. "This is Chase and..." he faltered for a moment, "...Tyler."
Y/n bit back a laugh. The third guy â apparently Tyler â looked slightly offended that Brad had to think about his name.
"Let me guess," Y/n said suppressing a giggle, unable to help herself. "You all work in finance?"
"Investment banking, actually," Chase jumped in, puffing up his chest. "We just closed a huge deal. Brad here's basically a genius with emerging markets."
"Bro, stop," Brad said with fake modesty, though he was clearly pleased. "But yeah, it was pretty impressive. The partners were blown away by my analysis of theâ"
"The Asian markets?" Y/n finished dryly. "Let me guess, you're really into crypto too?"
The sarcasm flew right over their heads. "Holy shit, how did you know?" Tyler exclaimed. "I've got this sick NFT collectionâ"
"Oh my god, that's fascinating!" Alyssa cut in, shooting Y/n a warning look. "Tell us more about it!"
Brad moved closer to Y/n, mistaking her eye roll for interest. "You know, you look like a girl who appreciates ambition. I just got promoted to junior VP, and my bonus this year..." He trailed off suggestively.
"Fascinating," Y/n deadpanned. "Do you also have a podcast?"
"Actually..." All three of them lit up simultaneously.
"It's about mindset and grindingâ" Chase started. "âand disrupting traditional paradigmsâ" Brad added. "âwith a focus on sigma male energy," Tyler finished proudly.
Alyssa was doing her best to appear enthralled, but even she couldn't completely hide her wince at that last part.
"We should totally collab," Brad continued, edging even closer to Y/n. "I bet you'd love to hear about my morning routine. I wake up at 4 AM to meditate and do cold plungesâ"
"Wow," Y/n interrupted, finishing her drink in one gulp. "That's incredibly..." she searched for a word that wouldn't entirely crush their spirits, "...consistent of you."
"Right?" Brad beamed, completely missing her tone. "Hey, you should check out my Instagram. I post daily inspiration quotes over pictures of wolves. The engagement is insane."
Y/n felt her soul trying to leave her body. She caught Alyssa's eye, silently pleading for an escape route, but her roommate was already deep in conversation with Chase and Tyler about their "entrepreneurship mindset course."
"Look," Brad said, lowering his voice to what he clearly thought was a seductive tone. "I don't usually do this, but I sense a real connection here. You're not like other girls."
"Oh god," Y/n muttered under her breath.
"You're obviously on that grindset wavelength. I could tell by your aura. So what do you say weâ"
Y/n opened her mouth to answer when her phone lit up with her sister's ringtone. "Saved by the bell," she laughed, grabbing her phone. "I should take this â back in five!"
She headed for a quieter corner near the back of the bar, weaving between groups of people. The phone was still buzzing in her hand when someone slammed into her from behind, nearly sending her face-first into the wall. Strong hands caught her waist, steadying her, but instead of immediately letting go, they lingered â warm and sure against the thin fabric of her dress.
"Shit, I'm so sorryâ" a voice said above her, close to her ear, low and touched with amusement. "Though I've gotta say, this isn't the worst collision I've had tonight."
Y/n turned, ready to deliver the kind of cutting remark she'd perfected over years of unwanted bar encounters â but the words died in her throat. The man still holding her wasn't anything like the finance bros she'd just escaped. He was tall, dressed in dark jeans and a perfectly fitted black henley that did nothing to hide the athletic build underneath. He was looking at her not with the desperate eagerness of Brad and his crew, but with an almost lazy confidence that made her pulse quicken.
"You can let go now," she said, finding her voice. "Unless you make a habit of holding onto strange women in bars?"
His hands slid from her waist, slowly, deliberately. "Only the ones who look like they're plotting escape routes." The corner of his mouth lifted in a half-smile. "Though I can't blame you, if you were running from those walking LinkedIn profiles I saw you with earlier."
"You were watching me?" Y/n raised an eyebrow, surprised by the little thrill that shot through her at the thought.
"Hard not to. You looked about ready to commit murder when the one in the blue started talking about his morning routine." He leaned against the wall, creating a bubble of space that felt separate from the rest of the bar. "I'm Jack. And you're definitely too interesting to be stuck listening to cryptocurrency bros all night."
"Interesting?" she challenged, surprising herself by stepping slightly closer. "You don't know anything about me."
His eyes dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second before meeting her gaze again. âI know you're intrigued right now, even though you're trying not to show it."
Heat crept up her neck at his directness. He wasn't wrong, but she wasn't about to let him know that. "That's a lot of assumptions from someone who's spent the last five minutes running away from his own problems."
"Running away?" He laughed, and the sound did something to her insides. "More like making a strategic retreat. Though I'll admit, diving behind the bar wasn't my smoothest move."
"Do I want to know why you were diving behind bars?"
"Depends." He shifted closer, just enough that she had to tilt her head back slightly to maintain eye contact. "How do you feel about blind dates, sports journalists, and elaborate escape plans?"
"That sounds like the start of either a very good story or a very bad lie."
"Buy me a drink and find out?" The challenge in his voice was unmistakable. "Unless you'd rather go back to hearing about sigma male energy and cold plunges?"
Y/n felt herself teetering on the edge of something dangerous. Jack wasn't like the others â there was something magnetic about him, something that made her want to push back, to see what would happen. He carried himself with the easy confidence of someone used to getting what he wanted, but there was something else there too â a spark of genuine interest when he looked at her that made her skin tingle.
"Counter offer," she said, meeting his intensity with her own. "You tell me the story first, and I'll decide if it's worth buying you that drink."
His smile turned wolfish. "I like the way you negotiate." He stepped even closer, until she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "But I should warn you â once you hear this story, you might not want to let me leave."
"That's a pretty big assumption," she replied, though her heart was racing. "I'm not that easy to impress."
"Good," he said simply, his eyes dark with promise. "I like a challenge."
âŠ
"So about that blind date," Jack started, leaning against the wall beside her. His sleeve brushed against her bare arm, sending electricity through her skin. "My teammate thought it would be hilarious to set me up with his cousin â didn't mention she's also a sports journalist who's been trying to get an exclusive with me for months."
Y/n raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "And running away was your sophisticated solution?"
"Hey, I made it three whole minutes before I spotted her voice recorder in her purse," he laughed, running a hand through his already disheveled dark hair. "Though I'll admit, diving behind the bar and army-crawling my way to this corner wasn't my proudest moment. The bartender's face was priceless though."
"You did not," Y/n gasped, eyes widening with delight.
"I absolutely did. These jeans?" He gestured to his knees, where sure enough, there were slight wet marks. "Casualties of war. But hey, it led me to crash into you, so I'd say it was worth the dry cleaning bill."
The way he looked at her when he said it made her stomach flip. There was something magnetic about him â the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, how he seemed genuinely interested in her reactions, the subtle way he'd shifted closer as they talked.
"So what's your story?" he asked, his voice dropping lower. "What's a girl who clearly doesn't want to be here doing in a bar on game night?"
"What makes you think I don't want to be here?"
"Because you've been watching everyone like you're taking mental notes for a novel. Like you're observing rather than participating." His observation was so accurate it caught her off guard. "Until now, at least."
Before Y/n could respond, a familiar squeal cut through their bubble.
"There you are!" Alyssa's voice rang out as she materialized beside them, her eyes widening as they landed on Jack. "Oh my god, Y/n, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Y/n felt her walls slam back up, recognizing the predatory gleam in her roommate's eyes. She'd seen it before â countless times. Alyssa had a way of commanding attention, of making herself the center of any interaction. And men always noticed her first, or noticed her eventually. It was an unspoken pattern in their friendship that Y/n had learned to accept.
"Jack," he offered, politely extending his hand to Alyssa, though his eyes flickered back to Y/n.
"I'm Alyssa, Y/n's roommate and best friend," she gushed, placing her hand in his and holding on a beat too long. "You look so familiar. Wait â oh my god, are you Jack Hughes? The hockey player?"
Y/n's stomach dropped. Of course he was someone famous. Of course this moment, like all the others that had promised to be different, would end the same way.
"Guilty," he admitted with a slight grimace, still trying to maintain eye contact with Y/n even as Alyssa positioned herself between them.
"This is crazy! I was just telling Y/n we needed to come out tonight because of the hockey game. I'm like, your biggest fan. Y/n doesn't follow hockey at all, isn't that funny?" Alyssa laughed, touching his arm.
Y/n watched as Jack tried to navigate the conversation diplomatically, occasionally attempting to include her, but Alyssa was a force of nature when she wanted something. She felt herself backing away slightly, the familiar role of wallflower settling back over her shoulders like a well-worn coat.
"I should probably check on that missed call," she said quietly, though she doubted either of them heard her.
As she turned to leave, she caught Jack's voice, sharp with what sounded like frustration. "Actually, Y/nâ"
But Alyssa cut him off. "Oh my god, we should totally get your number. For like, future game tickets and stuff?"
Y/n didn't stay to hear his response. She'd seen this movie before, knew how it ended. She made her way back to the bar, signaling for another drink, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. For a moment â just a moment â she'd felt something real. Something that made her want to lean in instead of pull away.
But real wasn't for girls like her. Real was for girls like Alyssa, who knew how to claim what they wanted without hesitation. She raised the fresh glass to her lips, determined to wash away the lingering warmth of possibility.
She didn't notice Jack's eyes following her retreat, or the way he barely registered Alyssa's number in his phone, or how his jaw clenched when he realized Y/n wasn't coming back.
#jack hughes fic#jack hughes fanfiction#jack hughes x reader#jack hughes imagine#jack hughes smut#nhl#nhl hockey#nhl imagine#jh86#jack hughes#jack hughes x y/n#jack hughes x oc#jack hughes x you#jack hughes x sister!reader#new jeresy#jersey devils#hughes brothers#new jersey devils#nhl smut#nhl x reader#lh43#luke hughes#nhl fanfiction#nhl fic#hockey imagine
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The Bet (Part Seven)
Characters: College! Sukuna x Female Reader
Genre: Angst
Warnings: *Sigh* Pure Angst, Jealousy, Alcohol, Mentions of Drunk people?, Foul Language, Suggestive, Smut (Theres not but theres a suggestive part soâŠmight as well categorized it like that), etc.
Authorâs Note: I know I said that I will see you guys in a few days. But I was in my break in the airplane and wrote this piece of art. đ©· Next chapter in a few days. But let me know what you think is going to happened next :)
Part 01
Days passed, and everything seemed to spiral further into despair for Sukuna. He had tried calling you countless times, but each attempt was met with the same automated message: "Sorry, the person you're calling is not available. Please leave a message after the beep."
"Hey, it's me againâŠplease, call me back. Letâs talk.â Sukuna's voice broke as he left yet another voicemail, the pain evident in his words. But there was no response. His text messages, too, were left on "delivered," never receiving a reply.
He clutched the heart locket you had returned to him in such pain, now worn around his own neck, a constant reminder of the love he had lost. Each day without you felt like an eternity, and the absence of your presence in his life was a gaping void that consumed him.
What hurt the most was that you hadnât been attending class for the past week. He looked for you everywhereâyour usual seat in the lecture hall, the library corner where you loved to studyâbut you were nowhere to be found. The halls felt emptier without you, and summer break loomed just around the corner, only amplifying his sense of urgency and despair.
His brothers had tried their best to comfort him. They sat with him, talked to him, tried to distract him with jokes and stories. But it was useless. Sukuna's mind was consumed with thoughts of you, replaying every moment you had shared, every word he wished he could take back.
Yuuji walked into Sukuna's room one evening, finding him sitting on his bed, staring at his phone. "Hey, any luck?" Yuuji asked, though he already knew the answer.
Sukuna shook his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "No. Sheâs not answering. I don't know what to do.â
Yuuji sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You just have to give her time, Sukuna. She needs to process everything.â
"But what if she never forgives me? What if I've lost her forever?" Sukuna's voice was barely a whisper, his fear palpable.
Choso joined them, leaning against the doorframe. "You haven't lost her yet. Just keep trying, keep showing her that you care. She'll come around."
Sukuna nodded, though his heart felt heavy. "I hope you're right."
Days turned into nights, each one blending into the next in a blur of unanswered calls and unspoken words. Sukuna spent his time going through the motions, attending practice, going to class, but his mind was always elsewhere. He found himself constantly touching the locket around his neck, seeking solace in its presence.
Summer break was only a weekend away, and the impending separation from the campus only added to his anxiety. He feared that the distance would only widen the gap between them, making it even harder to reach you.
One evening, as he sat alone in his room, Sukuna decided to leave one more message. "Hey, it's me. I just wanted to say I'm sorry again. I miss you so much. Please, call me back when you can. I love you."
He hung up, feeling the familiar ache in his chest. He lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, the silence of his room echoing his loneliness.
His brothers found him there, a picture of heartbreak. They exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to help him. Yuuji sat beside him, while Choso leaned against the wall, both trying to offer their silent support.
"We're here for you, Sukuna," Yuuji said softly. "No matter what happens."
Sukuna nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Thanks," he whispered, though he couldn't shake the overwhelming sadness that clung to him.
As the days crept closer to summer break, the weight of your absence grew heavier. Sukuna knew he had to find a way to make things right, but he felt lost, unsure of how to bridge the chasm that had formed between you.
He held onto the hope that you would eventually hear his messages, read his texts, and remember the love you had shared. Until then, he would keep trying, keep waiting, and keep believing that somehow, you could find the way back to each other.
One evening, just as he was about to send yet another unanswered message, there was a knock on his door. Sukuna hesitated, his heart pounding with a mix of hope and fear. When he opened the door, he found Gojo standing there, looking uncertain and hesitant.
"Sukuna," Gojo began, his voice wavering slightly. "Can I come in?â
For a moment, Sukuna stood still, his emotions swirling. He didn't know if he was mad at Gojo for telling Mei Mei, or if he was mad at the situation itself. But then he saw the genuine worry and regret in Gojo's eyes, and he managed a soft, weary smile. "Yeah, come in."
Gojo stepped inside, his usual confident demeanor replaced with a rare vulnerability. He sat down, fidgeting nervously. "Look, I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry. I messed up. I shouldn't have said anything to Mei Mei. I didn't thinkâ"
Sukuna held up a hand, stopping him. "Donât. Itâs okay.â
Gojo's eyes widened in surprise. "You're not mad at me?"
Sukuna shook his head. "No, I'm not mad at you. Iâm just... tired. Tired of everything. It was my fault tooâŠâ
Gojo's shoulders sagged with relief, but the guilt still lingered in his eyes. "I really am sorry, Sukuna. I never wanted to hurt you. You're my best friend."
Sukuna nodded, feeling a tightness in his chest. "I know, Gojo. I know. It's just been really hard."
There was a heavy silence between them, filled with unspoken words and shared pain. Finally, Gojo cleared his throat. "Look, I know this might not be the best time, but I think you need a break. Mahito's throwing a summer break party, and I think you should come."
Sukuna frowned, shaking his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. I don't feel like partying."
Gojo leaned forward, his eyes pleading. "Just think about it, okay? You need a distraction, something to take your mind off things, even if it's just for a little while."
Sukuna sighed, running a hand through his hair. The thought of going to a party felt overwhelming, but he couldn't deny that he needed to escape his own thoughts, if only for a few hours. "I don't know, Gojo..."
"Please," Gojo insisted, his voice softening. "Just give it a try. You don't have to stay long. Just come and see if it helps. You can't keep torturing yourself like this."
Sukuna hesitated, but the look in Gojo's eyes, filled with genuine concern and friendship, swayed him. He nodded slowly. "Just for a little while."
A smile broke out on Gojo's face, a mix of relief and hope. "That's all I ask. Thanks, bro."
As they prepared to leave for the party, Sukuna felt a small flicker of something he hadn't felt in daysâa glimmer of hope. He knew that it wouldn't solve everything, but maybe, just maybe, it would help him start to heal.
Sukuna arrived at Mahitoâs party, the pulsating music and thrumming energy immediately overwhelming his senses. The house was packed with people, bodies dancing against each other, the air thick with the scent of sweat and alcohol. He made his way to one of the sofas where his teammates were lounging, drinking and laughing. Yuuji and Choso were already there, engaged in animated conversation.
Sukuna plopped down on the sofa, grabbing a drink from the table in front of him. As he took a sip, he noticed several of his teammates with their girlfriends, their laughter and affectionate touches reminding him painfully of what he had lost. He felt a pang of hurt, wishing you were there with him, remembering how it felt to have you by his side.
As the night wore on and the drinks flowed, Sukuna found his gaze wandering toward the door. He watched idly as new arrivals trickled in, but then his heart nearly stopped when he saw who walked in.
First, there was a girl with fiery orange hair, wearing a stylish outfit that accentuated her bold personalityâNobara. She exuded confidence, her eyes scanning the room with an assertive gaze. Beside her was a tall, brooding figure with dark, messy hairâMegumi. His demeanor was quiet and reserved, yet there was a certain intensity in his eyes.
But it was the third person who made Sukunaâs breath catch in his throat. It was you.
His eyes widened, and his heart pounded in his chest. What are you doing here? This⊠this isnât the place for you. Why would you be here?
You wore a stunning red dress that hugged your curves, the short hemline showing off your legs, and the neckline revealing just enough to make his mouth go dry. Your makeup was flawless, enhancing your natural beauty, and your hair was styled elegantly. You carried a small red purse, completing the look.
Sukuna could hardly believe his eyes. He had never seen you like this. You looked scared, nervous at your surroundings.
As you walked in, people turned to look at you, some even whistling appreciatively. Sukuna felt a surge of jealousy and protectiveness. He didnât like the way others were looking at you, the way they seemed to undress you with their eyes.
You hadnât noticed him yet, your attention focused on Nobara and Megumi as they led you toward the mini bar. Sukuna shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes never leaving yours.
Nobara, with her usual flair, seemed to be showing you the ropes, gesturing animatedly as she explained the different drinks. Sukunaâs mind raced. He knew you had never drunk alcohol in your life. This was all new to you, and he couldnât shake the feeling that you were out of place, that you didnât belong in this chaotic environment.
As he watched you, he felt a mix of emotionsâjealousy, worry, longing. He wanted to protect you, to pull you away from the prying eyes and the potentially harmful influences. But he also knew he had no right to do so, not after what had happened.
Sukuna's eyes followed your every move, noting the way you hesitated before accepting a drink from Nobara, your expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He wanted to rush over, to tell you that you didnât have to do this, but he stayed rooted to his seat, torn between his desire to see you and his fear of making things worse.
His teammates continued their banter, oblivious to his inner turmoil. Gojo, noticing his distracted state, leaned over and followed his gaze. âIsnât thatâŠ?â Gojo trailed off, his eyes widening in realization.
âYeah,â Sukuna replied, his voice tight. âItâs her.â
Gojo glanced back at Sukuna, his expression concerned. âWhat are you going to do?â
Sukuna didnât answer immediately. He watched as you took a tentative sip of your drink, your face scrunching up at the unfamiliar taste. Nobara laughed, patting your on the back, while Megumi watched with an amused smirk.
Summoning his courage, Sukuna stood up and began to walk towards you. Nobara, sensing his approach, quickly stepped in front of you, blocking his path.
âShe doesnât want to speak to you,â Nobara said firmly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Sukuna's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his voice steady. âWho are you?â
Nobara glared at him, her stance protective. âSheâs not your girlfriend anymore, Sukuna.â
Ignoring Nobara's words, Sukuna took another step closer, his determination unwavering. Just then, Megumi stepped in, his presence imposing. âYou heard her. Back off,â Megumi said, trying to intimidate Sukuna.
Sukuna glanced at Megumi, a small, defiant smirk forming on his lips. âNice hair, douchebag. Does it come with instructions?â
Megumi's eyes flashed with annoyance, but before he could retort, you spoke up, your voice cutting through the tension. âItâs okay.â
Nobara and Megumi exchanged worried glances, but reluctantly stepped aside, giving Sukuna the space to approach you. You looked at him, your eyes filled with a mix of emotionsâanger, hurt, and something else he couldnât quite place.
Sukuna took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. âI know you donât want to talk to me.â
You glanced back at Nobara and Megumi, who gave you encouraging nods before moving a little farther away, giving you some privacy while still keeping a watchful eye.
âOh wowâ you said finally, your voice steady but guarded. âDid you figure that by yourself?â
The tension between you was palpable, and Sukuna struggled to keep his emotions in check. He couldn't believe you were here, dressed so beautifully, yet so different from the girl he had known. It was as if you had transformed overnight, and it hurt to see you this wayâso distant and angry.
"Why are you here?" Sukuna asked, his voice edged with frustration. "This isnât your scene."
You met his gaze defiantly, your eyes flashing with determination. "Isnât that obvious? I came here to have fun.â
His eyes widened in disbelief. "To have fun? This isn't like you. You donât need to change yourself to fit in here."
You scoffed, shaking your head. "You donât know me. Youâre just some dude who got into my pants for what? A hundred bucks? Turns out I donât know you either.â
As you turned to walk away, Sukuna instinctively reached out and grabbed your hand, trying to hold you back. "You do know me. And I know you. And I know that this⊠isnât you.â
You yanked your arm away, your eyes cold and unyielding. âFuck you, Sukuna.â
He looked at you angrily, his grip tightening for a moment before he let you go. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "Go ahead and have your fun."
âOh I will, just watch closely.â You turned your back on him, joining Nobara and Megumi, who had been watching the exchange with wary eyes. The party around you started to intensify, the music growing louder, the crowd more energetic. A popular song blasted through the speakers, and everyone began to dance.
Sukuna stood back, watching as you moved to the rhythm with Nobara. He saw you taking shot after shot, your laughter ringing out as you lost yourself in the moment. It was clear you were trying to drown out the pain, but it only made Sukuna more anxious. He didnât touch a drop of alcohol, too focused on keeping an eye on you.
His anger simmered as he watched you, feeling helpless. This wasnât you, he thought. This wasnât the girl he fell in love with. You were trying to become someone else, someone he knew you wasnât.
The party continued, and a group of boys from the soccer team entered, their presence adding to the already chaotic atmosphere. Among them was Ino, the team captain. Sukuna recognized him immediatelyâIno was known for his charm and confidence, a guy who could have any girl he wanted.
Inoâs eyes landed on you, and Sukuna saw him asking around about you. His jaw clenched as he overheard bits of their conversation.
"Whoâs she?" Ino asked one of his teammates, nodding in your direction. "Iâve never seen her before."
"Not sure," the teammate replied. "But damn, sheâs hot. Definitely new."
Sukunaâs grip tightened on his drink, the plastic cup crumpling in his hand. He wanted to march over there, to tell Ino to back off, but he knew it would only make things worse.
Ino watched you make your way to the bar, probably asking for more shots for yourself and Nobara. His interest piqued, he took his own shot, quickly following you. Meanwhile, Sukuna stood at a distance, trying to control the storm of jealousy and anger brewing inside him. He kept his eyes fixed on you and Ino, his fists clenched tightly.
As Ino reached the bar, he slid up next to you with a charming smile. "Hey there," he said smoothly. "I don't think I've seen you around before. What's your name?"
You turned to him, your eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and alcohol. "This is my first party," you replied with a giggle.
Ino raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Your first party, huh? Well, youâre definitely making an impression."
You laughed, leaning in a bit closer. âWell, I hope so.â You said, your thoughts filled with alcohol.
Ino grinned, enjoying the attention. "Well, youâve got the right idea. Iâm Ino, by the way."
You smiled, eyes darting to where Sukuna stood, watching him intently. You saw the anger simmering in his gaze, and a mischievous glint appeared in your eyes. You wanted to provoke him, to make him react. You leaned in closer to Ino, whispering something in his ear that made him blush.
Sukuna saw this and felt his control slipping. He couldn't just stand there and watch you flirt with some guy. His jealousy and anger reached a boiling point, and he marched over to the bar, his eyes locked on you.
"Hey, what do you think youâre doing?" Sukuna demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Ino turned to face him, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just having a conversation. Is that a problem, bro?"
You looked at Sukuna, your expression challenging. "We're just talking, Sukuna. Or do you have a problem with that?"
Sukunaâs jaw tightened. "Yeah, I do have a problem. I don't like seeing my girl flirt with some random guy."
Ino raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. "Whoa, whoa. I didnât know she was your girl. She didnât mention anything about having a boyfriend."
You crossed your arms, leaning against the bar. "That's because I donât. Weâre not together anymore, remember? I would bet a hundred bucks that you do remember that.â
Sukuna took a step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. âWe may not be together right now, but that doesnât mean Iâm just going to stand by and watch this."
Ino chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. "Looks like youâve got some competition, Sukuna. Maybe you should step up your game."
Sukunaâs eyes flashed with anger. "Back off, Ino. This isnât a game."
Ino shrugged, clearly unbothered. "Whatever you say, man. But from where Iâm standing, it looks like sheâs having a good time without you, am I right princess?â
Sukuna's anger boiled over as he squared off with Ino. "Back off now, or I swear, I'll punch you," Sukuna threatened, his voice low and menacing.
Ino smirked, clearly unfazed. "You think you can intimidate me? Bring it on, man."
Their argument escalated, voices rising above the din of the party. You rolled your eyes at their macho display and decided to walk away, leaving the two boys to their petty fight. You made your way back to Nobara, who was already at the bar, affected by the alcohol as well.
Sukuna saw you leave, realizing what you successfully did, his anger boiling, he quickly turned away from Ino. Who cursed under his breath as Sukuna left him talking to himself, feeling the sting of being ignored.
At the bar, you started taking shots one after another, trying to drown your feelings in alcohol. The music thumped through your body, the lights blurring together as you downed another shot. Your head felt light, limbs heavy, and your vision wavered. You felt a strange mixture of euphoria and disorientation, the world spinning around you in a dizzying dance.
Everything felt distant, like you were floating. You laughed more freely, but there was a desperation to it, a need to escape the pain that lingered in your heart. You leaned on the bar for support, your mind foggy and your thoughts jumbled. You didnât realize just how drunk you were, caught up in the haze of alcohol.
Sukuna watched you from across the room, his concern growing with every shot you took. He knew you were pushing yourself too far, and he couldn't stand by any longer. He made his way over to you, his heart pounding with worry.
"It's time to leave," Sukuna said firmly, his grip on your arm gentle but unyielding.
You tried to pull away from his grip, your movements sluggish and uncoordinated. "No, Iâm having fun. Let me go.â
Sukuna tightened his grip slightly, ensuring you couldnât slip away. "You're drunk. You need to go home."
You stumbled, your balance unsteady. "Iâm fine, let me go!" You slurred, your eyes struggling to focus on him.
Sukuna looked around for help and spotted Choso nearby. "Choso! I need your help," he called out.
Choso quickly made his way over, his concern evident. "Whatâs up?"
"Help me get Nobara. Sheâs drunk too," Sukuna said, nodding toward Nobara, who was barely standing.
Choso nodded and went to help Nobara, who leaned heavily on him, giggling uncontrollably. Sukuna kept a firm hold on you, guiding you carefully through the crowd. He searched for Yuuji, needing his help to manage the situation, but Yuuji was nowhere to be found.
Sukuna and Choso managed to get you and Nobara to his car. He gently placed you in the passenger seat, where you immediately fell asleep, head lolling against the window. Choso helped Nobara into the backseat, where she too quickly succumbed to sleep.
"Where the hell is Yuuji?" Sukuna muttered, frustration evident in his voice.
"Letâs look for him quickly," Choso suggested, scanning the crowd.
They headed back into the party, looking for any sign of Yuuji. Sukuna opened one of the doors, and his eyes widened at the sight of Yuuji and Megumi making out passionately. Neither of them noticed Sukuna, too wrapped up in each other.
Sukuna backed out quietly, closing the door behind him. He returned to Choso, shaking his head. "I couldnât find him," he lied, unwilling to expose his brother's private moment.
Choso sighed. "Alright, letâs get them back to the dorm. Iâll text Yuuji and let him know."
They returned to the car, and Choso pulled out his phone, quickly typing a message to Yuuji: "Weâre heading back to the dorm. Everyoneâs safe. See you later."
Sukuna started the car and began the drive back to the dorms, the weight of the night pressing heavily on him. He glanced at your sleeping form beside him, his heart aching with regret and worry. He hoped that once you sobered up, you could talk properly, and he could begin to mend the rift between you.
Choso stayed silent during the ride, sensing Sukunaâs turmoil. The streets were quiet, the night air cool and soothing. When they finally reached the dorms, Sukuna parked and carefully carried you inside of his dorm, with Choso doing the same for Nobara.
Choso gently laid Nobara down on the sofa, tucking a blanket around her to keep her warm. He glanced over at Sukuna, who was carefully carrying you to his bed. Sukuna placed you down gently, pulling the blanket over you and brushing a strand of hair from your face.
Choso looked back at Nobara, shaking his head slightly. âYuuji still isnât answering,â he said, a hint of worry in his voice.
Sukuna smirked, trying to lighten the mood. âHe was kind of busy,â he said teasingly.
Choso frowned in confusion but then shrugged it off, too tired to ask for clarification. He put a glass of water and some ibuprofen on the coffee table for Nobara for when she woke up. âSheâs going to need this in the morning,â he muttered.
Sukuna nodded, grateful for his brotherâs thoughtfulness. âThanks, Choso.â
With a sigh, Sukuna made his way back to his room, pausing at the doorway. He saw you sitting up in his bed, looking around the room with bleary eyes. You were clearly still drunk, your movements unsteady.
âGo back to sleep,â Sukuna said softly, his voice filled with concern.
You didnât listen, your gaze finally landing on him. âKuna,â you whispered, using the nickname you had given him. The sound of it melted his heart, bringing back a flood of memories.
You stood up, wobbling slightly, and walked toward him. Despite your drunken state, he could see the pain in your eyes, the hurt you were trying to drown out with alcohol. You reached him and began pushing him angrily, your fists hitting his chest.
Sukuna stood still, letting you vent your anger. He didnât move an inch, your punches not having any effect, but knowing you needed to get it out. You were stronger than you looked, but not enough to physically hurt him. But he deserved anything you threw at him.
âYou hurt me,â you cried, your voice breaking. âYou broke my heart.â You punched again, âYou used me!â
âI know,â he whispered, his own eyes filling with tears. âIâm so sorry.â
You continued to hit him, your punches growing weaker as you started to sob. Sukuna finally reached out, pulling you into a tight embrace. You struggled at first, but then collapsed against him, your sobs shaking your small frame.
âIâm so sorry,â Sukuna repeated, holding you close. âI never meant to hurt you.â
You looked up at him, tears streaming down your face. Your eyes were filled with so much pain, it broke his heart all over again. And then, without warning, you kissed him. Your lips were desperate and passionate, and Sukuna couldnât help but kiss you back.
For a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of you, locked in a kiss that was both familiar and new. But then he felt your hands toying with the belt of his pants, and he knew what you were trying to do. He gently grabbed your wrists, stopping you.
âHey,â he said softly, pulling back slightly and feeling the alcohol on your lips. âYouâre drunk. Youâre not conscious.â
You began to cry again, burying your face in his chest. âIâm sorry,â she whispered. âI just⊠I miss you so much.â
âI miss you too,â he said, his voice choked with emotion.
He guided you back to the bed, laying you down gently. You clung to him, your tears soaking his shirt. Sukuna climbed in beside you, pulling you close. He began to caress your hair, his touch soothing.
âShh,â he whispered. âItâs okay. Iâm here. Just sleep.â
You rested your head on his chest, your breathing slowly evening out as you drifted off to sleep in your drunken state. Sukuna continued to stroke your hair, his heart aching. He had missed thisâholding you, comforting you, being close to you.
As you slept, Sukuna thought about everything that had happened. The bet, the breakup, the pain he had caused you. He knew he had a long road ahead if he wanted to earn your trust back, but he was determined to do it. He loves you, and he would do whatever it took to make things right.
But he just hopes that when you wake up tomorrow, you still miss him.
Comments, notes and reblogs are appreciated <3
#jjk#jjk angst#jjk fluff#jjk smut#jjk yuuji#jjk sukuna#jjk ino#jjk megumi#jjk choso#jjk nobara#sukuna ryomen#sukuna x reader#sukuna angst
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The Family Business Ch. 17
WandaNat x Reader
Word count: 5.1k
Ch. Notes: Angst, mentions of physical abuse, mentions of death, mentions of child abuse, suggestive themes, nudity
Summary: The family has a meeting to discuss the events that happened in Dragos absence. The aftermath of that meeting forever changes the landscape of the business and the family.
An: The final chapter of the series! Oh my god, I honestly can't believe I hunkered down and finished it out đł. Thanks for being patient with me. I'm sorry if things feel rushed or out of plac, but I hope you guys like the end đ. Maybe I'll write a smut epilogue but no promises.
Series Masterlist | Masterlist
In life there are no certainties. Nothing is exempt from the winds of change; whether it be drastic or subtle. Wants and needs shift as growth and understanding occurs. These changes are often difficult and perplexing for individuals to comprehend. How can oneâs life purpose be evaporated in a simple instance? What has the power to make one question everything they thought they knew? The simple answer to these questions can be found in relationships. Nothing has the power to change a person more than other people.
For Wanda, all she had ever wanted was to carry her fatherâs legacy; to elevate what he created, to become everything that he needed her to be, the head of the family business. She trained her entire life for this, lost her youth for it, missed moments sheâd forever regret for it. Taking on her fatherâs mantle was the driving point of everything she did. However, now, when her dream was closer to reality she was unsure if she could accomplish it.
She hadnât fell out of love with the business. Her drive to be the best was still there. Everything she sacrificed was a stark reminder of how much she valued the family business. Yet, the decision was harder than it ever had been before. There was finally something in Wandaâs life that was equally important to her.
The relationship she had with you and Natasha evened out the scales tremendously. Seeing her wife stress about her well-being filled her head with guilt. Knowing about the scars that plagued you physically and mentally swayed her farther away from her dream.
As much as Wanda wanted to be in charge, she also wanted what was best for her relationship.
This was all hypothetical in her head. There was a chance that she wouldn't even be considered to fill her fatherâs shoes. The offer could be extended in your direction. Dragos had mentioned it upon Wandaâs return, how integral you were to the business. Though she didnât doubt her fatherâs words, she greatly underestimated just how important you were.
You were truly the glue that held it all together. Your mind was equipped for this line of work. Even when confronted with hard decisions you always made the right choice. There was nothing that escaped your radar, and it had saved the business multiple times. The chances of the business thriving in Dragos absence without you were questionable. If you weren't around Wanda could've lost everything that they worked for.
You gave everything you had to offer; to not only the business but the family itself. All while being selfless. There were no lines that you wouldn't cross for them. Even if it meant putting yourself in danger. The only thing that was prohibiting you from leading was all of your insecurity.
You had never even considered the fact that the business could fall into your hands. Wanda believed that was part of what made you such a good leader. It all came so naturally to you that you hardly even noticed it yourself.
If you were to decide that you wanted to run the business, Wanda could not hold it against you. To Wanda, the sacrifices that you had made were greater than her own. You deserved to have this if you so desired.
A selfish part of the red head wanted you to turn away the offer if it was presented, but the rationale part kept her in check. Wanda was having trouble deciding what she would do herself, so who was she to make such demands?
Wanda already struggled with feeling selfish for dragging Natasha into this mess. Her wife had gotten shot because of her. From the beginning Natasha was here to support her. As things fell apart Natashaâs loyalty never wavered. The spy just wanted her wife to accomplish her dreams.
Be that as it may, Natashaâs personal experience working in dangerous fields her whole life gave her a better sense for these things. There was little that Wanda could do to quell the worry in the Russian as things unraveled. Natasha had seen this story unfold many times across many identities and she was afraid.
This had been Natashaâs life as far back as she could remember and at some point she became numb to it all. That numbness faded when she saw the adverse affect it had on you and Wanda. Natasha cared too much about the two of you to watch idly as this lifestyle consumed you.
Truly walking away from this sounded like a dream to her. Natasha was ready for all of the domestic aspects of life. However, if either one of you wanted this, she could never deny you. She knew when she married Wanda, that this was the younger womanâs dream. This in a sense was her wifeâs life work, and she could never deny Wanda the pay off. With you, you were so young that she would understand wanting the opportunity to experience the true magnitude of being in such a powerful position.
It was a conundrum for all of you.
âAre we ready?â Wanda asks as she parks in front of her parent's house.
Natasha lets out a large sigh, âWhatever happens in there, I love you both, no matter the decision."
You give a small smile, but itâs clear that this is weighing heavily on your mind âI love you too.â
âI love you, letâs do this,â Wanda leaves the car first. Her nerves are apparent.
The tension in the air did not dissipate upon entering the home.
Flora greets the three warmly but holds onto you a little longer than the rest. She squeezes you tightly and whispers in your ear, âThank you.â
You squeeze her back before letting her lead you all to the kitchen.
A large feast spans the entire length of the table. You can make out bits and pieces of the Maximoff's favorites. It smells heavenly and youâre certain it tastes even better, but your nerves stop you from diving in.
Dragos sits at the head of the table picking indifferently at his food. Pietro sits to his right, staring intently at the three of you. Wanda takes a seat across from her brother and you take your place next to her, while Natasha did the same next to you.
Your hand finds itâs way into the spy's needing the help to steady your nerves. For a long movement no one says anything.
âI brought everyone some water to help you with the talking,â Flora sits glasses in front of everyone before standing behind her husband. Her hand rests diligently on his shoulder. The gesture seemingly gives him the boost he needs to start the conversation.
âWe have got a lot of things to address. So let's get started. The Kingpin problem has been taken care of. He won't be threatening this family anytime soon and it's all thank to Y/n.â
You shrink as the man mentions your name, âThank you, Papa.â
âNo, thank you Y/n. Without you not only would I have lost my business, but also my life. I owe you my life. Iâm so proud of you, moya ditya,â he speaks again.
Wanda shifts in her spot. Her father skipped right over her own contribution while he was away.
âYou owe me nothing of such magnitude Papa. Youâve saved my life just the same. I couldn't have done any of the work alone. Having Wanda, Pietro, and Natasha on my side made things easier,â You give everyone their props.
Dragos follows her lead, âOh yes, thank you all for stepping up when I needed you to. Your efforts will be heavily compensated."
â The only thing I want is for you to be honest with me. What happened with my mother?â Your eyes look directly into his.
Wandaâs hand finds your thigh to give you some comfort. Natasha squeezes your hand under the table.
âWell I want to know whatâs going on between my sister, her wife, and you,â Pietro chimes in.
âExcuse me?â Wanda almost gets up, but you place your hand on top of hers.
âWe can discuss that after the both of you tell me why my mother is dead and why I am the last to know.â
Pietroâs face shows a bit of irritation, but Dragos decided to interfere before things get worse between you two.
âThe first night you stayed here, when we found about your abusive home, I knew I didnât want that woman near you again. So, I had some guys steak out your home. They watched for a few days. It took 4 days before she started searching for you.â
You sat through the story bouncing your leg like crazy, but your upper half was still.
Dragos continues, âShe didnât start at the school but once she got there, she began hyper stalking you. Noting your classes, trying to track your way back here, and getting too close to you.â
âWe were protecting you,â Pietro defends.
Dragos holds his hand up silencing his son, â She found her way here one night. Pietro opened the door they had a heated exchange. It caused quite the commotion. Flora and I were awoken by the screaming.â
âWhere was I?â You interject.
âHere, but we assumed that maybe you were used to the noise so it didnât wake you,â Flora adds quickly.
âYour mother put hands on my son, something I was willing to look past. However, when she tried to do the same with my wife, my willingness dwindled swiftly,â Dragos eyes darken similar to the way Wandaâs often would.
âThe way she demanded you as if you were nothing more than stolen property, like she was entitled to you. It was clear she only wanted you to have something that she could control Y/n, she deserved what she got,â Pietro speaks passionately.
âEnough,â Dragos speaks calmly with an edge in voice, warning his son yet again.
Your eyes were glossy as they bored into your best friendâs soul. His temper falters under your gaze. He squirms uncomfortably, but refused to look away.
âWhy didnât you tell me?â Your tone levels and as quickly as the tears began to form, they disappear.
âWe-â
You shook your head, âNo, since he has so much to say I want to hear it from him. Why didnât you tell me Pietro? I trusted you with parts of me that I didnât share with anyone else. You knew that even after the years passed, I still had emotions lingering surrounding my mother. I talked with you so many times and you comforted me, you held me as I cried. Yet the whole time you knew she was dead and said nothing. Why?â
The sorrow in your eyes was replaced by a flame of anger. Your jaw clenches thinking of the many opportunities he had to come clean, but never did. The feeling of betrayal crept into your veins the longer it was silent.
âAnswer me,â your hand slams on the table startling everyone.
âI didnât want to lose you, Y/n. I regret not telling you, but how could I? I wasnât sorry, Iâm still not sorry for what happened with that woman. How many times did you come to school battered? How many times were you exhausted from staying up out of fear that she would hurt you? She blamed you for the death of your brother, when you were only a child.â
You shake your head, âThatâs not enough.â
â What do you want me to say Y/n? I didnât think you could handle it. You were slowly recovering from the damage that she caused and telling you she was dead wouldâve done more harm than good,â the blonde man grew exasperated.
You scoff, âI understand why you didnât tell me when I was younger, but that was how many years ago Piet? Iâve grown, I changed, I matured and you never once considered telling me.â
He looks down unwilling to meet your eyes. The shame finally settling across his features.
âI just felt like too much time had passed,â he mumbles.
âWe all kept this from you. It wasn't just him, â Dragos tries to lessen the pressure on his son.
Your eyes cut over to older man, âIâm aware. Iâm not happy with the dishonesty on any part of equation. It irks me that I had to hear it from Fisk. If he wouldnât have said anything, I would still be in the dark.â
âWanda wouldâve probably told you,â Pietro says under his breath.
You stand up with little regard for the table in front of you. Wanda and Natasha watch carefully, but donât make the move to stand yet. Your hands grip the edge of the table and you can feel your body pulse as you look at the man.
âI didnât want to hear it from Wanda, you fucking idiot. I wanted to hear it from my best friend. I wanted the guy that I told everything to afford me that same respect in return,â each word carries more hurt than the last.
âEverything except for you being in love with my sister,â he rebuttals.
You frown, âIn what world is me being in love with Wanda on the same level as you hiding the fact that my mother is dead?â
That silences him.
âMaybe we should move on?â Dragos suggest, but you decline.
No, he is in the wrong. You all are in the wrong and thereâs only one person who has apologized to me. Iâm not moving on until, Iâve at least heard an attempt at an apology,â you stand your ground.
Dragos nods and gestures to your seat. You slowly sit down. You feel the sincerity as his eyes find yours, âMalyshka, Iâm sorry for keeping this from you. It was never my intention to cause you any more grief in life. There was no excuse to keep this from you so long. Please forgive me.â
The apology from Dragos seems to trigger something in Pietro. The defensive nature of his posture drops. You knew the man didn't want to admit he was wrong. He wanted to validate his deceit under the guise of protection.
âY/n, I- Iâm sorry for letting you down. I was just doing what I thought was right, but I never considered how that would affect you. I should've been honest with you.â
You look at the two men, taking their words at face value, âThank you.â
Dragos clasps his hands together, â Alright, next on the agenda. I think before we get to what I had planned here, that we should talk about you three.â
Wanda speaks first, âWhat is there to talk about?â
Dragos canât help but roll his eyes, âWell a moment ago it was mentioned that Y/n is in love with you.â
âIs that a problem?â Wandaâs defensiveness is akin to her brotherâs.
âNo, but you are married to another woman. Look moya ditya, I do not wish to be involved in your love life, but this is⊠a lot to digest. First you come home with a wife and now this,â Dragos speaks cautiously.
Wanda runs a hand through her hair, âI know, Iâm sorry for snapping. I have no plans of leaving my wife, but I also have no plans of leaving Y/n.â
Natasha adds, âWe have something unique, but itâs just as special as any other relationship. I care for both of them deeply.â
âI didnât want to like Y/n. She was my little brotherâs best friend, our age gap alone made me hesitant to explore those feelings. I didnât want to be another person in her life to take advantage of her. I had known before I left that I had some kind of feelings for her, but I didnât want to tell her that. I didnât know how long I was going to be gone and she was 21, with a bright future ahead of her.â
âWe had all seen something between you two, which is why I was shocked to see you come back with a wife,â Flora admits.
Wanda takes a look at her wife, âNatasha is the only reason Iâm here with you now. I would not have survived those years without her. I love her and Iâm sure of it.â
âAnd youâre ok with this?â Dragos questions Natasha.
âWhen I came here, I saw right through Wanda. I knew about her feelings, but as I began to spend time with Y/n I understood more. Y/n is special, Iâve never met anyone like her. So driven, so compassionate, strong-minded, empathetic. Loving her was just too easy not to do. We talked about it, it was difficult to get Wanda to open up, but once she did, we decided what to do together. It only made sense to see if Y/n was interested in us."
âAnd you Y/n?â Flora presses.
âIâve always had issues feeling safe because of the way that I was raised. For a long time there was never a day I went without looking over my shoulder. Even after becoming part of this family. The only time I feel safe is when Iâm with Wanda and Natasha. I can let my guard down and be vulnerable without being afraid. Theyâve shown me that I donât have to choose between being strong and being open.â
âYouâre all consenting adults, and I can tell that you all care for each other. So I wonât question it any further,â Dragos supports the three of you with a nod.
âIf you hurt my best friend, I will never forgive you,â Pietro glares at Wanda.
âHey what if she hurts me?â
Pietro glances at you briefly, âShe wouldnât.â
âLast thing everyone,â Dragos takes a deep breath and looks around the table. He struggles to find the words, his wifeâs hand squeezes his own
You all sit up straighter in anticipation. This was the moment that you all feared to some extent.
âKids, Iâm getting old. This whole situation has shown me that Iâm not immortal. I almost lost my life more than once and Iâm only here now because of this family. When we moved to this city and I decided to pursue this type of work, I knew a day like this would come. A day where I wouldnât be able to do it on my own anymore. It has snuck up on me.â
âPapa what are you saying?â Pietro asks for clarification.
âI'm saying that itâs time that I picked a successor. Iâve thought about this for a long time now. This is not a decision Iâm making in haste,â he speaks as though he had rehearsed this many times.
â This business means a lot to him, to our family,â Flora says while comforting her husband.
â Wanda, I want you to run the family business,â Dragos says.
Wanda sputters, â Papa I-"
â And I want you to do it with Y/n,â he finishes.
âYou want-"
He nods, âI want the both of you to head the family business. If Iâve learned anything while running this place itâs that it is a lot for one person to do. So I thought the easiest way to combat that is by having 2 people in charge. There's no one I trust as much as the two of you. When I was in my coma the two of you were each briefly in charge, but imagine how it would be if you truly worked together on this.â
You and Wanda exchange a look and the older woman speaks, âPapa weâre flattered, honored really, but do you think we can have a moment to discuss amongst ourselves.â
The grin on his face says it all, âOf course, go chat in your old room and come back whenever you're ready.â
Wanda, Natasha, and yourself calmly walk upstairs. You all make yourselves comfortable on Wandaâs bed before anyone spoke.
â We didn't plan for this,â you open the floor.
âI know,â Wanda says.
Natasha sighs, âSo whatâre you guys going to do? â
âI donât know,â Wanda answers truthfully.
âY/n?â
You speak softly, âI didn't know that this could be an option. Iâm not going to lie, the prospect of doing it together seems more appealing, but I know we talked about leaving this life behind.â
âIs that what you want?â Natasha questions.
âI just want to do whatever it's going to keep us together,â you say truthfully.
Natasha relents, âI can tell this something you both really want.â
â Natasha-â
âLet me finish baby, Iâm never going to get in the way of your dreams. Iâm not going to ask either of you to pick between our relationship and this opportunity. As for myself, I will be honest; Iâm older than both you and Iâve had my fill of being in the line of fire,â Natasha explains.
âI donât want to do this without you, Natalia,â Wanda keeps her tone gentle.
âYou wonât be doing it without me. You have my full support and if I can be of any use without herring my hands dirty, Iâd like that,â Natashaâs hand cups her wifeâs face.
âNat I'm willing to turn it down,â you say watching their exchange.
âLisichka Iâm not asking you to turn it down. You want this Y/n, and you deserve it. I would never take this from you. Iâm proud of both of you,â she places a gentle kiss on your forehead, and does the same to Wanda.
You turn your attention to Wanda, âYou want to do this with me?â
âI want nothing more,â she reaches for your hand.
You stand up and extend it to her; she did the same for Natasha.
âLetâs go start a new chapter together.â
And start a new chapter you did. Dragos retired leaving the family business in your capable hands.
Things ran a bit differently under the leadership of you and Wanda. Neither of you were willing to sacrifice certain aspects of domesticity that you dreamed of. So, it was your idea to work towards legitimizing the company that was used as a cover.
The more the company became reputable the more stock you could invest in it. There wasnât a way completely remove yourselves from criminal activity, but Wanda worked to refine the illegal activities you were involved in.
She wanted to minimize the need for violence amongst the city. While the business still focused on trading goods, Wanda made sure to keep the distribution of those goods in mind. Wanda chose that certain supplies would go into the communities that needed them most. She began to open resources for food, clothing, and medication as a way to give back to the city.
There were still some who sought to claim power and rebel against your family, but they were not only outnumbered but outsmarted at every turn.
Eventually those long overworking hours turned into normal 9 to 5 shifts leaving you with ample time to enjoy the company of those you cared for.
â What are you making?â
You mumble against the skin of Natashaâs neck as your arms snake around the waist of the former spy.
âPancakes. No work today, Lisichka?â
You place a light kiss on her neck, âNope, Iâm going to be home the next few days, Wanda too.â
âSheâs in the gym, if youâre wondering,â Natasha answers the question on your mind.
âIn home gym was a good call wasnât it?â Your eyes stay closed as you speak.
It wasnât too long after you and Wanda decided to take charge of the family business, that you all decided to finally move in together. With your connections and high budget, you moved into what you could only describe as your dream home.
âPerfect call pretty girl.â
You feel your face heat at the flattery, âItâs too early to be this flirty.â
âYouâre the one who came in here kissing my neck,â she rebuttals.
You whine, âCanât help it, your skins so soft Natty.â
You trail kisses from her neck to her shoulder and back again. You continue the trail all the way up to her cheek, using your hand slightly to turn her head, before pecking her lips. She doesnât let you slip away that easy, turning around so her hands find themselves locked around your neck. She deepens the kiss and you begin to melt.
âYouâre going to burn the pancakes,â you mumble against her lips.
âI can make more,â she replies causing you to chuckle.
You pull away from her, âThis will be continued later, promise.â
She pouts, but turns her attention back to the stove, âGo tell Wanda breakfast is almost ready. No funny business without me.â
You give her a salute, âYes chef! I can promise only a little funny business chef!.â
She raises an eyebrow at you, but you put your hands up defensively.
âDonât tell me that you can control yourself around your wife when sheâs all worked up from her routine.â
Itâs Natashaâs turn to chuckle, âTouchĂ©.â
You try your best to enter the gym quietly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman in action. Your mouth begins to salivate at the sight of Wanda in her workout gear. Her breathing is labored and her muscles are bulging as she deadlifts a weight.
âI have to be the luckiest person alive to get to see you like this,â you let your presence be known.
Wanda sits the weight down gingerly, before glancing over at you, âGood morning, baby.â
âGood morning indeed,â you say shamelessly checking her out.
âLike what you see?â She bend down taking a swig of her water.
âOh Iâm utterly in love with the view at this point I can't think of anything that could make it better,â you approach her.
âNo?â Wanda stands up straight so that she can be more level with you.
âNope,â you pop the âp'.
Wanda gets into your personal space, lips ghosting your ear, âI can think of a couple improvements.â
If Natasha wasnât waiting in the kitchen, you knew youâd take Wanda right there in the gym, âYou drive me crazy in the best ways.â
She pulls back quickly and giggles at how flustered you are, âI think its somewhere in the job description.â
You lightly shove her shoulder, âWhatever, Natâs got breakfast ready if you want to shower real quick and join us.â
Wanda smirks, âCare to join me in the shower?â
âI promised no funny business,â you frown but that only causes the redhead to laugh.
âMy poor baby, maybe the three of us can squeeze into an afternoon shower,â she teases you.
You were about to make a snarky reply, but Wanda shimmies out of her workout top leaving you speechless. Her tights soon follow as she turns her back to you. Slowly she walks her way to the gym shower making sure to put an extra sway in her hips.
âYouâre so cruel,â you lick your lips as you watch her.
She turns around and sends you wink, âAll good things come to those to wait little krolik.â
You huff and make your way back to the kitchen as a flustered mess.
â How did it go?â Natasha asks.
Instead of answering her, you march over to her and hungrily kiss her before childishly plopping into your seat at the table.
âYour wife is a menace,â you cross your arms over your chest.
âI know itâs one of my favorite things about her, â Natasha smiles as she sets everyoneâs plate at the table.
Wanda is out of the shower by the time Natasha is done and setting the table. She takes a seat across from you waiting for Natasha before she starts eating.
Once everyone is seated you begin to eat. Light chatter fills the silence as you so speak casually. After everyone is done you gather up the dishes and quickly wash them.
âAny plans for your lazy days?â Natasha asks the crime lords.
âJust quality time malyshka,â Wanda responds.
âYep, Pietro and Monica are going to be taking care of business for us,â you add.
Natasha grins, âSo what Iâm hearing is I have you both to myself?â
You nod your head, âYes mam. Might I suggest we jump straight to desert now that breakfast is overâ
Wanda tosses her head back with laughter, âSo one track minded this morning, little krolik. I thought I might have to fight you off in the gym.â
âRight? She almost made me burn the pancakes,â Natasha agrees with Wanda.
You roll you eyes, âFirst of all, you left out the part where you took all your clothes off and strutted away from me. Second of all I was just greeting the love of my life while she made breakfast. Iâm innocent here.â
âAre you really?â
You hum in response, âIâve been told I can be pretty delicate.â
The two women share a look before closing in on you. As you stand between the two redheads; doe eyes meeting their dark ones, a tingle runs through your body.
âThen I guess we should be careful with you bunny, âWandaâs hand squeezes your waist.
Natasha shakes her head, finger resting just under your chin, âI think we should test out how delicate she is. What do you have to say little fox?â
âThis must be heaven.â
The women laugh at your words, Natasha is the one to speak, âYouâre adorable sweetheart.â
âYes very adorable, but if you keep me waiting any longer Iâm probably going to die,â you look at the women desperately.
Wanda lays a playful smack on your ass, â To the bedroom.â
You let out small chuckle and run in the direction of the room. Wanda and Natasha chase after you in a fit of giggles.
Life had become kind to you over the years. Affording you times of joy and gratitude that you struggled to find in your younger years. You had a family that would do anything for you, a position of power that no one could take from you, all while keeping those beautifully domestic moments between you and the women that you loved.
You finally accepted that there was a secret strength in your delicate nature. Something that you were once ashamed of now was shown probably on your sleeve. In part you owed it to the family business, but in actuality it was all because of the family.
Taglist: @natashaswife4125 @autorasexy @alexawynters @blkmxrvel @toouncreativeforausername @likemick @sgm616 @bstvst @dorabledewdroop @sapphic-simp4015 @natty-taffy @justarandomreaderxoxo @mmmmokdok @tarathia @bgwlsmahf25 @lezzylover @og-kxsh-420 @vanessashands @untoldreader @sxlfishbrokenheart @marvelgirlx @elle161989 @falloutboy-lover
#lowkeyerror#wanda maximoff#wanda maximoff x reader#wanda maximoff imagine#natasha romanoff#natasha romanoff x reader#natasha romanoff imagine#wandanat x reader#pietro maximoff#the family business
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Chapter 20 pt. 2- I Do
Summary: It's wedding time, baby.
Word Count: 17.4K (.....I'm so sorry)
Warnings: SMUT (18+) unprotected p in v sex, vaginal fingering, praise kink, marriage kink, big, fat, nasty, unspeakable breeding kink (holy SHIT you guys, I really went balls to the wall on this one, I fear), kind of semi-public sex (you already know these horndogs are going at it again), More getting caught (Steve is causing his own problems at this point), wedding things!!, family dynamics, mentions of death/grief, lots of emotions, alcohol/drinking, so many feelings (grab the tissues, friends), Javi being adorable with kids, Javi being so in LOVE it HURTS?!? So much joy and happiness because Javi deserves the world and more
A/N: HELLO. Part 2 is finally finished *insert Spongebob narrator voice* 4 years later đ« Omg y'all, thank you SO much for bearing with me as I finish this, it has been a labor of love like no other, but I am so excited to finally share our favorite couple's special day and finally GET THESE TWO MARRIED đđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđ I would very much be lying if I said I didn't cry multiple times writing this chapter đ„ș I can't believe these two are actually getting married- words can't express how thankful I am for everyone who's wanted to stick around and read my silly little story to see these two make it to their wedding day- your support and kind words mean more to me than you will ever know đ Poorly beta'd bc I'm the worst, also, I've seen that sometimes people have issues reblogging things with comments that are this long (my apologies), but comments and reblogs make me wanna cry and throw up with joy, so it means a lot to me if you're able to leave a comment if it won't let you reblog with one!!!
Series Masterlist Next Chapter Previous Chapter
Never had you been so anxious to walk in a straight line.Â
Because truth be told, that was all you needed to do to walk down the aisle- walk in a straight line.Â
But when that straight line meant the walk to finally get to marry your future husband, to take his last name, to start the beginning of your forever together, not to mention kissing him in front of all your closest family and friends, you couldnât help but feel the butterflies in your stomach swirling in anticipation as you waited for your ceremony to start.Â
âYou okay, Hermosa?â Javi asked, his thumb gently stroking your hand that he had been holding since the moment he saw you, almost as if he was refusing to let go. You looked up at him, big brown puppy dog eyes staring down at you with a goofy grin that hadnât left his face, the sight of his handsome, broad frame easing your racing heart enough to help you remember that when you walked down that aisle in a few short minutes, he was the only thing that mattered.Â
âIâm perfect.â You smiled, pressing up on your toes just enough to peck his lips quickly before someone in the wedding party needed to barrate you both again about saving your kissing until after you were finally married. âI donât think Iâve ever had this many people staring all at me at once. Knowing my luck, Iâm gonna trip and fall over this dress before I can even make it to you. Or better yet, with my dumbass decision to have David and Charlie walk me down the aisle, Iâll be lucky if they donât push me to the ground first.âÂ
âWell, even if you did fall, you would still be the most beautiful woman on the face of this Earth. My clumsy, grass-stained wife.â Javi snickered, giving you a little nudge as you rolled your eyes, giving him a playful shove back.Â
âPendejo. You have both of our vows books, right? You promise you havenât peeked?âÂ
âYup, both right here in my pocket.â Javi smiled, patting his tux by his chest. âPromise I havenât read it. Although for my sake I probably should have, because if I canât even make it through seeing you in your dress, then these vows are gonna make me a fuckinâ goner.âÂ
âBold of you to assume I had nice things to say about you in there.â You teased, raising your eyebrow as you smirked at him, making Javi shake his head as he laughed.Â
âAlright everyone, itâs 3:00, itâs time to get this show on the road! Make sure youâre in order like we practiced, that you take your time walking down to the music, girls, please do not throw petals at each other, and make sure you all- Javi, where are you? Youâre supposed to be at the front of this line, sir.â Connie sassed, proving to you that she really was the perfect person for the task of making sure that things ran smoothly today, bossing the group around like the captain of a well organized ship.Â
âSorry, Iâm coming,â Javi replied sheepishly. âI love you, Osita.â Sliding the hand that was entangled with yours around your waist, Javi pulled you in for a kiss, much more obviously than he probably should have, considering the shit the two of you were about to get being literal minutes away from getting married.Â
âJavier! Get you A-S-S up here! Kiss her all you want once you say I do!â Connie shouted, rolling her eyes at the two of you, Javi pulling away in defense with his hands raised, trying to prove his innocence.Â
âOh, I know what that one spells, Mrs. Murphy! That one spells-âÂ
âJavi? Please?â Connie asked again, quickly trying her best to cut off your niece, Olivia, before she could finish the rest of her thought in front of everyone else, making the group giggle at her matter of factness.Â
âOkay, okay, Iâm here!â Javi pleaded, making his way to the front of the procession, taking his place next to his dad as Connie did one more check through of everyoneâs spot in line before giving the music an all clear to start playing.Â
As you stood at the end of the line, you peeked up to see Javi turned around staring back at you with that same stupid smile on his face, completely enamored and awestruck by you, already convincing you that you were going to turn into a puddle before you could even make it down the aisle.Â
But as you went to re-adjust your bouquet in your grasp, you quickly realized there were not one, but two things missing from your procession line, now about to start walking down the aisle.Â
Your brothers.Â
Despite having seen them only seconds ago, as you quickly whipped your head around, they were now nowhere to be found.Â
âCharlie? David? Where the fuck did you go?â You whisper shouted, frantically looking around for any sight of them.
Suddenly, you heard a rustling from one of the bushes around the corner from where you had been lined up and waiting, followed by the all too familiar voices of your brothers up to no good.Â
âJust finish it you dingus, I already drank the first half!âÂ
âWhy the fuck did we leave this out here? Itâs fucking warm. You got the better half, thatâs not fair!âÂ
âIt was warm when I drank it too, dumbwad. Just finish it, we gotta fucking go, hurry up!âÂ
As you peered behind the bush, you saw your brothers wiping their mouth with the back of their hands as the tossed a can of Miller Lite to the ground, freezing in fear as they saw your menacing and disappointed glare staring back at them.Â
âWhat the fuck do you two think youâre doing?!âÂ
âIt was Davidâs idea!â Charlie responded, pointing at his brother.Â
âCharlie didnât say no!â David responded back, now pointing at him. âYou didnât expect us to get through this sober, did you? Youâre the one who asked us to marry you, so I donât know what to tell ya, Cubby. Plus, we wanted to pour one out for Patrick since heâs the luckiest bastard out of all of us and doesnât have to worry about fucking up marrying his little sister.âÂ
âGod, you two are idiots. Well that thing you agreed to do is happening as we speak so can we go do that, please?â You sighed, trying your best not to laugh at your brotherâs antics, knowing that you really should have expected nothing less from the pair after you and Javi had asked them to officiate your wedding, considering neither of you had wanted anything religious, and wanted someone who knew you to be the ones to do it.Â
âOkay, okay!â They replied, one rushing to each side of you and hooking their arm around yours as you made your way back to your spot at the end of the processional line that had now begun to move forward.Â
âWhere were you 3 dumbbells? The ceremony is starting!â Your dad gruffed, trying his best to restrain from slapping each of you upside the head.Â
âCubby wanted a beer.â David replied, shrugging his shoulders, keeping his head facing forward, trying his best not to laugh.Â
âHoney, seriously?!â Your mom scolded, looking at you with disgust.Â
âI did not! I was trying to find these two idiots!â You groaned, eying your brothers as they shook you back and forth between them in their grasp. âI hate you both, I hope you know that.âÂ
âWe love you too, Cubby.â Charlie smirked, knowing that for as much as you said it, there wasnât a bone in your body that could hate your brothers. For as dumb and annoying as they were, there would never be another moment you would take for granted with them, knowing all too well that life was much too short to do anything but cherish your time together, wishing you had more time to spend with the brother who couldnât be here with you today.Â
Before you could respond, your thought was interrupted by the voice of the DJ through the speakers set up outside, your heart steadily beginning to pound at the reality that everything you had been waiting for was all about to become real.Â
âAlright, ladies and gentlemen if you could please find your seats, weâre about to get started with our ceremony! Thank you so much, folks!â As his voice echoed through the speakers, a hush began to fall over the crowd of your friends and family that had gathered here, now anxiously alongside you for the ceremony to begin.Â
A few seconds passed before you could hear the music beginning to play, the familiar melody of âEverywhereâ by Fleetwood Mac ringing through the speakers- an easily unanimous pick for a song to walk down the aisle to for you and Javi, remembering the first night you had spent together in your apartment, making midnight mac nâ cheese and already falling head over heels in love with each other.Â
As the beat began to pick up, your heart started to race, peaking over the backs of everyoneâs heads to watch all 5 of your flower girls begin to skip down the aisle, throwing petals every which way around them as they moved.
You couldnât help but laugh as all their little personalities shone through as they made their way to the altar- Olivia Murphy, being the oldest, most definitely was taking her role the most seriously, holding her baby sister in one hand and carefully sprinkling flowers evenly in front of her. Your niece, Olivia, was second in line to live up to her role, although, being the little ham she was, threw in the occasional twirl in the middle of the aisle to get people to look at her, along with her little waves to the crowd. The rest of the girls, Brianna, Abby and Madison, well, you were just happy that they made it down the aisle, thankful that their older sisters were at least on the lookout enough to keep them from running through the rows of your guests or dumping the entire bucket of flowers on themselves (you had learned your lesson from your rehearsal dinner that Brianna needed about half as less flowers as the others).
Your face lit up watching the girls, your heart filling with joy with the âawhsâ and laughter from the crowd at their theatrics as they met at the altar with an impressively semi-rehearsed curtsy, followed by promptly running out of the spotlight and over to Connie who was waiting for them.Â
Now that the flower girls had finished making their way down, the processional line began to shift forward once again, this time, leaving Javi and his dad to walk down together, Javi insisting that even though his mom would have been the one to walk him down if she was here, that wanted Chucho to be there in her place instead.Â
âReady, Mijo?â Chucho grinned, giving Javi a little nudge. âAm I going to have to keep you from sprinting down the aisle, or do you think you can manage walking?âÂ
As the pair began walking down to the melodic beat of the song, Javi couldnât help but laugh at his dadâs comment, because as much as he wanted to tease him right back, he knew damn well he was so excited that he would have run to the altar if it meant he got to marry you even a minute quicker.Â
âJavier?â Chucho asked, looking up at his son with tears in his eyes as the pair moved down the parted pathway between the crowd of guests.Â
âYeah, Pops?âÂ
âEstoy orgulloso de ti, mijo. Tu mama y yo. (I am so proud of you, son. Me and your mother.) We are so happy that you have found your media naranja (other half). Nosotros te amamos. (We love you so much.)âÂ
As Javi and Chucho reached the end of the aisle, Javi wrapped his arms around his dad, pulling him close as Chucho patted him on the back, pulling away to look at his son, tears now in both of their eyes, thinking about how far they had come to end up where they were in this very moment, thanking whatever greater power that had finally brought them and Lucia the peace they all desperately deserved.Â
Javier Pena knew he was worthy of the love and happiness that his parents had longed for. He had finally proved to himself and his parents he really was the good man that he had hoped to be.Â
âI love you, Pops. Thank you for everything.â Javi whispered to his dad, trying to fight back any more tears from falling down his cheeks.Â
âTe amo mucho, Javier. (I love you so much, Javier). Thank you for finally realizing that who you are is enough. Now, stop crying over your old man and save some tears for your wife.â Chucho laughed quietly, giving his son another pat on the back with a soft smile wrinkling his cheeks.Â
âYeah, I donât think youâre gonna have to worry about that.â Javi chuckled, shaking his head at the tearful mess he already was, giving his father one last hug before Chucho took his seat next to Connie and the flower girls at the front of the crowd.Â
Steve was the next to make his way to the altar, Javi laughing at his friendâs goofy strut to greet him at the end of the aisle. Steve held out his hand to shake Javiâs before quickly pulling Javi in for another hug with pats to the back much harder than his fathers.Â
âListen, man. I ainât good at this sentimental shit, but uh- Iâm really fuckinâ happy for you, Javi. I know I give you shit, but youâre one of the good ones. Sheâs a lucky girl. And I hope you know youâre sure as hell one lucky son of a bitch. Love you, man.âÂ
âLove you too, Murph. Believe me, I know.â Javi grinned, giving Steve a slap on his shoulder laughing to himself as his friend sat down next to his wife and the girls, never imagining himself standing at the altar, happily waiting to get married while his former partner cheered him on, surrounded by his gaggle of giggly daughters.Â
Feeling worlds away from Javi, your heart began to beat faster and faster, realizing that you were now only one pair away from making your trek down the aisle as your mom and dad walked down next, arm in arm.Â
In classic mom fashion, your mother squeezed Javi so hard as she greeted him, that you were convinced that she was going to pop an eyeball out one of his sockets, thankful that your dad was there to reel her in enough to keep from suffocating him in her hug.Â
âJavi. We love you so much. Thank you for making our daughter so happy. Weâre so grateful she found you.âÂ
âThank you. I love you both, too. Believe me, Iâm just as grateful that she found me. Thanks for making me feel like a part of your family.â Javi replied to your mom, catching his breath through his smile after the death grip your mom had wrapped him in before looking over at your dad, extending his hand to meet his already outstretched one.Â
âJav, youâre a good man. Iâm a guy of few words, but we couldnât be happier for you both. Take care of her, okay?âÂ
âI will. I promise.âÂ
With a silent handshake and a nod, Javi and your dad had said all theyâd needed to know that they couldnât be more thankful for the love and support the other had brought you in the times that you had needed it most.Â
As your parents made their way to their seats, standing at the opposite end of the aisle with your brothers at your side, the realization really hit you- You were the last one that needed to meet Javi.Â
âYou ready, Cubby?â Charlie asked, giving you a grin as he smiled down at you, interlocking your arm with his as David did the same on the other side.Â
âYeah, Iâm ready. Hey, uh- I just, I just wanted to say, I-I love you guys.âÂ
âGross.â David teased, scrunching his face in disgust, pretending to barf over his shoulder as you and Charlie laughed, shaking your head at your brother. âWe love you too, dude.âÂ
With one final giggle and deep breath, you took your first step into view where everyone could see you, watching the guests rise to their feet in anticipation of your arrival, awestruck stares and smiles filling the crowd as you began to walk.Â
Even though you had seen each other minutes ago, as you started to make your way down the aisle, smiling at Javi, the two of you couldnât help but break into tears once again, laughing through your sobs that Javi broke before you did, trying to wipe his wet cheeks with the back of his hand while he watched you walk towards him.Â
And even though every pair of eyes were on you, the only eyes you needed to see were Javiâs- The sweet, soft brown eyes that you had fallen so deeply in love with from the moment you had locked eyes with them all that time ago. They were the eyes of the first person who had ever truly seen you for who you were, inside and out, and you couldnât be more thankful that when you looked at him, you saw your forever. When you looked at Javier Pena, you knew you were home.Â
It almost felt as if time was standing still, that even in a crowd full of people, no one else existed besides the two of you. No one else mattered, and nothing else mattered- the only thing that mattered for you was Javi waiting for you at the end of the aisle, and you? You were going to finally be his wife.Â
âYou two are so in love, itâs fucking sick.â David whispered in your ear, helping to ease your tears as you burst into more laughter, rolling your eyes at your brother.Â
âOh shut up, asshole.âÂ
As you, David and Charlie finally made your way to Javi, waiting for you in a mess of happy smiles and loving tears, you had to use everything in you to keep from jumping onto him like a koala and kiss him all over his stupidly handsome face, resorting to reaching out to grab his hand instead, interlocking it with yours and giving it the tightest squeeze you could.Â
âHey, Mr. Peña. Long time, no see.â You whispered into Javiâs ear, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before took his other hand in yours, the two of you facing each other in front of your friends and family as David and Charlie took their place behind you, pulling out their notes that they had prepared, clearing their throats as they began to address the crowd.Â
âAlright everyone, I uh- I guess weâre gettinâ this show on the road.â Speaking out into the crowd, Charlie began to flip to the right page of his script that you were relieved to see he had written out, your guests beginning to silence and bringing their attention to you and Javi.Â
âHi everyone, for those of you who donât know us, we are the brideâs brothers, and we have the honor of our sister and our new brother-in-law being stupid enough to let us be in charge of marrying them today. Not to worry, 20 dollars and one course on the internet later, David and I are both legally ordained, so not to fear you two, this will all be legit, and hopefully not too embarrassing.â Charlie laughed, also eliciting giggles and eye rolls from you and Javi, as well as the crowd.Â
âWell, we are gathered here today, because these two idiots have fallen so head over heels for each other, it's almost sickening. Weâve had the privilege of knowing our sister for the entirety of our lives. When we found out as kids that our mom was having another baby, and that it was going to be a girl, my brothers and I were disappointed, to say the least. We didnât want a sister to ruin the bond that we had, and honestly, for a long time while my mom was pregnant, we went through a long baby boycott, and were convinced if we protested long enough, and hard enough, she would eventually turn into a boy, and everything would be fine.â David grimaced, shrugging his shoulders at you as you nodded in agreement, having heard this story from your brothers and parents plenty of times before.Â
âAnd while at first, we werenât really sure what to do with a sister, considering we didnât even realize it was an option to pee sitting down until she came around,â Charlie snickered, making the crowd laugh again, aside from your mom, who was rolling her eyes so hard, they probably had made it to the back of her head, âOur sister ended up being one of the best things that could have ever happened to us.âÂ
Breaking your eye contact with Javi, you paused to look over at your brother, a genuine smile on his face, raising his eyebrows and shrugging as if to say Iâm just as surprised that Iâm saying this out loud as you.Â
âGrowing up with our sister has taught us a lot of things- Donât challenge her to anything you donât wanna lose at, because sheâll find a way to beat you, and thoroughly kick your ass while she does it, sheâs got more brain cells that myself, Charlie, and our late brother Patrick did put together, sheâs tougher than most guys I know, and sheâs one of the biggest hearted people Iâve ever met.â Looking back at Javi, you could see his face beaming with joy, giving your hand a squeeze, agreeing with everything your brothers had to say, and how all of those traits had made him fall so madly in love with you.Â
âSo, like brothers do, we never assumed that there would never be anyone good enough, let alone even cool enough for our badass sister. And also like brothers do, we let her go through her fair share of duds and gave her shit, but when this guy came around,â Charlie smiled, pointing at Javi, âwe knew that he was something special.âÂ
âJavi,â David joined in pointing, giving him a playful smirk, âDonât think you were getting out of this so easy. When we first heard that our sister had made her way down to the middle of nowhere Texas and had started seeing you, our first reaction was instant disapproval, because if you lived in south Texas, you probably knew jackshit about hockey, and that was a no go for us.âÂ
âBut,â Charlie interjected, âAfter talking to our sister more on the phone, not only was she starting to turn into the happy, energetic self we hadnât seen in so long, we also learned after talking to her that you not only had been willing to watch hockey with her, but had began to openly express your disdain for the Detroit Red Wings, which made us change our opinions on you very quickly.âÂ
You and Javi looked at your brothers, rolling your eyes in laughter as they shrugged at you, the roar of cackles from the crowd making you grin, feeling the love from your brothers, friends and family swell in your chest, holding Javiâs hands even tighter, gazing up at him with an awestruck smile.Â
âNo in all seriousness, Jav. We couldnât be happier that you not only have become a part of our sisterâs life, but our familyâs life, too. For those of you who donât know, we um- we, uh-,â David gulped, taking a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears welling in his eyes, âour other brother, Patrick, um, passed away last year, and it uh, it was really hard on all of us, especially our sister. Javi, man, I donât think youâll ever understand how thankful we are that you love our sister so unconditionally. Better yet, that you love our family of idiots so unconditionally, because truth be told, we are not an easy bunch to love. While obviously, you canât ever replace Patrick, I just, I hope you know that weâre so glad to have you as a brother, and that Patrick really would have loved you, man. He would be so happy that youâre the one our sister gets to spend the rest of her life with.âÂ
For what felt like the 117th time today, you found yourself in absolute tears, feeling the wetness streaming down your cheeks as you looked down at the #2 patch sewn on the bottom corner of your veil in a beautiful mixture of sadness and joy before looking up to see not a dry eye in front of you, both your brothers and Javi misty eyed and sniffling. Breaking his grasp from yours, Javi stepped towards your brothers, wrapping his arms around both of them to pull them into a long, tight hug, Charlie and David reciprocating as their arms patted his back.Â
âThank you guys.â Javi whispered, choking back his tears as he pulled away to look at your brothers, all of you wiping your wet faces with your hands to try and compose yourselves to carry on with the ceremony.Â
âDamn, okay, well, sorry about that, folks, was not expecting that.â Charlie and David laughed, trying to shake off their unusually sappy sentiment, looking out at the crowd to see not a dry eye in the house. âWell um, well thatâs enough of us yapping at you guys, why donât we turn it over to the people youâre actually here for, and then you can cry even more because these two idiots decided to write their own vows, so good luck.âÂ
Staring up at Javi, you could feel your heart begin to race wildly, your hands nearly trembling as you reached out towards Javi to take the little notebook where you had written down your vows, feeling a little more at ease as you saw that Javiâs hands were just as shaky as yours, the two of you overflowing with anxious anticipation.Â
It had been no question to either of you that you had wanted to write your own vows to one another. While it seemed to be that everyone else you knew had seemed to avoid writing their own vows because they werenât sure what to say, or that it was too hard to think of things, you and Javi seemed to find yourselves having the opposite problem, feeling like there was too much to fit in a few short minutes, and that your vows were going to end up being the length of a college lecture.Â
There had been a part of you that had worried you would be nervous to read what you had to say to Javi in front of all your friends and family, but as you stood there, smiling up at his beautiful, handsome face, you couldnât be more excited to share all of the things you had written to tell your husband just how much you loved him. Â
But as the two of you stood face to face, your vows in each of your hands, your stomach dropped in shock, realizing that neither of you was making the first move to start talking. Because for all the planning and preparing that you had done for everything else, the both of you had completely forgotten to pick who was going to read their vows first.Â
âWe never picked who was gonna go first.â You whispered to Javi, your voice filling with nerves every second you stood in front of your guests, neither one of you saying anything.Â
âOh fuck, youâre right. What do you wanna do? Do you wanna go? Do you want me to go?â Javi asked, his face mirroring yours in surprise, now frantically looking back and forth between you, his vows, and all of your guests.Â
You werenât sure if it was the teacher in you, or the fact that you were so flustered that you couldnât think of anything else, but before you knew it, you were tucking your vows under your arm, holding one hand out in front of you flat and the other in a fist, signifying to Javi that your best solution to your current predicament was playing rock, paper, scissors.Â
âBest 2 out of 3?â You shrugged, grimacing at Javi as you tried not to burst into laughter, Javi shaking his head and snickering, raising an eyebrow at you.Â
âYouâre ridiculous, I hope you know that. Do you wanna go after ârockâ or say âshootâ, then go?â Javi asked, loud enough for your guests to catch on to what was happening, giggles and laughter coming from the crowd.Â
âWhat kind of psychopath doesnât say âshootâ first? Javier Peña, are you telling me that we need to call off this wedding right now because you donât say âshootâ before playing rock, paper, scissors? Because I will.âÂ
Everyone around you was now in full blown hysterics, including Javi, giving you the sassiest look he could muster through his laughter, holding his hands out to mirror yours.Â
âSo âfor better or for worseâ doesnât apply to rock, paper, scissors, apparently?â He teased, smirking at you with a subtle wink as he bit down on his lip.Â
âNot if youâre gonna play like that it wonât.â Â
âPendejo.âÂ
âYou love me.âÂ
âI really fucking do.âÂ
Giggling as you gestured at your outstretched fist, you began to countdown from your ârock, paper, scissors, adding an extra emphasis on âshootâ as you held out rock and Javi held out scissors. With another laugh, the two of you started again, this time, you with paper and Javi with rock, smirking as you crossed your arms over your chest at Javi, the rest of your guests laughing right along with you.Â
âWinner, winner, chicken dinner, Javier Peña. Youâre stuck going second.âÂ
âGo for it, you dork.âÂ
As the laughter from the crowd settled, you opened your vows book, taking a deep breath as you stared up at Javi, who, despite your silliness, still had tears beginning to well in his puppy dog brown eyes before you could even say your first word. You took one last gulp of confidence, wondering how in the world you were supposed to make it through even a sentence through your speech without falling apart.Â
âI never used to believe in fate. People would always tell me that âsome things are just meant to be!â or âit was just fate it happened like that!â and no matter how hard I tried to believe, fate just never made sense to me. Well, that was until about a year ago, when fate decided to bump right into me when I least expected it.â You could feel your voice already beginning to shake, huffing in a quick sniffle before continuing on.Â
âAs fate may have it, I quite literally bumped into you when you were forced to come give a presentation to a group of rowdy 8 and 9 year olds. Thank god fate also was on my side that day- that I actually looked halfway presentable and wasnât covered in spilled chocolate milk, glue, or the snot of whatever kid had sneezed a little too close to me that morning.â That one had the better part of the crowd letting out a laugh alongside Javi, easing your stress and tension about your speech while you carried on, reading the notes jotted in your booklet.Â
âWhen I first came to Laredo, I wasnât really quite sure what I was looking for. After my brother died and decided I needed to be as far away from Chicago as possible, there wasnât ever really a doubt in my mind that here was the only place I really wanted to be. I spent the better half of my middle school and high school vacations here, visiting my best friend who had moved away. To me, Laredo was always a place that brought me such peace and comfort. Iâm not really sure why, but there was always something about being here for those few weeks every year that made it feel like home, even when home was halfway across the country. But what I didnât realize, was that in my attempt to find a new home for myself, I began to learn that home wasnât a physical location, or a place you could travel to. After meeting you, Javier Peña, I found out that home was wherever I was with you.âÂ
Taking a shaky breath, you looked up from your vows to see sweet Javi, covering his mouth, as if he was trying to trap his tears to keep from completely breaking down at your words, his reaction only making you cry harder, trying your best to re-compose yourself before speaking again.Â
âI spent so long wondering if I would ever find someone who would ever make me feel the way that you do- to love me for all of my flaws, to make me feel important, and even laugh at all of my stupid jokes that probably donât deserve to be laughed at, but you love me enough to do it anyways. Now thatâs true love.â You smirked, raising your eyebrow at Javi, making the two of you snicker between your tears. âYou make me feel like the only person in the world whenever Iâm with you. The only person who knows me better than I know myself. You are truly one of the most thoughtful and caring people that I have ever met. And while I could list off a million adjectives to describe all of the reasons I fell in love with you- smart, brave, determined, handsome- just to name a few, out of all of those reasons, the one that made me fall for you the most was your big heart. And while I know youâll never believe me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to get you to see the same amazing man I fall more and more in love with every single day.â
At this point, there was not a dry eye in the crowd, watching how emotional you and Javi were as you tried to choke your way through the rest of your vows.Â
âI will never know what I did to deserve you in my life, but promise that I will spend the rest of it letting you know how forever thankful I will always be that out of all the people in the world you could have chosen to bump into, that it was me. I am so excited that the rest of my life, all of the moments, big, small, and everything in between, will all be moments spent with you. That every moment will be spent with my best friend. I never would have thought that a little bit of fate would have become my forever, but Iâll always be so grateful that it is. I love you so much, Javier Peña. Thanks for being the reason I finally believe in fate.âÂ
Wiping away the wetness streaming down your cheeks, you could barely even look at Javi, who was an absolute blubbering mess, laughing through your tears almost to keep you from completely melting into a puddle.Â
Reaching out to grab him, you took Javiâs hand in yours, squeezing it reassuringly as you took your other hand up to wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks, the both of you smiling as you looked into each other's eyes.
âAnd thatâs why I wanted to go first. Good luck.â You chuckled, making Javi shake his head as he laughed along with you, taking another deep breath before flipping open his own vows, wondering how in the world he was ever going to make it through speaking, considering how easily he had fallen apart just listening to you.Â
âJesus Christ, well I donât know how Iâm really supposed to follow that.â Javi sighed, the crowd giggling at his remark as he opened up to his first page, staring at his words for a moment before looking back up at you, his deep, chocolate, puppy dog eyes melting you just as quickly as the first time that you locked eyes with him.Â
âIâve uh- Iâve never really been great speeches. When I sat down to write this, I wasnât really sure where to start. I had no idea how I was supposed to fit all of the things that I wanted to say into all of this.â Javi huffed with a little shrug, gesturing to his notebook.Â
âSo I um- I figured if thereâs anywhere I should start, it should probably be at the beginning. My mom was an elementary school teacher, so growing up, I spent a lot of time at Alma Pierce Elementary School. I swear, I knew that place like the back of my hand. But um, after my mom got sick and passed away, I really never thought Iâd ever have a reason to back. Until one day last year, I was told to pack up my stuff to go give a presentation at a local elementary school, which turned out to be none other than Alma Pierce. My mom always used to say âLa vida es graciosa, no lo crees?â (Life is funny, isnât it?), and I never quite understood why. But as I walked back into the place where I had spent so much of my life just out of chance, I swear I could hear her laughing at me, saying âTe lo dije.â (I told you so).âÂ
You could hear everyone who had had the privilege of knowing Lucia letting out a soft laugh, thinking of all of the times they must have heard her say that all too familiar phrase throughout their time knowing her.Â
âI had gotten to a point in my life that I had kind of just accepted that maybe this kind of life wasnât in the cards for me. I wasnât gonna get married or have a family, and as much as it hurt, I had learned to be okay with it. The last thing I would have thought would have happened to me after leaving the presentation I had to give that day was that I was already head over heels in love with the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my entire life, but la vida es graciosa, no le crees?âÂ
Giving you a little smirk, Javi could help but let a smile slowly spread between his cheeks as he looked at you, gazing up at him in complete and utter adoration, your goofy grin mirroring his.Â
âNever in a million years would I have thought that I would have been standing here today, getting married to you. If you would have told me that I got to marry the most beautiful, amazing, kind, and stubbornly independent woman on the face of this earth, I would have laughed in your face. I honestly still feel like I need to pinch myself to prove that this is even real. But I guess that even if this is all a dream, I donât ever want to wake up. Being loved by you has changed me in a way that I will never be able to thank you enough for. Being loved by you has made me a better man than I ever believed that I could be. A better man than I ever thought I deserved to be. A man who has learned to love and believe in love in ways I didnât think I was capable of. I will never be able to thank you enough for letting me into your life and loving me for who I am, and for wanting to spend the rest of it with me.âÂ
Now, it was your turn to morph into an inconsolable mess, reaching out to grab Javiâs hand again, silently reassuring him that you were equally as grateful for the fact that Javi had let you into his life, too.Â
âAnd no matter how tough, or challenging, or funny life gets, I know it can never really be that bad, because Iâll always have you by my side through it all. I think my mamĂĄ would be so proud to know I finally understand what she was trying to say all those years about life being so funny. Because it seems like life has a funny way of giving you everything youâve ever wanted. Te amo, Osita. Gracias por ser mi todo. (I love you, Osita. Thank you for being my everything).âÂ
Without even thinking, you threw your arms around Javiâs shoulders wrapping him in a long, tight hug, sobbing into his jacket in a fit of happy tears, Javi hugging you right back, squeezing around your waist, gently cradling the back of your head in the warmth of your embrace.Â
âWell shit⊠Alright, well Iâm not sure if you guys are allowed to do that, but after those vows, I think we can let it slide.â David joked, trying to quickly wipe his eyes, nudging Charlie to do the same to try and pull themselves together to make sure they could finish out the rest of the ceremony.Â
âFuck, sorry.â Javi whispered, reluctantly pulling away from you, everyone in the crowd following your brothersâ suite, smiling as they brushed away the wetness welling in their own eyes from listening to your vows.Â
âWell, Iâd ask if anyone needs to object before we continue, but I think itâs pretty darn clear that these two idiots love each other more than life itself, so Iâm just gonna skip that part.â Charlie joked, making you and Javi smirk in agreement. âAlright Miss Olivia, itâs your time to shine, do you have the rings?â He asked, your nieceâs face lighting up in excitement as she nodded her head frantically, shooting up out of her seat to dash towards the two of you, carefully holding the ring box like a newborn baby bird in her hands.Â
Daintily, she passed the box off to her dad before scampering over to both you and Javi, wrapping her arms around your waists to pull you close in a hug, smiling up at each of you with her toothy, goofy grin.Â
âI love you Auntie Bear and Uncle Javi.â Olivia beamed, giggling in pure bliss and joy before skipping back to her seat among the guests, the both of your hearts bursting at the seams with the chores of âawhhhhsâ coming from the crowd for your adorable niece.Â
âSomeoneâs trying to get an extra slice of cake tonight huh, Miss Olivia?â David teased, your guests erupting with laughter at her not so innocent shrug to her Uncleâs question, knowing damn well she was just as much of a ham as you. âI trusted the six year old to carry these, can I trust you two not to drop them, or do you need to cry some more first?âÂ
âOh shut up, David.â You sighed, rolling your eyes at your brother as you and Javi each took the rings to give one another, carefully holding the shiny gold bands in your hands, counting down the moments until you finally got to say âI doâ.Â
âAlright, ladies first, so I guess that means you, Cubby. You ready?âÂ
âI donât think Iâve ever been more ready for anything, you dingus, get this show on the road.âÂ
âAlright, here goes nothinâ. This is the part I actually had to practice, so God forbid I mess this one up huh? Do you,â David giggled, saying your real name instead of the nicknames you had lovingly bestowed upon you for as long as you could remember, âTake Javi to be your 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, as long as you both shall live?âÂ
âI do.âÂ
Carefully slipping the gold band onto Javiâs finger, you could feel your heart bursting in anticipation, biting down on your lip to try and contain your excitement, slowly pulling your hand away to let your brothers finish the second half of the exchange.Â
âAnd do you, Javier Peña, take our sister,â Charlie and David snickered again, having to say your full name for a second time, âto be your 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, as long as you both shall live?âÂ
âI do.âÂ
Gently grabbing your palm and gliding the glistening ring onto your finger, Javi rubbed his thumb over the pair of bands nestled together, forever making a home on your hand, his eyes welling at the sight of the sign that you would always be his.Â
Intertwining your fingers together and hands clasped in front of you, you and Javi were radiating with joy, anxiously staring back and forth between each other and your brothers for them to finally say those magic words you had been waiting to hear since the moment you had met all that time ago.Â
âWell ladies and gentleman⊠by the power vested in us, the internet and the state of Texas, itâs our honor to introduce to you the new Mr. and Mrs. Peña.â Charlie grinned at you, trying not to burst into laughter at the near panicked look on your faces, not having heard the next set of words you were more than dying to hear.Â
âWell go on, you lovebirds, kiss already!â David snickered, shrugging at the pair of you with a grin on his face.Â
Before he could barely finish his sentence, Javiâs hands were cupping your face, palms cradling your jaw as he brought his mouth to yours, fireworks exploding in your stomach at the electric intensity of his kiss, so soft and tender, yet so desperate and needy, like it was the first time his lips had ever met yours, and that he never, ever wanted to let them go.Â
Your hands shot up to grab his face too, a smile creeping across your mouth with your lips still pressed to his as Javi dipped you down, sliding his hand down the small of your back to hold you before pulling you back up, his lips still locked on yours like glue.Â
In that moment, it seemed like time stood still, that nothing else in the world existed besides the two of you- nothing else mattered besides the fact that you were here, kissing the man that you loved more than anything in the world.Â
The man that you finally got to call your husband.Â
Over the cheers, whistling, and hollering from your friends and family, the both of you were finally snapped back to reality as David gave you a little nudge and a look that screamed âgross, save it for the honeymoon.âÂ
Reluctantly breaking from your kiss, you grabbed Javiâs hand in yours, holding your fists in the air and cheering in excitement right alongside your guests before heading back up the aisle, your cheeks hurting from how hard they were smiling. So lost in your excitement, you turned your head as you felt Javi stop, tugging you back to the middle of the aisle, smirking as he pulled you close to his chest, whispering in your ear.Â
âNot so fast, Mrs. Peña. Câmere.â Grabbing your face and wrapping his arm around your waist, Javi was kissing you again, swinging you down in another dip that had you erupting in giggles and your guests cheering even louder, Javiâs smooth moves soliciting a loud âOW OWâ most definitely from Steve.Â
âGod, I love you.â You smirked as Javi pulled you back up to stand before the two of you were nearly skipping down the rest of the aisle in bliss, racing to the back of the crowd where you had entered the ceremony, turning the corner behind the house where no one could see you, not even bothering to look over your shoulder to see whoâd followed you before your lips were crashing into each others again.Â
This one was nowhere near as tame as the kisses you had just shared moments ago- this kiss was a tangled mess of tongues and teeth, Javiâs hands creeping dangerously close to the curve of your ass as you tugged at the lapels of his suit jacket, your mouths moving in a messy dance as you whispered muffled and muted words between your kisses.Â
âFuck, my beautiful wife. God, Iâm so fucking lucky. I love you so much.âÂ
âI love you so much too, Javi, Iâm so-âÂ
âJesus Christ, itâs been 30 seconds and yâall canât keep your hands to yourselves? Câmon, now. Yâall gotta whole week and a half to do this without having to subject the rest of us to it, Mr. and Mrs. Peña.â Steve laughed, making the both of you gasp as he slapped Javi on the back, immediately making your cheeks flush pink in embarrassment and Javi groan in annoyance at his best manâs timely (or untimely) disruption.Â
âSteve, câmon like you didnât have your hands all over me after we got married.â Connie sighed, now smacking the back of her own husbandâs head, making him wince in pain. âCongratulations, you two. Weâre so happy for you.âÂ
âThanks, Connie.â You and Javi smiled, Javi still keeping his hand wrapped around your waist as the rest of your wedding party started making their way back up the aisle to greet you, too.
âAlso having gotten married before, youâre gonna thank me later as I make you go find your brothers to sign your marriage license somewhere that has a little peace and quiet before you get none the rest of the night. Why donât you guys head inside and Iâll cover for you for a little, okay?âÂ
âYouâre the best, Connie, thanks.â Javi grinned, pulling you away towards the house, quietly sneaking in through the front door to wait for your brothers, Javi looking both ways around the seemingly empty house before pulling you close again.Â
âJavi, Charlie and David are gonna be in here any minute, and theyâre gonna give us just as much shit as Steve, if not more.â You giggled, gazing up into Javiâs eyes, still awestruck and giddy.Â
âI know. Just one more kiss, mi esposa (my wife).â Javi smirked, tilting his head down to press his lips to yours, his thumb tracing soft circles on your cheek as the rest of his fingers cradled your jaw, tilting your eyes up towards him. âFuck, youâre finally my wife. I donât think Iâll ever get over that.âÂ
âGood thing we have the rest of our lives to get used to it, huh?âÂ
People werenât kidding when they said that your wedding would be a blur- From the moment the ceremony ended, it felt like everything was moving in fast and slow motion at the same time, being pulled in every direction to talk with family members, take pictures, and make sure that things were running smoothly. As much as you and Javi were both trying to soak in every moment of your special day together, it was safe to say the two of you were feeling a little overwhelmed by the time you had gotten to dinner, and couldnât have been more thankful to have a moment to finally sit down.Â
More importantly, you were so glad that you had gotten to the point where you had a drink, some delicious food in your stomach, and the best part of the night ahead of you- dancing.Â
The sun was beginning to set on the horizon of the Peña ranch as dinner was coming to a close, the clanging of forks and knives against dinner plates slowly shifting to chatter and conversation that was filling the space of the white tent that had been propped up in the backyard for your reception.Â
You werenât really sure what to expect when you had decided on a backyard wedding, but with the absolutely stunning work your mom, Connie, sister in law, and Javiâs auntâs had put together for you, they had made a white tent feel like something out of a fairytale. String lights and greenery were strung across above you, long tables decorated in candles and beautiful garlands of eucalypts, sprinkled white and pink roses from Luciaâs garden, along with cute, colorful vintage cups that the women had collected or thrifted for your guests to use. Everything about your setup felt magical, and with the sun sinking and fading into dusk, the glow and twinkles of the lights illuminating your space only made it feel that much more incredible.Â
As the two of you sat at your head table, bellies full and hearts happy, feeling a little tipsy from the extra strong margaritas Javiâs cousin seemed to be making, you were a little worried as what looked like a more than just tipsy Steve approached you, slapping a stack of index cards in front of you.Â
âListen⊠Iâm like the perfect level of drunk to give this best man speech. Any less drunk and Iâll be too fuckinâ nervous to do it, and any more drunk Iâm not gonna be able to remember what Iâm supposed to say. Yâall good to keep this movinâ so you can do your first dance and then we can get this party started?âÂ
âJesus Christ, MurphâŠâ Javi sighed, laughing at his friend, now sassily crossing his arms over his chest at Javi. âThis speech better be good.âÂ
âItâs good, and Connie approved, so you know I wonât say any dumb shit. Well, not if we donât start soon and I keep drinking more.â Steve paused, letting out a low burp, rubbing his stomach and grimacing at the two of you, snorting at him.Â
âTake it away, Shakespeare.â You smiled, gesturing your arm out to the dance floor in front of the guests sitting at their tables, chatting away. You couldnât help but laugh as Steve confidently made his way to the front of the crowd, Connie silently mouthing âIâm so sorryâ Â from across the room, pointing at her husband, now ready to take the stage.Â
âHey yâall,â Steve started, bellowing his voice loud enough to catch everyoneâs attention, making them pause their chit chat and focus their attention on him. âIâm Steve Murphy. For those of you who donât know me, Iâm Javiâs best man. Normally itâs customary for a guy like me to come up and say a few words about the bride and groom, so lucky for yâall, Iâm your guy tonight. Youâre welcome, Jav.âÂ
The crowd laughed as Javi sighed, rolling his eyes at Steve and shaking in his head in fear of what was to come, sliding your hand over to rest on his thigh, giving your now husband a little squeeze of reassurance to have some faith in his friend.Â
âI have had the pleasure of knowing Javi for a long time now. Itâs been, what, 17 years now, Jav?â Steve asked, turning back to look for confirmation.Â
âItâs been too long.â Javi replied, shaking his head, his witty response only making your friends and family laugh more.Â
âWhatever, you grumpy old bastard. Anyways, I first met Javi when I found out that I would be his partner down in Colombia working for the DEA. Not gonna lie, when I first met him, while Iâve never admitted this until now, I was pretty intimidated by the guy. He was cool, smart, respected, even though his jeans were way too fuckinâ tight.â Steve teased, winking at Javi, making you snicker from the few pictures you had seen from back in the day when Javi was in Colombia, knowing exactly what Steve meant.Â
âIâll spare you all the details of our time down there, but through all of our trials and tribulations, despite our differences and disagreements, the one thing I always admired about Javi is that he really cared about what he did. No matter what, he always cared about trying to do the right thing for the people he cared most about. Now, believe me, if you would have asked me all those years ago if I would have ever pictured Javi here today, gettinâ married, buildinâ a house and talkinâ about startinâ a family? Well shit, I prolly woulda told you that you were bat shit crazy. But, if thereâs anyone in the world who deserves every ounce of all that domestic, lovely dovey bliss, itâs this man right here.â Steve smiled softly, pointing back to Javi who couldnât help but let his heart fill with warmth at the sentiment from his friend, your hand rubbing up and down Javiâs leg, his grasping over yours to hold it tight.Â
âJavi, I know youâll never believe me when I tell you this, but Iâm real proud of ya, man. And I hope you know how goddamn lucky you are that this beautiful woman has agreed to spend the rest of her life with your grumpy ass. Speaking of whichâŠâ Steve smirked, turing back to look at you with a goofy grin, making you raise an eyebrow at whatever stupid comment was bound to come out of his mouth.Â
âMrs. Peña. I never thought Iâd live to see the day Javi was so in love. When he called me a few weeks after the two of you first met, and was all jazzed and excited to tell me about this beautiful girl he had started datinâ and how happy he was, I just about damn near fell down. He never said it on that phone call, but I knew that this sorry shit was absolutely head over heels in love with you.âÂ
That comment had you giggling at Javiâs blushing face, his cheeks turning pink at Steveâs story, even though he knew damn well it was the truth.Â
âI couldnât think of anyone who would be more perfect for Javi if I tried. When I first met you and saw how sickeningly cute yâall were together, Godâs honest truth, my first question I asked Javi was when he was planninâ on buyinâ a ring. Glad to see that sometimes heâll take my advice. Sweetheart, I canât thank you enough for being so good to my best friend right there. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have someone like you.âÂ
Grabbing your hand, Javi interlocked his fingers with your underneath the table, softly smiling at you and gently nodding his head in agreement.Â
âI also need to thank you that heâs finally got someone else to worry about him instead of me. One less thing off my back. No offense, Jav. Alright, well, yâall have probably heard enough of me yappinâ, and yâall are anything like me, youâre ready for more drinkinâ and dancinâ. To Mr. and Mrs. Peña-â Steve paused, grabbing the nearest drink he could find and raising it up in the air, prompting the rest of your guests to do the same. âWishinâ you two lovebirds a lifetime of happiness. I love you guys. Cheers!âÂ
Over the applause and cheerful shouting, Steve rushed his way back over to the two of you, slotting himself in between your seats so his head poked out between yours, wrapping his arms around both your shoulders and pulling you in for a hug.Â
âNice work, Murph.â Javi smiled, patting Steve on the back, laughing to himself at how genuinely thoughtful Steveâs speech had turned out to be.Â
âThanks, Steve. Your speech was really great. How much did Connie have to edit out?â You snickered, looking back between him and Javi.Â
â... Letâs just say I left out the part about yâall horny bastards needinâ to be better about lockinâ your doors when other people are around.â Steve chuckled, shaking both of you in his grap, You and Javiâs eyes sheepishly darting to the ground in embarrassment.Â
âFuck off, Murph.âÂ
âLove you too, Jav.âÂ
With one last pat on the back for each of you, before you could say anything else, Steve was already halfway across the tent back to the bar to congratulate himself for getting through his speech without any major slip ups or major scoldings from Connie after he returned back to his table.Â
âThank God for Connie.â You grimaced, laughing at Javi whose face was buried in his palm, shaking his head at his friend, wondering why he would expect any less from him. â...Heâs not wrong, though.âÂ
âIâm triple checking that I lock all the doors later so I donât give him any more reasons to be rightâŠâ Javi sighed, giving you a little nudge while the hand that had been holding yours suddenly let go, resting on your thigh over your dress, giving it a long squeeze, making your heart race in anticipation, his eyes locking with yours, telling you everything you needed to know. Â
Some way, some how, Javi was going to find a way to fuck you before the night was done.Â
âJaviâŠâ You whispered, heat creeping through your cheeks, trying your best to keep from blushing as you locked eyes with him, his devilish grin and lust pooling in the dark brown of his eyes entrancing you in a way that had butterflies swirling in your core and ache rapidly beginning to grow between your legs.Â
âSi, Mi esposa?â (Yes, my wife?), Javi smirked back, running his hand further up your thigh and closer to your core as his other hand came up to cup your face, thumb tracing back and forth across your skin, toying just enough to tug at the corner of your lip.Â
While you had gotten a little bit of alone time with Javi today, the way that the both of you had been absolutely insatiable for each other after seeing each other in your wedding attire, let alone the fact that you were now actually married? You and Javi were both dying to try and find a second to yourselves without interruption, especially from Steve.Â
So caught up in awe of each other, you and Javi hadnât even noticed your DJ, standing next to your table, quietly clearing his throat to try and get your attention.Â
âHey, uh- Mr. and Mrs. Peña?â He interjected, loud enough to finally snap you and Javi out of the horny stare down you had entered, âAre um- are you two ready for the first dance?âÂ
âOh, um- yeah, y-yeah, sorry about that.â Javi grumbled, the two of you quickly trying to snap out of the thick heat of sexual tension that had been growing between you, both readjusting yourselves in your seats as you looked up sheepishly at the DJ, âSorry, what did you say?âÂ
âI asked if you two were ready to do your first dance? If you um, if you need some more time I can-âÂ
âNo, weâre okay, thanks.â You grimaced, trying to keep from giggling and blushing as you looked over at Javi and then back at your DJ. âYou ready to dance, Mr. Peña?âÂ
âNever been more ready, Mrs. Peña.â Javi replied, grabbing your hand as the two of you stood up, out of your seats walking to the edge of the dance floor while your DJ headed back to his booth.Â
âHello everyone! Weâre going to get ready to start our first dance with the newlyweds, so if you could please direct your attention to the dance floor, weâre about to get started!âÂ
Before you could even take a step out onto the floor, the cheering and clinking of knives against glasses was erupting amongst the crowd, Javi happily taking the opportunity to grab you by the waist and pull you in for a long, deep kiss, making you giggle against his lips still pressed to yours as he dipped you down, before pulling you back against his chest.Â
âShow off.â You snickered, raising an eyebrow at him as he finally pulled away from your kiss, staring down at you with a goofy grin.Â
âBetter get used to it, Mrs. Peña. Iâve got the whole rest of our lives to keep showing you off.â Javi smirked, shooting you a wink before tugging you out into the center of the dance floor, patiently waiting for your song to start as you draped one arm around his neck, Javi snaked his hand around your waist, and the pair of your other hands joined clasped at your side.Â
It was then that the melodic violin entrance to âAt Lastâ by Etta James began to play, Javi smiling down softly at your agreed upon choice for your first dance song after lots of debate and discussion the past few months.Â
At lastÂ
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
As the music began to play, you and Javi began to sway back and forth to the syrupy symphony of the song, your heart bursting and stomach filling with the same butterflies it had the first time you had met Javi all those months ago.Â
âIâm glad we picked this one.â Javi smiled, the two of you circling your way around the dance floor, eyes locked on each other. Â
âMe too. It always makes me think of making breakfast with you on the weekend and all the little moments I love with you.â You grinned back, letting go of Javiâs hand to drape both arms over his shoulder and around his neck.Â
âIt makes me think of spilling that entire bowl of pancake batter all over Bear and then having to chase him around the house to get him in the tub.â Javi sighed, rolling his eyes as he laughed to himself, tightening his grip around your waist to pull you closer.Â
I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my ownÂ
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never knownÂ
âMe too. God, who would have thought that a year ago weâd be having our first dance at our wedding talking about spilling pancake batter all over our dog.â You giggled, leaning to rest your head against Javiâs chest.Â
âI did.âÂ
Looking up at Javi, you could feel your cheeks warming, staring at his big brown eyes welling with tears, trying your best to now hold back the wetness pooling under your lashes.Â
âOsita, I swear, from the moment I saw you smile at me, I knew that you were the only woman in the world I ever wanted. I knew you were the one I wanted my forever with. Iâll never get over the fact that Iâm the luckiest man alive. I love you so fucking much.â Javi choked back, letting one of his hands slide up your face, gently cupping your cheek as he tilted his head in for a soft kiss on your lips before pulling away for another one on your forehead.Â
You smiled, you smiledÂ
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in HeavenÂ
As the song began to slow, the sweet melody winding down to its close, Javi lifted up his arm to let you twirl beneath him before spinning you back into his chest and wrapping his arm around your waist to catch you as he dipped you down again, your mouths meeting in a long, tender kiss, electricity sparking between your lips and butterflies swirling in your stomach.Â
For you are mineÂ
At lastÂ
âI love you too, Javier Peña.âÂ
Over the applause of your guests, you could hear an obnoxiously loud âOW OWâ from the crowd, coming from a now even more intoxicated Steve, making you and Javi laugh at his reaction, swiftly followed by Connieâs sharp jab to his ribs to get him to settle down.Â
âAlright ladies and gents,â The DJ spoke over the rumble of voices at the dinner tables, âLetâs have one more big round of applause for our newlyweds!âÂ
As the crowd began to clap again, and Steve, threatened by another blow to his side, cheering at an appropriate volume, the DJ spoke again with the announcement you had been patiently waiting for since the ceremony finished.Â
âAlright everyone, with our first dance done, itâs time for the best part of the night, the dance floor is officially open! Letâs party!âÂ
As the blaring intro to âJump Aroundâ began to blast to your speakers, your friends and family rushed to the dance floor, you let out a squeal of surprise as Javi snatched you up around your middle, lifting you up to spin you around in a fit of giggles.Â
âVamos a bilar, mi esposa.â (Letâs dance, wife)Â
The rest of the night was the best kind of celebration that you could have asked for- the joy of being surrounded by your friends and family, dancing the night away to your favorite songs, and drinking one too many margaritas with your husband was everything you could have asked for and more on your wedding night.Â
It was no shock to you that your family had no problem making absolute fools of themselves out on the dance floor, happily (and drunkenly) flailing along to every single song, although your brothersâ and Steveâs enthusiastic sing-along to âBaby Got Backâ was impressive, to say the least.Â
And while you and Javi had expected your family to act a fool, what neither of you had expected was how excited Chucho was to bust out dance moves of his own, taking everyone by surprise as he joined all your co-workers and Javiâs co-workers (who had quickly become best friends on the dance floor), to shake his way through âWannabeâ by the Spice Girls, leaving you in hysterics, and Javi in stunned embarrassment at his dadâs antics.Â
As the evening began to creep later and later into the hours of the night, a very sleepy Olivia approached you and Javi on the dance floor, gently tugging at your dress and his pants for attention with puppy dog eyes plastered on her face that almost gave Javiâs a run for his money.Â
âAuntie Bear and Uncle Javi, can I pick a song? Pleaseeeeeee?â Olivia begged, pouting her bottom lip at the two of you, absolutely melting your hearts in an instant.Â
âOf course, mi amor.â Javi smiled, caving immediately as he crouched down to her level, her face lighting up in delight at her uncleâs response, coming close to whisper in his ear.Â
If you couldnât have already been more in love with your husband, watching him listen intently to what your niece had to say, nodding in agreement before scoping her up to rest on his hip, you were practically in a puddle now.Â
âMe and Miss Olivia are gonna go make a song request.âÂ
âBut Auntie Bear, you have to let me dance with Uncle Javi first, okay?â Olivia quickly added, very adamantly.Â
âOf course, lil Miss. Have fun, you two.â You smirked as Javi and Olivia made their way over to the DJ, watching Oliviaâs face light up instantly as the DJ agreed to her request, Javi carrying Olivia out to the middle of the dance floor and setting her down on the ground as the end of the song slowly began to fade into your nieceâs song choice.Â
With her love for the movie, you shouldnât have been surprised at all that her pick was âCan You Feel the Love Tonightâ from the Lion King Soundtrack, but even though you werenât shocked at her choice, there was nothing that going to be able to prepare you for the gut wrenching cuteness that was your now husband, dancing with your niece.Â
It had already gotten to the point in the night that Javiâs suit jacket and tie were long gone, 3 buttons undone and sleeves rolled up to his forearms, and the once neat curls of his dark hair now messily sweeping his forehead from your night of dancing, and if the sight of just how goddamn handsome Javi looked, on top of the fact he was now officially your husband, paired with the sight of him slow dancing to the Lion King with Olivia?Â
Your ovaries were just about shot to hell.Â
As the song played and Javi and Oliva spun around the dance floor in a fit of smiles and giggles, you couldnât help but wish with every bone in your body that it was your daughter that Javi was dancing with, nearly falling to your knees the thought of making him a dad, on top of being your husband. And if that wasnât enough, the two of you were finally married, and that meant half of your bargain to start trying for kids was complete- and with the other half being your house finally finishing with construction which was almost close to being done as well, you were so close to start trying for a baby of your own, you could almost taste it.Â
And that? That drove you crazy enough to feel like you were going to combust.Â
So stuck in your daydream, you didnât even notice Olivia running up to you, now tugging at your dress again, letting out a little sleepy yawn as she tried to get your attention.Â
âOkay Auntie Bear, you can dance with Uncle Javi now. Thanks for letting me pick a song.â Olivia smiled as you sunk down to meet her, wrapping her in a hug.Â
âOf course, Olivia. Thank you for being the best flower girl today. I love you, cutie patootie. Alright, Iâm gonna go dance with Uncle Javi now, okay?âÂ
âI love you too, Auntie Bear. I think Uncle Javi misses you, he wouldnât stop looking at you the whole time we were dancing. I think he wants to kiss you again, but thatâs gross. Yuck.â Oliva grimaced, making you giggle as she stuck out her tongue before watching her scamper away back to her sisters and the Murphy girls to dance some more.Â
As you turned back, bracing yourself to stand back up, you were greeted with Javiâs large palm held out in front of you, pulling you up to greet his handsome grin while you looked up at him.Â
âIâve been told I have permission to come dance with you now.âÂ
âIt did take some persuading, I told her Iâd save an extra piece of cake for her if she let me go dance with you.â Javi chuckled, pulling you back out onto the dance floor, slowly swaying back and forth to the beat.Â
âWatching you two out there is dangerous.â You smirked, raising an eyebrow at Javi as he cocked his head in confusion.Â
âWhat do you mean, hermosa?âÂ
âI mean,â You paused, standing up a little bit taller, throwing one arm over Javiâs shoulder, running your hand through the hairs at the nape of his neck to whisper in his ear, âWatching the two of you made me think about how much I wanna make you a dad. And now that weâre married and the house is almost done, we actually get to start trying soon.âÂ
It took everything in Javi not to let out an audible moan, letting out a gulp and scrunching his eyes shut for a moment to try and maintain his composure at what you had just said to him, his grip around your waist immediately tightening and eyes darkening as he opened them, staring down at you, absolutely awestruck.Â
âFuck me.â He muttered to himself, almost shaking his head in disbelief that after all of the time you had spent talking about wanting kids and nights youâve had wishing there hadnât been any birth control to keep you from having them were now an almost tangible reality, âIs that what you want, mi esposa? My wife wants me to give her a baby?âÂ
Javiâs voice rasped in your ear, sending shivers down your spine, your stomach flipping in arousal at the hot breath of his words against your skin, knowing what had started as a sweet and simple moment of Javi dancing with Olivia had quickly shifted into a desperate want, no, need, for him to give you what you were asking for.Â
As the music slowly faded into the next song, bodies shuffling and dancing to the more upbeat tune that had followed Oliviaâs choice, the both of your figures stood frozen on the dance floor in a silent exchange of racing hearts and yearning glances before Javi took your hand in his.Â
âFollow me.âÂ
In an instant, Javi was tugging you across the dance floor, the two of you dodging and weaving your way through your guests with polite smiles and happy waves, doing everything you could to try and sneak away as discreetly as possible in hopes that everyone would be too preoccupied (or too drunk) to realize that you were gone.Â
But at this point, you really didnât care whether anyone noticed if you were gone or not. Truth be told, the only thing you cared about was finally getting to fuck your husband.Â
Finally making it through the worst of the maze of people, you and Javi had made your way to the back porch, quietly peeking your heads through the door, checking to make sure the coast was clear before hastily slipping inside, gently shutting the door behind you before sneaking down the hall to Javiâs room, thanking whatever higher power had let the two of you get to his bedroom in peace.Â
From the moment Javi had shut the door behind him, you were all over each other in an instant, hands roaming across each otherâs bodies as you stumbled until the back of your legs hit the mattress, flopping down onto the bed, Javiâs body caging yours in his frame. Your lips crashed together in a hungry clash, tongues, teeth and moans melting together between your mouths as Javi hiked up the skirt of your dress, running his hands along your thighs, squeezing the soft flesh in his firm grasp before his fingers crept towards your aching core, ghosting over the white, lacy fabric covering your cunt, already soaking with arousal.Â
âFuck, youâre so wet, hermosa. My wifeâs pretty little pussy all wet for me, huh?â Javi rasped, the pads of his fingers pressing more pressure over your covered clit, making you whimper in delight.Â
âItâs all yours, Javi. Yours forever, baby.â You moaned, your breath hitching in the back of your throat as Javiâs fingers dipped under the waistband of your underwear, collecting the slick pooling around your folds before plunging his two fingers inside your heat and thumbing at your sensitive bundle of nerves, pure bliss running through your veins at his touch.Â
Your response had Javi practically growling, a low groan rumbling in his chest as he looked down to see the golden and diamond bands glistening on your finger, awestruck at the beautifully blissed out mess you were already becoming as his fingers curled, prodding at the spongy spot inside you that he knew drove you wild.Â
âYouâre so fucking perfect, Osita. My beautiful wife. Fuck- I canât believe your mine. I love you so fucking much.â Javi groaned, his words muffled between the hot, wet kisses he kept planting on your lips, feeling your cunt beginning to clench around his digits.Â
âI l-love- fuck- I love you too, Javi.â You whimpered, the all too familiar tingle at the base of your spine beginning to build as Javiâs fingers pulsed in and out of your heat and thumb circled your throbbing clit, knowing with how worked up you were and how good he felt, it wouldnât take much more before you were coming undone around his hand.Â
âI know youâre close, baby. Let go, hermosa. Cum for me so I can fuck my wife and show her how much I love her.âÂ
âF-Fuckfuckfuck Javi. Donât stop, baby, donât s-sto-ahhhhhhhhh.âÂ
With his thumb circling faster and harder around your sensitive bundle of nerves, and fingers plunging in and out of your weeping hole, it wasnât long before you could feel that all too familiar tingle spreading throughout your body, your orgasm flooding through every inch of you as you came around his fingers, soaking his hand.Â
âThatâs it, Osita. Thatâs my good girl. My good wife.â Javi groaned, making you whimper as he withdrew his fingers from your dripping heat, admiring the slick and shiny mess you had made around his fingers, entranced by the way your arousal had coated his wedding band as he brought his hand to his mouth, sucking his fingers clean before beginning to work at his belt. âYou taste so fucking sweet, baby.âÂ
You sat back up, looking over your heaving chest to see Javi shuffling his pants and boxers down his thighs, leaving them to pool around his ankles, revealing his cock, already so painfully hard and weeping with precum from his tip. Reaching down to run his fingers through your folds again, he collected your slick on his hand before rubbing it up and down his length, stroking himself to line up with your entrance.Â
âF-fuck, let me feel you baby, p-please.â You whined, reaching up to grab fistfuls of Javiâs shirt, tugging him down to kiss you and lay his body on top of yours.Â
âJesus fucking ChristâŠâ Javi moaned, slowly filling you up with his cock inch by inch until he had bottomed out against your cervix, letting you adjust to the fullness as he relished in the wet and warmth of your pussy gripping around him like a vice.Â
âM-move, Javi, please, baby.â The sweet sting and stretch of Javiâs length inside you already wanting to make your eyes roll to the back of your head.Â
Javi began to languidly thrust himself in and out of your heat, dragging his cock almost painfully slowly against your velvety walls, cursing under his breath at the feeling of his balls beginning to tighten in his stomach, knowing there was no way he was going to be able to last as long as he would have wanted to in the moment.Â
âJaviiiiiâ You whined, your arms wrapping around back, nails pressing into his shoulders as his cock hit the spot inside you that lit you ablaze. His hand snaked between your bodies, reaching down to rub your clit, still slow, taking his time with each graze of his fingertips as his pace held deep and steady. Every thrust in and out of his hips had you wrecked as he filled you so fully and intensely, moaning his name over and over while he grasped the meat of your thighs, pressing your knees against your chest to stretch you open even further. Â
âGod youâre so beautiful. My beautiful fucking wife. Gonna be such a beautiful mom for our kids.â Javi grunted, this thrusts becoming faster and sloppier as he let the reality of his marriage and actual attempts to start trying for a family burn a hole in the forefront of his mind, igniting something even feral within him, knowing he was one step closer to finally giving you and him what you both wanted more than anything.Â
For Javi to get you pregnant.
The last sentence made your breath hitch in the back of your throat, whimpering at the notion that because you were finally married, there wasnât much stopping you from tossing out your birth control tomorrow and trying to get pregnant by the end of the month.Â
âJ-Javi-â You whined, trying to form any sort of coherent thought as your brain short circuited from the pure bliss and heart racing thoughts running through your brain.Â
âWhat, Osita?â Â
âI-I want you- oh shit- to fuck a baby into me, Javi. I wanna throw out the rest of my birth control- I donât care if the house- Jesus- isnât finished. I wanna stop taking it tomorrow. I w-want you to- fuck- fill me up and get me pregnant.âÂ
You could practically feel the weight of Javiâs jaw dropping to the floor, eyes bulging out of his skull, and heart beating out of his chest, so shocked, he stopped himself mid thrust, just to make sure he had heard you correctly.Â
âOsita- baby, are you- holy fuck- baby, are you serious?âÂ
You nodded your head frantically, grabbing the collar of his shirt to pull him in for an electric kiss before leaning back to whisper in his ear, your voice sultry and low.Â
âI need my husband to fuck a baby into me. Please. Fuck a baby into me, Javi.âÂ
If Javi didnât have his arms already braced on the bed, thereâs no way in hell he wouldnât have fallen over in pure delight at your request, his stomach now churning with the wildest mix of excitement, lust and pride, spreading up through his chest and across his face, the brown of his eyes darkening and awestruck smile widening.Â
âYou want me to fuck a baby into you, Hermosa?â Javi asked, almost rhetorically, a devilish grin spreading between his cheeks as he began to pound into you again, not even giving you a chance to respond, knowing damn well what your answer was. Â
If his thrusts werenât already frantically rushed and sloppy, they most definitely were now, Javi practically on the brink of his own high just from the thought of getting to fuck you, knowing there was a real, true chance of getting you pregnant, trying to fight with everything in him to keep from busting right then, needing to make sure that you came again before he did.Â
The lewd noises of your moans, wetness of Javiâs cock sliding in and out of you, and his hips snapping against yours coated the walls of the room, the both of you having no regard for anyone who may have been close enough to hear you, so caught up in the moment, that at this point, you couldnât have cared less if anyone caught the both of you.Â
âAnswer me, baby. Mierda- You want me to fuck a baby into you, huh? Want me to fucking fill you up and get you pregnant? Show everyone youâre mine with our baby growing inside you?â Javi grunted through gritted teeth, pounding into your g-spot with blinding force, frantically circling your clit as he felt your cunt begin to clench tighter and tighter around his cock, knowing you just needed a little bit more before he had you coming undone.Â
âY-yes- fuckfuckfuck- I need you to, Javi, p-please baby, please, please, pleaaahhhhhhh-âÂ
Just like that, you could feel yourself gushing around Javiâs cock as you came, your orgasm hitting you like a tidal wave, crashing through every inch of your body, euphoria flooding through your veins, screaming his name while he fucked you through your high, desperately chasing his own.Â
âIâll give it to you baby, I- fuck me- Iâll give you everything you want. Iâll give you as many babies as you want. Iâll give you a family, Iâll give you my heart, my soul, my everything, my- oh fuck!âÂ
Javiâs hips stuttered, forcing a low groan to rumble in his throat as he came, the hot ropes of his spend coating your walls, making sure to milk himself of every last drop inside you, still pulsing and thrusting inside you, ensuring that nothing went to waste.Â
Slumping his body on top of yours, your chests rose and fell in sync, trying your best to catch your breaths as you came down from your highs, your mouths meeting in a sloppy kiss to try and ground you back to reality.Â
âHoly fuckâŠâ You whispered through your labored pants, laughing to yourself from the pure bliss of what had just happened, staring up at Javi with a radiant grin, brushing the sweat-dampened curls from his forehead.Â
Javi hissed as he carefully pulled out, leaning back enough to see the smile on your face, gently cupping your cheek as he looked down at you with a goofy grin of his own.Â
âOsita⊠Were you being- baby, were you serious about what you said?âÂ
âJav, I donât think Iâve ever been more serious about anything in my entire life. Is-is that okay with you?â You asked, biting down on your lip.Â
âIs that okay with me?â He asked, almost mockingly, chucking to himself as he shook his head in disbelief, âWe can really throw it away tomorrow?âÂ
âYup.âÂ
âAnd you wonât bring it with you on the honeymoon?âÂ
âNope.â You replied, popping the âpâ at the end of the word.Â
âAnd thereâs- holy fuck- thereâs a chance you could actually get pregnant soon?â Javi asked, his face glowing brighter and brighter with each question he asked.Â
âMmmhhmmm. Well, I mean, it might not happen right away but- Ahhhh Javi!â You giggled as your husband aggressively peppered ticklish kisses across your entire face, making you squeal and squirm in delight.Â
âFuck, I love you so much. Thank you.â Javi smiled, tears welling in his eyes as he looked down at you.Â
âJav, baby, donât cry! Why are you crying, you dork?âÂ
âYouâve given me everything Iâve ever wanted. You married me, weâre gonna have a family, itâs just- fuck, I promise, that I wanna spend the rest of my life until the day I die showing you how thankful I am that you chose me. That you gave me all the things I stopped thinking I deserved. I love you so much, it fucking hurts, Osita. Thank you for choosing me.âÂ
Sitting up, you threw your arms around Javi, pulling him close to you in the tightest hug you could muster, stroking the hair at the nape of his neck, feeling the weight of his body melt into yours, your bodies intertangled as one.Â
âJavi, youâre the only one it ever could be. Te amo mĂĄs de lo que las palabras pueden expresar. (I love you more than words can say).âÂ
âHey! Lovebirds! Are yâall in here?âÂ
Over the music and chatter of the party outside, you and Javi had been completely oblivious to the all too familiar southern twang of Steveâs voice behind the bedroom door, gently knocking from the outside after being sent on a mission to find where in the world the two of you had been for nearly a half hour.Â
âHello? Mr. and Mrs. Peña?â Steve rapped again, getting nothing in response but silence. Steve shrugged, drunk enough to have no fear to pound on the door repeatedly until the two of you showed up, now reaching down at the doorknob and giving it a jiggle.Â
Steve was shocked to find that he could turn the handle, writing off the fact that they two of you would be in a room with an unlocked door after the 10 pounds of shit he had given Javi, and with his inhibitions severely lowered, he had no problem cranking the knob and pushing the bedroom door wide open.Â
âHello? Earth to Javi and Mrs. Peña, are yâall in here or not because I- Oh Jesus Christ!â Steve shrieked, opening up the door to see you and Javi, your dress still hoisted up to your waist, and Javiâs bare ass completely on display, making the both of you scream just as loud in surprise at your unwanted visitor.Â
âMurphy! Get the fuck out!â Javi snarled, quickly scrambling to try and pull your dress back down and his pants back up.Â
âJesus Fuckinâ Christ!â Steve yelled, immediately bringing his hand to his face to cover up his eyes, trying to drunkenly stumble as quickly as he could back out of the room, but, because of his intoxicated state and self-imposed lack of vision, Steve found himself colliding head first with the wall, knocking himself to the ground before crawling across the floor like a frazzled toddler, kicking the door closed behind him.Â
For as devastatingly embarrassed as you were by the whole debacle, you couldnât help but cackle at the impeccable comedic timing of the whole thing, snickering to yourself as Javi finished buckling back up his pants and helping you up to stand before storming to the door, opening it to find Steve still sprawled on the floor in an a hysteric fit.Â
âAre you fucking serious, Murph?â Javi growled, completely unamused.Â
âGod, I shoulda kept my bit that Connie cut in my speech. Yâall do know that doors have locks, right? Might be helpful if yâall learned how to use âem. Just food for thought.â Steve giggled, watching both of your faces grow beet red in embarrassment and at a loss for words.Â
âWhat the fuck are you doing here?â Javi asked, pinching the arch of his nose between his fingers, shaking his head in frustration, looking down the hallway to make sure that Steve was the only presence you needed to worry about.Â
âIâm tryinâ to save your asses before someone else worse than me walks in on the two of you gettinâ it on. Yâall do realize youâve been gone for almost 45 minutes right? Being the- oh shit-â Steve paused, letting out a giant burp,â âcuse me, being the good Best Man I am, I decided to try and find you two idiots before people started askinâ too many questions. So, youâre welcome.â Steve grunted, pushing himself up to stand, cocking his head at the both of, hands on his hips, trying to prove his point. âAlso, do you two anything else besides fuc-âÂ
âSteve! Jesus Christ, will you shut the fuck up!â Javi groaned, staring down at the floor, taking a deep breath to compose himself before he decided to kick Steve right back down to the ground again.Â
â...Itâs really been 45 minutes?â You grimaced, looking back between Steve and Javi, shrugging at your husband that any longer, your mom would have been on a search party for you, and it would have been your whole family at Javiâs bedroom door instead of just Steve.Â
âYeah, and Iâm the first to come lookinâ after ya, so again, youâre welcome. Jesus, Javi, you can really last for 45 fuckin minutes? How the-âÂ
âMurphy!âÂ
âSorryâŠâÂ
âFuck meâŠ.âÂ
âThink you and your wife already took care of that oneâŠâ Steve muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh.
âI swear to God, SteveâŠâÂ
âOkay, Iâm done! Iâm done! Swear!â Steve held up his hands in defense, taking a step back away from Javi.  Â
âWill you please just give us a minute, Murph?â Javi sighed, running his hand through his hair, trying with every bone in his body to keep his patience with his drunken friend.Â
âFine, fine, fine. 1 minute. Iâm counting. Use your time wisely and appropriately, you sickos.â Steve snickered, disappearing down the hallway, only to peek his head back out around the corner. âAnd Jav?â
âWhat, Murph?âÂ
âYour flyâs undone.â
As you and Javi sheepishly made your way back out to the backyard, you couldn't have been more relieved to see that at this point, anyone still left at your reception was far too drunk to care that you had been missing, seeing that almost all of your guests were out on the dance floor, partying away without a care in the world, or any inkling of what you and Javi had been up to.Â
âLonger than a minute, but beggars canât be choosers I guess.â Steve chuckled, creeping up behind you with two drinks in hand, passing them both off to you and Javi. âHere. Figured I owe ya a drink. These are on me.âÂ
âWe paid for the bar, Murph.âÂ
âAlright, well I guess these ones are on you, Grumpy Pants.â Steve grumbled mockingly, holding up his hands in defense, trying not to stumble over his own two feet as he made his way back to the dance floor.Â
âRemind me again why I picked him to be my best man?â Javi laughed, taking a sip of his drink, the both of you snickering as you watched Steve whip out some questionable dance moves to âDonât Stop Me Nowâ by Queen blaring in the background and Connie shake her head at her husband.Â
âBecause you love him. Donât get me wrong, heâs an idiot, but heâs a good guy.â You smiled, giving Javi a little nudge, resting your head on his shoulder as you looked out at the dance floor. âHey-â You paused, holding up your glass and raising it to Javiâs. âCheers.âÂ
âCheers to what, Osita?â Javi asked, wrapping his arm around you, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead as he brought his glass next to yours.Â
âCheers to us. I love you so much, Javier Peña, it makes me sick. Sicker than all this tequila is gonna make me tomorrow after I keep drinking it the rest of the night.âÂ
The two of you snorted, goofily clinking your glasses and taking a hefty sip of your drinks as you looked out on the dance floor, your hearts overflowing with love and joy to know that you were surrounded by all of the people in the world you cared about most, even the ones that couldnât be physically with you, to celebrate the biggest day of your life and the start of your new forever.Â
âCheers, Hermosa. I love you so goddamn much. Maybe the hangover will help distract the nerves on the flight tomorrow.â Javi smirked, taking another sip of his drink as he shook you playfully in his grasp, your faces both lighting up as you remembered that tomorrow, you be in the Bahamas for the next 10 days, where the only thing you needed to worry about was where you wanted to lay on the beach, what drink you wanted in your hand, and now, seeing how quickly Javi could get you pregnant.Â
âOh shut up.â You sighed, giving Javi a little slap to the chest before taking another sip of your drink, looking up at Javi with heavy lashes, batting your eyes at him. âYou just have to remind me that I have to do some unpacking before we leave tomorrow.âÂ
âUnpacking?â Javi asked, tilting his head in confusion at you, the gears in his brain turning as you bit down on your lip, raising your eyebrow at him, waiting for him to piece together your clue. âOh. Oh.âÂ
Javiâs eyes went wide as he remembered what you meant, heart racing in anticipation, never imagining before today that he would have been so excited to actively throw away birth control to try and have a kid.
âCan we throw it away tonight?â Javi pleaded, his puppy dog eyes in full effect.Â
âIâm not sure what difference tonight and tomorrow morning is gonna make, but sure. Happy wedding present.â You giggled, pressing up onto your tiptoes to plant a long, hot kiss.Â
âBest fucking gift I could ask for besides the fact I finally get to call you my wife.âÂ
As the end of the song slowly faded out, âEverybody (Backstreetâs Back)â began to play next in the background, your face lighting up in excitement and Javiâs eyes rolling, hearing the song that had been most likely the biggest controversy of your entire wedding planning process now bumping through the speakers, followed by the cheers and hollers of your guests.Â
âI told you people would want to hear this song.â You said smugly, crossing your arms over your chest, popping your hip at Javi as you sassed him, making him shake his head at your theatrics.Â
âIt doesnât stop it from being a stupidly annoying song.âÂ
âA stupidly annoying song that people love. A stupidly annoying song that your wife loves.â You teased. âWhaddya say, Peña, can you stand this unbearably stupid song to go dance with me?Â
âIâd dance to this song with you a million times if it means I get to dance with you.âÂ
Grabbing Javi by the hand, you tugged him out to the dance floor in a fit of giggles and smiles, jumping along and dancing to the beat song after song the rest of the night with your friends, family and husband.Â
You couldn't help but catch yourself stopping now and again to smile to yourself to take everything in, feeling like you needed to pinch yourself to make sure this was all really real. Just over a year ago, your life felt like it had hit an all time low. You had moved halfway across the country to try and run from your pain, desperate to find any way to bring yourself any ounce of peace in your ocean of hurt. It felt like fate had forsaken you for the worst, kicking you while you were down, and leaving destruction in its wake.Â
But never in a million years would you have believed that fate would have sent you with a one way ticket to Laredo, Texas, and that trip would bring so much more than just the glimmer of hope you longed for. It had brought you peace, comfort, the acceptance you werenât sure you would have ever allowed yourself to feel. Laredo had brought you everything you never expected, and all of the things you never thought you deserved.Â
It brought you Javi- the man who single handedly changed your life for the better, loving you unconditionally for every part of your being and piecing back together the parts of your heart you had left broken.
It brought you the man you now got to call your husband.Â
Fate and life have funny ways of working together to bring you the things you need the most when you least expect them. And today, as you got to marry the love of your life and your very best friend, you knew youâd be forever thankful that fate stepped in when you needed it most.Â
La vida es graciosa, no lo crees? (Life is funny, isnât it?)
@chaotic-iguana @rhoorl @whyjuliaaa @bbiophiliaa @pertinentpostmortem @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @pedrobaby @fatima-marisa @beboldbebravethings @poodlebae @kittenlittle24 @3sriracha @jungchloee @perennialdoll247 @prettyinpunk85 @partyofone3413 @harriedandharassed @pedrohoe04 @theorganasolo @endlessthxxghts @beware-my-thorns @missladym1981 @messinadresa @milly-louise @jay-zzle @the-one-with-the-grey-color @persephone-girl @bitchesuntitled @pedropascallvr @millennial-teenybopper @nastiasnow @vee-bees-blog @hopplessilse @mxtokko @its-nebuleuse @mandoisapunk @msmorningstaarr @amyispxnk @honeyedmiller @mountainsandmayhem @picketniffler @burningnerdchild @copperhalfcent @theoraekenslover @bloodyinspirationaldemon @vee-bees-blog @amyispxnk @samgirl4life @pigeonmama @pedr0swh0r3 @survivingandenduring
#pedro pascal#pedro pascal character fanfic#pedro pascal fanfiction#narcos fanfiction#pedro pascal character#javi peña x reader#javi pena#javier pena#javier pena fanfiction#javier pena fic#javier pena fluff#javier pena imagine#javier pena narcos#javier pena x f!reader#javier pena smut#javier pena x female reader#javier pena x reader#javier pena x you#javier peña#javier peña fanfiction#javier peña smut#javier peña x f!reader#javier peña x female reader#javier peña x reader#javier peña x you#joel miller#pedro pascal characters#jose pedro balmaceda pascal#pedrohub#pedrito
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đłđ¶đœđŹ, đđčđ¶đŽ đšđłđł đđ¶đŒđč đȘđ¶đčđ”đŹđčđș đ¶đ đ»đŻđŹ đŸđ¶đčđłđ« . (đșđŽđšđŒ đœđŹđčđșđ°đ¶đ”) - đčđđđ
(đđđđĄ đĄđ€đ)
đšđđđđđ'đ đ”đđđ - Once again, we have two parts! Hope you like this one as well and don't forget to go ready the first one ahead of this đ§Ą
original chapter | series masterlist | main masterlist | taglist | pt 1
yourusername
Red Bull Ring
yourusername Gooooood morning, Austria! I'll be pretending this is a sea of papaya, btw. Wish this bad boy good luck today đ§Ą
tagged: mclaren, landonorris
landonorris ***good boy! đ
âȘyourusername You don't fool anyone, babe âȘusername1 preach, y/n
username2 Lando P1 at Red Bull's home. I'm so ready!
username3 Papaya dom coming!
mclaren Everybody is a papaya fan! đ§Ą
liked by the author
f1news
f1news It's DNF for Norris in Austria! The McLaren driver crashed with the owner of the house, Max Verstappen, in the Red Bull Ring and was taken out of the race. The RBR driver lost his leadership, but finished P5.
username1 Max Verstappen plays it DIRTY!
username2 I feel so so sorry for Lando. He didn't deserve this đą
username3 i hope y/n takes good care of our boy
yourusername added to their stories
Caption: A very much needed home time for Mr Norris
landonorris
Silverstone
landonorris Back to Silvo with some family time â€
tagged: adam_norris_pure_electric, yourusername
yourusername P1 in Ollie's heart đ§Ą
âȘlandonorris My love â€
username1 Olivia content!!!!
âȘusername2 finally đ« i missed them so much
username3 i just know lando spent the entire week with ollie bf silverstone
username4 we're all ready for your revenge arch đ
landonorris
landonorris Silverstone I love you, so many incredible fans out there â€ïž Congrats on the win @.lewishamilton, weâll review, do better and come get you next timeÂ
username1 Just the fact that Olivia dressed as Lando for Silverstone makes me so so happy!
âȘusername2 she's his biggest fan indeed! âȘusername3 Olivia future WDC!
yourusername Always good to see you step on the podium at home 𧥠I'm so proud
âȘusername3 I love that no matter the result, Y/N is always there to support Lando âȘusername4 She's his true biggest fan
yourusername
Mallorca, Spain
yourusername Spain, you are a dream! đ€ Best summer break ever
tagged: landonorris
username1 THEY WENT ON A HOLIDAY TOGETHER?
username2 i'm considering this a hard launch, btw
âȘusername3 you always make it weird for them đ clearly they are just best friends having fun together âȘusername4 for real! people forget that he's literally her daughter's godfather âȘusername5 doesn't mean they can't become a couple eventually btw
username6 good to see that lando is spending time with y/n and olivia †he deserved some family time to recharge
oscarpiastri Enjoy summer break, guys!
âȘyourusername Thanks, Osc! Love you †Send love to Lily, btw
maxfewtrell Bring me next time
âȘlandonorris It's family only âȘyourusername Max is family, idiot
landonorris My girls â€
âȘyourusername Our boy †âȘusername7 Stooooop, I love you guys so much âȘusername8 The cutest duo ever
landonorris
Mallorca, Spain
landonorris aug 24. sun & things âïž family, forever
tagged: yourusername
yourusername Best summer ever †I love you my babies
username1 Stoooop they are the cutest little family, omg!
username2 Lando applying sunscreen to Ollie's face and they posing as a family is everything to me đ
maxfewtrell That's what i'm talking about, mates â€
yourusername Ollie says: "Hi, uncle Max. Come have dinner with us" maxfewtrell How can I deny this proposal?
username3 now can we please have a hard launch???
username4 uhmm don't think they are really together, though. lando has taken them on vacations before, it's not like something different happened username5 idk dude, they do seem a little closer after his win in miami and people saw them leaving the party together username6 you keep assuming things and it's very annoying
username7 I'm so ready for the next chapter of this story
â đ©đ«đđŻđąđšđźđŹ đđĄđđ©đđđ« // đ§đđ±đ đđĄđđ©đđđ« â
#lando norris#lando norris smau#lando norris social media au#lando norris social media#lando norris fanfic#lando norris fic#lando norris imagine#lando norris x you#lando norris x reader#lando norris x y/n#ln4#ln4 fanfic#ln4 imagine#ln4 fic#ln4 x you#ln4 x y/n#ln4 x reader#f1#f1 fanfic#ln4 social media au#ln4 smau#ln4 social media
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Loosen Your Grip. | R & D
logline; even when it seems counter-intuitive.
[!!!] series history; so many parts, so many words.
Spotify Playlist, if you like to listen while you read. I listen to it when I write :) Constantly gettinâ added to. 8 hour mark officially! Lets go!
portion; 15k knowing the next chapters, this trend isn't going to change. they have started to line up with the chapter number, to my chagrin.
possible allergies; i think this one is relatively harmless? Stress though. Everyone's stressed. Idk what to tell you man, it's the bear. oh but more things were yoinked from Season 3!! Think that's just gonna be ongoing tbh. also if this is bad don't tell me. tell me it's really good, actually. i've never doubted a chapter more than I do this one.
pairing; Carmen âCarmyâ Berzatto & Fem Reader it's so fem. it's so she/her'd it's so girl'd i'm so sorry
kofi; if youâve enjoyed the series, perhaps you wanna tip!
i'm so sorry for the delays beloveds, can you say 'most high stress but high reward month and a half of my life'? i can!!!
The Monday morning after New Yorkâ The first morning waking up in your own bed in a day or twoâ Comes rudely. Well, not immediately. First you have to roll over and grab aimlessly at your nightstand, searching for your phone to turn off your alarm. Through blurred vision you slide it to snooze, and as you debate going back to bed, your eyes glaze over some texts youâve received in your sleep, from numbers you never bothered to put in your contacts. It takes a minute to absorb the information and register it as real, but once you doâ
â...Are you fucking kidding me?!âÂ
âYouâre definitely not gonna be heading back to bed anymore. Youâre wide-eyed and wiredâ You can probably skip coffee this morning. Maybe every morning forever.
âOhâ I fucking hate this fucking city, I fucking hate Chicagoâ Fuck this!âÂ
In lieu of coming to terms with your world shattering news, perhaps this is an important moment to express gratitude, for the things that have gone well in the past few days.Â
The rest of the weekend in New York was as lovely as a last-minute trip in a cramped car full of kitchen equipment and four neurotics can be.
Gratitude. Highlight reel?
Thereâs a bag M and Ms monogrammed with Sydâs, Richieâs, Carmyâs, and your faces in your pantry now. Eva shouldnât be the only one allowed to have fun. Though snacking on all your cute little faces does make you feel like a slight monster.
Managed to get a good gift for Richie. Thank you Tiffanys. It was certainly an interesting moment when everyone tried to come up with lame excuses as to why they had to split up from the group to definitely totally not go get Christmas presents.
 Carmenâs knife guy wasnât able to do engravings on such short notice, and youâre not the type to settle for less, especially not with Syd, so thatâll be a next year gift, it seems. You came up with a serviceable back-up while strolling through the METâ Which was a mostly fun field trip, it was very inspiring. You all could've done without Richie's pretentious prattling about postmodern absurdist dadaism. Mostly because you're pretty sure half of it was wrong; but still a good trip, all told.
Still lost on what to get Carmen⊠Youâve got a week, itâs fine. Youâve done more with less before. How do you subtly ask a guy, âhey, what the hell else do you like besides your job?â Youâll figure it out. Figure it out like you figure out everything else, like you always do. Hopefully.
It's Monday. You've got a week. It's fine. Stop looking at your phone. This is such bad timing. This is awful fucking timing. Youâll figure it out. Stop looking at your phone, stop looking at the texts. Do the Connections, send it to Carmy, he already sent his, be normal⊠Just such bad timingâ
At the very least if you can't bear to look away from the life ruining texts, just shut your phone off. Youâve got to stop ruminating or youâll rot in bed forever. And you really have to get out on time, today.Â
âGod wants me to kill myselfââ Gratitude. Express gratitude.
The drive back went âwellâ. Everyone had their licenses so the squad took shifts either driving or sitting on the uncomfortable console. Or, in your case specifically, sitting half on Carmenâs lap in shotgun on occasion despite the many complaints from Syd and Richie. You had a good excuse! Neither of you slept for the entire trip just to work on the cocktail and coffee menu. It was practically a sacrifice! It was just easier to sit up front together, okay!? You had to be close, you were scribbling ratios and drawings of glasses into a stolen notepad from the Holiday Inn with pencil crayons bought from FAO Schwarzâ
Oh, hey, put that on the gratitude scoreboard, that was another thing that went well. Pretty cool to go to the oldest toy store in America. Might not have gotten the chef in your life anything yet, but the kids in your life are coveredâ Youâre winning best Aunt for sure.
Oh, huge highlightâ Didnât say love you, like some idiot. Got away with that by the skin of your teeth, honestly. Hard to stare up at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree next to the guy and not blurt out something fucking stupid. Thank God for Syd, who stomped on your foot when you seemed a little too doe eyed.
With great pain and bemoaning, you finish expressing gratitude, which hasnât helped much. You slam your phone screen down on your nightstand and roll out of bed.Â
Todayâs Monday. Todayâs your first day at The Bear. Today that is the priority and there is nothing else to worry about.
You signed your contract last night. Talked to Syd for hours about it, planning next steps and goals and classes and budgets and a million other things. Youâre both a little easily excitable, when it comes to lists and plans. Watching you sign yours gave her the âconfidenceâ to sign hers, if you can call it that. Not like you knew she needed the help, though.
âI love my life, I love my life, I love my lifeâŠâ If you keep saying it while washing your face in the bathroom, itâll become true, right? âŠWhereâs Saraâs card again?
The Bear doesnât run service on Mondays, so itâs a good day to do onboardingâ Good day to do R and D. âŠWhat does one wear to R and D? Donât need the serving uniform. Donât need to dress up. Donât need the jumpsuit⊠This is the first time you donât need a uniform and that is bizarre.
Youâll wear your dadâs flannel, at least. Feels illegal to not wear the patch worked flannel. But besides that, youâre just a normal⊠restaurateur⊠part of the teamâŠ
Your hand hovers over where your necklace sits, in the small jewellery box on your vanity. âMikey, if you want me to keep wearing it, make my ceiling cave in or some shit.â
You give it ten seconds and nothing falls. With a curt nod to no one, you pick up your book bag filled with loose tools and the menu filled notepad. Leave your bedroom, put your shoes on, grab your keys out of your clay dish tray on the way out.
Itâs snowing.
Thatâs a lot of stuff falling, so to speak.
Thatâs basically a sign. Thatâs basically what you asked for.
You head back in, grab the necklace, hook it over your neck, and tuck it under your shirt. Baby steps. You head back out.
âŠAnd then soon after, head back inâ Forgetting one of the most important things you need today. âThe fucking glass, goddamn it!â
Thereâs a chance that today might be a little bit of an off day for you. No oneâs gonna notice that, though.
âMikey, why didnât you tell me? You want me to look stupid on my start day, don't you? Fucker.â
Youâre good. Youâre you. You figure shit out. Youâre compartmentalising perfectly and no oneâs gonna be able to tell that youâre internally scrambling to figure out where you're gonna live once your lease gets terminated.
â âSup with you?â Okay, so Tina did immediately notice upon opening the back door for you. She tries to help you with the huge sheet of plexiglass youâre carrying, but you wave her off, stumbling further inside The Bear. Thankfully itâs a slow start to the morning, so the walk way is clear for your fumbled steps.
âI got it, T, just spot meââ
âWoahwoahwoahââ But alas, immediately Carmen is rushing over, making a big deal over nothing, âFuck are you doin?â And grabs the thick sheet of glass from you. âWait by your car next time, why do I gotta keep tellinâ you?â
âI am very capableââ You grunt, but youâre relieved when he takes the weight off you. You nod to the table in front of expo. âPut it on the island.â
âWhatâs it for?â Carmy asks but he follows direction without hesitation.
âSydâs idea.â You walk with him, sidling up to Syd whoâs already stationed up on the island with what looks like way too much paperwork for Chefs. You bump her shoulder as a greeting, she bumps you back. She lifts up the stack of papers and you pick up her deli container of Coke and ice, letting Carmen slide the glass onto the table.
âUnless itâs badââ You correct, putting the cup down and digging through the tool bag on your shoulder for the right parts. âIf you hate it, then itâs my idea.â
Syd snorts next to you, putting the papers back down on top of the glass. âNice save.â
âWhatâs your idea, Chef?â Carmen taps his fingers against the glass, bemused.
You finally fish out two lock hinges from your bag, gesturing to them with a little flair like youâre Vanna White as Sydney explains. âFor R and D. Thought since weâre likeâ Constantly changing shit and needing to review, itâd be like, useful to have a whiteboardâ But those are huge and inconvenient for a restaurantâ Duhâ Soââ
âGlass!â You come in with the assist as she rambles on. âOn hingesâ These oneâs lock so you can have the glass sort of tilted up like an easel, or on the stationâ And then when you start service you can just flip it down off the counter for the night. Easy!â
âAndâAndââ Like a TV ad, Syd points out, âWe can put paper under it and still be able to seeâ So itâll make editing clearerâ I-I think.â
Carmen always takes a nerve-wracking amount of time to think through otherâs ideas, but once he nods, you both breathe easy. âSmart idea. Thank you, Chefs.â
You just smile, and this seems to bother Carm. Or at the very least, something is bothering him, as he frowns. âYou got a second?â
Your brows furrow, for a moment, worried. You nod, putting your tools down. Glass can wait. âAlways.â
Carmen comes around the counter, before he pulls you aside, Syd whispers over your shoulder, âTrouble in paradise.â Making you snort. When has it ever been paradise?
The two of you lean across from each other in the doorway of Carmenâs office, not quite in, not quite out. He looks worried, and his worrying is making you worry. Heâs first to say something, concerned hand on your shoulder.
âAre you good?â
Fuck, he caught you too? âHmm? Yeah, Iâm good, do I notââ
Youâre halfway through your response when he interrupts, he seems even more panicked by your words. His hand abandons your shoulder. âRightâ Stupid, stupid fucking questionâ I justâ Sorryââ
âWoahââ You grip both his shoulders, rubbing down his sleeves lightly. âAre you good, Carmy? Youâre right, sweets. You caught me. Iâm a lilâ off today. What gave me away?â
âRight, yesâ Youâre nice.â Heâs saying it more to himself than you, like he needs to remind himself. Even so, it still hitches your heartbeat. âIâ Iâm good, I was justâYou didnât text me back this morning.â
âOh.â You say it so breathlessly, with relief. Itâs cute that thatâs whatâs got him freaking. âSorry, yeah, Iâve been trying to not look at my phone, I just got someâŠâ You shake your hand in the air for effect. âBleh news. Put a wrench in some things for me, thatâs all.â
âYeah? Whatâs up?â
âAhââ You shake your head, waving it off, âToo much to get into. Later, though?â
âYeah, yeah. Whenever you want.â He nods. âAh, I wanna get into uhmââ Carmen snaps his fingers a few times, finding the words. âGet into drinks, today. I made all the concentrates and syrups ahead of timeâBut Uncles gonna come in first with The Computer to go over some numbers shitâ Should be here in thirty?â
You nod, squinting. âIs it like⊠A special computer or something?â
âComputer is a guy.â Carmen says, while Syd yells the same in tandem with him, âWhy wouldnât he be!?â Walking past you both as she carries produce out of the walk-in.
âWhy wouldnât he be?â You grin, reiterating. Your smile soon sobers though, as you finally notice a giant silver blob of machinery behind Carmen. âBaby, what the fuck is that?âÂ
Youâre already walking past him, quickly winding up all over again. Itâs a gorgeous espresso machineâ âItâs an Ascaso.â Explains Carmen. âItâs the best.â And itâs sitting exactly where your beautiful beat up mistake of a heavily-stained coffee machine used to be.Â
âBaby, baby, babyââ youâre looking above and below the station for your rusted companion, hushed and panicked. âDonât tell me you threw away the old oneââÂ
âYou want the old one?â
Richieâs timing is perfect, as he walks in from front of house, and even from just hearing the last sentence, âFuckinâ told you, Carm.â He knows the context. He keeps walkingâ On a mission, seemingly.
âIâm gratefulâ I- I am.â You kneel down and shove some mixing bowls aside to see if it was tucked in the back of some shelfâ Itâs not here. Sheâs not here. âNew is goodâ New is niceâ Iâll learn how to use the new oneâ I willâ Butâ Iâ I need the old oneâ You didnât throw it away, did you?âÂ
When he stays silent, you turn and look up to Carmen from where youâre crouched on the ground, pleading. âTell me you didnât.â
âIâ Iââ The Chef is nearly sweating from this line of questioning alone. âItâ It barely workedââ
âI know it didnât! Thatâs the point!â
He blinks. You just seem to be saying all his trigger phrases, today, huh? âThatâs the point?â
âI knew how she worked.â You push yourself back up onto your feet. âItâs got an espresso function that doesnât work, if you tamp the basket the basket literally breaks off so you have to hold it and burn your hand a littleâ You have to hold the hot water button at the same time as the grind button for some reason or it wonât dispenseâ Itâs literally a fucking nightmareâ I covered it in like ten sticky notes of instructions at one point and they became pointless because no one but me was willing to use it. Andâ And Iâve got it memorized.â
â...And you want that?â
âNo oneâs gonna know how to take care of her, sheâs my baby!â You gesture, albeit a bit too dramatically, speaking with your hands. âIf you throw her away or donate her, no oneâs gonna take the time to figure it outâ Theyâre just gonna think sheâs broken but sheâs not, she works! She just needs the right hand!â
A dull silence falls between you, as Carmen purses his lips, squinting. Thereâs an ever slight chance your âIâm totally fineâ facade is cracking. â...Are you sure you donât want to talk about your thing rightââÂ
âIâm good!â â...Okay.â âDid you get rid of her?â
âRelax, Handy!â Carmen does not say this.Â
You grimace, looking behind Carmen to see Chi-Chi yelling from around the bend, in The Beefâs corner territory. Looking over him with the blue apron calling you your least favourite nickname by farâ Well, second least favourite, only toâ âSheâs over here, Jack-Off. More our speed than rich boyâs ack - queso bullshitâŠâ Itâs nostalgic. Bad nostalgic but nostalgic.Â
He slaps the top of the machine, you and Carmen both wince as a random spigot falls off it. Chi-Chi clicks his tongue, staring at it in silence. â...Refresher would be good, though.â
Youâre already walking back to your damaged darling, patting Carmen on the shoulder as a form of goodbye, he pats your hand back. You donât get to see him smile, as he watches you get to work. âDonât fuckinâ call me Jack-Off and donât touch her, Iâll show you, Iâll break your hand Cheech, I swearââ
The man in question shrugs, a devilish and terrible smirk on his stupid face. âEy, love a woman in charge. Show me the ways.âÂ
Even on your most off days, working with The Beef will always be second nature for you. Even when the space is significantly more cramped than it used to be.Â
You rewrite directions on how to use the coffee machine while showing them to Ebra and Chi-Chi. Ebra tends not to learn new tricks, so he stops listening by the time you get to syrups. Thatâs fine. No one ordered syrups in their coffee at The Beef back in the day all that often either.
Mikey really shouldnât have invested in all those syrups back then. He really only did it for you and the staff. To be fair, when he did convince regulars to try your coffee they always changed their tune. The people donât know what they like yet. They will like this. You were his proof that that idea was true.
âYou gotta toss these, Boss. Slows you down.â You overhear Cheech saying behind you. You turn to see his arm on Ebraâs shoulder, holding the small blue baskets for sandwiches in his other hand. âJust the wrapping is fine. These people are gonna throw this shit out anyways, waste of plastic.â
Cheech turns his head to you, âRight, Handy?â
â...Donât call me Handy.â Donât freak out about throwing the old stuff away. Donât freak out about throwing his old stuff away. You shrug, looking at Ebra over your shoulder. âMaybe just offer them, if they ask for one?â
âYâknow what the people are asking for, babe?â Cheech sucks his teeth, pulling Ebra closer, who looks nonplussed. âTheyâre asking where the nearest brick is to throw through our window. This rich people shit is getting on their nerves.â
You sigh, eyes flitting to Ebra for confirmation. âYeah?â
He shrugs, nodding. âNinety-eight percent, Jack-Off.â Cheech and the gang have been a terrible influence. How are you going to undo this?
âCâmon, EâŠâ You scoff, but nod as you turn around, arms crossed. Gesturing with the frother as you do. âWell, Iâll make note of that. Now back to the fuckinâ hand frother, Cheech?â
âI know how to crank it, Handyââ âI swear to fucking Godââ
âEy!â Tina comes up to your corner, smacking the back of Chi-Chiâs head with a hand towel when she does. âDonât talk to the baby like that, clean your mouth.â
He puts one hand on the back of his head, hissing, and another up in front of him, in defense. âEy, T, itâs all love, aright? Playing!â
âYeah well, youâre not gonna wanna play witâ this one. âSpecially not nowââ She nudges you, smiling that coy âIâm about to blow up your spotâ smile.
You grimace, attempting to interrupt her. âT, donâtââ âThat sheâs Jeffâs.â ââGoddamnit.â
âOh! Oh shit!â Cheech laughs, delightfully shocked. âYou finally closed on Charminâ? Congratsââ Itâs a blessing and a curse that Carmen, the guy you only ever saw in photos and heard in stories that you had a very minor and not vocal crush on, is now your⊠boyfriend? Undetermined.
You wave a hand in his face, âShut the fuck upââ
âSo where should I send flowers?â
You hate this family. âFor the record, I have not closed shit.â
âWhatâs closing?â Tina takes a half step back, surveying your face, it doesnât reveal anything. âWhatâs that? Gramps?â She turns her question on Ebra, who shrugs, equally as old and unknowing.Â
âWell Jack-Offâs a little Mother Mary for my tasteââ
You scoff, âSo not true, for the recordââ but Chi-Chi continues his tirade. âSo I suspect she just means they haven't had the âare we datey-wating carmy baby?â talk.â
You all but growl, crossing your arms as you wait for the second tutorial coffee to finish dispensing from the beloved whirring machine behind you. You can get the fuck out of here as soon as itâs done, and youâre praying thatâs soon, because this interrogation is about to turn terrible. âWe are currently unlabelled, if thatâs what youâre trying to say.â
Tina kisses her teeth, poking at your shoulder. âRichie told me you spent the whole wedding together and you come back with no label?â
You sigh, composure falling apart. You are not ready for a motherâs disappointment. âWe talked out a lot of important stuffââ âMija, that is important stuff!â
âI justâ Weâll talk eventuallyââÂ
Chi-Chi conveniently interrupts you when it looks like Tinaâs about to go off into a full rant on the downfall of romance in modern relationships. âSo youâre still on the market, Handy?â
âFor you?â You smile, then drop it. Pushing your hand against his forehead. âNever. Now froth the fucking milk.â
He mumbles an endless series of expletives, but gets to work. You give him a quick tutorial on the hand frotherâ You fought hard for the old machine, but you are overjoyed to see an automated steamer and frother on that Ascaso. That part is gonna be a dream. You can make so many new drinks for Carmâ The menu.Â
When you finish, you take the latte from Cheech to hand to Tina; and when you do, you catch her looking⊠off. Sheâs staring at the piled up diner baskets, next to the unused napkin dispensers.Â
You put your hand on her shoulder, massaging it lightly. âYou good, T?â
Your hand shocks her back into reality, âYeah, yeah, Iâm good, baby.â It takes her a second to remember where she is. She takes the latte, nodding. âIâm good. You good?â
âIâve got my complaints.â You shrug. âBut nothing I wonât survive.â Probably.
Tina takes a sip of her coffee, continuing to nod. She wants to dig deeper into your thing, you want to dig deeper into hers, but the painful groaning from the front of the kitchen, âAnd when did I fuckinâ greenlight this?â interrupts both your trains of thought. Uncle Jimmy tends to have that effect.
With a knowing nod, you walk together to the front, leaving Ebra and Cheech to continue experimenting with the coffee machine before they open their side of the restaurant.Â
You watch from the sidelines as Carmen defends his choices, âThe old one was shit, she was burning her hands on it. Sheâll need the three groups to keep up.â and youâre able to quickly glean theyâre talking about the new espresso machine.
âOkay, I hear that,â Jimmy nods, âbut why the fuck did it need to be ten grand?â
âTen?!â You canât help but shout, you slap your hand over your mouth. Budget is none of your business. But fucking ten? You part your fingers to mumble through your hand, âSorry, continue.â
Carmen cares too much about your drink menu. Berzattos tend to invest too much into your special interests. Though this time, instead of syrups, and in addition to a 10k coffee machine, you see on the stainless steel table your shared sketches laid out alongside all the ingredients neededâ Including the concentrates, whips, and other compounds Carmen made ahead of time for you. Heâs so sweet. God, you love him. God, thatâs disgusting. They have all, of course, been haphazardly shoved aside though, to make room for The Computerâsâ Computer. Carmyâs nonplussed by that fact, it seems.
Jimmy gestures to you, deadpanning to Carm. âSee, Chip understands the power of the dollar.â
âIâm not involved.â You add, waving your hand, itâs a terrible moment for your favouritism to shine through. Though you do enter the radius of this trainwreck of a quarterly review, kneeling down by the kitchen island to finish what you started with the plexiglass and hinges. âIgnore me, continue.â
The men stand on either side of you, as you bolt down the hinges. Carmen brushes off the dollar comment with a simple, âItâs the best.â
Why do you need the best? You think; Jimmy concurs with your brain, speaking for both of you. âWhy do you need the best?â
The question seems to make no sense to Carmen. He freezes, blue-screening. âCauseââ
You duck your head under the counter at just the right momentâ Or just the wrong moment? Because you donât get to see Carmen looking down at you, then back up at his uncle. âBecause.âÂ
You donât see Uncle Jimmy practically roll not just his eyes but his entire body back into himself, witnessing the puppy love that is going to ruin his credit score. âChipâŠâ
When you slide yourself out from under the counter, Carmen puts his hand on the edge of the counter to make sure you donât hit your headâ Because you have an awful tendency to do so. Youâre too focused on the way Uncle Jimmy says your name like youâre in trouble to notice though. âWhatâd I do?âÂ
âYouâre you.â Jimmy grimaces, shaking his head. Itâs not your fault. Not completely. âF-Y-Iâ Your boss just cut your bar budget by ten grand.â
âHm.â You squint, lips in a line. âAnd what do I do if the budget I was planning was just ten grand?â
âWell respect yourself more than that.â Cicero scoffs, arms crossed. âTake twenty, now youâre back to ten. Youâre welcome.â
âGenerosity knows no bounds.â You shake your head, laughing him off as you duck your head back under the counter. âThank you, Unc.â
âSorry, who exactly are we giving twenty thousand?âÂ
âOh fuckââ Despite Carmenâs best efforts, you still manage to bump your head on the roof of the counter, alarmed by the new voiceâ The Computer, you assume. âFuckinâOwâ Sorry! Yâknow what, holâ on, let me just finish up hereââ
âItâs the drink budget. Tonyâs the new mixologist.â Natalie answers for you. âAnd sommelier.â
âAh,â hums The Computer. âSheâs the one weâre paying Quarter-Master for?â
âNah, thatâs me.â Gary strolls by, calling out to wherever his manager has gone, âRichie, you find that book yet?!â
âIâm taking them too!â You finally pop your head out from underneath the counter, finished bolting in the hinges. âApparently I need actual W-S-E-T certification and a bunch of memorized google searches, youtube videos, and wine review blogs do not legally make you a sommelier.â
âI think itâs impressive you made it this far on basically nothing.â Syd taps the top of your head, sheâs the one who made the call on schooling. She looks to her co-owner. âClasses are coming out of the advanced.â
âSo is this.â You tap the plexiglass, nodding up to Carmen as well. âYouâre workinâ with like⊠A thousand left for pre-paid work?â
âHm.â Carmen nods, looking at The Computer, and you turn your head to him too. âDid you account for that?â
âDid I account for a thousand dollars?â
Carmen shakes his head like a white flag immediately, hearing the sarcastic tone, âAlright, you donâtââ
âA thousand dollars does not take you out of the hole, man.â Heâs right, but you donât love the tone. He tilts his head, reading something off his screen. âPayroll is a little high, for a somme.â
âI donât disagreeââ You try to say, because yeah, your contract does have a weirdly high salary.
But Jimmy, Nat, and Carm all speak over you. âItâs not.â
âThatâs not pay for a somme, thatâs a pay for Chip, you donât need to enhance on that.â Jimmy deads the topic then and there. âYouâll see. Just trust me. You were sayinâ somethin about tiny plants?â
âMicrogreens.â Says Syd.Â
âYes. Do less of that.â
And you just watch, from the sidelines, as this crew flows into a bit of a repetitive weâre doing this, which gains the response, well stop. Do less, charge more, figure it out, duh, donât duhâ Whatâs that youâre hearing about a daily changing menu? Carmen seems to be the only one campaigning for it. At a point he just starts pacing, pointing at numbers on The Computerâs screen that he doesnât understand but pretends he does.
Youâve got a million ideas, but itâs none of your business. It very literally isnât your business, until Jimmy turns his head just so, grimacing at the non stop debate, to see you standing aside, arms crossed.
He sighs, beckoning you to the table, like itâs a witness stand. âWhatâs that fuckinâ face on your face, kid?â Oh, for the love of God, why are you so easy to read?
You pfft, shrugging. âIâm not makinâ a faceâ!â But you come forward nonetheless as he boldly speaks over you.Â
âYouâre makinâ a face,â â âThis is just what I look like,â â âYâknow how I know youâre makinâ a face?â â âEnlighten me.â â âCause itâs the same fuckinâ faceââ
He takes this moment to point at the face on your face. âThat your dad makes.â A man that gambles as well as Cicero is a man that knows your dadâs tells. And a man that knows your dadâs tells is a man that knows your tells.Â
You bite down on your inner cheek, poorly pretending to be confused, shrugging again, âI dunno what youâre talking about.â
âCome off it.â âIâm not on anything, Uncââ âYouâve got a problem, say it.âÂ
âI donât have a problem!â You have a lot of problems, but they canât know that. That makes you judgy and pushyâ You donât know enough about the business to have an opinion. âIâm just observing, thatâs all.â
Uncle looks up, to Heaven, to Mikey, and sighs the worldâs heaviest sigh. It sounds painful. When he finally tilts his head back down to you, itâs to say, âC-K.â
âCicero.â
âYâknow why Iâm able to pour mas queso into this fuckinâ kid?â He loosely gestures in the direction of Carmen, who in response seems to bite down a lot of venom. Itâs bad to think heâs pretty when heâs annoyed, isnât it?
You tilt your head, âHonestly, I always assumed some sort of mob association.â
Jimmy holds back his laughter, it comes out as a disgruntled cough. He shrugs. âItâs because when I saw your dad at the table, makinââ âHe gestures to youâ âThat fuckinâ face, I knew to pull back.â
âYou donât need to pull back.â Your reply is a touch too panicked and instant for anyoneâs liking, makes it a little less believable. But Cicero smirks, and you know that face as well as he knows yours. Check. Heâs got you.Â
âThen speak on it.â And he pushes you forward, just slightly, like a slap of support on your back. You grimace, looking to Carm and Syd for permission to have opinions, and they both nod, like itâs obvious. With great hesitation, lips pressed together, you finally allow yourself to come off as judgy, opinionated, a fixer.Â
âI think the chargers are kinda stupid.â
A plate no one eats off of, that they still have to clean, thatâs on top of another plate? Definitely super necessary. Definitely not some rich people NOMA bullshit.
You look to Syd, apologetic. She shrugs, open mouthed, head tilted, âIâ I mean, I didnât invent them.âÂ
âItâs presentation.â Carmen nods, to himself. He doesnât like to budge. âThat first look at the table affects everything.â
âYes.â You nod, directly across the counter from him. âI agree, I just think the plates are stupid.âÂ
âYou got somethinâ better?â
âThink so.â You hum, tilting your body back to yell to the back of the restaurant. âAy, Cheech! Pass me a fuckinâ basket!âÂ
Itâs without hesitation that you hear, âHut!â before even seeing the man. You see the blue basket being hurled towards you before you see the man. You catch it, albeit a bit clumsy, but you catch it.Â
You toss the basket on the table. Everyone stares. You defend yourself before anyone even criticizes it, âEasier to clean than plates, because you just need to rinse the plastic. Ties together a colour scheme, costs nothing, theyâre gonna be tossed anyways.â
âIt looks cheap.â Carmen tuts, but he really does seem to be trying to hear out the idea, despite his reservations.Â
âIt looks purposeful.â You double down, leaning on the counter just so, âIt carries a story, that we didnât forget where we started.â
âOoh.â Marcus, clocking in just in time, hums behind you. âKind of a bar, Chef.â
âThank you, Chef. Morning, Chef.â You fist bump him over your shoulder, not looking. Too focused on convincing the man before you, you let him think in silence for some time before asking. âThink on it?â
âNo.â Carmen shakes his head, and youâre a little crestfallen, for a second. âItâs good. Letâs do the baskets, yeahââ He then remembers to ask for permission, he turns his head to Syd, âYeah?â
âYeah? Oh, uh. Yeah. Yeah. Baskets are good.â Syd nods to Nat. âCan you look into, uhââ
âReturning the expensive as fuck earthenware shit? Happily.â Nat is far too cheery upon receiving a paperwork rabbit hole of a mission. She brushes past you, excitedly whispering, âPlease keep going.â
âOh, uhââ Are you some sort of thought leader now? âWell, uhm, I think I heard you sayinââ âYou snap your fingers at The Computer, âThat R and D cost is a little high?â
âA lot high.â He corrects.
âKid with crayons.â Jimmy tuts, âNeed to pull back a little.â
Carmenâs screwing and unscrewing the cap of a mason jarâ Marmalade, itâs for Sydâs drink. He made it this morning, itâs labelled down to the minute. Just let him work on his fucking drinks menu, please God. Heâs been dying for this moment and itâs being thrown off by this bullshit.Â
He canât keep biting his tongue, âHey, uh, why donât you just tell us to do everything a little bit less so we can skip this and get back to work, huh?â
You hear Uncle Jimmy inhale as preparation to verbally beat Carmenâs ass. You put one hand up in front of the old manâs face, the other hand grabs a dry-erase marker. âHe didnât mean it like that and he apologizes, Unc.â
âDoes he now?â
âHe does.â You drop your hand, focusing on lifting the glass panel, clicking the locks in place to keep it up. You nod to Carmen through the pane. âRight, Carmy?â
Poor Carmen nearly deflates, â...Iâm tryna be the guy.âÂ
âNot what the guy does, baby boy.â You hum, uncapping the marker with your teeth. You turn your head to Cicero. âGuy had a lapse, he forgot you were his boss and just thought of you as family, so he spoke to you like family, cause he loves you, Unc.â
Cicero nods, tilting his head just so at Carmen. âSâthat right?â
Carm manages to shake his head and nod all at the same time, âSâa facet.âÂ
â....Well, just donât do it again.â A crisis is averted and an uncle is softened.Â
âI love to see a family come together.â You hum, nonchalant, writing on the glass, âR & D - Cost: Badâ
âBring it from bad to good.â The Computer notes very helpfully. âYou can cutââ
âHolâ on.â You put your index finger up, effectively shushing him, âJust think about it first. We donât have to go straight to cutting. Letâs look at our options.â
âYour options are fucked.â
âJustââ You tut, rubbing the bridge of your nose, man, you really are becoming your dad right now. Loosen your grip, Jack. âWiden the scope. We cut costs through returning those chargersâ How else can we âreturnâ shit? Carmy?â
Thank God youâre the guy, because Carm canât hack it. âHeard? Yes?â And frankly, he doesnât want to.
âWhatâs the main cost on R and D?â
âSupplies. Foodâ Yâknow, lot of trial and error.â He nods to a bus tub filled with failed attempts over this morningâs session. But you like that, right? âTrying new things, yâknow?â
â...Carmen.â He doesnât answer, because he can hear heâs in trouble. He is staring at you stare at the tub in what seems like a sort of contemplative, serene, searing anger. âSweetheart, are those four wagyu filets in a fuckinâ bus tub?â
âYes, itâs got a blood orange reduction, butâ But Syd suggested mintââÂ
You donât let him finish, âIs it poison?â
âItâs not.â âItâs edible?â âIt is.â âOkay, so then, babydoll, why is it not being eaten?â
Syd winces from the sidelines, hissing under her breath, fist over her mouth. Carmen cannot help but notice. Youâre perhaps⊠a dash upset.
âWe canât eat everything.â âDid you offer it to the crew?â âYeahââ âYou offered it to Nat, Unc, Cheechâ All the servers? Or did you just offer it to the cooks?â â...Heard.â âDid you take a bite of all of these?â âNot all.â
You start writing on the glass again, explaining as you do, âOkay. So then uneaten food from R and D should be sold on one of those fuckinâ food waste appsâ Too Good to Go, or somethinâ. We advertise it to The Beef regulars, try to get the other side of our city to understand the finer things, prevent any brick through window incidents, how we feel âbout that?â
You remember small things far too well. You did make note of the rich people shit getting on The Beef customers' nerves. You make note of the people who live on your block, who cannot afford to eat here. You make note of the fact that Carmen resents subtracting with a passion now, so you find another way. He can still try new things, just needs to handle the results better.Â
â...You keep a binder or somethin?â Is all Carmen can think to ask.Â
âSteel trap memory.â You tap the cap of the marker to your head, âGood though?â
He nods, âGood.â
âGood.â You take a breath, dragging a hand down your face, practically coming out of a fugue state. Carmen knows your need to have something to do, just as much as him, so he slides the jar of fig marmalade to you from across the table. You take it happily, unscrewing the lid. Youâve also been dying to get to this menu.
But Richie comes up from behind, scratch and sniff wine book in handâ Didnât Mikey get you that? It was meant to be a gag gift but itâs actually quite useful. âChip, can you also tell Chef Carmen the daily menu fuckinâ sucks?â
âRe-lax.â You sigh, pulling over all the ingredients and tools you need for Sydâs drink. âSyd told me âbout this though, daily pre fixe, or whatever itâs called?â
âItâsââ Carmen crosses his arms over himself, immediately defensive but trying his best not to be. âItâs an idea Iâm floating, for nowâ Itâs what the best restaurants do, andâ And even if we donât have full intent on getting a star, right now, itâs still important.â
âI just thinkâŠâ You hum, trying to figure out the most delicate way to say it. âIt doesnât exactly give you the most room to collaborate or createââ
âThe whole point of it is to collaborate and createââ
âOh yes,â âAs if waiting in the wings for this, Richie pops out behind you again, âWhat wasssit? âVibrant Collaborationâ and âConstantly Evolve Through Eating My Own Head like a fucking ouroborosâ.â
âRelax.â You hiss this time, putting a hand up in front of Richie. You can speak for yourself. âYou donât have time to be creative or collaborate when youâve gotta make decisions in less than twelve hours.â
Carmen tries to defend, he gestures to the one good plate of wagyu with mint that came out of this morning, âBut theââ
You nod and hum, knowingly. The sweet sound stops him. You already know the answer, but you ask anyway, as you scoop fig marmalade into your cocktail shaker. âDid you get to try the pop rocks thing yet?â
âWell, no, itâs not viable to perfect that in suchââ
âA short amount of time, angel?â
âOoohâŠâ Richie mimics Sydâs movements, air whistling between his teeth as he takes a sharp breath. He gestures, standing behind you, staring at Carmen as he slides his thumb across his neck. He mouths, âMad mad.â
Carmenâs two closest friends are freaking him the fuck out and one of them wasnât even doing it on purpose. How do they know that? How can they tell that? Are you gonna break up with him? Are you even dating? This work together thing was a terrible ideaâ
âYou donât have time to be thoughtful about things, if you do an entire menu every day, youâre gonna have to cut corners on what youâre willing to experiment with.â You reword, more productive, better for his brain. âPlus, prix fixe is a fuckinâ InâIn my opinion, is sort of a lacking idea, maybe, for a new restaurant.â
Carmenâs willing to give up the daily rotation, heâs not so willing to give up the pre fixe. âItâs what the best restaurants do.â Carmen loves the word best, huh?
âHave those restaurantsââ You bite your tongue from what was going to be an immediate catty response.
You try again, measuring out orange liqueur and lemon juice as you do so. âYouâre thinking like a Chef and you need to think like a customerâ A- A guest, for a second.â
Carmen gives you the floor, mostly because he cannot compute the command. You continue, âLetâs do a little roleplay, alright? Letâs say weâre just average people, not workinâ at The Bear, and weâre goinâ on a date.â
âWhen?â â...When?â âWhen is the date?â âNo, Iâmâ Itâsâ This is hypothetical.â âYeah but in the hypothetical.â
You shrug, clicking tongs together as you grab large chunks of ice for your shaker. âI dunno, Friday nights? We have like a Friday night date night.â
âOh, so youâre doing good.â Richie hums, proud of this hypothetical you, âWeekly date night is a cornerstone.âÂ
âMoving on.â You elbow Rich behind you, shaker sloshing in hand, âIâm not a foodie, you areâ In this hypothetical. Youâre looking around at restaurants in the area for the date, you find The Bearâ You find through their website with an improper hyperlink that the menu is,â âYou list off on your free handâ âprix fixe, unavailable online, and changes daily so you canât go off of reviews either. Also, itâs a new place, so you canât really ask around for opinions.âÂ
âRight.â Carmen nods, as does Syd. Uncle Jimmyâs got that stupid smirk he gets when he sees his kids fall in line. You pour the ouzo over the ice, focus on the drink, not Carmâs mopey expression.Â
âSo, we probably wouldnât go, right?â
Carmen keeps nodding, eyes downcastâ Not upset, just canât take feedback without keeping his head down. âProbâly not, yeah.âÂ
You pound the shaker shut, shaking it lightly in one hand as you try as hard as you can to sweetly explain. âPeople are open to like, two surprises on an outing. New place, new foodâ But they will need a set menu and they will need to have it available beforehandâ And theyâll need to be able to choose.â
He looks like a cat in the rain, so you add, âBut. Maybe we can do a daily special? Or weekly, depending on burnout, but like, yâknow, a semi-frequent one new thing. And maybe on like, Valentines or some holidays we do a fresh prix fixe. Thatâs how some of the best places do it.â
Carmenâs eyes upturn, smiling with them, at that last part. âYou do keep a binder.â
âSyd does. I just pay attention.â You shake your head. âShe mumbled about it all night when we got back.âÂ
Adamu is immediately aghast, she shouldâve realized ages ago, you were practically quoting her. âYou said you couldnât hear me!â
âNo, I said you werenât bothering me, and you werenât.â You canât hide your smile as you break the seal on the shaker. Syd sucks at sharing her ideas, but youâre happy to act as a good mouth for her good brain. âHand me a lowball.âÂ
With a grumble, Syd walks off in search of the lowball; while everyone does seem to agree this is best practice, Carmen does still seem a little sore about it.
âItâd probably also serve us well to do a seasonally rotating menu, right?â And so you throw him a bone. âLike Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall? Base it on whatâs in season with local vendors?â
âWhat grows together goes together.â Tina says, nearly sing-songy. âFarmerâs market is rough though, Jeff.âÂ
âFuck a farmerâs marketâ With love, fuck a farmerâs market.â Back to writing on plexiglass you go. âWe gotta do vendors, maybe fâ like, eggs and dairy we can do farmerâs market, but itâs just not feasible. Maybe for holiday pre fixe or daily specials? But full stock, itâs just notïżœïżœïżœ Itâs not it. And I say that while having farm fresh eggs and local honey in my pantry, alright?â
Carmen agrees, like a bobble-head this guy. He nods to Tina. âThat cool with you, T?â
âYeah, yeah, thatâs cool with me.â Tina is a millisecond off to pipe in, which is really not noticeableâ To anyone but you, that is.
âWhyâsâ Why would T not be good with that?â
âSheâs in charge of farmerâs market.âÂ
âHm.â You bite the end of the dry-erase marker. âT, would you be cool with rotating that, now and again?â
âOoh?â She tilts her head, shrugging, âYeah, yeah, kid. If you wanna take the reins.â
âNot me.â You return to scribbling on the glass board. You point at Carmen and Syd through the glass. âThem.âÂ
âIâve paid my sous chef dues.â Says Syd, returning to the table with your glass. You tut, shaking your head. You refocus your vision from your writing to beyond the plexiglass, at them.Â
âYou need it for inspiration! You fuckers keep forgetting you like cooking, I need you to visit the farmerâs market once in a while to remind you.â You take the lowball glass and tong a few ice cubes in. âNon-negotiable. Heard?â
A soft, simultaneous, âHeard, Chef.â from your cats.Â
âGood.â You strain the mixed concoction out of the shaker, into the lowball glass. Itâs a very pretty peachy pink. You tweezer a slice of dried fig and place it on top. You grab a toothpick, stick it down the glass, pull it out, and taste the toothpick. Balanced, solid flavour, should be good.
You slide the drink over to Syd. âI canât drink everything obviously, so first dibs goes to whoever the drink is based onâ I donât care who drinks it, just let me know if it goes down smooth.â
You also in turn hand Syd the recipe card and sketch, and youâre quick to move on as she reviews and sips away.
Ouzo. Dry anise tasting spirit. Itâs got a licorice aftertaste, but oddly sweeter for it. Itâs strong. Resilient. Itâs made from remnants of unfermented wine grapes and a mix of other distilled and unused spirits. Better than the sum of its parts. It goes well with figs. Muddle it together with fig marmaladeâ Sweet yet earthy, spring-like. Orange liqueur to marry the flavours, lemon juice to brighten. Shaken, pour over ice into a lowball, serve with a dried fig on top.
Syd manages to reserve her reaction to a slow but repetitive nod, like entering deep space. She only comes back to reality when Richie reaches for the drink, wanting to try. Sheâs quick to pull it away from him, coveting the glass.Â
âAh⊠what else? Rapid fire.â You knock your head around, remembering what The Computer talked about, and in quick succession, you line up every problem and talk through them, possibly solve themâ As best as a newbie can. At the very least, you open the floor to actual discussions as you make drinks all the while.Â
âOpening a full sixth day I think will shoot us in the long run, especially if we ever get a kitchen plague going. Maybe we just open for half the day on Mondays going forward, try out breakfast? Stop booing me, Iâm right.â
Richieâs. Also served over ice in a lowball. Itâs similar to a whiskey smash. Nixing the mint. Whiskey bourbonâ A good one, but not too good that itâs a sin to mix. Something with a cinnamon spice, that's warm all the way down, but never burns. Water it down a bit by stirring peach juice over the whiskey with ice for a brief moment. Float blueberry syrup on top. Add a toothpick, spearing two blueberries and one peach halve, balance it over the glass, for stirring. So the drinker can mix the blueberry syrup in and have a cute colour changing experience.Â
âWine pours, me and Gary got that. We can also just start charging by the bottle by defaultâ Whatever works.âÂ
Marcusâ. Simple but effective. A rum and coke ice cream float. Made complex by the fact that the ice cream is on a rotating schedule, based on whatever Chef Brooks is feeling that night and whatâs in stock. Right now? Pistachio. So tonight itâs actually rum and seltzer, and it will probably continue to be rum and seltzer, based on the way Marcusâ eyes light up by the opportunity to get weird. More often than not, youâre going to need that neutral base. Served in a milkshake glass, because what else?
âI donât understand why I couldnât just grow these microgreens myself in house. Theyâre just plants you murder early, are they not? Am I missing something?â
Tinaâs. Varied take on a spiked agua fresca. Fresh blended mango agua frescaâ With ginger, of course. A healthy kick is a necessity for a mom drink. Sweetened with simple syrup, spiked with white rum, dash of agave bitters, top with coconut water. Served in a tall glass, because why would you skimp on portions?
âWhy are we shipping flowers from New York? No, fuck that, go to Violetâs Violetsâ I fixed her cooler once, she falls in love and gives a discount to literally anyone whoâs nice to her. Just send Marcus with some dessert and youâll be set for life.â
And of course, Carmenâs aperol spritz. You go with the cherry syrup rim for now because itâs important to try. Youâre almost certain itâs too much though.
âNapkinsâŠâ You rub your icy cold handsâ From shaking up so many goddamn drinksâ Over your eyes. âWhy are we renting?â
âBuying is insanely overpriced.â Answers Computer.Â
You nod, shrug, but nod, fingers tapping the glass, âWell, itâs like renting over owning right? It might be better to own because, yâknow, you might suddenly get told by your napkin vendor, like, like years down the line, after basically paying for these napkins in full through rent, âhey, actually, weâre gonna jack up prices or just take those napkins backâ even though youâve âagainâ Literally had them for yearsââ
âChippy, are you good?â Richie tries to massage your shoulder, tries to break you out of the doom spiral, but admittedly, it was never his forte. Still isnât.Â
âWeâ!â Your voice hangs and is grating in a way it usually isnât, ignoring the question. âWe can produce our own napkins if we buy linens by the yard and hem âem ourselves. Weââ You snap your fingers a couple times at Carmen, praying he backs you up. âWe can even get The Bear monogrammed on them.â
âThat sounds niceâŠâ Itâs Carmenâs turn to ease you off the ledge of insanity, gently. âIt also sounds expensive, were you gonna do that?â
âFuck no.â Youâre quick to shake your head. âI fucking suck at sewing, my own jumpsuit is covered in my bloodâ No, myââ Oh. âHold on.â
Your hand immediately goes for your back pocket, quickly pulling your cell-phone out, and dial one of your first starred contacts. Richie, over your shoulder still, sipping his blueberry and bourbon cocktail, excitedly mumbles. âOh, put it on speaker.â
Youâre annoyed before heâs even answered, knowing the headache youâre about to get. âTrust me, the first thirty seconds minimum will not needââ
âHey!â Itâs impossible to convey how earth shatteringly loud and drawn out his voice is, immediately upon answering. There may be eight seconds of the sustained vowel? Maybe more. Almost everyone flinches, par for Syd, Carm, and Rich. Though for all different reasons.Â
A touch grating, in the same way your voice just was. Like father, like occasional daughter, you suppose. âHey kiddo baby darling sweetheart angel princessââ Oh, heâs mad. The whole âslew of nicknames when youâre pissed offâ thing? Yeah, that didnât start with you. âDid someone die? Because thatâs the only reason my darling baby only daughter calls anymore!â
You sigh, immediately exhausted, putting your weight on one leg. âYâknow, once a month is honestly a lot of times a year for a fully grown woman to call their dad, on average. I absolutely call you more than my friends call their dads.â
Richie almost chokes and whispers over your shoulder, hesitant, internally preparing for a dreadful future. âPlease tell me thatâs not true.â
âOh, and you should be so lucky that you have a dad to call! Cause I bet those friends are calling funeral homes, arenât they?!â
âDadââ
âI should have never taught you independence. Worst mistake of my life to teach you how to be your own person. Richard, never teach your kid how to use a screwdriver, it will be the last day you are a father.â
âNoted, Big C-K.â Richie goes for your dry erase to actually write it down, you pull it away from him. Thatâs gonna require a long talk down later.Â
Carmen mouths to you, across the table, he meant to ask earlier when Cicero said it but there wasnât time. âC-K?â
You mouth back, gesturing to the logo on your very own flannel âChicagoâs Kindest.â Heâs not the best with acronyms.Â
âOhâ And thank you for bringing that up! And whatâs this I hear about you cutting your hours with C-K? I hear this from Tony of all people âfore I hear it from you?â
âI got a long-term bartender gig thatâs actually gonna keep my bills paid, alright? And I like it. Putting that mixology double trade major to good use. Ciceroâs got stock in the place, actually.â
âHow you doinâ C-K?â Cicero pipes in next to you, waiting for his moment.
âAh⊠Iâve got my complaints. For one, my Jack keeps you more company than me!â
Thereâs a series of hums and haws, that weird uncle secret language of heavy exhales that manage to say more than any actual words they could say.Â
You let the heaving run its course for ten seconds before cutting it short with, âAnyways, Iâm still gonna keep the business running, just only in the mornings. Itâs not like I brought in that much business anyway, Iâm not pulling a foundation.â
âEverytime a small business dies, a rich man laughs, Jack!âÂ
âItâs not dying! Itâs alive! Itâs present and alive!â Donât get flashbacks. âAnyways, speaking of small businesses, I need a favourââ
âOoh, the truth comes out, princess calls cause she needs bailââÂ
âFor the love of God, let me get through a sentence, Pops!â You grumble, continuing. âRemember that overpriced monogram machine you bought for no reason?â
âIt was not for no reason, it was invaluable because it saved my mitts from hand embroidering all those logosâ And andâ you have to rememberââ You mouth the words along with him, mimicking him, because you know exactly what heâs going to say, âthat it all starts in your communityâ And now you have like eight beautiful outfits, cause of me⊠And also itâs fun.â
âWell⊠If itâs fun, would you consider making some linen napkins?â
And it flows like ping pong, because your dad is a repairmanâ Well, former, but still. Heâs simple. He handles negotiations simple. So do you.
âFor who?â âRestaurant. The Bear.â âWhy?â âCause they need linen napkins.â âHow many?â
You look over your shoulder to Richie, he does the math in his head pretty quickly, âBout seventy to a hundred covers a night.â
âSix hundred.â âPay?â âWeâll pay supplies, and Iâll give you likeââ You look to Syd, expectantly. She has no answer, so you put your advanced on the line. âA thousand?â
âA thousand!? Less than a dollar a napkin! Is this pre-housing crisis?!â âI work here, okay?! Discount me!â âMy God, princess, are you in love with the owner or something?â
That world feels like it's choking, but that's probably just you. You blow hot air out of your mouth, looking anywhere but Carmen. Refusing to see him even in your periphery. Refusing to see his blue screened but ever so slightly expectant expression. Well? Are you? âŠOr something?
After a long moment, you find a way to avoid the question. âAhâUh, Syd co-owns the place.â
âOh, Adamu?!âÂ
Syd pipes in, leaning over the table. You hold the phone out for her. âHâHey, Mr. CK.â She waves, despite the fact that itâs a phone call.
âHey kiddo. Aw, what a sweetheart. Lead with her next time!â
âAlright!â You bring the phone back to your faceâ Itâs remained off speakerphone this entire time, but he continues to yell loud enough for the table. âI didnât realize you were best friends.â
âOf course we are. Yâknow she brought me this uhâ this salmon mushroom risotto the other night? Unbelievable.â
You squint at Adamu curiously, whispering. âYou bring my dad food?â
She whispers in return, defensive. âHe lives on my block, donât be weird.â
âFor her, Iâll do it for eight-hundred, okay kiddo? I know how tough it is to start up a business, canât imagine trying to move on top of that.â
Your turn to blue screen. Moving? Youâre immediately over the love thing. â...Pardon?â
â...Iâll do it for eightââ
âNoâ Yes, sorry, yes dad thatâs greatââ You arch the phone away from your face, focusing your attention on Syd. âSyd, youâre moving out?â
She sighs, âTrying to.â
âPops.â You straighten up, not looking away from her. âIâll call you back to sort details later, okay?â
âSure. You also need to let me know holiday plans, are we going up to Oak Park orââ
Somewhat disrespectfully, you speak hurriedly, âYeah, weâll figure it out, love you, bye!â and hang up. Still locked on Syd, you ask. âWhen you tryna move?â
âLike, soon as possible.â She stretches out her shoulders. âMy own dad is sort of⊠Encroaching on my space.âÂ
âRight.â Your eyes flicker with too many ideas, and youâre trying to temper expectations. âYou wanna live by yourself?â
âI mean, I donât really know anyone on the same timeline as me, with the same âlow budgetâ as me.â
The Computer attempts to interrupt the interruption of his review, holding a finger up, âAnd why are we talking aboutââ
But you hold the palm of your hand up, continuing on, âI need to move out asap and have a âlow budgetâ.â
Thatâs Carmenâs queue to chime in, he loves your place. âWhat happened?âÂ
Also Richieâs, âWhat? Chip, your spotâs like a historical site, ya canât move.â and this is generally agreed upon by a sea of dismayed voices.
âTo make an extremely long story short, I donât have a choice.â You wave your hand in the air, silencing murmurs. âMy sweet old lady landlordâ The only landlord Iâve ever respected, got bought out by a fuckinâ big business gentrification ass companyâ Iâm not in a rent controlled zone so theyâre gonna keep jacking the rent until I move out so they can tear it down and build a new spotâ They also may or may not have found out that me and Lorettaâ My landlordâ Havenât exactly been keeping up to date on my lease.â
âMeaning?â Carmen knows the answer will be bad.Â
But itâs somehow worse. âMeaning I pay my rent on time in cash and she texts me once a year saying âdo you want to keep living here?â and I say âyesâ, and we continue on.â
âWell, hold upââ Richie holds a hand up, like heâs a genius. âSquatterâs rights?â
âI thought about going that avenue, butââ You gesture to Syd. âIf youâre already moving, and looking for a roommate?â
She looks up and around, thinking about it. You decide to join her in the brainstorm, scooching yourself just an inch to the right, writing on free space on the plexiglass screen, âpros and consâ
âPro.â You murmur as you write. âI have a better credit score than you.â
Syd sputters, half sarcastic. âWell, thatâs just uncalled for.â
âItâll give you more options for places! Better ones! Ones with in-unit laundry!â You defend.
âIn-unit laundryâŠâ âYour eyes just lit up in such a sad way.â âCon. You are an ass.â
âThatâs a pro. A real con would be that I have a lot of plants and if I ever go on vacation Iâm gonna need you to take care of them, and Iâm not gonna have a binder for you, because I water them based on vibes, and if I come back and theyâre dying Iâm gonna be pissed off and very passive aggressive about it.â
âViolently honest.â âPro. Mostly direct. Aside from when Iâm not.â âCon. Iâm not direct.â
âCon. Thatâs fine but if I get the idea that youâre mad at me Iâm gonna act really weird about it until you reassure me that everything is okay and you donât want to throw me out the window.â
âYeah. Con. Same.â
âPro. Iâve lived by myself for a while, which is good to have when youâre moving out of your parents for the first time. Con. Iâve lived by myself for a while, and Iâm very used to the lifestyle of big t-shirt no pants, Iâm not giving that up.â
Now that one takes Syd a second to unpack, âBut, but like, underwear though, rightâ?â
âNo shit I wear underwear!â
âOkay! Itâs important to note!â
âDonât be weird.â Richie grumbles behind you, solidly directed at Carmen.
Whoâs whole face really just scrunches up in confusion. ââDonât be weirdâ? You donât be weird.â
âIâm not beinâ fuckinâ weirdââ âThen why are you up in my shitââ âUp in your shit? Oh wowââ âFully not what I was referencingââ âDonât be weird, cousin!â âI literallyâ I did not even moveâ Not a single cell in my bodyââ âAndâ And you only know that âcause you had to lock it down, you dogââ
âI donât remember having kids, why the fuck am I in a Kindergarden?â Uncle Jimmy interrupts.
âIâm just takinâ care of my boy, Unc.â Richie raises a hand in defense, feigning innocence. âCanât be too careful.â
âYou super can, and you super are.â You grimace, elbowing him again. âAnd also, not importantâ!â
âActually, no, very important.â Syd of all people interrupts. âNon-negotiable, like you canâtâ âŠLike youâ âŠWhen Iâm home itâs likeâ Donâtââ Ah.
You roll your eyes and save her before she just about breaks out in a feverish sweat. âSyd, I wasnât planning on it. Thatâs like roommate rule one.â
âSyd.â Richie points to his own eyes, then to hers, âwatching youâ. âDonât be weird.â
âWhat the fuckââ
âEveryone shut up, pros and consâ!â You shout, gaining the attention back. âPros. I have a car, we work at the same place, I have all the furniture for a living room already, you'd never have to wait for a landlord to fix something ever again, and I could probably do a bunch of D-I-Y renter friendly projects, if you wanted.â
â...Oh my god, a French-door pantry.â âI think I could swing that.â âPros. Youâll never have to cook again. I guess thatâs my only pro, actually.â
âCon. I have been feeding the cat on my fire escape for like a year and if Iâm moving I am going to have to adopt her, so weâre gonna have a cat. Sheâs cute, she has five toes on each paw. Something dactyl, itâs called.â
âWhatâs her name?â Squidâs not excited per se, but sheâs not saying no.Â
You shrug. âI never named her, letâs name her together.â
âNo, thatâs too much pressureââ âNo, youâll do greatââ âWhat do you mean Iâll do greatâ?â âThreeââ âOh like together together? No! Whatâ?!â âShut up, just do it, head empty, twoââ âNo! Iâm just not gonna say anyââ âYes you will, Squid. One!â
And together, perfectly in sync, like it was planned all along, you both say on queue, âCalamari!â
âThere we go.â You write âCalamariâ on the plexiglass. âThatâs my girlâ Thatâs our girl, actually. Iâm still not sure if sheâs a girl.â
You click your tongue against your teeth, knocking your head back and forth in thought as you look at the scribblings on the glass. âNon-negotiables?â
Syd leans forward on the table, chin propped up in her hands. âI need forty-five minutes of bathroom time at the beginning of the day.â
â...Do you have a fuckinâ lactose intolerance?â âItâs my me time!â âAlright! Fuckinâ fifty minutes of toilet time for Syd. Ah, I need east facing windows⊠and uhmâŠâ
Syd stares at you, and alas, she can tell, âYou have a big non-negotiableâŠâ
âItâs not that big⊠Itâs more a group thing than a roommate thing, reallyâŠâ âWhat is it?â âI think⊠It would be fun⊠If we all started playing Dungeons and DragââÂ
Thereâs an immediate, staggeringly loud array of groans, youâre still writing it down nonetheless, all the while defending, âI honestly think a little roleplay and math would fix you assholes! I really think it would! Iâll D-M, Iâll make it so easyâ Please?â
Syd grimaces, but inevitably nods. âYâknow what, youâre never gonna get a concrete schedule for that down, and no one else is gonna agree so yes, sure from me.â Still a win.Â
âOkay.â You hum, capping the marker. âSo⊠Aim to move first of February? You down?â
It takes some time, and you realize as Sydâs brain frozen, that you might be overstepping. âSorry, thatâs going too fast, you think on itââ
â...Iâm down.â You make it very easy for her to say yes, by giving her the option to say no. âYeah, letâs do it. February. Iâm down.â
âIâm so happy for you two, but Iâm still fuckinâ reelingâ Chippy, itâsâ itâsâ So many memoriesââ Richieâs being overly dramatic on purpose, hand on your shoulder, really laying on the vocal fry in his voice; but it is true. âI mean, come on, first time Iâd ever been stabbed was on your block.â
âSorry, what?â Carmen was having fun watching his two favourite employees figure out theyâd be perfect roommates. He loves to be a fly on walls around you more than heâd like to admit. Richie managed to ruin it with one line. âStabbed on your block?â
âYeah,â You suck the air between your teeth, trying to think of some sort of white lie, but slowly shake your head, âIâ Yeah, thereâs no real way for me to down play it, I was so fuckinâ scared.â
âYou were tweaking!â Richie laughs, clapping his hand against your shoulder, to him itâs a charming storyâ Youâd probably be laughing too, if Carmen didnât seem so⊠unpleased, letâs say. âYou fuckinâ thought I was gonna die!â
âYou fucking were!â You slap Richâs hand away. âIt was so close to a cerebral arteryâ First and last time Iâll administer stitches in my fucking kitchen, hand to Godââ
âWhatâs the story?â Oh, new face from Carmen you havenât seen before, bewildered annoyance, youâd describe it as, itâs going in your bottom five. âYou live in a bad neighbourhood?â
âItâs rusticââ You try, but Richie opts to speak on your behalf. âOh, Chip lives in a terrible neighbourhood, Cousin. Youâve been there, havenât you?â
âYeah but it didnât seem that badâ Noâ Hold on, go back, stabbed why?â
âSo I heroically defended a boy from crookedââ Richie tries, but you opt to speak on his behalf. âRichie was helping me bring up groceries, we saw some highschoolers shaking a kid down, Richie tried to break it up, one of âem stabbed him with one of those shitty switchblade comb things.â
âYou got stabbed by a kid?â Syd snorts, but immediately regrets it because she has perfectly set him up forâ
âYeah, and wouldnât be the last time, would it?â
âRichie, câmonâŠâ You reach up, patting the guyâs shoulder. âIt was an accident and she apologizedââ
Richie just raises his eyebrows, interrupting with a simple, âMm-mm.âÂ
And so yours raise in tow, â...Fuck you mean âmm-mmâ?â And your head turns to Syd, alarmed. âSyd, you apologized, right?â
Her mouth just sort of hangs, sputtering noises do come out of it, but nothing that strings a sentence together. You grow more agog, repeating again, astonished, nearly laughing from the shock, âSyd?! You apologized, right?! And told him it was an accident, right?â
Syd takes a beat, but she gets there. âIâ I. Am. Sorry I stabbed you by accident, Richie.â
âHm.â Richie crosses his arms, considering, mostly sarcastically. âYeah, Iâll take it, I guess. Wouldâve liked a card.â
âI am not getting you a card.â âIâm jusâ sayinâ Iâdâve liked one.â
Carmenâs still five steps behind, âAre you gonna be fine living there? In January?â
You choke back a laugh, because this is how men try to show they care, one must imagine. âIâve been fine for the past handful of years living there, I think Iâll be fine for another month, sweetheart.â
âCrime is bad in January.â
âI was a first responder, and I know thatâs not true.â You shake your head, shirking off laughter. âItâs actually in the summer that you see shit go down. Again, I will be fine. But you are free to visit.â
âPoint of order.â The Computer finally pipes up againâ Mightâve forgot he was here, if youâre honest. âWhat are we talking about anymore?â
âPoint of orderâ I feel like numbersâ Talking numbers is great but itâs all just likeâ Paper, yâknow?â You unlatch the plexiglass, gently settling it back down on the table. âWe should be talking more.â
Tina nearly whistles in agreement, nodding by your side. âHeavy that, Jeff.â
âThatâs what Iâm sayinâ, likeââ You snap your fingers to the rest of the crew, hand moving to and fro to point at everyone, âDid yâall know until right now that Syd was moving? âŠNo, right? Letâs likeâ Fuckinâ remember to check in, like yâknow, family, Chefs.â
And without calling her out, you can feel Tinaâs demeanor next to you change, relaxed.Â
âHeard, Chef.â Is the agreement from the crew, however, The Computer nor Cicero seem convinced, so with a sigh, you put on your most authoritative voice.
 âYâknow. Three Cs! Caring cuts costs!â A phrase no one has ever said, but it sounds legitimate when you put it like that. That gets them to acquiesce.Â
Thank God, Marcus helps you move the conversation along, â...Whatâs everyone doing for the holidays?â Alas for both of you, the silence is deafening. â...Or not.â
You volley back for him, âIf no one has hard plans I was thinking of having a lilâ Holiday party? Nothing big. Sort of a âgoodbye old apartmentâ party? Come by after you hang out with your families or whatever?â
âNot gonna go up to Oak Park?â Rich leans one arm on your shoulder, nursing his whiskey cocktail in the other.Â
âMeh.â You shrug, attempting to push him off you, but he doubles down. âWeâre not so intense about holidays since everyoneâs aged. Iâll visit my nephew on New Years.âÂ
âIâm doinâ Eve with Eva, but Iâll be free on the day. Iâll come by. We doinâ gifts?â
âI mean I got you something, so,â You tap the bottom of his glass as Rich takes another sip, making him flinch. âCatch the fuck up.âÂ
Syd pipes in, sniffing. âMe and my dad only celebrate on Christmas Eve now, so Iâll come.â
âIncredible. Two down.â You gesture to Marcus and Tina across the table. âYou guys? Tina I assume youâve got a loving family and shit?â
Tina smiles and nods, rightfully proud. âI do have a loving family and shit, but maybe Iâll come by late with them too?â
And Marcus tacks on with her, âIâm gonna be with my mom most of the night, but Iâll come through for a couple hours.â
âPerfect, perfect. Invites open to any plus ones as long as you text me first!â You hum, writing names down on the glass board. Itâs kind of a nightmare of different lists at this point. âRichie, can you make sure Fak and Sweeps get the invite?â
âYessir.â
âAnd us!?â Shrieks Cheech in the back, who really shouldnât be able to hear you, he should be in the zone, slinging sandwiches.
You yell back without turning to him. âYes, fucker, you and E can come, if you want! No fuckinâ plus one for you though!â
âOh come the fuck on, Jack-Off!â
âOh, make me a fuckinâ sandwich, big man!â
âOh, Iâll make you a fuckinâ sandwich!â
âOh, my dick!â A response that makes no sense, consistently the perfect bookend. You sigh, and finally, your eyes flit to the most terrified two in the room. âBerzattos⊠Holiday plans?â
âI think weâre gonna do dinner on Christmas Eve, and then the morning together? Well, I am.â Sug hesitates, sheâs looking between Uncle Jimmy and Carmen. âI was gonna ask what Carmâs plan isâŠâ
âIâll go. Iâll go.â Carmen has to stop himself from biting the skin off the tips of his fingers. âIâll go. And Iâll come to the party, after.âÂ
âIâll probably just go home with Pete after. Babyâs first Christmas, yâknow.â Natalie hums and nods awkwardly. Thereâs a question both of them want to ask. Neither of them are brave enough to ask it. And while you can sense thereâs something dancing in the air, youâre not going to overstep on this front.Â
âMazel. I can buy silly decor with reason now. âŠNow letâs talk about the important grievances.â You hum, happy to end that chapter.
You turn just slightly to gently slap Richieâs cheek as he stands next to you. âRich, you need to line your beard up, this neckbeard shit is pissing me offââ
âWhatâs with the fuckinâ drive by?!â âItâs been on my mind foreverâ You canât be wearinâ suits and then be rockinâ that unkempt shit, clean upââ âIâm clean! Iâm fucking clean!â âWho said? Who fuckinâ said? Cause I sure didnât!â âHowâm I sâposed to be lininâ my shit up every morninâââ âYou do not grow a beard that fastââ âOh fuck you, Iâm not fuckinâ Carmen, I grow a fuckinâ beard.â
Carmenâs just surprised to hear his name out of any name come up. âWhatâ Now thatâs a fucking drive by, what the fuck?âÂ
âIf weâre voicing grievances, Iâd like to voice my fuckinâ complaint with Captain Crash-Out over hereââ âWho the fuck is sublimating now?â âYouâre not usinâ that term correctly, cause youâre not integratedââ âI thought you two worked this out on the road trip!â âWe did!â
You only half regret starting this feud with the beard commentâ To be fair, youâre right. âThis is it working?âÂ
âThis is, in fact, it working.â Syd confirms plainly, her disappointment more than apparent. Rubbing the tips of her fingers to her temples. The fight is out of her, at this point.Â
âAlright.â You slap your hands together. âRichie, what is your complaint?â Are you just union rep now? You might be a union rep now.Â
âCarmen is fucking killing me.â The cocktail swishes and nearly spills as Richie points at the Chef, emphatic. âHe wonât change shit for guests!â
âNo substitutions!â Itâs almost cultish, the way Sydney and Carmen yell it out together.Â
Richie scoffs, head reeling back. âWhat happened to it beinâ about hospitality?âÂ
âI meanâŠâ You suck air through your teeth, squinting. âIf weâre sayinâ no substitutions, itâs no substitutionsâ Unless itâs like an allergy or sensory thingâ But even then, it shouldnât be like a major component getting replaced.â
âSee? See?â Itâs almost maniacal, rabid, how delighted Carmen is that youâre on his side. âFuckinâ thank you. This is why I loââÂ
Before Carmen can finish his sentence, Richie flails about to suddenly throw the peach and blueberry skewer from his drink at Carmenâ Not the pointed side, he doesnât want to stab the guy. Just wants to save him from running his mouth. The peach slice hits Carmâs chest as Richie stutters out, âF-Fuck you, fuck you, fine. No substitutionsâ What the fuck am I supposed to say then?â speaking over whatever syllables fell out of Carmenâs mouth, muddling them.Â
You cock your brow, but Carmen seems to quickly let the childish toss go, more than eager to move on. So you do too. â...Say some bullshit like, like, The Bear encourages âuhmâ explorative culinary experiences where you let your taste buds go beyond your limitations and comfortsâ So eat a fuckinâ mushroom, youâre not gonna die.â
âIf they donât like mushroomsââ âThen they shouldnât order it!â âHow hard is it to just fuckinâ switch it out!?â âSo hard! So hard! I think! I could guess!â
âI could do it.â
âCould you?â You cross your arms, leaning your weight onto one leg, pivoting to Richie. âOkay, roleplay, youâre Carmen, Iâm youââ Just as Richie opens his mouth, you hold your index finger to his lips. âI know you wanna be a bitch, Iâm askinâ you to just skip that part for me.â
His shit eating grin is only a little endearing. âHow am I supposed to be in character if Iâm not allowed to be a bitch?â
You clench and unclench your hands in the air, but let it go, opting to move on to your little thought experiment. âChef, patientââ Instincts never give out, huh? âChrist, patron doesnât want mushrooms in their anolini, I need you to sub it.â
âAh, well Iâm happy to do that for you, Host Richie, Iââ Heâs going to go into some scathing spiel, and you love the guy, but you have to rub dirt in the wound for the lesson to stick.Â
You speak over him, voice stern, âChef. In order to keep pace, I need you to make this call in fifteen seconds, what are you subbing it for?â
Richieâs head shakes back and forth as he scrambles to get his brain to work.âFuckinâ Fuckingâ Eggplant.âÂ
âEggplant?â You ask politely, tone unsure. Carmen asks it with you, tone ridiculing.Â
âItâs a sauce isnât it?â You squint, turning your head to the actual Carmen. âItâs like a really thick mushroom sauce stuffed pasta?â
He tilts his head from side to side, but nods. In gist, yes. âItâs a ragout. Low and slow cooked stewââ Carmyâs ready to rave about it and teach you every facet of the dish, but perhaps thatâs too romantic for a public setting. God, heâs weird about love. âWe keep it going on our back burners all dayâ It takes an hour minimum to make from scratch, you canât just sub it.âÂ
âYeah, wellâŠâ Richie stops himself short of getting snarky for no reason all over again, taking a second to think about it. âWell, I didnât know that. You didnât explain that shit to me.â
âI donât have time to hold your fuckinâ handââ Carmen stops short of getting catty when you give him a very soft and yet gutting disappointed look. He pinches the bridge of his nose, sniffing. âI canât explain why I do everythinâ I do when Iâmâ When weâre in a middle of a rush, I just need you to trust when kitchen says we canât do it. Trust that I thought it through.â
Richie has to control himself, has to make sure the corners of his mouth donât upturn just slightly, has to make sure itâs not clear that he is overjoyed that thereâs finally middle ground, canât get his hopes up. He nods. âI just wanna make everyone happy, yâknow?â
âI know. Youâreââ Carmenâs nose scrunches up for a second, God, heâs never had to say that he thinkâs Richieâs good to his face. And heâs not gonna start now, âEggplant would be a good sub, if we had time.â
Richie prods his tongue along the side of his cheek, thinking. âMaybe I could look into knowinâ restrictions faster and estimatinâ their orders, so you can have âem on deck?â
And Carmen does think thatâd be a waste of time, but heâs learning. He hears it out. âCould give it a shot, yeah.â
âSame team.â Richie reaches across the counter, and Carmen actually takes his hand, a quick dap. Civil.
âSame team.â First time youâve heard Carmen adopt your idiom; you canât help but smile, though youâre trying to hide it. Youâre too focused on arguably the two most important men in your life to notice the silent conversation Uncle Jimmy is having with The Computer, speaking solely through nods and exchanged glances.Â
Pay is for Chip. Cicero nods, and The Computer nods back. He gets it now. Pay is for Chip. Not just the mixologist, not just the sommelier, not just the repairman, not just the not-quite girlfriend, Chip. Youâre Chip. Youâre the cog, the piece. The grease between everyone.Â
Youâre the guy. Always have been, always will be.Â
The silent conversation and the warm feeling in the room is cut short though, by The Computer. âCan she deal with the butter thing?â
âWhat the fuck is the butter thing?â You immediately jump onto the case, when Carmen looks down and away from you, you frown, leaning in. âWhatâs the butter thing?â
Jimmy snaps his fingers at The Computer, he hands him an invoice, which is then handed off to you. Old Major Farms, Orwellian Butter, salted and unsalted. $11,268. You just. Stare. The math comes all too easy to your head. Worth a week?Â
âItâs the best.â Carmen repeats as your eyes remain worryingly unblinking. âItâsââ
âCarm.â Syd all but hisses, shaking her head in tight swivels, waving her hand around her neck for him to cut it. âMaking it worse.â
âAngel is like, the worst it can get.â Hums Richie. Recalling your barometer of anger. Recalling the times when Mikey would say âwhatâs the point of paying bills?â And youâd have to pull him aside. âCanât get much lower than that besidesââ
âLight of my life.â You look up from the paper in your hand, and both Richie and Sydney wince. Your voice is terrifyingly delicate as you nod over to the room behind you. âApple of my eye. Can I speak to you in your office, please?â
Carmyâd like to say no. â...Yeah.â But you already started walking before he even answered, so thereâs not much of a choice here. You head in by yourself, and thankfully, the door closes behind you, so Carmenâs got a second before he gets devoured.Â
He walks around the counter, and as he nears the door, Richie grabs his arm. He whispers as he hands Carmen whatâs left of his cocktail. âYou need to lock the fuck in.â
âI know.â Carm returns, shooting down all thatâs left of the lowball. Whyâs Richieâs the sweet one? Whyâd Carmen get the cough syrup drink? Thatâs not fair. Do you not think heâs sweet? âThank you for theâ Intercept.âÂ
Richie nods, heâs been unwillingly playing quarterback for Carmen since going to Rockefeller and seeing that goddamn giant tree and Carmen couldnât stop opening his big fucking mouth after seeing you under the star. âJust think with your brain, not yourââ
âDonât.â âWas gonna say heart.â âSure.â âDonât be weird.â
âI know itâs expensive.â Carmen gets it out before even fully closing the door behind him, âBut itâs normal prices, for high-end restaurants. I know itâs differentââ He stops short when he finally turns around from the closed door, to see you, holding your painting.Â
Itâs facing you, youâre reviewing it in your hands where you sit in the office chair; the brown wrapping paper freshly ripped and on the floor. Carmen still doesnât know whatâs on the piece.Â
âCarm.â You twist the piece around in your hand, turning it to him. He can see the nine squares. The Beef to The Bear. Mikey. âThis is not another restaurant.â
Carmen continues to stare, silently, though he takes a step closer, reaching a hand out to graze over the canvas. You keep going, clarifying. âWeâre not just another high-end restaurant. Weâre us. And so we should be doing things like us. Weâre the best, we donât need the stuff to be.â
He was with you until that last part. His pursed lips say as much.
âItâsââ You smack your lips together, haphazardly handing him the canvas, heâs very quick to grab it with both hands, not wanting it unstable for a second. âHold on, let me show you somethinâ â I think I left one in here.â
You roll the office chair back a bit, sinking down in the seat to reach far behind a tall cabinet; you have to pad your hand around in the dark nook for quite some time before you pull outâ A screwdriver. An oddly shaped one, at that.
â...Has that been here the whole time?â
You nod. âLike threeish years at least, I think I threw it back there while telling itâs origin story. Itâs part of the first set I ever got.â You grip the flat wooden handle. âItâs the worst screwdriver on earth, like, by far.âÂ
That gets a little chuckle out of Carmen. âYeah?â
âYeah.â You look up from it to him. âItâs a handmade set. Dadâs dad made it.â You awkwardly roll closer to him, he leans over, head next to your head as you both look down at it. âItâs got a flat wooden handle, made of poplarâ So not only is it fucking impossible to get a good grip on, itâs also so fucking slippery. Itâs part of a whole set, passed down from my grandpa to my dad to me.â
âSounds fucked.â
âIt is.â You laugh, and so does he. âItâs purposefully meant to piss you off.â You rub your thumb over the dent marks in the woodâ All from the times you threw it at somethingâ Including the very cabinet that it hid behind. âYou ever wonder why I took over the handyman gig, beinâ the youngest and all?â
Carmy shrugs, glancing from the screwdriver to you. âJust assumed you were the best.â
That gets another laugh out of you, and Carmenâs overjoyed by the sound. âYeah, Iâm probably the best. But thatâs only cause I kept up with it.â
You turn your head up to face Carmen again as you explain, âWhen our dad started bringing us to jobs as kids, he would make us exclusively use this set of screwdriversâ Sort of as a secret test. My brothers would get pissed off, as planned, and theyâd quit and cry. And I dunno, I guess Iâd cry and keep going? And I learned a couple tricks, eventually.â
âTricks?â
âLike.â You pull back in the chair and run your hand across the office desk. The corners of it are screwed into the metal cabinet below it. âItâs really good if youâre screwing from the top down.â Using it as an example, you start to unscrew it. âItâs balanced. And itâs really all in the gripâ Always loosen your grip with this one. Even if that seems counterintuitive.â
You get it to unscrew just fine with your loosened grip. âBut if that doesnât work, and you just canât get it to workââ You lift the screwdriver in front of his face, showing off the sides of the handle. He smirks at theâ âJust make your own grooves, itâll be easier to hold.â Tiny teeth marks.Â
âCarm.â You tap the handle to his nose as he zones in too much on it. âIâm the best repairman because I can work with anything. Youâre the best Chef because you can work with anything. You donât need the best when youâre the best.â
Heâs the best?Â
Heâs the best.Â
Heâs the best.Â
âI truly think you could make just as good a plate with Becel as this fucking Animal Farm butter.âÂ
Carmenâs the best. You think heâs the best.Â
Heâs gotta think with his head and not with his heart and not with anything else, either. Lock the fuck in, Carmen.
âI dunno bout all that.â He shrugs, bashful and attempting to hide it, trying to shake the praise off his back.Â
âWell I know âbout that.â You shrug back, âIâm actually kind of a genius, when it comes to knowing whoâs good and whoâs not.â
âI donât doubt that.â Carmy hums, and the sound is sweet without reservations. â...Painting is very good.â He nods to himself, on repeat, like a bobblehead. âOr I guess itâs less a painting and more a buncha photo transfers?â
âYeah.â You set the screwdriver aside on the desk. âMost of them I took.â
âTheyâre good. Itâsââ He pauses, tongue against his teeth. âItâs nice to see evidence he kept up, or somethinâ.â
You nod, seeing Carmenâs brain struggle to keep pace in real time. âWe took that one I think the day we talked to Uncle Jimmy about The Bear? Had to print out articles as proof we could make it workâ Or, that you could make it work, rather.â
Carmen sniffs, crossing his arms, hands in tight fistsâ Probably too tightâ where they hide. âYeah, kinda fuckinâ up my end of the bargain, hm?â The light laugh that follows is hollow.
âEh. You both did.â You smile, though itâs hesitant. â But at least youâre still here fixing it.â
Still here. Still fixing it. That is in essence, the piece. Carmen gets lost staring at the squares, so you speak as he does. âI was trying to like. I dunno, replicate your brain.â He can see it. The messy yet coherent, controlled yet chaos. The love. The grief. The progress. The home. You see him. He can see that you see him.Â
â11k for butter,â Carmâs head doesnât move but his eyes raise to you. âIs a week. More than a week.â
Ah. Carmen can see you too, see your thought process. The Ascaso, worth one of the worst weeks of Mikeyâs life. The fucking butter. Worth more than a week of Mikeyâs sobriety.Â
All you can do is nod solemnly. âIt is, yeah.âÂ
He nods back, tongue prodding his cheek. âThatâs too much.â
âIâd agree.â
âIâll switch to local.â You make it easy for him to fix his mistakes, by giving him the space to realize them.Â
âI think thatâs the right call.â You nod, smiling. After a moment, you reach for Carmen to uncross his arms, and when he does, you take his fist and uncurl itâ Your hand is a very soothing balm to the spots where he dug his nails into his own hand.
âLoosen your grip, Carmy.â
And so, he does. With a laugh and a look to high heaven, he loosens his grip. Really loosens his grip. Wellâ Not completely, heâs not going to say that, but he will say something that is just nearly as difficult but not quite. He'll bite down a little. Heâll make the grooves, for now, until his grip is good enough.
âCome to dinner with us?â
would you believe me if i said I had to rewrite a bit of this last scene because intially it went so rom-com and I was so disgusted when I reread it in the morning I had to stare at it in the subway ride to work like "what the fuck am I gonna do"
was this chapter good? God I hope so. I felt like with where we're going, it was kinda necessary to do Chip's onboard, set the stage for what work is like for her. I had to loosen my own grip with this one lmao. just allow myself to be a LITTLE messy. if it's bad, lie to me. tell me sweet little lies peach
DAD REVEAL THOUGH EH? MR CK!!! So much did happen this chapter. Chips on board! Squid Ink moving in together era commences! Christmas party!! Also. Would you believe me if I told you no shit syd was gonna move, she was planning it in S2, but I was planning this whole time for Ink to get evicted!! I want those fuckers to be roommates STAT!!!
anyways, i really hope i remembered to write down everyone that asked to be added to the taglist, i might've not. i'm very sorry if i didnt
oh also if you wanna be added!! send in your thoughts!! words for words baby, essay for essay cmonnn gimme ur character analysis!! (oh and also ask to be added, ofc)
@hoetel-manager , @fridavacado @sharkluver , @spectacular-skywalker , @silas-aeiou , @deadofnight0 , @sunbreathingstuff , @anytim3youwant @navs-bhat @whoknowswhoiamtoday @gills-lounge @blueaproncarmy @itsallacotar @catsrdabestsocks101 @popcornpoppin @renaissance-painting @lostinwonderland314 @v0ctin @ashtonweon @mrs-perfectly-fine @thefreakingbear @anytim3youwant
#carmen berzatto#the bear fanfiction#the bear x reader#the bear hulu#the bear fx#the bear#the bear x you#carmen x reader#carmy x reader#carmen berzatto x reader#carmen x oc#carmy berzatto
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Behind the Scenes (03/05)
Behind the Negotiation
pairing: actor!aemond Ă fem!reader
summary: knowing that you can't run away from your past forever, you receive unexpected visitors in your home that make you fear for your son's future.
word counter: 8.9k
previous part âą next part âą series masterlist
warnings: angst, arguments, language,mention of abortion.
guys, I'm sorry for the delay, with this chapter a lot of unexpected things came across my way, but I've finally finished it and I'm satisfied with the result, although I'm not sure if you will like it, it might bore you but I don't know, please let me know :)
without more to say, enjoy it and thanks for all the support, really! let me know your comments too, I'll be waiting for them!
You still remember it all too well.
You remember how you accepted Aemond's terms, the terms of his agent Criston and also of his entire team.
You agreed to keep the existence of your child a secret, to hide in the shadows with him and to keep a low profile until it was "safe" for Aemond's career to publicly and legally acknowledge the baby.
But you only accepted to take that worry off everyone's mind and especially his, so you could run away. Although the reality is that you were scared.
At first, Aemond's power, influence and connections kept you paralyzed, thinking about the consequences of breaking all ties with him.
And running away from him, disappearing from his life along with your son was a decision you had to make carefully and then had to live with in fear and dread of being found someday.
And the fear of possible legal reprisals for your escape and uncertainty about the consequences were present at every turn. But you did everything to live in freedom, not to destroy Aemond's career and to protect your son from all public exposure.
You always knew that Aemond with his celebrity status possesses power, not only in the entertainment industry, but also in the media and social sphere, that was obvious, just like any other celebrity.
So finding you could be as easy as snapping his fingers.
So to prevent Aemond from tracking your movements so he could find you, you began by discarding any means of transportation that could be easily monitored or tracked.
You avoided airports and bus terminals, opting instead for small train stations and local buses, always paying with cash. You left King's Landing and the entire state, going all the way to the Iron Islands.
In Pike, with the money you had left over, you were able to rent a room to yourself in a cheap hotel, then quickly began to look around for a job in the surrounding area in search of an opportunity that could provide you with support and stability.
You knew you couldn't get a job like the one you had before, on a recording set with a big salary. So downtown, you found a job at a beauty salon.
Not only does she own a beauty salon, she also owns a few small apartments in the city and offered you one of them at a lower price, considering you were just starting out with a new job.
The owner of the place, Becca Waters, a kind and understanding woman, saw potential and also the need in you.
Knowing your condition and that you practically came to live in a place where you knew nothing and no one, she also offered you a place to live and be safe.
Mrs. Waters became a fundamental support for you, providing guidance, encouragement, flexibility and stability in your financial need and also in your pregnancy.
With her you felt completely safe and supported at a time when you needed it most. After all you had gone through to get here, leaving your life behind and pregnant, she was your reward.
But still nothing was easy after that.
Your pregnancy process was a roller coaster of emotions, challenges and moments. Facing motherhood as a single mom was an overwhelming reality.
On the one hand, even though the baby was unplanned, you were excited to know that you would soon be holding him in your arms, but on the other hand, you also felt fear and anxiety at the responsibility of raising a child alone with no knowledge of anything really.
The first few months of pregnancy were especially difficult.
You experienced pain, symptoms and discomforts that you had no idea about and had to endure, as well as a slight state of depression and anxiety about dealing with all of this on your own.
But through it all, Becca was your pillar of support at all times, who became your confidant, giving you comfort and encouragement in difficult times. And she was the one who helped you throughout your pregnancy and also the one who was by your side when you gave birth to your child.
And even though you didn't want to, being in a very vulnerable state, you couldn't help but feel lonely and miss Aemond, just as you missed everything you once used to be.
But remembering everything that happened the last time you saw him, even though the feeling disappeared, you also couldn't help but start crying.
And to protect yourself emotionally, you decided to stay away from news about Aemond.
You avoided social media and any content that could remind you of your past with him. Your determination was great to be able to raise your child alone, without relying on Aemond's presence or acknowledgement.
And the day your son finally came into the world, it was a moment of joy and wonder that could not be compared to any other moment in life, filling your heart with indescribable happiness.
However, the birth also brought with it a torrent of new worries and challenges.
Childbirth was exhausting and intense. Nothing you've ever experienced before. And in the days that followed, the constant care of the newborn, the lack of sleep and the adjustment to your new life were heavy challenges that pushed you to the limit many times.
But in spite of that, every smile, every little gesture of your son filled your world with immense love, as well as Mrs. James' help in guiding you in practical aspects of motherhood increased your unwavering determination to go forward for him, being your driving force.
Although also the arrival of your son into the world increased your fear in you.
The fear that Aemond and his team might find you and take your son away from you was a constant worry. But despite this, there were moments of uncertainty when you thought too much about it.
You wondered why Aemond would bother looking for you and your child. Clearly the baby was a risk to his career and he didn't even want to support you from the start, only accepting it later because that was your decision.
You knew he wouldn't but you were still afraid.
Would Aemond really seek you out after he initially supported the idea of abortion?
Would he really seek you out after he supported your decision even if he didn't want to but in the shadows, avoiding any public acknowledgement and hiding you and your son?
But just when you had gotten used to it, had found stability with a job and a permanent refuge in the beauty salon with Mrs. Waters, a few months after the birth of your son, Mrs. Waters was forced to close the salon due to unforeseen financial problems.
That place that had been your refuge and where you found support and friendship, suddenly disappeared, leaving you with a feeling of emptiness, uncertainty and nostalgia.
Mrs. Waters would have to leave town and although you didn't want to, you also decided to do the same, convinced that you would be safer with your son in a place you knew well, avoiding at all times the places you used to go with Aemond and where you knew you could meet him.
So after looking for a job, with your resume and previous excellent references, in the city where the entire film industry resides, you got a job as a makeup artist in a different recording studio than the one you had worked in before.
There was no way you could meet Aemond, or so you thought.
Previously the TV network was BBC, now it was HBO for whom you would be working on a new TV show, so you really had nothing to worry about, especially since the pay was very good and you could survive just fine on that for you and your child.
But right on your first day of work, life decided to surprise you.
And now you are here, in your new apartment where you were planning to live temporarily until you find a better one, but now with you running away on your first day it means definite dismissal for sure, so you have no idea how you are going to pay for a better one or how you are going to pay for this one next month so you won't get kicked to the street.
But you can't even think straight as you are still shaking, your emotions are running high, you have no idea what really happened, it was all very fast between talking and remembering the past.
And the only thing that gives you some peace in the midst of your own thoughts and everything you're feeling, are the sounds of Aenar's toys and babbling in the living room, playing on the floor and touching everything he can.
His silver hair shines from the sunlight coming through the windows and he giggles as his colorful toys bump into each other, showing a world of happiness and innocent curiosity, completely filling your heart but you still feel that sharp ache in your chest.
You move towards him with a soft sigh and take a seat next to him, keeping a small genuine smile on your lips but with some melancholy, when he starts showing you all his toys and asks you between babbling and giggles to play with him.
You move the toys back and forth, ask him questions in honeyed tones and he laughs, making you laugh too, but you continue with the tumult of your overwhelming thoughts.
You think about what you will do now, that you should probably look for a job at a new beauty salon, which is what you should have done as soon as you got back, find a subtle job instead of going back to what you were doing before so suddenly.
However the paycheck was what made you take it and you need it too much, so you'll have to look for other alternatives.
You find yourself thinking about it when you suddenly hear the sound of the door completely interrupting your thoughts and also your game with Aenar.
You look towards the entrance, confused, with a strange feeling growing in your chest, immediately giving you a bad feeling. For who would come knocking at your door?
No one knows you're back⊠except Aemond.
Oh Gods.
The thought makes you paralyzed, feeling your whole body tense up, your heart starts beating fast and fear invades you completely.
Could it be him?
You wonder, struggling to stay calm, even though there's no way he could have figured out so quickly where you're living.
Or has he?
The thought leaves you completely paralyzed, with a mixture of anxiety and fear flowing inside you.
The knocking on the door becomes more insistent and you carefully get up and leave Aenar still amused in his game on the floor, then walk towards the door feeling a lump in your throat and a growing uneasiness.
You reach for the doorknob and as you turn it to open, your heart skips a beat when you find Aemond's agent standing in front of you, Criston Cole.
A trace of surprise and confusion flashes across your face, feeling your body tighten further and the fear linger.
How did he know where you were?
What is he doing here?
Criston returns you a serious but understanding look, beginning to feel the tension between the two of you, while you feel the fear invade you again because of the old memories and being him one of the main reasons why you decided to run away.
His mere presence triggers a series of emotions that take you by surprise. With no trace of Aemond or anyone else around you, yet your mind races.
Nervousness invades every fiber of your being, while your heart beats faster and stronger than usual. A sense of discomfort invades you and you also feel alert, afraid, unable to control it.
"Y/N."
He pronounces your name with a slight nod. His tone tries to be reassuring, but confusion and bewilderment wash over you.
You say nothing for a few seconds, feeling unable to speak and unable to formulate any words, barely trying at that moment to process the situation. Anxiety creeps through your chest, as he gives you and respects your space, aware of your unease.
"I understand that you're surprised by my visit and I don't want to make you uncomfortable, I really don't. But we need to talk."
The confusion inside you increases and so does the fear, to watch him completely bewildered and on the verge of collapse.
"H-howâ
You try to ask with your voice cracking in the midst of all your emotions, but he interrupts you in response, knowing what you're going to ask.
"My team," he lets you know, "They handled finding you."
He tells you seriously and with that touch of professionalism in his tone, but his response only surprises and puzzles you more, to which Criston notices.
You feel the questions pile up in your head, but you barely manage to articulate a word, besides all the emotions you're feeling, fear mainly.
"Aemond informed us of your return," he adds, "After he didn't find you again, he asked us to look for you," he tells you calmly, trying to make his eyes convey an attempt at empathy for you.
But you don't believe that one bit. Not after what happened the last time you saw him and his entire team.
You feel a surge of vulnerability wash over you, leaving you suddenly helpless before him. You don't have the slightest idea how you will be able to cope with that situation, how to get away from them again now that they have found you, especially him.
"What have you really come for?" you question, not hiding your distrust.
Criston keeps a serene attitude and look, seeking to soften the tension, but notices your demeanor and posture, of fear and alertness altogether.
"Just to talk," he tells you softly, "Believe me the last thing I want and Aemond too is to cause you trouble. We just want to talk and nothing more," he explains, but you are having none of it, "He was going to come himself, but he had to film some scenes. But he'll come as soon as he can."
This just adds more weight to the anxiety and nervousness you're already feeling, so it triggers an alert in you that makes you feel completely freaked out, definitely not wanting that.
"No," you try to retort with a firm tone, but your vulnerability shows in your trembling voice and nervous expression, "Please leave."
Concern flashes across Criston's face for an instant, unconsciously taking a step towards you.
"Y/Nâ
"Please," you plead, "Just go away and don't come back, none of you, not even him."
"Y/N, please, just let meâ
"No," you interrupt him again, more desperate than before, "Please," you repeat.
The atmosphere is filled with a silence full of tension, where your words, full of desperation and longing to get away from the situation, float in the air, also asking for urgent distance and tranquility.
And Criston lets out a sigh.
"Just a few minutes," he says, struggling to find some control in the situation, "Just-let us talk to you, Aemond and me."
"If it's to talk about his career and his son, I'm not interested," you say firmly, but your trembling voice gives away your emotions, "We've talked about that before," you say with some bitterness and sadness in your tone, "You can go now. I don't plan on staying anyway."
Without having let go of the door frame, you try to close the door, ending all of this, but he instantly speaks again, stopping you.
"Please Y/N, Aemond is very worried and wishes to speak with you," he insists, "He hasn't been the same since you left, you should know that," he adds in a persuasive tone.
You let out a snort in disbelief and with some bitterness, as you look away from his gaze for a moment.
"I highly doubt that."
"Y/Nâ
The sound of Aenar's innocent laughter while playing with his toys catches Criston's attention, stopping his words, who unconsciously catches a glimpse inside your living room where Aenar is playing and also catches a glimpse of his small figure on the floor with his characteristic silver hair.
This immediately triggers your concern and increases your protective mode and you quickly close the door a little behind you, blocking his view, while your heart is pounding.
This is what you meant.
You don't want anything bad to happen to your son, in any way. And you will do anything to protect him, because they decided everything except to protect you and now you will not allow them to intervene in your son's life now that they know he is here.
"Y/N," he calls to you in a softer voice, watching you completely intently and desperately asking you with his gaze for a moment.
"Please don't," you plead with him, at the point of collapsing from worry and frustration.
Again you enter the apartment as you hold the door frame tightly to close it, but Criston stops you again.
"You must understand the gravity of what happened," he tells you seriously, "Your disappearance put Aemond's relationship with his son in danger. There are legal implications for you to consider, such as custody," he says and your heart flips, "I can explain all of this to you and resolve it in the best way possible," he looks at you in insistence, "But only if you let me in so we can talk."
And there they are again. Your greatest fears.
The word 'custody' repeats over and over in your mind, like a loop, causing you greater fear, worry and pressure than before, the gravity of the situation and the looming legal implications being clear.
The air weighs on you, heavy with uncertainty and intense tension, as well as you are overcome with the urge to cry because of your doubts and fear.
"Wh-what-" you try to speak in a whisper, your voice cracking and your heart in a fist, "Custody?" you repeat under your breath.
Criston watches you with some pity and understanding, then lowers his gaze, lets out a sigh and watches you with that sympathy and also a little expectant.
"May I come in?"
Try one more time and maybe it's because of his words that your mind is in a state of alarm that makes you recognize that you can't run away again or else things will get worse. And you don't want that. You are afraid for yourself and Aenar.
Feeling more of your anxiety, you finally allow him to enter and Criston at this thanks you with his gaze and moves carefully, noticing your visible discomfort and also your fear, not wanting to alter you any further with absolutely nothing.
And once the door closes, you immediately stand in front of Aenar with a weak and vulnerable posture trying to look strong, this catching his attention and feeling something warm in his chest at the presence of the little one.
But he also knows exactly why you react this way and he doesn't blame you for it, much less does it bother him because he understands you.
"I'm very honest when I tell you that we really don't want to create more trouble, Y/N," he tells you in a soft tone, "AemondâŠ. he really is very worried. And since he is my client, we don't want any legal implications or further conflict."
You try to keep your composure, but your thoughts are a storm of confused emotions. The very idea of dealing with legal issues, especially regarding your son, is overwhelming to you.
"Why now?" you ask in a trembling voice, your gaze searching for answers, "All this⊠why?"
Criston exhales slowly, trying to find the right words.
"The situation has changed, basically since you left. Aemond was wrong at the time and I admit I was too, so now he's willing to acknowledge your son, in every way possible."
You can't help but look incredulous and bitter once again.
"It's already too late for that, don't you think?" you ask him in a bitter tone.
Criston looks down for a moment, his expression one of compassion and understanding towards your perspective.
"Yes, we know," he nods to you, "And that's why we're here, trying to keep all this from becoming a bigger problem. But please Y/N, understand that Aemond doesn't want to hurt you or cause you any more trouble than he's already caused."
"And until now you say that?" you inquire sad, worried, fearful and indignant, "That's what I needed to hear before when I was scared, because I was scared too Criston, not just Aemond," you let him know, with tears in the corners of your eyes, "But you treated me like a problem you needed to get rid of, you and him."
Criston listens to your words with a gesture in his eyes that reflects the heaviness of the situation, just as you see shame and regret wash over him, suddenly seeing him as the vulnerable one and you as the strong one compared to years ago, the roles reversing for a moment.
"I'm sorry, Y/N. We didn't mean to make you feel that way," he says in a regret-laden tone.
"Sorry doesn't change anything," you say, fighting back tears.
You watch him with your hard stare and sad eyes, feeling several tears fall down your cheeks, making you remember once again.
And once again without letting it drown you, you force yourself to push those memories away, all your moments of uncertainty, fear and pain, to brush your tears away from your cheeks with a strong look of determination.
"I will accept any legal consequences if there are any," you say suddenly, trying to keep your composure, "If there are legal actions, I'm willing to face them. But for now, I just want to be left alone, please."
"Y/N," Criston calls you cautiously, "I just want you to understand that we want to do the right thing now. And what we want to do is find a solution that works for you and for Aemond regarding him," he points to Aenar with his gaze behind you, "Something that guarantees your privacy while not damaging his public image."
Then all the effect of his words completely disappear on you.
You feel a surge of frustration, annoyance and despair at the realization that still the main concern remains Aemond's career.
"Do you still think about his career?" you ask with disappointment and resentment in your tone.
"Y/Nâ
"The most important thing here is my son," you stand strong, "But he seems to be only one aspect of Aemond's image, doesn't he?"
"Even after all this time that has passed, Aemond's career is more successful and even promising than before, that is something that neither you, him nor I should forget, let alone ignore," he tries to explain to you, "Aemond wants to fix things but his career must also be contemplated, please understand this Y/N."
"Then why do you say you want to do things the right way now if that is not true?" you inquire.
"Yes it is true," he clarifies, "But within all of this, his career must still be contemplated."
You shake your head in disbelief, unable to believe it.
"You say a lot of things Criston, but it's clear what matters most to you," you say with no emotion in your voice, "And sure, why shouldn't his career matter most to you? After all⊠you don't know what it's like to get pregnant, without support and go through the whole process by yourself, and then raise a child on your own, without the support of his father."
"I don't mean toâ
"Please go away," you plead once more and this again alerts him.
"Y/Nâ
He tries to speak but the sound of the door echoes throughout the living room, drawing your full attention and Criston's as well.
The atmosphere again becomes heavier than before, as well as all your confidence disappears, already knowing who it is and you are confirmed by the fact that the person behind the door knocks more insistently, sounding desperate.
With your fearful gaze and your whole body tense, you quickly move towards Aenar, who is still playing completely oblivious to everything that is happening on the floor and you take him in your arms with haste but also care.
You hold him tightly against your body, as a way to protect him from everything outside and also from all people especially while trying to contain all your emotions.
And Criston, who also knows who it is, rushes to the door to open it.
And there on the doorway, the figure of Aemond comes into view, with all the desperation and longing in his gaze, the worry and anguish too, as you muster the courage to be able to look him in the eye again, holding Aenar a little more firmly against your chest.
But your son's body is visible to the eye and that's what makes Aemond completely paralyzed at the sight of you with his son in your arms.
Surprise is completely reflected in his whole look, immediately followed by a bunch of emotions that start to pile up in his whole being and want to come out, as he feels his whole body tense up and a feeling in his stomach invades him.
This leaves him and you in a state of momentary restlessness, where time seems to stand still and the silence is too loud. You, with your gaze fixed on him, try to keep your composure with a mixture of fear, insecurity and some determination to protect your son at all costs.
It didn't take long for Aemond's surprise to turn into a moment of awe and a surge of overwhelming emotions. The mere sight of you with his child in your arms triggers disbelief, pent-up longing and a feeling of suppressed joy.
"Y/N," Aemond calls your name in a whisper, his tone laden with surprise and visible regret, where his gaze can't tear away from you and Aenar.
You say nothing, just watch him back without saying anything, with all your emotions reflecting in your eyes.
The moment is just the three of you, so Criston turns away completely, not interfering and saying absolutely nothing, while you continue in your protective mode and Aemond is still processing this whole moment.
With excitement clashing against the surprise in his eyes, he tries to process the reality of having his son before him for the first time.
He searches for the right words to speak, but his stuck mind won't let him, nor will the lump in his throat and stomach as he continues to watch the scene in front of him; you with his son in your arms.
He tries to say something, but his lips barely half open and the words won't come out, feeling his heart beating too fast and hard.
And you with your gaze full of expectation, fear and caution, Aemond finally looks at you again, aware of all the emotional charge you feel, just like him, as well as your fear and distrust after everything that happened.
"C-can⊠can I come closer?"
He finally asks cautiously, his voice with a tone of longing and nervousness barely contained.
You hesitate at that moment.
Feeling the weight of the situation and the emotions that are triggered at that moment, despite everything, you feel very vulnerable and you also feel his vulnerability, also that longing to touch Aenar and hold him.
And despite the way he acted with you almost two years ago and also the way Criston and all his team treated you, you don't feel able to be as cruel as they were with you back then.
You don't want to be like them and also aware that this day would come sooner or later, you watch Aenar for a moment, leave a soft kiss on his forehead and again watch Aemond, then nod in his direction with a barely perceptible gesture.
You allow Aemond your closeness and he with extreme care begins to approach you slowly, as if fearing that a sudden movement could fade the magical and longing moment.
Aemond's heartbeat echoes in your ears as he finally stands in front of your son.
Aenar, completely oblivious to everything, senses the nearness of someone else and raises his curious gaze to Aemond, watching him with those bright blue eyes.
And upon seeing that man with the same hair color as his own, his eyes light up with a gleam of curiosity, lightly waving his arms and also his body.
With his teary eye, he watches you for a moment, to again focus on Aenar and with a mixture of excitement and awe, he extends one of his trembling hands towards his small, delicate face.
And when the touch of his fingers against his soft skin of his cheek makes itself felt, Aemond feels an unfamiliar sensation invade him completely.
A sad but honest smile full of melancholy appears on his lips as he gently and carefully traces his face, running his hand up to his silver hair, gazing intently into those blue eyes just like his own as Aenar watches him with that playful innocence but also just as curious as his own.
You, unsure of exactly what to feel or think, watch as he carefully reaches out both arms and begins to hold his body, feeling the warmth and weight of his small body now resting in his arms.
That unfamiliar, overwhelming feeling from before comes over him even more strongly as he holds his son for the first time, when Aenar lifts one of his hands and touches his left cheek, where his scar is.
The emotion makes his breath hitch as he struggles to hold back the tears of restrained happiness that will come at any moment.
It was a moment he had imagined countless times, but had never believed possible until this instant.
Aenar, captivated by the newness and warmth in the arms of Aemond, his father, laughs innocently, his eyes dazzling a happiness as he notices the familiarity in that new face above him. And at his gesture, Aemond lets out a choked laugh, completely captivated by him.
And unable to contain himself any longer, the first sob escapes his throat and the tears fall, instantly pulling his son's face to his chest, embracing him with gentleness and that security that makes him feel so vulnerable when Aenar settles perfectly in his arms.
Guilt, sadness, joy, emotion, everything invades him in that moment.
And he lets out more tears for the comfort that Aenar gives him in his arms, that feeling of protection and even⊠love, that makes him feel even more vulnerable.
And you are still there, close to them but giving Aemond his space, watching everything attentively with your heart in a fist and feeling sensations you had not felt before at the scene, with tears also wanting to slide down your cheeks.
After a few more seconds, Aemond slurps his nose and looks over Aenar's small shoulder at you with all the vulnerability in his gaze.
"I-I know I don't deserve this," he says with his voice cracking, trying to control himself but he can't.
And he is about to say something else but you watching his expression, a mixture of regret and deep sadness, you step forward to speak.
"In spite of everything, he deserves to know his father," you murmur with your trembling voice and teary eyes, "Aenar deserves this," you assure him, accepting it as you watch the scene of the two of them.
Aemond nods, unable to articulate words, still feeling the lump in his throat, his face reflecting pain, regret and a sadness you have never seen in him before, as his tears continue to fall as he embraces his son.
"I'm sorry," he whispers, unable to contain the emotion, turning to him and to you. "I'm so sorry. I-I didn't know how to face itâŠhow to be there."
Silence again settles throughout the apartment, only being filled by Aemond's soft crying, as you silently weep and continue to watch the two of them.
A few minutes have passed since Aemond and your son met for the first time.
Aenar laughs with delight as Aemond plays with him with one of his toys. They are both immersed in a little world of fun where it's just the two of them, surrounded by Legos blocks, small plastic cars and puppets.
You watch everything, or almost everything, without interfering and giving them both their space, watching your son enjoy a special moment that on another occasion, could have been a daily routine with a different life.
Criston doesn't say or do anything either, he at all times stands in the corner watching the whole interaction, letting Aemond have his moment with his son, genuinely feeling happy for him.
And even though the scene makes you feel warm in your heart, being a scene you longed for before, you still still feel insecure, afraid and overwhelmed by this whole situation.
This doesn't really change anything. You have only given Aemond the opportunity to meet his son because your son deserves it, nothing more.
Inside you are still just as scared and in expectation that at any moment this whole 'beautiful' moment will fade away. And that's exactly what happens when you hear Criston's voice all over the living room.
"I wouldn't want to ruin the moment, truly," he says seriously and honestly, "But it's important that we talk about all this so we can resolve it properly."
This immediately catches your attention and also Aemond's, with whom you exchange a quick glance, again feeling your whole body tremble and out of the same nervousness you are overcome with the impulse to take your son in your arms to feel safe.
"It is important that we talk about the child, about what you are going to do now," he turns to Aemond, "Custody is important and all that goes with it."
"I don't understand why you keep talking about custody," you look at him nervously and annoyed, "I alone have cared for and raised Aenar all this time."
"I know this is complicated and sudden, Y/N," Criston tells you, "But we need to approach this whole thing responsibly."
"Responsibility?" you repeat incredulously, "What responsibility are you exactly talking about?"
"Y/N," Aemond immediately interjects, "Listen to me, please," he gets up from the floor leaving Aenar playing alone and walks towards you, "It's not my intention to take our son away from you, truly. But we must make sure we have legal rights to be in his life," he explains to you, "You were the one who ran away, who disappeared without a word. I didn't know what happened to you."
You look at him uncomprehendingly, with your hurt and desperate gaze.
"You talk about custody and rights when in the beginning that was the last thing on your mind, Aemond," you observe him incredulously, "And you keep reproaching me for running away when you know perfectly well that I did it so I could live and so I wouldn't ruin your career, which was all you were thinking about."
Regret again invades Aemond's face, as the atmosphere becomes denser, full of mixed emotions where fear and anger resurfaces with everything else.
Any trace of calm and peace, has ceased to exist, only being perceived by Aenar, who continues oblivious and innocent to all this in his games.
"I-IâŠ" Aemond tries to speak, "I'm sorry for everything, Y/N. But back then...
His sentence hangs in suspense, not knowing what else to say, trying to find the right words without wanting to generate more tension, but that's what he involuntarily does.
"Back then," you repeat, your emotions running high, "Back then you were too busy taking care of your public image, supporting the idea of an abortion without consulting me, then supporting the idea of hiding me and my child as if we were a problem, which in fact we were and as if it was my only option, leaving me with no alternatives," you express with frustration and pain marked in every word.
Regret remains in Aemond's facial expressions, looking visibly affected by your words, grief-stricken and with a regret throughout his body that affirms to him that you are absolutely right, each word being like a dagger straight to his heart.
"Y-you don't know how much I regret and blame myself for all of that, Y/N," he tells you with vulnerability in his tone, "And I know I don't deserve it, any of this, not even that you allowed me to meet him and that I'm now in the same place as him," he says with regret, "But I want to find a solution that works for both of us," he whispers sadly.
The room is again consumed by silence, except for the sound of Aenar's toy movements, which is what catches Aemond's attention for a moment to smile a little more melancholy.
The situation becomes increasingly complex as your emotions continue to run high between anger and sadness, with the memory of past times still latent, but also with the uncertainty of the future.
And Criston, trying to keep calm, intervenes again.
"I understand that you both have different perspectives on what happened. But now we need to think about the future, of your son," he says seriously, "It's not just about custody, it's about finding a way to strike a fair balance, but⊠thinking about your career too, Aemond."
You let out a disbelieving, ironic snort again, shaking your head.
"His career,'" you repeat with a bitter tone, your voice a mixture of sarcasm and disappointment.
Aemond, watching you sadly and remorsefully, speaks in a calm but regret-laden voice.
"I don't want you to look at this that way, Y/Nâ
"That's just the way I see it," you interrupt him, serious and sad, "This is exactly why I left. This is why when I saw you again, I decided to run away again," you say hurt, "Now that you've met him, you want to be in his life, but you still prefer to hide us. This kind of life is the one you wanted to give us at the beginning and now you still do too."
Your revelations Aemond had already heard, but at that moment, again that sharp pain in his chest becomes present, as well as guilt, remorse and regret at seeing your sad face with such honest words.
"All I want is to come to an agreement, Y/N, pleaseâ
"You're not going to hide us," you interrupt him firmly.
"Aemond," he calls him seriously.
"No, that's not my intentionâ
He insists desperately but Criston intervenes.
"Don't," Aemond interrupts him instantly, turning serious and with an annoyed expression towards him, "We can't hide the truth anymore, Criston. Things must change."
"Look, I understand that this is difficult for you," he begins in a serious and cautious tone, "But still, we must consider the consequences. There's a lot at stake here, your career," he reminds him, "You have numerous job offers. Your show on HBO is the most famous show on the platform and the most watched show on television so far. How do you think people are going to react when they find out about your son?"
The room sinks into another silence, as you watch him with your hard, sad face, frustration, annoyance and irritation inside you, watching as Criston continues to treat your son like he's a problem.
And it hurts you.
Because Aemond doesn't even say anything.
"We can find a way to handle all this without putting at risk everything you have achieved, Aemond. And if you get a share of the custody, your son will be under your protection without harming your image," he proposes with an insistent look, seeking his approval.
You look away again, completely incredulous and with helplessness all over you.
It's not Aemond, it's Criston.
It is he who continues to manipulate Aemond to prioritize his career over his son, so that everything revolves around public image and fame, diverting attention from the well-being of your son.
And what can you really do there?
He is his agent, the person who has positioned him where he is now, making him famous, relevant, telling him what roles to take in movies or TV shows that are going to ensure one more success to his career.
"If you listen to himâŠ" you begin to say in his direction with a trembling but firm tone, "If you do what he tells you, I swear I won't care what I have to do, even go into debt to get a good lawyer," you warn, "I will fight for the custody of Aenar and when I get it, I assure you that you will never see him again, ever."
Your words slip from your lips with a determination that completely surprises Aemond, surprise and concern visible on his face, watching you hurt for a moment, his mind a complete mess.
But it is not he who speaks, but Criston who takes the floor once more.
"If that's what you want, Y/N⊠that's fine," he tells you seriously, his gaze cold and calculating. "But let me warn you, we're trying to come to an agreementâ
"The two of you or you specifically?" you snap at him.
"That doesn't matter, Aemond is my client and my job is to secure and protect his career," he tells you seriously, "And if you'd rather take this to fighting for full custody of Aenar, then so be it," he nods at you, "But I assure you, you're going to end up losing."
"That's enough."
Finally, Aemond's voice rises from where he stands, aimed directly at Criston, with a serious, hard stare that reveals a newfound determination.
"We are talking about our son, an issue that concerns her and me, this has nothing to do with you," he declares, his tone firm and his posture defiant.
"Your career has to do with me," he clarifies to her also serious, "You must think about what you are going to sacrifice. Your future, your career, the opportunities that await you-
"I said that's enough," he spits back at her, serious and annoyed, watching him with a hard stare, taking Criston by surprise.
And before he can say anything else, there is another knock on the door, drawing your full attention and making you feel completely alert, especially when Criston is the one who again goes to open the door, as if he knows exactly who it is.
And as you open the door, just like that day, Aemond's publicist, an assistant and the PR people enter your apartment.
Surprise flashes all over your face, watching with your eyes wide open the unexpected arrival of that group of people, whose intentions are not good.
"Thank you for coming," Criston tells them as he closes the door behind him.
"Of course."
Their eyes flick to you for a moment and then focus on Aenar, watching them back with curiosity in their gaze, while you feel confusion and fear completely take over you.
Despair, fear, your future, Aenar, everything mixes together in a horrible way that makes you want to vomit, letting out a couple of tears to quickly turn to your son and hold him in your arm, turning your back to them and starting to cry silently.
And Aemond, seeing your reaction, equally as surprised as you, quickly turns to Criston, his gaze full of confusion and annoyance.
"What is this? Why have you called them?" he inquires with his voice full of restrained anger.
And Criston, unabashed and uncaring of his actions, responds with a calm but calculated determination.
"We are not going before a jury to settle this, Aemond, it will be a waste of time and she will cause us more trouble," he says regardless, "This is necessary for your career, to address this whole issue strategically to protect your image, whether she likes it or not."
Aemond's expression transforms to one of frustration and helplessness.
But before he can intervene, his entire team begins to act.
"We need to establish an immediate plan, now," Criston says.
"Will the strategy be to minimize the impact on the media?" asks the publicity man.
"No, I want it hidden," Criston clarifies, "The approach must be careful and calculated. The priority is Aemond's reputation and career."
"I suggest we limit the exposure of Y/N and the child in public."
"We could create an alternative narrative to deflect attention by highlighting Aemond's professional accomplishments and minimizing the focus on his personal life."
"This must be handled with discretion. We cannot allow this situation to interfere with Aemond's career opportunities," Criston says firmly.
And so your entire living room fills with the sound of all those voices, each voice contributing ideas to control the situation, the problems, Aenar and you.
The tension intensifies, as everyone meticulously plans how to run the public narrative, completely ignoring Aemond's and your personal needs and concerns.
Tears slip down your cheeks silently as you hug Aenar tightly to your chest. This instantly catches the attention of Aemond, who steps worriedly towards you, placing his hand on your shoulder, positioning himself in front of you, but you abruptly pull away from him, watching him with an expression of pain and anguish amidst your tears and suffering face.
"Y/Nâ
"Why are you doing this? Why are you allowing this?" you ask in your broken, desperate voice.
"No, I swear to you I had no idea that heâ
"I left, Aemond," you remind him with your voice cracking, "I left to save your career. And everything was fine, with you and me, our lives," you sob, "Why did you ask Criston to find me? Why do you care and insist on saying you want to be in our lives, when your career is still the most important thing?"
Pain and confusion echo in your words, lingering in the mind of Aemond, who in his gaze reflects a mixture of guilt, bewilderment, pain and sadness.
But everything hurts him more the moment you turn away from him, with a defeated gesture, turning your back to him and your whole body trembling in fear, Aenar in your arms being what gives you strength not to fall apart at that moment.
"We can prepare official statements to control the leaking information to minimize any negative impact on his public reputation."
"Rest assured that we need to maintain full control of this situation. We cannot allow any details to slip out," Aemond hears Criston's voice.
And that's when something snaps inside him.
Every repressed feeling bursts out in a whirlwind of emotions that were fighting to get out, your worry, the anger at himself and the guilt that invades him.
Everything explodes and ignites into a fury that he can no longer contain, seeing your state, causing him anger and feeling completely guilty.
Because everything is in fact his fault.
So without waiting a second longer, he walks to the center of the living room and with a hard, serious, completely annoyed look on his face and with his jaw clenched, he acts.
"Get out of here, all of you, now!" he exclaims, instantly drawing everyone's attention and yours as well.
For an instant everyone watches him and nothing else, slightly surprised and expectant, Criston too, unmoving and doing nothing, causing you a wave of despair.
"I said everyone out!" he exclaims in a firm voice and his gaze full of determination.
And it's only then that one by one the team finally leaves your apartment, except for Criston.
"What are you doing?" he inquires with a touch of disbelief in his tone, challenging Aemond.
"You get out of here too."
He orders him annoyed and with irritation, his voice charged with a frustration that has already reached its limit.
"Aemond, this is important, you can't justâ
"I need to talk to Y/N alone," he interrupts her with his tone in a mixture of anger and determination, "I'm warning you, Criston. If you ever do anything else again without consulting me and interfering with this, I'm going to seriously consider firing you, which is what I should have done long ago," he shoots back at him with his defiant stare.
The pulse of the room beats with unbearable intensity as Aemond and Criston hold a duel of intense stares. However, in the face of Aemond's firmness, Criston finally resigns himself with a serious, annoyed look, full of frustration and resignation.
And finally he heads for the door, his footsteps sounding in the room as he leaves the apartment.
Aemond watches him leave with a mixture of relief and exhaustion, no longer feeling his shoulders tense. The silence expands once more as soon as the door closes and he turns to you with a gaze filled with a quiet, worried intensity.
The silence lingers for a few moments longer, a dense atmosphere charged with unspoken emotions. When he takes a step toward you, hesitantly.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice ringing with sincerity and regret, "What happened, my insistence⊠none of this was my intention, much less to cause you pain and hurt you," he admits with his vulnerability again reflected.
And even though it's just you and him in your apartment, your fear lingers.
"P-please don't take my son from me," you plead between sobs, your voice filled with anguish and fear.
Aemond's heart contracts in suffering and worry at your words, his gaze instantly reflecting it.
"What? No, no, Y/N⊠that is not what I want to do, it is not my intention to take our son from you."
He tells you instantly insistent but in a serene and sincere voice, taking a few more steps towards you, placing himself in front of you, trying to reassure you. But tears continue to slide down your cheeks.
"This is why I left, so I wouldn't cause you any more trouble, so I could live and keep our son safe," you repeat with your voice cracking.
"I know, Y/N, I know," he tells you sympathetically and with a soft tone, "And you don't know how much I hate myself for having been the cause of you deciding to leave, for having hurt you so much to the point of having made that decision," he says sincerely, his eye beginning to tear up, "And this is not just about him, about our son," he tries to explain, "Yes, it is important, but it is also about us," he speaks with a longing, "Since you left, I never stopped thinking about you, and I-I...
He hesitates, unable to fully express his feelings, as he stands in front of you and wants to hold you, you and your son, as he faces his deepest emotions, feeling a tear run down his cheek and looks at you with all the sincerity and pain in his gaze.
"I love you," he finally says, in a completely vulnerable whisper, trembling, lowering his gaze, unable to look you in the eye, "Despite everything, despite my mistakes, despite my work, despite everything that happenedâŠ. I-I still love you," he declares in a whisper laden with longing and regret, "And our son too."
His words get stuck in your mind.
With your heart clenched by the surge of emotions, your eyes watch him back with a mixture of surprise, pain and longing. Aemond's sincerity and vulnerability... it's all too much and makes you feel completely helpless, definitely not expecting that.
You can't speak, your words get stuck in your throat, your heart fluttering with the intensity of the moment, your surprise.
And Aemond completely understands your silence.
"I understand that you don't love me anymore and that you can't love me again, I also understand that things can't go back to the way they used to be because of my job. But please⊠don't keep running away," he pleads quietly, "We won't fight over custody, there will be no legal repercussions, I'm not going to do any of that," he assures you, "JustâŠ" he lets out a long breath, "Just get back to work and let's face this together."
He proposes with his voice full of fragile but hopeful determination, unexpectedly causing you to feel a relief and a warm feeling in your chest.
"I just want Aenar to be okay and let's consider his well-being as the most important thing," you say quietly, while Aemond listens attentively with his face full of longing, regret and understanding, "But we need time and patience. Also that no one else interferes."
Aemond nods, with a slightly more relieved expression, but keeping in mind that there is much to resolve, to heal and to build.
"I understand that and⊠I'm willing to do whatever it takes⊠for him and for you," he says sincerely.
You nod too, as silence takes over again, but this time it is permeated with a shared understanding and a determination to face whatever is necessary for Aenar's well-being.
And finally after so much, you feel calm and fortunately, this time with the support of Aemond, who hesitantly leaves a gentle kiss on your forehead and another on Aenar's forehead, taking him back into his arms.
taglist:
@imaegonstargaryenswife0 @bellstwd @gibbsgirl7 @toodlesxcuddles @imsoshygirl @croatianprincess @gemini-mama @a-little-roony-mara @mysteris-things @zenka69 @at-a-rax-ia @fan-goddess @duds31 @urmomsgirlfriend1 @eternally-passionate @bellaisasleep @ttkttt @aemshaircare @mellowdreamlandpost-blog @noodle81937 @mooncalvin @queenofshinigamis @n4tforlife @vexladin @dixie-elocin @wotcherpeak @watercolorskyy @shiny-trashs-blog @strangersunghoon @elysian0612 @skzenhalove @iloveallmyboys
next part taglist:
@anehkael
#aemond targaryen#aemond fanfiction#aemond targaryen fanfic#aemond targaryen x reader#aemond targaryen x y/n#aemond targaryen x you#aemond x fem!reader#aemond x oc#aemond x reader#hotd aemond#aemond one eye#aemond targaryen angst#modern aemond#ewan mitchell#ewan nation#ewan mitchell fanfic#ewan mitchell fandom#ewan mitchell characters
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ăFeel the magic àč l.nă
part xv
â§.* adjusting to your new lifestyle has never been easier with lando by your side
â§.* just something peaceful and sweet after the last chapter đ„° this is a psa for the people who wanted to be on my taglist but never got tagged, i didn't forget or ignore you, I simply am unable to tag you and therefore removed you from the list feel free to ask me again so I can take a look at it. Taglist is open Love ya â€ïž
â§.* prev part - next part
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y/nusername
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y/nusername summer break(ing bones) â
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norry4 well at least you can joke about it đ
carlandooo good to see you're doing okay! <3
hamilt44n love that the color of your cast matches with your nails đ
y/nlandooo so happy to see you're doing great and are spending time with your family!
bott_ass please I'm so happy to see you living your farm life again, it's been too long since we got to see the animals đ
sharl16 I can't explain it but the duck and y/n have the same vibe
landonorris who's that handsome guy?
y/nusername Mickey đŽ
landonorris I wasn't talking about the horse
y/nusername well I am..
norrizz pls get married, have babies, grow old together, stay together forever đđđ
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
y/nusername posted to their story
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
y/nusername
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y/nusername with the man of the house đ±
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yukisan wish I could spend all day in bed..
hamilt44n girl we don't get to see what she does all day and so what, give her a break đ
norrizz my girl is chilling like she should!
maxmaxmax oh to be an animal in y/n's household :(
landonorris that should be me in your bed
y/nusername shouldn't have fled the country then
landonorris someone's gotta make a living..
landoscar girl it's in the middle of summer why you cuddled up in thick blankets đ
norry4 man of the house? Lando has left the chat đ
grussell63 something tells me lando doesn't have a say in this house đ
landonorris you're right
grussell63 im sorry đđ
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
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maxmaxmax now who's idea was it to have a boat day knowing damn well y/n can't go in the water with her cast đ
fewtrelllando the besties back together once again đ„°
julieeeexo couldn't they find something else to do..idk, something that can be done with a cast lmfao
y/nusername it was my idea and I did dip my feet in the water, that was enough to cool me down đ
norry4 don't know why y'all are freaking out, let them do their thing
cecilemoulin great great great great great day â€ïž
maxfewtrell did you have a great day?
bott_ass good to see y'all back together, I was getting worried đ
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
âœâââââââââââââââââââââââââ„
Feel the magic taglist: @celesteblack08 @mrsmaybank13 @cha-hot @judesgfirl @roseseraj @kissesandmartinis @jpg3 @amulhermaisfelizdomundo @marialovesf1 @silkenthusiasts @luvrrish @laneyspaulding19 @emily-b @formula1bby @buckybarnessweetheart @strawberrychita @iifloweringnightsii @buendiabebeta @babyvinnie @mishaandthebrits @hockeyboysarehot @ironmaiden1313 @justdreamersdream @dreamsarebig @for-our-moony @sadg3 @gaslysainz @goldenharrysworld @okqur @baw-sixteen @dark-night-sky-99
Everything taglist; @thomaslefteyebrow @hopefulinlove @smoothopz @honethatty12 @cixrosie @parkersmjs @ireadthensuetheauthors @celestialams @be-your-coffee-pot @heli991113 @kodzuvk @reality-is-a-con @80sloverry @bibissparkles @myescapefromthislife @lanando4 @elliegrey2803 @ravisinghs-wife @harrysdimple05
-> tags further in the comments
#lando norris x reader#lando norris x you#lando norris x y/n#lando norris#lando norris x oc#lando norris smau#lando norris au#lando norris fanfic#lando norris imagine#lando x reader#f1 x reader
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Star Light, Star Bright | Fatui Harbingers x (Fem)Creator!Reader
A/N: holy Tsarista, I did not think that it would be this popular. Thank you so much!! It's been a couple months since I got into Genshin, but I'm glad that the Harbinger trailer dropped cause otherwise, this probably wouldn't have existed lol. I apologize for the late update. I have been quite stumped in the plot and just taking a moment to come up with one. If I didn't tag everyone, I'm sorry! DM or reply to be added to the taglist! :3
Summary: Caring for children is hard, but it's especially hard when around the Fatui. Getting isekaied was the last thing on your mind after landing in the icy tundra of Snezhnaya all while your nephew is with you. What will happen when you encounter not only a Fatui Skirmisher but a Fatui Harbinger?
Tags/warnings: female reader, God!reader, Cult AU,
Not edited or beta read, we die like Signora.
First>> Next>>
Masterlist>>
Chapter 2: The Creator's Welcome
Silence.
What could be said while the entire palace and the surrounding area waited with bated breath for their Grace to awaken?
They were fervent - they waited to leave and search for the "meaner" that has done harm to their Beloved but that would leave their Previous Grace with only the Heir for company and guard.
The Precious Heir - they have heard of them only from what was written centuries ago. He was beautiful - he was innocent and was crying for their Grace to wake up all while the Harbingers stood by with the Tsarista finally making her appearance, rushing towards the bed that their Grace rested in, bending the knee and holding their hand.
"Your Grace. Your Excellency. Oh, my Beloved Creator. What has that Meaner done to you?"
Nugget never left your side as he clutched onto your waist, but being careful with your arms as he was told by the blue-haired man with the mask. He was a doctor and clearly knew what he was talking about so the little one made sure to listen well. The Doctor man and the others gave them a room which is what his Auntie expected and though he was focused more on taking care of you, it was nice to wander around the room all while the Harbin Gingers (It was some word that he had trouble saying) always came to check on him and his auntie and even gave him coloring books and sweets and fruits. It was all so good and he made sure to save you some whenever you were going to wake up.
But he especially loved the Tsarista and Columbia (Colombina)
They were very nice. They held him when you were still asleep and he couldn't be there for the operation.
For what seemed like forever, when it was only a matter of four days, the bed shifted as Nugget was reading the latest book that the guy with the funny hat gave him. He wanted to read it to you when you woke up and his wish was soon coming true as he felt movement and looked over to see your [E/c] eyes. He gasped and immediately snuggled into the sheets and wrapped his small arms around your waist.
"Auntie! You're awake! You're awake!"
Soft wet globs of tears started to stain your shirt as you looked down at the child who held you tightly and didn't want to let go. It would have been endearing if it wasn't for the fact that you had almost died from possible blood poisoning from ignoring your wounds. Your Nephew remembered seeing a lot of gold and despite still learning, he knew for a fact blood was red.
Carefully holding him up and ruffling his hair, you kissed his forehead and wiped his tears away.
"I'm sorry I made you worry, Nugget. I promise, I'll be sure to look after myself but my main concern was you."
That response earned a pout but your nephew thought it was good enough for now. If you weren't healthy and in one piece, how are you supposed to find a husband or a wife?!
"Just don't go to sleep anymore or at least for a long time. You made everyone worry!"
"Everyone?"
At the mention, your Nephew saw the clear confusion on your face and smiled brightly, but with a glint of mischievousness as he swiftly, with his small feet could go, hopped out of bed but careful to stay clear from your arms, rushed to the door and yelled out.
"Auntie [Y/n] is awake!" he said with a bright smile that was quite contagious, but it was last minute that you saw a figure by the door, or make it two figures. They had hoods over their head but it was the masks that covered their identities - the sheer happiness was clear from their body movements and one of them rushed out to who knows where while your nephew ran back to your side and started to share all the books he's read while you were recovering.
He's always had trouble reading so it was a feat itself to see him now reading at his supposed grade level. He still had trouble with certain words but nothing to worry about.
While trying to process all that was happening around you, you heard multiple footsteps before the door flew open, and in walked in about a dozen people.
Your face heated up at seeing all the gorgeous faces quickly surround you, pulling your nephew close to your side, weary of what else could happen. But you could have sworn that there was a hint of sadness in their eyes from your pull away from them.
"Don't be scared. They helped us! They helped you! Especially the Doctor man." Your nephew grinned as he held your hand and decided to make you sit up and face the group properly and pointed at the Doctor. The Doctor that he mentioned was practically preening from the praise like a peacock showing off its feathers.
The grip on his hand lessened as you looked at all twelve people one by one. It didn't take a rocket scientist to distinguish the power that they all radiated. Though at the time, you didn't know of the power you held yourself.
The elegant lady with long white hair, icy blue eyes, and who seemed to scream 'Ice Queen', slowly walked up to your bedside with a gentle smile as her hand moved to slowly hold yours. Now, you wouldn't have minded if it was your nephew or family, but this was a stranger. A stranger with a very firm grip despite how delicate it was.
"Now. How shall we punish the meaner that's done this to you?"
Eh?
-x-
It was... a change to have people cater to your every whim despite half of them being just jokes like bringing you the finest gem. The honor of bestowing such a gem was by none other than the 9th Harbinger, Pantalone.
Your nephew was having a great time, especially when he got to get along with a majority of the Harbingers and the Fatui, who took the mission of entertaining Nugget very seriously.
Once your arms were good as new, you asked for the group of Fatui soldiers that you and your nephew first encountered. At first, they were adamant about having you and Nugget leave the palace but you needed to get back to your car and get the rest of your things.
But funnily enough, you don't remember a palace or an organization going by the Fatui in your life...
Not to mention, these people seemed to recognize you and your nephew despite you two not knowing any of them.
If you thought of it more, a headache occurred and the Tsarista was adamant in asking you to save your energy and that it didn't matter if you recognized them. That all that mattered was that you and the Heir were fine.
While bedridden, your Nephew had the privilege to waltz around like he owned the place and even got you some books to read in the meantime. You saw mentions of a Divine Creator, a God-like figure that was first in creating the world around you and beyond, the one that made the stars and skies. A Divine Creator from the Beyond gave life to a speck in the skies and named it Teyvat and thus, its first child was born.
During a certain period when the Creator was roaming freely, they announced that their sister was with child and so, the Creator named the unborn babe the Heir to Teyvat.
The book was quite the read and wanting to know more about why the people around you and Nugget called you the Divine Creator and the Heir, you took it around with you.
"Your Grace, you must bundle up. Snezhnayan winters are quite brutal. People freeze to death here, quite literally in fact." announced a Fatui sniper, the one that first saw you and Nugget as he came behind you and placed a coat, courtesy of Pantalone of course, on your shoulders and your nephew too.
Stepping out to the brutal snow, instead of the harsh snow that you were expecting, it was a light snowfall that shocked the group of Fatui that decided to travel with you.
[Nephew's Name] stepped out from behind you and cheered happily as he rushed out to the snow and started to play, making snowmen and snow angels with, of course, the Fatui looking out and being won over by the child's heart-felt giggles.
They were all trying to make sense of why the snowfall was reduced to just light snow instead of the blizzards they're used to until they recalled that their Divine Grace and the Heir were right here with them. Teyvat was the Divine Creator's first child and as the loyal child it was, it could always sense where they were. Though Snezhnaya was the domain of the Tsarista, the Cryo Archon, the Divine Creator's word was Law.
Ehe.
Everything came to a slow stop as the world first heard the giggle from the Creator and with each step that you had taken, noticeable patches of green started to appear and grow more and more. The chilled winds of winter called down as the grey skies parted to make way for the rays of the sun.
The Tsarista felt the pause of winter, looking out that the frozen lands of her region have warmed up to what it had been long ago before her ascension.
Her Grace has given warmth back to the frozen tundras of Snezhnaya to the point that the flora and fauna basked in the sunlight. "Nugget. Be careful. The snow is melting."
And like that, the snow stopped melting just enough for your nephew to enjoy making snow angels.
'Welcome to Teyvat, Divine Creator!'
TAGLIST:
@lizzhearthz, @yoshikuno , @anonclyde , @khalhaimdad, @ellenoir
@yunsblog030 , @lsleepysimpl, @potol0ver, @kitty-chan33
#genshin self aware#genshin sagau#genshin impact sagau#Harbingers x reader#Fatui harbingers#genshin cult au#sagau#Dottore x reader#Pantalone x reader#Scaramouche x reader#Childe x reader#Capitano x reader#Coloumbina x reader#Sandrone x reader#Pierro x reader#female reader#Signora x reader
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It's Always Been You
Part 5
Jack Hughes X F!Reader (Childhood Best friend)
a.n: Don't beat me up guys. I know this damn chapter took forever but fr I didn't know where to take this chapter, I was going to start with a flashback, so it wasn't boring but even that was boring. so after the long-awaited hiatus here is the next chapter!!!
Warnings: anxiety, kissing, eventual smut (part 6), arguments, unrequited love, ignore the mentions of summer I was to lazy to remove them lol.
Word Count - 4,163
Summary : When do you finally accept that it's time to move on? When do you finally admit that everything you fought so hard to forget is exactly what you're meant to remember for the rest of your life? How long can he pretend that it hasn't always been you?
Jacks masterlist
The Michigan sun streamed through the gauzy curtains of the guest room, the faint light of the morning sun illuminated her features, showcasing her furrowed brow and pensive eyes as she stirred awake.
For a blissful moment, she forgot where she wasâand why her heart felt so heavy. Then reality crashed over her like a wave, and she remembered: Jack's family home, the ill-fated confession, and the potential love that she left back in Jersey.
Y/N sat up, running her fingers through her tangled hair, which was tousled from sleep. The distant laughter from downstairs was like music to her ears, a sound that she had grown to love âJack's chuckle unmistakable even from afar. Her heart clenched. How was she supposed to act normal when every fiber of her being ached to be near him?
Her eyes darted towards her phone, resting on the soft sheets next to her. The glowing screen illuminated a new message and a missed call from Liam, causing her heart to flutter with anticipation and guilt. Ignoring it, she tossed the phone aside and decided to get up and get dressed.
She dressed slowly, each movement deliberate as she tried to delay the inevitable. The soft cotton of her favorite t-shirt offered little comfort as she pulled it over her head. It smelled faintly of home, of simpler times when loving Jack from afar seemed enough.
Hesitantly, Y/N made her way down the worn staircase, each creak of the wood echoing in her ears. Her heart raced as she prepared to face him, unsure of what the outcome would be. The aroma of coffee and bacon guided her to the kitchen, where Jack stood at the stove, spatula in hand.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of playful teasing. "Thought you might sleep through the whole trip," he added, his tone lighthearted yet genuine. He flashed that crooked smile that never failed to make her knees weak.
Y/N forced a laugh, hoping it sounded genuine. "And miss out on your world-famous pancakes? Never."
She slid onto a stool at the kitchen island, acutely aware of the distance between themâboth physical and emotional. Jack moved around the kitchen with easy grace, and Y/N found herself tracking his every movement. The flex of his forearms as he flipped a pancake, the way his t-shirt stretched across his shoulders when he reached for a plate.
"Earth to Y/N," Jack's voice cut through her reverie. She blinked and looked up to see him staring at her with a mixture of amusement and concern, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She realized with a start that he must have asked her a question while she was lost in her own world.
"Sorry, what?" she mumbled, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.
"I asked if you wanted blueberries in your pancakes. You okay? You seem a million miles away."
If only he knew how present she wasâhow every cell in her body seemed attuned to his presence. "I'm fine," she lied smoothly. "Just a little tired. And yes to blueberries, please."
As Jack turned back to the stove, Y/N caught a flicker of something in his eyes. Was it longing? Regret? Or just her imagination playing cruel tricks? She pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the plate he set before her.
They ate in companionable silence, but Y/N was hyperaware of every accidental brush of their hands, every shared glance. The pancakes tasted like sawdust in her mouth as she struggled to maintain the facade of normalcy.
"So," Jack said, breaking the silence, "we were thinking of taking the boat out today. Weather's perfect for it, just a little chilly."
Y/N's stomach dropped. The thought of being trapped on a small boat with Jack, pretending everything was fine, seemed unbearable. "Oh, um, actually..." she started, scrambling for an excuse.
Jack's smile was encouraging, but Y/N could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes at her hesitant response. Just then, Luke appeared in the doorway, hair tousled from sleep.
"Morning, everyone," he said, his smile bright as he made his way to Y/N. He dropped a kiss on her cheek, and she saw Jack's jaw tighten almost imperceptibly.
"Luke," Y/N said, an idea forming. "Jack was just telling me about going out on the boat. What do you think about staying behind with me instead? I'm not really feeling up to it, and I'd love to explore the yard a bit."
She saw a flicker of something cross Jack's face before he masked it with a nonchalant shrug. "Sure, if that's what you want. Daphne and I can take my parents out."
The mention of Daphne sent a fresh wave of pain through Y/N's chest, a sharp ache that tightened her throat. Her eyes flickered with a hint of hurt before she quickly masked it.
She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes, which darted away to avoid revealing too much. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms. "Sounds great," she managed to say, her voice strained. "You guys have fun."
âŠ
As they finished breakfast and plans were made for the day, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that she was standing on the edge of a precipice. Every interaction with Jack felt charged, laden with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.
She watched him as he cleaned up the kitchen, his movements efficient and familiar. How many mornings had they spent like this, comfortable in each other's presence? Now, every moment felt like a bittersweet reminder of what she couldn't have.
When Jack's hand accidentally brushed hers as he reached for her empty plate, Y/N felt a jolt of electricity run through her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world fell away. There was something in Jack's gazeâa softness, a questionâthat made her breath catch.
But then Luke's arm snaked around her waist, breaking the spell. "Ready to go for that walk?" he asked, oblivious to the tension in the room.
Y/N nodded, tearing her eyes away from Jack. As she let Luke lead her outside, she couldn't help but glance back. Jack stood in the doorway, watching them go, an unreadable expression on his face.
The air was thick with the scent of pine and possibilities as Y/N stepped onto the porch. She took a deep breath, trying to clear her head of thoughts of Jack. But even as she walked away, she could feel the invisible thread that connected them, pulling taut with every step.
The afternoon sun hung high in the cloudless Michigan sky, its warmth a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in Y/N's chest. She stood on the weathered dock, watching as Jack's family bustled around, preparing for their boat outing. The gentle lapping of water against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to the chaos but did little to calm her racing thoughts.
Jack emerged from the boathouse, his chestnut hair pushed back carelessly, revealing the strong angles of his face. The pale blue shirt he wore clung to his athletic frame, bringing out the cerulean depths of his eyes - eyes that seemed to seek Y/N's gaze with an intensity that made her breath catch.
She found herself drinking in the sight of him, memorizing every detail as if it might be the last time she'd see him like this: carefree, relaxed, and heartbreakingly handsome.
As Jack approached, carrying a cooler, Y/N caught a whiff of his cologne - a woodsy scent that reminded her of countless shared adventures and unspoken longings. She fought the urge to close her eyes and lose herself in the familiar aroma.
"Sure you don't want to join us?" Jack asked, his voice low and tinged with something Y/N couldn't quite place. Was it hope? Regret?
Before she could respond, a melodious laugh cut through the air. Daphne sauntered down the dock, her presence as imposing as it was graceful.
She was the epitome of old money elegance, from her designer dress to her oversized sunglasses. Her honey-blonde hair fell in big, bouncy curls reminiscent of a 1970s fashion icon, framing a face that belonged on magazine covers.
"Oh, Jack!" Daphne called out, her voice saccharine sweet. "Don't forget the picnic basket I prepared. Remember how we used to love our little sunset dinners on the lake?"
Y/N felt her stomach twist, the image of Jack and Daphne sharing romantic moments on the boat searing itself into her mind. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure.
Jack's eyes flickered between Y/N and Daphne, a conflicted expression clouding his features. "Right," he muttered, "I'll grab it."
As he turned to head back to the house, Y/N couldn't help but notice the way his gaze lingered on her, a silent plea in his eyes that she couldn't decipher. The moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.
Daphne, not oblivious to the tension, sidled up to Jack, placing a perfectly manicured hand on his arm. "We should recreate one of our romantic sunset cruises," she purred, loud enough for Y/N to hear. "For old times' sake."
The suggestion hung in the air like a challenge. Y/N felt a surge of emotions - jealousy, hurt, and an overwhelming desire to stake her claim. Before she could stop herself, words tumbled from her lips, sharp and biting.
"I'm sure Jack's made plenty of new memories since then," Y/N said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "No need to dwell on the past, right?"
The dock fell silent, the only sound the gentle creaking of the boat against its moorings. Jack's head snapped up, his eyes wide as they met Y/N's, there was surprise there.
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, tightening her grip on Jack's arm. "Of course," she replied, her tone icy. "Though some memories are worth revisiting, wouldn't you agree, Jack?"
Jack stood frozen between the two women, the conflict evident on his face. His eyes darted between Y/N and Daphne, as if he were trying to solve an impossible equation. "I, uh..." he stammered, clearly at a loss for words.
A thick atmosphere of unease hung in the air, causing Jack's family to glance curiously at Y/N as they loaded the boat. She could feel their questioning stares, as if they could see the unspoken connection between her and Jack that she was trying to ignore. It seemed like everyone knew something that they didn't, except for the two of them.
Luke appeared at Y/N's side, sliding a lanky arm around her shoulders. "Everything okay here?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Y/N leaned into him, grateful for the support even as her heart ached for Jack. "Everything's fine," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just wishing everyone a good trip."
As the two began to board the boat, Y/N couldn't help but notice the way Jack's eyes kept finding her, even as Daphne chatted animatedly at his side. There was a longing in his gaze that mirrored the ache in her own chest, a silent communication that spoke volumes.
Daphne, sensing the shift in Jack's attention, redoubled her efforts. She laughed louder, touched him more frequently, her actions screaming of desperation and possessiveness. It was clear she felt threatened, her carefully crafted plans unraveling in the face of the unspoken connection between Jack and Y/N.
As the boat pulled away from the dock, Y/N stood with Luke and his parents, watching it disappear into the distance. The sun glinted off the water, momentarily blinding her. When she blinked away the spots in her vision, she could have sworn she saw Jack standing at the back of the boat, still looking in her direction.
"You okay?" Luke asked, giving her a gentle squeeze.
Y/N nodded, not trusting her voice. How could she explain the tumult of emotions raging inside her? The love, the longing, the frustration, and the glimmer of hope that refused to be extinguished?
she turned to walk back to the house with Luke, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. And as much as it terrified her, a part of her welcomed it. Because pretending not to be in love with Jack was becoming harder with each passing moment.
The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Y/N and Luke sat on the porch swing, the gentle creaking of its chains providing a soothing rhythm to their conversation.
Despite the picturesque setting, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach since the boat departed. Luke watched her, his brow furrowed with concern. He nudged her gently with his elbow. "Hey, space cadet. Where'd you go?"
Y/N blinked, forcing a smile. "Sorry, just... thinking."
"About Jack?" Luke asked, his tone free of judgment.
She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. This was what she loved about Luke - his ability to read her, to understand without pushing. "Am I that obvious?"
Luke chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Only to someone who knows you as well as I do, sis."
The term of endearment brought a genuine smile to Y/N's face. Though they'd been dating for a short while, their relationship had always felt more familial than romantic. Luke was the brother she never had, a safe harbor in the storm of her feelings for Jack.
"Want to talk about it?" Luke offered, his arm coming around her shoulders in a comforting squeeze.
Y/N shook her head. "Not really. Distract me instead?"
Luke was quiet for a moment, then sat up straighter, causing Y/N to lift her head from his shoulder. "Actually," he said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice, "I've got some news that might do the trick."
Y/N turned to face him, curiosity piqued by the gleam in his eye. "Oh yeah? What's up?"
Luke took a deep breath, barely containing his grin. "So, you know how I've been waiting to hear back about the draft?"
Y/N nodded, her heart beginning to race with anticipation. "Did you...?"
"I got drafted!" Luke exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide smile. "I'm moving to Jersey after the summer. I'll be playing for the same team!"
For a moment, Y/N sat in stunned silence, processing the information. Then, as the reality of Luke's words sank in, her eyes widened. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice rising with excitement.
Luke nodded, his grin growing impossibly wider. "Dead serious. Got the call yesterday, but I wanted to tell you in person."
"Oh my god, Luke!" Y/N squealed, launching herself into his arms. The porch swing swayed dangerously with their movement, but neither of them cared. "I can't believe it! This is amazing!"
Luke laughed, wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug. "Believe it, sis. Your boy's going pro!"
Y/N pulled back, holding Luke at arm's length to look at him properly. His face was alight with joy, and she felt a surge of pride and affection for him. "I'm so proud of you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You've worked so hard for this."
Luke's expression softened, and he tucked a strand of hair behind Y/N's ear in a brotherly gesture. "Couldn't have done it without my number one cheerleader," he said with a wink.
Y/N punched his arm playfully. "Oh please, as if you need any more ego boosting."
They fell into comfortable laughter, the kind that comes from years of shared jokes and mutual understanding. As their mirth subsided, Y/N found herself marveling at the easy camaraderie between them. Luke had been her rock, her confidant, through all the ups and downs of her unrequited love for Jack. And now, he was embarking on this new adventure.
"So, Jersey huh?" Y/N mused, settling back into the swing. "That's not too far. I expect free tickets to all the games."
Luke grinned, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "You got it. VIP treatment for my favorite girl."
Y/N leaned into him, feeling a mix of excitement for Luke and a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving him behind for the next couple months. "I'm going to miss you, how am I supposed to deal with Jack all alone until fall?" she admitted softly.
Luke squeezed her shoulder. "Hey, none of that. Summers gonna pass in the blink of an eye. Plus, think of all the headaches Iâm gonna cause when I move in."
Y/N rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress her smile. "Always looking out for me, aren't you?"
"Someone's got to," Luke replied, his tone light but carrying an undercurrent of sincerity. "Especially with all this Jack drama."
Y/N tensed slightly at the mention of Jack, but Luke quickly steered the conversation back to his draft news, regaling her with details of the call and his future teammates. As they talked and laughed, the sun dipping lower on the horizon, Y/N felt some of the day's tension melt away.
âŠ
The boat glided smoothly across the lake's surface, leaving a trail of ripples in its wake. Jack sat at the stern, his eyes fixed on the shrinking shoreline where he'd last seen Y/N. The fading sunlight caught the pale blue of his shirt, making his eyes appear even more vivid than usual.
Daphne sauntered over, her hips swaying with exaggerated grace. She held two glasses of champagne, bubbles fizzing merrily against the crystal. "Here you go, Jackie," she cooed, using the pet name that had once made his heart race but now only made him cringe inwardly.
"Thanks," Jack mumbled, accepting the glass without enthusiasm.
Undeterred by his lackluster response, Daphne settled herself next to him, pressing her leg against his in a way that was clearly meant to be alluring. "Remember our first boat trip together?" she asked, her voice dripping with nostalgia. "We watched the sunset right here."
Jack shifted uncomfortably, trying to put some distance between them without being overtly rude. "Yeah, I remember," he said noncommittally.
Daphne leaned in closer, the overpowering scent of her perfume suffocating him with its sickly sweetness. "We could recreate it, you know," she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. "For old times' sake."
Jack felt a twinge of something - nostalgia, perhaps, or the ghost of old feelings - and for a moment, he almost considered it. Daphne was familiar, safe in a way. She represented a simpler time, before these confusing feelings for Y/N had taken root.
But as he turned to respond, his eyes caught sight of the house in the distance. Even from here, he could make out two figures on the porch - Y/N and Luke, their heads close together in conversation. The sight sent a jolt through him, clearing away any lingering thoughts of rekindling things with Daphne.
Jack shook his head, gently but firmly removing Daphne's hand from his arm. "I'm sorry, Daph," he said, his voice soft but resolute. "But that's not going to happen again."
Daphne's perfectly plucked eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But why not? We were so good together, Jackie. We could be again."
Jack took a deep breath, surprised by the relief he felt at finally voicing what he'd been feeling. "Because... I think I have feelings for Y/N."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Jack himself seemed surprised by his admission, as if hearing it out loud had solidified something he'd only half-acknowledged to himself.
"Feelings I don't quite understand yet," he continued, more to himself than to Daphne. "But they're there, and they're real."
Daphne's expression cycled rapidly through surprise, hurt, and finally settled on a mix of resignation and irritation. She plopped down next to him with a dramatic sigh, all pretense of seduction gone. "God, Jack," she said, rolling her eyes. "I could have told you that."
Jack blinked, startled. "What? How?"
Daphne took a long sip of her champagne before answering. "The night I came to see you after your game? The way you talked about her, the look in your eyes... It was obvious to anyone paying attention."
Jack sat in stunned silence, processing this revelation. Had his feelings been that transparent? And if so, how had he missed them for so long?
As the boat continued its lazy path across the lake, Jack found his gaze drawn once again to the distant shore, to the house where Y/N waited. For the first time, he allowed himself to fully acknowledge the depth of his feelings for her, and the enormity of what that might mean.
âŠ
Dark clouds rolled in from the horizon, their ominous rumble a stark contrast to the earlier calm. Jack guided the boat back to the dock, his knuckles white on the wheel as he fought against the choppy waters. The first drops of rain began to fall, creating tiny ripples across the lake's surface.
As they approached the dock, a crack of thunder split the air. Jack quickly secured the boat, then extended a hand to help Daphne disembark. She took it without a word, her earlier flirtatiousness replaced by a cold silence. As soon as her feet touched the wooden planks, she brushed past Jack, heading towards the house without a backward glance.
Jack stood for a moment, letting the light drizzle soak through his pale blue shirt. His eyes scanned the porch, searching for Y/N, but she was nowhere to be seen. A memory flickered in his mind - of a young Y/N, hair in pigtails, running to hide in the garden whenever she was upset.
Following an instinct he didn't quite understand, Jack made his way towards the old garden. The rain was falling harder now, plastering his hair to his forehead and blurring his vision. But he pressed on, drawn by an invisible thread.
As he rounded the corner, he saw her. Y/N stood by the fishpond, her back to him, seemingly oblivious to the rain soaking through her clothes. The sight of her, vulnerable and alone, made Jack's heart clench.
"Y/N?" he called out softly, not wanting to startle her.
She turned slowly, her eyes widening as she saw him. "Jack? What are you doing here?"
He took a step closer, raindrops clinging to his eyelashes. "I was looking for you. I thought... I thought we could talk."
Y/N shook her head, a pained expression crossing her face. "I can't, Jack. I can't do this anymore."
"Do what?" he asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"This!" she exclaimed, gesturing between them. "Pretending everything's normal when it's not. I can't be around you and act like my heart isn't breaking every single time."
Jack felt as if the ground had shifted beneath his feet. "Y/N, I-"
But she cut him off, words pouring out of her like a dam bursting. "How long, Jack? How long can you pretend that it hasn't always been me? By your side, helping you through everything, loving you for who you are?"
The rain fell harder, mirroring the intensity of Y/N's emotions. Jack stood frozen, the weight of her words washing over him.
"I've been there through everything," Y/N continued, her voice cracking. "Your first game, your injuries, your breakups. I've loved you through it all, Jack. And I can't pretend anymore that it doesn't kill me to see you with someone else, to know that you don't feel the same way."
Thunder rumbled overhead, punctuating her words. Jack took a step forward, reaching out to her. "Y/N, please-"
But before he could finish, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the garden, followed immediately by a deafening crack of thunder. Y/N jumped, instinctively moving closer to Jack. For a moment, they stood there, inches apart, rain streaming down their faces. Jack could see the pain in Y/N's eyes, the vulnerability, and something in him finally clicked into place.
"You're right," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the storm.
Y/N blinked, confusion replacing the hurt in her eyes. "What?"
Jack reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "You're right. It's always been you, Y/N. I've just been too blind to see it."
The world seemed to hold its breath as they stood there, the rain falling around them, the air electric with more than just the storm. Jack leaned in, his intention clear, but before their lips could meet, a voice called out from the house.
"Y/N? Jack? Where are you guys? It's pouring out here!"
The spell broken, Y/N and Jack stepped apart, both breathing heavily. They stared at each other, a thousand unspoken words passing between them.
"We should go in," Y/N said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Jack nodded, unable to trust his voice. As they walked back to the house, side by side but not touching, the air between them crackled with possibility and unresolved tension.
...
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THE PART WHERE YOU KISS ME â JJ MAYBANK
summary: You're stuck with the job of getting a very drunk, very lovesick JJ into bed.
length: 2.4k
contains: tooth-rotting fluff, obsessed boyfriend JJ, soooo touchy he can't keep his hands off of you (can you tell my love language is physical touch lmfao???), mentions of heavy drinking of course, zero plot, he's a flirty little freak and i hate him
note: Not the happiest with this but I haven't posted in a week and I'm in the middle of writing three other pieces right now...so take this as an apology gift for not having the GFAW chapter out yet <3
Driving to the Chateau this late is never ideal, especially when youâre tired and ticked off from a busy shift. Your feet and back ache, your head could use a few Advil, and you would be perfectly happy to stay home and sleep for twelve hours.Â
But when Kie calls you, groaning and saying Your boyfriend is wasted and wonât shut up about you and you need to come pull him to bed, you go. Itâs as simple as that, really. Partially because JJ is already painfully stubborn when sober and only gets worse as the night goes on (code for: he wonât listen to anyone but you), and partly because you get a sweet kick out of his clinginess and extra loving.
So when you finally pull up and hop out of your car, the sound of Pope sighing Finally doesnât surprise nor offend you. Kie and Sarah scurry over, welcoming you with hugs and jokes about how sorry they are they had to call you while John B and Pope still tend to the drunken blonde.
âItâs alright,â you assure them, âI donât mind.â And you really donât, not at all, not when he acts all the more helplessly in love with you.
The bonfire still burns on, red-hot embers breaking off into the midnight sky. Pink Floydâs Dark Side of the Moon plays from a speaker nearby, and beer bottles litter the ground as you approach. The fireâs warmth wraps around you, a handle of Titoâsâonly half fullâentering your field of vision as you find JJ reclined back on the ground, an arm thrown over his eyes while his other hand taps along to the song. You crouch down next to him and hear him hum in tune.
John B stands behind you, feeling a little helpless. âHeâs been talking about you nonstop since he got, like, three shots deep.â
âAnd as much as we love you guys together,â Sarah adds, leaning into the boyâs side, âHe doesnât listen very well once he gets started.â
You shoot them a smile over your shoulder. âItâs okay, I get it. You guys can head in if you want, this might take a while.â The two lovebirds wave you goodnight as they walk back inside with Kie and Pope, and you turn your attention back to your exceptionally troublesome boy. âJJ? Time to go to bed.â
He grumbles without moving an inch. âI told you to fuck off, Sarah, I just wanna see my girl.â
Your heart flutters at the nameâhis girl. Youâve never heard him call you that. Does he seriously think youâre Sarah? âYour girl?â
âYeah, you know the gorgeous one?â
âMight ring a bell.â
âYeah, well, sheâs the mostâŠthe most beautiful person in the history ofâŠof forever, and sheâs mine, so get outta here nââŠgo flirt with John B or somethinâ.â He lazily waves you off, mumbling something you donât quite hear.
A smile fights its way to the surface, and you gently place your hand on the smooth plane of his shoulder. âOh, but I wanted to flirt with you instead. Howâs that sound, hm?â
He quickly pushes your touch away. âIt sounds like my girlâs gonna kill you any second now, so watch it, Blondie.â He slurs his words as he speaks, pulling giggles from your lips. You gently take his wrist in your hand to remove his arm from his eyes and press a kiss where your fingertips touch him. His eyes stay closed, and he juts his chin in the opposite direction in protest.
âJay, baby, Iâm not killing anyone anytime soon,â you coo, leaning over his chest and face while running a hand through his hair.Â
He opens one eye, suspicious of your claims, but quickly realizes itâs you, and turns to look at you like heâll never get the chance to do it again, his expression swallowed by a smile. âWhen did you get here, baby?â
âOh, just now,â you answer, laughter lacing your words, âKie called me over.â You press a kiss to his forehead before sitting back up, your hand quickly taken by his.
âYou shouldâve come sooner.â His other hand makes its way to your thigh, smoothing over your skin. âI was waiting for you, all by myself, andââ he abruptly sits upâ âthereâs something I have to tell you,â he whispers. He casts a glance to the Chateau. âItâs top secret.â
With him this close, you can smell the vodka on his breath. âYeah? What is it?â You loop your arms around his neck and scratch at the nape of his neck, to which he instinctively responds by wrapping his arms around your waist and rubbing the palms of his hands along your back.
âThis is top secret, classified information, princess, you canât just get it for free. Everything comes with a price.â A sly little grin comes over him, tugging you a little closer.
Knowing JJ, you already know where this is headed. You decide to play along anyway: âName it, then. Iâm sure we can strike a deal somehow.â
He mulls over his words before saying, âHear me out.â
âIâm listening.â
âYouââ he points at your chestâ âgive me threeâno, five kisses for the info up front.â When you raise your eyebrows in suspicion, he continues, âAnd every follow up question is worth another kiss.â
âThis must be very important information.â
âVery.â His hands, still soaking in the feeling of you beneath them, start to play with the hem of your tank top, fingertips slipping beneath the fabric to feel skin. âBetter pay up soon.â
You feign a look of shock and place a hand on his chest. âI didnât even agree yet, donât get too excited.âÂ
He pouts with furrowed brows, convinced his offer would be impossible to resist. âWhy? Baby, come on,â he urges, holding you tighter, âThis is the part where you kiss me.â His eyelids droop with drunkenness and fatigue as he presses his lips to your neck, but you quickly take his jaw in your hand and pull him away.Â
âAh ah ah,â you tease. âYou come to bed first, then Iâll give you kisses for your secrets.â
âBut I donât wanna go to bed.â His hands work their way from your waist down to your hips again, soon grazing your thighs the way he knows erupts butterflies in your stomach. âI wanna stay here with youâŠhave you boss me around. Youâre very sexy when you do it.â He smirks while looking up at you, and you know for a fact heâs just trying to push your buttons.
You roll your eyes and push his face away as you start to stand up. âYouâre a pain in the ass, I hope you know that.â As bitter as you try to sound, youâll always have a soft spot for him the way he does for you, especially when your bitterness is met with that beautiful smile of his. You hold out both hands, towering over him and urging him to stand. âCâmon, Jay.â
He leans his weight onto his hands, stubborn as always. âWill you stay the night?â
âNot if you keep this up, I wonât.â You lend him a condescending smile.Â
âBut Baby,â he groans, finally complying now that the stakes have been raised. âI havenât seen you all day, and I miss you.â He starts to shuffle where he sits, taking hold of your hands as you pull him up, dizziness causing him to stumble into your arms. âCanât a boy just get some love from his girl?âÂ
There he goes againâhis girl.Â
You loop his arm over your shoulder and wrap yours around his waist as you lead him into the Chateau, surrounded by his warmth and the smell thatâs so distinctly him: a bit of beachiness, mandarin and musky from his body wash, a hint of marijuana.
âYouâre very kind,â he rambles on, âfor coming here so late. I missed you.â
âI know, baby. You told me.â
He makes his way up the steps with you, following as you open the door. âWell, Iâm making sure youâre sure.â
âIâm sure, love.â You smile to yourself, a little caught off guard with how open heâs become.
âI still have to tell you that top secret information,â he whispers, leaning down to your ear-level. His body wraps around you as you stand in front of him to open the door to his bedroom, his arms start to wrap around your waist again. âAnd you still owe me kisses for it.â
You usher him into his room, shutting the door behind you. âCâmon, letâs get into bed. That was the rule.â
He does as you wish without complaint for once, though when he does sit at the edge of his bed, he also pulls you to stand in between his legs. âIâm in bed now.â
âI can see that,â you giggle, hands massaging his neck and shoulders.
âDoes this mean youâll give me a kiss now?â
âNot yet.â You tug at the fabric of his shirt. âTake this off, please?â You donât think much when you say it, but once the words slip out and you see JJâs brows raise as a cocky smirk crosses his face, you realize you need to cover your tracks.
He bites his tongue to oblige, nabbing the back of his tee before pulling it over his head. Revealed to you are his broad shoulders, his chest, those toned arms that are, admittedly, to die for, though youâd never tell him that directly.Â
âYouâre trying to undress me, baby?â he asks, too quick for you to correct yourself. His hands take purchase of your hips before taking up your thighs, his hands molding to your curves and getting treacherously close to your inner thighs.
Your face goes hotâwhy is he so good at this?âbut you keep a straight face and grab his face, one hand cupping his jaw while the other supports the back of his head. âDo you want your kiss or not?âÂ
âYes maâam,â he responds, almost immediately. His eyes glaze over, entranced by everything you are. A drunk smile is sent your way, and he canât really tell whether the tingling all over his body is just from the vodka, or if itâs your hands on his body, your snippy tone that he knows is full of love. Heâs sure that no matter how flustered he can make you, itâll never compare to how you make him feel with even the slightest of touches.
Your grip goes soft, and you rake your hand through his hair, his eyes falling shut and his head gone slack into your hands. âYouâre beyond wasted, aren't you?â
He laughs heartily now, eyes still shut as he nods his head. âI canât keep my eyes open any longer, princess.â Giggles line his words and his face scrunches in a smile, dimple on display.
âHow much did you drink?â
âA few beers.â
âAnd?â You tug lightly on his hair.
âMm, some vodka, maybe. A few shots.â His hands drag from the backs of your thighs, to your hips, to your waist.
âJJ.â You stare down at his clearly vodka-dazed face. âHow many is a few?â
He hums to himself, as deep in thought one can be when wasted. âMaybe sevenâŠor nineâŠdonât remember,â he mumbles.
You sigh to yourself, not surprised by his recklessness but still not all too happy with it.Â
But before you can formulate a single thought, a single articulated response, he starts to poutâeyes still closed of course, because your boy is nothing if not a truth-teller. âYou sound mad.â Even when wasted he knows you so well.
âIâm not,â you fib a little, for his own sake. You kiss his forehead, then his cheek before letting go of him entirely to pull back the covers for him. âCome on, time to sleep, yeah?â You give a soft tug on his hand as his body goes pliant.
He slowly but surely crawls properly into bed, giving you a show of his back muscles flexing and relaxing before falling face-first into his pillow with a hmph. You lay down next to him as he lifts his arm with all his might, slowly turning onto his side to make space for you. Legs intertwine without words, the warmth of his body blankets your senses, his weight grounds you.
âYou need to hurry, princess. I need toâŠneed to give you the information.â The words are half-muffled by his pillow, and his eyes are still shut.Â
âOh. Weâre still doing that?â Youâre surprised he even remembers the information at this pointâwhatever it might be.Â
He squeezes you tighter into his body, pulling a smile from you as he groans. âYes, weâre still doing thatâŠitâs important. You need three moreâŠâ
âOkay, okay,â you soothe, and you press a kiss to his shoulder. âDoes that count?â
âMhm, two more.â A stupid, drunk, terribly charming grin crosses his face, and it feels like youâre falling for him all over again, teetering at the edge of a cliff. His arm, still heavy on your waist, shifts a little, and his fingers dance along your back and light fires where they touch.
You curl your hand, gently, along the crook of his neck and kiss his jaw. âAnd that counts as well?â
With the way youâre whispering your words into his neck, JJ swears he could die happily. âMm, sure does.â
For the fifth and final kiss, the corner of his mouth. It curls into your kiss like he knew it was coming, and you give him one more just for good measureâand, maybe, because seeing him smile is worth his weight in gold. You brush your hand through his hair before hugging him a little tighter towards your chest, all too aware now that you wonât be getting any information out of him the rest of the night. This minor inconvenience, however, doesnât seem to compare to having him in your arms, his breath against your neck, his arm wrapped around you to tell you heâs there, and heâs there to stay, and he wants to be there more than anywhere else.
You think that you could play this game a million times over. The part where you kiss himâthat is, when his lovely, sweet little smile peeks through that rough shellâwill never get old enough to retire.
(But for tonight, you can live without more of his drunken teasing. Just for tonight.)
#jj maybank#jj outer banks#jj obx#jj maybank fanfiction#jj maybank imagine#jj maybank x reader#jj maybank fluff#jj obx fic#jj obx imagine#jj maybank x you#outer banks#obx#obx fic#obx imagine#outer banks fanfiction#outer banks imagine#jj maybank one shot#jj maybank outer banks#jj maybank fic
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What's Coming! Oneshots // Planet of the Apes. //
Figured we'd all love the usual of 'what to expect' lmao. I'm not giving dates, just want you guys know what I've been working on and what'll be posted relatively soon. I'm also going to try to get through some headcanon requests I have sitting in my inbox, sorry for taking forever lol. That hiatus really put me behind.
If you're curious about just imagines, see the list here!
Caesar.
NSFW Alphabet. ( Half way complete, this is going to be a long one buckle up. )
Caesar x Human!Reader - ANGSTY. Not giving anymore details good luck.
Caesar x Human!Reader - Part Three to War Paint - Part One Part Two
Ceasar x Human!Reader - Fur Kissed Skin - NSFW Oneshot, pairing with Snow Kissed Skin and Flame Kissed Skin.
SFW Alphabet.
Caesar x Human!Reader - Set during Rise, I'm experimenting a bit here.
Noa.
Final Customary Chapter; Traditional.
Noa x Human!Reader - Reader is brought to the Clan pregnant - Similiar to Caesar's drabbles, Cleopatra.
NSFW Alphabet.
SFW Alphabet.
Noa x Human! Reader - Climbing the Echo Ruins - Including Anaya and Soona.
Noa x Human!Reader - Variety fluff and smut - I'm working through the intimacy prompts still lol.
Blue Eyes.
Courting Imagines. ( set of what I'm expecting to be 3 oneshots. )
Blue Eyes x Human!Reader - Reader is pregnant and Cornelius and maybe ( totally ) jealous about it and worried.
Blue Eyes x Human!Reader - Koba is influencing Blue Eyes' thoughts during the upsurgence against Caesar in Dawn.
NSFW Alphabet.
SFW Alphabet.
Koba.
Koba x Human! Reader - VERY NSFW oneshot. No details, I'm keeping this one to myself until I'm ready LOL.
Imagines. ( I'm expecting a set of three oneshots. )
Koba x Human!Reader - Set during the Rise, right before the upsurgence. Reader works for Gen-Sys.
NSFW Alphabet.
SFW Alphabet.
Koba x Human! Reader - Reader is pregnant in the Colony and Koba is unsure.
Koba x Human!Reader - Involves a Kitten someone stop me.
Others //: ( no premises yet but I want to work on them so badly lol. )
Soona x Human!Reader - Oneshot.
Anaya x Human!Reader - Oneshot.
Oda x Human!Reader - Oneshot.
Luca x Human!Reader - Oneshot.
#em speaks#planet of the apes#pota#caesar#noa#blue eyes#soona#anaya#oda#luca#planet of the apes x reader#pota x reader#x reader
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Chapter 17- No Ifs, Ands, or Butts
Summary: You and Javi are continuing to make progress on building your new house, until a few distractions are thrown your way that you definitely weren't expecting.
Word Count: 12.3K (how bad is it that I'm like, wow! What an average length for a chapter! Well done, me!)
Warnings: SMUT (18+), HELLO, STRAP IN EVERYONE. unprotected p in v sex (wrap it up irl pls), romantic? ANAL (you guys, I'm sweating), vaginal fingering, anal fingering, oral (f receiving), rimjob (f receiving), creampie, praise kink, breeding kink, insecurity but Javi being our consent KING and literally taking such good care of you (but would we expect anything less?!), Javi with dogs (hehehehe), everyone say thank you to our favorite village idiots Carter and Miller for helping out Javi and Osita (you'll see!!)
A/N: If there are two words to sum up the plot of this chapter, it is butts and dogs (if you watch Bluey, yes, the puppy is named after Muffin LMAO) đ I am so sorry this chapter took FOREVER, 1) Life has been crazy busy (parent teacher conferences sucked the life out of me for like a full week), and 2) I would be lying if I said I was not shakin' in my boots to post this bc I have never written legit butt stuff smut (say that 3 times fast) before and I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, so if you don't wanna read this chapter/skip the smut I will not be offended at all!! Also for my non-American friends, Home Depot is like a giant hardware store (that also sells hot dogs that absolutely slap) Okay, that's all, love y'all more than words, forehead kisses for all of you!! đ also please laugh at the name of this chapter I thought it was funny as hell, I'm crackin myself up
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âOkay, we have paint samples, countertop samples, carpet samples, sheets of drywall, toilets that are ordered can come get picked up on Tuesday, and we can let Danny know they finally have those screws heâs been looking for back in stock. Thatâs everything, right? Please say thatâs everything.â You sighed, going over your home project to-do list for what felt like the 47th time before exiting out of Home Depot for what also felt like the 147th time this week.Â
What had started as a plot of land and and a head full of ideas was slowly but surely becoming reality as progress on your new home came to fruition- as winter faded into spring, your house began to grow and change with the seasons, bare bones wooden beams and dirt of a few months ago now becoming walls, floors and roofs of the new place youâd spend forever in. While it was exciting to move into the stages of actually deciding what the inside of your home should look like (not just shape and size), it felt like you and Javi had been making a million and one decisions every day related to something to do with the house, and unfortunately, this Sunday night was no exception.Â
âNo, I think thatâs everything.â Javi nodded, scanning over the wrinkled piece of paper in his hands once more.Â
âWe might as well just start changing our permanent address to this Home Depot. Iâm pretty sure the employees are convinced we live here at this point.â You laughed, resting one hand on your hip, the other full of the sample swatches you and Javi needed to look at when you got home. âYou sure thatâs everything? Honestly, even if itâs not, letâs face it, weâll be here some point later this week anyways. At least now itâs getting to the fun stuff- Paint and floors is a lot more fun than plumbing and electrical.âÂ
âI know. Weâre almost there, Osita. Danny said 8 to 10 more weeks last time I talked to him.âÂ
âOver/under on how many more trips we make to Home Depot between now and then. Iâm gonna say 56.âÂ
âYouâre such a dork. I fucking hope itâs not 56.â
The two of you made your way out to the parking lot with hands full of goods, the sun slowly beginning to set behind the other buildings of the shopping center- a Chinese restaurant, a laundry mat, a building that had been under construction since your frequent trips to Home Depot began, and a pet store.Â
You and Javi had tried the Chinese restaurant once, a few bites in simultaneously agreeing it was 100% the worst food you had ever had, never needed to go to the laundry mat, and god knows what the mystery building was getting turned into. You had, however, always wanted to go into the pet store, knowing it would be fun to walk around and look at the animals since it was something you loved doing as a kid with your brothers. But by the time the two of you were done with your hardware shopping, your brain was too fried to ever ask Javi if he wanted to go in and check things out as an entertaining thing to do. Tonight probably would have been no exception to the rule, but that was before you noticed the big sign posted in front of the store reading âDog Adoption Event Today!âÂ
You and Javi had both agreed you had wanted to get a dog- that was something the two of you had easily agreed upon early on in your relationship- but like most things nowadays, you were waiting until the house was finished and you were out of the apartment before looking into getting one. You knew that going to look at dogs before the two of you could really do anything about it was a bad idea, but the longer you stared at that sign, the less and less willpower you began to have to keep yourself from running over there.Â
âJav.â You nudged, the two of you almost to Javiâs truck before stopping in your tracks, gesturing over to the pet store. Javi paused next to you, taking a moment to read the bright bold letters of the sign, letting out a deep sigh as he crossed his arms over his chest.Â
âBaby, you know we canât get a dog right now. Believe me, I want one too, but we gotta wait until the house is done first.âÂ
âI know. Can we just go look? Please?â While your puppy dog eyes were no match compared to Javiâs, you pouted your lip just about as far as it could go, batting your lashes at him with a pitiful frown on your face. You had no idea how Javi was ever going to be able to say no to your kids if he was already immediately caving from your silly, overexaggerated begging, let alone his own sweet brown eyes staring back at tiny versions of him. Regardless, right now, Javiâs lack of iron will was working in your favor, letting out another small sigh, contemplating for a moment before nodding his head in agreement.Â
âFine. But just looking, okay?â He muttered, almost as if he was trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince you.Â
âYes! Thank you! I promise, just looking⊠Probably.â You grinned, changing directions and speed walking across the parking lot towards the pet shop. Javi laughed to himself, shaking his head as he followed behind you.Â
âI heard that.âÂ
As you walked through the front doors of the pet store, you were greeted with the sounds of high pitched barks and yaps, joining the few people gathered by the pen set up to contain the litter of what looked to be a mix of cattle dogs and something shorter and stumpier, the brown and cream speckled puppies bouncing and playing with the toys, blankets, and other littermates in the cage with them. You audibly let out a gasp as you looked down at the pure adorableness of the sweet little balls of fluff below you, squatting down next to the pen to get a better look at the group of puppies.Â
âOh my god, theyâre so cute. Javi, theyâre so freaking cute. Hi lil babies, arenât you the most precious things ever?â You cooed, holding the back of your hand up to the cage for the playful puppies to sniff, their tiny bodies toppling over each other to smell you.Â
As much as Javi wanted to be tough and strong willed to try and prove a point, you were right- these puppies were the cutest things heâd seen in a long time. Crouching down next to you, he glanced over, giving you the I told you this was a bad idea look that you knew you were bound to get from him the moment you saw the puppies.Â
âThey are really fucking cute.â Javi sighed in reluctant agreement, bringing his hand down by yours to try and pet some of the puppies through the cage.Â
âOh hi there! I see you two found the puppies!â An employee, an older woman with curly gray hair, smiled down at the two of you, gesturing towards the pen full of tiny, yapping pups. âAre you interested in adopting one?â You and Javi looked up at her, each of you letting out a deep breath before speaking at the same time, your answers lacking unison.Â
âNo.âÂ
âMaybe.â You quietly whispered under Javiâs no, letting out a little shrug, eyes darting away towards Javi to spare yourself from the eye roll you knew he was giving you from your response. âNo, weâre notâŠâ You finally agreed, giving another pouty, sad look to Javi. âWe really want one, but weâre in an apartment right now and are moving into a house soon. Weâre waiting until then to get one. Although these guys are making it very hard to keep it that way.âÂ
âI can understand that.â The woman laughed, a playful grin spread across her face, clearly sensing your willpower about the situation was much weaker than Javiâs. âWell, even if youâre not interested in adopting one right now, youâre more than welcome to pick them up or play with them! Itâs good for them to practice being handled anyways.âÂ
âDonât have to tell me twice.â Immediately, you stood up, bending over the edge of the pen to pick up one of the puppies closest to you, cuddling it against your chest as it squirmed and wiggled in your grasp. You sat bag down on the floor, cross legged as you cradled the puppy, eyes almost as wide and sweet as the dog you were now holding. âWhatâs this oneâs name?â You asked the woman, carefully setting it down between your legs to let it bounce around.Â
âThat one is Muffin. Heâs a feisty one, but a sweetheart.â She beamed, slowly bending down to pick up one of the stuffed toys in the cage, handing it over to Javi. Before you knew it, Muffin was scooting out of your lap and bolting over to Javi and the plush rabbit he was holding in his hands, making the both of you giggle at his goofy, floppy gallop. Javi held out the toy in front of him, a smile spreading across his face as Muffin bit down into the rabbit, shaking it in his mouth, tugging back at Javiâs grip on the stuffed animal. Any shred of stubbornness Javi was trying to hold out on was long gone, smiling and snickering just as wide as you as Muffin hopped into Javiâs lap, curling up with his toy in his mouth.Â
Javi was like a little kid, practically giggling as he grabbed the stuffed rabbit and tossed it along the floor, watching Muffin slip and slide across the linoleum before pouncing on the toy and trotting back to Javi with it in his mouth.Â
âGood boy! Youâre smart, arenât you?â Javi grinned, tugging at the toy before looking back at you and your look, screaming, So much for just looking, huh? without having to say a word. âHe is really cute.â Javi admitted, trying his best to keep his composure from completely crumbling. The two of you stared at each other for a moment, giving each other the look that made you seriously contemplate if you were going home with a puppy today, until you looked back down at Muffin, now hunched over Javiâs foot, pee dribbling down his shoe.Â
âOh shit!â You grimaced, reaching up to pick up Muffin mid-stream, scooting him over to finish peeing on the floor instead of on Javi.Â
âOh my goodness, I am so sorry!â The woman gasped, grabbing some towels next to the cage, handing them off to Javi for him to wipe the pee off his shoe. âThat is the thing with puppies, the potty training does take a while.âÂ
You were trying your best not to burst out into laughter as you picked Muffin back up, putting him back in the pen with the rest of his brothers and sisters, giving Javi and apologetic shrug at his current circumstances, knowing it was not helping your in any way shape or form to bring a puppy back to your apartment. âNo itâs all good, no worries.â Javi smiled, wiping off his shoe with the towel and giving it a quick shake with a reluctant sigh, grounding him back in reality.Â
âCanât be any worse than stepping in a pile of cow poop.â You teased as Javi looked down in disappointment at his shoe, finally beginning to shake his head and laugh along with you. âAlright, you win, Mr. Reasonable. Muffin has made a very good case for no puppies at the apartment.âÂ
âEventually baby, I promise.â Javi smirked, giving you a little nudge, the two of you waving goodbye to the cuteness corralled in the kennel behind you, finally making your way back to the car after your detour.Â
Well⊠So much for that plan. Â
âWhat about this one?âÂ
âBaby, I donât know, at this point, they all just look like the same color.â You sighed, slumping your hand in your face, resting your elbow on the kitchen table where you and Javi sat, paint swatches spread across the wooden surface, among scattered samples of carpet, countertops and backsplash tiles. âI donât think my brain can make any more house decisions tonight.â Â
âMe either.â Javi huffed, reaching across the table to organize the paint sample cards into a pile next to the stack of other house things that now seemed to have a permanent home with you during dinner time. âI had no fucking idea there were so many goddamn shades of beige.âÂ
âIt definitely doesnât help that weâre trying to just pick through different shades of brown instead of fun colors.â You laughed, gathering the samples in front of you and stacking them in Javiâs pile as he stood up, pushing in his chair and making his way to the other side of the table where you sat, coming behind you to drape his arms over your shoulders, pressing a soft kiss into your hair as you leaned your head back into his chest, wrapping your arms around his to pull him closer.Â
âFun colors? What, you wanna paint the house purple, Hermosa?â Javi smiled, giving you a little shake in your chair making you giggle.Â
âNo, you dork. I was actually thinking more hot pink or neon green.â You retorted, giving Javi a nudge back tiling your head up towards him. âNo, I donât know, I know we want something neutral through the house but like, itâll be fun to pick cute paint colors when we have kids and stuff.âÂ
Javi squeezed you a little tighter, his heart warming at the thought of when theyâd get to do this again when there were actually kids in the picture to fill the empty rooms of their house. No matter how many times you and Javi talked about it, he was sure heâd never get over the fact that you wanted to have a family with him. It was a dream that had come and gone for him all those years ago, resigning himself to a life of simply surviving, even after he had returned home to Laredo. But now, the fact that dream was in reach, and undoubtedly in the near future had him beaming, knowing there was no one else in the world he wanted to spend the rest of his life and build a family with beside you, and that for some reason he still couldnât quite comprehend, you felt the same way.Â
While you had agreed that you would wait until you were married and your house was completely finished before you started trying and your birth control made its permanent home in the trash, with every day that he got closer to marrying you, finalizing your house and starting the newest chapter of your lives together, Javi couldnât help but feel a want, no, a need, to start a family with you- to fulfill a purpose he so desperately craved to be a father.Â
âWellâŠâ Javi grinned, leaning back down to kiss your neck, his pecks becoming much more tender and slow with each press of his lips, âyou could let me put a baby in you right now, and we could pick out fun paint colors along with the borning brown ones. Got a lot of rooms we need to fill and paint, Osita.â
âJavier Peña! You are a menace! You have to stop with the baby talk, or I swear, youâre about to make me cave in and crumble. You are testing every ounce of willpower I have.â You sighed, shaking your head as you looked up, entranced by Javiâs sweet brown eyes and their powerful effects.Â
While you and Javi both had undeniable cases of baby fever ever since you had gotten engaged, there was something about knowing you were about to have your own house with 4 extra rooms, solely built for the purpose of being filled with your kids that drove you, and even worse, Javi, absolutely crazy. In the past few weeks, the house had taken shape enough to finally have rooms that actually looked like rooms, Javi making it a point every time the two of you went over to check on progress, to point out just how good the spare bedrooms looked, like he was the most proud of those 4 extra rooms more than any other space in the house.  Â
The irrational part of you would have given him a baby yesterday, but the rational part of you knew you wanted to be married and have every last inch of that house finished before you brought a baby there. But every time Javi saw those bedrooms, looking at you with that big, goofy grin on his face for his children that didnât even exist yet, oh god, did it make you want to say fuck it to every ounce of rationality you had left.Â
âI think you have baby fever worse than I do, Jav. And thatâs saying something.â You teased, reaching up to scrunch his cheeks. With another little giggle and content sigh, you pushed yourself up out of your chair, coming around the back of it to get the slightest running start to jump on him, full koala style, wrapping your arms and legs around his broad back, making the two of you burst out in laughter as he spun you around while you nuzzled your face in the crook of his neck, covering him with little kisses. âI love you so much. Youâre gonna be such a good dad, you know that?âÂ
âI love you too, Osita. I hope I am. I want to be.â Javi sighed, a hopeful half smile pursed between his lips, causing you to cup both your hands around his face, forcing him to look at you.Â
âYou will be. I promise.â Tilting your head in, you pressed a soft, tender kiss onto his lips, lingering just a little longer than normal for your added reassurance. âAlright, I gotta get down now though, we have dishes we have to put away, and I have to shower tonight since I have a staff meeting tomorrow morning before school and I donât wanna have to get up earlier than I need to.âÂ
âUn beso mĂĄs (One more kiss).â Javi smiled, gripping a little tighter on your thighs wrapped around his legs, refusing to let go until you fulfilled his request.Â
âSolamente un beso mĂĄs? Por quĂ© no dos? Tres? (Only one more? Why not 2? 3?)â You giggled, one of your hands running through the thick curls of his hair, while the other traced soft circles along his jawline.Â
âMe gustarĂa darte todos los besos, Osita. Te darĂa cualquier cosa. (Iâd give you all the kisses, Osita. Iâd give you anything.)â Leaning in, your mouths met again in a soft and sweet moment, a kiss that felt like he meant it- He would give you the world if you asked for it, and then some.Â
âGod, I could kiss you forever. Alright, Romeo, put me down, we got things to do, and if you donât, I know for a fact none of those things are getting done.âÂ
âFine.â He sighed overdramatically, letting your legs fall to the floor as he released his grasp. âIâll clean up dinner and you can go take a shower.âÂ
âI can help with cleaning up, Jav. You made dinner, the least I can do is-âÂ
âGo get your ass in the shower. Iâll clean it up.â He smiled, planting a kiss on the top of your head before gesturing towards the bathroom, making you cross your arms over your chest with an unseriously stern look on your face.Â
âAre you trying to tell me that I smell? Rude. Sure youâre not the one who needs to shower after your foot got covered in piss?â You raised an eyebrow at him, trying your best not to laugh.Â
âGo shower, you dork.â Javi chuckled, giving your ass a playful slap as you parted ways, sticking your tongue out at him as you disappeared down the hallway and into the bathroom.
After a long, and even hotter shower than usual (considering you didnât have to account for Javiâs temperature complaints), you wrapped yourself up in your towel and headed back to your room, where you found Javi laying in bed, reading one of the books you had been teasing him about for the past few weeks as it sat on his nightstand, unopened, even though he insisted he really was going to read it soon. As if the fact that him finally opening up and reading the book wasnât enough to taunt him about, the way his face scrunched as he squinted at the pages certainly was.Â
âYou doinâ alright over there, Grandpa? Jav, you just have to give in and get glasses, you know you canât see anything, stop trying to fight it.â You giggled, your appearance in the bedroom catching Javiâs attention, making him rest his open book over his stomach.Â
âI donât need glasses. I can see just fine. Iâd look stupid in them, anyways.â He grumbled, refusing to admit that you were right even though he knew just as well as you that his eyesight was definitely not what it once was. He let out another sigh, dogearring the page of his book and setting it on his nightstand, his grumpy demeanor quickly shifting as you gave him that playful smirk you always did when you wanted to rub something in to prove your point. You let out another laugh as Javi rolled his eyes at you, shifting himself on the bed to lay on his side, face resting in his palm with those sweet puppy dog eyes that never left your sight any time he watched you get ready, even if all it meant was putting on one of his oversized shirts and sleep shorts to go to sleep in.Â
âYeah, okay.â You replied, your voice oozing with sarcasm. âAnd you wouldnât look stupid in glasses, you look hot in anything, and Iâm sure you would look extra hot with 20/20 vision.âÂ
âPendejoâŠâÂ
âYou love me.âÂ
The two of you laughed as you shuffled through the drawers of your dresser, pulling out one of Javiâs t shirts to wear to bed along with a pair of underwear and cotton shorts, piling the clothes next to you as you unwrapped your towel drying yourself off once more before letting it drop to the floor so you could change. You could see Javiâs reflection staring back at you, more specifically, your ass in the mirror, an awestruck and lustful look growing in his eyes as you reached over to pick up your shirt.Â
âI can literally feel your eyes burning a hole through my ass, Jav.â You sassed, smirking back at him through the mirror as you watched him bite down on his lip.Â
âFuck, I love your ass so much, you know that?â Javi rasped, his tongue gently darting between his lips, eyes still locked on your behind.Â
âYes, Javi, you are very adamant about letting me know how much you love it.â You snickered, slipping his shirt over your head, followed pair your pair of underwear, opting to completely forgo your shorts to play into his comment. You crawled up into bed next to him, nudging him over so his back laid on the mattress and you laid on top of him, pressing a soft, slow kiss against his lips as his hands roamed down your back, sneaking under the hem of your shirt to knead the soft flesh of your ass, letting out a low groan as your mouths met.Â
âBecause itâs fucking perfect.â He hummed, gripping his fingertips even deeper into your skin after sliding them under the thin, cotton fabric covering it.Â
âWow, someoneâs in a mood about my butt tonight. Didnât know your giant t-shirt and my plain ass underwear was really doinâ it for ya.â You joked, a little grin spread across your face as you ran your hands through Javiâs hair before sliding them down his face to cup his jaw. It didnât take long for you to realize that the look on Javiâs face had quickly turned from one of lust to deep thought, his brow scrunched and nostrils flared, making you tilt your head in confusion. âWhatâs wrong?â You asked, immediately noticing the shift in his demeanor. âYou only get that look when youâre really thinking hard about something, or you have to fart and youâre trying to hold it in, and Iâm really hoping itâs not the second one.âÂ
Your comment was enough to snap him out of his own thoughts, making him shake his head as the two of you laughed, Javi still holding back slightly as his eyes shifted down towards the mattress, practically hearing the gears in his brain turning, when all of a sudden, it clicked with you.Â
Oh shit.Â
The combination of his stare down and silence told you everything you needed to know.Â
You tilted his chin back up towards your face, a curious smirk stretched between your lips as you raised an eyebrow at him.Â
âYou wanna fuck my ass, donât you?âÂ
Your voice was sweet and sultry, immediately making Javiâs face go blank in shock that you had connected the dots before he had even said anything. You could hear your heart pounding in your chest almost as loudly as Javiâs, a nervous swarm of butterflies filling your stomach as you waited for him to respond.Â
Youâd be lying if you said you hadnât thought about it before. There had been plenty of times that Javi had put a thumb or fingers in your ass when he fucked you from behind, and holy shit, did it feel good whenever he did it. Youâd honestly debated bringing it up before, but there was a part of you that could never bring yourself to do it because you never had, and you couldnât help but feel nervous about it.Â
It wasnât that you didn't trust Javi- Youâd trust him with your whole life without a second thought. There had never been a time since the moment you first had sex that your comfort wasnât always his first priority. But with how full Javi felt inside you with just a thumb or a finger, couldnât help but make you feel a little worried with how big heâd feel with his whole dick inside your ass.Â
You also couldnât help but feel a preemptive guilt if it ended up being too much and you had to ask him to stop, not that he would ever make you feel bad about it, but still, you couldnât help but play out worse case scenarios in your head. But something about that look in his face as he stared you down in the mirror and head turning deep in thought was enough to spark that little flame of confidence you had brewing and beat him to the punch.Â
âHermosaâŠâ He paused, the Adam's apple of his throat bobbing as he gulped, taking an anxious deep breath. âBaby, I-âÂ
âDo you?âÂ
The tightened grip of his fingers in your ass, gentle nod of his head and the low groan releasing from his chest was all you needed to know to figure out the answer to your question without even needing Javi to say a single word. His free hand mirrored yours, cupping your cheek as the two of you locked hungry gazes with each other, Javi now finally working up enough confidence to respond.Â
âI want to so fucking bad.â Javi rasped, his dark brown eyes filled with a mix of desperation and need for reassurance. âBut if you donât want to, I donât ever want to make you do something youâre not comfortable with. I promise, I wonât be upset about it at all.â The confident facade you had been fronting quickly began to crumble, your body flooding with a combination of nerves and excitement.Â
âI do, I just- I- Iâve never done it before.â You werenât sure how your voice had gotten so small and meek- maybe it was the reality of what you were about to do setting in at a rapid pace. Something about the sweet, soft innocence of your voice already had Javi hard as a rock, using every ounce of willpower to keep his composure, considering how even just the thought of even getting to put his dick in your ass already had him on edge.Â
âThatâs okay. Like I said, itâs only if you want to, baby. We can take it slow and if itâs too much, Iâll stop, no questions asked.âÂ
You could feel your head beginning to gently nod in agreement as Javiâs thumb rubbed soft circles on your jaw, a little smirk forming between your cheeks while your heart raced at a million miles per hour, almost feeling as worked up and nervous as the very first time the two of you had sex all that time ago.Â
âI want to.â You whispered, letting your lips meet his in a tender and ferocious passion, muted moans escaping from each of your parted mouths.Â
âYouâre sure? I donât want you to say yes just because I want to.â And fuck, could you feel how badly he wanted to, his fully hard dick straining against the fabric of his sweatpants, heavy against your thigh. You were no better despite your nerves, the cotton fabric of your underwear absolutely drenched already without Javi even touching you.Â
âIâm sure. I promise.âÂ
A low groan rumbled deep in Javiâs chest as your mouths met again, Javi flipping you over so your back was flat against the mattress, letting his hands roam along your body while his lips traveled down your neck and collarbone. âIâm gonna make you feel so good, sweet girl. Gonna take my time with you, okay? I promise Iâll make sure youâre ready.âÂ
âWell I appreciate you just not going straight to shoving your dick into my ass, very gentlemanly of you.â You joked, trying to calm your nerves with your sarcastic wit, Javi practically snorting at your comment.Â
âJesus fucking ChristâŠâ Javi whispered to himself through his laughter, resting his head on your chest as he looked up at you in amusement.Â
âSorry, Iâll stop and let you get back to business.â Javi lay frozen, still staring up at you with his head cocked to the side, eyebrows raised.Â
âOsita, you know I love you very much, right?âÂ
âYes.âÂ
âAnd that since weâve been together, Iâve learned a lot of things about you?Â
âAlso yes.âÂ
âSo you know I can tell when youâre nervous about something, right?âÂ
You let out a defeated sigh, crossing your arms in stubborn defiance, not wanting to admit that you knew Javiâs suspicions were correct. You waited a moment, and with a little frown pursed between your lips, you finally gave in.Â
â...Yeah.âÂ
Javi rolled over next to you, draping one arm over your waist, the other holding his chin in his hand with his elbow propped up against the mattress, his tender gaze locking with yours, filling you with a sense of calm and reassurance you were convinced nothing else in the world could. âOsita, talk to me baby. What are you nervous about?âÂ
You flapped your arms up before planting them over your face, burying your head in your hands in embarrassment, your words muffled from underneath your palms. âWhat am I nervous about? Not to stroke your ego any more than it needs to be, but you have a huge dick, Jav. Iâm also guessing this isnât your first time, and it is for me, and you being the first giant dick to ever enter my ass has me a little nervous.â You rambled, your thoughts spilling out of your mouth faster than your brain could process them. âI really want to, I just donât want it to not be good for you or for you to be upset if we stop or- I donât know. I donât want you to be mad about it if Iâm the reason for- I- Iâm probably overthinking it, Iâm sorry.â You let out another deep exhale, averting your gaze from Javiâs staring down at the bed.Â
This time, it was Javiâs turn to connect the dots, taking a moment to wonder why you were so worried about making him upset before putting the pieces together, his prediction making him clench his jaw in frustration. âPaul wanted to do it and you said no and he was a fucking asshole to you about it, wasnât he?âÂ
Your head instantly shot up, swiveling around towards Javiâs agitated grimace, your face almost as shocked as Javiâs was when you had asked him if he had wanted to do this in the first place. âHow⊠Javi, how did you-âÂ
âThat motherfucker⊠he didnât hurt you did he? I swear to God if he did, Iâll fucking fly up to Chicago right now and Iâll-âÂ
âJav, Jav, cool your jets, killer.â You laughed softly, pressing your hand to his cheek to try and ground him before he really was on the next flight to Illinois. âNo, he never did anything. He said that he wanted to and it kinda came out of the blue- I didnât really want to at the time, especially not with him. He kept asking and asking and I would tell him no and he got so mad about it. Turns out that was around the time he started cheating on me anyways, and became an even bigger dickhead than he already was. But I always felt so guilty, and that it was my fault he was upset because I didnât want to. I donât know- I- I guess maybe this has stuck with me way more than it probably should have.â You could feel your voice shrinking, your eyes darting away once again, mortified by the fact that you completely ruined the moment by bringing up your shitty ex and his blatant lack of respect. âSorry, I donât know why weâre talking about this I-âÂ
Before you could finish the rest of your sentence, Javiâs lips were on yours, swallowing the rest of your words as your mouths met with a passionate intensity, letting his arm wrap around your waist, pulling you in closer, caging his chest against yours. âHermosa, you know I would never be mad at you about something like that, right? I love you, Osita, you have nothing to apologize for. All I ever want is to make you feel good, baby. Fuck, that gets me off more than anything else. Whatever you want, Iâll give it to you.âÂ
âI trust you, Javi.â Your voice was barely above a whisper, lips grazing over his, giving him a gentle nod of reassurance. âI want you to.âÂ
You could audibly hear the gulp Javi had let out, his Adamâs apple bobbing in his throat as he let out a low groan, tightening the grip he had around your waist. âWant me to what, sweet girl? I wanna hear you say it, baby.â His lips began to travel down your jawline towards your neck, hot and wet presses languidly making their way to your collarbone as he tugged at the end of your shirt, snaking his hands up the soft skin of your stomach. You could feel the heat building in your core, letting out a soft moan as his hands palmed at your breasts, rolling your pebbled nipples between the tips of his fingers.Â
âI want you to fuck my ass, Javi.âÂ
With that, his hands were shuffling your shirt over your head, tossing it over the side of the bed before letting his kisses make their way down your newly exposed skin, letting his tongue flick along each nipple before letting his gaze lock with yours, a small smirk spreading across his face. âI promise Iâm gonna make you feel so fucking good, Hermosa. Gonna take good care of you, baby, I swear.âÂ
âI know.â You nodded, staring back at the hunger pooling in the dark brown of his eyes, practically squirming in the sheets of your bed from the throbbing between your legs, feeling the slick almost dripping down your thighs from just how turned on you were. The grin on Javiâs face had become devilish, biting down on his bottom lip as he snaked his hand down your front, tugging at the waistband of your panties, sliding them down your legs before running a finger through your slit, already drenching him with your arousal.Â
âTurn around, baby. Hands and knees, okay?â You could hear the subtle smugness in his tone, giving you a playful squeeze as he grabbed your hips, flipping you over face down on the mattress, making you squeal. You did Javi one better, laying your chest flat against the sheets, lifting your ass up in the air and giving it a little shake, Javiâs hands instantly kneading at the soft flesh in front of him, digging his fingertips deeper into your skin, feeling his hot breath hovering over your cunt.Â
Suddenly, you felt a long, wide strip of his tongue through your folds, pressing hard and intensely along your clit before diving in like a man starved, lapping you up as he began to eat you out from behind. Each stroke of his tongue was more persistent than the last, the grip of his hands on your hips pulling your heat closer to his face as he licked and sucked at your throbbing bundle of nerves, the mix of your slick and his saliva coating your inner thighs. His feverish pace already had you fisting at the bedsheets, whimpering and moaning as his mouth worked along your dripping core, making you gasp even further when you felt his tongue begin to travel up towards your tight ring of muscle.Â
âOh holy fuck- Javi, oh my god, baby. Fuck me, oh shit.â You whimpered as Javiâs tongue swirled along your puckered hole, dancing around the edges before dipping inside, the sensation making you shudder in pleasure, feeling Javiâs low hum of approval deep in the back of his throat. If that wasnât enough, one of the hands that had a tight grip on your ass was now collecting the slick dripping from your entrance, his fingers tracing through your folds before pressing firmly on your clit, the added stimulation immediately making the tingle begin to build at the base of your spine. As he worked at your hole, the pads of his fingers circling your sensitive bundle of nerves you could feel your breath becoming ragged, letting out a few more shaky exhales before your orgasm crashed through you, crying out into the soft fabric of the sheets, pleasure and euphoria flooding your body.Â
As you came down from your high, Javi let his hands slide gently up and down your sides, pressing soft kisses along your back until he had made his way up your shoulder blades and neck, whispering tenderly into your ear. âSuch a good girl for me, Osita. Came so hard letting me eat out that pretty little ass of yours. You want me to keep going?âÂ
âFuck yes, oh my god Javi, please.â You whimpered, shaking your head frantically as you looked back at Javi, already sitting back on his knees to lift his shirt over his head before sitting up to kick off his sweatpants and boxers, letting his cock spring free, precum glistening and weeping from his tip, considering how painfully hard he had been since even the thought of getting to fuck your ass.Â
You could feel his body hovering over yours, hands sliding up and down your sides before grabbing at your ass again, placing tender kisses on each cheek before leaning over to the nightstand on his side of the bed, pulling out the bottle of lube and setting it next to him. His hands roamed to your core once again, two fingers dipping into your cunt, curling to hit the soft, spongy spot inside you that already had you moaning again.Â
It wasnât long until his fingers were substituted for his cock, running his tip through your folds, collecting your arousal along his length before slowly pushing inside your pussy, already so wet and worked up, that even with sweet sting of his stretch, he still slid in with ease, setting a steady, even pace as one hand dug into your hip, the other reaching over to grab the bottle of lube, popping open the cap with a click and letting the cool liquid drip over your tight hole, making you gasp. You could feel the pads of his fingers pressing at the entrance to your ass, gently teasing you open with one finger, breeching up to his knuckle, the combination of both his finger and cock inside you making you whimper in pleasure.Â
âThatâs it. Such a good girl. Fuck, youâre already so fucking tight around my finger. You want another one in there, baby?â Javi mewled, prodding his finger deeper into your hole as he continued to thrust into you, his strokes slow and steady, but still punching deep into your g-spot with each thrust of his hips against the back of your thighs.Â
âYes- oh fuck- yes, oh my god.â You werenât really quite sure how your brain was still even managing to form words at this point, the warm feeling that had been growing inside you spreading to every inch of your body. The pad of Javiâs second finger teased at your tight hole, collecting ample amounts of you slick and lube before pushing in to join the first, the thickness of both of his fingers making you clench even tighter around his cock and digits as you cried out in delight.Â
âShhhhhh, I know, sweet girl. RelĂĄjate (relax) baby, Iâve got you.â Â
You could already feel your second orgasm starting to build again, heat beginning to bloom in your belly from the rhythmic pounding of Javiâs dick punching against your g-spot and his fingers prodding at the nerve endings of your ring of muscle, already feeling so full from the stretch of both holes.Â
âFuck, fuck fuck- oh fuck- Javi, Iâm gonna cum again, fuckahhhhhhh-â You cried out, letting your second orgasm hit you even harder than your first, clenching down around Javiâs cock and fingers as you grabbed at handfuls of your bedsheets, trying to ground yourself as the intensity of your pleasure ripped through you.Â
âThere you go, Hermosa. Thatâs it, baby. Such a good girl. Did so good for me.â He cooed, gently pulling out both his cock and fingers, the emptiness making you shutter as Javi pressed tender, soft kisses down your back before making his way up your neck and nipping at your ear. âYou think youâre ready for me, Osita? If not, itâs okay, I only wanna do what you want, mi amor (my love).âÂ
You took another few ragged breaths to compose yourself, unsure how your brain was even managing to function at this point as you came down from your high, trembling in delight. You nodded before you could speak, Javi letting out a low groan as he sucked at your pulse point, his words hot and heavy against your skin.Â
âNeed to hear you say it, pretty girl. Tell me what you want and itâs yours.âÂ
âFuck my ass, Javi. I want you to fuck my ass, please baby.â You whined, whimpering your words against the soft fabric of your sheets, desperate for more, needing to feel all of him inside you in a way you hadnât before.Â
Javi let out an audible groan as he pulled back, letting his hands roam up your body and back to the lube resting on the bed, once again, popping open the cap and squirting some of the liquid into his palm as he fisted his dick, stroking himself a few times before lining himself up with your tight hole. âYou promise youâll tell me if you want me to stop?âÂ
You shook your head rapidly, fingers already gripping into the pillow in front of you as you braced yourself for Javi to enter, feeling his tip press against your tight ring of muscle. Suddenly, you could feel the sensation of Javi breeching your entrance, making you gasp at just how full you already felt as he had barely made his way inside you. Javi pushed further in, leaving you practically breathless from the stinging stretch of his cock filling you as he paused halfway, leaning over to check on you.Â
âOh fuck me- You okay, sweet girl?âÂ
âMhhmmmmmm. Fuck Javi, you feel so big. Holy shit, baby. Oh fuck.â You gulped, squeezing around Javiâs length as he inched deeper and deeper inside of you, your clit and cunt throbbing as he filled you, the newfound sensation making you see stars. You were so focused on how you were feeling, you had barely noticed how tightly Javis fingertips were gripping into the soft flesh of your ass, like he was bracing himself for dear life as he sunk further and further into your tight hole.Â
While Javi had found himself in this position with other women a handful of times before, he had never come close to feeling the same way about anyone the way he did about you- He had been dreaming about the day that you agreed to let him fuck your ass, and now finding himself inside you, knowing he would be the first and the last to ever have you like he was right now, had him on the brink of busting any second if he wasnât careful. Javi had never been more thankful that you couldnât see his face, because he knew he looked absolutely wrecked and was struggling to keep the ounce of composure he had left as you gripped around his cock like a vice.Â
âJavi, oh shit- Javi, you can move baby.â You moaned, adjusting to his fullness, the initial pain quickly transforming to burning hot pleasure as you gave Javi the green light to keep going. After a few seconds, when Javi had said nothing and hadnât moved at all, you spoke again, thinking maybe he hadnât heard you. âJavi, Iâm good, you can-âÂ
âI know, I know, fuck- sorry, baby. Jesus Christ- youâre so fucking tight, Hermosa, fuck me. Give me a second or Iâm gonna fuckinâ bust right now.â Javi replied, halfway between a whimper and a moan as he firmly grasped your hips, carefully setting a slow pace as he began to thrust in and out of your ring of muscle, shocked to feel how quickly heat was beginning to bloom in your belly once again, his length languidly sliding in and out of your asshole, filling you and striking new nerve endings you had never felt before making you quickly begin to come undone.Â
Your legs began to tremble, grasping at the mattress to brace yourself as you felt your clit throb and cunt clench as the coil in your belly tightened further and further, the lewd noises of your moans and grunts filling the room.Â
âJavi, fuckfuckfuck, oh my god, baby Iâm so close again, holy fuck.â You cried out, as even just the slightest pick up of Javiâs pace had you reeling closer and closer to the edge of your release. Javi freed one of his hands, snaking it between your legs to rub at your sensitive bundle of nerves, already swollen and pulsing from your first two orgasms, and now even more responsive as the pads of his fingers circled against it.Â
Javi wanted desperately to hold out for you and make you cum as many times as you wanted to just like this, but he knew damn well the moment you came and clamped down even harder around his cock than you already were, he was a fucking goner and going right along with you. He needed to give you one more before he also came embarrassingly fast, but he couldnât help it.Â
âFuck Osita, fuck- Iâm not gonna last much longer either, baby. Need you- oh shit- need you to give me one more, pretty girl. Cum for me, Hermosa, Iâve got you.âÂ
With only a few more strokes and circles around your clit, you were cumming so hard, you were honestly convinced you had blacked out. Your whole body shook as you wailed in delight, squeezing around Javiâs dick so hard it was only seconds before he was following suit, letting a ragged groan escape through his gritted teeth as you milked him of every last drop, Javi bracing himself for dear life with the grasp he had around your hips as he finished.Â
Javi slumped over you, the two of you breathing so heavily it sounded more like you had just finished a triathlon more than anything else. He let out a deep hiss as he pulled out, taking a moment to admire his work as he watched his spend drip out your tight hole as your body collapsed onto the mattress.Â
You werenât sure how long you had been laying there before you were finally able to wrangle the brain power to speak again, and even then, the only words that you were able to manage were a quiet âholy fucking shitâŠâÂ
Javi flopped down, laying on his back next to you as you rolled over, both of your faces bright and blissed as you stared at one another, almost unsure of what to say.Â
âAre you okay?â Javi asked, gently cupping your flushed cheek in his palm.Â
âAm I okay? Javi⊠Holy fuck. I donât think I have ever cum so hard in my entire life. I honestly thought I blacked out there for a second. Baby⊠That was, fuck, that was insane.â You half laughed to yourself, shaking your head in disbelief. âAre you okay?âÂ
âIâm fucking great. Holy shit. Sorry I couldnât last longer, I didnât think I was gonna go that fast but you felt so fucking good. Thank you, Osita.âÂ
âThank you? For what?â You giggled, giving Javi a playful poke on the chest as you raised an eyebrow at him.Â
âFor this. For trusting me.âÂ
âJavier JesĂșs PeñaâŠâ You smirked, propping yourself up on your arm to get a better look at him, âI trust you with my life. More than anyone Iâve ever met. I should be the one thanking you for so graciously taking my butt virginity. Wouldnât want anyone else in there besides you.âÂ
The two of you burst into laughter, Javi practically letting out a snort as he rolled his eyes at your ridiculous comment. âGod, youâre fucking ridiculous. I love you, Osita.âÂ
âI love you too, Javi. Câmon, let's go shower before your cum sits in my asshole any longer and I get pregnant with your butt baby.â You snickered as you rolled off the bed, making your way to the bathroom.Â
âJesus fucking Christ⊠Butt baby? Seriously?â He snorted, following behind you, giving you a playful smack on your ass, scooping you up to hike you over his shoulder and fireman carry you to the shower, making you squeal. âYouâre so fucking weird.âÂ
âWeirdo you love enough to put your dick in my ass and make your wife, so thatâs on you, Jav.â You giggled as Javi set you down on the cool tile of the bathroom floor, giving him a little shrug before reaching into the shower to turn on the water.Â
âAnd what a fucking lucky man I am.âÂ
Ever since starting his job at the Laredo Sheriff's Department, Javi had been able to count on a few things every morning when he got into work. Sheryl at the front desk would greet him with a half hearted âGood morning, Javierâ , the smell of shitty work coffee would be brewing in the break room, and Agent Carter and Miller already arguing about something stupid at their desks instead of working on anything that actually needed to get done. Thatâs why when Javi made his way into work on Monday morning and was not greeted by any of those things, he knew his day was getting thrown for a loop- he just wasnât quite sure how yet.Â
âIt was their idea, not mine, believe me.â Sheryl grumbled, rolling her eyes as she nodded towards the path to Javiâs office, holding her hands up in defense as if to prove she had nothing to do with whatever was going on beyond her desk. Javi paused, tilting his head and scrunching his brow in confusion at Sheryl before letting out a sigh, and hesitantly making his way back to find out what in the world she was talking about.Â
He was surprised by the lack of Miller and Carterâs presence in their desk chairs, and the unusual silence filling the office as Javi turned his head, wondering where everyone was. He peered over the cubicles, looking for any sign of life, until a strange sound caught his attention from behind the door of his office.Â
Woof, woof, woof!Â
Javi shook his head, convinced he must be hearing things until the low bark repeated, followed by a hush of anxious voices whispering around the corner.Â
âOh no, shhhhhh! Shit, I didnât think he was gonna bark.âÂ
âWell itâs a fucking dog, Carter, what the hell did you think it was gonna, do, meow?â
âMaybe he didnât hear it.âÂ
âI highly doubt that, dumbass. God, heâs gonna be fucking pissed.âÂ
âYour idea, not mine.âÂ
Even though he couldnât see them, Miller and Carterâs worried whispers were enough to let Javi know he wasnât imagining the barking coming from behind his office door. Letting out a deep sigh, which sounded a lot more like a groan, Javi carefully twisted open the doorknob to his workspace, only to be greeted by a large, shaggy and very dirty Golden Retriever staring back at him with big brown eyes, happily wagging its tail and shaking excitedly at Javiâs presence. Although Javi had heard the bark from behind his door, it didnât stop him from doing a double take from the dog now residing in his office, running his hand over his face in a confused frustration as to how and why Miller and Carter had already managed to make his Monday morning a pain in his ass.Â
âWhy the fuck is there a dog in my office?â Javi half shouted, making Carter and Miller sheepishly appear from around the corner with guilty looks on their faces, avoiding eye contact with Javi as he glared through the two of them, wondering how the hell they were going to try and talk themselves out of this one.Â
âHey Peña, uh, I uh⊠Listen Miller was the one who brought him in, and he was so cute that I wasnât not gonna do anything about it and-âÂ
âOh, way to throw me under the fucking bus, Carter!â Agent Miller huffed, cutting Carter off in attempts to let the blame completely fall on him. âYou agreed we should keep him here so that we could-âÂ
âOkay, that still doesnât explain why the fuck thereâs a dog in my office.â Javi groaned, cutting off Carter and Miller before they found themselves in a pointless arguing match about how and why there was now a dog happily leaning itself against Javiâs leg, his tail shaking back and forth, completely enamored by Javi.Â
It was taking everything in Javi not to reach down and pet him to try and prove a point to Carter and Miller that they had astronomically fucked up the rest of his plans for the morning, but the dog was sure as hell adorable and sweet as could be.Â
âOkay, well, I was driving into work this morning, and as I was making my way down that back road past the cattle ranch a few blocks down from here, this guy ran out in the road. Thank God I saw him when I did. I stopped, got out, and he came right up to me, but there was obviously no one with him. He looked relieved that heâd found me. Poor guy is dirty and skinny as hell. He hopped right into my car and ate the rest of my McGriddle which I was kinda pissed about, but I canât blame âem.â Miller sighed, now crouching down to give the dog some scratches on the head before continuing on with his story. âSo I went to some of the houses on the street and no one had ever seen this dog before. I called Webb County Animal Control to see if anyone had reported a missing dog that looked like him, but no one had. I asked if I should take him to the shelter to see if anyone would come for him, but the lady on the phone said if no oneâs reported him missing, they probably wouldnât come for them.âÂ
âWell tell him what else, Miller.â Carter encouraged, trying to aid in Millerâs defense as he rose back up, standing next to his partner.Â
âWhen I called the animal shelter to ask them what to do, the woman I talked to said the shelter is so full, that if we brought him in and no one claimed him within the next two weeks, that theyâdâŠâ Miller trailed off, him and Carter both grimacing, unable to finish the rest of his sentence as he looked down at the gleeful, furry face staring back up at him. âWell, letâs just say that things werenât gonna look so good for him. I couldnât bring myself to drop him off, and I wasnât just gonna fucking leave him, so, I uh- I brought him here.âÂ
Javi let out a deep sigh, burying his hands in his face for a moment before rubbing his temples, understanding why Miller had done what he did, but nonetheless, still frustrated that now he had become wrapped up in solving a missing dog case.Â
âSo what? Are you gonna keep him?â Javi questioned, finally giving in to bend down and give the dog a few pats on his side, feeling just how skinny and boney he was as his hand met his belly.Â
âOh no, I canât keep him. Apartment doesnât allow dogs. I would if I could.â Miller admitted, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck, feeling guilty for his lack of helpful response.Â
âWhat about you? You keeping the dog?â Javi asked, looking over at Carter, giving him a little shrug, hoping he was the solution to his temporary canine problem.Â
âUm, no. Sorry. Iâm allergic. Heâs cute as hell but my eyes have been itching ever since he got here.âÂ
âSo what, heâs just gonna live here? Câmon you guys, really?â Javi grumbled, now crouching down next to the dog, getting a better look at his begging eyes and goofy grin under his panting tongue, giving Javi a few licks on the face in excitement as his tail began to wag rapidly from Javiâs closeness.Â
Javi couldnât help but let out a little laugh as the dog lapped against his face, wrapping his hands around the dogâs head and giving it a playful rub to get the dog to stop before staring back at the sweet, sad eyes staring back at him. He scratched under the dogâs chin before it was snuggling up next to him, comfortably plopping himself down over Javiâs feet and letting out a content little grumble as his tail continued to thump against the floor in joy.Â
Javi closed his eyes, letting out a sigh. A deep sigh. Not because he didnât like this dog. Hell, not even because he was really that mad at the two office idiots for bringing the dog here this morning. Javi let out a long, exasperated sigh, because he could feel the willpower he had preached to you about holding out on a dog until the new house- a conversation he had just had with you last night- was absolutely crumbling.Â
He couldnât come home with a dog, right? He had just spent all of last night convincing you that the apartment wouldnât be a good place for a dog. But⊠that was for a puppy. This was a full grown dog. A calm one, at that. A fucking cute one at that. God, it had been 5 minutes and this dog was already attached at the hip to him, and it was probably fair to say that Javi had gotten just as attached, if not more. Carter and Miller were right, with the shape the dog was in, it really did look like no one had been taking care of him, or had any plans to come and find him, and Javi couldnât bear the thought of sending the dog off to the shelter, knowing his inevitable fate.Â
Fuck.
âOkay, well, do you know anything else about him? Are you sure that thereâs no one looking for him?â Javi grunted as he pushed himself back up to stand, trying to keep his cool as he looked over at Carter and Miller, their eyes still peeled to the ground in hopes the lack of direct eye contact would lessen their chances of a complete reaming from Javi.Â
âNo, boss. Only other thing we could find about him was the little tag on his collar, which wasnât helpful at all, because it only had his name.â Carter shrugged, peeking up at Javi, surprised by the even keel of his tone. Javi bent back down, the dog immediately rolling over on his back and exposing his belly for Javi to pet as he reached towards the dogâs neck, gently tugging at the tethered collar under his tangled fur to read the poorly engraved tag attached, letting out an even bigger sigh and shaking his head in disbelief at the name.Â
Bear.Â
Of fucking course. As if the universe needed to send him another sign. Of fucking course the dogâs name was the same as his nickname for you, Osita- little bear.Â
Javi couldnât help but laugh to himself, running his hand over his face once again. âShit. You sure no oneâs looking for him?âÂ
Both Carter and Miller shook their heads, crossing their arms over their chests in sad disappointment at Bear, laying sprawled across Javiâs feet. Letting out one last reluctant exhale, Javi looked back at the pair, nervously awaiting his response before he spoke.Â
âIf⊠If no one calls looking for him by the end of the day⊠Iâll take him home with me.âÂ
Carter and Millerâs faces lit up in shock and delight, staring at Javi, dumbfounded by what they had just heard. âI mean⊠Fuck, well⊠that was way easier than I thought it was gonna be.â Miller half grumbled to himself, glancing over at Carter, like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.Â
âI obviously donât have any dog shit at home so Iâm gonna have to leave early today to get some, so you two idiots are gonna have to finish up the rest of the paperwork I needed to do this afternoon, we clear?âÂ
âYeah, yup- Absolutely. Will do.â The two nodded in agreement, still in shock that the worst they had gotten from their boss from dropping a stray dog off in his office was the rest of his paperwork for the day.Â
âFuck me. Alright, câmon Bear.â Javi sighed, pushing open his office door, Bear, happily trotting along behind him, tail wagging in delight as Carter and Miller stared back at each other, frozen in shock that they, with very little convincing, had gotten their boss to happily take their furry problem into his own hands.Â
If the fact that Bear wasnât cute as can be was enough to win over Javi, he was also the sweetest, most relaxed dog heâd had ever met. Bear was perfectly content to lay down next to Javiâs desk, letting out content grumbles and sighs as he slept and Javi worked, sprawled out across the floor. Bear also seemed to love everyone he met, joyfully making his rounds around the station with Javi after a failed attempt at leaving him behind in his office, immediately caving to Bearâs sad, lonely whines and big brown eyes from behind the glass of his office window. Around 2:00 PM, after Javi had given Bear the better half of his turkey sandwich for lunch, he found himself just as hungry as that poor dog probably was this morning, deciding to cut his day short to get himself some food, and gather whatever else he needed before bringing Bear back to the apartment.Â
Javi thanked whatever higher power that the woman working at the pet store this afternoon was not the same woman he had adamantly convinced last night that he was not coming with a dog, because in the back seat of his truck, sat a dog he was now bringing home. The woman working at the store had helped Javi to find everything he needed for Bear and probably then some, Javi more than thankful for her patience and advice, feeling overwhelmed by what to get for a dog that had landed in his care only a few short hours ago. Â
After 2 trips up your apartment stairs to drop off the bed, food, treats and toys Javi had gotten, he made one final trip back for Bear, who had glady hopped out of the truck and followed Javi back to your place after a quick pee on the bush in the parking lot, leaving Javi very thankful the dog had found a spot to relieve himself that wasnât on his shoe.Â
âWell, welcome home, I guess.â Javi chuckled as Bear busted through the apartment door, tail wagging at a propeller like speed as he meandered through the space, sniffing and exploring around the kitchen and living room, before wandering back to the bags from the pet store Javi had set on the ground, giving them a little prod with his snout before sitting next to them, looking up at Javi as if to ask if he could have the food and treats that were inside. âWell⊠I guess a little more food couldnât hurt, right?âÂ
There were very few times where Javi was home from work before you, and when he did, he normally told you before he left, or called you at work to let you know- so when you pulled into the parking lot to see Javiâs truck next to your empty parking space, it was safe to say you were a bit perplexed. You quickly unpacked your bags from your car, making your way up to the apartment, trying to rationalize with your confusion and nerves as to why Javi had beaten you home. As you unlocked your door, you gently pushed it open, now even more confused by the muffled grunts and swearing coming from down the hallway. Dropping your things at the entryway, you quickly began working your way through the apartment to figure out what was going on before you almost tripped and fell over a large dog bed now in the middle of your living room.Â
âWhat the hellâŠâ You murmured to yourself, your brow scrunching in bewilderment as you caught your step over the soft, plushy surface, doing a double take to realize that what had almost taken you to the ground was a dog bed. Looking over, you then noticed the several bags from the local pet store, now even more puzzled as your attention shifted back to the end of the hallway, hearing Javiâs voice as well as the sound of running water and frantic splashing.Â
âGoddamnit, will you just stay still please? Weâre almost done, bud.âÂ
Almost sprinting to the bathroom, you pushed open the door to find a pile of towels spread across the floor, Javi kneeling over the side of the tub, shirt absolutely soaked as he held the shower handle towards a goofy, wet, golden retriever dancing around in the other end of the tub as he saw you.Â
âUhhhhhh, Javi⊠Why is there a dog in our bathtub?â You stood stunned in the doorway, your presence startling Javi as he spun around, dropping the shower handle, making it spray over the walls, leading the dog to playfully bark and shake as it hopped over the ledge of the tub to greet you.Â
âNo, Bear! Come back here! Fuck. I uh- I can explain, I-â Javi stammered, scrambling to grab the flailing shower head before reaching for the dog to try and wrangle him back into the shower, the rest of his thought cut off by Bear taking one more step towards you before bracing himself for a giant shake, absolutely drenching you as you burst into laughter, wiping your now soaking face with the palms of your hands before reaching down to pet the cheerful dog, wagging his wet tail as he leaned up against your leg.Â
You couldnât help but let the smuggest grin spread across your face, now putting the pieces of the puzzle together. âBear, huh? You come up with that one?â You giggled, crouching down to greet who you now were presuming to be the newest resident of your household, rubbing his hands over his drenched, furry body, squealing as he licked all over your face. âI thought we couldnât have a dog in the apartment, Jav, and I hate to break it to you, this is definitely a dog⊠very much in our apartment.âÂ
Javi let out a snort, rolling his eyes at you as he reached over to shut off the water, resting his back against the edge of the tub, propping his arms up over the sides as he braced himself to try and explain his current situation to you. âWellâŠâ he grinned sheepishly as Bear paced back and forth between the two of you, his tail swaying side to side as he dripped puddles across the bathroom floor, âI got into work this morning and the first thing I saw was a fucking dog that Carter and Miller had dropped in my office after Miller found him on his drive in.âÂ
âWhich I am assuming is this dog?â You laughed, gesturing towards the giddy Golden Retriever jaunting around the bathroom.Â
âYeah, this one. Miller said that he found him on a dirt road. Called animal control and no one had been looking for a dog that looked like him, and that when he called the shelter, they were so full, that if someone didnât either come to get him or adopt him in the next couple weeks, that, well⊠they probably would have to⊠Fuck, Cater is allergic and Miller canât have dogs at his place, and I- heâs so sweet, and I couldnât just let him go so-âÂ
âSo you bought out the better part of the pet store so he could live here with us?â You grinned, raising an eyebrow at Javi as Bear happily sat himself down in his lap, making Javi grunt at the weight of the dog plopping himself down across his legs.Â
âI mean⊠I uh⊠I-â Javi mumbled, sheepishly looking down at Bear before looking back at you, doing your best to contain your laughter and giggles. âWhat, Hermosa?â Javi phrased it as a question, even though he already knew the answer- You were never going to let him live this down for the rest of his life.Â
âAnd you thought you needed to be worried about me bringing a dog home without asking. Does this mean we have a new member of the Peña family?â You smirked, making your way over to Javi and Bear, squatting down on the soaking bathroom floor next to them, pressing a playful peck onto Javiâs cheek as you gave Bear a big scratch.Â
âIf thatâs okay with you.âÂ
âYouâre lucky heâs cute, and youâre lucky youâre cute, too. Yes, of course itâs okay with me. Welcome to the family, Bear Peña.âÂ
The two of you smiled at each other as you sat on the bathroom floor, a damp and soggy Bear spread across your laps with the happiest and goofiest grin spread over his face, too. While coming home to find Javi wrestling a stray dog in your tub wasnât exactly how you pictured welcoming the newest member of your family into your lives, in some strange way, it couldnât have felt more perfect. Getting to grow and share your life together with Javi was all you could ever really ask for, even if that meant a Monday night, soaking wet from a dog bath gone wrong.Â
âOkay, well, we should probably dry this goofball off and get his stuff all situated. Poor guy is probably exhausted after all of his adventures today, arenât ya bud? Do you think we should put the dog bed in our room? I donât want him to get scared during the night, but Iâm not really sure if we should have him up on our bed, ya know?âÂ
As you pushed yourself up to stand, you waited for Javiâs response, only to be greeted by double the amount of big, brown puppy dog eyes now staring back at you as you turned around. Javi still said nothing, a guilty look growing across his and the dogâs, as you let out a deep sigh, wondering how in the world you were going to build up your immunity to another sweet face that made you crumble.Â
âYou already let him on the bed, didnât you, Jav?âÂ
â.... Maybe.âÂ
âLike I said, the two of you are very lucky youâre cute.âÂ
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