#had to introduce herself 40 minutes into class. hey man. what

[spohkh]

my brit lit professor fully unironically literally definitely has ADHD and i am afeared for how this class is going to go. bc holy shit you cannot teach a class on the 18th century being that all over the place. please im begging you slow down. sit. sit down. why are we listening to a bob dylan song. stop writing random words on the whiteboard. stop interrupting students reading passages to go on a 15 minute rant. please please please for the love of god. why are we listening to bob dylan AGAIN.

[cherienymphe]

Unhappily Married (Steve Rogers x Reader)

WARNINGS: eventual NON-CON, dad!Steve, age gap (reader is a 20 something college student so that could range from undergraduate to graduate and Steve is late 30s), slight college!Peter x reader

summary: your dream job becomes a nightmare when your employers reveal their true colors.

~

“Oh, Y/N, you are a Godsend!”

You chuckled as you handed the stuffed dinosaur to her, Nathan’s cries immediately quieting. It was his favorite toy, and had you known she’d been looking for it for the past five minutes, you would have come downstairs sooner.

“I’m really not, Mrs. Rogers. He was playing with it earlier,” you said with a small smile.

The gorgeous blonde playfully narrowed her eyes at you as she adjusted the cherubic little boy on her hip.

“How many times have I told you to call me Sharon, Y/N?”

“Too many to count,” you admitted, grabbing your bag from the sofa as she walked you out of the house.

“One day you’ll listen, and I won’t have to remind you anymore,” she sighed.

She glanced around with a small frown.

“It looks like Peter is running a little late,” she noted.

“His psychology professor has a habit of talking past his allotted time,” you complained, rolling your eyes. “Normally he’s able to come up with some excuse to slip out, but I don’t think he got lucky today.”

“Oh, I hated that. I tell you, I do not miss college. Roommates, struggling for money, professors who took their jobs a little too seriously,” she shuddered. “How are your classes going? You’re still studying history, right?”

“Mm hmm. It’s going great, actually. I might have an opportunity to study abroad next semester,” you whispered, Mrs. Rogers being the first person you told the news too.

“Oh, how exciting! You’ll let us know if you get it, won’t you? We’ll have to throw a party. Steve,” she called, turning towards the garage.

There was a brief moment of silence before the equally beautiful blond exited the garage. The snug white tee he sported was stained with dirt and grime. He dusted his hands off before placing them on his hips, gazing at the both of you on the front porch.

“We might have to find a new sitter for Nathan next semester. Y/N might be studying abroad in a few months,” she excitedly told him.

His lips curved upwards into a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes for some reason. You didn’t think anything of it. You noticed that things that often excited Mrs. Rogers rarely had the same affect on her husband. You didn’t know much about his job, but you got the impression that he was usually stressed about something or another despite how well he hid it.

“Is that so”

“She could be leaving us,” she replied with a pout. “…but it’s such a great opportunity. Everyone should get the chance to explore the world.”

“Sharon’s right,” Mr. Rogers said, approaching the both of you, blue eyes focused on you. “There’s no greater teacher than experience.”

You barked a laugh.

“You sound like Peter, Mr. Rogers.”

He heaved a sigh, throwing a playful smirk your way.

“When are you going to start calling me Steve, Y/N?”

“It’s useless, sweetheart. I’ve told her a million times to call me Sharon, and we keep having the same conversation. She’s making me feel like an old maid, and I haven’t even hit 40 yet,” she teased, sighing. “Peter’s really late it seems.”

“Yeah,” you agreed with a frown.

“I could take her home, Sharon,” her husband offered.

She hesitated, and so did you. Peter was probably already on his way, and the two of you lived together anyway. It would be inconvenient for them if Mr. Rogers drove you home.

“You might have to,” she murmured. “It’s getting late, and Nathan will have to be put to bed soon. I really don’t want to leave you out here, Y/N-.”

She cut herself off as headlights could be seen turning into the long driveway.

“That’s really nice of you guys, but looks like Peter finally made it,” you said with a chuckle, waving to them as you descended the steps.

“I’m so, so sorry I’m late,” were the first words Peter rushed out when you slid into the passenger seat.

He rolled down the window as soon as you shut the door.

“You’re lucky, Peter! Steve was just about to take Y/N home,” Mrs. Rogers yelled.

Peter chuckled, but something was off about it.

“Sorry for being so late. Mr. Harrington was in a weird mood, tonight,” he yelled back.

The two of you waved them goodbye as Peter turned the car around.

“So what did he do, tonight?”

Peter sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“A pop quiz…after the lecture,” he said with a shake of his head.

“You’re always surprised by his antics.”

“I know, I know, and I shouldn’t be. That’s the crazy part. This was so on brand for him,” he mumbled.

“Hey, it’s no big deal. Besides, if you can’t ever get me for whatever reason, at least we know Mr. Rogers will take me home,” you replied, reaching over to play with his hair.

He snorted, but otherwise didn’t respond to that, and you frowned.

“What? What was that about?”

He chuckled, a crooked grin on his lips as he shook his head.

“Nothing.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, not liking his tone. You turned in your seat to face him.

“What?”

“I bet Mr. Rogers would have no problem driving you home,” he teased, a smirk on his pink lips.

You stared at him, unamused.

“You’re so not funny, Peter-.”

“Oh, come on! He’s got a crush on you, you have to know that,” he interrupted.

“He’s married,” you cried in disbelief. “Besides, how could he ever have a crush on me? I dress like a hobo without makeup on around him. Plus, he hardly talks to me.”

“Probably to restrain himself,” he whispered.

Peter laughed when you hit his arm.

“I’m just kidding…sort of.”

“Peter!”

“I mean, who could blame him? You’re too adorable,” he said, reaching over to place his hand on your thigh. “…but you’re mine.”

You grabbed his hand, intertwining your fingers together as you glared at him.

“Mr. Rogers is a happily married man-.”

“…and you’re his adorable 20 something babysitter who’s great with his son.”

You eyed him, eyebrows furrowing a bit at the way he scoffed that out.

“Peter…you are joking…right?”

He suddenly sighed, stopping at a red light.

“Yeah…sort of. I don’t know,” he groaned. “It’s silly.”

“Hey…nothing is silly if it’s bothering you…”

“It just seems like he really likes you, and I know that he’s your employer and it’s probably nothing more than an employer being pleased with his employee, but he’s good looking and older and-.”

“And happily married,” you reminded him. “…and I’m happily with you.”

You leaned closer, nose brushing his cheek.

“Peter, there’s no need to be jealous of Steve,” you whispered.

“I’m not jealous,” he mumbled.

You chuckled, kissing his cheek before leaning back.

“You are, but its okay,” you said, turning the radio up.

 ~

“You’re serious?”

Peter’s eyes were wide and searching, and you nodded with a huge grin on your face.

“I wanted to wait until it was confirmed to tell you, and now it is. I’m going to Europe next semester for 4 months,” you repeated.

Peter laughed.

“That’s…amazing!”

He pulled you into a tight hug, burying his face in the crook of your neck as you wrapped your arms around him. The mall was loud, and hardly anyone paid any attention to your display. He pulled away from you to press a soft kiss to your lips just as his name was called.

“Oh, that’s our food,” you said, pushing him towards the counter.

He chuckled, rushing to get it just as you heard your own name being called.

“Y/N?”

You turned, eyes widening a bit as they connected with a familiar gaze.

“Mrs. Rogers, hi!”

She pulled you into a brief hug, pulling away with a small pout.

“Y/N, we’ve been through this a thousand times,” she complained.

“Sorry,” you sheepishly replied. “One day. One day, I promise.”

She waved you off, stepping back to get a good look at you.

“Wow! I almost didn’t recognize you,” she chuckled. “You look so different outside of work.”

You glanced down, brows furrowing just a bit as you took in your summer dress.

“I guess…yeah. Peter and I are just enjoying our free day,” you replied, pointing over your shoulder just as the brunette came up behind you.

“Hi, Mrs. Rogers!”

“Hello, Peter. Ugh, you two are so adorable. I was just saying hi to Y/N. I know we only go two days without seeing her a week, but it feels like forever,” she said.

“She’s exaggerating,” you told him.

“No, I mean it! She’s a Godsend. The house is so different without her around. Nathan misses you like crazy,” she confessed.

Her tone threw you off, and you didn’t exactly know how to respond to that.

“He’s right over there actually. Steve too! We’re here with some friends, would you like to come say hi?”

“We…could. We just got our food…”

“Yeah, we can tell them the great news too,” Peter threw in from behind you.

Sharon’s eyes widened in wonder, and you felt your face get hot as Peter rubbed your arms.

“What news?”

“I’m going to Europe next semester,” you slowly replied.

Her mouth parted, face lighting up as she laughed.

“So its…confirmed then? The opportunity went through?”

You nodded.

“Oh, this is wonderful news! Now, you have to come over,” she pushed, grabbing your arm and dragging you across the food court.

Peter followed, and you grew nervous as you approached the table full of strangers. You caught Mr. Rogers’ eye, and noticed the way they widened slightly at you. You looked away, smiling at the unfamiliar faces.

“Guys, this is our babysitter, Y/N, and her boyfriend, Peter.”

Everyone introduced themselves, and the two of you did the same.

“They were just telling me about some wonderful news,” Mrs. Rogers said, reaching over to pluck Nathan from his stroller.

“I’m just studying abroad next semester,” you said, downplaying it as you waved at Nathan.

The table broke out in cheers and congratulations. Your smile was shy, uncomfortable with all of the attention, and sensing it, Peter wrapped an arm around your waist. You caught Mr. Rogers’ eye again, having felt his gaze on you, and you swallowed at the unreadable expression on his face. You wondered if your discomfort was visible, because he suddenly smiled at you, a familiar sight that eased you.

“So where exactly are you studying?” a dark-haired man with facial hair asked.

If you remembered correctly, he introduced himself as Tony.

“Rome,” you answered.

He straightened in his seat, pointing a finger, and everyone else at the table groaned.

“You know, I’ve been to Rome and-.”

“Oh, Tony, give it a rest. She’s going there to enjoy herself, not to hop on the next money-making scheme,” a strawberry blonde woman interrupted.

She was his wife, you remembered.

He raised his hands in mock surrender, and Mrs. Rogers rolled her eyes.

“We’ve kept the two of you long enough. I’m glad we ran into you today.”

“Me too,” you honestly replied. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You and Peter waved them goodbye, your gaze lingering a bit as Mr. Rogers didn’t wave back, opting instead for raising his glass at you. You turned with a small frown, wondering if something seemed off about him today, or if it was just you.

 ~

The door flew open just as you raised your hand to knock. You took a step back in surprise but smiled nonetheless as your eyes met familiar dark ones. Your smile fell a little when Mrs. Rogers didn’t return it, and you hesitantly stepped inside when she eventually moved to the side.

“Nathan has been put down for his nap. I should be gone for the next five hours at the most,” she said, shutting the door.

“Oh, okay. I can just do some schoolwork then while I wait for him to wake up.”

That was strange. Nathan was normally up and at em whenever you came over. She didn’t reply as you set your bag down beside the couch, and you turned to face her. Her gaze was sharp, and you were growing a bit uncomfortable.

“Unless…there’s something else you want me to do? I can make some meal plans for-.”

“No,” she harshly cut you off, and you flinched. “That won’t be necessary. I can make food for my son just fine.”

You frowned slightly before swallowing.

“Um okay. Is there anything else you want me to do while you’re gone?”

She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at you.

“No. Why do you ask? Is there anything you do for Steve while I’m gone?”

You blinked, rearing back a bit.

“I… I’m sorry?”

She huffed, snatching her purse from its place on the lavish couch, eyes venomous as she gazed at you.

“Mrs. Rogers… Is something wrong?”

“Are you sleeping with Steve?” she demanded.

Your eyes widened, comically so as her words hit you like a truck. Confusion and shock filled you. Had you heard her wrong?

“What?” you gasped.

She approached you, chest heaving.

“You heard me. Are you fucking my husband?”

The question came out slow but forceful, and you frantically shook your head.

“N-no! No! Of course not,” you yelled. “Why would you ask me that?”

She reached into her purse, yanking out a small scrap of fabric before shoving them in your face.

“No? Then what the hell is this?”

She dropped it in your hand, and if possible, your eyes widened even further as you realized it was…underwear. They were black and lacey and flimsy…and they weren’t yours. You swallowed, holding them up by two fingers, touching as little fabric as possible as you slowly looked up at her. If looks could kill, you would be six feet under.

Her face lost some of its tension at the sympathetic look on yours, and you sighed as you held them out to her.

“Mrs. Rogers, these… These aren’t mine,” you whispered.

She swallowed, reaching out with a shaky hand to take them back from you. She clenched them in her fist, lips trembling as she looked away.

“Mrs. Rogers…”

She stumbled back, falling to sit on the couch as she stared at the wall in front of her. The house was quiet, and you didn’t know what to say as she just…stared. You were coming to terms with what was happening, and you didn’t know how to feel.

Mr. Rogers was…the perfect husband. He absolutely doted on Sharon…like a queen. You often found yourself wondering if you and Peter would have what they had one day. It was silly, you knew that, but Sharon and Steve were the perfect couple. They were happily married, for Christ’s sake, so you were having the most difficult time coming to grips with the fact that he could do something like this.

And yet…

The evidence was right there for the both of you to see. After all, there were only so many explanations that could explain that. You took a step towards her.

“Sharon.”

She slowly looked up at you, eyes glistening with tears.

“I’m…I’m sorry,” and you meant it.

You were sorry.

She sniffed.

“No, um… I uh…I’m sorry,” she replied. “I should have known that you would never… You’ve never once given a hint that you would…”

“Mrs. Rogers, you have nothing to apologize for. I mean, if I was in your shoes, I would go straight to the babysitter too,” you chuckled.

She joined you, slowly standing as she wiped her face.

“No. There’s no excuse for coming to you in such a manner. I let my own insecurities cloud my judgement,” she began.

She stuffed the damning evidence back in her purse before looking at you.

“I see how he looks at you, sometimes, and my mind ran wild with it.”

You frowned in confusion, and she chuckled at that.

“Of course, you have no idea what I’m talking about. How lucky you and Peter are to be so wrapped up in each other,” she mused.

You were even more confused, but you brushed it off.

“Is there anything I can do?”

She heaved a tired sigh, and she suddenly looked as if she’d aged 5 years in the span of 5 minutes.

“Just what you’ve always done; your job. You do it so well and Nathan loves you and… I have a feeling that we’re going to need you around a lot more. Nathan will need some stability,” she honestly replied with a shrug.

You looked down and nodded. You watched as she left, mind whirling with what all of this meant.

You made your way into the kitchen with a sigh, wondering how Mr. Rogers could do such a thing. You weren’t stupid. Steve Rogers was an attractive man, almost criminally so, so you knew that he must have dozens of women throwing themselves at him on a regular basis. However, you saw the way he looked at his wife. You thought he was devoted to her in every way.

You looked down, playing with your fingers with a frown. As silly as it was, part of you felt…disappointed. You had thought that Mr. Rogers was better than that. This diminished him in your eyes, and you started to wonder if you ever knew him, at all.

 ~

“No, Peter. Neither one of them have come home yet. I can’t leave,” you worriedly said, peeking out of the window.

The rain was really coming down, now, and your anxiety grew.

“Y/N, a storm is coming in, tonight. If I don’t come get you, now, I don’t think I’ll be able to,” Peter said over the phone, frantic.

“I know, I know, and I wouldn’t ask you to. I’ll figure something out, but I can’t leave, and I’m not just going to take Nathan. One of them will be here soon.”

He heaved a sigh.

“Alright. I love you…”

“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow,” you said, hanging up the phone.

You had just turned away to go check on Nathan when you heard keys in the door. You sighed in relief, a greeting on your lips when you stopped short. Mr. Rogers stepped through the door, and you didn’t know what to say as he shut it behind him.

His blue eyes focused in on you, eyebrows furrowing a bit when you didn’t speak.

“What is it?” he softly asked.

He looked the same and sounded the same, but he wasn’t the same. To be perfectly honest, you were hoping that his wife would be back before him. You were…disgusted by him.

“Mrs. Rogers isn’t back yet.”

His frown deepened, reaching into his pocket to grab his cell phone.

“What do you mean she isn’t back yet?”

“When she left, she said she’d be gone for five hours at the max, but…that was eight hours ago.”

He brushed past you, pressing his phone to his ear. You went to grab Nathan just as he stirred, shushing him as you rocked him on your hip. You looked over your shoulder with wide eyes, heart skipping a beat at the harsh hushed whispers coming from the kitchen.

You wanted to get closer, but it was none of your business. You instead wondered on how you were going to get home. You heard him step back into the living room, and you looked up as he approached you. You let him take Nathan from your hands, jerking them back when his fingers lingered on yours.

“Well?”

“Sharon isn’t coming back, tonight,” he sighed.

“What? Why?”

“Who knows? She’s always loved the dramatics,” he threw out, ascending the stairs and gesturing for you to follow.

You frowned at him, not liking the way he spoke about her, but followed, nonetheless.

“There’s no way anyone can drive in that,” he said, facing you. “You’ll have to stay the night.”

You blanched on the inside, but you knew it was coming. Before, you wouldn’t have minded. However, after learning what you did about him, you didn’t like the idea of being stuck in a house with him all night. He wasn’t who you thought he was.

“Okay. I can put Nathan down before I-.”

“It’s fine, Y/N. I can put him down. I haven’t done so in a while,” he said, throwing you a small smile.

You forced one in return, walking towards the linen closet.

“Um…should I get someone of Mrs. Rogers’ or-?”

“I’ll leave something in the guest room for you to sleep in,” he said.

You nodded, looking over your shoulder as he brushed past you.

 ~

You gripped your towel to you, reaching out to grab the clothes left on the guest bed when the door opened. You yelped in surprise, eyes wide as Mr. Rogers stepped into the room. You took a step back, eyeing him in confusion.

“I just wanted to thank you for tonight.”

“Oh. It was no problem,” you quietly replied.

He shook his head as he stepped closer, and you tightened the towel around you.

“No. It was a problem. Sharon was supposed to come back, tonight and she didn’t. That was irresponsible and inconsiderate of her. You have a life just like she does, and she had an obligation to be here to be with her son,” he said, voice hard as he eyed you.

He had an obligation to be faithful to his wife, you found yourself thinking.

“Mr. Rogers, really, it’s fine. She’s upset, I understand-.”

“Upset,” he wondered.

You slammed your mouth shut as he crossed his arms over his chest with a soft scoff, running his eyes over you as he studied you. He tilted his head to the side.

“How do you know she’s upset?”

“What I meant was, she seemed kind of upset before she left,” you corrected yourself.

“Did she now?”

“I don’t know what about, but she just seemed really bothered by something. She left in a hurry,” you lied.

His gaze was unreadable as he took in your words, and you found yourself feeling uncomfortable at his close proximity and your state of undress. He eventually nodded, taking a step back. He turned and made his way to the door, laying his hand on it as he turned to look at you.

“Whatever she’s upset about isn’t an excuse to leave you here to take care of our son hours after you’re supposed to,” he angrily said.

You swallowed at his tone, fighting to hold his gaze.

“Thank you for being patient and waiting. You’ve been a blessing to us this past year, and I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

You nodded, eyeing the door when he closed it before eventually walking towards it. You pressed your ear against it, noting that a few moments had passed before you eventually heard him walking away. You turned the lock, dropping your towel as you eyed the clothes on the bed.

You frowned as you realized that none of these belonged to Mrs. Rogers. The shirt was entirely too big, and you knew for a fact that she didn’t wear boxers. You didn’t feel comfortable wearing her husband’s clothes to bed, but you didn’t have a choice. It was either that or sleep naked.

You pulled them on, anyway, wondering why he didn’t just give you something of his wife’s.

 ~

As the storm raged on outside of the window, you found yourself tossing and turning. The conversation you had earlier with Sharon was plaguing your thoughts. Even worse, Mr. Rogers’ strange behavior wasn’t helping things. Sleep was eluding you, and you found yourself wanting to call Peter, but he was probably asleep.

You considered going downstairs to get something to drink, and eventually decided on doing that. You threw the covers back, preparing to get out of bed when a noise stopped you. The floor outside of the guest room creaked, and you frowned.

You slowly got up, keeping quiet as you approached the door. You stared at it in confusion before your eyes widened at the jiggling doorknob. Your heart pounded in your chest as you realized someone was trying to come into the room. Although, there were only two people in the house able to open a door.

Mr. Rogers was trying to come into your room. You watched the knob twist and jiggle a couple more times before it eventually stopped. You heard him walk away, and you decided against that glass of water as you got back into bed.

 ~

tags: @darkficsyouneveraskedfor​ @kellyn1604​ @mcudarklibrary​ @darkficreposter​ @villanellevi​ @xoxabs88xox​ @harringtonsblackgf​ @sebabestianstan101​ @notyourtypicalrose​ @opheliadawnwalker3​

[ivegotaheadlineforyou]

Welcome to the Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl is the Hadestown modern au that @ratcarney and I have been working on for a long time. Welcome to the Dust Bowl, Hermes’ bar, and the world surrounding it. Orpheus bartends, Persephone owns a flower shop, Hades runs an electricity infrastructure company, and Eurydice is just trying to make it through the work day and get to graduation. Here, you’ll meet some of our major players, and get a glimpse into their world. 

Somehow Jo and I have made this world that now encompases about 4 google docs, spans over 25K words worth of fics and headcanons (and that’s only counting the ones we haven’t lost to tumblr messenger), involves way more office romance and family drama than we ever could have predicted, and Keeps Us Up At Night. So here’s your entry point into the world.

You can see Seph and Eurydice here.

(written by me: developed with Jo)

Summer was lingering into September. There wasn’t a September in recent memory that brought such beautiful sun, such delicious warmth. Days were long, nights warm, and she had never felt as full as she did right now.

But her days still started early and ended late. Eurydice’s alarm buzzed every morning at ten to seven. Some mornings when she woke up, she was greeted by the sight of a sleeping Poet, or to the sound of soft talking in the next room over, usually Hermes. This morning was more solitary. She woke up alone in her bed, stretching to turn off the alarm.

Eurydice’s apartment wasn’t tidy, per se, but it was functional — a studio, most of the space occupied by the biggest bed she could afford, a small love seat she had found for cheap online, and a kitchen that was more a glorified cabinet with a sink, a hot plate, and a coffee machine. Also plants. When Seph first came over to check out her digs, she was appalled by the lack of greenery. Now every spare inch of space that received even an ounce of sunlight was filled with plants. 

Her alarm sang and she begrudgingly pulled herself out of bed, and into the shower. She quickly fired off a text to the Poet as she waited for the water to heat up. She hadn’t seen him last night and it was now odd when she went more than a day without seeing him.

E: good morning poet 🌝 💞

She smiled to herself — he never did understand her emojis, but he put up with them. She knew it would be a couple hours before she heard anything back from him. The life of a bartender meant long nights and

Her morning went on uneventfully — She showered, got dressed in a black silk blouse and grey slacks, which made for appropriate, if boring, work attire, but she stashed another shirt in her bag for class, packed her school bag, and then was out the door. She would normally make coffee for herself but she had just paid her tuition and hadn’t had the cash to grocery shop that week. She would make some as soon as she got to the office.

Eurydice tried to get to work early — at least an hour before the boss man. She got more work done when he wasn’t around. Hadestown Corp was one of the largest businesses in the city. It provided infrastructure and electricity to all the big buildings in the state, and it was all run by Mister Hades himself. Eurydice used to work as his secretary, and it was a fine job but it was only part time work. She was smart, and Hades could see that. He could see that she would be better in a bigger role, so he promoted her to his personal assistant. They made a good team, even if she did refer to him as a dirty capitalist every once in a while.

***

Hades liked structure. Liked routine. He liked respect. He had worked tirelessly for over twenty years building the company to where it needed to be, building up a team of people that worked hard. He knew how to play his roles and took pride in how well he played them. To his wife, he was a loyal and strong husband. To his employees, he was the CEO, the fearless leader. 

In short, Hades didn’t truly make much note of the personal lives of his employees. 

Eurydice was the one exception. And he did not make it willingly. 

He walked into his office, nodding to Eurydice as he passed her desk. She had her headphones on, her legs crossed in her chair and she was busy typing something on the computer. She half waved at him, mumbling “give me ten” as he walked into his office. 

When she walked in, she had folders for him. 

“Good morning, Eurydice,” Hades said, sipping his coffee. 

“Don’t see what’s good about it, but yeah, good morning to you too,” she said, only half paying attention to him, her attention on the files in her hand. He rolled his eyes at her. 

“I need you to sign off on vacation time for a couple people — Ahmad, Tim, and Jessie all put in requests last week,” she placed a folder on his desk, her eyes focused and her movements sharp. “I want to get it back to them, like, yesterday. And then I need you to sign off on catering for the office holiday party.” She placed the next folder on top of the other one. 

“Which place?” He said, putting on his glasses to glance over the forms. 

“Same people as last time. But we’re doing open bar — I’m not being in charge of drink tickets again, and you’ve got the cash to spend so why not spend it on us.” Once again, he rolled his eyes at her. 

“Anything else?” 

“Uhh, yes. Guest lists for the fundraiser in November. I’ve already run it by Seph, and she approves.”

“I really wish you would stop referring to my wife so casually. I don’t refer to your partner in such a way.”

“Yeah,” Eurydice scoffed. “That’s because Persephone is my friend, and you instill the fear of the Gods in my boyfriend.”

He held his hand out and took the guest list and seating chart from her, opening it to glance at what his wife had added to the list. “I’ll make some changes and once I’ve signed off on it, I’ll let you know.”

Eurydice made a face at him, and raised her hands in surrender. “If Seph gets angry, I’ve got nothing to do with it,” She said as she turned to leave his office. “Your meetings are all updated in the calendar!”

“Thank you,” He murmured low enough that she could hear him say something but couldn’t make it out. She shut the door behind her, and he pulled up their shared calendar. It all looked the same as it had yesterday — meetings about the southern expansion of the company, mostly, but towards the middle of the day, there was a 40 minute slot just titled “Personal” with a ... was that a leaf emoji? He shook his head, making a mental note to remind Eurydice to stop using emojis on the company calendar. 

But he knew exactly what that personal slot meant. Lunch with the Misses. The day couldn’t go by fast enough. 

***

Some days it felt like wherever Persephone went, the sunshine followed. She didn’t spend much time around the office, but when she stopped by, it felt like a breath of fresh air. She brought flowers with her, plants for desks, and lots of smiles to the workers. 

Where Hades wore pinstripes, dark suits and polished shoes, she wore thrift store finds. When she walked into the office on this day, she was wearing a jumpsuit in her signature green, belted at the waist, and her hair piled up high on top of her head. 

“Hey sweet thing,” she said waving to Jessie as she walked in. Jessie had taken over Eurydice’s old gig when she was promoted, and the young girl always had a smile to spare for Persephone. Seph stopped for a moment to lean over her desk. 

“Good peonies won’t be around for another few weeks. I promise I didn’t forget,” she whispered, winking at Jessie. The young girl smiled wide. 

“Oh Miss —“ Jessie started, but Persephone cut her off. 

“Don’t ‘oh Miss Persephone’ me,” she said, pulling a small succulent out of her bag and placing it on her desk. “Now, if I catch you watering this more than once every two weeks, you’ll be in trouble!”

She continued her rounds. A sweet fern for Tim. A potted violet for Kimberly. Daisies for Afra. Foxglove and mint for the HR team. 

“And for you,” she said, walking over to Eurydice’s desk. “Something from Mister Hermes.” She pulled a wrapped sandwich out of her bag, and passed it to the girl. She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. 

“Thanks, Seph,” she said, unwrapping it to see that it was one of the BLTs that she loved so much. “I’ll thank him when I see him tonight.”

“Don’t you have class tonight?”

She nodded, and sipped at her coffee. “Yup. Til seven, then I’ll head to the Dust Bowl.”

Seph slipped into an absolutely shit eating grin. “To see your Poet?” Eurydice laughed and shoved at her arm. 

“Yes, to see my Poet,” she said, half-delighting in the way Seph smiled. She had been the one to introduce them, to shove them together in a sense. She had known Orpheus since he moved in with Hermes, and started working the bar, and when she met Eurydice, she thought that they would hit it off. But the duo they had become had exceeded her expectations. 

“Well I might see you then. But now,” she said, picking up her bag and tapping Eurydice’s nose. “I’ve got a hot date.” Eurydice laughed and said goodbye as Seph walked up to Hades’ office door, knocking as she let herself in. 

Hades looked up from his paperwork, and smiled as soon as he saw his wife. 

“You’re early,” he said, standing up and walking over to her. He wrapped his arms around her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned in to kiss her, and as their lips met, he dipped her slightly, just so that he could feel her smile against his lips. 

“I missed ya,” she mumbled before pulling away. He took her hand and led her to the desk. He pulled one of the chairs around so she could sit next to him. 

She placed her bag on his desk and he got to work unpacking the lunch she had brought them. Chicken with soft herbs. Fresh vegetables from her garden. She spoiled him and he knew it. But she loved to do it. 

Her husband had whatever the opposite of a green thumb was — the company he had worked so hard to build was in direct opposition to the wilderness and nature that she loved so dearly. But her man was just that — he was just a man. A bit of a softie when it came to her, and just perfect for her. 

So they sat and ate, and he held her hand, and smiled at her with those damn eyes of his. They looked like polar opposites from afar, but they had one thing in common—they loved each other fiercely. 

***

Hermes was the owner of the Dust Bowl—a mix between a student bar and someplace a little more trendy. Either way, it was a hole in the wall. You had to know it was there in order to find it. He had been running the joint for well over 30 years. When he was laid off from the post office years ago, he took his severance package and invested the lot into this place. He gave it all he had. 

And gods, it just kept on giving back to him. 

He lived in the apartment above the bar, had lived there since he bought the joint. The Dust Bowl was his whole life. It was where he met Calliope, a young girl in a desperate situation. She had frequented the bar in it’s early days until she found out that she was pregnant and on her own. Hermes was there, along with her sisters, to walk with her through it all.

When Orpheus was born, Cal asked Hermes to be the boy’s Godfather. Which meant that he got to see Orpheus whenever he could, was there to watch him grow up, play his first instrument. It meant that, when Cal found out she was sick, when she found out she wasn’t going to get better, and when she passed away, leaving behind a boy of seventeen, Hermes had to be there to pick up the pieces.

 He shared the space with Orpheus for a little while after Cal died. He barely ate, barely spoke, barely moved. It took long months of support, lots of tears, and finally some tough love from his Godfather and Aunt Euterpe, but he slowly started moving. He started playing music again. He started living again. They lived together until recently, when the boy decided he needed his own space -- he was ready for it. It was always a temporary arrangement anyway, and Hermes was glad to see him up on his feet. 

The Dust Bowl had given him Calliope, a beautiful friendship. It gave him Orpheus, too, his sweet godson. And as time went on, it gave him Seph. And now Eurydice. 

The dinner rush was just starting, and Hermes threw an apron at the boy behind the bar. “You’ll wreck your clothes if you don’t put this on,” He said laughing, and Orpheus smiled and slipped it on, going back to pulling drafts. 

Hermes still worked the bar every so often, but he spent most of the time at his spot, ringing in orders and watching the ebb and flow of patrons. He liked his perch, liked getting to know who came in and when, and who they were with and why. 

“Will Eurydice be stopping by tonight?” Hermes asked Orpheus when he was finished with customers. Orpheus nodded,  wiping down a couple glasses. 

“She just texted, and she said she was on her way soon,” Orpheus said with a smile. Every time that boy smiled, Hermes wanted to knock on wood, point to the skies. It was a rough go after Orpheus lost his mom, and for a while, it felt like they would never see him smile again. 

Then Eurydice entered their lives and it felt like it was only uphill. She had been living in town for years, taking classes at the university and working for Hadestown Corp. But it was only when she had been promoted to Hades’ assistant, and when she met Seph, that she stepped into the Dust Bowl for the first time. With her, she brought a cool breeze and the feeling that something exciting might happen. And she upended their lives for the better.

Hermes was broken from his train of thought by the sound of the bell on the door.

“Speak of the girl, and she shall appear!” 

***

The sound of Hermes words and his laugh made the Poet perk up, smiling as he saw the girl walk through the door. 

The regular patrons knew Orpheus and Eurydice from afar, so they just smiled when he left his post at the bar to run over and greet her. She reached up to cup his cheek, and he placed a soft hand at her waist, as they leaned in to share a quick kiss. She pulled him in, and was the one to pull back. Always in control, she was, and he was always willing to let her take it.

“How was class?” He asked, taking her hand and leading her to her favourite spot at the bar. She had changed clothes, swapping out her work blouse for a white cropped t-shirt. He recognized it as one of his own that had gotten holes at the hem that she must have cut up. She looked stunning as always. 

“Boring,” she said, plopping down at her seat and dropping her bag on the counter. “Ran into Urania on the way there, though. She says hi.” Orpheus smiled at the name of his aunt who worked at the same university Eurydice attended. 

“No bags on the bar, Girl,” Hermes shouted down to her, and she rolled her eyes. “Sorry, brother!” She shouted back, pushing her bag onto the seat beside her, before turning her attention back to Orpheus. 

“How was your day?” She asked, reaching for his hand, which he gave her. She tangled their fingers together, smiling at the slightly tacky feeling of his fingers, no doubt due to the alcohol.  She ran her thumb over the heel of his hand, and his calloused fingers danced against hers.

“It was good. Did some writing,” He said smiling wide at her, and she grinned back. 

“Finish anything?” She asked. He was cagey with his work that he deemed unfinished, and rarely was his work ever finished. 

“Not yet, but almost. Soon.” She nodded and leaned over, placing a kiss on his lips once again. “Come home with me?” He asked when she pulled back.

“Sure. But you’ve got customers, Poet,” she grinned, leaning back in her chair. He blushed a bit when he realized and he pushed off the bar to start making drinks. 

She hopped off her seat and walked over to Hermes. The man had an air of cool to him, with his shoes shined, and his suit crisp. He looked timeless and placeless in the best possible way. “Thanks for lunch. You really don’t have to do that.” Hermes scoffed and brushed her off.

“I know you’re strapped for cash right now, kid. It’s the least I can do,” Hermes said, placing a hand on her arm. Orpheus was watching the interaction from where he stood pouring wine for a table. Eurydice had been something akin to a lone wolf before he had met her, and now she had more people than she knew what to do with. When Orpheus and Eurydice officially became a couple, she gained Seph, Hermes, and the rest of Orpheus’ family, including his eight aunts. Eurydice loved fiercely and she attracted people who did the same. 

“What are your plans for tonight?” Eurydice asked when Orpheus had finished with customers. He nodded to Hermes, and asked “do you want me to close up tonight?” Hermes shook his head. 

“You kids have fun,” He said to them. “Once we’ve hit last call at 10, you’re free to go. Just don’t forget to restock the bar.”

“I’ve got that,” she said, hopping behind the bar, and grabbing Orpheus’ notepad from his back pocket. She leaned in to kiss his cheek and he whispered a quick ‘thank you’ as she did. Orpheus loved the Dust Bowl, but the downstairs stock room sometimes sent him into a panic. It was too far underground, and the space was too tight for his liking. It meant a lot that, without prompt or asking, Eurydice jumped in to take over. She knew how debilitating his panic attacks could be — she would never forget finding him on the floor, shaking like a leaf, the first time she had seen him during a panic attack. She would do whatever she could to prevent them.

“Stop hopping the bar,” Hermes said to her, shaking his head, but she was already over it, leaning down under the bar, counting bottles and cans and kegs, tallying up what was left. Once she had made a few trips back and forth to stock the bar, and once Orpheus had called for last rounds, the two wished Hermes a good night, as they headed out.

Once outside of the bar, Eurydice pulled him off to the side of the pavement and took his face in her hands. She pulled him down to her level and gently kissed him. He responded with enthusiasm, his hands finding her hips, just like she taught him how she liked it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him like she was breathing him in, and he gave himself over to her.

It could have been seconds or minutes or months or years, but when Eurydice pulled back, gone was the weight of the work day, and the pressure of her classes. All that was left behind was a look of relaxation, and it was all Orpheus could do to not kiss her right back. He wanted nothing more than to see her relaxed and well rested, to see her happy with no reservations.

He squeezed her hips slightly, and she smiled gently at him. “Hi,” she said, nudging his forehead with hers.

He smiled. “Hi.”

“You gonna take me home?” she asked, and he nodded softly. 

“If you’ll let me,” he said, his voice light. Eurydice looked up into his big, beautiful eyes, and she questioned how she didn’t follow him home the first night she met him. Orpheus, with his big heart, and eyes that hid nothing, had told her he was in love with her after only a few days of knowing her. She tried to keep her distance, but there was something magnetic about him. She couldn’t keep herself away, couldn’t remove herself from his orbit.

She kissed him again, softly this time. Still filled with passion and want, but gentler, and only briefly. “Always,” she said. Orpheus knew that four months ago she never would have dreamed of uttering that word to someone. He knew how tightly guarded she kept herself. And his heart fluttered at the thought that he was allowed to hear her say these things. That he was allowed to be the one who got to take her home, and kiss her, and tell how special she was. It was Orpheus who she had chosen, baggage and all. 

He threaded his fingers through hers, and they started their walk back to Orpheus’ apartment, surrounded by a city still clinging onto summer, and blissfully in love.

[geminimoonbeamx]

Naive: Part 1

A/N: I’m so freaking happy you guys seemed to like the intro, I wrote this and a few other “chapters” up in one night! Hopefully I can get you guys as hyped as I am for this story😭💛

Word Count: 3k+

Warnings: Just cursing in this chapter because I have the mouth of a sailor. The stirrings of sexual tension. The big stuffs coming next time though you guys I promise lol

Summary: As the goddaughter of Tony Stark you were no stranger to the Avengers, but when you meet the newest member- you’re a little more then intrigued. Unfortunately for him, Bucky Barnes has caught your eye.

💘💘💘💘💘

You and Pepper sit in the back of a sleek black Mercedes as it winds through the city, towards Manhattan and the Tower.

It had only been a few years since you’d been in New York but damn, had your forgotten how small this city made you feel. You stare out of the window, your eyes tilted up at many sky scrapers, the sun glaring through your oversized sunglasses as you look at the sky.

It reminds you of a canopy, the way the buildings seem to box you in. An urban jungle that smelled like human pee and chronic exhaustion.

“Are you excited for the internship?” Pepper asks you with a grin and you nod enthusiastically, biting your bottom lip.

What she was talking about was the internship you’d managed to score at the American Museum of Natural History.

“So fucking excited. I mean- I know they’re going to have me doing chump work. Since I only just got my bachelors degree, but the boost that it’s giving my career is insane. Like, I’ll be working on my graduates degree at the same time so I’m hoping if I can make a good impression they’ll refer me to the Smithsonian”

You cant help but babble, your mouth going a mile a minute.

School had always been important to you. It’d been drilled into you by your scientist of a mother, and your college professor of a grandmother that education was the most valuable thing in this world. You’d luckily inherited your moms bright nature, and had graduated high school as the Valedictorian…

Which always made you laugh because you’d ditched more then a third of your senior year to smoke pot with your friends in your car and had still managed to pass top of your class.

College was harder, just like you knew it was going to be. But you still goverened a high grade point average. Double majoring in Sociology and History and minoring in Art Forensics.

Because you’d known, ever since you’d watched Indiana Jones when you we’re six, that all you wanted to do was work in Museums. You wanted to be surrounded by ancient scrolls and mystical tombs. You wanted your life to be the adventure you’d mapped it out to be in your head.

Plus the ide of your fat ass swinging around on vines and running from giant rolling death balls made you smile.

“That’s a lot to have on your plate at once. But if anyone can do it, it’s you. But just know if you neglect your flower girl duties, you will be replaced” Pepper jokes and you giver her a “har har”

“You mean maid of honor duties” You verify.

“What? You cant be both? We also we’re thinking of having you be the ring bearer” You roll your eyes at the strawberry blonde who’s typing away at her blackberry. It’s such a familiar sight, a wave of nostalgia washes over you.

You’d spent a good chunk of your childhood looking up to her.

When the car pulls into the garage of what used to be Stark, but what was now Avengers tower you cant help but feel like you’re ten years olf again. Going to spend two weeks in the summertime with your “Tony Tino”

“So they should be out of their meeting in about twenty minutes, your bags are being brought to your room and the boxes got here a few days ago” Pepper confirms the plans to me as we make our way through the lush waiting room and into one of the many elevators.

“Okay, cool. I’ll just go start unpacking then-”

“Nope” She interjects and I shoot her a “why the hell not?” look.

“Tony said you should get something in your stomach. He know’s you never eat on planes” Pepper covers for herself quickly, not wanting you to see through her lie and ruin Tony’s surprise.

“Okay I guess. I’m not really hungry but you can show me the new kitchens. All he’s been talking about is how the upgrades we’re way cool” You seem to be tottaly oblivious wich makes her let out a metaphorical sigh of relief.

The kitchens are even more wicked then what Tony had told you and your eyes light up as you asses the huge room. The stainless steel and clean white walls making it look like something out of Star Trek.

“Hello Ms. Y/L/N” Fridays sing song robotic voice chimes from nowhere and you grin.

“Friday! How have you been?” You know she’s just a computer, just a hard drive, but you talk to her like she’s a real person.

Just like you used to do with Jarvis who, now, actually was a real person.

“I’ve been well, Ms. Y/L/N. Tony has missed you very much. He’s been very busy preparing for your stay. He’s instructed me to make sure you are fed because he knows you “barf” on airplanes. What can I have made for you? The chef’s specialty is French cusine”

You quirk your mouth at the word barf.

That was one time and you we’re fourteen. Would he ever let you forget it?

“Umm, just a bowl of fruit sounds good” You instruct her rolling your eyes at Pepper who insists you eat a more well rounded diet.

“Fine- and a yogurt”

You sit across Pepper, at one of the glass dining tables. You’d been hungrier then you’d realized and had eaten the entirety of the mixed fruit and yogurt happily. Your chatting about the NYU admissions when the door to the kitchens opens and people flooded in.

Those people being the Avengers- sans a couple members, but still, a decent(menacing) group. With Tony at the front.

The grin on his face is big- his eyes crinkling with crows feet as he approaches you, his arms dramatically open wide.

“Hey Tino!” You laugh as you hop down from the stool and walk over, giving him a tight squeeze. He wasn’t the tallest men, but was still much taller then you so you wrap your arms around his middle as he squeezes the life out of your head.

“Hey kiddo” He lets you go after a moment, putting a hand on your shoulder “How are you doing? Are you feeling better? Did you eat?” He looks you over as he speaks.

You look…different. Your hair is different, you’d cut at least a four or so inches off and it now sat just past your shoulders. It was lighter too.

“Yes god father, I ate. Chill out” You shake your head.

“You dyed your hair” It almost sounds like an accusation and you fight the urge to run your fingers through it self consciously.

Your hair had always reminded him so much of your moms…“It looks nice kid! Makes you look like you’re about thirty though”

“Don’t be mean to me!”

“I’m not- I’m not. I said it looks nice. Right Pepper, you heard that?” Tony looks to Pepper who’s still at the table, she just snorts at her fiancée.

“I think it brings out your eyes” Natasha pipes up as she comes up and gives you a short hug.

“Well thanks. At least someone here actually loves me. I missed you Nat, how have you been?”

And that’s how it goes, you making the rounds, reuniting with the people all around you.

Bruce blushes when you hug him tightly and ask him how things we’re hanging in the lab. Thor picks you up, as he always had, and told you how he missed his little lady. You think you hug Wanda the tightest. You’d kept in touch with her the most, you guys were close in age and you just clicked with her. You knew all about her little romance with Vision who you still had the urge to call Jarvis.

“You’ll always be Jarvis to me” You tell him. He, like Pepper, had watched you grow up.

Clint ruffles your hair in a way that makes you swat his hands away furiously. “How’ve you been, squirt?” Before Sam tells you you’d gotten a nice tan in Europe to which you cant help but bark a laugh at. “Okay creep” you punch his shoulder affectionately.

“Hey Steve” You beam at him reaching on the very tip of your toes to wrap him in a quick hug.

God, he’s still hot.

You’d had a thing for him back a few years ago. He was going through a rough patch and needed a friend and you had this inviting way about you that he’d melted into. It never got serious- you hadn’t even really kissed the guy but you’d been close.

You thought it would have been weirder seeing him again. Especially after the whole scene Tony had caused between the both of you but it wasn’t.

He still looked something akin to sunshine. His aura bright and golden.

And he was standing next to someone you’d never met- in person. But you knew exactly who the guy was.

You we’re a history major for fucks sake. Of course you knew who James Buchannan Barnes was.

“How’ve you been, Y/N? It’s been a while” Steve grins down at you.

“It really has, stranger. Thanks for keeping in contact. You know, I didn’t teach you how to properly text for nothing" You shoot at him, with no malice but it makes him shift uncomfortably on his feet.

“Yeah- I’m sorry. I should have checked in more it’s just been really hectic-” You watch him with a satisfied leer. You’d always loved making him squirm, and he just made it all too easy.

“You’re fine Steve” You wave him off “I get it. You’re still all technologically impaired. Guess I’m just not important enough for you”

You use that tone- the one that had always got him so worked up and he just puffs out a breath, shaking his head.

“That’s not- your messing with me” He catches on and you giggle and roll your eyes.

Oh, your sweet 40’s child.

“Always” You inform him before turning your attention to the man you hadn’t been formally introduced to yet and giving him a smile. That smile.

Bucky can see why you we’re known for being a flirt.

He’d just watched you work a room full of people, watched the way that the team reacted to your warmth. The way you seemed to have your own unique bond with everyone and he couldn’t lie- it was intriguing.

You’re pretty- in a way that he didn’t see a lot. Yeah, your bigger then he’d been expecting; all hips and thighs and a large bussom but there’s something eye catching about you. Maybe it’s the way your eyes are lined with sharp cat eye liner or the way your eyebrows arch. It reminds him of home, of the women that he’d grown up around.

“Hi, I’m Y/N” You hold your hand out to his. Your eyes are sparking with curiosity as he reaches down to take it.

“I’m-” He starts and you cut him off, your playful nature coming out.

“ Sargent James Buchannan Barnes? I’ve been learning about you since like kindergarten!”

“That so? You can call me Bucky” he drawls out.

“Bucky. It’s really nice to meet you. Any friend of Splangles here is a friend of mine. I mean unless you’re as boring as he is”

You really we’re a charmer. And he thought he’d been charming back in the day. You could run circles around him.

He can’t help the smooth chuckle that leaves his throat as Steve protests with an half offended “hey!”

“I’m just kidding, Steve. You know I love you!” You pinch his cheek, your nose scrunching before turning away from them and back to Tony.

Not before telling Bucky you were “Excited to pick his brain sometime”

Bucky’s gaze is focused on your retreating figure. He feels a little…dizzy. The way you feel when you get off a ride at Luna Park.

He doesn’t think he’s felt like this anytime this decade.

Steve shoots him a knowing look.

The Y/N effect.

“Told ya’ jerk” Steve pushes Bucky’s shoulder in a friendly manner as he passes him and Bucky shakes him, and the weird head high off with a quick “Punk”.

Tony hasn’t stopped talking since that first moment you’d been reunited and you hang onto every word. You’d always loved this about him; that he’d talk to you. And like, really conversation. Not just treat you like your were some dumb kid who couldn’t keep up.

You end up leaving the rest of the “Scooby gang” and you follow him to where you’re assuming is his office.

“Okay but how are they going to try and pass Government restrictions on you? It doesn’t make any sense? If they had half a brain they’d label you an international task force- but I mean then you’d have to deal with the UN more I guess. And aren’t they still super salty about the accords?…”

Tony’s over being impressed with the way your brain works. He’s been over it since you were eight and you’d called your teacher a facist.

“Super salty” Tony affirms with a sigh “But at least we have SHEILD backing us now. And there’s some new members. Oh yeah and Thors phycotic brother promised he won’t try to invade earth anymore”

You snort “Well that’s a relief I guess. He’s finally getting his younger sibling syndrome in check”

“I think Bruce scarred him for life”

“Good. He needed it. Where’s Rhodey? I noticed that he wasn’t down stairs” you ask the question that been bugging you.

“Oh yeah. He had a physical therapy appointment but he’ll be gracing us with his presence for dinner”

“How’s he doing?”

“You know Rhodey. He’s kicking PTs ass. He should be able to get back in the suit in a few months”

That makes you happy. Like genuinely so happy and relieved because you loved the shit out of Rohdey and you’d been really worried about him after the…accident.

“Yeah. He’s such a bad ass- uh hey Tino, where are we going? I thought your office was on the 47th floor?” You watch as the light around the 15 lights up, announcing your stop.

“I thought we’d make a detour. So I know you wanted to get your own apartment- but rent in the city is outrageous and you decided to humor your dear old god dad… So I improvised” Tony explains and your whole face is twisted up in confusion because what is he even talking about?

“What?” You hiss as the elevator doors ding open.

The room that’s revealed has your jaw dropping and harsh gasp ripping itself from your throat.

“Think of it as a graduation present” Tony’s happy- your reaction is just what he’d wanted.

You looked childlike as you took in the space. There were large, floor length windows that lined the furthest wall- the natural lighting was something out of a dream. The couches were plush and charcoal colored, an array of throw pillows lining them. There were white furry rugs and marble accents and gold lining to everything. The color scheme you were obsessed with.

“Tony oh my god! I love it!” You squeak. How had he gotten your tastes so well? “This is why pepper started following all my Pinterest boards huh?”

“We wanted it to feel like your own place. There’s a bed room and a bathroom back down that hall”

You turn to him, your bottom lip jutting out.

“Don’t cry!” He protests and you sniffle dramatically.

“I just- I can’t believe you had the time to do all of this. Thank you so so so so much, Tino. I love it. Best graduation gift ever”

He’d always spoiled you, a fact that you weren’t ignorant to but this… It almost felt like too much.

“I’m just happy you’re staying here. I think NYU and the internship will be really good for you. And Pepper needs someone to talk wedding plans with cause she’s staring to make my ears bleed with that shit-”

“And you want to keep an eye on me while I withdrawal?” You guess, saying what he hadn’t.

The atmosphere in the room seems to suddenly shift.

He chomps his teeth together with an audible snap and nods.

“We don’t know the entirety of side effects from coming off that drug so yes. I want you here while you do it. Even though I still don’t think it’s the best idea” Tony uses that parental voice you hate on you and you sigh and walk over to one of the Windows. Staring down bustling streets below you.

“I know, I don’t know if it’s the best idea either but somethings gotta’ give. I’m willing to try anything at this point…I don’t want to feel like this anymore” you whisper the last part.

Tony watches you, his arms folded over his chest as he deflates.

“Okay- just like I told you over the phone we’ll try it. Ween you off slowly. But if it gets too intense we’re starting them back up again”

I’m not gonna lose you too, is what he doesn’t say.

No matter how bad the idea of it scares you, you know it’s the best route. The only one you’ve got left.

—–

Dun dun dunnnnn. Y/N’s on drugs say what?! Trust me, it’s not what your thinking. Unless you’s a mind reader- then it’s exactly what your thinking. I’m thinking? We’re thinking?😂

Ps. My laptops acting super wonky so the tags should be up later! I promise I’ve got you guys lol! And continue to ask if you want to be tagged in upcoming parts.

https://xgminigypsy.tumblr.com/post/166595772104/naive-part-2 PART TWO

https://xgminigypsy.tumblr.com/post/166629591854/naive-part-3 PART THREE

https://xgminigypsy.tumblr.com/post/166664664834/naive-part-4 PART FOUR

https://xgminigypsy.tumblr.com/post/166703266654/naive-part-5 PART FIVE

[thorne93]

Nerves

Prompt: Imagine being Garcia’s sister and meeting Spencer after all these years of hearing about him to help on a case, but your reaction surprises both of you

Warnings: idk, maybe language. If you watch Criminal minds, think of that sort of stuff

Word Count: 4664

Note: “What’s with you? You need a hug or something?” for @hanny-bananny This was so fun! Beta’d by the ever fabulous @like-a-bag-of-potatoes

~~~~~~~~~~~

You’d been out of graduate school for about four years now, with quite a bit of experience as a forensic psychologist. However, that didn’t stop any of the surprise when SSA Hotchner called you yesterday to ask if you wanted to assist a case.

“Dr. Garcia, I know you’d be a valuable asset for our team on this. This is your area of expertise, correct?”

“Yes, sir. But I’m not sure I have the correct skill level that your team does,” you had answered as you gathered ingredients for your dinner.

You’d never met any of Penelope’s team, mainly because there was never a chance to. The day she had the Day of the Dead celebration, you were in a conference in San Diego. And every other event that happened with her team, you were busy working on your degree, working with a patient, or lecturing some class somewhere. You were on the move just about as much as her team was.

But you knew all of them by her explanation of them. Derek Morgan was her best friend. You had heard a million wonderful things about him and definitely wanted to meet one day. Agent Hotchner, or as Penelope referred to him - Hotch, was a man of confidence and power, you’d admired him from afar. Mr. David Rossi sounded like he could be your dad with as much as you had in common of classic cars, good italian food, and fine liquor. JJ sounded like a woman you could respect. Dr. Tara Lewis was a woman after your own heart being in the same field. But then there was Dr. Spencer Reid, or boy genius. Penelope had confided that he held three PhDs and his IQ, his eidetic memory, and to her, these were abnormal facts. Something she marveled at, little did she know, you were absolutely in love with Dr. Reid’s mind, you just had yet to meet him.

“You’ll do fine. Could you meet us at nine tomorrow?” he asked, his voice never showing any emotion or inflection.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Garcia can show you where we’ll be.”

“Thank you.”

Now, you were standing right outside of the FBI headquarters waiting on your sister Penelope to show up. You wore black slacks with white pin stripes, a gray satin long sleeved blouse, and diamond choker. You were pretty sure you didn’t blend in, but you were a doctor, not an agent.

She saw you and literally squealed. You loved her with all of your heart, but you weren’t quite as bubbly as her. While she surrounded herself with color and bright things, you seemed to be a bit darker and more cynical. Maybe it was the job. She was behind a screen, while you sat face to face with killers, listening to detailed renditions of ownership they had murdered their victims.

“You’re here! You’re really here!” she exclaimed as she ran up to hug you.

“Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be?” you questioned innocently with a frown.

“Because I only see you a few times a year,” Penelope reminded with a stern look.

“I know. I’m sorry work just…” You let the idea go, not wanting to have to explain yourself again.

“I know, I know. Come! Come meet my team! I can’t believe this is finally happening! It’s been ten years and you have never met them.” She grabbed your hand and hauled you inside as you got a visitor pass and she took you up an elevator to her office.

“This is the bat cave,” she explained happily. “This is where all the magic happens.”

“Oh, wow, Pen. You really went all out, huh?” you asked as you went up to her desk full of pretty knick knacks, playing with all of them.

“It helps to distract me.”

“I know.”

“Well it’s only 8:40, I’m not sure anyone besides Hotch will be here…” she started, but as she finished the thought, a man walked in the room.

“Baby girl, do you have--oh, hi, you must be baby girl’s sister here,” the coffee skinned man said as he came up to shake your hand.

“Yes, I’m Dr. Y/F/N Garcia.”

“Man, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said with a smile.

“I would say likewise but I’m not sure who you--” you started as your eyes shifted to your little sister.

“This is Derek Morgan,” Penelope explained.

“Ah, I should’ve guessed. Sorry, I’m out of it.” You laughed and he grinned at you.

“Hey, I feel you. I don’t start thinking until well past 10 am.”

“Did you need something, chocolate lava?” Pen asked.

“Oh, yeah, yeah. I need the case file for that Atlanta case. And Hotch wants us in five minutes.”

“Roger that,” she said and he smiled at you one more time before leaving.

“He seemed really nice,” you remarked once he left.

“Yeah, but hands off, he’s got a pretty serious girlfriend,” she replied.

“I just said he was nice. I wasn’t even going there--”

“Garcia, Hotch wants you and your sister in there now. Here’s a file the director wants you to look over,” a young man said as he came in, his eyes glued to the file. In an instant, you were shot by a lustful arrow. This man’s hair, outfit, and lean body immediately made your mouth go dry and your knees weak. He dropped the folder and left in a flash, his eyes never noticing you.

“Holy shit,” you thought to yourself.

“Who was that?” you asked almost as if you were out of breath.

“That was Reid, wh--” She stopped and started to laugh that knowing laugh of hers. “Oh, ho, ho, ho. You like him don’t you?”

“No,” you lied as your eyes snapped to hers.

“You do!” she nearly shouted before you could shush her. “Oh my god, you like him.”

“No, I don’t. Your boss is waiting for us. Let’s go.”

Her eyes narrowed on you. “Fine but we aren’t done with this yet.”

She escorted you from her room down the hall into a small conference room with the whole team. They introduced you quickly and you finally matched faces to names, except for Dr. Lewis, she was at her other job.

But the only one you were concerned with was Dr. Reid.

“And this is Dr. Reid,” Penelope said with a cheeky grin as you extended your hand but he didn’t take it.

“Hi, nice to meet you,” he said. “Sorry, I have a thing about germs,” he apologized as he held his hand up.

“Ah,” you breathed, your analyzing skills kicking into overdrive.

“Let’s get started,” Agent Hotchner suggested which broke the magical spell you were under.

“Right. Dr. Montoya is the fourth victim to show up in the southeast region that’s had their necks slashed, dropped off in a wooded area of a park, covered in painters tarp,” your sister explained as she pulled up pictures.

“Dr. Montoya, as in, Richard Montoya?” you questioned.

“Yes, do you know him?” Agent Hotchner asked.

“Yes, we worked together for about six months. Who could do something like this?” you asked while you frowned at the screen.

“That’s what we’re hoping you could shed some light on.”

“The other victims were Dr. Marcy, Dr. Esteves, and Dr. Hollinger,” Pen continued. “All disposed of the exact same way, just in different states. Each one week apart.”

“Where they dumped near their homes?” Derek asked.

“Yes, they were all dumped within thirty minutes of their residence.”

“So he attacks them at their home, most likely,” JJ said.

“So...he’s killing all psychologists?” you asked, your head spinning. You didn’t look at crime scene photos much, much less of your colleagues. You felt sick.

“Are you alright, Dr. Garcia?” Hotchner questioned.

You nodded weakly. “I just...I know these people.” A tear ran down your face. “I’m sorry.”

“You can go get some air. Morgan and JJ, wheels up in 10 for us. We’re going to look at the latest crime scene in Austin. Reid, Rossi, Garcia, and Dr. Garcia, stay here and figure out any link you can between them. Figure out if there were any dinner guests, corresponding emails, texts, or phone calls between the victims or any that come up between them.”

“Yes, sir,” Pen responded.

The team dismissed, leaving you alone with your part of the team.

“Who was the first...victim?” you questioned.

“Dr. Marcy,” Reid answered as he led you to the board with all of the case facts all over it. You saw your friends and coworkers faces up on the board, alongside gruesome photos and your stomach turned.

“Wrapping them means remorse, right?” you asked, grasping for some semblance of sympathy for the person doing this. It was easy to separate yourself when you talked with patients, but when they killed friends….it made it much harder to rationalize their behavior.

“That’s right,” Agent Rossi confirmed as he got up from the table to stand beside you. “Are you okay? You look a little...pale.”

“I’m not sure,” you answered truthfully.

“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you a water?” he asked.

“Yes, please, thank you.”

You sat at the table as Dr. Reid joined you and your sister tried to look for a link and Agent Rossi left the room.

“I’m not seeing anything that relates these doctors together except their profession. It looks like all of them have interacted with each other through a few brief, meaningless emails, a few phone calls scattered over the years…” Pen explained.

Rossi returned with your water and you sipped the chilled drink slowly, trying to calm yourself and focus. The FBI, your sister, was asking for your help and you needed to get your head in the game. Your friends deserved that from you.

“Okay, so what do you need me for?” you questioned as soon as your wits were gathered.

“Did you ever hear them talk about any troubling patients? Anyone they reported?” Rossi asked. “Garcia, check for patients that they reported to authorities.” She began clacking away as you searched your mind.

“No, no more than the typical shop talk.”

“No one stood out?”

“No,” you said, shaking your head. “Do you think he’ll kill again? Why is he killing so many psychologists?” you asked, desperation and exasperation in your voice.

“We don’t know,” Rossi said.

----------

The team returned, and with them came the files from Dr. Montoya’s office. They were working on getting the other files from the other doctors to you. You and Reid began poring over them, he going much faster than you. You were looking for any clue of an unbalanced patient and after forty case files between you, his notes weren’t making much sense, and now it was late at night. You pushed the file away from you and squeezed your eyes shut.

“Are you alright?” Reid asked as his eyes never left the page.

“Yes, I just need a break is all.”

“I’m sure this is hard, being your friends and all. We appreciate you doing this.”

“Do you think I’m next?” you blurted out, your eyes searching his.

“I don’t know. Did you ever treat patients that may have been theirs?”

You shook your head. “No, not unless it was in tandem. But those were only a few cases.” You sighed. “I just….They wanted to help people, that’s all they wanted. Why did this have to happen to them?”

Reid pursed his lips in silent sympathy for you. “So how did you become a doctor?”

“I went through medical school,” you answered.

He furrowed his brow at you. “I understand that but I guess I meant, why did you become a doctor?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Curious, I suppose. You and Penelope don’t seem all that much alike,” he observed.

“We aren’t really,” you noted. You sighed. “I just wanted to help people. The criminal mind has always fascinated me and I wanted to do everything I could to understand it, and help them get past their issues and become functioning members of society. And if I couldn’t do that, the least I could do was try to understand them.”

“It’s funny that Garcia was the way she was before the FBI found her and you took the complete opposite path.”

Getting lost in his appearance, his looks, you almost forgot to answer him. You felt like you’d known Reid for a good portion of your adult life thanks to Penelope.

“You’re full of questions and observations, Dr. Reid,” you noted.

“As are you. Part of the job, right? It’s up to us to watch people, observe every detail of them…” He stared at you as the idea trailed of his lips that you were yearning to kiss. You’d been in love with Dr. Reid’s mind for years now, and here he was, in your ideal body type, better than you’d ever imagined. Penelope did not do him justice.

“Okay, well let’s put that BAU training to the test,” you urged with a flirtatious tone. “You want to know so much about me, why don’t you give it a whirl? Tell me some things only someone of your caliber could catch.”

Reid smiled gently at you. “Alright, let’s see. You’re right handed,” he started.

“Oh, stop right there, I want an explanation for everything you decipher about me.”

“Very well. You’re right handed because even though you haven’t picked up a single writing utensil since I’ve met you, you walk forward with your right foot, you lean on it more, you lean to your right when you sit, and you grab everything with your right hand.”

“Alright, one point. Go on. Impress me, Dr. Reid,” you said before you bit your lip.

“You have a nervous habit you’re trying to break. You have a tendency to put your hair behind your ear, then immediately uncover it. My guess is you are insecure about your ears, but it’s just recently come about, either a coworker or a boyfriend teased you about it and it’s come into fruition recently.”

Your eyes darted away, which you knew was a tell sign that he was right.

“You grind your teeth at night, because I can see you relaxing your jaw every time you frown, another habit you’ve been told to break. Your jaw clenches, you frown, then your jaw loosens. Which means you’ve been to the dentist in the last two months. Statistics show we’re more likely to keep to a routine or suggestion that’s been given to us within 6 to 8 weeks.”

“Wow,” you breathed.

“You also listen to music a lot and the fact that there’s none in here has you on edge,” he continued.

“What makes you think that?”

“Because you unwittingly hum to yourself and shake your leg when there isn’t noise in the room, meaning that silence makes you uncomfortable.”

“And why do you think Penelope and I chose different life paths?” you questioned.

“Because her defense mechanism was to shield herself from hurt, so she adopted the gothic look, appeared hard to others so they wouldn’t think they could hurt her. She wanted something she could control, so she got into hacking. You wanted to make your parents proud, so you became a doctor. At first, you wanted to do the usual medical endeavors, save lives like your parents couldn’t be saved, but somewhere along the way you didn’t want to hold that much life in your hands, so you opted for psychiatry. You started in grief counseling, but it became too hard for you to bear, so you thought it would be best if you did a job that stopped bad people or at least understood them.”

You sat stunned into silence at his words. They were the truth.

“Uh,” you started in a shaky voice. “Yeah...How did you know all of that?”

“Little movements you made,” he said with a half shrug. “It’s my job. Plus I know Garcia’s past and I know a little bit about you already.”

“Oh? Well then tell me what I’m thinking right now,” you challenged, staring into his eyes as you slowly leaned forward. But before you could get too close, the team came into the conference room, spoiling the moment.

“So this unsub has to be unemployed, right?” Derek suggested. “I mean, it’s been a month and he’s hit four different states each week, calculating these kills so he’s not interrupted. So he must have a lot of time on his hands. So he’s either unemployed or he’s taking a leave of absence or sabbatical.”

“Meaning that the first kill, was close to his house,” you said suddenly.

“What makes you say that?” Derek asked.

“Because he only had a week with the other three, right? That’s including travel time and getting settled into lodging, and eating. The first kill, he needed more time to sit and watch his target, trying to figure out when to strike and how to do it the best way. He must live in Alabama, or he just moved,” you answered.

“Garcia, check patients --” Hotchner started.

“I’m on it,” she said through the speakerphone then hung up.

“She’s very good, huh?” you asked with wonder. You knew Pen was amazing with computers but you never quite knew just how good.

“What if...What if the unsub went after the first doctor because they failed him in some way?” you asked. “Is that possible?” You were so out of your element, but it was a thought.

“But why go after the other doctors?” JJ asked.

“That’s a good question. Considering we all sort of overlap at some point, it could mean they all encountered him or never did,” you said.

Dr. Reid looked around the room and asked, “Guys, what if the first doctor failed someone he knew, and the others failed him?”

“What do you mean?” you asked.

“What if someone close to him was working with Dr. Marcy, and they committed suicide, so then he went to the other doctors and they weren’t helping him cope with the suicide? So he took it out on them?”

“Could be, but what’s the stressor?” Derek questioned.

“Losing his job? You said yourself he has to be unemployed.”

“So we’re looking for someone who lost someone, lost a job, and is in sessions themselves?” Rossi questioned.

JJ frowned. “But Garcia already ran all the patients, none of the patients that fit the profile overlap.”

“We’ve been looking for cutters, not someone with a suicide in the family,” Dr. Reid retorted before he dialed your sister’s extension. “Garcia, look for anyone who came in for dealing with the suicide of a family member for our victims.”

“Okay, give me more, that’s a long list.”

“He’s between eighteen and thirty,” JJ added.

“And look for anyone who lost a job within two months,” Derek commented.

“Okay...Nothing. We have a few patients that committed suicide themselves for each of them but none that fit the parameters.”

“Pen, do any of those suicide victims have close family that’s still alive that is in sessions?” you questioned.

“Uh, yes! We have one. Amanda Ivris. She committed suicide after being in Dr. Marcy’s care for over two years. She killed herself five months ago and has an older brother Charlie….Oh lord, she cut her own throat and Charlie found her.”

“Did Charlie ever see those other doctors, baby girl?” Morgan questioned.

“No, it doesn’t look like it.”

“Then how is he tied to them?” JJ wondered.

“Could’ve used an alias,” Derek offered as he shrugged.

“What about a job, Garcia?” Rossi questioned.

“No, he lost it...six weeks ago,” she answered.

“Address,” Hotchner ordered.

“On your phones.”

The call ended but you were puzzled. “Wait, but what about his ties to the other doctors?”

“Odds are he used an alias or asked to remain anonymous,” Reid answered as he started to leave.

“Wait, what do I do?”

“You come with us,” Hotchner answered.

“What?” you asked, panic and alarm bells screeching inside you. “I’m not trained for the field.”

“You don’t have to be, we just need a trained psychiatrist there to help calm him down.”

“But I -- “ you started.

“Now. We need to move,” Hotchner commanded.

The address wasn’t too far away as they grabbed you a bulletproof vest and your heart sped out of control. What if this unsub shot at you? What if you couldn’t talk him down? What if he shot at this team?

“You took Y/N with you?” Garcia suddenly said over the car speakerphone system, her voice filled with panic and concern. You were riding with Derek and Dr. Reid.

“Yeah, baby girl but I’ll keep her safe.”

“I know you will but what if--”

“Momma, calm down. I need you calm and focused in case I need you, okay? Y/N is going to be fine.”

“Okay...okay,” she said between deep breaths.

“Alright?” Derek asked as he drove.

“Alright. Just be careful.”

With that, she hung up.

“She’s a bit of a worrier,” you said from the backseat.

“You’re telling me. When any of us goes into the hospital, she’s the first one by our side, ready to spring into action,” Derek commented with a little laugh and shake of his head. “Where did she get that from?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I think it stems from wanting to keep anything she loves safe, I mean, don’t we all?” you asked, but you were met with silence.

You arrived at the house and followed Spencer and Derek onto the porch.

“FBI. Ivris, open up!” Derek shouted and when there was no response, Derek kicked in the door and they nodded for you to follow them. You stayed on Spencer’s heels until Derek noticed movement in the kitchen and he and Spencer took off running. He eventually ran from the kitchen right where you stood. Stunned, you couldn’t react or respond. So he grabbed you and put a knife to your throat. The guys caught up to you, their guns drawn toward you and Mr. Ivris. You had no idea what to do.

“Get back or I’ll cut her! She’ll bleed just like the rest of em!” he shouted, his knife digging into your jugular.

“You don’t want to do that,” Spencer insisted calmly.

“Oh yeah? How would you know what I want?”

“Because I know you want to make everyone feel like you felt,” you suddenly said, cutting off Spencer. You weren’t sure what you were doing, you were just going off what you knew from your patients. You were scared, sure, but something about the situation, you kept your heart rate down. Possibly because you knew getting upset wouldn’t help anything.

“What?” he asked, as if he was impatient.

“That’s why you killed Dr. Montoya, Dr. Marcy, and all those others. You hold them responsible for losing your sister. I get that. Because the doctors failed you, they failed her. That’s not her fault or yours. They should’ve tried harder to save her. I know that,” you said. “It’s a doctor’s job to take care of their patients.”

He loosened the grip on the knife and pulled it away slightly.

“Yes. Yes,” he agreed fervently as he spun you around to face him, his hands hard on your shoulders. “Did someone fail you too?”

“No...I failed them,” you answered solemnly and while he realized what you said, Derek was handcuffing him.

-------------------------------------

The case wrapped up but Agent Hotchner asked if you’d like to assist on more cases. You immediately agreed. You wouldn’t work at the FBI full time, but you would have the proper training with a gun, stances, situations, language. For the most part, you would be there to fill in when Dr. Lewis couldn’t.

This meant that you had plenty of time to get to know Spencer Reid. He and you often sat together on cases, he even went with you to the gun range. But the only issue was that after a month of working with him, you had flirted heavily and he wasn’t picking up on any of the signals. You’d asked him out to coffee and while he agreed, he didn’t really seem to get the hint. You often tried to gently touch his arm, or even go as far as to play with his hair and he seemed completely indifferent to your cues, signs, and advances.

You had talked to Penelope about it and she even tried to assist by pushing you and Spencer together, dropping hints of her own. You even dressed scantily a few days with an extra tight blouse and skirt and spiked shiny heels, but it was like you were hitting on a robot.

One day, shortly after another one of your failed attempts to flirt, you went into the conference room with Morgan to look over a case, throwing the file down and huffing, your coffee spilling as you angrily sat it down.

“Shit,” you growled, your emotions getting the better of you. You were at the end of your rope with this whole Spencer thing. You were trying everything you knew of and you were out of ideas.

“Damn, bad morning?”

“Why would you think that?” you asked in a smartassed tone.

“What’s with you? You need a hug or something?” Morgan asked with a half smile since he never saw you like this.

“No, I just need Spencer to notice me,” you responded in a low tone, more to yourself than him.

“Oh, so pretty boy has you frazzled. What’s up?”

You sighed as you turned to face him. “I’ve done everything I can to make it clear that I like him. I’ve asked him out, flirted with him, touched on him…”

“Have you just tried telling him?” he asked, his brows pulling together.

“No…” you answered sheepishly.

“Well maybe you should give that a whirl. The kid isn’t always keen on social cues.”

“You’re telling me,” you huffed.

“And here comes your chance,” Morgan said as he glanced up and Spencer was smiling at you two as he walked in.

“Hey guys,” he greeted.

“Y/N has something she wants to tell you, Reid,” Morgan said before he jumped up and left, a huge grin on his face.

“You’re an ass,” you said in a hushed whisper as he disappeared out of the room. You turned back to Spencer, your face red.

“You had something to tell me?” he inquired, those wide, innocent eyes on yours.

“I--uh--yeah…”

He stared at you a moment then said, “Okay. What is it?” He smiled at you, waiting.

Your nerves were bundling inside you, about to make you burst. You finally decided to simply go for it.

“Spencer, I like you,” you blurted out, squeezing your eyes shut.

“Oh, thanks, Y/N. I like you too,” he answered with a grin.

You smiled half-heartedly, realizing he didn’t take in what you’d just confessed.

“No, Spence...I have a crush on you.”

“Oh...Oh!”

“Yeah,” you said awkwardly. “Well this was fun,” you quickly said, starting to gather your things.

“Wait, don’t go. Do you mean that?”

“Well of course I do. Spencer, I’ve been trying to flirt with you heavily for a month now.”

“That’s what that was? I thought you were just overtly friendly.”

Suddenly, you let out a cackle.

“No,” you laughed. “No, I did all that because I want to date you.”

“I want to date you too,” he informed. It took a second for you to register that he just agreed that he liked you back.

“You do?” you breathed.

“Of course, Y/N. You’re highly intelligent, you’re sweet, you’re funny, you understand my jokes. I just didn’t want to ask you out because I didn’t think you liked me like that.”

“For the smartest guy in the room, you can be quite foolish, Dr. Spencer Reid,” you teased.