#have not felt like my Take about the events of this week would be productive or helpful

[youcanthandelthetruth]

.

[binniesbooks]

• SANDWICH

TXT 019 .F05 2024

wc 6.8k

pairings Nickjudyz!TXT x fem!reader

warnings reader was described as poor, Yeonjun and Soobin being loaded, growing alone, self relieving, oral sex (Soobin receiving), slight cum eating, squint to see some fingering, unprotected sex, breeding kink if you squint once more, pet names, degradation, boob kink for Soobin if you squint again lol, bigcock!Soobin, bigcock!Yeonjun, virgin!reader, threesome, double vaginal penetration (hit me up if I forgot something)

faye's note took me not only a week to finish this! Omg! Nevertheless, HAPPY 100 FOLLOWERS! Thank you so much guys, I love you all! 😭❤️ Please continue on supporting me and my fics. I promise to hold an event soon if we reach another milestone :> Cheers🥂!

Growing up alone, you've done everything to survive. Even when you were still a child, you worked for yourself. Doing laundry for the neighbors, helping the market vendors, walking pets—doing anything just so that you could earn a small profit.

Now that you're a college student, you've been hired by the school cafeteria due to the dean's empathy. You have a small space in the cafeteria for your small business, selling sandwiches. Every break time, lunch, and when you were vacant, you would quickly make your way to the school cafeteria to sell your products. You've been selling other foods too, like juice drinks and chips, but mainly sandwiches.

You would always wake up early in the morning to prepare everything you needed for your products.

"How much for a sandwich?" A tall, handsome man stood in front of your stall while you were busy cleaning your table.

"2 500 won, each," you smiled at the guy before you.

"I'll get two, please," he said as he pulled out his wallet.

"I'll just wrap it!" You cheerfully answered, not wanting to show how tired you are.

You're basically tired, not just today. But just tired of your whole life. Many times you tried ending it, but you always chickened out. And nothing changed. You struggle with your daily life. You can barely pay rent and your other bills. If it wasn't for the financial assistance given by the school dean and your side hustles, you surely wouldn't have been able to manage.

"Thank you! Enjoy your snack!" You cheerfully thanked the guy as you bowed down.

"Hyung! Come get your snack!" You heard the tall male call for someone over the other side of the cafeteria. Your gaze moved towards the other male. He's a little shorter than the first one. But he has a quite pretty face: pouty lips and captivating eyes. Handsome, yes.

"Yup! They're our seniors. They're also known as the Nickjudyz." You later found out from your friend that they were your seniors; they are a year older than you, and they were both scheduled to run for the presidential position on the student council for the upcoming election. Not that they wanted it, but actually, the campus dean had assigned both of them to different party lists at that. So basically, they didn't have a choice at all.

"Nickjudyz? What does that mean?" you questioned.

"You haven't heard of the animation movie Zootopia? They were the epitome of Nick the Red Fox and Judy the Rabbit," your friend explained. "Yeonjun's features were like those of a fox, and Soobin's a rabbit. Aren't they cute?" she added, giggling.

So the taller one was Soobin, and the one with sharper looks was Yeonjun, you understood now. "Nickjudyz..." you mumbled.

That night, you watched Zootopia, taking notes on the characters. And the next day, your sandwiches were Zootopia-themed. You were really waiting for the two of them to come and buy from you again.

However, luck was not on your side. When you weren't able to see them around, you felt sad. They were the reason you made your sandwiches Zootopia-themed.

You were about to close your stall when the shorter guy, Yeonjun, was running towards you. "Sandwich! Two!" he shouted with a wide grin. "Uhm, do you still have some?" He scratched the back of his head, realizing you were about to close your stall.

"I, uh, kept two pieces, actually. I thought you might come again." You hesitated at first.

"Nice! We just came out of the dean's office, and we hadn't managed to eat anything, you're a lifesaver," Yeonjun sighed in relief, pulling out his wallet from his back pocket.

After those times, you always got to sell your sandwiches to them. You even grew closer to them thanks to the short interaction you get to share with them every day. Sometimes, Soobin would be the only one to come, sometimes, it's just Yeonjun, sometimes they are both standing in front of your stall, buying themselves a sandwich. They became your regular customers.

"How about I recruit you to be my secretary on my party list? I still haven't recruited my secretary yet," Yeonjun suggests when he buys from you again one time.

You didn't know why you answered, though. It's not like you actually wanted to be a part of the student council. Maybe it was because of his pretty eyes and his cute pout. "I-i'll think about it."

He smiled and went away, skipping.

The next day, Soobin also suggested the same. "I already recruited her, Soob." Yeonjun wrapped his arms around the taller guy.

"Hyung, that's unfair!" Soobin pouted, only for Yeonjun to chuckle. "Oh! I have an idea!" he exclaimed.

"And that is?" Yeonjun looked at him, confusion written on his face.

"Why don't we let her choose from the two of us, instead?" Soobin chimed.

You froze from wiping the glass cabinet for your sandwich. "Wait, you're actually letting me choose between your party lists?" you asked, stunned at Soobin's suggestion. The two males just nodded at you.

Yes, you had built some connections with them. You can even consider it friendship, well, that's what they've said to you too. But to choose between the two of them to support, you think it's unfair. Especially since they were both good friends to you.

"Gosh, how can I? It's unfair," you groaned, Yeonjun chuckled.

"You can just think about it, but remember that if you don't choose me, you'll tear my heart apart," he pouted.

"See? That's what I'm saying! I don't want anyone of you to feel bad," you sighed, spraying Yeonjun with water from your bottle sprayer.

Soobin hummed, sipping on the canned soda in his hand. "Maybe you can choose if you got help from the both of us," he suggested.

"Come to think of it. Lately, I've been too busy with my business that I wasn't able to catch up again on some of my activities." You sat down on your chair, removing your apron. "Since you're both my seniors, how about you teach me?" you added.

"Like, tutor you or something?" Soobin said, turning over to you. You quickly nodded. "I might consider your request if you do so," you grinned.

Long story short, Soobin and Yeonjun both agreed on giving you a tutoring session.

It's been almost a week. The session went well. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just them teaching and assisting you.

You always do your sessions at the school's library or the town's public library. Anywhere but your house. You know the three of you won't fit in that small studio. Considering they are tall towers, you often tease them with this, in which they often rebut you that you're just short.

"Should we end it here today? I mean, I still have a part-time job to go for at 6," you glanced at your phone secretly—the screen broke and an old model—you don't want them to see that, at least.

Actually, they were far out of your league, even just as friends. Sometimes, you would even think about not showing up near them anymore, but guilt would always eat you up. They've been so good to you, they like to help you out at your stall sometimes when they are free.

"Say, how many side hustles do you have? I don't mean to offend you, but why do you need so many jobs?" Yeonjun, showing his little curious side, tilts his head a bit. Is he confused? Maybe. Is he mocking you? No, his eyes doesn't tell you that.

You sighed, not wanting to hide your situation anymore, not with how his curious eyes were boring holes in your face. "For weekdays, I go to school, and work at the cafeteria for some time," you paused, looking at Soobin, who was staring at you too for a while now. "At 7, I work at a convenience store down my street, and clock out at 12."

Soobin's eyes were full of concern. "Do you even have time for yourself? Time to study? Time to rest?" he shoots.

You shook your head and continued to speak, "I study for a bit, and I sleep before 2, then wake up at 6 again to prepare for my business, given that our class starts at 8 in the morning."

"Are you trying to kill yourself?" Yeonjun frowns after knowing you could barely rest.

"It does not end there yet," you chuckled. "On Saturdays and Sundays, I work at a cafe from 6–12 in the morning, work at the laundry shop from 1-4 in the afternoon, head straight here for our sessions, and catch a night of restaurant work from 6–11."

You could pick their jaws off the floor. You chuckled at their reaction. "Are you still alive? Tell me if I'm talking to a ghost..." Yeonjun hugs himself dramatically. "Hyung, don't be like that." Soobin slaps his shoulder, emitting a whine from the older man.

"I should get going now, see you on Monday!" You quickly got up to your feet and waved at them as you ran outside.

That Monday, you saw yourself working with the two males at your stall. They were the ones selling your sandwich. And since they've got the face, the reputation, and all, your sales suddenly skyrocketed. You needed to run to the nearest store near your school to buy what you needed to restock.

"Achoo!"

"That's your 99th time sneezing today, little angel," Yeonjun said, without turning to face you, still busy cleaning the glass cabinet.

"I'm okay, don't worry - Achoo!"

The next day, you were nowhere to be found. The sandwich stall was not open and no sneezes could be heard.

"Bin, I just realized... We actually have no way to contact her," Yeonjun was tapping his fingers on the cool steel table of your stall.

"I wonder what happened to her," Soobin sighed, rummaging through your stall, foolishly hoping to find some way to contact you.

"Let's go to the faculty, I have an idea," Yeonjun suggested.

"What? No, we can't disclose any information about students to other students, so no," the school administrator declined his request.

"Pleeeasseee, sir," Yeonjun begs, only to be declined again.

"Uhm, she's... She's my secretary for the election, so I need to have her information, at least," Soobin butts in.

"Your name?" The admin asked Soobin.

"Soobin. Choi Soobin, sir."

The two of them quickly ran out of the faculty as soon as they got what they needed. Quickly excusing themselves from their respective classes, claiming they have some emergency to tend to.

You woke up to the irritating ringing of your doorbell. You were not expecting any visitors today.

"Goodness, who could it be..." You stood up only to fall back down on your bed again because of dizziness. You felt the drilling pain on your head again that you had felt since last night. You shiver, pulling your jacket to yourself, yet you can feel yourself so sticky because of sweat.

"Who is--" Your eyes widened the moment you were met with two tall guys standing in front of your studio. You quickly slammed your door and leaned against it.

'What the hell are they doing here?! How did they find me? Oh my god!' You panicked, screaming inside your head.

"Angel," you heard Yeonjun whisper, "Can we come in?"

"H-how did you find where I live?" you asked. Dumb question. They could just ask around the faculty. "Dummy," you whispered to yourself, facepalming yourself.

You opened the door and peeked at them. "Hi, hehe," you awkwardly smiled at them.

"C-come in..." You opened the door wide, welcoming them to your small studio.

"We're gonna let ourselves in," Soobin mumbled, removing his shoes from the doorstep.

Their eyes were welcomed by a small bed that could barely fit two people in the corner. A small study table is beside it, stacked with books and a broken phone on top, and with a small dresser near the bed.

A single-seater dining table on the other side with some instant foods and a portable stove.

Their eyes roamed a little more. A closed door, they assumed, was the rest room, just sat near the doorstep.

"I... I don't think my place is enough to fit the three of us..." you fidgeted, sitting on your bed as your head spun again, making you shut your eyes tightly.

"You were sick after all," Soobin commented. "I'll just go out, I'll come back quickly," he said as he carefully stepped out of your place.

"So... This is where you live?" Yeonjun sat on the chair at your dining table. You meekly nodded. "All of those side hustles for this place?" he added.

You know he does not mean to offend you once again, yet you felt yourself getting embarrassed. "I barely survive... Even from those multiple part-time jobs. N-not to mention that—cough, excuse me.. I am paying loans too," you explained as you lay down on your bed, feeling your body burn up again.

Your gaze returned to Yeonjun when you heard him talk.

"Buy cough medication as well, Bin. And, oh, a few fruits too if you don't mind."

"Why are you looking for me, by the way?" you asked, pulling the blanket to cover yourself.

"We were worried, of course. How can we not? Plus, we weren't able to eat a sandwich today," he smiled, even though he knows you're not looking at him.

Yeonjun stood up. "Towels," he said.

You looked at him confused. "Huh?"

"Where are your towels?" he asked himself.

You pointed at the dresser, "Lowest part."

"I can't believe my tongue didn't taste any of your sandwiches today, angel. Do you know how much I crave for it every day?" You heard the water running in your restroom for a moment.

Yeonjun gently pats the wet towel on your forehead, wiping your face as well. He even hesitated at first to wipe your neck, shaking his head in the process.

"Don't you have any classes?"

"We do, but we excused ourselves. What can we do? We have an emergency at home," he smiled at you.

"Dummy, this ain't your home, Mr. Pouty Lips," you chuckled.

"Why not? Look, I even have a patient here at home," he says, tucking your straying hair behind your ear. His hand gently grazed your face, and you unconsciously leaned on his cool hand.

"Your hand feels cool..." you mumbled, squirming under the blanket. He then cupped your face, gently rubbing your cheek. Your eyes flutter closed as you feel relaxed beneath his touch.

"Pretty little angel." His voice was faint, even lower than a whisper.

"I'm back." Yeonjun snapped his head towards the door as Soobin closed it behind him. "How is she, hyung?"

"She fell asleep, she's burning hot, though." Yeonjun placed the towel on your forehead. "Hey Bin, you know how to make porridge, right? We should at least make her something warm."

You woke up again, but this time it was because of resounding murmurs filling up the small room.

"Hey angel, you're up?"

"You're still here?" you grunted as you tried your best to get up, receiving a helping hand from Yeonjun.

"You have to eat," Soobin says as he walks towards you with a plate with porridge in a bowl. "It's still warm, you'll feel better," he adds.

Soobin sat on the side of your bed, still holding the plate. Yeonjun stacking your pillows for you to lean on, as he ordered you to scoot back.

"Open your mouth y/n," Soobin scooped a spoonful of porridge.

"I can do it, you know," you chuckled.

"Please let me."

Soobin fed you the porridge he cooked. Yeonjun was at your table, peeling and slicing some fruits. "You should've taken care of yourself more," Yeonjun nags.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Pouty Lips," you said as you flashed a smile at him. "I don't have any choice but to work."

You have been sick many times, but no one has ever been there to take care of you. No one cooked for you but yourself. You buy medicines alone, even when you are burning up. You needed to do your chores even when you got too dizzy to stand up. "I'm grateful to you two, this is the first time I have experienced being cared for."

And that's when they realized they needed to take care of you. That's when it registered in their minds that they needed to stay beside you. You're their precious little angel, whom they needed to take care of. A fragile person who still needs someone to be their companion.

"We're heading home for now, okay? We'll be back tomorrow, please rest a lot." His once captivating eyes were now full of worry, and his pouty lips became more pouty as he talks to you.

"Go now." Your smile wasn't forced at all. It was genuine. Your heart thumps as you recall how they took care of you. You were floating on cloud nine.

Yeonjun walked outside first, and Soobin stopped midway, turning back as he quickly tracked back towards you. "If anything happens, call me... please," he handed you a small note in which you assumed was his number.

Yeonjun came back the next day early in the morning just to see Soobin cooking breakfast while you were sitting on your bed like you'd've been awake for the past few hours.

"Is this why you weren't answering your phone?" he asked.

"Sorry, hyung, y/n called me in the middle of the night. Her temperature went up," the taller man sighed.

Yeonjun sat beside you, placing his hand on your forehead. "Do you feel okay now?" he asked as he cupped your face, his face merely an inch away from yours. You nodded, but you didn't even pull back. Maybe it's because his cool hands were on your cheeks, or maybe you were just feeling too hot. You actually don't know. All you knew was that you were feeling butterflies from his touch.

You watched how his pretty lips parted, how his tongue glossed his lips.

Which is to blame? You, who maybe, have a tiny crush on him that makes you wanna kiss him? Or Yeonjun, that may or may not be, doing this on purpose while his face was way too close to yours?

You tightly shut your eyes. Were you assuming a kiss?

"Angel, food is ready," he announced, standing up from your bed.

You opened your eyes, and you watched him look at Soobin, as they seemed to talk with their eyes.

"I'm glad it's Saturday today. There's nothing else to do." Soobin stretches his feet, plopping down on your bed after eating. "I feel so sleepy," he muttered, his eyes fluttering close.

Yeonjun lay beside him, closing his eyes with a smile plastered on his face. You, on the other hand, just came out of the bathroom.

You placed your hands on both of your waists. "How am I supposed to rest now? You're hogging my bed."

Soobin pretended to snore as he let Yeonjun hide on his back, trying to hold back his snickers.

Maybe you could let them rest. It won't hurt to let them rest after receiving a lot of favors.

"I have a test this coming Thursday, I don't know if I would be able to pass the test," you sighed, poking at the watermelon slices Yeonjun placed in front of you.

It's been more than a week since you were sick. You were now invited over to their place for your tutoring session. It only occurred to you that they're not just friends, they were roommates too.

"You can do it, I know you can, you've been studying a lot," Soobin cheered, stopping for a while from writing in your notebook.

Yeonjun picked up a piece of watermelon barehanded, making it touch your lips. "How about a little gift if you pass the exam, little angel?" he suggested, "Aahh," and asked you to open your mouth at the same time to feed you.

His fingers grazed your lips a little more than expected, and he proceeded to lick his fingers with the left-over juice of the watermelon. "What do you say?" Yeonjun leans forward to you, his hands propped on the table in their living room.

You meekly nodded. No noise, just a simple nod and a lip bite that didn't escape Soobin's and Yeonjun's sight. "W-what gift though?" you asked, trying to straighten your posture.

"Soob, any suggestions?" He peered towards the taller male, only for Soobin to answer with a "Shhh, secret," and a smile.

Yeonjun chuckled, ruffling your hair. "Surprise, little angel, it's a surprise."

You were aware of their subtle advances, actually. Especially how clingy and touchy Yeonjun was. But you were just letting it slide. You don't give it plenty of attention.

But you have already admitted it to yourself. You're swooning over them. They're your good friends, though, and that's why you kept on pushing your lingering feelings back.

The session went well that day too. Not to mention that you're no longer rushing because they already asked you to drop some of your side hustles. You were hesitant at first because how are you going to pay your bills now? But you ended up listening to them and their pouty request. How could you say no? Why would you dare say no, rather?

Thursday came quickly, and taking the biology test first thing in the morning felt like walking on fire and broken glasses barefoot. You could feel the sweat dripping down your forehead and your heart thumping. You even called all the saints, gods, and goddesses you knew to help you answer the test. If looks could kill, flies would be all over your teacher's body.

The following day, your test papers were given back to you. You were too scared to open the folded piece of paper. That's why you kept it like that between the pages of your notebook. You even brought the notebook with you when you went back to your stall to sell your sandwiches.

In the midst of the crowd at lunch, you saw the two tall guys walking towards you once again. As if on cue, they waved at you the moment they met your eyes. You could clearly picture bunny ears and a foxtail over their figures as you chuckled to yourself. "Silly guys," you whispered to yourself.

Soobin was the one who noticed the notebook on the side. He was trying to fan himself with your notebook when your biology test results came flying out from your notebook.

"What's that?" Yeonjun asked as he saw Soobin opening the folded paper.

"Woah! I knew you'd ace the test y/n," he exclaimed, making you snap your head towards them with a confused look.

"Did our surprise gift make you motivated?" Yeonjun taunts, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

"T-that... I..." You were out of words. From what Yeonjun had said and from knowing you actually got a perfect score from your biology class, which you dearly hated from the start.

"It looks like we need to give here our prize, hyung," Soobin smiled. They look at each other knowingly. They know what you deserve. "Shall we head out first?"

Yeonjun and Soobin head home first, ahead of you. They said they wanted to take a stroll at the mall to buy something as your prize, and they just told you to head straight to their place tomorrow afternoon.

You were able to sleep soundly that night. Knowing that you can ace tests only if you focus on your studies. You felt proud of your achievement, given that you don't usually do well in your biology class. You even planned on making the two guys a special-made sandwich to thank them for their work. However, you were actually planning on turning down their request. You couldn't stand choosing between the two of them. You would rather back down than choose.

You were actually expecting something more of a material gift. Maybe a book, a chair, or something you could use inside your small studio. And the gift you were about to receive was the last on your list.

"Fuck princess, why are you so good," Soobin hummed while guiding your head.

"You should be more gentle, Bin. Remember, she still needs to choose who she wants to serve under," Yeonjun chuckled while caressing your dainty finger as he placed your hand on his tenting bulge.

You glanced at your hand on his bulge, and your gaze went up to his eyes. Yeonjun tilted his head, "What is it, pretty angel?"

You swore, and your stomach swirled. Little did they know, whenever they called you these names, you felt a little weaker in your knees.

How did it happen that a visit to their place would end up with you in their bedroom?

You rang the doorbell at their apartment's door, clutching onto the paper bag of the special sandwich with a wide smile on your face. Yeonjun opened the door, rubbing his eyes. He looks like he just woke up from an afternoon nap. Until you realize he's not wearing a shirt. His bare and toned body is displayed in front of you.

"Hi angel, sorry, we were asleep. A friend visited earlier and got us drunk," he apologizes. "Come in."

"Fuck, my head is spinning," he muttered to himself.

"Uhm, should I just come back next week? Do you want to rest for now?" worry and nervousness were visible on your face.

"No, please come in. You don't mind taking care of us too, right?" he smiled, picking up the bottles and cans on the table.

"Where's Soobin?"

"The room over there, do you mind waking him up? I'll just clean this." Some takeout boxes were scattered around the floor, and spilled drinks and sauces were also around.

"Soo-"

"Ahh fuck, y/n... More... You feel so good... Ahh.." You were stunned when you pushed the door open. Soobin was sitting down on the side of his bed, clutching the hem of his t-shirt up to his chest, while he gently stroked his shaft.

"C-come on pretty... I n-need more..." Soobin lolled his head back, letting go of his shirt to use his other arm to support his body as he tightly gripped the bedsheet.

"D-do you need h-help?" You actually don't know why you asked it. You should've just closed the door and pretended that you saw nothing.

Soobin peers over you, "Fuck, didn't know you're already here... Shit sorry, I need you y/n." His lower lip caught between his teeth, sweat forming on his forehead as his fringe sticks.

Like clockwork, you slowly managed to get near him.

"But... But I think you're drunk... I don't think this is right..." you chirped, trying to fight your desires with reality.

"I'm sober. I swear, fuck.. How can I not be when all I can think about was how you," he paused, pressing down on his slit, "Fuck!" He looks up at you once again, "All I can think about was h-how you m-moaned my name when you c-called me that night." He was once again reminded of how you moaned and chanted his name, calling for help, your pants, and heavy breaths when you called the night when your temperature went up.

A pinkish tint washed your face as you thought about how you did your best to call him.

You slowly knelt down between his legs, not breaking eye contact. Your hand slowly wraps around his cock as he draws back his hand.

"You're so p-pretty. I'm sorry I'm m-making you d-do this." You shook your head and flashed him a smile.

"Y-you want this?" Soobin raised your hand to stop you for a while.

"I.. that.. probably..." You weren't able to form any coherent words about how scared you are to admit you have a little crush on them.

"Please. Please tell me you w-want this t-too, If you-"

"I do. I-I do want this. No, I want you, actually... You... And Yeonjun too. Just.."

"Just?"

"It's just that, I can't admit it. You're both good friends of mine. I can't afford to lose our small friendship just because I like the both of you," you bit your lower lip as you retract your hand and place them both on your knees, preparing yourself to receive some hate comments.

"How am I supposed to hold back after knowing you want me? Oh god, you'll be the death of me..."Soobin caressed your cheeks, pulling your face closer to his length.

You look up at him, your eyes full of innocence made him curse all the non-liviing things from hell.

"W-wanna fuck your throat so bad, princess," Soobin muttered, rubbing his shaft on your cheek.

"She's so pretty, I want to ruin her." Your gaze flits toward the voice, it was Yeonjun. He was leaning on the doorframe, watching the two of you exchange a little talk.

"Fucking pretty, hyung. And smart too. She deserves a gift, right?" Yeonjun nodded with a smirk playing on his pretty face.

"She's a good and honest little angel, she deserves a good gift."

Yeonjun marched his way towards the bed. The bed dipped under his weight when he sat beside Soobin.

And this was when you found yourself in that position, between Soobin's legs and reaching for Yeonjun. The sandwich on the paper bag, long forgotten, was splayed on the floor.

You lightly rubbed your hand on Yeonjun's pants, making him hiss under his breath. Your eyes flitted to Soobin, you watched him alternate between biting his lower lip and gaping his mouth.

"I-i'm gonna... y/n, 'm close-- Fuck!" Soobin's hips stutter, stilling for a while inside your mouth. Hot liquid sliding through your tongue.

"C'mere," Soobin quickly pulled you up, crashing his lips on yours.

"Let him taste himself, pretty," Yeonjun taunts.

You lightly open your mouth, letting some of his essence slip through your lips, swallowing the remaining on your tongue. Soobin moaned in your mouth, teeth almost clashing at each other, lips swollen from biting.

Soobin pulled away, his forehead on yours, chasing his breath. "God, it tastes weird," he mumbles.

You felt a hand on your waist, it was Yeonjun's. He was guiding you to sit on his lap.

"Make me cum."

You left a peck at Soobin's lips once more before straddling Yeonjun. Not wanting to be left behind, Soobin tugged at the hem of your shirt. "Can you remove this?" he asked, eyes begging.

You quickly slip out of your shirt. A red hue paints his cheeks as he tries to reach out for the strap of your bra, snapping it open.

Yeonjun then pushed your hips down on him to feel you, making you startled. "Mmhh, feels good, fuck," he sighs. His pouty lips look so delectable as you see him gape his mouth.

Your eyes don't want to leave Soobin, giving him a few glances as he strokes himself languidly while watching you.

"Pretty, never thought you could do something like this, you're not as innocent as you look, yeah?" Yeonjun's eyes were flying towards Soobin, as if asking for some approval, as he continued to guide your hips to grind above him.

"She's dirty, hyung," Soobin chuckles.

"I-i'm not, ahh-" you tried to retaliate, only for Yeonjun to buck his hips up.

"If you're not, then why are your nipples so perky?" Yeonjun smirks, rolling your nipples between his fingers, emitting soft whines from you that made Soobin leak out once again. Of course, he was reminded once more about that night.

"Look at her grinding above you even if when you're not holding her waist, hyung," Only then did you realize that Yeonjun's hands were no longer on you. You're moving on your own accord. No guidance at all.

You felt shy as you stilled your hips, hiding behind Yeonjun's neck. Were you this desperate? Were you this dirty? Just like what they've said?

Yeonjun lifted your skirt, landing a soft spank on your ass, making you yelp at his neck. "Why'd you stop?" He then squeezed your ass as he landed another spank.

Yeonjun raised your body for a bit, only to see how wet his sweats were. It's not from him, of course. You watch the ends of his lips curl up.

"Baby, look at the mess you've made," Yeonjun coos. Soobin reaches for your skirt to unzip it. Your baby pink underwear has now turned dark because of how wet you are.

You bit your lower lip as you look at Soobin, eyes glossy, seeking help, and cheeks beet red. You wanted to cry out of embarrassment.

"Oh, look at my pretty angel, Bin, she's about to cry."

Soobin chuckles, "Don't make her cry, hyung. You're such a menace."

"Continue moving then, save your tears for later," Yeonjun remarked, letting you drop down on his lap once again.

"No, baby, I'm not guiding you. Move on your own," he added as he shook his head when you still didn't move. Oh god, the embarrassment you've been feeling ever since you've stepped inside Soobin's room.

You grab both of his shoulders as you dance above his lap.

"Fuck w-wait, that's --" Yeonjun's hand flew over his mouth to clutch on it, his head lolling back with only a single arm supporting his body.

If there's something Yeonjun considers a weakness, it's when a girl moves in a circular motion on his lap. And you hit the jackpot on your first try.

A few more moves, and he found himself convulsing underneath you. His eyes were blown up when you looked at him. He looked so fucked out. Quickly moving to his side, he also looks down at his lap. You both witnessed how the wetness of his cum stained his sweats. The gray color slowly darkened as the liquid spread out.

You were the one who initiated the kiss this time, giving his pouty lips wet kisses, to which he responded back with a weak hum while he held your face.

Soobin pulled you back over him. "Sorry y/n, can't just stay still and watch you with him." Soobin discarded his shirt on the floor.

"Stop hogging her to yourself, Bin," Yeonjun chuckled at the younger's action and words.

Soobin carefully laid you down on his bed, latching his mouth on your boob, while he gently massaged the other one.

"Move over a bit, baby, need to feel you," Yeonjun lays down on his side beside you, flipping you to turn sideways. Soobin was still sucking on your chest while he moans out his hunger for you.

The pouty guy hugs your waist, littering love bites on your neck. Leaving splotchy red marks all over your nape and shoulder.

You never thought about having an active sexual life, given that you're too busy and focused on making ends meet. Let alone having two guys at the same time.

The tall guy in front of you leaves the same thing around your cleavage while he humps on your thigh. His shaft feels heavy on your skin.

Yeonjun's hand trails down your waist to your clitoral area, rubbing in a circular motion to hear you whimper his name.

"Y-yeonjun," you whimpered under your breath.

"I'm here, focus," your hips jerked when he slowly slid his finger inside your pussy only to pull it out again.

"Bin, wanna stretch her out? I want to feel her already," he grunts. The taller male complied, he scooted up and raised your leg.

"So wet, damn," he dipped his fingers inside you, and just like Yeonjun, he quickly drew it back, giving his fingers a lick to taste you.

"She's sweet, hyung, holy shit. But as much as I want to taste you, I also want to feel you around me, y/n."

The first stretch felt like your body was being torn apart. You quickly lean your head toward Yeonjun, and your hand reaches back. Fingers tangled on his blonde hair as you give it a pull, mouth agape at how big Soobin feels inside.

"So wet 'n tight," Soobin grunts as he keeps on pushing inside you.

"H-hurts! S-soob, it h-hurts!" you cried out as you reached for him, clawing his chest.

"I'm only h-halfway inside, mmpp!" Soobin winces at the pain from your scratches and how your pussy snuggled his thick cock. He holds your face to drown your moans and cries in his mouth as he quickly pushes inside you.

He pulled away as both of you pants as if you had run a hundred miles.

"Y-you're choking me," Soobin moves a little, making you whimper once more.

"B-bin you're t-too big," you pout.

You felt something poking your entrance once, making you peer over to your back. You were met with Yeonjun's fucked-out gaze.

"Need to feel you," Yeonjun shuts his eyes as he pushes slowly.

"W-wait! I can't! Ahh! Hurts!" You thrashed around, making Soobin moan with the pressure.

"S-stay still, y/n!" Soobin hugs you closer to him, "We will all get hurt, stay still, fuck," his abs clenched with how stimulated he was. He signaled Yeonjun to continue pushing in.

Your mouth latches on Soobin's shoulder, biting on his open skin.

"Fuck!" They shouted in unison. Soobin felt the sting of your teeth sinking into his skin, but he tried to endure it. Yeonjun, on the other hand, felt how tight it was inside you.

The two males stilled for a while. Letting you get used to their sizes. Their shafts aren't a joke. Girthy. Long. Thick. Something that would definitely stretch out a tiny pussy like yours.

"'m sorry, angel, sorry..." Yeonjun whispers while he caresses your waist. Soobin planted kisses on the top of your head, your teeth are no longer sunken in his shoulder. But you felt weak between them. Your small and frail body looks like a paper stuck between two big books.

"B-bin, move. S-slowly please," you pleaded as you looked up at him.

His gaze softens as he looks at you. "Why do you have to beg so prettily? I might cum just looking at you," he says, catching his lower lip between his teeth. He then raised your leg once again and started to move slowly. His grunts, your whimpers, and the squelching sound resonate inside his room.

"Angel, who thought that selling a mere sandwich would end up with you being sandwiched between me and Soobin, hm? So fucking good," Yeonjun grunts as he starts to thrust from behind. "You're so tight, baby, fuck."

Soobin tried his very best to stay as quiet as possible, just letting small yet slutty moans, whines, and whimpers. The friction he felt from your wet pussy and Yeonjun's length at the same time was too much for him. He knows he won't last long, but he silently challenged himself not to cum yet.

"You're so greedy, princess. Look at you taking two cocks at the same time. Greedy and dirty."

"My angel is such a whore. A cock slut," Yeonjun snickers, grunting afterwards when he thrusts again.

"Tight virgin pussy."

Their words made you dizzy. Dizzy enough to unconsciously chant their names alternately. Your hands are flying everywhere, clawing and clutching anything within reach as they litter your body with a lot of red marks.

"Please please please wanna cum, please I wanna cum!"

"Oh, you're asking for permission?" Soobin questioned.

"Fuck, are you into begging, pretty?" Yeonjun grunts behind.

"P-please let me cum, I'm gonna-- please!"

You yelped when you end up squirting because of how they simultaneously thrust inside, making you feel stimulated.

"What a dirty girl, for real," Yeonjun sighs, kissing your shoulder.

"Wanna cum inside her, hyung," Soobin was gripping the plush of your thigh as he continuously thrust.

"N-no! Please! I'm not taking a p-pill!"

"Please baby, we'll take care of you, we promise," Yeonjun's hand wrapped around your neck, his thrusts becoming more sloppy.

"Please, wanna fill you. Wanna fill you so bad with my cum," Soobin's nails dug on your skin as he held your thigh tightly.

Yeonjun's grip on your neck made your mind cloudy, and you nodded at whatever they were saying. Not sure about what you were agreeing to.

"H-hold it, Bin, i-i'm close too."

You were a moaning mess. Dizzy, mind hazy, eyes cloudy. Your body was limping as you felt hot liquid spurting inside you, along with guttural moans and deep grunts coming from the two males.

"Sorry," you heard them apologize and slowly pull out before your eyes flutter.

Maybe this gift could be the best thing you ever receive in your entire life.

And a cleanly wrapped small box was sitting on the edge of Soobin's table.

@binniesbooks 2024

taglist: @babymochibeargyu @beomiracles @lizibizi @inkigayocamman @izzyy-stuff (tagging sum of my fave moots and friends 😖💞)

[fastandcarlos]

Perfect Wake Up Call : ̗̀➛ Lance Stroll

summary: after being away for the race weekend, lance savours the feeling of being home again and taking the morning slow with you

The faint sound of music welcomed Lance into the morning, his body stretched out as he noticed the stream of light that came into the room. He cleared his throat as his head tilted to the left only to see that the space where you should have been laying was already empty and cold. 

Lance’s brows furrowed together as he tapped his hand against the empty space. Waking up to you was one of the things that he looked forward to the most after returning home from a long week of racing, but instead he was left to wake alone, much to his disapproval. 

It was a quick turnaround for you both as Lance was due to spend the day at Silverstone, with you in his company. With time not on your side, you were already in your ensuite, busying yourself to get ready for the day.  

You had no idea about the sighing man in the other room, brushing his hands through his hair as he slowly sat himself up. 

Despite the number of events that you had attended with Lance, you still felt the pressure. Every little thing that you did felt like it was being scrutinised by those around you, and so you were determined to give yourself as much time as possible in order to meet those high standards. 

It was upsetting for Lance seeing how much pressure you put on yourself, he desperately wanted you to relax and not fret. He didn’t need to look in the ensuite to know what you were doing, guessing just how hard you were being on yourself as your reflection stared back at you. 

None of that mattered to Lance though, he would never judge you as much as others felt the need to. 

He understood that it was something that you needed to do though, never once making you feel guilty for it. Despite taking a little while longer himself to wake in the mornings, he never once made you feel bad for him waking up in the cold bed all by himself. 

After giving himself a few moments to fully wake, Lance slid himself out of the bed. His smile was wide as he walked into the ensuite, watching as you carefully brushed through your damp hair, making sure that you had shaped it perfectly before drying it. 

“Good morning love,” he smiled, watching as your eyes flickered back to see him. His voice was still groggy, hair messy in front of his face, trousers hanging just below his waist which brought a smile to your face too. 

“I wasn’t expecting to see you up so early.” 

Lance’s head shook as he took a few steps into the room, standing just behind you. His fingertips brushed gently through your hair, tucking in a couple of strands that you had missed so that they curled under too. 

“I just missed you so much,” he whispered, resting his head against your shoulder. 

It wasn’t just the yearning Lance had for you in bed, it was the feeling of longing that he had carried with him for the past few days. It always took a little bit of time for Lance to settle back at home again. He was still like a big kid a lot of the time, getting giddy every time he saw you around the apartment and reminded himself that he was home.  

No matter how much he enjoyed the thrill of racing, it never compared to the thrill of being at home and with you. 

Arms snaked around your waist to pull you close against Lance’s bare chest. As much as you knew you needed to get ready, you couldn’t ignore the comforting feeling that came from Lance’s embrace around you. 

“You know, you already look stunning in my eyes this morning.” 

Your elbow jabbed against Lance’s chest as he noticed the number of products that you had scattered across the unit. Your hands tried to reach out to grab your eyelash curler, but Lance quickly pulled you back before you could take a hold, ignoring your protests that came between your giggles. 

You could feel Lance’s eyes staring at you, watching you in awe as he studied you closely, the feeling of his heart beating tapping against your back. 

It didn’t matter where you were or what you were doing, he could never shake off the need to admire you, forever struggling to believe that you were really his. 

Although you had your worries about the event that night, Lance couldn’t wait to show you off. As much as he was there for the job, he had his secondary job too, to be the proud boyfriend of the most beautiful person in the room. There was bound to be several people there who couldn’t wait to speak to him, but the only person he wanted to speak to was you. 

Eventually Lance let you go so that you could carry on getting yourself sorted. Rather than leave you to it though, Lance stripped himself down and went into the shower. 

After a few minutes of continuing your routine, you stood in front of the mirror with your hairdryer plugged in. You weren’t the only one though as Lance reappeared by your side, his fluffy locks a mess in front of his face. 

The smile on his face was huge, silently inviting you to take care of him too. Your head shook in disbelief at how bold he was, not wanting to leave your side and let you get ready just yet. 

Lance knew that you wouldn’t be able to ignore him for long though, and before you knew it, your own routine had been forgotten and instead you found yourself prepping your boyfriend instead to make sure that he looked his best for the day. Your brush danced through his hair as you dried it, making sure that you made it as fluffy as possible, just the way you liked it to be. 

There were no words exchanged between the two of you, whilst you concentrated, Lance’s eyes watched you hard at work. He could see the care you took in your stare, ensuring that every strand sat perfectly, knowing exactly how Lance liked it to be. 

Once Lance’s hair was dry, he took the dryer and held it out to you, only for your head to shake. As much as you loved Lance, you had very little trust in his ability to dry your hair, especially with how sleepy he still looked. He tried his best to keep it in his hold, but you managed to snatch it from him when he wasn’t looking. 

A groan came from Lance as you picked up your hairbrush, only to feel his hands wrap around your wrists to stop you from moving. 

“I need to get ready,” you whined, only for Lance to shrug back at you. 

His head moved to sit back against your shoulder again. “Why don’t you trust me?” He jokingly asked, “I promise that I’ll make your hair look beautiful, even though you already look incredible.” 

“My hair is soaking; I look like a mess Lance.” 

His head shook as you spoke, pressing a kiss against your cheek. “You look like a beautiful mess,” he giggled, “this the perfect way to be woken up.” 

“Go and make yourself useful whilst I finish off getting ready.” 

With a huff Lance slipped away from you, allowing you to finish getting sorted, hovering in the doorway for a few moments. 

With you lost in your own little world of concentration again, Lance went back into your bedroom and tidied up the mess from the previous night, folding your clothes and straightening the duvet back out again. 

He perched on the end of the bed, scrolling through his phone as he waited for you to return. He waited in anticipation to see what you were going to wear, wanting to make sure that his outfit beautifully complimented your own. 

More than anything, he couldn’t wait for another day with you. 

˗ˏˋ 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 ! ´ˎ˗

[sweetestcaptainhughes]

Why do you think that? - Nico Hischier

Word Count - 4400

Author's Note - I don't know how I feel about this segment part of me likes it, but as I was writing it I don't think it turned out as I wanted it to in my head. I don't know, let me know what you guys think as always.

Warnings - reader has body dysmorphia, mentions of anxiety, and low self-esteem due to body issues, but does end HAPPILY.

Summary - Y/N was happy with Nico, he made her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. But what happens when an old friend of Y/N visits and they start looking back on old pictures. Or how does Nico handle Y/N pushing away when her body dysmorphia seems to finally catch up to her after so long of it being pushed to the back of her mind.

let me love you masterlist main masterlist

Dating Nico has been one of the best experiences of your life. He was like a breath of fresh air because even on the toughest days he would never judge you for what you felt, he truly loved you for all parts of you including the parts you hated about yourself.  Since meeting Nico, you truly haven’t had as many thoughts when it came to how you saw hips and the fact that they had some fat on them. Or how your stomach was very round and not the standard of beauty. Somehow Nico, without him even knowing, gave you the confidence to help not obsess over those parts of your body as you did before because he made you truly believe you were the most beautiful thing to walk the earth. 

When you got the call from your old high school friend Ethan, who was your best friend all of high school, and even college you would describe him as someone who was always there, always present, like a brother. But as anyone’s twentys’ naturally does, people drift apart in the most natural ways. He decided to move to San Francisco and start his career and you moved to New Jersey for the same reason. 

When Ethan called and told you that he was in town for the week due to work. Both of you immediately knew that you definitely needed a night to catch up after so long. The plan was Ethan would come over after work, and you guys would have dinner together at your apartment and then head to Nico’s home game after. Nico already needs to leave for the stadium before Ethan gets off work, so you told Nico you would introduce him to your friend after the game. 

The dinner was filled with reminiscing on all your memories together over the years. Laughter could be heard throughout the apartment at all the stories being told between the two of you about past memories. The night didn’t start to go downhill, until you were doing the dishes. Ethan was leaning against the counter near your fridge, still talking to you while you washed. That’s when he noticed all the little polaroids of you and Nico over the past two years. 

“Oh my god you still do that?!” The shock was clear in his voice, but with your back facing him you weren’t sure what he was talking about.

“Do what?” asking as you slightly turn your neck to see what Ethan was looking at. Noticing he was looking at the polaroids you nodded your head. “Yeah I hadn’t since college but I don’t know, Nico one day saw my old polaroid camera and some old pictures and it kind of just happened. Now anytime we travel somewhere new, or some type of event we take one. Even if it’s just a selfie.” you chuckled to yourself.

Remembering going to a family wedding last summer and taking a polaroid in the hotel bathroom because Nico insisted. To this Nico says it’s his favorite picture of you looking up at him, he looks down at you with all the love his eyes could have, as he watches you lean up on your toes trying to steal a kiss. The camera being held on his side as it flashes a mirror selfie, the bathroom counter covered in all your makeup products but Nico insisted he needed his picture. 

“Wait, you still have them?” Ethan’s booming voice full of excitement and reminiscing brings you out of your daydream. Turning the water off and drying your hands you turn to him. 

“Yeah somewhere around here.”

 “We still have an hour before we need to leave for the game right? Could we look at some of them?” He asks, his face full of excitement to see all your polaroids from over the years, knowing that it will probably unlock some memories that you both have forgotten. 

“Sure I guess if you want. I'll grab them from my room, meet ya in the living room.” A smile on your face at the idea of being able to go through the pictures with someone who was actually there. 

It only took you a few minutes to grab the two shoe boxes you kept most of your old polaroids in. Most of it was fighting to reach the top shelf that Nico put them on to create more space and being too stubborn to go ask Ethan for help. 

“Here they are.” making your way to the living room, setting the boxes done on the coffee table and sitting on the other end of the coach, your back resting against the arm of the couch. 

“Damn girl you really haven’t changed.” he says teasingly pointing out the fact that you’re still using the same shoeboxes to keep all your old polaroids in. 

“What can I say? I’m not sure if it’s more about tradition or pure laziness.” softly admitting that you haven’t ever even thought about putting them in a proper album. Unlike the extra ones you and Nico have. Almost all of them displayed on the fridge, in cute frames from Amazon that Nico insisted on, some in his stale, and his favorite currently in his pocket tucked in his wallet. 

Reaching for one of the boxes, Ethan puts it between you both as he turns to face you on the coach. Opening the lid and setting it on the floor, he reaches in and grabs the first picture on top. It’s both of you from your first homecoming dance Freshman year. Standing back to back, arms crossed laughing with some dumb glow stick glasses on. 

“Oh my god I can’t believe we were ever that young,” he admits. “Hey isn’t this the first one, like they were taking them that night or something.” 

“Yeah the one that started it all” you say softly, as Ethan keeps going on and on about what he remembers at that night. But your mind was occupied with other thoughts consumed with how snug your stomach looked in the dress, how round it stuck out compared to Ethan who stood next to you. Even though you can’t see it through his white dress shirt, you know at the time he had a 6 pack at the time. 

Ethan kept pulling out pictures, one by one some of them made you feel sick, looking at how big you looked. Some made you angry because how dare you make yourself think you were fat at the time but you weren’t. In fact, in the one from sophomore year of college, your stomach was as flat as the other girls standing next to you. In the photo all the girls are laughing except you. Even though you were drunk you remember that photo being taken like it happened five minutes ago. Remembering how one of the girls insisted they wanted polaroids with you like Ethan had currently hanging up in your dorm. Even though you try to forget, you will never forget how your pulse quickened because you believed that you gained more than a ‘Freshman fifteen’. Sucking in your stomach trying to hide behind the girls who stood around you, but they insisted on you being front and center. 

Gosh how you remember how your body trembled slightly, red solo cup in hand, you felt like an elephant in that moment. Remembering this picture you dreaded this picture being picked out when Ethan asked to look at all the old polaroids. 

“Dude you looked so fucking hot that night. Remember I was visiting you that weekend.” Still looking at the little photo.

“Hmmm” Even though you tried to get your eyes to look up from the photos to look somewhere that wasn’t making you either a)feel like shit for looking so big and still not having the body type you want or b) look away to ehlp the angry that was stewing from believing that you looked ugly back then for your stomach and wide hips, but at least then they were defined not all you had was fat rolls, where your hips should point out. 

“Y/N?” Ethan called your name for the third time in the 5 minutes, you were lost in your own thoughts. 

“Sorry, what was that?”

“I asked if you were okay?” concern laced in his voice. 

“Yeah great, we should get ready to go. Let me just change into something Devils related I’ll be right back.” you mumble the last part as you quickly turn to escape to your room. Leaving Ethan confused, because even though you considered him a brother for so many years, you battled your issues about your body by yourself. 

Standing in front of your full length mirror in nothing but your sports bra and leggings, you can’t help but pinch the skin around your hips, rolling the fat between your fingers. Noticing how worse you look than almost 5 years ago, even though back then you thought you looked the worse you ever had. But now, today, no your body was aging and you were gaining fat, and you hated yourself for it. Bringing back all those irrational feelings and thoughts you had when it came to being around your appearance. 

Originally you were planning on wearing the athletic leggings you were currently wearing and a crop top to the game. The crop top was a jersey crop top with his number on the back. He loved when you wore his jersey, but he really really loved when you wore that crop top. He told you one time that looking up in the stands and seeing you in it. Watching guys try to check you out, until they realized that it was a custom crop top. The back didn’t just have his number on it, it said husband on it where traditionally his name would be. Even though you weren’t married or even engaged. Nico knew you were it for him and it was only a matter of time before he got down on one knee. 

But now, feeling self conscious, even though you told Nico you would wear it tonight, you decided to change into your big black boyfriend style jeans that hide most of your lower stomach. Along with grabbing Nico’s extra jersey he kept, not only is Nico alone much bigger than you but this was meant for him in gear. It looked like you were swimming in and somehow you still felt like people could see your stomach like you were 9 months pregnant. Throwing on a black beanie with the devils logo on it because you always got cold in the stadium you left your bedroom to meet Ethan in the living room. 

“Hey ready?” you asked as you stood by the door and slid on some ugg booties. 

“Yeah. hey did I upset you earlier?” Looking up you could see Ethan was holding his breath, his eyes full of concern for you. 

“Nope I’m good, just got lost in thought about tonight’s game. Sorry” It was a real bullshit excuse, but it was the first thing you thought of. As the lie left your lips, you hoped that with the years apart Ethan couldn’t still read you like the back of his hand and could tell if you were lying. He just nodded at you, he never addressed if he knew or not and it made you very grateful for him in that moment. 

—---------------------------------------------------

The drive to the game was fine, both of you somehow falling back into your old comfort of being close for so many years. Driving into the level of the parking garage that was reserved for players and their families, security waving at you as you passed. 

“Whoa.” you could hear Ethan mumble from the passenger seat. 

“Honestly the parking is the best park” you joked, both of you laughing as you got out of the car and made your way into the stadium. 

Quickly you made it to your seats, you chose not to sit with the wags in the suite because you had Ethan. Sitting a few rows behind the devils bench. Since you stayed at the apartment a little longer than usual, you missed warmups. But you made it just in time to your seats right before puck drop. Nico saw you immediately and smiled, but then it dropped a little when he saw Ethan. It was then that you realized you had never actually told Nico that your friend from high school was a boy. ‘Fuck me’ you repeated in your head. It wasn’t that Nico didn’t trust you, he just didn’t trust others. He was also very big on open communication and you knew he probably thought you tried to hide on purpose which wasn’t the case. 

The first period was okay, Nico played a lot more aggressive towards the other team than he normally would. He was able to score a goal and one assist so he was kind of on fire from that standpoint. But everyone who knew him, could tell he was on edge, even Ethan who was next to you asked you about it. 

“Yeah he’s okay I think” you mumbled. Pulling out your phone to see Nicole, Jesper’s girlfriend even texted you to ask if everything was okay. Knowing that you will probably regret it later you ignored her and decided to text Nico. Knowing that it was a long shot that he checked his phone during intermission, you prayed that he would given the current situation, because honestly after the day you’ve had you don’t think you can mentally handle Nico being upset with you. 

Neeks 🏒Sent 7:30 PM

I swear it slipped my mind Neeks. 

Patiently you waited for a response, holding your phone in your hand but also still entertaining Ethan you felt your phone buzz 

Schatzi received 7:40 PM

Okay. I believe you. 

Is he an ex?

Schatzi received 7:43 PM

Nevermind I hate myself for asking that. 

Especially over text. See you after schatzi. 

Neeks 🏒 7:44 PM

No never, he’s like my brother. 

Please don’t apologize for asking. I love you. 

Nico heard your last message and then he was gone, focused back on talking to the team and rehydrating you. Feeling more at ease then you did earlier you somehow made it through the rest of the game. The Devils won against the Stars 3 - 1, you felt on fire as you stood and cheered with the rest of the fans. 

Turning to Ethan you gestured towards the ice, knowing that Nico was going to come over because he had to go back to the locker room and do post game press tonight. Nico took his helmet off as he skated off the ice to stand in the tunnel for you guys. Security knowing you let you pass, and eventually Ethan once you told him he was with you. 

“Hi you played so good.” As you greeted Nico with a hug in the tunnel. It wasn’t the prettiest hug given all the gear and even more so height difference with his skates on. 

“Thank you baby. Sorry” he whispered the end in your ear. Reaching up to deepen the hug for a few more seconds. Your body automatically stiffened as he brought his hands to your hips squeezing, immediately you tried to push the negative thoughts to the back of your mind that were flooding in by that one little simple touch from Nico. 

“I’m sorry too.” Pulling away you couldn’t help the smile knowing that there wasn’t any weird tension between you both. But the smile didn’t reach your eyes and Nico noticed immediately, his eyes quickly flashing you a questioning look before you both turned to the other person standing in the tunnel next to you. 

Quickly you introduced the pair, before Nico had to quickly head to the locker room and shower before some quick interviews. Walking out of the stadium, Ethan told you that he had a great time catching up and went ahead and ordered an uber so you didn’t have to drive him home. 

It worked out since Nico texted you to wait for him, since he pulled with the Hughes brothers to the game with the intention of driving home with you at the end of the night. Once Ethan got in his uber you made your way back into the Rock, and quickly flashed your family badge and slowly made your way to the tunnel with locker rooms. 

Finding yourself getting lost in your head, over obsessing about how your body currently looked compared to the other wags as they waited for their partners. Even though you tried you couldn’t help yourself from comparing your body to theirs. None of them had round hips that you couldn’t even see their figure due to the fat on them. Nor were they above the size 3 on a good day. You must if been lost in your thoughts for longer then you thought because before you knew you felt someone touch your arm, slightly jumping at the touch. 

“Schatzi it’s me” Nico’s surprised by your reaction to his touch. 

“Sorry I was distracted.”

“I could tell” A light chuckle left his lips. “Wanna talk about what you were thinking about?” As he steps closer into your space, normally you would love it when he wrapped his arms around you and caged you against the wall behind you.

“Nico please, I just wanna go home.” you begged him, the hurt that flashed across his face left as quickly as it came. 

“Yeah let’s go.” backing up and taking your hand as he led you both to your car. “I’ll drive home baby.” he offered as you made it to the car, you unlocked it and he put his gear in the backseat. As you slipped into the passenger seat and buckled your seatbelt you couldn’t help but think about how round your stomach was despite the jersey you were wearing. 

Nico went to reach his hand over, he tried putting it on your thigh but you just decided to hold it between your own, tracing each tiny scare that you could see. There was no hiding that something was off with you, and you knew he knew something was wrong and it was only a matter of time before he asked you. Thankfully you made it all the way back to your apartment before he dared to open his mouth, praying that you were in the clear. As you both made it to your bedroom. Nico made his way to the in-suite bathroom to start his night time routine. But all you had the energy to do was grab Nico’s biggest oversize shirt, strip your clothes off you currently had on, not even bothering to put them in the hamper and slip under the covers. 

Nico came out a few minutes later, at first he didn’t notice the lump that was your body in the darkness of the room, Not until after he changed into sweats and turned to shoot his clothes in the dirty hamper. “KOBE!” He yelled, you weren’t facing him but you knew that meant he made it, and that was when he noticed that you didn’t put your clothes in the hamper. Something that you literally bicker at him if he doesn’t do it immediately. It was then that he realized you were already under the covers, you didn’t even do any skin care, shit he thought to himself you didn’t even brush your teeth. His face was a deep frown as he was worried about what happened from the time he left for the game to now merely 6 hours later. 

He climbed under the covers and reached out for you, you were on the far edge of the bed trying to take as little space as possible. Even though you felt like you were hogging the bed with your body. Lost in your one mind, your own dark thoughts of insecurities about how you looked clouding your mind, you didn’t even notice Nico’s light touches trying to reach out for you.

“Y/N” he gently said. Somehow that immediately brought you out of your trance, he never called you by your name, not even around his teammates, family it didn’t matter it was always schatzi, baby, love, never Y/N. 

Making a sound of acknowledgement that you heard him, he rested under your hip bone and gently rubbed it, trying to bring you comfort, but it just made you stiffen. Making all your insecure thoughts come flooding in at even a faster rate, you think about why he was with you when he could have any girl he wanted. Noticing your body stiffen at his touch, he deeply sighed. “My love. Please look at me.” The brokenness of his voice, broke your spirit cutting deep into you, the last thing you wanted was to hurt Nico. He scooted closer to you, or maybe he pulled you closer you couldn’t tell and honestly didn’t care because all you craved was his touch while you still had it before your mind pushed him away like everyone else. 

Closing your eyes you covered your face with your arm as Nico gently turned you in his arms. Now you were laying your back, Nico resting on his arm, looking down at you. “Why are you crying baby?” Nico was waiting for you to talk, you both knew he wasn’t gonna let it go until you told him what was wrong. He spoke up, this time his words surprised you “Was it Ethan?” his voice laced with anger at the thought that something happened when he wasn’t here. 

“No.” 

“Then what?” he gently asked, his hand moving from your hips to go up and down your side. 

“Do you hate my body?” you spoke softly. Nico’s hand stopped, causing you to cry a little harder out of your own insecurities coming to life. Was this it? Was this the moment everything ended with him? Did he finally realize that you didn’t have a perfect body like all the other wags? 

“Why would you think that?” pulling you closer once his brain catches up to your words. The shock was clear in his voice, as to why you would ever think he could hate any part of you. 

“Because I do.” turning to him. He pulls you into your arms, holding you tightly against himself, one arm tucked around your waist, the other almost crashing your head into his shoulder. Any other time you would complain, but tonight you welcomed the bone crushing feeling. After a few minutes of crying, your tears seem to finally slow down enough, your throat raw from the sobs that you left out, as your still body slightly shakes, riding out this emotional turmoil. 

“Again. Why would you think that?” Although Nico spoke soft, in the dark dimmed lighting of your bedroom, the gravity of his voice was clear. 

“I always have.” Letting out a sigh as you slightly pushed your head away so you could look up at Nico. His soft brown eyes easily show the hurt within them, gazing intently into yours as he waited patiently for you to continue. “I - I hate my hips, and I hate how round my stomach is.” Taking a few more breaths you continued. 

“You know how we take polaroids cause you found out I use to do it as a teenager and in college?” you softly ask. The confusion of the sudden change of subject was clear in Nico’s face but nonetheless he nodded, knowing it would all connect in the end. “Well Ethan saw the ones on our fridge tonight, and I told him how it started because you found some of the old ones.” 

“Okay” he softly said, encouraging you to continue. 

“Well I don’t know if I ever told you, but I actually started that because of my first school dance in high school, they were taking polaroids. Ethan and I took the first one together and I don’t know if it kind of stuck. I begged my mom for one for Crhistmas and before I knew it I had a collection.” Taking a deep breath you continued, looking anywhere but at Nico during your next confession. 

“Well I always believed I was big in high school, I became obsessed with the fact that all my friends had guys around fighting for their attention but no one did that for me. It made me think it was because of my body, my hips are wider than most girls and they have fat on them. And my stomach it-” 

“Why is all of this coming up now though baby?”

“Well Ethan asked to look at the old ones I had, so we did. But they just made me angry because I wasn’t that big in some of them at all. I made myself believe that I was fat but I wasn’t, and it made me angry because this girl believed she was unlovable because of her body, and I carried that shit with me! And now I actually am big since college and you deserve someone who isn’t anything less perfect” 

“Stop.” he slightly begged not because he didn’t want to hear your thoughts but because they were physically causing him pain, as to how someone so beautiful could think so little of themselves. 

“You my sweet Y/N are the definition of beauty. I don’t know what you're talking about with this hip wide, stomach bullshit. You are the most beautiful, loving, sexy girl I have ever seen. I don’t want anyone else okay? Ever. “ His voice makes emphasis on his last words. 

“I am deeply, madly, in love with you. Do you think I ever forced a girl to take pictures let alone POLAROIDS with me for every little thing?” The question came off as slightly rhetorical, but he still in true Nico flash giggled in the middle of a dramatic pause. “No. Because I think in the back of my mind, I always knew there would be someone after them, but you, you're it for me. Okay.” 

“Okay.” 

“I think we should talk more tomorrow about getting help. This sounds serious, my love.” Shaking your head okay to his suggestion. “Good. I love you.” leaving a gently kiss in between each word he continued to whisper sweet nothings until he felt your body relax, causing him to finally feel at ease truly for the first time that night, allowing both of you to fall asleep in a deep slumber.

[punkshort]

All Yours

Summary: Tommy and Maria want to meet a group from another community to establish a trading relationship. One man comes onto you a little too strong, sparking a reaction from Joel.

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!reader, established relationship, set in the TWWW universe but can be read stand alone, no use of Y/N.

Warnings: jealousy/possessive behavior, smut (18+ MDNI), unprotected sex, fingering, language, mild violence/blood, vague allusions to SA (nothing graphic)

Word count: 6.8K

March 2006

"So, what exactly do we need to bring with us?" Carrie asked, leaning over your shoulder as you spread out your notes in front of you on the desk.

"Maria said she wanted to have an idea of our production numbers for each season, so we know what we can spare for trades."

A couple months ago on patrol, Tommy and Joel came across a smaller community deep in the mountains. After watching them carefully for a few weeks, and a very lively discussion during a town hall meeting, it was agreed that they would approach the community in an attempt to strike up a trading relationship.

Satisfied that you had all the documentation you needed, you stuffed the notebooks into your pack, along with a few samples of medicinal herbs as a good faith gift.

You both slid on your coats, hats, and gloves as you made your way to the stables, the early spring morning still very brisk. The sun was just beginning to peek over the trees as you approached the small group waiting outside the barn. You scanned the group of five quickly before your eyes settled on Joel, who had been talking to Eugene about something that made him appear tense until he saw you approach, and his face relaxed.

"All set?" Joel asked you, taking your rolled up sleeping bag and attaching it to the back of the saddle, next to his own.

"I think so," you replied while giving Eugene a smile and wave in greeting.

"Shouldn't be too long of a trip, dear. We'll be back tomorrow, late afternoon," Eugene told you as he mounted his horse.

Tommy had chosen a neutral place in between both settlements to discuss trades: an abandoned ski lodge. When you heard of the location, you were grateful you wouldn't have to sleep on the muddy forest floor.

Joel hopped up on the back of the horse and reached his arm down to help you climb up behind him. You wrapped your arms around his stomach and gave him a small squeeze with your arms.

"You didn't have to come, you know," Joel murmured over his shoulder as he followed behind Jake and Carrie's horse, exiting through the gate.

"Yeah, but what would I do while you were gone? Probably just waste away," you joked, making yourself chuckle.

"I'm serious," he said. "Could be dangerous. We don't know these people yet."

"It'll be fine, Joel," you tried to assure him. "I'll just explain my production numbers, Carrie will discuss the medicinal stuff, and we will just hang back while you guys figure out the rest."

Joel huffed and rolled his shoulders.

"Just don't like you outside Jackson too much. Like knowin' that you're safe," he said, directing your horse around a fallen tree.

"I know. But I want to help. Maria is excited. She said this could be really good for the town, and I want to do my part."

He grunted, effectively ending the conversation.

Joel had always felt this intense need to protect you. Since outbreak day, his one and only goal was to keep you safe. There had been a few close calls in your journey before Jackson, ones that affected him deeply and stirred up frequent panic attacks from shouldering the guilt and blame. When you found Jackson, he was finally able to relax, seeing you safe and happy. He still struggled with his own trauma from past events, some days worse than others. And taking you outside the walls of Jackson was steadily careening him towards having one of those bad days.

You reached the ski lodge before the other group, much to Joel's relief. It was the first time you've seen him look pleased all day. The place was enormous. You noticed it appeared to be able to host weddings or conferences in the off-season as you walked by three huge ballrooms and a kitchen before you finally reached the main lounge. Couches, sofa chairs, and tables with chairs were scattered around the two-story room. The walls were mostly windows, allowing visitors to admire the beautiful mountains surrounding the building.

The room was built around a big fireplace in the center, which Tommy and Jake immediately began to inspect.

"Maybe we should get some wood. We're early, we got time to kill," Tommy mused aloud. Joel's head swiveled around the two-story lounge while he gripped his rifle, looking up at the balconies above to make sure you were truly alone.

Tommy slid his backpack off and rummaged around until he found a hatchet in its leather carrying case.

"C'mon, Joel. Before we lose daylight," Tommy said, giving Joel pause. His eyes flicked over to you sitting at a table talking to Carrie while you unloaded the food, no doubt planning what to make for the group for dinner.

"Can you take Eugene?" Joel asked him quietly, so the rest of the group wouldn't overhear. Tommy raised an eyebrow at his brother before answering.

"Joel. I'm not gonna ask an old man to trek into the forest and help me haul wood up all those steps."

"Jake, then," Joel tried, his eyes traveling back to you. Tommy sighed and put a hand on Joel's shoulder.

"It'll be 30 minutes, at most," Tommy assured him. "She's a big girl, she'll be alright. Y'know she can defend herself, probably better than most."

"Yeah, but what if the other group comes when we're gone?" Joel asked, furrowing his brow and shifting his weight.

"We've met them before, Joel. You've met them before. What's the problem?" Tommy asked, growing impatient. Joel sighed and reluctantly slung his rifle over his shoulder.

"Alright, let's be quick," Joel huffed.

Joel made his way over to you as Tommy let the group know his plan to collect some firewood. Joel gave you a quick kiss and squeezed your bicep gently.

"I'll be right back, sweetheart," he murmured.

"Be careful," you told him with a small smile. His gaze lingered on you for a moment, his mouth opening and closing anxiously, unsure how to vocalize his concerns.

"Joel! Let's get a move on," Tommy called out as he made his way back down the hallway that led to the entrance.

"Sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be back," you told him, giving his chest a small shove. He nodded and turned on his heel to follow Tommy down the hall.

You and Carrie were opening some canned goods and rifling through the kitchen when you heard the front doors of the lodge swing open. At first, you thought Joel and Tommy had managed to cut up firewood in less than fifteen minutes, but then you heard strange voices, and you knew it must have been the new community arriving. You dusted your palms on the sides of your jeans and glanced at Carrie.

"Guess we should join the others," you told her, trying to keep your voice steady. You didn't want to worry Joel, but the prospect of meeting new people in a strange place did make you a little nervous. You didn't have the best track record with people since the outbreak.

As the two of you made your way back into the lounge, you subconsciously rested your hand on the butt of your handgun. You entered the room just as the group was entering from the other end. You examined them carefully as you made your way over to Maria. They had brought five men with them. Two of which were older and had grey beards, one was bald while the other had messy curls. The other three were younger. One seemed particularly young, younger than you. He was skinny and his eyes darted around nervously. You got the impression he was asked to join as an extra body and a last resort.

The last two men were likely in their thirties and seemed to be the muscle of the group. One of the men had darker hair that was shaved close to his head and a rigid jaw. You vaguely wondered if he had past military or police training.

Your eyes finally landed on the last man, only to discover he had already clocked you from across the room. He had dirty blonde, slicked back hair with piercing blue eyes and was surprisingly clean shaven. You noticed most of the men in Jackson didn't bother to shave their beards unless it was particularly hot out, so it struck you as strange. Maybe you had been staring because when you met in the middle of the room, the blonde man's eyes never left your face.

"Neil, Dean, great to see you again," Maria greeted the two older men with a handshake. You could tell immediately they were kind by the way they smiled and spoke, which helped ease your nerves a bit. However, the blonde man had yet to stop staring at you, and it was becoming unnerving. You felt Carrie shift next to you and you wondered if she noticed it, too.

Maria introduced you and Carrie to Neil and Dean, since Jake and Eugene were already acquainted with them. When you shook their hands and looked into their eyes, your nerves settled a little more.

"And I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met," Maria said to the other three with a smile.

"Oh, where are my manners," Neil, the balding one, said. "This is Lucas, Sam, and Carter." Neil pointed to each of them respectively. Sam was the young, skinny boy, Lucas was the military type, and Carter the blonde.

You looked each of them in the eye and gave them a tight smile. Carter gave you a sly smirk and you instantly looked away, focusing your attention on Maria. She invited the group to sit at a larger table in the lounge, and you all traipsed over to find a seat. You didn't think it was a coincidence that Carter sat directly across from you, and when you exchanged quick looks with Carrie, you could tell she noticed, too.

"So," Maria said, folding her hands on top of the table. "Tommy and Joel are just out getting firewood, but they should be back soon. We can get started, I don't want to keep you unnecessarily."

"Sure thing," Dean said, reaching into his bag to pull out some notebooks.

"Why don't we start with the girls? They can go over our medicine and vegetable harvest numbers, and then Eugene can discuss livestock," Maria said, looking at you expectantly. You took a breath and reached across the table to grab your worn notebook.

You began by showing the men your production numbers from the past year for vegetables, all of them nodding along and taking notes except for Carter, who was blatantly trying to get a look down your shirt when you leaned over. You had enough and shot him a frown in the hopes of embarrassing him, but a wide grin just spread across this face instead.

You were wrapping up and about to pass your notebook along to Carrie to review the medicinal herbs when Carter finally spoke for the first time.

"That's all?" he said, the deepness of his voice surprising you. You looked at him and blinked.

"What do you mean?" you asked, your fingers still pressed onto the open pages of your notebook.

"Vegetables and fruit? I'm sure you got something else you can trade, sugar," he said, his eyes quickly scanning your body up and down.

You paused for a moment, wondering if you were just paranoid or if he was really suggesting what you thought he was suggesting. Your gaze flicked back to Maria, who seemed to pick up on the same thought you had, and she stiffened in her chair.

"Carter," Neil said lowly, his tone a warning. Your left hand remained on the notebook, but your right hand fell to your side, fingers tapping the butt of your gun.

After a heavy silence that seemed to last an eternity, Carter's face split into a toothy smile as he laughed heartily.

"Come on now, I'm just kidding. Relax, girly," he said to you, but you did anything but relax. In an attempt to not ruin the potential trading relationship with this community, you pushed the notebook to Carrie and leaned back in your chair, choosing to let his comments go.

Carrie nervously and quickly went through the numbers on the herbs while you kept your eyes trained on her, ignoring the heat of Carter's gaze.

Carrie was just finishing up when you heard the front doors swing open once again, and relief flooded through you when you heard Tommy and Joel walking up the hallway.

They entered the room with armfuls of wood, which they deposited next to the fireplace in order to shake hands with Dean and Neil. They were then introduced to the rest of the group with firm nods of their heads before pulling up chairs of their own. Maria was catching Tommy up on what he missed when Joel sat down next to you. You turned in your chair and put your hand on top of his with a squeeze. He gave you a quick smile and leaned forward to listen to Maria, oblivious to the way Carter was studying you two. Carrie met your gaze, and her eyes widened a fraction, trying to silently convey the thought you were also having: what the fuck?

Before Eugene could begin talking about the livestock numbers, you stood up and tugged on Carrie's arm in the process, also making her stand.

"We're gonna go back to the kitchen, get some food ready," you announced, and Maria nodded, her eyes briefly looking at Joel before falling back on you. Joel was looking up and watching you curiously. You gave him a tight smile before hurrying back to the kitchen with Carrie. It was then that he finally noticed Carter's gaze, which was firmly fixed on your retreating form, not even trying to hide the way he stared at your ass as you left the room. Joel cleared his throat roughly, drawing Carter's attention off you and onto him. He gave Joel a light huff and turned his attention back to Maria.

"That was fucking awkward," Carrie said with a disbelieving laugh once you were safe inside the kitchen.

"Okay, so it wasn't just me?" you asked, your hands on your hips. She shook her head.

"Oh, hell no. Even Jake noticed it. Joel's gonna fucking kill him if he pulls that shit again," Carrie said, and you groaned, getting back to prepping various dishes for dinner.

Dinner went smoother. Carter mostly kept his eyes to himself, the tension from the room had dissipated, and the group had begun laughing and trading stories. It appeared while you and Carrie were making dinner that a trading agreement had taken place. Tommy had brought a bottle of whiskey along and was passing it around to celebrate while you and Carrie helped clean up. You were picking up a stack of plates at the end of the table when you heard a voice behind you.

"How 'bout dessert, sugar?" Carter whispered in your ear, making you nearly drop the stack of plates in your hands. You whipped around but he had already taken a few quick steps back, creating a healthy distance from you so as not to draw the attention of others.

"Excuse me?" you said, your heart hammering in your chest. He held up his hands in mock surrender with a smirk.

You so badly wanted to tell him off, stand your ground and make it known you weren't just brought along to feed people and clean up after them, that you were doing it to help your friends, your community. But you recalled how excited Maria was about this relationship, and looking at her now, you could see she was relieved that she could provide more goods to the town with this new prospect. So, you gave Carter the benefit of the doubt.

"There might be canned fruit or something," you muttered, trying to find Carrie so you could walk back to the kitchen together, but Carter reached out and snatched your elbow, this time drawing a scowl to your face.

"I was thinkin' 'bout somethin' else," he said, and you could now tell he had been drinking by the slur in his words and the heaviness in his eyes. You swallowed roughly and glanced around the room, scanning for Joel. He was talking with Dean and Tommy near the fire, his back to you.

"Don't gotta be nervous. It's a compliment," Carter told you, picking up on your anxious body language.

"I'm with him," you said curtly, nodding your chin in Joel's direction. "Even if I wasn't, I'm not interested."

His eyes slowly dragged across the room and landed on Joel before swinging his head back to you, giving you a shrug.

"Huh," was all he said in response, still looking at you hungrily. Over Carter's shoulder, you saw Joel shift, his eyes instantly landing on you. In your periphery, you saw his body tense and he began to make his way across the room. Your eyes flicked to his and he stopped in his tracks, waiting for you to direct him. You gave him a subtle but firm shake of your head. His jaw clenched but he stayed where he was, his eyes jumping from you to Carter.

You turned and marched towards the kitchen, your pulse racing so fast you felt lightheaded.

You all settled in for the night, rolling out sleeping bags and claiming couches. The new group ended up having too much to drink and decided to leave in the morning. You were fixing up your sleeping bag next to Joel's while he stared at Carter flopping down on a couch from across the vast room. You weren't thrilled with the idea of having to stay the night in the same place, but you were comforted by the fact that you were next to Joel and your friends.

"I don't like the way he looks at you," Joel said bluntly as you unzipped your sleeping bag.

"I don't either," you told him, and his eyes finally dragged from Carter to look at you, the surprise evident on his face. He had fully expected you to insist he was overreacting, but the fact you agreed with him put him on edge even more.

"Let's just get through the night and get back home," you said, tucking yourself into your sleeping bag.

"You ain't leavin' my sight til then," he said gruffly, then followed your lead, zipping his bag up partially so he could still press his upper body against yours while you slept.

And although you agreed, not wanting to leave his sight, you found your bladder was too full shortly after everyone had fallen asleep. You looked over your shoulder at Joel. He was sound asleep and snoring softly against the back of your neck, his arms wrapped around your waist loosely. You thought about waking him up but decided against it. He looked so peaceful, and you knew you would be quick.

Before standing up, you glanced around the room. The rest of the group seemed fast asleep, and the bathrooms were only a few feet away from where you slept. You sighed and slowly unraveled yourself from Joel's grasp. He grunted and readjusted, moving to sleep on his back, but remained out cold.

The ladies restroom had three stalls and two sinks. You went as fast as you could, eager to get back to the warmth of the lounge and Joel's embrace. It was dark, but it was a full moon, so you didn't bother to bring a flashlight with you.

You swung the bathroom door open to exit into the short hallway when you smacked into a wall of muscle, causing you to stumble backwards in alarm.

"Wha-" you began to say, but a strong hand clamped over your mouth, stifling your words and pushing you backwards into the room, your back slamming hard against the wall.

You couldn't see who it was, but you knew it wasn't Joel based on touch and scent alone. And when you heard his voice, it just confirmed your suspicions.

"Finally gotcha alone, sweetness," Carter muttered into your ear, pinning you against the wall. You struggled against him, but he was too strong, and you were having a hard time seeing in the dark. Your heart was pounding in your chest, blood rushing in your ears as the panic set in. Not again, please, not again.

He brought his face in front of yours and you could smell his sour breath, stale whiskey invading your nostrils as you mumbled against his palm.

"Really happy we met today," he said quietly. "Your town's got some real pretty women. Maybe we can come to some kind of arrangement. I can get you things, for a price..." he trailed off as his other hand skirted down your side. You squeezed your eyes shut and brought your knee up as hard as you could, praying in the dark that you could hit your target. A loud groan that bubbled up from his throat let you know you were successful. His hand slipped from your mouth slightly as he doubled over, clutching his crotch with the hand that was just on your body moments ago.

"Joel-!" you began to shout, but his hand quickly covered your mouth again, this time with more pressure, bringing tears to your eyes.

"Shut the fuck up," he muttered angrily, bringing his other hand up to your neck. "Quit bein' such a tease, you been starin' at me all night."

You shook your head as much as you could with your mouth still held prisoner by his palm. You brought your hands up to claw at his hand pressing on your throat, your vision going spotty.

Suddenly, the pressure was gone, allowing air to flow freely again. You gasped and coughed, leaning forward as your fingers gently touched the sore skin on your neck. You quickly stood back up, swinging your head around in the darkness, trying to see where he went.

"Get your fuckin' hands off her," you heard Joel growl, along with the unmistakable sound of knuckles thudding wetly against soft, damaged flesh. You could hear their boots squeaking on the tile as the scuffle continued and you blinked rapidly, trying to make your eyes adjust so you could reach the door and go get help.

The fight must have been louder than you realized because the bathroom door swung open, flooding the room in light from Maria's lantern, with Neil, Dean and Tommy right behind her. You pressed yourself flat against the wall as you tried to not get caught in the fight between the two men, who you could now see were swinging on each other wildly, spinning around the small room, slamming each other into the stalls, and grabbing at each other's shirts, trying to get the upper hand and pull the other down. Joel's fist came in contact with Carter's nose so loudly, you heard the crack of bone and winced. Carter stumbled backwards with a pained cry, crashing into you and causing you to fall to the floor.

You felt a burning in your wrist when you landed as you frantically scrambled between him and the floor, desperately trying to get out of the way. Joel saw his opportunity when Carter fell, clutching his nose. He snatched him up and off you by his collar and hauled him across the room with a grunt. Joel grabbed Carter by the hair and yanked him back, so his face was angled up to the ceiling. Carter looked at Joel manically, desperately squirming on his knees and clawing at Joel's wrists to try to loosen his grip when he realized Joel was about to slam his face into the porcelain sink.

Tommy pushed his way into the room and broke up the two men before Joel had a chance to crush his skull. Carter sat crumpled on the floor, blood pouring from his nose and mouth. He attempted to stand but slipped on his own blood, making him fall back to the floor.

"Alright, Joel, enough," Tommy muttered, his hands pressed firmly on Joel's shoulders, pushing him back against the wall. Joel panted for breath through clenched teeth, his eyes wild as his gaze jumped from Carter to Tommy. As if he suddenly came to his senses and remembered you were still in the room, he pushed Tommy off him and made a beeline towards you, hunched over in the corner of the room.

"You alright, sweetheart? Lemme look at you, c'mon," he said gently as he crouched down, hooking a finger under your chin and pulling it up. You let out a shaky breath as your eyes roamed his face. He had a few cuts under his eye and a bruise forming on his jaw, but apart from his knuckles, he appeared unscathed. His breath caught in his throat when he saw the fear in your eyes, then his gaze dropped to your throat where dark, circular bruises were forming from where Carter pressed his fingertips into your delicate skin. You could see the shift behind his eyes turn from concern to rage, and you reached out to grip his arm tightly before he could start another fight.

"Stay," you whispered, your lip trembling. He sighed and pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly against his chest. You inhaled his scent, a mix of sweat, blood and tree sap, and you felt your pulse slow down a fraction.

"Get him the fuck outta here," Joel growled over his shoulder. At some point, Lucas must have joined the crowd because he entered the room to help Carter up from the floor, allowing him to lean on his shoulder as he ushered him out of the room and down the hall.

"I'll go get Carrie, she can look you both over, patch you up," Maria said, but you stopped her.

"Can I just have a minute?" you whimpered softly, your voice not quite right. Maria nodded and waved Tommy out of the room, closing the door behind them, leaving you and Joel in the quiet, moonlit bathroom.

He leaned back to look at you again, his thumb tracing gently over your cheek. You didn't realize you were crying silent tears until he leaned forward to kiss them away, then let his forehead rest against your own.

"What happened?" he finally asked, his eyes closed with his forehead still pressed against you.

"I had to pee, he cornered me in here, it was dark," you squeaked out. Your head was pounding, and you felt exhausted but there was no way you would be able to fall asleep now.

"Did he touch you?" Joel asked nervously, afraid of the answer. You shook your head quickly, and a sigh of relief slipped past his lips.

"Not like that. Just my throat and he covered my mouth," you told him, wrapping your arms around his neck, trying to get closer. He leaned back against the tile wall and pulled you onto his lap, your face pressed against the side of his neck.

"Shoulda woke me up," he murmured into your hair.

"I know, I'm sorry," you whispered, letting your hands fall from behind his neck to rest gently on his chest.

"Don't be sorry," he replied, his body tense. "Shouldn't have to be this way in the first place."

You pulled your head back and cupped his cheek with your good hand, gently stroking the bruise forming on his jaw. Overcome with a swell of affection, you leaned in and pressed your mouth against his, tugging his lower lip between yours. He moaned softly and opened his mouth, his tongue dipping past your lips until it found its mate, licking into your mouth until he pulled a small whine from your throat.

He broke the kiss and leaned his head back against the wall, his fingers carefully wiping away the last of your tears.

"Thank you," you whispered, and he shook his head.

"Don't gotta thank me," he replied, then sighed as he pushed himself into a standing position. He reached an arm down to help you up off the floor, and that's when you remembered your wrist. You whimpered and yanked it out of his grasp, standing up on your own and rolling your wrist around to test it for damage.

Joel tenderly took your hand in his and turned it around, inspecting it for swelling.

"It's too dark in here, let's go find Carrie, she can take a look at it," he told you, leading you out of the bathroom and back into the lounge.

Carrie sat you both down on a loveseat with her med kit. She tested your wrist and determined it was just a sprain, so she wrapped it up tightly for you before moving to Joel. She was sanitizing the cuts on his knuckles as you both watched Tommy and Maria having a quiet conversation with Dean and Neil across the room. You were trying to tell by their body language what was being said, but it was impossible. Finally, the group broke up and headed back to their respective people.

Joel stood up defensively when Tommy and Maria approached, giving Carrie a quick 'thanks' under his breath. She sat down next to you, eyes wide as she rubbed your back, asking gently if you were okay and if you needed anything. You shook your head and gave her a small smile, then turned so you could listen to what Maria had to say.

"Relax, Joel, it's alright," Maria said, putting a hand out to him. "You don't need to explain. Dean said there's been an incident or two like this back in their town. It was all 'he said, she said', so they couldn't do anything about it."

"So they brought that fucker here?" Joel seethed, clenching his fist.

"They're gonna take care of it when they get back," Tommy assured him. "Won't be a problem in the future. Trades are still on. Kept him around 'cause he's a good shot."

"Christ," Joel mumbled, rubbing his hand over his beard and turning away. Maria kneeled down in front of you and took your hand in hers.

"You okay?" she asked softly, and you nodded. She examined your face closely until she was satisfied that you were being honest, and stood back up.

"They're leaving, obviously," Maria said, gesturing behind her to the group packing up. Carter laid on a couch with his arm draped over his face, clearly in pain.

"Why don't we try to get some sleep so we can get the hell outta here early?" Eugene said from a sofa chair next to you. You all mumbled in agreement, but waited until the other group left, Neil and Dean giving Tommy and Maria a quick handshake before venturing out into the darkness.

Tommy threw a couple more logs on the fire before he settled back into his sleeping bag next to Maria. Silence descended upon the room, but you still struggled to fall back asleep. Adrenaline was still coursing through your veins from the encounter as you tossed and turned in your sleeping bag.

"What's wrong? You hurtin'?" Joel murmured next to you, clearly on the verge of sleep. You sighed and shook your head, even though his eyes were closed.

"No," you whispered, letting out a quiet groan as you repositioned yourself yet again. Joel's eyes popped open at the sound and turned his head to look at you curiously.

"Can't sleep, too wound up," you whispered again. Joel chuckled and you scowled at him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothin', just thought of somethin', made me laugh," he said, his eyes sliding back closed but the smile still on his face. You poked him in the ribs, and he jumped, eyes snapping back open.

"Tell me," you said, and he sighed.

"I was gonna make a joke, tell you 'I know what'll tire you out', but it seemed like the wrong time," he explained, closing his eyes once again and turning his head back.

You considered it for a moment before responding.

"Okay."

His breathing stopped and his eyes snapped open. He turned his face to the side again, raising his eyebrows at you.

"What?" he asked quietly. You shrugged and smirked.

"I said, 'okay'," you replied just as quietly. His eyes darkened as they flicked down to your lips, then back up again.

"Kitchen," was all he said, his tone deep and voice strained. You slithered out of your sleeping bag and jumped to your feet, trying your best to be quiet and not sprint into the kitchen. You pushed the door open and entered the nearly pitch-black room, noting the only window was a small circle at the top of the door, allowing an orange light from the fire to be the only light in the room. You chewed your nail nervously as you waited for him to join you, pacing around in a small circle, trying to relieve the ache that was growing between your legs.

The door swung open, and you whipped around right as Joel wrapped his arms around you, his mouth latching onto your neck. His beard tickled your skin as he made a trail of kisses all across your throat. It wasn't until he made it to the other side that you realized he had been kissing the bruises left there. You let out a soft moan and tipped your head back, your fingers digging into his arms.

"If we do this, gotta be fast and quiet," he whispered against your mouth before his tongue dove past your lips to tangle with your own.

"Mhmm," you hummed as you reached down to unbutton your jeans. He walked you backwards until you felt the cold stainless steel of the counter behind you. You hopped up to sit on top and bent your head so you could suck on his Adam's apple before you made your way down to his collarbone, which was just peeking out from the top of his shirt.

Joel pulled your jeans the rest of the way off and slid his hands up both your legs before stopping on your hips, squeezing before giving them a quick tug forward. You almost yelped but you covered your mouth at the last minute. Joel gave you a look of warning before he lined you up with the edge of the counter, his fingers sliding underneath the edge of your panties and yanking them off.

He ran his knuckle up and down your slit before his eyes shot up to lock on yours.

"Shit," he whispered, leaning forward to whisper filth into your ear while he inserted a thick finger inside you, followed closely by a second.

"What a good girl, all ready for me," he told you quietly. "How long you been like this, hm?"

"Since you broke his nose," you whispered heavily, spreading your legs wider for him. He paused a moment, clearly not expecting that answer. You squirmed a bit when his fingers stayed still for too long, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Yeah? That turn you on?" he asked you, and you felt his breath quicken against your neck.

"Yeah," you said quietly, sighing when his fingers expertly found that spot inside you.

"Fuck. Dirty girl," he muttered, earning a gasp from you when he quickly removed his fingers in favor of undoing his belt and shoving his jeans down his thighs. "You liked when I beat that fucker for putting his hands on what's mine?"

You didn't have a chance to answer him because he quickly slid his cock inside you, making you gasp again and slap a hand over your mouth, but you nodded enthusiastically, squeezing your eyes shut.

"So warm," Joel muttered to himself, tipping his head back as he rolled his hips into you slowly, your legs squeezing around his waist. His hands hooked under your knees at his side, his head rolling forward lazily as he watched his cock disappearing inside of you, each time emerging slicker than before.

You began rocking your hips up to meet his in a desperate attempt to increase the pace. He noticed, and given the location and lack of time, chose to give you what you wanted. He snapped his hips harder, grunting quietly each time he bottomed out inside you. You bit down on the fleshy part of your hand, trying to stifle your whines as he pushed you higher and higher towards your orgasm.

He slid his hand from your knee and down your thigh to rest flat on your lower stomach, his thumb brushing against your clit and pulling an audible moan from your mouth. Joel stopped his movements to give you a stern look. He leaned down so his chest was nearly flush with yours, his mouth hovering over your ear.

"Gotta stay quiet, sweetheart. You know I love those sounds but we gotta be careful," he whispered. "Can you do that for me?" You nodded and covered your mouth with your palm again.

He hummed his approval and began rocking his hips into you, his thumb finding your clit and pressing small, firm circles. Your eyes rolled as the pressure built in your lower abdomen. Joel leaned back up so he was standing once again, watching your body jostle up and down underneath him as he fucked into you harder. He felt your walls clench around him and watched as your head tipped back against the stainless steel, your hand still firmly planted over your mouth.

"Tell me you're mine," he said lowly. Your head tilted back down so you could meet his gaze. You removed your hand from your mouth, little gasps escaping from your mouth with each thrust.

"I'm yours, Joel," you said as quietly as you could.

"Again," he said, teeth clenched. Heat creeped up his neck as his orgasm steadily approached, but he held it back until he could hear you respond.

"Y-yours. I'm yours, Joel. Fuck. No one else, only you. Only ever y-you. Shit, I'm close," you whined, clamping your hand over your mouth again to muffle your orgasm.

And then it hit you like a freight train. Your eyes squeezed shut and your body tensed, your cunt fluttered around his cock as the waves washed over you, soft whimpers and moans getting lost in your palm.

"That's my girl," Joel mumbled, pounding into you harder now, desperate to join you. "All mine, huh? This mine?" he asked you, grabbing a handful of your ass and giving it a shake. You nodded and whispered a yes, your hand falling to your side.

"That's right. How 'bout this sweet little pussy? This mine, too?"

"Yes," you whined a little louder than you intended. You opened your eyes and watched him as his gaze traveled up your body, locking eyes with you. You saw a bead of sweat trickle down from his temple as his hips stuttered against you. His hand that was once placed over your stomach slowly traveled up your body, resting over your sternum, right over your pounding heart.

"And this?" he asked, softer now, eyes wide and pleading. You nodded and covered his hand with yours.

"Yes, Joel. All yours." You told him firmly, and with that, he pulled his hips back, groaning quietly as he came all over your stomach, his hot spend dripping down your sides and leaving small, pearly white dots on the countertop.

His eyes lingered on your stomach a moment before he reached down to pull his pants back up. He cleaned you up with a rag he had grabbed before following you into the kitchen, and helped you sit up, being mindful of your sore wrist.

You slid down from the counter and felt around with your foot until you found your discarded clothes. After dressing yourself, you turned around to pull Joel down into a messy, lazy kiss. He leaned back to look at you in the semi-darkness, his hands resting on your waist.

"I'm yours, too, y'know," he said softly. You smiled up at him and ran a finger gently over the bruise blooming on his cheek.

"I know," you whispered, planting a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth.

He pushed the door open a crack to make sure no one was awake before opening it all the way and leading you back to your sleeping bags.

"That did the trick, thank you," you murmured to him, yawning as your eyes closed, burying your face in your sleeping bag. His arms wrapped around you from behind and he kissed the back of your neck.

"Anytime, sweetheart," he said, his voice muffled by your hair as he held you tightly against his chest.

Tag List: @chiogarza, @sparklejumpropequeen-777, @shotgun-shelby @partyofone3413 @nana90azevedo @ninaminaromina

[bookuce]

Change My Mind

SUMMARY: Josh and Alina are great friends most days. Other days, they want to tear each other apart. Some days, they’re in love with each other, but neither of them will admit it. 

*DISCLAIMER: This is a multi-part series. I do not own any of the characters in the writing except for the OC. The book uses actual names of wrestlers. Josh is Jey, Jon is Jimmy, Trinity is Naomi, and Alina is Alina. The book is not realistic and does not take place during real events, but some actual events (matches, storylines) could pop up in the story eventually. I DO NOT GIVE ANYONE PERMISSION TO TRANSLATE OR REPOST MY WRITINGS ANYWHERE. THAAAAAANKS. *

PAIRING: Jey Uso x Black OC

TROPE: Friends to Lovers

WARNINGS: Language

WORD COUNT: 10K

PART TEN

PART ELEVEN

Meeting parents was never fun. It was nerve-wracking, stressful, anxiety-inducing––any word you can think of that falls under that category, really. The time was winding down quickly for Alina to meet Josh's family, and she was frantically moving around the bathroom. Her hair decided not to cooperate with her, forcing her to put it up in a tight ponytail. It wasn’t what she envisioned, but it will do. 

Josh sat on the tub's edge, scrolling on his phone while he waited for his girlfriend to finish getting dressed. Just like Alina, he was full of anxiety about his family. Their reasons were different, though. While she was worried about his family's approval, he was concerned with how they would take the news of him relocating. It had been an active plan for several weeks, but he couldn't figure out how to bring it to their attention––until now. They'll take it fine, he thinks. He hopes. 

When Jon told them he and Trinity were moving to Orlando, they didn't put up much of a fuss. Then again, the twins spent plenty of time around that area during their FCW days. There were plenty of family and friends around there that could help them in their times of need. Atlanta, on the other hand, not so much. That didn't matter, though. Josh is a grown-ass man. He can handle himself.

Alina leans over the sink, her face near the mirror. She's lining her lips with her favorite brown lip liner, making sure her lips look full and even. There was a slight tremble in her hand as she traced along the natural lining of her lips. Nerves. "Lina," Josh says, looking up from his phone. "we gotta go." He informs her. They were supposed to have left about thirty minutes ago, but she kept backpedaling on what she should wear.

"I know." She says, finishing her makeup. She glances around the mess of makeup on the counter, looking for her gloss. "I just want to make sure..." 

"Lina." He calls again.

"I look good." she finishes, snatching up the lipgloss tube from the pile of lipsticks. She unscrews the cap and quickly slathers the product across her lips. Josh stands to his feet, slowly approaching the stress-filled woman before him. She stared at herself in the mirror, smoothing out her shirt and allowing her hands to travel over the front of her pants. He wraps his hands around her forearms, giving them a gentle squeeze. Her eyes would flicker to his dark ones, and they'd watch each other in the mirror. 

"You look good," He assures her. "Perfect, to be real." He corrects himself. Josh steps back, allowing his hands to skim her arms to her shoulders. He gives them three gentle squeezes before turning towards the bathroom door. "Let's go before you get me in trouble with my Mama." He informs her, making her turn around to look at him.

"Josh," She groans, nerves setting in for her again.

"Come on, honey." He says louder, ignoring her pleas. "We ain't got all night." She quickly follows after him, soft huffs of frustration leaving her lips. 

Was she ever this nervous about meeting Theo's parents? She tried to recall if she ever felt this amount of anxiety when she met them. Meeting them went relatively well. Then again, she knew enough information on them beforehand to prepare herself. Unfortunately, this was not the case with Josh. He didn't speak enough about them for her to learn who she was meeting, and because of that, she was terrified. Even when she would ask multiple times throughout the morning, he would answer shortly with little information. They're great people, he says. You have nothing to worry about, he tells her. 

Perhaps they were just like Jon and Josh: loud, goofy, and loving. Trinity never had any complaints, either. If she did, she never brought them to her attention. Then again, why would she? Alina and Josh were not in a relationship––their family issues were none of her business until now.

The drive to his parents' home was roughly thirty minutes. They made it two minutes before six, cutting close to dinner time. Alina stares up at the large house from the passenger seat. Her legs now felt like jelly, and she knew they wouldn't hold her up if she got out of this car. Was she being dramatic? Possibly. Whatever happens, tonight would set the tone for her relationship with him and his family forever. 

What if they don't like her? She's heard she can come off uppity at times, and she's been working on that. "Hey," Josh says, pulling her attention from the window. He searches her eyes for a moment before grabbing her hand. "They're going to love you; you know that, right?" He tells her. She watches him for a moment, a soft smile on her lips.

"Get out of my head." She whispers at him.

"You first." He replies. Josh presses a kiss to her hand before dropping it suddenly. "Now, come on, girl, I'm hungry. I ain’t had my Mama's cooking in months." He says, slapping the top of her left thigh. Alina would whine at the playful strike. He climbs out of the car, lightly jogging around to her side to open the door for her. She steps out of the vehicle, taking another deep breath as the realization of her meeting his parents settles in once more. She was now a couple of feet away from them, seconds away from saying, 'Hello, nice to meet you.'. There were multiple cars in the driveway, four Alina counted. 

They're going to love you, she tells herself. Just be yourself, and they'll love you. The passenger door closed behind her, and a warm hand slid into her own. Together, they approach the front door. Josh's left hand grabs the doorknob, twisting and pushing the door open. Warm white light and the aroma of food poured out of the opening. With one last glance at his girlfriend, Josh steps into the house. "Yo, yo, yo," Josh calls.

"Oh, I think that's Josh." A female voice says. "Joshua!" She calls, getting closer. 

"It's me," he replies. A small woman runs around the corner, her arms wide open for her son. Josh drops Alina's hand to fully embrace his mother, giving her the tightest hug possible. "Hey, Mama." He says against her shoulder. Alina takes a step back, clasping her hands tight in front of her while she waits for her turn to introduce herself. 

"My baby is home!" She exclaims, patting his back as she pulls back. Talisua instantly spots the eye injury, her hand going up to examine it. She knew not to question it. She would assume that her son was recovering from someone hitting him too hard in a match or segment Friday night. 

"Damn, she ain't say that to me," Jon says, walking by the hall. "She ain't even hug me." 

"That's because I'm her favorite." Josh jokes, earning a lip smack from his brother and a swat to the chest from his mother. Talisua turns her attention to Alina, glancing over the gorgeous woman standing behind her son. Alina gives a faint smile, unsure whether or not she should say hi or quietly wave. 

Josh notices that his mother has taken sight of Alina and looks over his right shoulder at her, a crooked smile on his lips. He reaches over to grab her hand, pulling her to his side. "Mama, this is my girlfriend, Alina," Josh says. 

Talisua's hands go to her hips as she takes in the woman standing behind her son. There was a hint of a smile on her lips as she peered down at her shoes and back up to her face. "So you're why I haven't seen my son in months?" She asks. The question was a playful opening, not to be mistaken as an attack. Alina glances over at Josh briefly before returning her gaze to Talisua.

"If I knew he hadn't been home, I would have sent him on his way," Alina replies, returning the smile she received. Both women turn their attention towards Josh, whose brows furrowed at the interaction. "He's been acting like he doesn't have his own house," Alina adds.

"He's always been clingy." His mother says, earning a laugh out of Alina. Josh would smack his lips at the two of them, watching as they talked about him. "He used to throw a fit when he couldn't be in my face." She tells her.

"Glad to know some things never change," Alina replies. Talisua links her arm with Alina's, pulling her away from Josh and down the hall to the dining room.

"Bruh, what?" Josh watches after the pair in confusion as they leave him in the foyer alone. He was happy his mother and girl clicked almost instantly––but like this? Oh, the deception.

"Go help the boys in the kitchen," Talisua calls out behind her. "You too, Jon!" She shouts towards the living room. Jon, whose feet were on the coffee table, a remote in hand, turns his attention towards his mom, catching a glimpse of her passing by the room. He'd suck his teeth at her command, shaking his head slightly as he stood to his feet. 

Josh steps into the living room's archway, his eyes finding those of his twin's. Jon rolls his shoulders back, tilting his head up at him. "Your drunk ass..." He says, laughing at his brother as he recalls last night's events. "Have I told you I loved you...!" He sings as he passes Josh, his cackles filling the house. "Boy, your freaky ass better not ever look at another tequila sunrise. You were trying to tear Lina up in the Uber home." He says, causing Josh to shove him forward into the dining room. 

Trinity, Talisua, and Alina peer over their shoulders at the commotion from the twins as they walk through the living room to the kitchen. "Y'all, don't start," Trinity exclaims.

"If you didn't know already, it takes a village to keep these Fatu men in check," Talisua says. Trinity sighs softly at the statement, shaking her head as she does so. "God thought I was well-equipped to handle all boys and make them like their daddy." Talisua looks over at Alina. "Do you have kids?" She asks.

Alina is quick to shake her head at the question. "Two younger brothers, though, so I do understand." She explains. She is the eldest of her siblings. Dealing with the antics of her brothers well-prepared her for this. "I don't pay them no mind anymore." She says, referring to Jon and Josh. 

In the kitchen, the Fatu men prepped dinner––er, somewhat. Sefa was seated at the kitchen island, quietly doom-scrolling on social media. Jeremiah was coming in from outside, a pan of meat in hand. Tonight's dinner was barbeque, something they tended to do often when their entire family was in the same house for once. It was a rare occurrence now that Sefa, Josh, and Jon were all on the road with the WWE. 

At the stove stood their father, Rikishi. He was checking on the mac and cheese, stirring so it wouldn't burn to the bottom of the pot. "Hey, Pops," Josh says, moving past his dad. He pats his back in passing, prompting his dad to look over his shoulder only briefly.

"Hey, son." He replies. "How are you?"

"Never better," Josh replies, leaning up against the counter. "What do you want me to do?" He asks, waiting for orders.

"Get out nine plates, silverware, and cups. Go set the table." He answers. Josh walks around his dad to the cabinets near the sink. He opens them, grabbing out eight plates. 

"Nine? Who else is coming?" Jon asks, prompting Josh to stop at the question. Who else was coming to dinner? Josh begins to count on his fingers everyone that is there right now. Yeah, he counted eight people. "Joe in town too and ain't tell no one?" Jon asks.

Rikishi is quiet for a little bit longer, turning off the stove. "I invited Málí." Josh slowly put his hands down, now watching the side of his father's head. 

"Málí, who?" He asks.

"You know, Málí. Tagaloa, Lílí?" 

"Lílí? She back in town?" Jon asks, glancing over at Josh. 

Málí Tagaloa was a name Josh hadn't heard in years, seventeen years to be exact. Málí and the Tagaloas were old family friends of the Fatus, neighbors in the first neighborhood they grew up in when they first moved to Pensacola. Málí and Josh had instantly clicked when they met as kids, attached at the hip from first grade through high school. Wherever Josh was, Málí was not far behind, and vice versa. People around them were confident they would end up together after high school. They were too––but things happened. Málí received a full-ride scholarship to her dream college, and any chances of them exploring the what-ifs and maybes of their almost relationship went up in smoke.

They lost contact when she went to college. Everything after that was history. Hearing that name after so many years, knowing he would be seeing an old friend any minute now while his girlfriend was in the other room, had scared Josh silent. 

"Yeah, she moved back home from Seattle last week. We ran into each other at the grocery store yesterday. I told her Josh was in town and asked if she wanted to come by for dinner tonight." Rikishi informs them. Josh turns to look at his twin brother. For once, Jon had nothing funny to say to his twin. They both had the same look of concern on their faces. "Perhaps the two of you can go out while you're here. You two always really liked each other––." Rikishi adds.

"That won't be happening," Josh says, shaking his head. 

"Why not?" Rikishi asks, turning to his son. "Good Samoan woman like that––." 

"My woman is in the other room," Josh explains. "You know that." Josh knew his mother updated his father about Alina yesterday. She was too excited about the potential of meeting someone Josh loved enough to bring home. Rikishi was doing what he knew best: how to insert himself in his sons' lives without their permission. Each time they caught on, he would pretend he had no clue what they were talking about––much like he is right now. 

Rikishi furrows his brows at the assumption; the thick black frame of his glasses lifts on his nose with the scrunch of it. "When did you get a girlfriend?" He asks. A look of irritation would flash across Josh’s face as he glanced at Jon briefly. 

"You so—." Josh stops himself from saying anything more, shaking his head. "Man, I can’t believe you’d try that with me." He lifts the plates he gathered from the counter. "You finna get me in trouble over some shit you said to this woman." He mutters angrily to himself as he exits the room. Rikishi turns to his other sons, his mouth agape in shock at Josh. Jon lifts his hands, shaking his head at the man. 

"No comment, bruh." He says, turning to make his way out of the kitchen behind his twin. Jon knew how his father got about them dating women. He had done the same thing to him and Trinity when they first got together. 

Josh's eyes focused on the dishware he held, not looking up once as he entered the dining room. "Josh, look who stopped by for dinner!" Oh, hell, he thought. He halts, his gaze lifting at the sight of the woman standing before him. 

Málí turns at the sound of Josh’s name, her smile faltering slightly at the sight of her old friend. Time has done them both well, but for her, Josh aged handsomely. Though his face had changed, his eyes had not. They seemed to hold the same youthfulness and innocence they had when they were younger. The grey in his beard accented his appearance perfectly, much like a garnish on a dish. She wouldn’t get into the rest of him, though––she had focused on his face and that blank stare he was giving her. After all these years, was he not happy to see her?

Málí had not aged a bit to Josh. She was like a blast from the past, a ghost of his younger days. From what he could tell, all those years away from Pensacola did the woman well. She surprisingly looks the same as she did when she left this place––not a single gray or wrinkle in sight. On the other hand, Josh showed signs of aging well with gray hairs and soft wrinkles. She looked great. That was all he would say on the subject of her. He had to remind himself that she was not brought here as his friend––but as a potential prospect for marriage by his father.

Jon stops behind him, his eyes wide at the sight of Málí. "Shit." He mutters to himself. Alina glances between the pair before her. Strange. "Lílí, what's up, girl!" Jon exclaims, trying to break up the noticeable tension in the room now. He moves by Josh, wrapping the old friend in a tight embrace. Behind Málí, Jon looked at Trinity, who silently asked about the woman her husband was hugging. He widened his eyes at her in response, hoping she'd understand what that meant. They’ll gossip about it like two old church ladies later.

"Long time no see, Jon! How have you been?" Málí asks, pulling back to look up at the tall man. He smiles down at her, his arms still loosely wrapped around her.

"I'm blessed, Uce. I can never complain." He turns the woman to face the two women seated at the dining table. Only one of them was paying attention to Jon and the woman. The other watched her boyfriend, who was paling by the second at the sight of the woman he had yet to take his eyes off. "Lílí, this is my wife Trinity. Trin, this is Lílí, an old family friend of ours." Trinity stands up––her hand extended to shake Lílí's. 

"Nice to meet you!" They exchange with each other with bright smiles.

Jon then turns to Alina, who is still watching Josh. "And this is Alina, Josh's girlfriend." Josh's gaze shifts from Málí's and to Alina at the introduction. They only watched each other briefly before Josh moved towards the table. He places the plates on the table, slowly putting them in their designated spots—Alina peers up at the woman, a forced smile on her lips. 

"Pleasure," Alina says with a nod. She doesn't offer her hand to the woman or stand to introduce herself. She turns her attention back to Josh, who now has his back to everyone.

"Joshua," Talisua calls out. Josh releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his eyes shut as he does so. Lord, give me the strength to get through this dinner. Forty minutes in, he was already ready to grab Alina and leave. He should do that anyway. He owed no one any explanation as to why he would head out, but if Josh had to, he would point fingers at the man who was in the room over. But for his mother, he will stay––no one else. Talisua hadn't seen him in a while, and Josh had yet to tell everyone his plans to move to Georgia. 

"Yes, ma'am?" Josh answers lowly.

"Are you not going to say hey to Málí?" She asks. He didn't want to. He really didn't want to. He could feel Alina staring at the back of his head, waiting for him to make the wrong move. She is still trying to figure out who this woman is to him. Jon mentioned that she was an old family friend, but what was with the stares? Josh looked like he had seen a ghost, and Jon also was behaving strangely. 

He wasn't trying to be rude––he didn't want to do this. His eyes pan to the wall as he slowly pivots to face Málí. He avoids Alina's intense gaze, his eyes locking with Jon's before the woman standing by him. A lump began to form in his throat, and no matter how hard he swallowed, it wouldn't go away. "What's up, Málí?" He croaks, tilting his head up slightly. Josh would sway from left to right, his hands slowly rubbing at his hips. 

The two old friends stare at each other for several moments before Lílí finally speaks up. "Hey, Josh." She says softly. "It's been a while." She adds with a slight smile. 

“Yeah,” He says, lowering his head slightly. “How have you been?” He asks, clasping his hands together in front of him. Málí takes a breath, nodding her head at the question.

“I’ve been better.” She chuckles. “What about you? You look good––healthy. You look healthy.” She corrects herself. Alina turns her attention to Jon, her brows gradually furrowing as she does so. He’d catch her gaze before dropping his head in embarrassment. He lifts his right hand to rub at the back of his neck. This dinner was already gearing up to be a mess of a situation, and they had no one but Rikishi to blame.

"Food's ready!" Rikishi exclaims, walking in with a bowl of mac and cheese. Behind him are Sefa and Jeremiah, both carrying food. One by one, they line the center of the table with dishes. 

Thank God, Josh thought, thankful for the interruption. Any much longer of that conversation, and he would have dug himself a hole with Alina. 

Little does he know. 

He looks off towards the table before grabbing his seat next to Alina. He pulls it out, dropping into the chair. Alina turns in her chair to face forward, her hands clasped tight in her lap. "Lílí, I hope you brought your appetite." He says gleefully. "Take that seat next to Joshua." 

Rikishi doesn't acknowledge the woman sitting to Josh's left as he takes his seat at the head of the table. "Trin," Jon says, still standing behind Josh. He points at the chair near his brother for his wife to sit in. Rikishi looks to Jon, catching a glare from the eldest twin. Jon doesn't say anything to cause a disturbance but shakes his head in disappointment. Whatever his father had going on was not about to disrupt this dinner. With no questions asked, Trinity stands to her feet, moving to sit in the empty chair next to Josh. Jon takes his seat by Alina, separating Málí, Josh, and her.

Josh turns to his girlfriend, who is intently staring at the table. Alina was never good at hiding her emotions––giving herself away with facial expressions or tones of voice. At that moment, Alina felt conflicted. Was she angry or sad? She wasn’t sure, but she was holding in tears. 

Alina wasn't trying to read into what was happening here, but with how everyone was acting suddenly and how Josh was staring at this Málí person, Alina could only assume this woman was an ex. The seating arrangement, her boyfriend avoiding eye contact with her––context clues. It is only a matter of time before she's searching for an exit from this dinner. 

"Lina, can you pass me the salt?" Sefa asks, forcing Alina to look up from the table. She would give him a tight grin and nod, reaching in front of her for the salt. She lifts it into the air, allowing Sefa to take it from her. "Thanks." 

"Welcome," She says quietly, her eyes scanning the table. She could feel Josh's large brown eyes on her, pleading with her to look at him, but she couldn't. The interaction between Sefa and Alina would prompt Rikishi to finally acknowledge someone other than their other guest for the evening. He looks at the woman seated near his son––his lips slightly parted as he thinks of something to say. 

"So, you're Joshua's girlfriend," Rikishi says, earning the couple's attention. "What is your name, sweetheart?" He asks. Josh leans forward slightly, his head tilted down at his father. He has one time to disrespect her, he thought. One snide remark and this dinner was over.

"Alina." She answers with a grin. "It's nice to meet you, Rikishi." The slump of her shoulders would vanish as she sat up straight for the conversation.

A grin matching Alina's would curl onto his lips at her. "Likewise." He answers with a single nod. "Alright, everyone, dig in." He says, looking around the table. Alina would relax into her seat again, the light in her eyes dimming once more now that she was not being spoken to again. He had moved on from talking to her and was now conducting the food traffic. "Pass me the chicken, please." He says to Jeremiah. 

"So, Alina, you work with the boys and Trin?" Talisua asks from the opposite end of the table than Rikishi. Alina looks at her with a smile, nodding her head. 

"I do! Coming up on three years here soon." She informs her.

"We celebrating?" Jon asks, nudging Alina in her side. She looks back at Jon, shaking her head. He smacks his lips at her answer, muttering words of persuasion to her, hoping Alina would change her mind. She knew he didn't want to celebrate the milestone––He just wanted a reason to party.

"Do you wrestle?" Rikishi asks.

"No, sir, I'm on the broadcast team." She answers, getting only a singular hum from the man. He says nothing else, returning to the meal in front of him. Slowly, Alina's eyes began to shift back to her plate. Was she reading into this too much, or did it seem like Rikishi didn't like her? Perhaps she was reading into it too much and still reeling from the nerves of meeting Josh's family, but then again, she was always good at reading people. He was coming off cold and disinterested in her, the opposite of how you should be with your son’s new girlfriend.

Alina wasn’t the only one who noticed his behavior. Silence fell upon the dining room––glances exchanged between siblings. "So, Lílí, how's your parents?" He asks, seguing back into Málí. He seemed more interested in what Málí had going on rather than the fact his son finally brought home a woman––and Josh didn’t like that.

"Yo, are you good?" Josh asks suddenly.

"Josh," Alina says, shaking her head.

"Nah." He dismisses her. "You've said no more than ten words to her all night. You've known she was coming since yesterday." He says. Rikishi looks up at his son, his brows furrowed in faux confusion. 

"Josh," Jon says now. 

"You know what you're doing, bruh––." He says, ignoring his brother. He points his finger at his father.

"Joshua," Talisua calls out now. His mother's stern tone was enough to silence the angry twin. "It's enough." The room became silent again, but no one resumed eating. The tension in the room was enough to steal the appetites of everyone present. Alina clasps her hands in her lap, her eyes falling to her plate again. 

What a weekend, she thought. Was there a full moon, mercury in retrograde, or something? Was she cursed? Is that what this was? A curse? She attempts to think of who she could have wronged in the past, but no one comes to mind. Well, unless karma works quickly in Tasha's favor for her,––wait, that could be it. "I apologize, son," Rikishi says, throwing his hands up.

"You apologizing to the wrong person." He says. "We can try this,” He motions a circle with his index finger. “again in a minute." He informs him, cueing his apology.

"That's not necessary––," Alina says, shaking her head.

"Like hell, it ain't," Josh almost shouts.

Alina twists her mouth to the side, becoming quiet again. For the second time in a span of three days, she was at the center of a fight. “I said it’s enough, Joshua.” His Mother says. She looks between her husband and son. “Both of you.” She points her index finger between the two men. Josh turns his glare towards the table. 

“So what’s new?” Jon says, trying to break up the tension in the room. “Anyone got anything they want to share with the class?” He asks, glancing around the table with a big smile. “Sefa?” He asks. Sefa stifles a laugh at Jon, pushing his food around his plate. What was happening wasn’t funny, but it was.

Trinity reaches around Alina and Josh and strikes Jon’s shoulder, startling the twin. He leans back, making eye contact with his wife. “Not the time.” She whispers at him. 

Under these circumstances, in this mood that he was in, Josh did not want to announce his departure from the state of Florida, but because Rikishi was with the shit, right now was the perfect time to do so. Josh peers up from the table, taking in the faces surrounding him. Beneath the table, Josh’s hands rubbed against each other slowly, a self-soothing mechanism of his. “I’m selling my house.” He announces, gaining everyone’s attention at the table. 

“You’re moving?” Talisua asks. Josh nods slightly, licking his lips. “Where?” Alina gazed at the side of Josh’s head, waiting for his words. She wasn’t aware that his family didn’t know about the move. This conversation should’ve been a private family matter that didn’t involve her.

“Atlanta.” He answers.

“Atlanta? What’s in Atlanta?” Rikishi asks. Josh hangs his head at the question, pressing his lips together in a thin line. Here he goes, he thought. Rikishi points his hand at Alina. “Her?” He adds. A chill would rush Alina’s body at his tone. Oh, she never stood a chance with this man.

“Me for the last year,” Josh answers, looking up at his father. Rikishi wanted to hear Josh say Alina was the reason for his relocation, which she was, but Josh was not going to give him that. “I’ve been in Atlanta more than I have been here. That’s home now. All the back and forth adds up––.” 

“Let me get this straight. The two of you have lived together for a year, but this is the first time we’ve heard of this girl?” Rikishi questions. “Does anyone not find that a bit strange?” He continued, lifting his hands as he spoke. Rikishi looked around the table at everyone, not receiving a response or reaction from a soul. Alina didn’t expect Josh to talk about her to anyone while they were still friends.

“Look at how you’re acting, bruh. You’re doing my girl like you did Trin when she first came around. You did this up until they got married.” He points out. Trin and Jon would smack their lips simultaneously at being brought up in the argument. “You ought to be lucky they even let bygones be bygones with your––.”

“Enough!” Talisua shouts the moment Josh starts to raise his voice again. “Solofa, I don’t know what has gotten into you, but it stops now. It’s the first time we see our son in months, and he is happy. Why are you trying to take that joy from him?” She asks. It was a question that Rikishi knew not to answer unless he wanted to sleep in one of the guest rooms tonight. “And Joshua,” She calls, requesting his attention. Slowly, he looks up at her. “I’m disappointed in you.”

Josh knew he shouldn’t have said most of what he did or behaved how he did, but Rikishi crossed boundaries. The things he said were consequences of his father’s actions, and he could not bother to be sorry about it—at least to him, he couldn’t be. Only for Talisua, Josh was apologetic. She did not deserve to see them act like this, and how he acted was not how she raised him. “Sorry, mama.” He says quietly. She doesn’t answer him, her glare shifting from her son to her food. Josh looks away from her, his eyes finding his plate as well.

The room was quiet for the third time tonight, thanks to Rikishi and Josh. This dinner wasn’t supposed to go this way, but it did because Josh came strolling in with Alina. Rikishi would have been happy if Josh wouldn’t have brought her home. His plans of having his son’s long-lost best friend and almost lover come back into the fray instantly diminished because of this random girl his son brought home, whom he had no idea existed until yesterday. If Rikishi were happy, Josh would have been happy. If the two of them had been happy, Talisua would have been happy. All of this is because he brought Alina McLemore home. 

It was all her fault.

Alina was at the root of each issue, from Tasha and the wedding to this dinner. She spent the last twenty-four hours panicking about her boyfriend’s family’s approval and the prior twelve panicking about her appearance. All this meant so much to her, these last few days being the most important, only for her to be disliked and disregarded. 

Slowly, Alina stands to her feet, drawing attention to herself. “I’m sorry, excuse me.” She apologizes, stepping away from the table.

“Alina,” Josh calls, turning in his seat as she moves towards the dining room entryway. He turns in his seat to watch her walk, his eyes full of silent pleas for her not to be upset. It was only a matter of time before she went running, and Josh knew it was coming. The last few days hadn’t been kind to her, and just when she thought she was escaping it in Atlanta, issues seemed to have followed them here into his parents’ home in Pensacola. His plan had failed to take her mind off what happened this past weekend. 

“I’m just going to the bathroom. It’s fine.” She promises, vanishing down the hall before he can say anything else. Josh stares after her for a moment longer before turning his attention towards Jon. Their eyes locked with each other before the eldest twin started shaking his head at him.

“Just give her some space, Uce.” He tells Josh. As much as he didn’t want to, he knew Jon was right; Alina needed some space. He turns to face forward in his seat, a huff leaving his lips. This is some bullshit, he thought.

Alina enters the guest bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. She moves over to the sink, placing her hands on the marble countertop. She leans her weight onto her arms, her eyes closing as she does so. “You’re not going to cry. You’re not going to cry.” She whispers, shaking her head at the sting that fills her eyes. “Think about your makeup.” She reminds herself, opening her eyes to look at herself in the mirror. “See, you look so pretty. You’re going to ruin that if you cry.” She says, encouraging herself with tears forming in her eyes. If only those words were helping.

A knock at the door disrupts her emotional mini-pep rally, causing her to go still at the sound. “Lina, you good, girl?” Trin says from the other side. “Josh sent me to check on you.”

“I’m fine.” She croaks, fighting against the lump forming in her throat. On the other side of the door, Trinity furrows her brows at the sound of her voice. Was she crying? It sounded like it. Trinity grabs the doorknob, attempting to twist it.

“Can I come in?” She asks.

“No,” She sniffs. “I’ll be out in a minute, I promise.” She tells her. “You can go back to dinner. Tell Josh I’m fine.” No sound would come from the other side of the door, but Alina knew Trinity was still there. “Please?” She pleads. 

“Okay.” She replies after several moments of silence. “Love you, girl.” She adds.

 Alina smiles at her words, a few tears escaping her eyes. “Love you too.” She replies. Yeah, she wasn’t going back out there––not like this. 

Trinity stepped away from the bathroom door, a sigh coming from her lips as she did so. She’d shake her head, bringing her index finger to her left temple. “Child…” She says to herself. Tonight was enough drama for the week for her––hell, maybe even for the month. Jon comes dashing around the corner, colliding with his wife. He was on his way to check on Alina because his brother was starting to get antsy. “Hey,” she breathes. 

Jon looks past her and down the hall towards the bathroom. “Y’all good?” He asks with a lifted eyebrow. “Where’s Lina?” He asks.

“She’s finishing up in the bathroom. She’s fine.” She says loud enough for Josh to hear in the other room. “Come here, though,” Trinity says, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the living room. Once in the room, she releases his arm, looking back to ensure no one is coming. “Who the fuck is that lady, and don’t lie to me.”

In all the years that she and Jon had been together, this Málí character has never been mentioned. “We grew up together,” Jon explains. “We lived next door to her family when we first moved here.” 

Jon planned to leave it at that, not wanting to explain the rest of the story. He pushes his hands into his pockets, looking beyond his short wife towards the hall. “And what else?” She asks, lowering her eyes at him. Her husband had a bad habit of avoiding eye contact when he was lying about something, a reason why he just chose not to lie, but this was his brother. Jon would remain silent for a few seconds longer, hoping she would just let it go. He knew she would not. “Babe.” She says sternly.

He would sigh softly, his shoulder slumping in defeat as he met his wife’s demanding gaze. “Her and Josh liked each other back in the day.” He confesses. “It didn’t go anywhere because Málí moved off for college, but everyone knew.” He finishes. In the same fashion that Jon’s shoulders dropped, Trinity’s would too. She lifts her hand to her nose, pinching the bridge of it. Málí was the original Alina. 

“Are you serious?” She asks, looking up at him. Jon confirms with a nod. “This is a hot ass mess.” She says.

Jon scoffs at her words. “Shit, you can say that again.”

In the dining room, Josh and Málí were alone. Jeremiah and Sefa clear the table of all the food while Talisua and Rikishi are outdoors, squabbling about what had transpired tonight. The family dinner was over now, thanks to their father and him. Josh’s leg bounced anxiously beneath the table as he impatiently waited for Alina to return. She had been gone for five minutes, and his brother and sister hadn’t returned yet. “She’s pretty,” Málí speaks, initiating the conversation between the two friends. Josh’s leg would stop bouncing at the sound of Màlí’s voice. He briefly glances at her from the corner of his eyes before returning his focus to the wall.

“Thank you.” He says.

“You’re welcome.” She says, turning to look at him. Lílí’s tongue danced behind her lips as she contemplated her following words. “You think she’s the one?” She asks, prompting Josh to look at her now. 

“I know it.” He replies.

“Good. A big-hearted man like you deserves only the best kind of love.” She says. Josh would scoff softly at her words, shaking his head. Málí smiles softly. “What?” She asks.

“You know why you were brought here, right? Man, that man was trying to set you up with me.” He says, pointing to the outdoors with a grin. It was now Málí’s turn to laugh, her eyes following his point out the window. 

“I know.” She admits, wiping the little grin off his face. Josh would turn his attention to his old friend again, now watching her with the same blank face as earlier. She would watch him back, her smile shrinking in size. “Honestly, part of me really thought that when your dad said you were coming to town and that you weren’t seeing someone, this was the Universe giving us a second chance.” She confesses. “But now that I’m here and see Joshua Fatu all grown-up and in love, I know that that is not true, and this was much-needed closure.” The more Málí spoke, the quieter Josh got. It wasn’t that he had nothing to say to her, but because he didn’t know what to say. Knowing her love for him never faltered despite spending several years apart with no contact racked his brain in a way Josh hadn’t felt in years. Suddenly, he was an eighteen-year-old boy looking at an eighteen-year-old woman again. First loves, first everything. But none of that mattered. Who he was then is not who he is now. 

“I probably could’ve reached out years ago.” She says.

“I could’ve too,” He says, not allowing her to take the blame for their time apart. “I’ve been in Seattle plenty of times throughout the years, and not once did I think to look you up.” He confesses. “My bad, Uce.”

Málí giggles at his apology. “It’s all good.” She assures him. “We cool now, though, right?” She asks. With a grin, Josh leans across the chair between them, his hand extended for their old handshake. With a grin just as big as his, Málí would effortlessly perform the handshake. To know neither of them forgot the greeting made them laugh. 

“Yeah, we’re cool.” 

“Damn, Alina still ain’t back?” Jon says, looking around the room. The pair, still united at the hand, would look up the couple that had entered the room. Trinity’s eyes would focus on joined hands before looking between the pair they belonged to. Josh’s smile would diminish at the mention of his girlfriend. For fifteen minutes, he’s forgotten all about her. Josh’s gaze shifted from his brother to his sister, who glared at him with crossed arms. 

“I thought you said she was good.” He says, dropping Málí’s hand finally. 

“Boy, that didn’t mean you can carry on!” Trinity shouts at him. Josh stands to his feet, moving past the couple. Trinity turns to her man, flexing her hands at him. “Ooh, I want to ring his neck.” She says to Jon. 

Josh makes his way down the hall towards the guest bathroom. “Lina.” He calls out, hoping she’ll answer him before he gets to it. No response would come from the other side of the door, but he could tell the light was on beneath it. “Baby.” He knocks at the door, his ear now pressed to it. When he hears nothing on the other side, he moves his hand down to the doorknob. He twists the handle, cracking the door just a little. “Alina, you good?” He asks. No response prompts him to open the door further, revealing an empty bathroom. He steps in, looking around the bathroom for her. “The fuck…” He whispers to himself. 

Josh comes out of the bathroom, looking up and down the hall. “Ay!” He calls out to his brother and sister. He would see their shadows before they came around the corners. “I thought y’all said she was in the bathroom.” He says, pointing down the hall.

“She was,” Trinity answers.

“She ain’t in there now,” Josh says, opening the door on the wall across from him. His hand skims the wall, hitting the light switch to see if she is inside. “Help me find her.” He tells them, fishing his phone from his back pocket. In three swipes, his thumb unlocks the phone, opens his contacts, and calls Alina’s phone. His phone would hover near his ear as he exited the room and marched down the hall to the next closed door. He was listening for the ring of her phone but heard nothing.

“I’m sorry, but the person you called––.” He ends the call and redials. 

“Lina.” He calls out once more. Still no answer.

“I’m sorry, but the person you––.” Josh ends the call abruptly, slipping his phone back into his pants pocket. He swears under his breath, pivoting in the room he stood in. 

“Uce, she’s not outside,” Jon says, stopping at the door. Josh furrows his brows, his face contorting in anger. He’d suck his teeth in response to him.

“Man––.” Josh starts, charging forward out of the room. He was about to give his old man a piece of his mind. Jon had other plans, though. He pushes his hand into his twin’s chest, slightly shoving him back. “Bruh, watch out.” He says, pushing his brother’s hand away.

“Hollering at that man ain’t going to do shit but make Mama mad. Just go and find Lina. I’ll tell Mama you got an emergency.” He tells him. Josh stands there for a moment, grimace still prominent on his features. “Go!” He exclaims at him, stepping to the side to let him exit. Josh would squeeze past his brother in the door frame, marching angrily towards the front of the house. 

                                          —––––––––––––

Alina was curled into a ball on the couch, her arms wound tight around her frame. The light from the television bounced off the walls and danced along her face, her eyes catching the light stunningly. She returned to Josh’s house about fifteen minutes ago via an Uber she ordered and has since turned her phone off. It didn’t take long for Josh to notice her absence, maybe about fifteen minutes down the road if she had to estimate––at least that’s when his calls started coming in. 

Between his father and this Málí woman, tonight was a lot. It was more than what she could handle at this time. She had spent the earlier hours of the day panicking about his family’s approval, trying to make sure she looked presentable, only for his father not to give her the time of day. At least his mother liked her, or it seemed like she did. Talisua probably thinks the poor girl is a drama queen because of the way she left the dinner. 

The front door opens and closes, followed by heavy footsteps, drawing Alina’s eyes towards the living room entryway. Josh was home. He comes around the corner, stopping in the archway at the sight of her. Josh spent twenty minutes driving around his parent’s neighborhood looking for her before eventually checking her location. When he discovered she was home, he raced all the way here. The couple exchanged brief stares at each other before Alina looked away, turning her attention back to the TV. Josh walks into the room, approaching the couch she is lying on. He leans down, snatching the remote off the table and turning off the TV. 

Silence replaces the ambient sounds of the television, prompting Alina to rise on the couch. Josh sits down next to her, laying his elbows against his knees. His head was low. His shoulders rise and fall with the heavy sigh he releases. “Why’d you leave?” He asks, his voice husky.

Alina watches him for a moment, pondering over her response to him. “I wasn’t wanted––.”

“I wanted you there.” He cuts her off. “I wanted you there.” Alina becomes quiet again, her eyes unblinking as she watches Josh’s back. “You’re always thinking about yourself, putting yourself first, and shit.” He says after several seconds of quietness. Alina’s eyes would venture off to the left while her brows furrowed in confusion at his words. Was he calling her selfish?

“Is that not what I’m supposed to do?” She asks, fixing her gaze on him again. He scoffs at her question, lifting his hands to push his fingers through dark coils upon his head.

“Are we not a team?” He asks, turning to look at her. “Teams communicate, right? So, if something is bothering you, we talk about it, right?” His leg angrily bounced while he watched her. “You abandon the team, and the team falls apart, right?” He says, his tone gradually growing. He was angry with her––rightfully so. She knew he would be when he found her and mentally prepared herself for all the shouting he’d do.

“Josh, I wasn’t going to stay where I wasn’t wanted––.”

“I did for you!” He exclaims, turning to look at her. “You had me off in that damn room with an ex I knew nothing about. He’s sitting here pressing me day into the night, and you couldn’t sit through a family dinner? You had me out there fighting over you, but my pops being an asshole was the line?”

Slowly, Alina began to shake her head, lifting her left hand as she did so. “I didn’t ask you to do that.” She says, earning a laugh out of him. “I told you to leave.” He shakes his head, shifting to turn his whole body towards her.

“Man, you don’t get it, do you?” He asks her. “I stayed because I love you. Despite what you wanted, I stayed for you.” He points. “That is what you do for those you love, right? That was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the sake of our relationship because I want this,” He motions between the two of them. “to work. Love requires sacrifice, Lina. It requires effort.” He explains.

“I understand that––.” She begins.

“Shit, do you? Cause it doesn’t feel like it.” He admits, cutting her off for the third time tonight. Alina would furrow her brows at his question, his doubt baffling her. 

“Are you serious right now?” She asks. “Your father made it extremely clear where I stood with him!”

“Don’t nobody give a damn what he is talking about!” He says, raising his voice. Rikishi is known to be a bit controversial in his interactions with people. Josh was foolish to think he wouldn’t do that with him over Alina. He had hoped that his father would learn from his mistakes with Trinity and Jon, but that was not the case tonight. Same person, same old mistakes. 

“I do!” She says back in the same loud tone. “I care about your family’s approval! If they have to see me for holidays and birthdays, I don’t want to feel like I’m not supposed to be there!” Alina elaborates. It might’ve not meant anything to Josh, but it meant everything to her to have his family’s approval. Josh had already met her family; there was no avoiding it with how often he lingered around her home. The McLemores welcomed him into their family without any issues, objections, or shade. She was not expecting what she got today.

“Then why did you leave? That only made things worse!”

“I’m not staying where I’m not wanted!” She shouts back. “What’s not fucking clicking, Joshua?” Alina snaps her fingers in his face, making him lean back slightly. “You wanted me to sit there and watch him brush me off all night? Make me feel insecure?” She asks. “You wanted me to hear you shouting at him and upsetting your mother? Give them more reason to dislike me? They haven’t seen their son in months because he’s playing house with someone he wasn’t dating six months ago! ” Josh becomes silent, turning away from the woman next to him. He lifts his left hand to the bridge of his nose, gently pinching it. 

Alina would watch him for a moment longer, her eyes unblinking. “You wanted me to watch you stare at your ex the entire night?” Josh’s head snaps at that question, his brows furrowed in confusion. He sucks his teeth at the woman.

“Bruh, what?”

“The girl at dinner. She’s your ex, right? That’s why Trin and Jon had to switch up their seating arrangement. No one would say what was going on, but I was able to catch on.” Between how Josh and Jon were acting and the speed round questions Rikishi was asking her, it only made sense to Alina to assume she was an ex. You don’t move around people like that if they weren’t their ex. Alina gave Theo not even a second at the wedding despite his multiple attempts to talk to her. For the majority of the day, they were apart. The exes were two ships passing at night until he started floating too close to her. 

“She ain’t nothing to me.” He dismisses the assumption after several seconds of quiet.

“I’ve heard that before––,” Alina shrugs.

Oh, how the tables have turned in two days. What Josh was saying to her about Theo, she was now saying about him. Both accusations were untrue, but only one had a higher chance of being true. Where Alina had no contact with Theo, Josh did with Lílí––but he knew who he wanted, and the fact that she said those words infuriated him. He was not him. “Ay, ay, Lina? Don’t fucking compare me to that man. I mean that shit.” He says. “I ain’t nothing like him.” His name and Theo’s should never be in the same sentence, but it was thrown in there, all because of something out of his control. He wasn’t about to plead his case with her over Málí either. He has never given Alina a reason not to trust him––why would he now?

“You know what,” She breathes, “I don’t want to argue anymore, Josh,” She states, standing to her feet. “I’m going to bed.” She wasn’t about to listen to this. 

And there she goes, running away from her issues instead of facing them head-on. It was one of her greatest flaws and the thing about Alina that pissed Josh off the most. “Who said we’re done talking?” Josh asks, standing up to block her path.

“You don’t have to be done with shit, Josh, but I am.” She says, moving to the side. He would take another step to block her. Her eyes would find his chest––her lips twisted as she bit back acidic words. “Can you move?” She requests.

“Nope, we’re talking.” He says. No, you’re yelling, she thought. “I’ve spent two years chasing your selfish ass––.” Now, it was her turn to cut him off. Her hands go up in disbelief.  

“Selfish!? Really? Really?” She shouts. 

“Yeah, really!” He nods. “You got me embarrassing myself for you, trying to prove to you that I am worthy of your time––and you’re going to sit up here and compare me to a bitch that didn’t have the balls to tell you he wasn’t feeling you anymore? Huh?” She sidesteps him, only for him to block her way again. “All because your stupid ass Ex fucked around on your ass don’t mean I will.”

Alina takes a step back at his words, slightly tilting her head at him. “Mm,” She hums, taking a few more steps back. His last words cut through her like a blade. She didn’t like that. Well, damn. Tell me how you really feel, she thought. “Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this.” She voices. She averts her eyes from the man, looking from left to right. “Things were a helluva lot peaceful when we were just friends.” She confesses.

Those words felt weird coming from her mouth, probably because she did not believe a single word she was saying. She loves this man who stands in front of her, loves him with every fiber of her being, but these last few days were too much for her to handle. They’d only had one day of peace in the three days they’d been home together, and she was exhausted. She was tired of crying. She was tired of feeling like she did something to deserve any energy she got from people. She’s done nothing. 

Josh’s shoulders would slump at her words––any anger that he had previously was now gone. He smacks his lips at her words, shaking his head. “Lina––.” He says, reaching to grab her hand. Alina slips out of his grasp, pulling her hand from his. She didn’t want him touching her.

“No,” She says, shaking her head. “I’m cool. We’re cool.” She assures him, stepping around him. He allowed her by this time. “I’m going to sleep in the guest room tonight, get my stuff from your room in the morning, and I’m going to head out after. Save you from embarrassing yourself anymore.” 

Before Josh could say anything else, Alina had rushed from the living room, leaving the regret-filled man standing in the center of the room. Josh brings his hand to his mouth, clasping it tight over his mouth.

He needed to sit down. 

–––––––––––––––––––

A/N: Yay, new chapter! Who cheered! 🤭

🏷️ list: @thesamoanqueen @whatdoeseverybodywant @headoftheetable @mzv11 @southerngirl41 @yana3sworld @wanderingreigns @wrestlingprincess80 @siriuslycee @vebner37 @astridxxxxxx @alichesmi @tshepisho @scarlettnoir01 @brokenglassslippers @reignsboy19 @sayyestoheav3nn @cyberdejos2 @empressdede @sisinever @truefant4sy @paigereeder @tbmotw @fearlesschimera @venusesworld @usoholic @sageispunk @bebesobrielo @jstarr86 @vibessonvibes @issahyland @fandomphasess @evilli0s @xoxoneah

[somethinginthewayiam]

Redwoody Productions

pairing: Chibs Telford x plus-size reader

words: 2861

warnings: there is 18+ content throughout (minors DNI), smut, p in v, fluff at the end

a/n: after the horrible events of the last part, I thought I take it somewhere more fun and sexy. This takes place in the events of s7e3. I have managed to get one more chapter out of me which you will get next week. Let me know what you think!

Summary: Lyla and you brought Redwoody Productions to life, filming its first ever scene. You were now officially part of the porn business, even though it was behind the scenes. But that didn't mean it couldn't inspire you to have some fun with your favorite biker...

link to my masterlist and previous parts

“Are you ready?”, Lyla asked you as she came over. “Are you?”, you asked in return and let your eyes wander over the set in front of you.

“I’m ready to get this production off the ground”, she stated and put her arm around your shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze.

“Let’s make some porn, people!”, you called out and clapped your hands together. Everybody cheered as you shot Lyla another look and smiled before you walked away from set to give them some room to work.

You walked over to the set of chairs and tables that were currently occupied by the Sons. You stood next to Chibs who was sitting in one of those chairs and leaned against his shoulder. Your skirt was a little too tight to sit down but you wanted to dress for the occasion.

“Quiet on set!”, Lyla called out from her director’s chair. “Action!”.

You watched the three female performers, the girl-on-girl-on-girl-scene unfolding in front of you, set in a parody of Frankenstein’s monster, Skankstein. Your hand played nervously with the hair in Chibs’ neck.

You never thought you would ever say that but you were proud of your porn stars. Redwoody production was as much your baby as it was Lyla’s. She took care of the production and performers and you took care of everything business, handling the books and the MC’s involvement.

You felt Chibs’ hand moving over your ass which looked particularly good in this, a little too tight, skirt, giving it a good squeeze. In return, your hand in Chib’s hair moved down his neck into the back of his leather jacket, grazing the skin of his upper back, running your nails over it how you knew he liked it.

“And cut!”, Lyla said loudly and everybody started cheering and clapping. “Congratulations, boys. That was the first take of Redwoody production”, Lyla said as she turned around in her seat. “You’re a genius”, Jax congratulated her as he walked over, pulling her into a hug.

“Good job, lass”, Chibs said and looked up at you, padding your ass. You bent down to kiss him.

“You both are”, Jax said, reaching his arm out to you and you walked over, hugging him as well. Jax now had his right arm around Lyla and his left arm around you.

“You both did a great job to get this production up and running and I just trust each of you to take good care of it”, he said, looking at you and then Lyla. “Thanks, boss”, Lyla replied with a smile.

The Sons had to take off soon after. Before they left, Chibs came to find you as you watched your crew setting up for the next scene.

“We have to go, lass”, he said and you felt his warm hand through the thin material of your blouse on your back. “Okay, be safe”, you turned around to kiss him goodbye.

When he let go and wanted to move away, you grabbed his kutte in the front and pulled him back.

“Will I see you tonight?”, you asked. Spending the nights with Chibs wasn’t a promised thing these days. His features softened for a second. “How about I pick you up when ya done tonight?”, he suggested and grabbed your hips.

“I can’t ride on your bike. My skirt’s too tight, it would split in half”, you countered with a chuckle. “Countin’ on it”, he commented and slapped your butt before he winked and left with the Sons.

A blush and a grin inhabited your face as you watched him leave, your thoughts wandering to what he might do to you later tonight.

You turned back around to watch your crew work, but your mind kept wandering. Maybe you could prepare a cheeky little surprise when he came back to pick you up…

When it got close to Chibs coming by the warehouse, you texted him to come inside, telling him that you would take a little longer than expected.

“Y/N, darlin’, where are ya?”, he said when he entered the warehouse at the late hour, finding it empty and mostly dark. “I’m over here”, you called out from further inside. Chibs found you sitting on the gurney of the Skanknstein set, wearing a version of the doctor’s coat that was used in the movie shoot today.

“The doctor will see you now”, you told him, your legs crossed, covered in white fishnets. A smile forming on your face as you saw the look on his face.

“What’s all that?”, he asked a bit irritated, but a growing smile on his lips as he slowly came closer. “Let’s say I got a little inspired today”, you told him with a flirty smirk and started unbuttoning the coat, revealing the white lace underwear you were wearing beneath it…and nothing else.

His eyes followed your fingers. When you had unbuttoned the last one, it were his hands that pulled the material apart, revealing your half-naked body to him.

“What is it about you and late nights at a warehouse, hm?”, he asked as he ran his hands along your thighs down to your knees and back up again, reminiscing about the first time you had slept together.

Your hands came up to unzip his kutte. “I don’t think it’s the warehouse alone that gets me in the mood”, you replied as you pulled it off his shoulders. “I can’t resist a certain biker”, you added and grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.

You leaned forward and pressed a kiss to every tattoo of his in your reach. Chibs pushed the doctor’s coat off your body. His hands ran down your arms, grabbing your wrists. He brought your hands up to his lips and kissed the inside of your palms.

His dark brown eyes bore into yours, holding your stare. “Are you okay, baby?”, you suddenly asked, furrowing your brows. Your eyes scanned his face. His features hardened before they got soft again. “I’m alright”, he answered. “And I’m getting better by the second”, he told you and took a step back to take a good look at you.

You hooked two fingers into the waistband of his pants and pulled him towards you. You licked your lips, tilting your head back as he towered over you. “Fuck me, baby”, you moaned.

His fingers weaved into your hair, pulled your head back even further. He lowered his head until his mouth hovered right above yours. “How much do ya want me?”, he whispered at your lips. As an answer, your hands reached forward, finding his belt buckle and starting to undoing it.

“You seem a little eager, doctor”, he mentioned. You smiled at his lips, biting down on your bottom lip. “Well, I hadn’t had sex in hours, so I’m starving for cock”, you told him, sliding down the zipper of his pants.

“I might have just what ya need”, he said with a growl in the back of his throat. You could feel his hard cock pressing against the fabric of his jeans against your fingers. “I’m sure of that”, you said and rubbed him over his pants.

He pushed down his pants to his mid thighs and then pulled you closer to the edge of the gurney, your legs spreading automatically. All of a sudden, you both couldn’t wait a second longer.

He pushed your panties to the side and aligned his cock at your entrance. He coated his tip in your juices before he started to push in, slow but steady.

“Oh god!”, you called out, throwing your head back in pleasure. When he bottomed out inside you, he let out a deep, raspy groan. “Fuck, you’re so tight”, he growled and started to pull back only to push in again. “Mhm, yes, baby”, you moaned and leaned back a little, arching your back and moving your pelvis forward.

Chibs put his left hand on your hip and with his right hand, pushed down the left strap of your bra and cup with it. His fingers wrapped around your breast and squeezed it tightly while he repeatedly thrusted into you.

You slipped out of the other strap and reached behind you to unclasp your bra, tossing it aside the next second. As soon as he had the chance, Chibs put both his hands on your breasts, kneading them with a groan. He really loved your boobs.

You put a hand on the back of his neck and pushed him towards you. Your lips met in a heated kiss, your tongues dancing with each other. You felt the lust burning in your groin, spreading out across your whole body.

The next moment, he let go of your lips and pulled out. He led you off the gurney and turned you around only to bend you over it with a push on your upper back. You braced yourself with your hands on the flat surface in front of you, feeling his fingers hooking into the waistband of your panties and pulling them down your legs. You stepped out of them when you felt the material at your ankles.

Chibs’ hands wandered up your legs, kneading your ass as he stood up straight again. You felt the tip of his cock at your entrance again, but he stopped there, teasing you. “Please, baby, fuck me”, you whined and wiggled your ass at him.

“You want my cock? Take it”, he ordered. You placed your hands firmly on the gurney and started to push back against him, taking him inside you. He kept still for a few moments while you fucked yourself with his cock before he couldn’t take it anymore and took over.

With a firm grip, he grabbed your hips and started slamming into you. You yelped with every thrust. In this position he had the best angle to drive you wild. You moaned his name repeatedly like a prayer.

His hands snaked around your upper body, pushing you up and against him, then moving further to grab ahold of your breasts. He ground his hips into you, burying himself deep inside you with every thrust.

“Baby”, you moaned, tilting your head back, feeling his hot breath on the skin of your neck, his lips latching onto you and sucking on your sensitive skin.

“I’m gonna come, baby”, you told him breathlessly. “I-I wanna look…into your eyes…when I do”, you pressed out between moans and the overwhelming feeling of a nearing orgasm.

He let go of you again and you turned around in his arms. You pushed his pants all the way down, helping him out of his shoes.

Chibs got onto the gurney and you climbed up to get on top of him. You straddled his hips and dug your knees into the cushioned surface beneath you. You reached down between you and aligned him with you before you sank down.

“Fuck”, Chibs breathed out when he felt your walls wrapped around him tightly. You started moving your hips back and forth, grinding your hips into his. His hands kneaded your ass again while his lips wrapped around one of your nipples, playing with it with his tongue and teasing it with his teeth. The sensation sent electric shocks through your system, making your skin tingle.

You held on to his shoulders as you sped up. The knot in your lower stomach tightened again and got bigger with every snap of your hips. Your breathing was quick and shallow.

Chibs’ hands moved up from your ass and roamed your back. You flung your arms around his neck, one hand going into his hair. Your hips rolled against his pelvis a bit slower now, more deliberately. Your orgasm was building inside your lower stomach.

Your breathing was so fast, you almost felt light-headed. You felt Chibs’ hand on the back of your head, tilting you down until your forehead rested against his. Your eyes bore into each other and you lost yourself in his dark-brown.

You wanted to hold his stare but it was getting too intense paired with an overwhelming orgasm. At the last second, your eyes fluttered shut and you threw your head back, holding on to his neck and shoulders as you screamed out.

After your little roleplay at the warehouse, it was time to finally get home to your apartment. He had convinced you to let him take you home on his bike and leaving your car at the docks with the promise of him driving you to work tomorrow. In the afternoon, you had grabbed a pair of pants from your car, a little emergency outfit you always had with you, so you were actually able to even ride with him.

You put on your blouse again and the pair of pants before you shut all the lights and locked the warehouse door for the night.

“I saw Juice today”, Chibs suddenly mentioned while putting on his riding gloves and walking towards his bike. “Really? Where?”, you asked surprised.

Chibs had told you that Juice and the club weren’t on good terms lately. “The diner on Main. That little weasel Unser tricked me into going there”, he said and his tone was icy. “How was it?”, you asked, as you arrived at his bike, and put a hand on his chest to try and calm him down again. You could tell how much it hurt him so see Juice again. “Shite”, he simply stated, his facial features hardened. He took Juice’s betrayal very personal as he felt some kind of responsibility for him, like he was his little brother.

“How is he? Juice”, you asked. “I don’t care”, Chibs growled and wanted to move away but you didn’t let him. “And how are you?”, you asked him, trying your best to ignore his tone. “Fine”, he simply stated.

“Yeah, totally buying that”, you said sarcastically. Instead of an answer, he handed you his second helmet to put on. The topic was seemingly done for him. You weren’t quite sure why he told you in the first place when he didn’t want to talk about it but now you knew why he was a bit off when he came here earlier.

After getting to your apartment, you walked into your bedroom to change into something more comfortable while Chibs walked over to your fridge.

When you came back out of your bedroom, now changed into a pair of leggings and a tank top, you found Chibs lost in his thoughts on the couch, an open beer bottle in front of him on the couch table. You could tell by the way his eyes stared into nothing even though the TV was on. He was furrowing his brows again and again like he was debating himself inside his head.

You walked over to him and straddled his lap. Your thumb ran across the crease between his eyebrows, smoothing it out. He looked up at you, still looking serious.

Your thumbs ran across the mustache of his beard down to the corners of his mouth and then along his facial scars up to his cheekbones, lingered there for a little bit and then ran down the same way until your thumbs rested next to the corners of his mouth.

You bent down and kissed his scars, first right then left. Then you cupped his face and held him in place while you softly kissed his lips.

When you pulled back, a small smile formed on his face. “There it is”, you said and smiled yourself.

“I can be bloody mad at the world but ya still manage to make me smile”, he told you, his eyes drinking in your sight.

“And I didn’t even have to take my shirt off again”, you joked and kissed him again. Then you got off his lap and sat down next to him. You grabbed the remote and cuddled up to his side, putting your head on his shoulder and started to channel surf.

Chibs put his arm around you and your head moved a little bit further to his chest, draping one leg over his, finding a somewhat comfortable position. His other hand started rubbing your calf and you could feel by the automatic movement of his hand that his thoughts were going someplace else again.

You wanted to help him ease his mind but at this point in the evening, you did about all you could do to take his mind off things. If he wanted to talk about it, he knew he could but you feared it was club related and therefore you wouldn’t hear a word about it.

Chibs made it clear in the past that he wanted to keep you out of any club business as much as possible, considering your involvement with the club and its businesses already. And lately, everybody got more intense, especially since Tara died which was understandable but it somehow got even worse. And the thing with Juice wasn’t helping. You could only hope that that was something Chibs could fix and get everything back to normal. Whatever that might be.

next chapter Wrong number

[hanibalistic]

#6F417E | EARTH-42 MILES MORALES.

genre | fluff, faint angst / reader is gn

synopsis | miles found you fainted in an alleyway one day, except you died two years ago.

word count | 3440

warning | brief mention of injuries / use of spanish phrases translated from the internet :( let me know if i'm wrong about anything! / everything i know about e-42 miles morales is from the movie 

note | not the proudest of my writing here. also, a disclaimer that the events in this fic will deviate from canon haha

parts | one, two, three, four

"Uncle Aaron, I think we forgot to get detergent."

"You forgot to get detergent. I didn't forget nothing."

Miles's shoulders slumped in distaste. His frown mirrored the quiet complaints he spilled out of his mouth as his fingers tugged at the grocery bags dangling on them. He must have been delirious to still forget an item written on a piece of paper and to think the word 'detergent' wasn't even crossed out on the grocery list his mother gave him. It wouldn't be too big of a deal, but he imagined his mother would be mumbling about it as she set the table for dinner. 

The doorknob fumbled a bit before the door swung open. The brightness in your eyes dimmed upon seeing Uncle Aaron's furrowed brows, which reminded you of the cautionary tale he kept retiring about being aware of opening doors to unknown knocks in case of danger. You still had difficulty getting used to a dangerous Brooklyn because yours was bright and sunny, and it had its very own Spiderman. Miles had laughed when you told him about your Brooklyn, asking if there was a ranking for crime fighting bug of the week; Spiderman today, something like Ant-man tomorrow?

“If I’d been a serial killer–“

“Which you are not,” you sang with vague cheerfulness as you tried to take the groceries from his hand. 

“Hence the question being hypothetical–“

“Miles! You’re home!”

“Mi vida.” It was not audible. He opened his arms habitually and let you dive into his embrace. “How’s your day? Did you glitch?” 

You perked up from where you buried your face in his shoulder and examined the bracelet permanently latched around your wrist. Gwen was the one who put the finishing touches on it, and she was so excited about the product that she came over in the middle of the night to hand it to you. It has been about two weeks since you began wearing it, and you have not glitched once. You told Miles it should be safe to conclude that the bracelet worked, but he always asked for good measures anyway. 

“I helped around the house, as always,” you replied. Fixing the bracelet, you felt a soft magnetic pull against the tips of your fingers that touched the metal. You let go of it and rested your chin on Miles’s shoulder, sighing in contentment at the mere solidity of his body. “I didn’t glitch.”

Knowing that he was not being paid attention to, Aaron decided against scolding you for cutting him off twice. Instead, he rolled his eyes and turned to the kitchen, where Rio was shifting through a stack of sealed envelopes. He placed the groceries on the square table in the middle of the kitchen and smacked his teeth, looking pointedly at Rio as he nudged his head toward the apartment door.

Rio didn’t have to look to know you two were stuck in each other’s arms by the door. She smiled, shifting through the letters carefully with a shake of her head. “He is happy, Aaron.”

“Happy enough to cut me off my sentence,” he scoffed before adding, “twice.”

“I’m sure they will apologize if you say something,” she mused. “Especially [Name]. They’re a good kid.”

Aaron’s eye twitched in dismay. Rio was right—you were a good kid. He couldn’t hate you enough to delude himself into believing otherwise, and of course, he didn’t actually hate you. Besides the apparent naivety he suspected came from living in a safe Brooklyn, nothing about you was blatantly dislikable. You were helpful, albeit not the brightest learner. You listened well, which could be a product of being in another’s hospitality. And, most importantly, you were Miles’s safe place. For the first time in years, Aaron could see his nephew find time to be the teenager he was supposed to be. You practically breathed life into him, which worried Aaron the most.

You were a second chance that Miles was unwilling to let go of, but whether you return to your Earth was not his decision. What would happen to him when you leave? You would destroy him. 

“I got the groceries, Mrs. Morales!”

Rio dropped the envelope in her hand and smiled upon your arrival. "Mi amorcito!" 

You tilted your head with a thoughtful grin after you put the grocery bag next to all the things Uncle Aaron had taken out of the one he was holding. When Rio flashed you a questioning look, you shrugged. "Miles called me that before. I didn't know what it meant."

A choked-out cough sounded from behind all three of you, and standing by the kitchen sink was Miles, gripping the edge of the sink and coughing out the water that ran down the wrong pipe. Rio covered her teasing smile with a hand, but her shoulder moved to the gentle beats of her lighthearted chuckles. Aaron stared at his panicking nephew, a tinge of judgemental pity laced in his eyes. 

Slamming his fist to his chest, Miles swung around to glare between the three of you before his eyes landed on your curious face. “What are you talkin’ about?”

"When did he say that to you?" Rio asked. 

You rolled your eyes skyward. If you remember correctly, it was during the first few glitch attacks when you would break down from the sheer pressure of it. He had encouraged you to sleep with him on those nights, and you gladly accepted the offer. It was during one of those tearful nights, you believed. He had whispered it when he thought you were asleep, with teary hiccups still occupying your body's consciousness, and you remembered he had been stroking your hair to lull you to sleep. Everything about him was tender during those nights—his touch, voice, and presence. Unbeknownst to you, its cause was that he physically could not muster any energy when you suffered. 

"He must have thought I was sleeping," you said, then you looked sheepishly at Miles, who returned it with a sneer. “I wasn’t asleep yet.”

“Clearly,” he muttered. 

"I didn't take you for someone who would sneak into people's rooms when they're sleeping?" Aaron chimed in. 

“I didn’t!” Miles groaned in embarrassment. “They cry like hell whenever they glitch. What was I supposed to do?”

“I did cry like hell when I glitched,” you said in agreement as you turned around from the kitchen cabinet where you were stocking the cleaning supplies. “I was the one who looked for him, actually. I couldn’t fall asleep alone. The glitching was terrible.”

Aaron’s eyes darted between you both. Miles reached out for you, his arm moved boldly, but the tip of his finger that touched your shoulder to get your attention was timid and boyish. He exhaled when you smiled at him, and the faintest smirk only you could discern to be a curve of contentment grew on his face as you walked near him. You scrunched your nose into a tight-lipped smile when he muttered something only you could hear, likely giving an unnecessary explanation for his comment on you crying like hell. 

The rate you two could engage in your own world was almost admirable if Aaron wasn’t so cautious of Miles’s growing feelings for you. But watching as you two helped each other stock the kitchen cabinets, shoulders brushing and shoving playfully, he knew he couldn't do anything. 

"We forgot to get detergent."

Rio gasped. She glanced at the washing machine filled with dirty clothes waiting to be cleaned, one of which included her work uniform, and she sighed. She would have to wear the one she did on her last shift. “I guess I’ll make a run to the store after my shift ends,” she mumbled with a thoughtful hum. “Or I can do it later on the way to the bank. I needed to deposit something.”

“The bank closes at six,” Aaron said questioningly.

“They have a drop-off box that opens through the night. It’s super convenient,” she clarified with a finger snap. “I’ll just stop by briefly before my shift starts. I might forget tomorrow.”

“Your shift starts at twelve, right?”

“Yeah,” Rio nodded, “overnight.”

“You gonna eat dinner with us?”

“I will,” she nudged her head toward where you and Miles were bickering about the washed dishes, “if those two would step away from the stove so I can cook something!”

The two of you froze up at Rio’s demanding tone. Quickly organizing the knickknacks on the dish rack next to the stove, not forgetting to scoff at each other about storing the utensils, Miles ushered you out of the kitchen with his hands clamped over your shoulders. Uncle Aaron watched your backs disappear into Miles’s room, and he saw your ridiculous faces trying to hold back from laughing at what he could only assume was an inside joke, as nothing was amusing about this situation. He gulped—he couldn’t do anything about Miles’s feelings for you.

The only thing more dangerous than a teenage boy in love is the person he is in love with. Taking you out of the picture would do nothing but bring Miles out of the canvas with you, leaving two vacant spots once close together. If you left, you would destroy him, but more importantly, he wouldn't hesitate to follow you everywhere. If you jumped the universe, he would jump the universe. If you got stranded in purgatory, he would strand himself in limbo. If you went to Hell, he would go to Hell because, at some point, it stopped being a biblical state of eternal torture. At some point, Hell is not a place; Hell is just where you are. And Miles would follow you there, always. 

You jolted up with the television screen flashing at your face. Even in your sleep, your body subconsciously remembered there was something you need to do. Before Rio left for her shift, which was just a little after Miles and Uncle Aaron left for the occasional hangout, she gave you a sealed envelope to deposit into the bank mailbox because you insisted that you were going to head outside for a short walk of fresh air anyway, so you might as well help you with this tiny task. Except you fell asleep on the couch after getting ready and woke up at one o’clock in the morning.

Scanning the quiet apartment, it was easy to tell nobody had returned home yet. Rio wouldn’t be home until early in the morning; Miles tended to get home around two to three o’clock when he was off with Uncle Aaron doing who knows what. Leaning your head against the couch cushion, you drew a mental map of the path to the bank before closing your eyes. If you jogged, a round trip would take you roughly fifteen to twenty minutes. Not a problem! 

Sliding off the couch, you reached into your crossbody bag that was big enough for a phone to feel for the envelope Rio gave you. It was still in there. You zipped the bag and patted it twice for safety, then fixed your jacket sleeves in preparation for the chilling night breeze. Turning off the television and the living room lights as the last step, you grabbed the house key lying in a bowl with some loose change and left the apartment. 

Keeping up a light jog was easy under this cold weather and the dark streets. You liked walking at night, but you were never outside this late. There were no cars or people, much unlike the bustling morning you preferred much more. Uncle Aaron’s cautionary tale repeated in your head and increased your speed through the empty pedestrian road. The more you stayed outdoors, the more you thought it a bad idea to be outside at this dead time. 

“What? What is–what?” you muttered as you moved your body about. 

Glaring at you was the metal deposit box enclosed in the bank walls. It took you a hot minute to find it because it was behind a wall off the side of the building where the ATMs were. You thought it was a terrible design choice only because you couldn’t find it immediately; it would not have been if you managed to. The second hurdle came when you realized the handle to the mailbox wouldn’t budge. 

“How do you open this?” you laughed as you gave the handle another pull. When the metal texture began hurting your skin, you let go to loosen your jacket sleeve until it reached your palm so you could use the thick fabric as a shield. This time, you put a leg up on the wall to use it as leverage. You pulled again. Nothing happened. Huffing in dissatisfaction, you pointed at the mailbox as if it could understand you. “You’re really–mhm!”

The swift kick to the wall could be heard. Miles perked up to where the soft rummaging noise came from and squinted his eyes behind the prowler mask. He scanned the area carefully, looking for any signs of people to find none. He remained tense even as he dropped the matter—gritted teeth and clenched jaw over a bank heist only a few days in planning. He has done this many times before. Maybe not robbing a bank specifically, but criminal activities were no longer a stranger to him as they were. He would even say he enjoyed it; he liked being strong, and it was a source of easy money. However, the main reason why he turned to a life of crime was to distract himself from the death of his father and you. Now that you were here to repaint a corner of his world with colors again, being a prowler was losing its appeal. 

"Miles."

He snapped out of his trance at his uncle's impatient voice screeching through the earpiece, and cleared his throat. "Sorry. What's up?"

"What's up?" His uncle sounded incredulous. "Are the bombs set up?"

"Oh–uh, yeah." He peeked out from behind the bush to check out the blinking red light he set up at the foot of the gate. "They're all set up."

"And you? You got your head in the clouds just then.”

“I’m fine, Uncle Aaron,” Miles clarified with the kind of grit that would have gotten him in trouble usually. He took a deep breath. “Let’s detonate them so we can move on from here.”

The other end shuffled and scratched; its noise muffled the careless footsteps behind the ATM wall.

“Detonation in three….”

You pouted when you shoved the envelope in your bag, still mumbling about not finding an opening to the night deposit box. It was a good enough reason to give Rio tomorrow when she returned home from the hospital; that metal handle would not budge!

“Two…”

Miles perked up at the familiar figure trailing slowly by the bank entrance where he set a bomb device. His ears did not deceive him when he thought he heard footsteps somewhere, and neither was Uncle Aaron wrong about his head being in the clouds! Nobody should be out to the bank at this forsaken time, but his surprising lack of attention made him miss the slow walker—he tilted his head—a slow walker wearing a jacket he remembered he also owned.

You blew raspberries as you patted your bag twice for safety measures. When you looked up, you met eyes with a figure in a purple suit. His stance seemed agitated, and Miles was. He cursed under his breath when he recognized your face, his legs already bringing him out from hiding. What were you doing here? You should be at home!

“One.”

“Uncle Aaron, no!”

The ground shook under your feet, but what made you lose your balance was the impact of the sudden explosions that came in three—bang, bang, bang! The bank building was collapsing, or perhaps it was only in the process of being destroyed? You didn’t get a chance to see clearly. You could hear the alarm bells, though. It wasn’t the wailing kind; it was the kind that rang non-stop. 

Meeting with the ground was not an extraordinary experience for you, but it felt worse than being pushed in this case. Face planting on marble tiles was mentally more endurable than outdoor brick floors. At least you thought that way for now. A groan left your lips as your brain was overloaded with sensations; you absorbed too much, from the alarm noises to the growing pains at the bottom of your body. You groggily looked to where it came from and saw glass shards sticking to your legs through the fabric of the pants. Great. Turning away from them, you noticed your bracelet scratching up tiny sparks, and you couldn’t bring yourself to wonder if you’d broken it.

“Oh no–shit! No, no, no, ¿por qué estás aquí?” Miles unmasked himself, showing his anxiously darting eyes. His hands hovered over your body indecisively, but he felt his fingers inching toward your face where blood trickled down the side of your skin. Miles needed to look through your hair for the source. Curling his arm under your neck, he lifted you to his chest. “Oh no, oh no. Lo siento, lo siento, lo siento–no quise hacerlo.“

You stirred upon his voice phasing in and out of your muffled hearing. Even with the migraine, you could recognize his voice. He was spilling words you didn’t understand, but some of the vocabulary you knew he had said to you before. Mi cariño, mi corazon…mi vida—he whispered that to you today when he came home from school. He probably didn’t think you heard, but you did. You exhaled, then an exhausted whimper pushed itself out of your mouth when the breathing hurt your throat.

He quickly regained his composure upon seeing a sign of life, immediately hooking his arms under your knees, pulling you to his chest, and leaping away from the falling debris. The sight of you bleeding and injured was all too familiar to him. But instead of letting the flashbacks stop him in his tracks, he planned to do something he couldn’t last time—saving you or at least trying to save you.

Returning to where he was hiding, away from the burning building, Miles scanned his surroundings. “Uncle Aaron! Uncle Aaron, help!”

“Miles!” Aaron emerged from the shadows. “We have to go now, we don’t have time–“ he stopped at the sight of you in Miles’s arms–“what happened?”

“They were here–I don’t know why! They’re not supposed to be out here at this time!” 

You remembered how he carried you, which seemed to always be bridal style. It wasn’t as if he did it all the time, though. His hand on your back felt much weirder, too, like he was digging claws into your skin to keep you in his arms. If your senses had gathered better, you would have teased him with the hope that he hadn't gotten tired of you joking about his feelings for you. Licking your dry lips, you rolled your head to meet his chest. It heaved with each word he hollered beyond the fire, the alarm bells, and the disagreement coming from his uncle. They were arguing about where to go. Miles clutched your body closer to him every now and then. He was hell-bent on bringing you to seek medical treatment, and his uncle was not.

“Gwen is waiting!”

“She would want me to help [Name]!”

“We triggered the alarms, so law enforcement will gather here!” Aaron argued. “The police can bring them to the hospital just fine! We need to stick to our plan!”

“[Name] is dead on record. We can’t just bring them to the hospital!” Miles said. “I’m taking them directly to mom.”

A foolish boy. “You’re gonna throw away everything we built.” It was more than just doing crimes, it seemed. There was a bond, a mutual trust built in the process that was on the verge of collapsing. “For that.”

Miles widened his eyes in disbelief. He had his doubts about the way his uncle felt about your existence. Still, he held out hope that the aloofness resulted from the great unknown of the multiverse and Aaron’s personality rather than that he thought your presence was a nuisance. Supposed he was wrong. The casual dehumanization was all he needed to decide how to proceed. Miles hopped a few steps back, his brows furrowing and his grip on your firm. 

“Tell Gwen I’m sorry.”

Aaron clicked his tongue. “Tell her yourself.”

[devilishchaos]

hi love, i have no clue if youre taking requests atm but im really in love with ur writings, super talented🥹 i wonder if you could write more fluff where rúben is having the pregnancy symptoms (cravings, back pain, etc) basically hes feeling your pregnancy ups and downs hehe

Sympathetic pregnancy | Rúben Dias Imagine

Rating / genre: fluff

Pairings: Reader x Rúben Dias

Summary: Rúben, an expectant father, experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as his pregnant partner.

Warnings: none

AN: Heyy, thank you so much for the kind words and the request <3 I hope you like it! :) x

Word Count: 813 words

This is a work of fiction. The story, names, characters and incidents either are product or the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

You rolled onto your back with a small groan. Nothing seems to work, you are overly tired, frustrated, in pain and hungry. You are so uncomfortable you actually want to scream. Your stomach is huge and because of that, no position in bed is comfy. Literally not even one. 

Being 38 weeks pregnant is hard, all you really want at this point is for the baby to come out already. On top of not being able to find a position to sleep in, you never slept more than an hour at a time. Tonight especially, you had been experiencing braxton-hicks contractions for most of the night, some of them bringing you to tears. You placed your hand on your stomach and could feel him kicking around. You could feel his tiny feet pushing through the skin of your stomach, giving you butterflies and a smile. There was just something so strange about feeling a baby kick within you and while it was weird - it was a beautiful part of pregnancy that you would for sure miss. But of course, right now you just wished he would stay still and go to sleep so maybe you could get some sleep as well. You winced in pain as you felt another contraction come on. 

“Rúben?” you asked softly, trying not to startle him. 

But there wasn’t a response. 

“Rúbes?” you tried again, but still nothing. 

And since your back was facing him, you had to turn around to see why he wasn’t responding. Which alone was a big task. 

You soon discovered that Rúben wasn’t in bed, his side empty and cold, which meant it had been a while since he had left. But where could have he gone? It was the middle of the night and he had early training tomorrow. So you decided to go and look for him. 

After carefully getting out of bed, you put on your fuzzy robe and opened the bedroom door. Immediately you entered the living room and you were met with darkness. You made your way to the closest light switch and 

“Ah, are you eating my favorite craving without me?” you gasped at your husband, who you caught red-handed, trying to stuff a pickle in his mouth, a jar of grape jelly and one with peanut butter opened in front of him, sitting on the kitchen counter “How could you do this to me?” 

“Princess, I-” 

“Don’t princess me now mister! Are you stealing your baby mama’s food? And why are you sitting in darkness??” 

“I’m not! I- I just..I wanted to try it and I- I couldn't stop, I guess.” 

“It’s good, huh? Make room for me.” 

You waddled your way to him, around the kitchen island, and put your hand out. He put a pickle in it, with the perfect ratio of peanut butter and jelly, because at this point he has made that for you one too many times and he knew exactly how you liked it. 

“Thank you, babe.” you said while you both continued to stuff your faces. It was just too good to pass. 

*

Rúben almost found himself in tears during the training session at THE Etihad Campus because he didn’t perform the best way he knew he could. He’s had a couple of bad days but they’ve never led him to be so hysterical, he’s a born leader after all. 

“Oi, Rúben!” Kyle called him cautiously when Rúben walked into the locker room without saying anything to anyone, his gaze hard as he threw his soaking with sweat shirt quite furiously in his locker. 

“Rúben.” he calls him again, this time in a higher tone and he makes his way towards him “Rúben, take a deep breath in, lad. Chill man.” a choked sound comes out of Rúben’s throat as he sits down on the bench and Kyle stepped back to study him better. 

“I can’t breathe. Everything hurts. I’m not sleeping like I should and I wanna go back to drink another (caffeinated drink).” Rúben breathed out fast.

“You know if you were a girl I’d tell you you’re like this because of your hormones, your period or something.” Kyle jokes.

“Great! So I’m a man and I’m just crazy?” Rúben rolls his eyes while his friend shakes his head amused “And you have a wife for longer than me, Walks?!? You should know better than to say stuff like that.” 

“It’s one of the side effects of becoming a father, I’m telling you..been there, done that..three times.” Kyle shrugs. 

“Well it sucks.” Rúben grumbles almost immediately as he crosses his arms to his chest. 

“It’s worth it, I can assure you of that.” a little smile is born on both their faces. “Hey, but let me know when your morning sickness goes away, okay?” Rúben groans while Kyle laughs, after all it’s a bit funny. 

[canaidliafail]

Stay grounded

streamer Abby x streamer f!reader 🌿

[part 1 ]. [part 2]

Not proof read like at all. pure crap. Im just horny had an idea and wrote it down. enjoy tho~ MDI cause it will get explicit in later chapters

CW: college exams, weed

“fuck, give me a caption”

“I like tits”

“literally fuck you”

you mumbled and your friends laughed, enjoying your misery. You stared at the blank space below your post and pursed your lips in concentration. Eventually you started typing cringing at every word

“trying some new products ˖◛⁺ ⑅ ♡”

and pressed “post” on the photo tossing your phone on the other side of the couch defeated. Been a presence online sure had its fun but you were also filled with the existential dread that people knew you “existed”

150k people to be exact. not much but more than you ever expected to get from your hobby. You usually posted your figurine collection from the most recent games you streamed with the occasional over the top pic of you dolled up and in clothes styled to fit the game of the month which unsurprisingly always over performed in statistics.

you had been doing this for a good two years now give or take and it was a wild turn of events considering how quickly and well your career took off. You loved the financial comfort but hated how exposed you constantly felt.

“Don't you have a stream tonight?” your friend,june, asked and you shook your head rubbing your face and squeezing your eyes shut to hopefully get rid of the persistent ache

“No, I'm resting for the week. Told them I have exams or whatever”

she passed you the blunt and you took a few puffs in silence staring into space

“Mind if I put on some music?”

“no go ahead” you mumbled and went to the kitchen to make coffee as you heard the first notes of mr.kitty after dark play in the living room.

“We need to go on a trip somewhere”. June said and Cassie agreed

“trip? where?” you shouted loud enough to be heard across the halls

“I don't know man but like, leave this town for a bit. Remember how fun we had on our last trip ?”

you smiled. Italy was fun. England was insane and Germany was borderline a fever dream. all three unique and all three with a romantic disappointment that entertained your friend group for months and you had to admit you had been craving leaving your city for a while now. Had it not been for the fact that you were on your last semester at college you would be somewhere else every other week -without any romantic endeavors-

You made the quickest shittiest coffee and went back to the living room sitting on the floor “Once Im done with exams we can go anywhere you want” you promised. Your phone pinged the flash going on and off

“What the fuck”

“Im suing for optical damage”

they yelled and grabbed your phone tossing it your way and you all but laughed

“Sorry sorry my bad forgot to turn off flash alerts”

You tapped your screen and almost choked on your coffee fumbling to unlock your phone the lyrics blurring in the background until they became a numbing buzz

staygrounded69 just made a new post

you tapped the icon and saw the new photo. You couldn’t quite understand what it was about her but she had you hooked and entirely captivated. It wasn’t a crush but you always found yourself checking for new posts or streams.

Abby, known by her public name staygrounded was a gamer who streamed here and there. In a more a casual stream she eventually explained that her nickname was a jab by her friend when she asked for ideas and he said “staygrounded, get it? cause of your fear of heights?” and it just stuck by.

That wasn’t why she had blown up though. No it was due to her coming out as a lesbian and that fueled every female straight and not. She was after all, a tall muscular woman with beautiful blonde hair and a face with unique features that deserved appreciation in the form of oil paintings and perhaps a face seating

you shook your head trying not to let your mind fall too deep into hopeless thirsty thoughts and admired the new photo. a casual gym pic. Fuck she wasn’t even flexing her muscles or anything. she wore the baggiest grey sweatpants with a black hoodie and a black cap with her braided hair and the lower half of her face peaking through sitting on a bench casually

and yet you felt weak. you bit your lower lip and chewed on it a little

“Cotton????” your friends called out to you by your streamer nickname and snapped their fingers. you looked up feeling your cheeks heat up

“aaah did she post?”

“mhm” you nod excitedly and went back to looking at the photo. You tapped the share button and posted it on your story leaving a small note

“her <3”

not been shy of publicly “aPprEciAtiNg” her since she was hell of a popular figure and would for sure not see your reshare.you let out a sigh and june smirked

“what ails you my victorian maiden”

“I love women” you said dreamily and took a sip of your coffee

“Wish they loved you back” Cassie bit and you grabbed your pillow and went over to her “oh you’re dead” you barked and she laughed as you started playfully smothering her with the stuffed item.

“alright time for me to bounce” june said first and grabbed her things “my teacher will probably be up my ass for coming so late” she groaned and you looked at the time “yeah I need to also get going”

“sucks to suck. Ill go take a nap” Cassie said and grabbed her things.

you and June both had afternoon classes while Cassie was happily a drop out who did seasonal work and rested during winter. The two of you were very visibly jealous of her not having to deal with the pain of exams.

“Yeah yeah get over yourself” June said jabbing her at her sides and Cassie yelped running in front of her, June chasing her down the stairs and you being the last one to leave the apartment to lock the door.

•••

You were in class when it happened. Your week ended with a babging 3 hour lecture entirely dedicated to pattern making. You were ready to grab the scissors and stab yourself to end this. You friend also seemed to slowly wither away while your teacher remained as chipper as always

“Now regarding coats-“ she continued and you pushed your chair away from the desk softly getting up to grab fresh paper to start copying the notes she was starting to draw on the board

You spread it out on your desk and grabbed the ruler and pencil and started measuring a No.44 coat purposefully being slower than usual so that you wouldn’t have to do much work. Your brain was squeezed dry for the day and this class was always the most difficult

you grabbed your phone to take a picture of the finished measurements and pattern on the board to have it for later. You opened the camera and zoomed in ready to take a pic

staygrounded69 liked your story

came the first notification and you fumbled with your phone as it nearly fell off of your hands. You sat down on your chair and stared at the icon for a hard long minute not wanting to tap it and see just a fan account instead. You decided to stay delusional

staygrounded69 liked your post

staygrounded69 liked your post

a few minutes later came another few notifications and then that was it. You opened your page and tapped the username that led to her profile.

holy shit

it really was her

its fucking her

You breathed in quitting her page and tapping her username again still in disbelief. She saw your photos. She had specifically liked the ones with your face in.

“Refrain from using your phones in class” your teacher reminded you and you were snapped back into reality

right patterns

coats

you shoved your phone in your bag and tried to focus on the sheet in front of you. for the remaining half hour you faked working on the class assignment and pretending to draw lines and correct them and the second your professor dismissed you, you bolted out of the class and grabbed your phone and checked for any new notifications. There was none and you tried to ignore the soft pang of disappointment that filled your chest.

You did hope she would follow you back or something but that was ridiculous considering how famous she was and by your knowledge she only followed her friends the she hang out with outside her online careers which was a dreadfully low number of people meaning there was no reason for her to follow you

you called june “you won't believe what happened”

“Oh my god. Its about that hot beefy streamer isn’t it?”

“Yes yes it is!”

and you heard screaming on the other line till the mic peaked and muted her out entirely. You gave her a few moments of squealing till she was back on the line ready to question you

“spill. what happened? Did she see your story? did she reply to it?”

“alright no nothing that important but-“

“oh come onnnn”

“BUT!” you interrupted and she waited for you to continue

“but she liked two of my pictures. You know what this means? it means she went through my page and liked two of my pictures June!”

“Wow oh my she will propose to you. She is so in love oh god”

You kept hyping up each other’s delusions all the way to your bus station

“did she text you ? any other notifications?”

you pulled your phone away and checked your page.nothing new so far

“no nothing yet, oh my bus is here”

“alright keep me updated if anything happens”

you hung up and walked inside the vehicle and sat on a plastic seat daydreaming of every possible scenario between you and Abby. However the more you sat the more the high of the excitement wore off and the more you settled back into your usual sorrowful self

ok and? she liked your posts. hell she is probably a player and likes every cute girls posts

you thought and sank further into the seat drowning in the soft music playing from your headphones. you tapped your foot on beat and rested your head against the cold misty windows of the bus. You started lying to yourself pretending this didn’t affect you much and that you'd be over her by tomorrow

You walked back home and tossed your bag carelessly near the shoe rack while taking off your boots and coat in one go leaving them on the floor not caring to tidy up. You went to the sofa and turned on your ps4 feeling excited that you finally had a few hours to dedicate to yourself

You logged into assassin’s creed valhalla ready to continue. This was your third play through and the only game you refused to play on stream. You liked keeping it as a way to comfort yourself and disassociate. You were planning on eventually getting tge ¼ scale Eivor statue that cost the not so humble amount of 1,2k $. Until you were ready to commit to such an expense though you settled for seeing your favorite character in game and left the statue in your wishlist amongst the other figurines you wanted to get

in between enjoying the game you checked the time and remembered today was Abbys turn to stream. You hated to admit that you had purposely made a schedule around hers so that you wouldn’t miss any time she went live, good example being now. You unlocked your phone leaving her stream open waiting for it to start while simultaneously running around in the forest, leisurely exploring the areas in your game

“Hey everyone! Can you all hear me fine? musics not too loud?”

came abbys voice and you snapped your head to your phone looking at her. fuck she was wearing that grey sleevless tank-top again

“Todays stream will be more chill. thought we could just catch up and chat a bit. I ugh had a long day at the gym”

she continued in her usual timid tone. On first look you would never think a woman like her would be so damn shy but she was. Or maybe it was just the camera and audience that caused her to be a bit more chaotic. Its not like you knew what she really was like behind the lens.

“Oh hey Alice nice to see you again!” she said taking her time to greet most of the people viewing her

“Oh we have Nora and Manny in the chat too” she said with a soft laugh. Nora. Oh you knew Nora. Abby usually posted with two women. Both seemed to be friends with her but could equally be suspected to be her girlfriend. One was Nora. They went to the same gym together and often hung out on stream. The second one was Ellie. Another streamer who in the beginning had a very well known hatred towards Abby until one day they miraculously made up and started occasionally hanging out.

not that it mattered to you if either of them was dating Abby…

“Next games? hm..Im not sure. Any suggestions”

you hesitated. You were a silent watcher most days. actually you had never said a damn word other than a donation to her stream and when she called you by your username back then to thank you, you felt so embarrassed that you decided to be one of the lurkers in her stream. Must have been a year ago or so when no one knew you either so there wasn’t a big deal made out of your name being mentioned. You felt stupid for even considering that anyone knew you at all to care if you left a comment. Even in the slim chance that your audience overlapped no one would really bother making a big deal out of it

“Have you tried ac valhalla?” you looked at your comment again and again till deciding to press send and then wait

“yeah not sure about that one..” she seemed to be reading and expanding a bit on which games she considered giving it a go or not. You felt a bit of relief thinking your comment was lost in the sea of others and resumed your game only to pause it shortly after

“Cotton? heh, cute nickname…I haven’t tried any of the assassins creed games but Ill check it out” You heard and your hands started to shake in excitement your ears burning from the heat.

Its not like Abby had any unique accent but the way she said your nickname made you twirl your hair and giggle to yourself. You grabbed your phone again

“oh really? she is?” you heard abby say and you read the comments the excitement turning into plain horror and mortification when you saw people start to recognise you and tease you for recommending the game they had probably seen you continuously post on your stories for a year straight. You exited the stream in shame and gently put your phone on the coffee table continuing your game.

I will end it all for real

this was my last straw

By the time the embarrassment of this minor inconvenience wore off You were in the middle of finishing the Granterbridge arc when you decided to post another story with a short caption regarding the characters. Your phone slowly started going off with notifications with people responding to your story and being in a sour mood you decided to mute it and continue your game till you fell asleep on the couch. The only reason you woke up was because you actually had a really shitty sofa with the thinnest pillows that did nothing to shield you from the hard wooden planks beneath.

You groaned in pain and looked at the screen of your Tv. Your ps4 was on rest mode and at 4.00 am you couldn’t be bothered to do anything about that so you just grabbed your phone and walked to your bedroom quickly going through the unusually vast amount of notifications in case there was something from your friends that you had missed

you stopped in front of your bedroom door and rubbed your eyes. your mind was blank. it was 4.00 am

you read the notification again

staygrounded69: hi

••••

heres my ko-fi tip jar if you enjoy my work 🤍

[skarsjoy]

NEW portraits and interview from British GQ

Alexander Skarsgård on his “emotional support” tuxedo at the Met Gala 2024

“Going to these types of events is quite stressful”

By Daisy Jones, 7 May 2024

For Alexander Skarsgård, prep for the Met Gala 2024 starts weeks beforehand. Not physically – that doesn’t take long at all – but mentally. “I ask my family to, every time they see me, call out ‘Alex! Alex! Over here!’ to get ready for the press line. And throw out a lot of questions, like ‘Alex! Alex! What are you wearing? You look amazing!’” he says in his Nordic meets American twang, amusement dancing down the phone line.

He’s joking of course. But he’s also not. Events like the Met Gala can be “quite stressful” and “intense”, says Skarsgård. There’s a lot of adrenaline. Flashing lights. Faces in every direction. So on the day of, he likes to keep things comparatively quiet: staying inside, reading a book, mooching around in silence until it’s time to get ready. After the Met Gala, to decompress, he does exactly the same thing. “It’s a lot of fun, you meet a lot of friends, a lot of people you've met throughout the years and haven’t seen in a while. But again, you’re drained. Being in a quiet hotel room on my own is quite nice a few hours beforehand and I feel the same way after.”

We’re speaking a couple of hours before the big event, and although he says that red carpets like this can be stressful, he sounds relatively relaxed, joking and laughing often (although he is an actor, so). He hasn’t gotten dressed yet – he’ll be wearing a custom double-breasted wool suit by Calvin Klein, a brand he’s worked with for over a decade – with his hair styled in the way he usually wears it (no product, no shampoo for a day or two). “Because my hair’s very straight, I look like a Monchhichi doll when I wash my hair,” he says.

It was the timelessness of the tuxedo that spoke to him. After all, The Garden of Time (1962) by J.G. Ballard – this year's dress code – is all about the inevitable march of time, and trying to hold onto it for as long as possible. “I wanted to go for something timeless but also in my mind a throwback to James Cagney; that kind of double-breasted Hollywood look from the 1930s and 1940s. But then obviously, from Calvin Klein, it’s a slimmer silhouette with some classical components in terms of the rich wool fabric and the cut of it; the little details that I thought were really interesting.”

Did he have any other ideas ahead of the night before he landed on this one? “I felt like there are so many ways to go,” he says, that amusement creeping back into his voice. “You could go in a stone suit, because the couple obviously turned into stone at the end of the story. But we had to scrap that idea because moving in stone pants would be pretty difficult. Another version would be to go completely naked, I’m sure someone will do that on the red carpet. Because the exhibition involves a lot of very old, very fragile pieces that can’t be worn so that’s an interesting way to interpret it.” In the end, the tuxedo seemed the least extreme. “It helps to wear something that you’re very comfortable in. An emotional support outfit.”

His own style has always been understated and classic – and he doesn't like to buy an entirely new tux every time he attends a red carpet, never to wear it again. “The Met Gala is fun because it’s the only time of the year in which I have several fittings and wear something that’s tailor-made to me,” he says. “Normally, I have a couple of suits, one being my Calvin Klein suit from 10 years ago. I usually wear that to events. I don’t want [the situation to be that] every time you’re on the red carpet, you have to wear something new and then never wear it again. I think we consume enough in our society, that’s not something I’d want to promote or endorse.”

Despite the fact his own style is mostly understated, his favourite clothing item isn't understated at all. And he's wearing them right now: his Infinity Pool shorts, merch based on the Brandon Cronenberg film he appeared in last year. It's an insane film, one in which he plays a complicated, wildly hedonistic novelist. “They did some rare limited edition clothing and they gave me a pair of shorts and I love them. I wear them all the time. I have mixed feelings because it says ‘Infinity Pool’ all over my ass and the front is a profile of my face in neon as it's being scanned. It feels very narcissistic to walk around with a pair of shorts with the name of a movie you're in on your ass, and the front is your own face, but fortunately you can't really tell.”

Skarsgård won't be partying into the night post Met Gala. Sure, he'll go to a few post-gala events, but he needs to get some sleep. He'll be flying to Toronto first thing in the morning, where he's filming The Murderbot Diaries, a new sci-fi action comedy series with Apple TV+. “I play an android who has hacked his system so he’s got – or it’s got – free will, and it’s talking about going on these crazy adventures, but instead it’s watching soap operas,” he says.

“It’s been a blast for the last couple of months. I’m sure I’ll be tired going to Toronto tomorrow, but I am looking forward to it.”

[raya-hunter01]

Lights, Camera, Action! Pt. 6

Jey Uso x Black Female OC! (Shantell)

Roman x Black Female OC! Tangela

Solo x Black Female OC! Sofia

Jimmy x Trin

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; oral, sex, spanking

Words:

Summary: How do you keep it together as Smackdown’s production director and navigate your life as the girlfriend of Mr. Main Event Jey Uso.  Follow Shantell as she navigates her life as a girlfriend, sister, and confidant to the bloodline. Follow her on her journey to self-discovery of love and happiness.

.............

OBGYN' Office, Pensacola, FL

Shantell’s POV

“Let’s see how everything is going,” Dr. Borden says preparing for the ultrasound. I take deep breaths as I feel my nerves getting the best of me. Dr. Borden is moving the wand on my stomach trying to find the baby and I’m nervous.

I hate hospitals and doctor offices with a passion. I still can’t believe I’m pregnant and I think that’s why I haven’t told Jey.  I didn’t want to get his hopes up, how would he respond to the news especially after the Taraji bomb the other night.

My thoughts are all over the place and I feel like the ball could drop at any moment. Could I have a healthy pregnancy, and carry this baby to term? Truthfully, I’m scared to death, and I can’t help but think of Jey. He looked so angry and broken this morning when we all left the bus shop.

I think he was going to confront Taraji; I just hope he doesn’t do something stupid. “There is your baby,” I hear Doctor Borden say, turning the screen towards me. My eyes filled with tears as I see what I could only describe as a tiny peanut staring back at me.

“Is everything ok?” I asked, wiping my tears that had fallen. “Well, you tell me Shantell,” he says turning the sound up on the machine as I heard my baby’s heartbeat for the first time. “Oh my god,” I finally exhaled as I felt a weight lifted off of me, my baby was ok.

“Everything is good, strong heartbeat and you’re about five weeks along,” Dr. Borden says printing me out a couple of pictures. “Is everything else ok, from my surgery,” I ask nervously.  “You are going to need to avoid stress, but that is all women who are expecting. “So, what’s the plan, to ensure everything goes well,” I ask.

“Well, it is important you take care of yourself; this is a high-risk pregnancy with your medical history. I want to do frequent appointments to keep an eye on you and the baby,” he says smiling as I nod looking at him. “I got ya, no stress and take it easy,” I say feeling better knowing my doctor had a plan to make sure the baby and I were ok.

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

Taraji’s Apartment

Jey’s POV

I’m so fuckin’ mad I can’t see straight but I gotta do this now. I need to know why, knocking on her door I could hear voices but no answer. So, I used the spare key under the carpet.

As I came in, I heard Taraji getting an earful from an emotional Rachel in the living room, so I ducked behind the front door listening. “The jig is up! Sofia went to my boss and I’m under investigation, Jey knows everything!” I hear Rachel shout hysterically.

Taraji’s POV

“What you mean he knows?” I whisper as I feel my throat closing in.

“He knows you weren’t pregnant, and now I’m in your shit,” Rachel says pacing. “Look, we will be ok. I can get us out of this,” I say trying to think.

“This got so screwed up, all he had to do was marry me when I told him I was pregnant,” I spat angrily as Rachel looked at me in horror.  “There was no baby! What was your plan? He would marry you and then what, a baby would magically appear?" she questions as I shake my head no.

“The miscarriage was always a part of the plan; I was going to tell him I lost it. By then we would have been married. So, we could have tried for a baby,” I say trying to get her to understand. “So, you were so desperate to have this man and his money you did all this. I dropped my head in shame unable to say anything.

 “Well, thank you because now I’m on my way to a meeting to find out if I still have a job to support my two kids,” she said looking at me defeated. “I’m sorry Rachel,” I sigh as she grabs her purse heading towards the door “Just stay away from me Taraji,” she says storming out of my apartment.  I took a deep breath trying to pace myself, “I thought I had closed that when Rachel first came by, why was it open anyway,” I mumble as I closed the door.

Behind me I heard keys jingling and my blood ran cold. It can't be, I turned and was met with the stone-cold eyes of Jey. “No,” I whispered in shock as I didn’t expect him to even be back in town yet. “Just me and you Taraji,” he says, his voice void of feeling, his hard stare scaring me.

Jey’s POV

“I’m so sorry Jey,” Taraji cried, collapsing against me, trying to hug me as I pry her away. “You have no idea how much I hate yo ass,” I say deathly calm, looking at her guilty crying ass made me angrier.

"I love you, Jey! Please believe me," she cried as I saw red “You have messed up my life……. Bad,” I say rubbing my hands across my face trying to calm down. 

“We could be so happy; please, just forgive me, “Taraji continued to beg as I swear for the first time in my life, I wanted to kill somebody. “You really played me, you was cheatin’ when we was together. Fuckin’ anybody for a come up and I still gave yo ass the benefit of the doubt,” I yelled.

“I changed! Jey, people can change!” she cried as I ignored the lame ass attempt of trying to flip the script, mascara running down her face from her tears. “You just faked being pregnant!! You invented a baby! A baby, the one thing you knew I always wanted,” I groaned in pain trying to grasp how out of touch she was with all she has done.

 “I can’t believe how stupid I was. I lost the only person I ever loved, trying to be there for you and a baby that didn't exist!” I hissed at her in disgust as I see the wheels turning in her head, trying to think of what to say.

“Everything ok in here?” Jimmy asked, walking in looking at me with worry.

“Yea, we good, I just wanted to let Taraji know that Paul knows everything and wishes to meet with her on Friday before the show,” I said looking at Taraji taking in her scared expression.

“Jey, we gotta talk this out,” she cries trying to hold my hand as I snatch away, walking towards my brother. “You stay away from my family, especially Shan,” I say dropping her keys on the table.

“It’s always about her! Little Ms. Perfect!” Taraji screams as I nod in agreement with her. “Yea, it will always be about her,” I say not ashamed to admit to myself or Taraji. “She’ll never have you again after all you’ve done, and I can’t wait to see you miserable.” Taraji says smugly as I clinch my fists.

“Well, from what I heard, you won’t have to worry about seeing if Shan takes me back or if I’m miserable,” I say smugly as I know I’m about to take her ass down a peg. “Why is that?” Taraji taunts as I grin at her.” Because you may not be employed for very much longer, WWE takes these things seriously, and they are within their rights to fire yo ass. So, if I was you, I would walk a real thin ass line and stay the fuck away from my family,” I say as jimmy puts his hand on my shoulder.

Let’s go Uce, you said what you had to say,” Jimmy says trying to keep me calm.

“Yea, let’s roll,” I said walking away from her as I see I had two missed two calls from Shantell and a voicemail. “What could she want?” I mumble putting in my code to check the message. “Hey, this is Shan, we need to talk it’s very important so when you get time stop by my house. Talk to you later.”

"Who was it, Uce? "Jimmy asked as we made our way back to the car. “It was Shantell wanting to talk, it sounded important,” I say a little worried. “Good, I think it’s time ya’ll talked and get this shit straight,” Jimmy says not sugarcoating the issue.

“I know she ain’t just gon' fall back into my arms, I fucked up bad,” I say knowing I’m deserving of the cold shoulder I’ve been getting from her. “Then start from scratch as friends and work yo way back to your woman man, “Jimmy said shooting me an encouraging glance.

Maybe we could find our way back, I knew I loved her but this hothead temper of mine has got me in some shit that it’s gon’ take awhile to get out of.

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

Shan’s House

Shantell’s POV

It feels good to be home, I loved staying with Solo and Sofia but it’s nothing like your own house. I called Jey early this morning inviting him over to talk and I still haven’t heard a peep. Working, I faintly heard someone knocking on my door. Reaching over to look at my phone it was almost midnight.

Time had gotten away from me as I was working on a video package for Jey’s rematch against Joe. They were doing this Tribal Combat angle.  “I know damn well this ain’t his ass, this late at night, I" mutter as I got up and headed toward the door. Looking out the side window I saw his car.

“What do you want Jey?” I ask through the door, not really in the mood for any drama. "I need to talk to you, plus you told me to stop by,” he says standing back from the door. Unlocking it, I stepped outside to meet him. “Oh, I can’t come in,” he says with a small smile.  “Ain’t shit open after midnight but legs, the ER, and Waffle House. I asked yo ass to come by earlier, so nope,"” I said smartly as he laughed at me.

“Walk wit me then” he says grasping my hand. “Let me get my keys and my blanket its cold,” I say stepping back inside as he looked over my shoulder trying to look around my house “You sure Montez ain’t in there, right?” he asks with a frown. “Well, if he was, it would be my business.” I say rolling my eyes at him.

“I’m kidding, I know I’m the only one,” he says proudly as I shake my head at him. “If you can’t get your shit together, you won’t be the only one for long,” I say as his smile drops seeing the seriousness in my face. We walked down to the beach and just enjoyed listening to the waves for bit before finally sitting down on the sand to talk.

“Shan I’m really sorry about calling you damaged, I didn’t mean it, I was just grieving, looking for someone to blame.” I said feeling ashamed, I wanted to hurt her because I was hurting. “You really hurt me, and it took me back to a place I didn’t want to be. You knew that would hurt me;” I said wiping my tears.  

“I meant what I said that night, your everything and any man would be lucky to have you,” he says pulling me close as I lay my head on his shoulder. "I can't believe you remember that?" I whispered as I closed my eyes, it felt so good to be back in his arms again. "I remember everything about you, since the first day I met you," he said playing with my fingers. My mind was screaming tell him, but I feared how he would react.

Jey’s POV

 “I had told my ma, I was leaving Taraji to be with you that night at our family dinner,” I said just wanting to lay it all out on the table.  Shan looked at me before glancing out at the gulf. “Well, I’m sorry you had to argue with your mom,” she said rubbing my arm. “You were worth it,” I assured her, as her unsure smile made me want to kick my own ass as I reached over and kissed her on the cheek.

 “So, what did you need to talk about?” I asked, wanting to know as I could see she seemed worried. “We can talk about it later,” she says quickly wiping her tears looking at me. “Just tell me baby, I got you, “I say grasping her hand placing a kiss on it.

Shantell’s POV

I took our joined hands and placed them on my stomach “Josh, I’m pregnant,” I whispered trying to not to scare him.  The silence is scaring me as I can’t see his face. “Josh, did you hear what I said?” I asked a little louder, and still nothing. Ok, that’s my cue to go. I tried to move but his grip on me tightened as he finally looks at me.

“You havin’ my baby?” he asked smiling, as I saw tears welling in his eyes. "Yea, you knocked me up,” I joke as he laughs, gently kissing me “Thank you,” he said putting his hand back on my stomach as a few tears escaped his eyes, "You don't have to thank me," I said wiping his tears as kissed my stomach “Baby, it’s yo daddy. By the time you get here daddy gon’ have it right, I promise,” he says pulling me closer as I ran my fingers through his hair trying not to cry as he's talking to our baby.

I felt better having told him so he could share in this experience, but we have a long road ahead before we were Josh and Shantell again.

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

Smackdown Before the Show

Bloodline Dressing room

“I hope they transfer her ass,” Tangela says walking around the room pacing. “I don’t want anybody to lose they job, but I wish she would leave Shan and Jey alone,” Trin said as I came out dressed for the show. “Aww, I can’t wait for you to start showing,” Tamina said rubbing my stomach.

“Girl, I gotta be able to hold my food down first,” I laugh as I gather my notes. “What has Mr. Real Chief been doing to get in your good graces,” Tangela asks as I shake my head at her poor attempt to get some tea.

“It's almost like when we first started dating, he’s been staying the night,” I say shrinking back at the stare from Trin. “Bitch, I know you ain’t been holdin' out on me," she says frowning at me. “Trin, we may make small talk, he talks to the baby, watches tv and sleep, “I say trying to get my point across.

“Basically, taking it slow before rushing into anything and it makes sense, Tangela says agreeing with me. “He understands he hurt me, and it’s going to take awhile. That’s all I can guarantee at this point,” I say putting my shoes on heading towards the door to getting ready to go to Gorilla.

“I need to find Joe, so I’ll walk with you,” Tangela says as I smile totally glad for the company.  Enroute to Gorilla I had to use the restroom, so I ducked into the ladies' room as Tangela went to find Joe. Stopping dead in my tracks I see Taraji at the sink crying. Fuck, this is all I need right now as she turns to look at me.

“You happy, this is all your fault! I’m suspended, and they are transferring me back to raw!” she shouts as I take a deep breath not wanting to argue with her. “Taraji, I didn’t make you do what you did,” I say trying to remain calm.

“I just fuckin' hate yo ass,” Taraji says walking in my face, as in this moment I know she’s confrontational and I got to protect myself and my baby. “Look, what do you want!” I yell tired of the bullshit. “I WANT JEY!” She hysterically screams at me; this bitch is crazy. “I worked for him, so I should have him,” Taraji says continuing to rant.

“Taraji, yo ass better go find yourself something safe to do, like playin’ in traffic,” I say smartly. “What you gon’ do? I been waiting on you Shantell,” she taunts as she mushed my head back. See, I am trying Lord, but she just keeps on pushin’ me.

“Look, chill and gon’ on Taraji,” I warn as she smiles before slapping me, as I feel the blood coming from my mouth. I subconsciously rub my stomach, Baby, mama is so sorry, but I gotta clean this ho up right quick. Before she could swing again, I punched her in the face as she fell in a heap on the floor. “I don’t do that slappin’ shit,” I hissed as she was holding her eye. “You bitch,” she muttered still nursing her eye.

“You still in here Shantell?” I hear Tangela asking walking into the restroom taking in the scene before her. “What the hell goin on?" she asks seeing Taraji getting up. “Just a misunderstanding,” I say trying to squash the issue. “Nah, I ain’t buying that shit, look at your lip.  She still fuckin’ wit you? Tangela asked now eying Taraji. "I’m good, just leave it, sis,” I plead just wanting to leave.

“Now, you work here, Trin, and Tamina do too but I don’t,” Tangela warns as Taraji charged at her swinging, before I knew it Tangela had caught her by the hair and started punching on Taraji fast as hell. All I saw and heard was fists tagging Taraji, alternating between her head and face, "Let me go, ho!" Taraji screams, now not fighting but trying to get Tangela off her hair.

Tangela continued to drag her ass around the bathroom “You one stupid bitch! open the door, Shantell!” Tangela screams as I jumped scurrying to the door. “Let me go!" Taraji yells struggling to keep her footing as Tangela is draggin’ her down the hall as people are looking at us. "Get yo ass outta this building!," Tangela yelled yanking Taraji's hair harder.

What the hell ya’ll doin’!?” Jimmy shouts running over to us with Paul prying Tangela away from Taraji. “What the hell is going on?” Paul shouts as Tangela tries to go back at her. “She attacked Shantell in the bathroom! I thought she was suppose to be gone, Paul!” Tangela yells as Paul jumped on the defense. “She was suppose to be! You three in my office now!” He shouts as Tangela rolls her eyes.

“Paul, I don’t work for yo’ ass so I suggest you ask me nicer than that,” Tangela snaps as I put my hand on her shoulder.” Please Tangela, let’s go,” I beg as I see Taraji walking to his office in front of us. "Tangela, we are going to get it worked out," Paul said calmly walking with us. "You better, cause ain't nobody got time to be harassed at their job by idiots," she says calming down.

“Jimmy go get Jey and Joe, meet me in my office,” Paul says following us inside.

This feels like the fuckin principal office, Tangela and I on one side, and Taraji on the other. This is not how I wanted the night to go. I just wanted to work and enjoy my night.

“What happened ya’ll?” Joe asked coming in looking at us with Jey and Jimmy behind him. “She attacked Shan and tried to charge me, so I dragged dat ass, that’s all,” Tangela says casually not caring how it looked or sounded.  I looked over and I could see Jey steaming but not moving from beside Joe. “Taraji, what do you have to say?” Paul asks as she sighs in a defeated tone. “I was in the bathroom; Shan came in and I was just so angry. After some words I slapped her,” Taraji says quietly.

“You what!” Jey shouts angrily finally seeing the blood on the side of my mouth. “Then I punched her in the face,” I said honestly as Jey groaned coming over to me touching my face trying to see if there was any more damage.

“Shantell, you can’t be doing that,” he started as I looked at him giving him a signal to stop talking. I knew he was about to say I was pregnant and honestly, I didn’t want this bitch to know that.

“Taraji, security will escort you out of the building,” Paul says as I see Tangela getting annoyed. “That’s what you should have did personally after the meeting, and we wouldn’t be here now,” she says matter of fact.

“Tangela, baby chill,” Joe said kneeling in front of her trying to take her attention off of Taraji.

“Now I’ve really got to reconsider this whole job thing, you can’t be attacking people, you will be working in the Stamford office.  You are off the road completely until further notice,” Paul informs her as out the corner of my eye I see her nod in understanding as she stands up and walks out with security.

“Now Shantell you know that was dangerous with your condition,” Paul says scolding me. “What did ya’ll want me to do? Just stand there and let her continue to assault me. She could have hurt me or the baby,” I say rambling as Joe looked at me smiling.  “Your pregnant?” he asked, turning giving Tangela a knowing smile. “So, that’s why you were in guard dog mode, huh,” he says kissing her.

Guard dog, shiiid! You saw all dem' knots on that girl forehead. She was draggin’ that girl down that hall like Godzilla with Shan walking behind her,” Jimmy says snickering. “It was definitely a sight to see, has your wife thought about training Joe," Paul says shaking his head cracking a smile.

"How about no," Joe says laughing as Tangela hits his shoulder smiling.  “Alright can we get back to work now,” I ask just tired, and wanting to work. “Yes, Ms. busy body, you can go to work, and be careful” Paul said as I got up, thanking Tangela again before I left with Jey following behind me.

“Hey… Slow down, ma,” he says gently pulling me to him placing his hand on my stomach. “We’re ok,” I say reassuring him as he kisses my neck. “I’m sorry you having to deal wit this cause of my ass,” he whispers as I lean back in his arms. “I know,” I responded taking a couple deep breaths.

I hope this is going to get better because all this stress is making me want to go hide under a rock and we still got Joe’s family cookout coming up.  Just thinking about my mom and Jey’s in the same house is making me ill.

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

Smackdown

Camera nine I’m glad you had eyes on Jey that was good shit! Let’s take it home! Hard camera pace you out with camera three on Roman. "Let’s go to work Stu!" I shout in my headset. “You love this chaos. Shan, what are you going to do when you out on maternity leave?" He asked laughing. “I’m gon' fucking cry,” I said laughing. You could feel the intensity in the ring between the cousins as Roman and Jey walked to the front of the table.

“Hard camera it’s coming back to you,” I said into my headset. Let’s get this money shot, Jey and Roman embraced and took a deep breath together, their heads touching. I remember Jey telling me about this and how important it was to their culture.  It was amazing to see.

Hey, beautiful,” Montez says sitting beside me. “Hey, give me a second,” I say as I’m watching the monitors. Cameras five and seven pace between Roman and Jey please to end the show. It should be some good expressions coming, and they didn’t disappoint. We’re out in 5,4,3,2,1. Great show crew!" Thank God, we made it, tonight has been a tiresome night.

"You know you sexy doin’ that right," Montez says as I laugh. "Well, thank you, I guess," I say closing down my monitors. "Here let me help you," Montez says standing up, leaning over me to lift a monitor. "Everything good over here Shan," Joe says coming up with Solo who was looking like he wanted to lay waste to Montez.

"Yea, I’m good Montez was helping me with the monitors, so I didn’t have to lift it," I say as Joe nods stepping in to help along with solo as well.

"So, I was wondering would you like to go out to grab a bite to eat tonight?" Montez says not caring that Joe and Solo was right there. "I don’t think so, it’s been a busy hectic day and I’m not into dating right now,” I said making sure everything was good in the cases.

“Well, maybe next time, I’ll see you later then,” he says leaning over giving me a kiss on the cheek and walked away before I could respond. Joe and Solo were staring Montez down as he walked by them not caring. “What was that?” Joe asked as I shrugged my shoulders. “Your answer is as good as mine, I have no clue," I said honestly. Unbeknownst to me Jey had seen the whole interaction and was not happy.

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

Shantell’s Hotel Room

Shantell’s POV

"So, you're not talking to me because of something I didn't ask to happen?" He just did it," I said getting a little irritated with Jey as I walked out of the bathroom in one of his old shirts.

"He been around a lil too much, I mean is you fuckin' him," Jey says looking at me with an anxious look on his face.

"I’m not fucking him!" I shout as Jey is pacing around the room just speaking nonsense.  “You doin’ something! A mothafucka felt bold enough to come sit wit you alone, and kiss all over yo ass,” he says rubbing his hands over his face.

“You are so insecure, and we aren’t even together!” I spat angrily. I can't believe that he would even think I would do that.

“I ain’t insecure, I just don’t want him hanging all over you because I know what he wants, and he can’t have it!” Jey shouts as my eyes widen in shock. “Jey, I’m a grown ass woman, you can't be telling people not to talk to me! I can do what I want, when I want! We aren't together!" I shout equally as frustrated as him.

Don’t you know, I know you miss me,” he says inching his lips closer to mine and even though I do miss him, this is about a power struggle right now that he's determined to win.” I don’t know what you are talking about,” I say fighting the urge to kiss him senseless. I wanted him bad; he snatched his shirt off my body and pulled his sweats off.

“What makes you think, I’m going to sleep with you,” I ask, biting my lip staring at him, growling he pulled against his rock-hard body. I gasp at the feeling of him against me, knowing I'm powerless to stop it.

“Baby this is me, I know every inch of you,” Jey says starting to place kisses on my lips then moving to my neck as I’m fighting an internal battle to remain quiet. “I know what you need,” he says never missing a beat with his tongue as it slides along the curve of my neck. I wanted him and he knew it, these hormones ain’t playing.

 “Baby just let go, "he groans against my ear as I feel myself losing the battle. I finally gave in as I took him in a heated kiss. As the minutes passed, the more desperate out kisses became as our tongues met in a dance where I couldn’t tell where I began, and he ended.  Taking control, I pushed him up against the door “You want me to feel I, ask as I felt him shiver against me in anticipation.

“You want me to let go,” I whisper into his ear before snaking my tongue out and around his ear lobe. Hearing the growl in his throat I knew I had him as I trailed kisses back to his lips but not before making one simple statement. “You want me to feel, then make me,” I said attacking his lips with mine.

" Shit, I can’t wait, I’ll make it up to you, I Promise,” Jey moans against my lips entering me "Oh!" I gasped, pulling his closer. “Daddy’s home baby,” he whispers against my ear beginning to thrust inside me slowly, “Mmhm!" I whimper against him no longer able to deny he had my heart and soul.

" Welcome home, baby” I moaned as he started thrusting harder and faster. It was true, us together was indeed home, without missing a beat Jey reversed us with me now on top. “Ride Daddy, baby,” he moaned as I placed my weight on my heels and started bouncing slow and hard. “Shit, just like dat, ride yo dick,” he encourages as I continued riding him harder.

“I plan too,” I moaned as I started to speed up my movements but every so often slowing down twirling my hips in a circular motion. “You think I’m fuckin’ him?” I asked, gasping as Jey thrusted upward harder inside me. "Don’t play with me, Shan! Fuck!," he shouts as I clinch my muscles around his dick as I ran my nails down his chest. "Don’t you play wit me; Josh," I say continuing my sensual torture.

Jey’s POV

“Damn, you feel so good,” I moaned as cupped her breasts almost painfully squeezing them as she rode my dick. “You didn’t answer me,” She pants never breaking her rhythm.  “Do you think I’m fuckin' him? Tell me," she groaned speeding up as I finally snapped.  “Fuck, no! This my pussy," I growled sitting up taking her in a possessive kiss, carrying her from the bed, bracing her up against the wall thrusting deep inside her.

"Josh! Wait baby," I hear her whimper against my lips as I feel her legs trembling around my waist. Nah, you bout to squirt all on this dick, u hear me?" I declare, claiming her lips in a desperate kiss as her moans are bringing the possessive side of me.

I felt myself going deeper and deeper as I couldn’t get enough of her. “He can’t have you, say it,” I groaned losing control as each second passed. “He can't have me," Shan cried as I came undone thrusting away inside her hard and strong, with each thrust her head was lightly hitting the wall.

Her pussy gripping me tighter and tighter as I pulled her close. Her nails diggin' in my neck as I attacked hers as we clawed at each other trying to get as close as we could.

“I’m about to cum,” Shan moans as I reach down between us and began playing with her clit. “Who you cumin’ for, me or him?” I groaned as I began thrusting even harder inside her. “Who is it for baby?” I moaned looking down at my dick moving in and out of her pussy. “I know I’m bout to cum, and it’s all for you,” I confessed, taking her whimpers in my mouth as I kissed her with wild abandon.

“Who are you cumin’ for!? “I groaned as she squirted on my dick as I was cumin’ inside her. "You! I’m cumin for you, Josh!" She screamed as she rode her orgasm holding on me tight.

“Don’t you forget that shit either,” I say kissing her shoulder. I was insecure and I knew it, but I knew what Montez’s intentions were and I’m not giving Shantell up.

--------

Carnival Confessions

Jey’s POV

Shit! I’m running behind, I had to do a couple interviews today, so everybody was already at the carnival. It was a good idea for the girls to unwind after all the drama last night at the show. After searching I finally found Trin and Shan ordering some food.

I know this lame ass dude ain’t here, I see Montez approaching them and I see red. He just won’t take the hint; he knows Shantell is pregnant with my baby and he still sniffing round like a dog in heat. Nah, bruh that’s my woman even if she doesn’t realize it yet.

Shantell’s POV

"Hey, it’s funny running into you here since you can’t ride anything," Montez says smiling.

“I’m here for the food, and the games,” I laugh as he gives me a hug. “Well, can I walk with ya’ll?” he asks as Trin smiles. "Sure, come on Montez, the more the merrier,” she says as we continue to walk and explore the carnival. “Where is Jey he should be here by now,” I mutter looking around for him. I faintly hear Jimmy and Trin arguing over Montez joining us.

“Where the hell he come from?” Jimmy hisses at Trin as she smiles at him. “He has a crush on Shan, plus Jey and her ain’t together. So why my girl can’t explore a little?” Trin asked taunting Jimmy. “Because my brother gon’ figure his shit out, he gon’ make it right. He just needs a chance Trin,” he says looking at Montez.

“Nah, I think he needs to know Shantell has options, to get his ass in gear," Trin responds staring at Montez stealing a piece of Shantell’s funnel cake.  “Can I talk to you, Shan?” Montez asks as Trin and Jimmy showed their armbands to the attendant and got on the Ferris wheel. “Um, sure what’s up?” I asked feeling a little uneasy.

Jey’s POV

This mothafucka really tryin' it. I know I shouldn’t be sneaking around watching them but in need to know what I’m dealing with. I can’t help but move further, trying to see and hear what he’s sayin’ to Shan as he led her to a picnic table.

“I really like you Shan," Montez said grabbing Shantell’s hand, before she could respond he placed his finger on her lips. “Let me finish before I lose my nerve,” he stutters as she smiled at him. What the fuck is going on, I know Shantell ain’t entertaining this shit. 

“I know about the baby and how complicated things are with Jey,” he says as she looked down. “I want you to know that you have options, and I love chillin’ wit you,” he says touching her face making her look at him. “I like hanging out with you too, we're friends” Shan responded smiling, and I felt sick as fuck.  “I would like to take you out,” Montez said pushing her hair behind her ear. "We can even go as friends,” he adds after seeing Shantell’s shocked face at his suggestion. See I can’t take this shit no more, I’m bout the kill his ass.

“Aye, Shan ain’t interested Tez,” I say walking over to them not being able to take it anymore. “What's up Jey?” he asks standing up as Shan looks at me with a worried expression. “What's up my ass, you trying to put the moves on my woman,” I say in his face as he folds his arms across his chest.

 “Well, the last I knew ya’ll were just friends, after all the shit you did who could blame Shantell," Montez said with a neutral look on his face. "What the fuck you know about it," I hiss as I see Shantell standing up approaching us.  “You was reckless wit her, and that can be another man’s gain,” Montez says smiling at me.  

“You mothafucka,” I snarl wanting to rip his head off. “Yea, I’ll be dat, the mothafucka, gladly to be wit Shantell,” Montez taunted as I got in his face. “Hey! We in public and I ain’t wit nobody! Shantell quietly shouts trying to not bring attention to us. “The only thing I care about is my child, fuck all this other bullshit! Continue the pissin' contest without me,” she says storming off. “Stay the fuck away from Shantell!”  I warned as I went to follow her.

Shantell’s POV

“Can you take me back to the hotel Solo,” I asked having found him by the restrooms. “Yea, I’m tired myself, it’s hot and I need to call Sofia,” he says looking at me worried. “What’s up?” he asks as I pointed behind me at Jey who was coming towards us.

“Aye, Shantell let me talk to you,” Jey says walking up as Solo blocks him from seeing me. “Not now Bro, folks could be watching, we ain’t trying to be on TMZ. I’m bout to take her back to the hotel to get some rest. Hit her up later,” he said as Jey finally agreed walking off.

----------

Hotel Bar

Solo’s POV

He fuckin’ tried it man, you should have heard his bitch ass. “You was reckless wit her, and that can be another man’s gain,” I said mocking Montez as I snarled in disgust. “Well, where is the lie,” Joe says as I shot him a look as he downed his Tequilla shot. “You suppose to be on my side!” I say raising my voice a bit as Jimmy hits me on the shoulder.

We are on yo damn side, that’s why we here. Calm yo ass down,” he says with an irritated tone and face. “All the shit yo ass been complaining about these last two hours, you could have been in Shantell’s room telling her the truth,” Solo said pointing at me. “And what is that? I asked with an attitude. “That you love her and it’s killin’ you to think about another man takin yo place, fool,” Solo say taking a sip of his drink.

“Look, you need to fix this. I’m so serious, yo issues is fuckin up my time wit my wife, I was just about to get some pussy and here Solo comes sendin’ a 911 text about yo ass,” Joe says seriously. I feel ya cuz, shit don’t make no sense, like seriously,” Jimmy says giving me the side eye as I put my drink down. Alright, I’m goin’ I say throwing down some money for the tab heading out the bar.

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

Shantell’s Hotel Room

Shantell’s POV

“Shan! Let Me In!” Jey shouts knocking on my door. “What the hell?” I said out loud wrapping my robe around me, coming out of the bathroom. Looking through the peephole to be sure I groaned, opening the door as Jey stormed inside. “Look, we need to talk,” he said, and looking at him I can see he’s had a few drinks. Oh, no I don’t want to deal with truthful drunk Jey tonight.

“I followed you guys at the carnival today for a minute before I finally came over,” he said pacing in front of me. “Why would you do that? I ask as Jey stops pacing his intense stare almost burning a hole in my soul. “I don’t want him near you!” He exclaimed coming closer to me holding my gaze.

“Come on Jey, we weren't doing anything, you didn't even give me a chance to tell him no. I don't even know what you and me are after last night," I say pulling my rob tighter around me as I feel him undressing me with his eyes  “Listen,” he starts as I cut him off “Can we talk tomorrow,” I said walking past him trying to open the door as he used his hand to close it back, pulling back into his broad chest as his arms went around my waist, holding me firmly in place.

I could feel his breath against my ear as his lips are close to my ear. “You have to understand, I am….I am a man," he mutters against my ear. "When you and I go into your room at night, I can’t turn myself in to a robot with no feelings, no desires. I ain’t build that way Shan,” he whispers kissing my neck as I moan leaning against him.

“Jey, we can’t,” I moan as he rubs my stomach. "I talk to your stomach every night to let our baby know, daddy loves him or her and that I love you. Every night I watch you,” he speaks as against my ear as his powerful deep voice is making it hard to think.

 “You take a shower, comb your hair, and rub lotion on your body,” he says gently wrapping his hands around my throat, taking me in a slow tortious kiss.  I groan as his other hand unties my robe, as the cool air from the room along with his powerful kisses cause me to shiver. “You put on one of my old shirts, and I pretend I’m on my phone, or watchin’ tv, he whispers against my lips as I kiss him again.

“Mhmm,that ain’t what I’m doin’ baby,” he breathes against my mouth before  moving his kisses to my neck. “I’m watchin’ you, I’m tryin’ not to, but I am…I do,” he moans moving his hands caressing my sensitive breasts as I gasp at his confession and actions.

 His actions and words are crumbling down the walls I’ve built to protect myself. Please, don’t stop,” I beg as he continues his torture of my senses as his hand is now playing with my even more sensitive clit.

Jey’s POV

“I am a man…. I am yo man. So, it ain't no more questions bout what we are. I'm yo man, and you my woman,” I whisper nibbling on her ear before licking and biting her neck. I had to make sure she understood me, she was mine and I was hers. I'm not about to lose my family; Shantell and the baby are my family. I feel her trembling against me, and I know she’s close.

Her strained cries of pleasure are encouraging me to continue to let my truth be known and to touch her. “I want to be with you," I proclaimed as I felt her falling apart in my arms. "Josh!" she cried falling into my embrace as I held her tighter. “I love you, and our baby,” I whispered against her neck, holding her tight." I love you too, Josh," she said trying to compose herself as I kissed her. I know we got a long way to go but for now we are going to take it one day at a time.

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

Annual Family Barbecue

Joe & Tangela’s

Joe’s POV

“You really trying me with these little sundresses, Tangela,” I growl against her neck as she’s trying to finish getting dressed for our annual cookout. “Babe, we ain’t got time for this everyone is about to come over baby,” Tangela wines moving away from me.

“A’ight I’m gon’ remember that shit when you want daddy to tap dat ass,” I boast as she blushes. “Well, I ain’t got to ask, I’ll just have to take that dick when I want it,” she says brushing up against me as I groan feeling her hands grab my dick.

“See yo ass starting shit,” I moan as the doorbell rings. “See I told you; we wouldn’t have had time; she says brushing past me to go open the door. “Damn! I hate it when she’s right but tonight she gon’ make it up to me.

Shantell’s POV

Well, it’s time for dinner and I’ve been avoiding Jey’s mom all day as I caught her looking at me a few times. I don’t know how to approach her and my mom watching me like a hawk isn’t helping either as she’s looking for any reason to pop off.

“Can someone pass the chicken,” I ask looking at the table spread not sure as to where to start. “I got you sis,” Jimmy says passing it to me. “So, Shan how far along are you?” Jey’s mom asks me as I look at Jey his contagious smile making me smile.” I’m almost eight weeks now, “I say happily. “Oh, so how is this going to work, are you guys back together?” she asked as my mom tapped my knee under the table as I gave her a pleading look.

“Uh, we are taking it day by day,” I said as I could feel papa Kishi’s eyes on me. “So, I guess marriage is out of the question?” he asks as I began coughing, almost choking on my food. “You ok babe,” Jey asks as I nod in response.

“Dad we are building our relationship back to where it was, I want to marry Shantell someday but we ain’t there yet,” Jey says as Jimmy gives him a proud nod.

“Oh, so are you getting a blood test for this baby?” his mom asked as I felt my mom tense next to me. “Oh, so what the hell you sayin’ about my daughter Mrs. Fatu?”  my mother questions in an irritated tone. “Oh, shit,” I heard Joe whisper as Tangela cleared her throat.  “I said, are they doing a blood test on the baby before he signs the birth certificate?” she asked again.

 “No, mama I’m not, this is my baby,” Jey says looking his mother in the eye. “Well, how do you know son?" she asks as my mother throws her silverware on her plate. “Now what you ain’t gon’ do is sit here and attack my child,” she says as I try to cut her off.  “Mama, it’s ok,” I say as she shoots me a look to shut up.

“The hell it ain’t! You been faithful and true to this boy, motivated him, loved him in spite of all the bullshit he don' took you through," she said as I felt Jey holding my hand under the table trying to keep me calm.  Now, she should have had this energy towards the hussy she let sit in at family functions that invented a fuckin’ baby! Yea, I said it!" my mama shouted as Jey’s mom looked upset.

"Your daughter is bringing my son down, he’s not as focused on his career as he should be, now she’s pregnant! Probably just wants him to take care of her like Taraji she did, "she says in disdain looking at me. Take care of me? Lady, I make damn near three times as much money as Jey.

 “Mama don’t get upset,” I said feeling the anger radiating off of her. "You want act like my child ain’t good enough for your son, woman you better come correct, I’m here now! You ain't gon' be disrespecting my child!" my mother says pointing her finger at Jey's mom.

"Auntie, we trying to have a family dinner, can you just cool it," Joe says looking at me mouthing he was sorry. "I'll hush, I'm just saying he better watch her around his money," she says taking a sip of her wine. "My baby makes more money than yo son does, she is a lead production director, most sought after at that.

She can go anywhere she wanted tomorrow, or anytime so she doesn’t need his lil ass money, she got long strong money over here boo,” she said getting back at Jey’s mom. “Ya’ll need to chill, it’s not good for Shantell or the baby," he said getting upset rubbing my shoulders as I had my head down not wanting to look at anybody. I knew I shouldn't have come when I found out she was coming.

 “Boy all this shit is you and your mama’s fault,” my mom says pointing at Jey. I ain’t denying that, and I’m doing everything in my power to make it right. I love Shantell," he said looking at my mom who seemed to like his answer. “She just wanted to trap my son!” Jey’s mama screamed pointing at me as a couple exhausted sighs could be heard at the table.

 “See, I told you this was a bad idea, we ain’t have no business comin’ over here tonight!” Trin hisses at Jimmy as he’s clueless as what to do to stop his mom.  “Mama let’s take a lil break,” Solo says standing up going over to his mom and taking her glass of wine. She was obviously drunk. Sofia gets up with Cameron, who is becoming fussy because of the commotion. “I gotta change Cameron,” she says walking off trying to get away from the drama.

  “I ain’t goin nowhere, Joe invited me,” she says taking a bite of her food. “Ma, why can’t you admit you were wrong about Taraji, and apologize for trying to push Josh away from Shantell,” Jimmy says honestly.  “I ain’t got to do nothin’” she says as I stand up. “Joe thank you for the invite, but in the course of ten minutes, I’ve been called a whore many different ways and a gold-digger. Now in order for me to keep being respectful I need to leave. I’m just over this,” I say trying to stay calm. I understand Babygirl," Joe says looking at me with sad eyes.

“No, you aren’t Shantell, sit down," Joe’s mother said as I looked at her with pleading eyes. “This is my son’s house, and he invited you, we're family.  I for one am happy Joshua found someone who makes him happy,” she said as I sat back down.  “Thank you, auntie,” Jey said giving her a small smile.

“Now, there you go, perfect auntie,” Jey’s mom said rolling her eyes at Joe’s mom. “I know you ain’t rollin’ your eyes at me. I think you mad because you can’t control these boys no more, they got wives, girlfriends, and are on the way to building their own families, Leave them boys alone!” Joe’s mom exclaimed as Trin shoots her a smile.

“In other words, let these grown ass men live, and pop your titty outta they mouth, my mom says adding fuel to the fire as the commotion continued throughout dinner. "Just tryin' to take my babies from me, all ya'll. Wrestlers, nurses, production directors, don't know nothing about being wives and mothers," Jey's mom says as Trin shoots her a look “Sandra! I’ve heard enough, no more wine tonight. Now leave it be, if they happy let it be,” papa Kishi said as Jey looks at his dad in shock.  

“We’re about to have our second grandchild that I can’t wait to spoil, and you know you will too. That’s if Shantell will even let us near the little one with the way you cuttin' the damn fool’. “Don’t speak to me that way,” she says in shock that her husband is correcting her.

“I did and I will, the Taraji situation was a huge blow, we almost lost our son. Now! I’m putting my foot down, leave Shantell and all the girls alone for that matter and eat your food. They all are doing great things and making this family proud. Now dats all I want to hear of it," he says leaving no room for argument as she began eating her food sobering up quickly. If the next seven months is anything like this, I'm not ready...Not ready at all.

Taglist: @reci24 @southerngirl41 @vebner37 @jeyusos-girl @melaninsugababy @romanreignkisser @bebesobrielo @arination99 @ 2-muchsauce @bakugoumarianawrites

[ourtearsofrain]

Greek God (D.R.W)

Summary: You get home from a stressful day at work to find your boyfriend troubled by some negative comments on the internet.

Pairings: Danny Wagner x Reader

Genre: Fluff, little angst, mutual hurt/comfort

Word Count: 1.1 k

Warnings: small mentions of negative self image, mentions of working customer service, other than that nothing

Walking into yours and Danny’s apartment, you set your keys down on the small table next to the front door and kick off your shoes, discarding them in a messy pile under it. You make a mental note to clean them up later; your shift at work was long and stressful, and the only thing on your mind is finding Danny and cuddling up with him. He had been home on a break from tour for 3 days, yet you still felt like you hadn’t seen him in months. You found yourself wanting, needing, to spend as much time with your boyfriend as you could before he left again for weeks on end. You call out for Danny, and begin to walk towards your living room, looking for him. You find him sitting in the middle of your couch, staring at his phone screen, body tense with a frustrated and almost hurt expression.

“Are you ok love?” you ask as you make your way towards him. When he doesn’t respond, you gently take ahold of his chin, tilting his head back to look at you now standing in front of him.

“Danny, are you ok?”

His gaze softens as he turns his phone off and lightly tosses it to the end of the couch. “Uh yeah, I’m fine. How was your day love?”

Remembering the events of the day, you move onto his lap, facing him with your thighs on top of his own, your calves on either side of them. You wrap your arms around his torso and nuzzle your face into the crook of his neck, breathing in the scent of his fancy hair products and cologne. A wave of comfort rolls over you, allowing you to relax into his arms. You feel him relax as well, the tension slowly leaving his body.

“Not great. It was especially busy today, and it felt like every other customer that walked in wanted to start an argument over the smallest things. One lady full on yelled at me ten minutes before my shift ended because we didn’t have this specific product or something, I don’t even remember what it was. And I was on my feet all day, so I’m tired and sore.”

He moves his hands to your hips, massaging gentle circles into them, soothing the ache. “Aw sweetheart, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“No, s’ok though. This is helping. Been waiting to get back into your arms all day.”

You pull away from the warmth of his neck to look at him. “What about you, are you alright? You looked upset when I came in.”

“Yeah, I’m ok.”

“You didn’t look ok love… talk to me, please. What’s wrong?”

He looks down at his hands, still working gentle but firm circles into your hips. “I… I just spent too long on social media today. Sort of fell into the black hole of comments that I know I should ignore.”

You let concern flood your features as you bring your hands up his sides to rest on his shoulders, gently giving the muscles there a comforting squeeze. “Oh honey… I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about them?”

Letting his head fall forward against your shoulder, he lets out a deep sigh, and you can feel the speed of his thumbs still rubbing small circles into your hips quicken and become more erratic, the pace of his thumbs matching his mind as his thoughts race, fueled by nerves. “I don’t know, I just…”

The movements of his thumbs halt to a stop as he trails off and brings his head back up slightly, eyes refusing to meet your own.

“Do you ever… do you ever think it would be better, that I would look better, if my nose was smaller? I know I shouldn’t care but… I’ve seen so many comments about it, and not just today. Comments saying I should get a nose job or just negativity in general… I feel like it gets in the way sometimes you know? That must be annoying right? You have to be constantly bumping into it when we kiss. I don’t know, like I said I shouldn’t care, it’s stupid.”

Still refusing to meet your gaze, you move your hands to cradle the sides of his jaw in both hands, leaning forward and gently kissing the bridge of his nose. You lean back, and he finally looks you in the eyes again as he becomes visibly bashful, a slight blush beginning to creep into his cheeks.

“Sweetheart, I adore your nose. It’s beautiful, you’re beautiful. Just the way you are. There’s a reason that renaissance statues of Greek gods have a nose like yours. Its unique, its powerful, and it’s gorgeous.”

“You mean it?”

“Yes, I promise sweetheart.”

Burying his face in your neck, he brings his hands up your back and draws you into him, holding you flush against him. He nuzzles his nose into you, his breath warm against your neck. “Thank you honey.” he mumbles against you.

You plant a kiss to the top of his head. “Of course, my love.” You rest your cheek against the side of his head, once again feeling comfort and relaxation seep into you as you breathe in his scent. A yawn from you causes him to sit upright and take his head away from your shoulder where it was resting.

“Are you tired sweetheart?” You rub at your eyelids and meet his warm gaze.

“Little bit. Like I said, long day.” A soft, slight smile dances on his lips.

“How about we go take a nap? Curl up in bed together, and when we wake up, we can order takeout and cuddle on the couch watching whatever we want. Just relax for the rest of the night; how does that sound honey?”

Thinking of spending the rest of your day with your boyfriend, you let out a content sigh. “That sounds amazing, Danny.”

A full smile breaks onto his face then, and he brings his mouth to yours, kissing you softly. Moving his hands down from your hips to the tops of your thighs, he lightly motions for you to stand up, following close behind when you are off his lap. You take his hands in your own, and begin to walk backwards, leading him in the direction of your bedroom. “One thing,” he starts quietly, causing you to stop and stare expectantly up at him. “Can I be little spoon?”

You laugh lightly and stand on your tiptoes to place a quick kiss to his lips. “Of course. Anything for my Greek god.”

[peaches2217]

My first therapy appointment in several months went really well! I’m returning to the councilor I’ve had for a couple years now. I updated her on my transition journey because the last time I saw her was a couple weeks before I started on T; I told her about coming out to my dad last night, and how disappointing it was.

The ensuing conversation was both productive, and so fucking validating.

My recent depressive episode? Complicated by an event with a former friend, but set into motion, and dragged out for so long, because of the stress of what was to come. My voice has gotten too low to even PRETEND it’s just a holdover from being sick or part of allergies or what have you. I’ve known for the past month that the time to tell my dad was coming. The fear of his reaction and the consequences it could bring since I’m currently in a financially vulnerable place was killing me.

And as we talked, I figured out that the unpredictability is still my only real, big fear: my dad promised me he wouldn’t kick me out, but there’s that lingering fear that he could change his mind, and even if he doesn’t, he could start draining my paychecks — I told him my GAC, insurance copays and all, has been coming exclusively out of my pocket, so I get the sneaking suspicion he’s gonna take advantage of us sharing a bank account and deepen that financial dependency. And above all, I’m afraid of losing our relationship. I’m okay with him not accepting my identity so long as he doesn’t treat me any differently in spite of it. But if he starts pulling away or pushing me away or withholding love as punishment for following down a path he disapproves of, what then?

My counselor told me that, sad as it is, I can’t control how he chooses to react. But I have my mom and brother’s support, my girlfriend’s support, and an online community of friends; if I lose my relationship with him, that’s ultimately his decision and his loss, and no matter what he does, I won’t face it alone.

I had hoped that assuring him I felt God’s peace in my choices and that I’d spent years praying over the situation would at least sorta put him at ease, but all he did was infantilize and illegitimize my entire experience as guided by evil and selfishness. I can’t reason with him or come to a happy medium with him like I did with my mom. The faith he’s praised me for sticking close to he’s now decided is all lies and self-delusion simply because he doesn’t like the conclusions I’ve come to. Nothing I do will satisfy or convince him… so why waste energy trying?

I just have to live with his disappointment, and as much as it hurts, it’s also freeing. I’ve done all I can do. I don’t have to hide anymore. I don’t have to live with the stress of what will happen once he knows, because for better or worse, he knows now. If he doesn’t like it, so be it. I’ve laid my cards down, and how things progress between us is entirely up to him. When I put aside my stress over our relationship, I feel nothing but confidence and happiness and certainty. If he thinks this is a mistake… well, he’s gotta let me make my mistakes. I spent 20+ years not doing anything for fear of what bad might happen, and that left me a suicidal wreck by age 18. I won’t sit by and let ominous warnings and premonitions hold me back any longer. It COULD be a mistake, or it COULD be the best decision I’ve ever made. How will I know if I freeze up in fear?

My counselor noted several times that I look, sound, and act more confident than she’s ever seen from me. Without the pressure of keeping secrets, I’m able to more easily sort between what thoughts are mind and what thoughts my dad, my trauma, or both have planted in my head. I can say with my whole chest that I feel I’m going in the right direction. I can even say “Fuck it, my dad’s approval or disapproval is on him, not me” with greater conviction. I’m acting on things I’ve wanted from the moment we first spoke, and she says the positive change it’s made radiates off of me. She said she’s extremely proud of the progress I’ve made.

I’ll be seeing her again next week, then dropping down to seeing her every other week. In spite of how relatively poorly last night went, I feel empowered. God I’m so glad to be back.

[slavghoul]

Big news for Ghost this week, with the release of their brand new EP of covers, Phantomime, this Friday May 19th, and two days later, the launch of an eight-date French tour. Frontman Tobias Forge tells us more about the creation of this record, as well as his future projects and the few unforeseen events that have come his way...

I guess you must be very busy with the promotion of Ghost these last few days here in Paris, but have you planned any time for yourself, like a vinyl shopping session for example?

Yes, I have, but it's really just a hobby for me: whenever I go somewhere I go to record shops, it's kind of my own relaxation. As far as promotion goes, these few days are indeed quite productive with a busy schedule, but it's actually quite nice to sit here, watching what's going on around me, at least it's more pleasant than doing a day of interviews locked up in four walls. I'm more of a stimulus kind of person, so when I have a phone call with someone I play Playstation at the same time, so I can concentrate on something while I'm talking. My whole life has always been a bit like that, listening to a record at home with the TV on.

You're releasing an EP of five covers on which you cover Television, The Stranglers, Genesis, Iron Maiden and even Tina Turner. How do you choose the songs for the covers on your EPs? Are they songs that meant a lot to you, that you listened to a lot when you were young, or are you looking for lyrics or a theme corresponding to the Ghost universe with references to religion for example?

It's a little bit of all of that at the same time! But the main criterion, what counts the most for me, is really the lyrics. From the rhymes used to the existential, philosophical or biblical themes. Of course, we could have fun covering "Disco Inferno" and try to put our own spin on it, but I think we need to be able to add a little something to it. I actually like to take songs that are written in a different way to my own, so I'm always trying to find songs that I couldn't have written myself. If I opened a restaurant tomorrow, I would have to find different dishes to enrich and diversify my menu. It's also a way for me to learn, to experiment. Besides, the exercise of reworking is always interesting, and sometimes it works, other times it doesn't.

Does this mean that you have considered other covers than these five titles?

Yes, I did. And the covers that didn't work just don't appear on this record! My original idea was to do a whole album of covers. And I had to take half of the songs off, because five of them didn't really fit with what we wanted to do with them, or they didn't sound like they were finished.

For example, I recorded a Rush track, but I felt I wasn't adding anything to the song. Not to say that other bands are flawed, but I just think that Rush's music is too perfect. There is nothing to improve, nothing to emphasize or accentuate, no nuance to add this or that contrast to. I felt like I was playing Rush just like a lot of teenage boys do, and nothing more. I'm not implying that girls don't like Rush, of course, but you know, there's that old joke that Rush is a teenage boys band. In any case, I felt that my version was going to be a bit too redundant to the original song.

Then there were other songs that made it to the quarter finals, if I may say so [laughs], that we dropped because there was too much to improve on, or the overall quality was not good. I can have a really good idea on paper, and then listen to the piece and think it doesn't work very well, or it's not entertaining enough.

How did the recording of the EP go?

The demos of all these covers were made at the same time as the recording of Impera. The producer of the album told us that he didn't want to deal with covers. That's fine, and it's true that it doesn't pay to do covers. We had just come out of the Impera recording session and we were exhausted. It was very hard, after all it's often said that the fifth album is particularly difficult. We had quite a lot of ambitions for this record, it took a lot of time and energy, and when it was finished, my engineer Martin and I went back to the studio, with the idea of recording another album.

But once we'd recorded those demos, I realised that there were some things that weren't quite right and that we had to take out. We kept those five songs. Five rock songs, full stop. Keeping things simple, easy, and even for the recording: it was good to remember that not everything is as difficult as the album we just finished. This EP is ultimately something spontaneous, simple, and having the demos already made it easier for us. Anyway, I had a lot of fun making it, from the recording to the mix, the atmosphere was quite happy.

You can feel this on the EP, this lightness and a feeling of fluidity. Without it being too basic, because there is a serious work on the arrangements and the atmospheres, which sound very Ghost by the way.

I'm glad to hear that, because that's exactly what I was looking for: to convey that lightness without the final product sounding half-baked, if I can say that! What I mean is that when you go into the studio for an album, you're 110%, whereas for an EP, with only covers, it's normal to be 100%. But I didn't want the difference to be felt between the two, like between the first Star Wars and the 1978 Star Wars Christmas Special! [Laughs]

It's been a year to the day since the Impera album was released. How do you look back on this fifth album, which marked a turning point in Ghost's rise?

In a way I feel relief, because this album has fulfilled its mission, the one it was supposed to fulfill. I don't want to fool the fans into thinking that it's all about magic and believing in it and so on. You have to be pragmatic and think about the results you got with the album. Of course, with every new album you are convinced that it is the best, but after the release you have to see what it does on stage. It's only by seeing how well that performance worked that you can tell if that album is good or not, in the end. Today, one year after the release, I can say that Impera holds up well. What has distorted our perception a little bit is what happened on the side.

You mean what happened with "Mary On A Cross", a track released on a 2-track EP in 2019 but which went viral last year on TikTok?

Yeah, when it came out, it kind of messed up our album cycle. It wasn't a problem per se, but it's just that we didn't plan for it at all, it kind of got in the way. And the label panicked and said "What are we going to do?!" I told them we weren't going to do anything. It was already out of our control, already naturally present on TikTok, what could we do? As we didn't want to damage the Impera promo, but we didn't want to lose the song "Mary On A Cross" either, we did the bare minimum, but our priority was really to get back to what we wanted to do as soon as possible at that point, which was to focus on our Impera. And then, from a pragmatic and slightly cynical point of view, we didn't want our historical fans to think that we were going to stop everything to please these newcomers who discovered the band via TikTok.

As far as Impera is concerned, I only realised today that it was an anniversary. Looking back, I can see that the cycle that started with this album, from its release to the tours, has been one of the most important in the history of Ghost, and that's really great. Now we're preparing for the next tour, which will start at your place [the Re-Imperatour kicks off this Sunday, May 21st in Rouen], and there are future projects that we're trying to work on. It's been a year since the record came out, but really it's been two years since the recording, and now it's time to move on to the next thing... things will start moving in the autumn, I hope.

Are you talking about the sixth Ghost album?

Yes, that famous sixth album, as difficult to make as the fifth! I've already started working on it, and after the tours this year it will be time to go into the studio for that.

So for me, the goal is to manage all these things at the same time without losing sight of these goals and next steps. So of course I'm happy that there are lots of new fans coming through TikTok. And I also welcome those who don't like the TikTok track but discover the rest of our discography and join us. But the most important thing is really to stay on our trajectory, and not to stray from the path we've set for ourselves. We have to make sure that we don't forget our mission, just because someone says they like fucking gnocchi better when we serve sushi. [Laughs]

What you're saying here is a bit like what you were telling us earlier, when you were talking about your care in planning things and having a vision for the band.

Exactly, it's very important for me. Being an artist is not just about aesthetics, it's about many other things. I've always been interested in the holistic approach, in this more global vision of things. To use the image of the restaurant business that I used earlier: I like to cook, but I also like books, people, interior design. In fact it's a collection of many things, and they're all important, almost in equal measure. Some rock or pop artists, or even actors, have been able to break through almost by accident, but that's not usually how it works. You have to work a lot, but above all you have to make a lot of decisions yourself, otherwise others will make them for you, and it will be done in an unthinking way, without a long term vision. It's impossible for me, as a control freak, to consider that! [Laughs]

[sweet-villain]

Just Another Lie~2

Summary : Billy works in the mechanic shop with Eddie, Eddie Munson. But he hasn't told you. He kept it away from you while you moved on in your life to be a mother, to Billy Hargrove child. What happens when things get ugly?

Tags : @ali-r3n

Angst

Part 1

Author's note : Just wrote this an hour before my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!

As the cool night air enveloped you two, Eddie and you lay on the grass, gazing up at the starry sky above. The twinkling stars seemed to dance above you two, as if they were putting on a show just for the two of you. As you lay there in silence, Eddie turned to you with a determined look in his eyes. 'I promise you, one day we will live where we both live happily,' he said with conviction.

You couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and excitement wash over you at his words. Eddie was always full of big ideas and dreams, but this one seemed different. It was as if he truly believed that a happy ending was possible, and that he was determined to make it happen.

“ It’s going to be two of us surrounded by people we love, dreams happening and we will do it together. Take on the world” he says, turning his head as his gaze bore in on you. The smile on his face made you feel at ease and made you feel like it was all alright. 

At school the following week was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming dance and everyone was busy making plans and preparations. Eddie and you happened to be seated next to each other in our English class and couldn't help but discuss prom plans during breaks in the lesson.

Eddie let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders. 'I don't know, prom just seems like a big, overrated event to me. I'd much rather be hanging out with you at home, watching movies or something.'

You felt a twinge of disappointment but you didn't want to let it ruin the day t. 'Come on, Eddie. It's our senior prom, we have to make the most of it. Plus, I've been looking forward to this for so long and it wouldn't be the same without you.'

Eddie looked at you with a soft expression and you could tell he was considering your words. 'Okay, fine. I'll try to make the best of it for your sake.'

Your face beamed with happiness. Eddie laughed, noticing how your face lit up at his words. 

You were adorable. The two of you would flirt all the time and everyone assumed the two of you were dating. 

You had spent weeks searching for the perfect dress and shoes, and now it was time to focus on your hair. You had always dreamed of having a beautiful updo for prom, but you had no idea how to achieve it. That's when you turned to your mom, who was a master at styling hair.

When it was that time to go to prom, you had walked into your room with your mom greeting you. The smell of hairspray filled the room.  She had set up a mini salon in your room, complete with all of her tools and products. You sat down in front of the mirror, and your mom immediately began combing through your hair, discussing different styles and options.

“ Did you ever end up telling Eddie how you feel, sweetheart?” she asks. You eyed her in your mirror.

How did she even know? Did she read your diary or something? 

“ Mom” you groaned. She chuckled, and continued to comb your hair. 

“ You can’t hide anything from me, sweetheart. I’m your mother” you groaned, sifting in your seat. 

“ Can we talk about anything else?” She squeezed your shoulder apologies if she overstepped. 

Your mom started by sectioning off your hair and curling each section with a curling iron. As she worked, you two chatted about plans that Eddie had for the night and reminisced about her own prom experiences. It was a special bonding moment, and you were grateful to have your mom by your  side for such an important event.

Let alone going to prom with Eddie. Your best friend. The boy that took your heart at first glance. 

She added in some sparkly hair clips and a delicate flower crown, which added the perfect touch of glamor to your look. As she finished up, she gave you a quick spritz of hairspray and turned you towards the mirror.

You were in awe of your reflection. Your hair looked even better than you had imagined, and you couldn't wait to show it off at prom. Your mom beamed with pride as she admired her handiwork. 

“ Look at you, all so pretty. You always are the prettiest out of everyone, my little girl” she leaned down to kiss your cheek. “ You’re going to rock it, tonight” you laughed looking over your shoulder at her. 

“ Thanks, mom” 

As you were getting your makeup on and dressed, your mom couldn’t stop telling you how beautiful you looked and teased how much Eddie would love you in the color you chose. A hint of red appeared on your cheeks, trying to look away and brush off the fact that she knew how you felt about Eddie. 

“ Eddie is going to faint when he sees you, sweetheart” 

“ Mom!” you shoot her a look but chuckled, not being mean or trying to yell at her. She put her hands up telling you she’s finally going to stop. 

You couldn't wait to see your date, Eddie  all dressed up in his tuxedo, ready to sweep you off your feet. He never liked wearing one of those things, but he promised he was going to rock it on what he chose out. 

But as the minutes ticked by, your excitement turned into worry. Eddie was never late, he was always the punctual one. Maybe he got caught up in traffic, you thought. But as the time passed, the sinking feeling in your stomach grew. 

You kept asking your mom if the phone had rang. But it didn’t. 

Your mind raced with all sorts of scenarios, trying to make sense of why he hadn't shown up yet.

As the clock struck 7, the time you were supposed to leave for prom, you couldn't ignore the fact that Eddie was a no-show. Panic started to set in as you imagined the worst. Did something happen to him? Was he hurt? Did he change his mind about going to prom with you? The questions swirled in your mind, but you pushed them aside, not wanting to believe any of them.

“ He will be here, he promised” you kept telling your mom who gazed at you with longing and sadness. She knew how much you were looking forward to this night. It was special, to you anyways. 

As the night went on, you couldn't help but feel heartbroken and betrayed. You had trusted Eddie, and he had let you down. All your dreams and hopes for a perfect prom night were shattered, and you couldn't understand why. The hours dragged on as you sat alone in your room, the sound of the music and laughter from prom night taunting you.

The next day, you were furious with Eddie. You saw him sitting laughing with his friends at the lunch table, the spot next to him being empty. Your spot. You stomped your way up to him with your hands on your hips and foot tapping on the ground. 

“ Oh hi Y/N!” Dustin greets you with a cheery look on your face but your eyes are glaring hard at Eddie. He felt your presence and turned his head to see you standing there. 

“ Oh Y/N! I-” you cut him off. 

You started off calmly, “ I was really disappointed that you didn't show up to take me to prom last night. What happened?” 

His face dropped once he realized what this is about, cleared his throat as he answered, “ I completely forgot about it. I got caught up with some other things.” 

“But you promised me weeks ago that you would take me. Prom is a big deal, and it meant a lot to me to have you as my date.”

“ I know, I'm sorry. I just had a lot going on and it slipped my mind. I didn't mean to let you down.” 

“ It's not just about letting me down, Eddie. It's about the fact that you didn't even bother to reach out and let me know you couldn't make it. I was waiting for you all dressed up and excited, and you didn't even bother to call.”

“I understand, and I feel terrible about it now. But at the time, I was so caught up in everything else that it didn't even occur to me.” 

“ That's not a good excuse, Eddie. You knew how important this night was to me. It wall for nothing.” 

“ Sweetheart..” he clasped his hands together. “ I know, and I'll make it up to you.” He adds. 

“No, It's about the memories and the experience of going to prom with someone special. And now I'll never get to have that. I was hoping we’d create those memories…” 

Eddie’s heart sank as he felt disappointed and guilty. His other plans were distracting and he had forgotten all about taking you to prom. 

“I understand, and I'm truly sorry. I wish I could go back and change things. I know I messed up and I'll do whatever it takes to make it right.” 

“ I appreciate that, but it's not just about making it right now. It's about the fact that you didn't prioritize me or our plans. I can't help but feel like I wasn't important enough to you.” 

Eddie now felt even more guilty as he looked down in his lap feeling like he really messed up. 

“That's not true, you are important to me. I just made a mistake and I'm really sorry for it.” He looked up with his brown eyes becoming glossy, holding back tears. 

He was so pretty but you couldn’t just let this slide. 

“I'll try to forgive you, but it's going to take some time. I hope you understand that I'm hurt and disappointed.” 

“Sweetheart, I completely understand and I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I promise to never let you down like this again.” 

He tried to reach out to take your hand in his, but you stepped back. 

“I appreciate your apology and I hope you've learned from this. But for now, I need some time to process everything and figure out if I can truly forgive you.” 

You couldn’t understand what other plans he had that were so important that he had forgotten about taking you to prom. It wasn’t until you were in math class when you found out what those exact plans were. 

‘So, how was your date with Eddie last night?' Chrissy’s friend asked, causing your eyes  to immediately widen and head perk up and lean in a little closer.

Chrissy let out a dreamy sigh before responding, 'It was absolutely amazing. He took me out to Benny's and we had the most delicious food. And the best part? He remembered my favorite and ordered it for me’.

Your jaw clenched and hands balled into a fist. So where was he? 

'That's so sweet of him,' Chrissy’s friend replied. 'What else did you guys do?'

Your nose twitched in anger. How could he do that to you? 

'Well, after dinner we went for a walk in the park and talked for hours. I couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to him. We have so much in common and he just makes me laugh,' Chrissy gushed.

'Did he try to make a move on you?' Chrissy’s friend asked, making you lean in even closer to hear Chrissy's response. Yeah right, like Eddie had the guts to do anything with her. He was too shy to show any affection let alone touch a girl. 

Chrissy let out a giggle before saying, 'Well, he did try to hold my hand when we were walking, but I think he was a little nervous. But it was cute, I could tell he really liked me.

'Well, I'm happy for you, Chrissy. You deserve someone who treats you like a princess,' the friend said, before excusing herself to use the bathroom. 

By now, your pencil was broken down and you were in need to sharpen it. There was black hard dot on your paper too and you stopped writing notes for class that your eyes were locked on the back of Chrissy’s head. She had felt someone staring at her and turned to see it was you. 

“ Do you need any help?” She asks you, sweetly. 

Mustering a smile with a shake of your head, you gazed down muttering the words " lucky bitch” under your breath. You were jealous and hurt that Eddie chose her. What did she have that you didn’t?

Tears began to form in your eyes and you raised your hand to be excused. Your teacher saw that you were holding back tears and waved you off. You hurried to your locker to grab your books and head home. 

As you walk outside you can't help but notice Billy Hargrove leaning against his car in the parking lot. You've never really spoken to him before, but you've heard all the rumors about him being the resident bad boy of Hawkins High. You try to avoid eye contact and make a beeline for your own car, but as you fumble with your keys, you can feel his gaze on you.

'Hey, you okay?' His voice startles you and you turn to see him walking towards you. You can't believe he's actually talking to you, and you can feel your cheeks flush with embarrassment.

You try to play it cool and shrug, 'Yeah, I'm fine. Just a rough day.'

He nods, understanding, and leans against the car next to yours. Need a ride home? I see you're having some trouble with your keys there.' He smirks, and you can't help but let out a small laugh.

'Um, yeah, that would be great. Thank you.' You mumble, still in disbelief that Billy Hargrove is offering to drive you home.

As you climb into the passenger seat of his car, you can't help but feel a bit nervous. But as he starts the engine and drives out of the parking lot, you start to relax. Surprisingly, Billy is a good driver, and he even turns on some music to break the silence. As you drive through the familiar streets of Hawkins, you start to open up to Billy about your rough day.

“ Stupid men… stupid prom.. Stupid me..” you mumbled underneath your breath but Billy had caught it. 

“ That loser doesn’t deserve you, and prom is overrated. You don’t need all that. You’re better than that” He tries to tell you to make you feel better, he’s not good with words but he is trying. 

He has seen you plenty of times hanging around Eddie and his friends to know what you're like and he knows you're into Eddie too since it’s so obvious. 

Before you know it, you're pulling up to your house. You thank Billy for the ride and start to get out of the car, but he stops you. 'Hey, if you ever need to talk or just need a ride, I'm around.' He gives you a small smile and you can't help but smile back.

You had never in your life time seen Billy Hargrove smile, maybe this was a new thing. Maybe you were meant to meet Billy and have him drive you home. For a moment you forgot that your car was still in the parking lot at school. 

But you were sure someone would bring it back. You were in no mood to think about it. 

But Eddie felt hurt when he found out that Billy Hargrove drove you home and found your car in the parking lot. He waited for you after school but you never showed up. He thought you might be home sick or something. But then, he heard from Lucas who heard from Dustin who heard from Robin that she saw you get into Billy Hargrove’s car. 

Since when were you friends with Billy? 

How could he have the audacity to approach you like that? It was like rubbing salt in the wound.

Eddie had always been jealous of Billy. He was everything that he wasn't - confident, rebellious, and popular. And now, it seemed like he was trying to steal the one thing that Eddie held dear - his friendship with you.

 Eddie could feel his anger rising, his body tensing up as he clenched his fists.

He had always been there for you, through thick and thin. He had protected you from bullies, nursed you back to health when you were sick, and listened to your problems without judgment. And yet, it seemed like all of that meant nothing to you when suddenly Billy Hargrove happened. 

Eddie knew he shouldn't be this upset. After all, you were free to talk to whoever you wanted. But he couldn't help the feeling of possessiveness that washed over him whenever Billy was involved. He didn't want to share you with anyone else, especially not with someone like Billy.

Wait, Eddie had to backtrack. He felt possessive? But the two of you were friends that flirted. But it was like a light bulb appeared on top of his head as Eddie understood what this was. Why did he feel the way he felt..

It wasn't just about jealousy either. Eddie was genuinely concerned for you. He knew Billy's reputation and the trouble he could bring. He didn't want you to get caught up in his dangerous lifestyle.

It was later he showed up at your door with your car parked near your house. He drove it there. He thought he was being thoughtful and nice about it. He raised his fist to the door and knocked on it, three times to be exact. It was his way of telling you that it’s him. 

You threw the door open, an unhappy look on your face and had your arms across your chest with an eyebrow raised waiting for him to talk. 

He frowned seeing the expression on your face and shifted from one foot to the other as he tried to find the words he wanted to say to you. But he came up with nothing. Your eyes fall to your car behind his shoulder.

“ Thanks for dropping off my car” you break the silence between you two. He nods as his head raises a bit and eyes lock with yours. He didn’t like this silence that has fallen between the two of you. It was uncomfortable and he didn’t like it. 

“ You left with Billy Hargrove…” he started to say. Mentally he slapped himself for starting the conversation with that instead of asking how you were or if you were sick. 

“ Yeah, and what of it?” you shrugged. 

“ You know he’s not a good person” 

“ Neither are you, Munson” he winced when you used his last name in a sentence. You only used his last name when you were really pissed at him. It seems like you were. 

“ What did I do?” He asks. 

You scoffed, “ You lied to me, Eddie Munson. You were doing things on prom night when you were on a date with Chrissy Cunnigham. Does that ring a bell?” 

His eyes go wide and swallows the lump in his throat. How did you find out?

“ I bet you're wondering how I know. Your little girlfriend talks a lot” 

“ She’s not my girlfriend-” 

“ And I don’t care, are we done here?” you asked, ready to close the door on him. His lips go into a deep frown and his heart sinks to his stomach. 

“ I’ve told you I’m sorry about not taking you to prom…I am going to make it up to you.. I told you…” 

“ No you lied to me, you hurt me and you broke your promise Eddie.. I can’t forgive you.. Not now” He hung his head as he heavily sighed. 

“ I’ll go” he mumbles and turns around to walk. You threw him an umbrella that you had from your bag by the door. Even though he hurt you, you still cared about him and worried about him. He caught it in his hands when you called out to him. 

He had hoped you had something else to say to him and when he saw you gave him your umbrella, he had hope in his eyes. 

“ It’s not your concern who I hang out with, Eddie or whom I talk to. We’re not dating… good luck with Chrissy.” 

It was the last thing you told him before you closed the door for the night on him. 

It wasn’t until a couple of weeks later when you found out where your friendship stood with him. It was nothing. After that night, he didn’t glance at you. He rarely spoke to you. He didn’t even hang out with you anymore or offer you to smoke with him. 

Your friendship with him was sinking. 

All you saw was he was with her. But you were with him. He made you feel better. He made the pain feel easier. He made it all better with one smile, one laugh and one gesture. 

“ I don’t know what you see in him” you heard for the very first time his voice as he spoke to you. You looked around to see if he was talking to anyone else. But it was you. 

“ So we're on speaking terms again, are we?” you asked, closing your book. Eddie rolled his eyes as he sat next to you on the benches. 

“ You’ve seen him go to your own little world thinking he’s all rainbows in whatever you two have “ Eddie continued. 

“ I don’t believe I’ve asked your opinion” you mumbled about standing up and walking away. You didn’t need to hear anything from him. He hasn’t been a friend to you in a while now. 

“ You’re going to hear it whether you like it or not '' He chuckled. “ You don’t get to walk like your tough shit, sweetheart..” 

“ I’m not-” He shook his head, waving a finger in your face. 

“ You don’t get to just walk with his arm around you like you owe this school. I’ve got the girl who does. You’ve only been nothing but a joke in this school…” 

Your head snaps toward him, ready to slap him in the face if he needs it. It looks like he did because you have no idea who this is. Not Eddie anymore. Not the same person. 

“ How many times did you have to suck Hargrove off to get where you are today? He takes you to parties, he lets you drive his loud ass Camaro, you reek of him. I bet you he’ll give you some disease and knock you up. Then, what? Who are you going to come crawling to? Who-” 

He didn’t get to finish his sentence because you push him in between the bleachers as he falls. 

“ Fuck you, Eddie Munson” you spatted at him. Those were the last words you said to him. 

He regrets ever speaking to you like this. It wasn’t like him. But he was jealous that Billy Hargrove took you away from him. It wasn’t until graduation when he saw how happy you were with Billy. He watched Max fist bump her brother for graduating. You captured the moment on the camera, sneakily. 

Chrissy was forgotten and he stood wearing his cap and gown, holding back tears. He always thought that he’d graduate with you and the two of you would end the year.

But it was his fault. It wasn’t his year. It wasn’t both your years it seems. But to Eddie it felt like it was your year. 

When you turned to look at him to see him in the cap and gown, you almost cried. Even the two of you had a huge fall out and didn’t talk anymore, you were proud of him. You knew Wayne was proud of him. You sent him a small nod with a smile letting him know he did it, and you were happy for him. 

He sent the nod and smile back to you, but it turned into a frown when Billy wrapped his arms around you. Jealousy flared up at him as he sighed to himself before Dustin jumped on him and tackled him to the ground. 

Now, here you were years later, a mother and you were happy. You never really questioned your happiness. You always took care of your son and made sure he was happy. As long as he was happy, you were too. 

Eddie overlooked Billy who was having his own lunch. The two sat in silence as one gazed at the other with a sandwich in his hands. Billy could feel Eddie’s eyes on him. It was starting to annoy him but he didn’t say anything feeling like if he didn’t then Eddie wouldn’t speak to him. Billy knew that Eddie had questions. 

“ Are you two still together?” He asked. Billy stopped chewing the food he had in his mouth, sighing and dropped it on the plate. He didn’t look up at Eddie to know what look that Eddie had on his face. 

“ Why does it matter to you?” Billy asks, once he swallowed his food and looked up at Eddie. 

Eddie shrugged, “ I just thought she would leave Hawkins and move somewhere else…” 

Billy chuckled, “ She couldn’t. This is home, her mom is here. Daniel was born here… I’m here” Billy added the last part to see the reaction on Eddie’s face. Eddie scrunched up his nose and looked away from Billy. Not wanting to see how he feels through his eyes. 

Billy could read Eddie. They knew each other for quite some time. 

“ She doesn’t talk about you if that’s what you want to hear. She’s over it. She’s moved on, but she doesn’t want to even think you exist… not after what you had told her.. What you put through her…” 

“ What did I put her through?” Eddie glances back at Billy. 

“ You’ve only disappointed her and hurt her” 

“ No, I didn’t mean it. I was stupid back then, and it was a different time..” 

“ She was your best friend and you screwed it up..” 

Eddie nodded. 

“... Do you think she’ll talk to me? Ever?” 

“ I don’t know, you can try but I am not going to promise you anything, Munson. You’re on your own..” 

“ But man… I thought we were friends….” 

Billy stood up from his chair as he put the trash in the trash can and ran a hand through his hair. 

“ This is something between you and her… “ 

“ You never answered my question, Hargrove” 

“ Which is it?” 

“ Are you two still together?” 

“ What if we are? Billy’s eyebrow raised. 

“ That’s not your concern about what I do” Eddie says. 

Billy puts his hands on the table and leans forward, getting into Eddie’s face almost. 

“ If you do anything to hurt her, say something to hurt her or use my son as a way to your advantage.. You’ll be sorry.. “ Billy grumbles. “ I promise you.”