#he could've just taken him out to his usual restaurant

[sweetlullabyebye]

Why the hell did Seo In-woo want to eat at Dong-sik's family's restaurant

[lqfiles]

PAY THE PRICE — 47. no one but us

(wc: 2.589)

"you could've just knocked." you closed the door behind you, turning around to face donghyuck who was stood a few steps away, hands hidden in the pockets of his jacket. "or you could've just come out without questioning me." he rebutted, pursing his lips before scoffing out a laugh. the two of you made your way towards the lift, pressing the button to call it back up. "we're taking my car, by the way." donghyuck mentioned casually, entering the lift upon its arrival.

"i was gonna take public transport, but this is more convenient." you chuckled, leaning against the railing attached to the wall behind you. donghyuck was stood across you, both his hands holding onto the railing behind him. "i haven't taken public transport in ages, i'll pass on that." donghyuck grimaced and this time you scoffed out a laugh. "you're too grown to be picky about what transport you wanna take." you shook your head in disbelief, stepping out the lift and exiting the apartment complex, though your steps faltered some time later, letting donghyuck guide you to his car instead.

before you could reach the passenger seat, donghyuck reached ahead, opening the door for you in a swift motion. you looked up at him, taken aback by the kind gesture but sent him a grateful smile nonetheless. "thank you" you muttered, entering the passenger seat before donghyuck closed it behind you. after a few seconds, the driver's side opened and donghyuck slid in, starting up his car.

the first thing that caught your attention was the pleasant scent within the car. it felt fresh, yet warm at the same time. a strong hint of sweetness that had you wondering whether he had recently sprayed the inside or if his aroma was that strong. it reminded you of donghyuck, and you couldn't help but want to savour the smell for the time being.

you tried to ignore the way he placed his arm behind your headrest while reversing his car, his body slightly leaning into yours for a moment. you wanted to turn your head so badly, but a part of you was still too scared to be so bold with him. after all, you couldn't even admit to him that this was supposed to be a date, you just hoped he took his own suggestion serious the way you did.

the drive was comfortably silent, aside from the soft music donghyuck let you choose as background noise to entertain yourself with while his attention remained on the navigations to the restaurant. you arrived quickly, and the both of you stepped out the car, stepping towards the entrance of the restaurant instead.

donghyuck once again opened the door for you, letting you walk in before him and following this gesture up by pulling your chair out for you too. you couldn't contain the shy smile on your face at his continuous acts of kindness. he settled opposite you, taking off his jacket to reveal a plain black button up. it was nothing out of the ordinary, yet you couldn't help but think he put some effort into his appearance today. he seemed way more attractive than he usually did right now, or maybe you were just biased because of the occasion.

donghyuck thought the same thing, taking small glances at you, glances that you had yet to notice. you looked outstandingly beautiful tonight, and the thought of it being solely for a night with him made a wave of pride wash over him. "this food better be good." he joked, trying to divert his thoughts to something else.

you lightly rolled your eyes, already knowing what you wanted to get. "it will be. quit complaining." you assured him, waiting for him to finish choosing his order before calling the waiter over. "and if it's not, i want a refund. seriously."

"in your dreams." you replied back, and the both of you laughed. you knew the waiting time wasn't gonna be the quickest, yet it felt like time was nonexistent as you and donghyuck immersed in a conversation, one that you wish never ended. one that carried on as your food had arrived, not leaving any chance for an awkward silence to overtake the moment.

"why did mark bail on you anyways?" donghyuck asked, pausing his bite mid air. you stilled for a moment, not expecting him to even bring mark up in the first place, let alone wanting a reason behind mark's absence. "well.. he had family business to take care of." you quickly fabricated, stuffing your mouth with food to avoid having to elaborate any further.

luckily for you, donghyuck didn't question it much further, though the soft scoff leaving his nostrils didn't go unheard. "this meal is amazing." you changed topics, letting out a hum of satisfaction to emphasise your point. without any words, donghyuck slid his spoon onto your board, scooping out food from your plate before bringing it up to his mouth. "hello?" you asked, both bewildered and amused by his casual action.

donghyuck shrugged. "you said it was amazing, i wanted to taste it myself." he explained, returning to his own plate shortly after. it took you a moment to come up with a response, but you quickly decided to dig your own spoon into his plate too, reciprocating the action by taking some of his.

conversations continued between you two, even when both your plates were already finished. you just didn't want to put an end to the moment. donghyuck seemed into the conversation just as much as you were, and when you looked up for a split second to see him staring at you with a slight smile on his face, his full attention on nothing but you, you swore you felt your knees weaken.

your words came to a stop, and donghyuck hummed in confusion. "hm? why did you stop?" he asked, as if he wasn't aware of what he was doing. he most likely wasn't, but still. "stop staring." you mumbled out. donghyuck, seeing you try your hardest to avoid eye contact, chuckled in return. "what, can't handle it?"

"i can't, actually." you admitted, rolling your head. he laughed in response, and if you had access to donghyuck's inner thoughts, you'd be able to fully grasp how cute he found you at that moment.

"i will pay." donghyuck firmly stated. "well i don't want you to." you stated back, swiping your card over the machine held by the employee, finalising the payment transaction. after a short back and forth between the two of you with donghyuck insisting on paying for the both of you, you left the restaurant paying for your own meal like you intended. donghyuck however seemed very against your decision, it was evident from the way he held you back from entering into the passenger seat, the both of you standing beside the door instead.

"next time, i'm paying." donghyuck waited for an affirmation from you, one he wasn't going to get, unfortunately. "why would i when i can pay for myself?" you reasoned, deliberately ignoring the mention of a next time, though the thought of future plans fid stir a reaction from within you. "it's a gentleman thing to do, you know, paying for the ladies." donghyuck finally stepped aside, letting you enter the car.

you laughed, already settled into your seat as you watched donghyuck enter his seat. "do you pay for every girl you go out to eat with?" you humoured once he started the car. the same process of him placing his hand behind your headrest to reverse proceeded, except this time he halted for a moment, craning his head to look at you instead. "i haven't taken a girl out in years, actually. you're the first a while."

there was something about the casualty at which donghyuck delivered his words that made a cheesy grin form on your face that you hid by looking the other way, feeling overjoyed. a feeling that wouldn’t subdue for the rest of the ride.

it was 9pm when you and donghyuck found yourself at an ice scream shop, eyeing the multiple flavours on display for you to choose from.

"you like chocolate?" he asked, already having his order ready. you shook your head, still gazing down at the options. "no." you verbalised as donghyuck repeated his question, not having caught onto the small action. "i can't believe you do." you added on, deciding to go for a sweet mix of watermelon and strawberry flavours.

"don't hate until you tried it." he defended himself, placing his order and stepping aside to let you place yours. your order went through and the two workers started on each of the orders you placed. you thought of sitting down, but decided against it as you're sure it wouldn't take longer than a minute.

"there is a photo booth there." donghyuck pointed towards the corner of the shop, your head following the direction in which he gestured. "we should take pictures." he proposed, leaving your side for a moment to pick his order up. yours followed shortly after, and you paid for it before returning to your previous spot in the middle of the shop, contemplating his suggestion.

"you don't have to, but it would be fun." he convinced you, picking up on your silent hesitance. "no one but us will see this anyways." donghyuck added on, and it was the last push you needed to nod in agreement, following donghyuck towards the booth. no one but us, were you crazy, or was it strangely intimate?

it was cramped, your body practically on top of donghyuck's and you could feel your heart start to beat at an abnormal pace when your arm was basically squashed into his side. this was definitely growing intimate, and donghyuck subtly shuffled aside, attempting to create more space to calm both your nerves down. "lets do fun poses." he placed his ice cream away and leaned forward, fixing the mess his hair had become from the ongoing wind outside.

you decided to take your jacket off, something donghyuck copied upon seeing. fixing the lines in your clothes, you were ready, taking a quick bite from your ice cream before placing the cup away. "ready?" donghyuck asked, glancing at you to wait for your confirmation. you nodded, and donghyuck pressed the button, starting the shots.

the fun poses donghyuck had prepared were indeed fun, and you couldn't hold back your giggles upon seeing his weird antics. "pose!" he urged you with a nudge, and you complied, you complied with each shot taken, a blissful smile present on your face from the pure joy you felt.

there was something about being confined in a photo booth with donghyuck that caused a surge of emotions to burst within you. you felt happy. watching donghyuck scold you for not posing made you feel warm. observing the wide smile on his own face with each click the machine took made you awe. you were overwhelmed with a sudden affection for him at that moment, your body slowly heating up and feeling weak, because just being next to him made you feel the happiest you've been in a while.

you didn't even realise that you had been staring at him as the last shot got taken, not until donghyuck snapped you out of it. "you barely did any poses." he whined, handing you two copies of the polaroid pictures that were taken. he was right, aside from the smile on your face in each of them, you barely contributed to the fun poses.

"you didn't even look at the camera in the last one." he scolded you further, and he was right once again. your attention had solely been on donghyuck who wore a smug look in the shot, your own expression being one of delight.

matter of fact, your expression hadn't changed for the rest of the time you spent in the shop, finishing the ice cream each of you bought. you were so overcome with affection, show in the pictures each of you owned now, that you just couldn't help but be happy at this instance.

you liked donghyuck, a lot, you couldn't get over how much you had started to like him. you couldn't get over the fact that you were allowed to like him, openly at that. you're sure anyone passing by could point out the love you held for him.

"why are you staring like that... do you want my ice cream?" everyone, but donghyuck.

"its already eleven." you noted, having finally reached your apartment floor after your night out. donghyuck followed closely behind you, nodding his head in agreement. "it wasn't meant to take this long." donghyuck apologised and you two arrived at your front doors.

"for the record, the food was decent, so i won't ask for a refund this time." once again, the mention of another time didn't go unnoticed to you. and this time, you openly smiled at him. "you weren't getting it anyways." you scoffed in response.

"whatever. you should go inside, it's getting cold." his hands left the pockets of his jackets, pushing you by your shoulders to your front door. "and next time, don't ask mark to go because clearly-"

you've never wanted someone the way you wanted donghyuck. you couldn't imagine wanting someone the way you wanted donghyuck. you already realised this, yet every word and sign of care he displayed confirmed the realisation even more, and it was starting to hurt. you truly don't think you could've held this love you had for donghyuck in any longer, not when he was currently scolding your friend for ditching you.

"i like you." the words left your mouth before you could rethink your decision. donghyuck's rant stopped, leaving him paused mid sentence. "i really like you donghyuck, like, a lot. and i think today made me sure about it, and i just couldn't hold it in any longer because it's been bothering me for the longest now.” you rambled out without a breath.

your adrenaline was at an all time high, being able to feel your pulse in your throat and the realisation of your words dawned on you. you swore you could hear your heartbeat at that instance.

donghyuck, to your horror, remained frozen, his eyes widened in shock and you couldn’t tell if it was a look of horror or surprise. so you panicked. “sorry, i don’t know why i said this right now. just- goodnight.” you hastily muttered out, opening the door to your apartment before closing it just as quick. you didn’t even let him speak, too scared of what his response might have been.

there was no way he didn’t reciprocate the same feelings, right? or had you perhaps been overanalysing every action and words he has told you up until this point? you don’t think donghyuck didn’t like you, so why were you so scared?

“she likes me.” donghyuck repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. he was still stood in the halls of the apartment, his back leaning against the wall. despite saying it repeatedly, the words just didn’t seem to register within his mind. up until now, the thought of you liking him back was a mere hunch, something he didn’t want to dwell too much on, too scared of how it would potentially mess with his own feelings.

“she likes me..” donghyuck repeated one last time before entering his place, the words leaving an uneasy sinking feeling within his guts.

previous — master list — next

notes : bet you didn’t expect this… or maybe you did but trust the process guys mama lqfiles got this ❤️ also i only proofread this once sozzz if there are grammer errors

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[writing-fanics]

strawberry lemonade

Sanji x LuffyOlderSister!Reader

the waiter walked over the table holding the plate of bread, "Hi, welcome to our shitty restaurant where the only thing worse than the ambience is the food." He said annoyed, his hand stuffed into his pockets as he placed the plate of bread onto the table

“My name is Sanji. What can I get for you?” Sanji said, looking at the table his hand in his pockets.

Luffy grabbed the bread plate. "One of everything, please," he said. [Y/n] shook her head, smiling at her always-hungry little brother who could eat a whole buffet and still ask for seconds.

The waiter approached the table with a friendly smile and a suggestion: "May I interest you in one of our signature cocktails to elevate your dining experience?" As he spoke, [Y/n] swiftly and deftly took one of the warm rolls from the basket in the center of the table. Luffy was taken aback and protested with a playful "Hey!" [Y/n] responded by sticking out her tongue, teasingly. She then tore off a piece of the warm, crusty bread and popped it into her mouth, savoring the flavor.

As she looked up, her gaze met the waiter's. Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed his flirtatious smile. "My apologies, madam. I didn't see you there. Would you like to start with an apéritif?" he asked, still smiling at her.

Her face turned bright red. "We have some rare Micqueot vintages in stock," he said, trying to impress her. "Or maybe you'd prefer a glass of Umeshu?" He continued to stare at her, captivated by her beauty.

The moment he flashed a flirtatious smile, her heart raced like a horse galloping on a race track. He leaned towards her and whispered, "You know, something sweet for someone sweet," causing her cheeks to flush with a bright red hue, reminiscent of a freshly picked ripe strawberry. She couldn't explain why she felt so nervous around him all of a sudden, her heart pounding relentlessly against her chest as if it wanted to break free.

He watched her intently, his gaze unwavering as she averted her eyes and looked down. Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she fiddled with the gold Roger coin around her neck, a precious keepsake that Shanks had given her and Luffy when they were children.

He smiled at her and she looked up for a moment, smiling sheepishly as they locked eyes. Usopp clears his throat and says, "Waiter, can I get a beer and something for my friends?" He tells the waiter ordering the drinks, "Two beers. I usually have three, but…" He said,

"Water." Nami said looking at him.

„And a milk." Luffy interrupted, "Three beers and a milk. a water. And, uh, for madam?" Sanji asked, his gaze once again falling on [Y/n] looked up at him and blushed, "U-Um, I would strawberry lemonade and a cup of strawberries," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of shyness. He smiled at her and said, "Right away." just as he left to walk towards the kitchen.

[Y/n] hid her face in her shirt while the other crew members chuckled, Luffy looked towards his older sister playfully. "Y/n's gotta boyfriend," He teasingly said to her. "S-Shut up!" She whispered shouted, elbowing him in the arm before, as the Sanji brought out her drinks. He smiled, at her as he placed the strawberry lemonade in front of her, along with the side of strawberries. Sending her a wink as he did so, her heart almost seemed to stop and her soul could've left her body.

"Y/n's gotta boy-" [Y/n] grabbed some meat on a stick, and shoved it into her brother's mouth silencing him.

[eclipsedechoesofmywords]

"Do You Want to Dance Too?"

[Bucky Barnes x fem!reader]

Masterlist

Summary: After a very rare date with your boyfriend, it starts to rain and you two find yourselves stuck in a cafe with no way to get home without being soaked.

Warnings: none! Just fluff

Word Count: 1.1k words

(A/n: First attempt at a fanfic. I thought about this when I was trying to sleep and I really wanted to write it down.)

You curse under your breath as James and you quickly run to the small cafe at the end of the empty street. The rain started just a few moments ago, so it wasn't bad now, but you had a feeling it would only get worse.

You finally make it through the door, only slightly wet.

"Nice end to the day," he mumbles, clearly unhappy.

You sigh and take a seat at your usual table when Ella, a good friend of yours, pops up behind the counter.

"Well, this is a surprise," the barista says. "Thought I was finally going to be able to go through the whole day without you showing up."

"Ha ha," you muse, "Get us some hot chocolate."

She rolls her eyes but goes to make the order nonetheless.

James takes a seat next to you, glaring out the window as if that would stop the rain. The rain didn't take kindly to that as it starts a downpour, confirming your earlier suspicion.

He grumbles, and you take his hand in yours.

"Tonight was nice," you say gently.

"It could've been better."

You shake your head, "You can't control the weather, love."

But you could understand his frustration. You rarely got to spend much time together as it was.

You usually only see each other at night but by then are too exhausted to do anything other than eat and sleep.

James and you had started dating a few months ago, but you had known each other for years before then. You used to be an Avenger, but you quit after Steve left. First, it had been out of grief from your best friends; then it changed to you not wanting that kind of life anymore.

James was still very much in it—he was a soldier first, after all—and, as long as he didn't get himself killed, you were okay with that.

You unconsciously trace a small scar on his palm as Ella brings you the hot cocoas.

"Okay, here's the deal," she starts, "I have to close up in 45 minutes. You guys can stay to try to wait the rain out."

"Do you at least have an umbrella we can borrow?" you ask.

"Nope. I even gave mine to an old lady."

"And you can't let us stay?"

"Nada."

It's your turn to grumble, "Fine."

Ella shrugs, "I need to clean up," she says before making her leave.

James is still glaring out of the window when he suddenly turns his stare on you.

"This is why we should've taken the car," he concludes.

You are taken aback, "So it's my fault for suggesting that we walk for 20 minutes to the restaurant?"

"Guess so."

You scoff, "You are on very thin ice here, Barnes."

He raises an eyebrow, "Are you threatening me?"

"Guess so," you mimic.

"What are you going to do?" he asks, amused.

"Do you want to sleep on the couch?"

He scoffs at your threat but doesn't say anything else.

Smart man.

You sip your hot cocoas in silence.

Then, suddenly, you're laughing. James looks at you with an amused grin.

"I can make you sleep on the couch," you say, still giggling.

You poke his chest, and he starts laughing too.

"I know you can, dear. I know you can."

He grabs your chin with his right hand, tilting your head so you look him directly in the eye.

"What would I do without you?" he wonders out loud.

"It's too awful to think about," you joke.

He laughs again before pressing his lips against yours.

You sigh in the kiss. It's difficult to think you were once distrusting of the super soldier you had grown to love. Now you trusted him with everything you had and more.

It took a long time for you to see the ex-Winter Soldier's true nature. His gentle, shy yet annoyingly protective nature.

Too long.

He breaks off the kiss with a small smile.

"We should finish the hot cocoa before it gets cold," James suggests.

"Hot cocoa is more important than kissing your girlfriend?" you pout.

He shrugs, "It's good hot chocolate."

You don't deny his statement.

It's your turn to look out of the window. As rain bangs on the roof and glass of the small cafe, it seems to play out a rather aggressive tune. You don't like when it rains. It brings back rather painful memories, but you've learned that countering the bad memories with good ones helps make peace with the pain caused in a moment.

That gives you an idea.

"Do you want to sprint for it now?" you ask randomly.

The super soldier nearly spits out his cocoa, "What?"

"It's probably only gonna get worse, and we are going to have to eventually."

"Do you want to dance too?" he says sarcastically.

Your eyes light up at the idea, "Can we?"

James' eyes widen, "I meant it as a joke."

"But why not? It's as cliche as dancing in the apartment," you point out, "Besides, it'll be fun."

He shakes his head, "We are not dancing in the rain."

"But—"

"It's way too cold, and the last time you got sick, you couldn't get out of bed for a week."

You try to hide your wince by pouting, "Fine. No dancing."

He sighs, "But maybe we should go soon. It does look like it's going to get worse."

"So let's go then."

~~~

"Wait up!"

James' voice is nearly lost in the rain. You keep running, knowing full well he could catch up with you within a minute.

Or maybe he couldn't. You are pretty fast.

You laugh into the wind, your mouth filling with water as the painfully large raindrops hit your face.

You sprint in the direction you think is your house and try to calm the leather jacket that James gave you by wrapping it around your torso.

While doing so, you accidentally stumble on your feet and go flying forward.

Strong arms wrap around you within a moment, one made out of a now freezing metal.

"I got you," Bucky assures, "I got you."

You hear him loud and clear now despite his voice barely being above a whisper. The drumming of rain seems like an irrelevant background noise.

You turn to him, grinning like an idiot. His hair is stuck to his face. He shakes his head at you but is unable to hide his own smile.

No words need to be exchanged in the moment as his hands rest on your waist, and your arms loop around his neck.

You look at James with possibly all the love you hold and softly press your lips against his. It is easy to forget everything with him, even easier to forget the bad things.

He puts his arm on your neck and pulls away. "You're going to get sick."

"I've accepted it," you confess quickly, chasing his lips.

He shakes his head again but lets you kiss him regardless.

You got sick for a week afterward, but it was well worth it. Especially when you had James looking after you.

[reds-writings]

souls further entwined

(pairing: rust cohle x fem!reader)

a/n: finally an update for these two! sorry to keep you waiting! I've got a lot of life changes in the works so updates might come a little slower over the next few months depending but i hope this tides y'all over for a bit! this takes place sometime after if only tonight we could sleep

word count: roughly 2.5k

warnings: (PLEASE LOOK BEFORE CONTINUING) discussions of abortion, child loss, forced/unsafe medical procedures, bad family situations, angst angst, cursing, semi-not-so-smut at the end, minors avert your gaze or else!!

The hidden gem of a restaurant that Rust had brought you to somewhere in the French Quarter was rather nice with its live jazz band playing in the corner and lavish decor. The tinkering of silverware layered on top of the low rumblings of fellow diners did what it could to fill the void of silence that had long settled between you and the man sitting adjacent. He had spontaneously asked you– well more like told you to go out with him tonight. Something about wanting to do things right once and for all after all this tiptoeing around.  The whole notion had taken you off guard, admittedly.

You’d been buzzing so bright leading up to tonight that you could've probably put a lightning bug to shame. He’d asked you on a real date. A step forward from the semi-clandestine meetings you’d both been settling on for far too long now. It was unlike him to outwardly admit to much but you doubted it was a wide occurrence that he’d take a girl on a date just because he was bored. This had meaning.

With that thought swirling in mind, you’d found your best dress and took what constituted as way too long of a pampering shower to best prepare for a promising night out with the man you'd become so deeply enamored with. It wasn’t often you got to get all prettied up for some fun given that work always managed to swallow you whole. 

God you’d been so excited. 

From the time you’d gotten into Rust’s Ford up until you’d sat down to eat he had yet to utter a single word to you. Hell, he’d hardly even managed to look at you either and it was starting to cause a distasteful rock that went by the name of dread to sink lower and lower in your gut. 

Dexterous fingers stayed picking at the table cloth as a form of lengthy distraction and you fought the bubbling urge to snatch his hand and demand what gives. It wasn’t hard to miss the anxiety bleeding from his form with those tense shoulders and that telltale faraway look in his eyes. You didn’t want to continue the cycle of jumping to conclusions when it came to the routine lack of forthcoming involving his more vulnerable thoughts out of insecurity so you bit the bullet,

“Y’know…usually on a date there’s a bit more talkin;. Maybe startin’ with questions like ‘what’s your favorite color’-- it’s blue by the way, or ‘where’d you get that lovely dress’. Could also do with lookin’ a little less green in the gills.”

That got him to stop fidgeting but a response was not yet prompted. You sighed and looked down at the vibrant cloth napkin in your lap,

“If you’re startin’ to regret this we can just forget about it and head back-”

“I don’t know if I can be what you need.” He all but blurted and it had your head shooting back up in suprise.

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t…I don’t find myself being suited for marriage like before. I can’t give you kids because I don’t think it’s right-”

“Wait a minute just-...slow your roll for a second.” Your mind was going a mile a minute at his frank outburst and you were having trouble pinpointing just where it all came from. 

“First of all, I don’t necessarily need the promise of marriage to feel fulfilled. I’m about to hit 30 soon enough and I’ve supplied plenty for myself that I'm not sure some flimsy marriage papers can add on to. I’m not just sayin’ all this to make you feel better either so don’t go down that route.” You were tenderly stern in your delivery to make sure what you were saying was actually sticking without sounding offended.

All he could give was a slight nod as the tip of his thumb came to his mouth: a nervous tic.

“Secondly…” You cleared your throat slightly and gave yourself a moment of pause. The latter concern wasn’t that of an easy subject. For either of you. Besides your family and probably Marty, not many knew of your reality when it came to the idea of starting a family. 

“I can’t have children. So that wouldn’t even be on the table to begin with I suppose.” 

That seemed to stun Rust. His expression working out how, what, and when this came to be. You cleared your throat again. Talking about it was never easy no matter how much time passed.

“The gist of it is…well I got knocked up when I was sixteen. Total accident, shocker. And um…my pa didn't approve. Not one bit, bein’ the respectable county figure he was as a seasoned lawyer n' all.” 

Your sinuses began to sting but you willed away any threat of tears as you tried to explain. Rust didn't say a word, his expression hardening minutely with a knowing sense of where this was headed.

“I didn’t wanna listen. I was scared of course but the boy I was foolin’ around with at the time was nice and had a family who wanted to be involved so that was enough for me. My uppity family could shove it for all I cared,” You scoffed wryly but continued, “But pa was adamant. He couldn’t have some little whore of daughter muckin’ things up but we were a church family so abortion was obviously out of the question. At least one would think that was the case,” 

“Long story short he dragged me to some back alley clinic where things would be kept under wraps. They fuckin’ botched it of course and made me sterile. Didn’t really know how bad it was until another loss and a visit with the doctor after trying with a serious boyfriend some time ago…” You shrugged as you fiddled with your unused silverware. You hadn’t spoken with your family since then. Letting you be mutilated for the sake of preserving a frivolous public image was a hard thing to let go of.

You remember how sick you were afterward. Infection from the procedure and a decent amount of blood loss, go figure. You only recall the house's maids nursing you back.

Your pa had never been able to look you in the eye again. Your mama just pretended nothing had ever happened the way it did.

Sometimes your mind had the habit of taking a dark turn every now and then, wondering if they would’ve felt any remorse if their forced course of action ended up actually killing you. With a selfishness like they had you couldn't help but doubt it. 

They had always taken more pride in your sister anyway. 

“So yeah…you don’t have to worry about the possibility of kids when it comes to me. It’s not like with our line of work it’d be much of a good idea anyway. Marty’s a prime example I'd reckon.” Your laugh was brittle in a weak attempt to lift the heavy weight you felt like you’d set over the mood. 

Rust’s large hand reached over to encase your shaking one to garner your attention. Looking up you weren’t met with pity or disgust, but with recognition. One shared in the experience of grief. Of having something meant to be so precious ripped from you in the cruelest of ways. He didn’t feel sorry for you. He understood you. More than anyone else had or could. 

“You’re enough for me, Rust. I don’t know if you’ve noticed by now but there’s not much you can do to send me runnin’ for the hills. I like you as you are and I don’t need more. I wouldn’t expect you to change your mind over somethin’ like that anyway. It just wouldn’t be fair to ask.” His eyes glazed over at your words and he had to let go of the troubled breath he’d been holding. He brought your hand to his lips and kept them there as an unspoken thank you. 

After a moment or two he set your hand back on the tabletop, still grasped in his. 

“How about we find some shitty dive and let loose over there. This place is startin’ to feel a lil’ too stuffy for me.” Your light-hearted jab made the corner of his lips quirk up before he nodded,

“Yes, ma'am.” 

—

After a relaxing drive accompanied by the tunes of Willie Nelson in search of a dive bar that was sufficient enough, the ice from all the worries of earlier had melted as fast as they had formed. The establishment you ended up coming across was a more than welcome change of pace compared to that of the restaurant (as lovely as it was). It wasn’t big by any means but there was room to dance and plenty of open spots to sit around and drink. 

You looped your arm through his and leaned into his side as you made your way to settle down. There wasn’t enough time or clarity earlier to truly appreciate just how good he looked for the occasion but now you had all the time in the world to shamelessly ogle.

He’d donned a black dress shirt, forgoing a tie and leaving a few buttons undone in a way that had you feeling dizzy, as well as a nice fitting pair of jeans that had plenty of passersby’s eyes glued to his shapely form.

“The ladies of Louisiana might just beat me up for a chance with you. If your face ain’t motivation enough your ass surely will be.” You nudged him and he shook his head mirthfully. 

“One would say jealousy is unbecoming.”

“Who said anythin’ about jealousy? I’ve earned my stake in claimin’ you as eye candy fair and square. They can try all they want but they were just too slow to the draw.”

“With your pension for being scrappy, I’d say they wouldn’t have much of a chance to begin with.” 

“Gee, is that the only reason they don’t stand a chance?” You quirked a brow. You knew the answer but pestering him to fess up hardly ever got you far. 

“What d’ya wanna drink, Miss Envy.” He drawled, not one to fall into your traps so easily and you flicked him with narrowed eyes.

“Last time I checked my name don’t even come close to rhymin’ with envy so you can quit with that.” 

The shithead just smirked.

“I’ll take a jack and coke. Now run along.” You waved him away and he just shook his head. In his short absence you’d found a high top and decided to claim as your territory for the night. The music was clearer over this way and your heart jumped at the beginning notes of Fleetwood Mac’s Beautiful Child.

Upon his return, Rust had hardly been able to set the drinks down before you were grabbing at him to park yourselves out on the dancefloor. A few other couples were swaying in place so you figured it wouldn’t be all that awkward to steal a moment for yourselves.

It was strange, being able to be so open in your affections without the curious eyes of Marty or anyone else from the precinct to make judgments. You could just be yourselves. It was a breath of fresh air after all this time.

As the song gained momentum, you wrapped your arms around his neck, toying with the hairs at his nape while his strong ones made home around your waist to pull you in closer. A small spark of pride lit up your chest at him being able to be this comfortable with you.

As you rested your head along the expanse of his chest you felt the feather-light stamp of his kiss at your crown. The tenderness of the simple act almost had you turning into one hell of a mush puddle. You settled on burrowing deeper if that were any more possible as Stevie sang on. Fighting the effect he had on you was always going to be a losing battle. 

You wouldn’t trade this moment for a damned thing. 

—

It was nearing almost three in the morning by the time you arrived back home. Your mind had been pleasantly warmed by the drinks and all the dancing. Rust even seemed to have a newfound glow to him and it was triggering something innately carnal in you. 

Taking an opportunity from the pocket of silence, you scooted along the Ford’s bench seat to make a place for yourself along his lap. 

The relaxed daze displayed across his features was something you’d never had the pleasure of seeing before. It was nothing like the faraway trance he’d trap himself in with all the pills and whatnot in fruitless efforts of chasing undisturbed sleep. No, this was true content. 

“I had a good time.” You didn’t mean to sound so coy but it couldn’t be helped as your hands crept up to frame his fine face.

“That’s good. I’m glad.” He hummed as he took in every feature your beautiful face had to offer. It was like striking gold. Especially in this expansive wasteland of a state.

“When we get a chance we should do it again. S’nice to go out…feel normal…” Hair lying in his line of light distracted you as you moved it out of the way with a gentle sweep. The truck’s cab could probably burst with the steadily increasing tension so you did what any normal woman would do with such a man in front of them and kissed him with all you had. 

It started out syrupy and languid as if you had all the time in the world to be out macking in the car like a pair of careless teenagers. Your skin hummed like a live wire at his sudden grasp on the plush fat of your hips which served as the green light to go further. 

Your delicate fingers carded through his soft waves as the muscle of his tongue took dominance over the kiss. A meek whimper cracked within your throat as you tried to keep up with what little oxygen you had remaining. When Rust kissed, it was all-consuming. It was no act he took passively when it came to you which had been made crystal clear to you by now. With each pass of his wet-hot caress, you could feel everything he wanted to say to you without complication of expression through words. 

His mouth traveled across the apple of your cheek down the expanse of your neck, nipping and sucking with such lax reverence it had you arching as if you could fuse your ribs with his. Souls to be permanently intertwined.

With a starting grind of your hips that your body had no willpower to control you could feel him hardening with each intensifying roll. His choked moan had you remembering where you were and you’d be damned if your first actual night with him was in this old, damned truck right outside your house. 

“D’ya wanna take this inside?” You offered in a breathless huff, trying to catch your breath in vain. You’re sure that even in the dark of the truck’s cabin the heat of your face could set the whole space aglow. He nipped at your bottom lip and soothed it with another peck,

“I would.”

The sudden tangle of limbs clambering to make haste towards the beacon of your front door would’ve been downright hysterical had you any hubris. 

a/n: sorry to blue ball you lmao. I HOPE THIS WASN'T CRINGE AHHHHH. i'll probably come back and edit this later. feedback is always appreciated!

[theunholybastard]

Kinktober: October 25th - Food Play (Papa Emeritus II x TransMasc!Reader)

IM SORRRYYYYYYYY about the not on time updates ! I would be doing so much better at this if I didn't have the damn flu 😭🙏 The missing days WILL all come before November, just unfortunately late </3 Hang in there !!!

Tags: Established Relationship, Minimal AFAB Language Used, Food-Play, Nipple Sucking, Cunilingus, Blowjobs, Cum-Shot, 2nd Person POV

Secondo had something special planned tonight for your anniversary. You expected something big and extravagant, like going out to some ridiculously priced restaurant and having him fill you up on expensive wines and cheeses, like what he usually does for your date nights. But tonight, he insisted on something more subtle, intimate. You were thankful for that, as much as you loved your usual outings. You really weren't feeling like getting drunk in public and spilling wine on yet another one of your suits.

He had made you dinner at your house. You knew whatever he cooked was going to be better than any fancy restaurant he could've potentially taken you to. He was a God when it came to cooking. The table was set, the room was lit with candles, your favorite music was playing softly on a record, and the meal was still steaming as it was being placed on your plate by yours truly. There were multiple courses, each one more delicious than the last. You knew he was intent on stuffing you to the brim, but this isn't what you thought he meant. Not complaining though.

You were already getting full, but your taste buds were screaming at you to continue, both because it tasted divine and you wanted to please Secondo. Just when you were reaching for another helping of carbonara, Secondo put a hand over yours. "Don't fill up too much now, you must save room for dessert."

"Oh, there's an actual dessert? I just thought that was a euphemism for your cock." You quipped, taking a sip of your wine to cleanse your palette.

"That too," He laughed. "But there is an actual sweet treat prepared for you, dolcezza. Would you like it now?" As bountiful as the feast he prepared for you was, your stomach was begging you to get it over with before it explodes. You decided to trust your gut, literally. You nod, and he eagerly stands up to go get it. He places the small plate in front of you; tiramisu. A relatively easy dish to conjure up, so it's not like he pushed himself with this one, but still a classic, flavored with a dash of coffee liqueur just how he likes.

You usually liked to drizzle a soft chocolate sauce on top, and tonight he allowed you no exception, setting a bottle beside you. "Help yourself, amore mio." He offered. "I don't want to overdo it and ruin your dessert." You obliged, squeezing the bottle over it in a way you thought was gentle, but apparently not gentle enough. Chocolate sauce splattered all over the plate, and a little on your cheek, the bottle making an embarrassing fart sound doing so.

"You're supposed to shake the bottle first, amore." Secondo chuckled, holding back a particularly hearty laugh to not make you feel any more embarrassed.

"I know that now." You frown.

"Oh, my poor boy." Secondo cooed, approaching you with a twinkle in his eyes. He eyed the chocolate dripping down your cheek. "Let me get that for you." He purrs lowly, dipping his head down to slowly lick the sauce off your cheek. You shiver at the feeling, but just as the arousal shot through you, it was over, pulling away and returning to his seat. "Eat up, dear." He says innocently.

With your hand shaking, you pick up your fork, digging in and taking a small bite. It was delicious, the soft, spongey tenderness of the cake held a taste that was bold and bittersweet, mixed with a sweet creaminess. The alcohol gave it a different kind of warmth. But you could hardly focus on the taste, not with Secondo staring at you like you were his next meal. You have another bite, then another. You don't even get halfway though before you slam your fork on the table impatiently.

"Let me cut to the chase. Are you gonna fuck me or not?" You spit, the tension too much to handle. Secondo grins mischievously. "Is that what you want?" He quirks a brow. This dickhead knows what he's doing. "Well... then meet me in the bedroom. And bring the chocolate sauce." He winks suggestively, voice low and seductive, walking off. Another shiver went up your spine.

Impossibly quick, you shot up and rushed to the bedroom where he was, holding zero composure, stopping only to grab the chocolate sauce you almost forgot. Arriving at your destination, you realized he brought some things with him too. Whipped cream, peaches in a basket, the whole nine yards. Now I know why he wanted to dine alone. Who knows how long he must've been thinking of trying this shit, watching you eat at those fancy restaurants, spilling and making a mess of yourself must've gotten him all worked up.

You speedily unbutton your dress shirt, imperative to not stain yet another article of white clothing. Secondo has already unclothed, half hard cock resting on his thigh, twitching appreciatively the more you strip for him. "Why don't you get on the bed so I can worship you, mio amato?" Secondo sighs, stroking himself lazily, his length growing steadily. Of course you instantly plop down on the bed, legs spread and ready for him.

Normally, he would delve into your cunt as soon as he possibly could, but he held a cocky smirk, inching down painfully slowly. Just when you thought you'd finally feel his tongue on you, your eyes shut tight in suspense, you felt a cool dripping of some sort of creamy liquid on your lower bits. You open your eyes in confusion and could not believe the audacity of this man.

The fucking chocolate sauce.

He squirted chocolate sauce on your fucking clit.

Finally, his mouth is on you, pulling away the laugh that was bubbling in your throat and replacing it with a moan, licking you clean of the chocolate. Even after a three course meal, he ate you like he was starved, slurping and sucking like you were his life line. Your orgasm was already building up, limbs tightening and stomach in knots, a knot ready to come undone. It's like he was sucking the soul out of you.

You came, hard and rough, your body feeling heavy and boneless. Still, you needed more, just a little more. You needed him, in any way, in any hole. The frustration is unbearable. He lapped up your arousal, savoring the taste somehow more than you savored any of his dishes. When he came back up, you expected him to pull you in for a kiss like he always does, but he hesitated, pulling out a ripe peach from the basket at the bedside. "Bite into it." He commanded. "I want to taste your mouth in a state even sweeter."

You bit into the plump peach, juices dripping down the front of your chest unabashedly. He watches with wide, hungry eyes, licking his lips at the sinful sight. The moment you swallow, he's on you, knocking the rest of the poor peach to the ground. Such a shame, that was a damn good peach. His tongue fought yours violently, something that is usually classic foreplay for him, but this time you suspect it's just to get as much taste as possible. Still not a bother to you at all regardless.

He pulls away from the kiss, strings of saliva connecting your mouths from the passionate encounter. He dips his head down, laving the leftover juices that ran down your chest. He uses the opportunity from cleaning you up to take one of your nipples into his mouth, swirling over the sensitive bud, alternating between sucking and biting. You writhe underneath him, fingers digging into his biceps, fighting desperately to keep yourself grounded. His mouth works wonders everywhere.

You feel his cock throb against your thigh, and have a wicked idea. While he continues to work on your nipples, distracted, it doesn't take much force to push him off of you, flipping so now you're on top. He smiles, enjoying the change in dynamics, excited to see where you were going. "You like playing with your food?" You tease in a sing-songy voice, taking out the whipped cream. He knew where this was headed. "Now it's my turn."

You spray some in your mouth at first, just for shits and giggles, before spraying some on the tip of his dick, which stood tall and proud, ready for you. Secondo laughs, definitely tipsy from the wine, way more entertained by this than he should be. You dip down and lick it off, slow and sensual. That make him suck back his laughter real quick, a deep pleasurable sigh escaping his lips. He lets his head fall back on the headboard, relaxing. You swirl your tongue around, the cool sweetness of the cream mixed with the heaty, savory taste of his manhood intoxicating.

His mouth hung in a perfect 'O' shape, brows furrowed, the pleasure overwhelming. "Cazzo..." He mutters under his breath. You inhaled him deeper, hollowing your cheeks in order to take him all the way. It was when your hand came to play with his balls that he felt his own orgasm approaching rather quickly. "Ah-! Amore..." His voice faltered in warning, breathing picking up. You removed yourself from his cock, finishing him up with your hand furiously jerking him.

He whined in protest at the lack of your perfect, tight mouth, but he quickly finished, cum spurting from him and all over his hairy stomach, catching on his abs and pooling in his bellybutton. As he came down, he looked down at you, dazed and still fueld with desire. "I'll give you a proper fucking soon enough," he huffed exasperatedly. "O-once I recover..." You smiled and nodded, happy to bounce on his cock the second your sensitive hole stops throbbing.

He sighed and pulled you close, sweat dampened bodies intertwined. He leaned in to your ear. "Caro, can I ask you a question?" He muttered. You stirred slightly, humming to show your interest. "You know I would never complain about such a thing, but I was simply wondering... why didn't you swallow? You usually do." You snickered.

"I'm full."

-

[bcacstuff]

Ok so my take is it's some kind of meeting, interview, getting to know you, whatever you wanna call it. His body language is screaming I'm here I'm listening like he does in interviews, the focused look down, his phone on the table suggests not a date at all he usually has it in his jeans pocket, she has a laptop or something in front of her which idk any date that brings that. This could've been right at the start, no drinks on the table. Still acquainting with each other.

She's not dressed as a young girl in LA on a first or second date, their legs are also not touching as another blogger is trying to suggest, he's actually clearly keeping his away from hers by crossing his legs, and just because that trash site posted she's identified but not public person means nothing. They clearly state they don't post all actual facts. It's whatever people send them. Could be someone said it to stir up more discussion. Honestly everything lately from him has felt like a scream for attention. For a bit of discussion about him. To make him seem a little more important than he is. Even the cinema post. Who on earth would randomly spot him if not organised by publicity??? This entire LA trip has felt like all PR. And maybe she's an interviewer who doesn't want to be put out there maybe they aren't gonna throw her under the bus but want people talking (when I say they I mean Sam's PR people)

You know Anon, I just sit here and most of the time shake my head over all the Anons in my inbox as well as all the 'suggestions' and 'maybes' in the comments.

People jumping to conclusions, people saying things they read somewhere else and make it sound like it is already a fact...

Seriously, where one sees he's smiling and having a good time with 'his date' the next one is claiming their legs are close together and people that do business or have an interview don't sit that close together... the other side sees nothing romantic and it must be business or an interview. And people get all worked up...

I just had my laughs last night, when the pic was posted by DM. Firstly because obviously no flight to catch after his TCA appearance as some blogger claimed she knew from her 'sources'... and I don't see that blogger addressing that in her next posts!

Secondly, all the ones claiming he was sitting behind Ashley in Washington at the rugby game. Do people fail to see how that SS cap was clearly photoshopped on the woman's head? 🤦‍♀️

And when I post he's still in LA, I get a shitload of Anons saying how would I know, well... because I use logic. Plain and simply logic. If I post things, I checked things, otherwise I wouldn't post it. But it seems some people are so terribly suspicious that they need evidence and proof for all, yet at the same time they seem to believe everything posted elsewhere without any shred of evidence.... even the weirdest narrative is taken for granted, rather than wait and see if there wil be more info, and if not so what, do we always need some explanation for everything? Or can we live with, we don't need to know every bloody detail? Oh and btw. he's still in LA today, so the ones claiming he's back in Glasgow... without any evidence and logic, sorry.... stop throwing things out there you would like to see, just see what really happens. You just get embarrassed all the time that when more details and facts surface.

Anyway, back to your summary of events. I agree, it looks like they just arrived, given there are no drinks on the table, just the 'fancy chips' they serve at that Beach restaurant at Shutters on the Beach.

No drinks (yet) on the table, or anything else for that matter, just his sunnies, his phone in front of him and in front of her something that looks like a tablet or laptop

So yes, I agree, if that is a laptop or tablet, that's not what you would bring a date. It gives me a bit the idea of the pics in NYC with the journo of Departures.

But then again, we do not know who the woman is. And there is no easy way to find out, as to me, she looks like millions of other blonde women. That said, the names now thrown out thus far, I don't think any of them match. And to the Anon thinking Ava as she was at the screening of Cinespia as well, please, the woman has tattoos all over her arms...

The pics are quite clear though, so it suggests someone close by took them, not even grainy or vague. Would they not have seen that a pic was taken? 🤷‍♀️

And as long as there are no other details known, I just keep all options open. I can lean more to one or another option, but I rather wait and see if there will be more known in the future. (just see how we found out about Lauren in NYC a year later!)

So that's what I do right now. If you want to do else, have a firm opinion about something, that's totally on you. What I do care for is that you don't come to me later on claiming I said this or that, or another blogger said this or that. I wont entertain that.

PS. I don't like to post the same things over and over again, when there is nothing new or more info about it. So don't expect countless posts about the woman, about who he was with at the screening on Saturday. If I find anything more, you always know I post it with the proof.

[bi-bard]

Breakfast - Graham Dunne Imagine [Daisy Jones & the Six]

Title: Breakfast

Pairing: Graham Dunne X Reader

Word Count: 1,353 words

Warning(s): none

Summary: After getting (Y/n)'s number, Graham feels like he's taken a huge step forward for the band... and maybe himself.

Author's Note: I could do a third part to this.

Also, what Diasy Jones & the Six characters do y'all want me to write for?

PART ONE [Flirting] HERE

PART THREE [The Show] HERE

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

In all honesty, after I met Graham Dunne, I expected him to get too drunk to remember I had given him my number, never mind remember why he was supposed to call.

I was mistaken.

It was early in my day. I was just about to settle in when the call came through.

"Hello," I said.

"Hi... um... My name is Graham," I recognized the voice immediately. Annoying honestly. I shouldn't have been thinking about him enough for that to happen. "Grahm Dunne, I mean. You gave me your number last night."

"I did," I confirmed. "Good morning, Graham Dunne."

"Good morning," he let out a chuckle on the other end of the phone. "You told me to call you and then we could meet for breakfast."

I felt the grin pulling at the corner of my lips before I could stop it. "I did. Do you have some paper and a pencil?"

"Um, yeah, paper and pencil, one sec," I could've sworn that I heard him snapping his fingers at somebody. "I'm ready."

I rattled off an address and a name. "Got it?"

"Uh, yeah, yeah, I got it," he replied.

"Meet me there in... an hour? Just about?"

"Yeah, absolutely, I'll be there."

"See you soon, Graham Dunne."

"You- You can just call me Graham."

"Not as much fun," I shrugged even though he couldn't see me. "See you soon."

"You too," his voice almost sounded like a mutter.

I hung up the phone soon after, going to grab my stuff and make sure that my schedule got moved around in the exact way that it needed to.

"Why are you doing this," the woman at the desk asked. "Meeting with him?"

"Curiosity," I replied. "For the first time in a while, I am curious about what a

A smirk formed on her face.

"What?"

"That smile says more than curious."

I scoffed. "Well then."

She just chuckled. "Sorry, I'm observant."

I nodded, letting out a very sarcastic 'uh-huh' as I did so.

"You'll tell me about what happens, right," she asked.

"There's not gonna be much to tell."

"You say that now..."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll see you later."

"You too," she waved to me as I walked out.

Graham was waiting outside when I made it to the restaurant. He waved awkwardly as I walked over to him.

"Morning," I said.

"Morning," he replied, a clearly nervous grin on his face. I found it sweet.

There was a short, awkward pause before he seemed to snap out of some kind of trance. He rushed over to the door, holding it open to the door.

"Thank you," I grinned, walking past him.

"Hello, (Y/n)."

"Hello, darling," I greeted the usual host with a kind smile. "How are you?"

"I'm doing very well, thank you," she nodded. "How are you?"

"I only know work."

It was the same response that I always gave her. It must sound so fake and rehearsed by now. I hated the deep pull in my chest to apologize for being such an annoyance.

"Dining with a guest?" she motioned at Graham behind me.

"Yes, I am," I nodded. "Got room for us?"

"Always."

We followed close behind her. She sat us in a booth toward the back corner, laying two menus in front of us before going to grab two waters.

"You eat here a lot," Graham asked.

I nodded. "It's close and food's good."

"Nice."

I bit my lip, wanting to chuckle at him. I just didn't want to make him feel embarrassed.

It wasn't until our food arrived that I decided to ask him about the whole reason he had spoken to me in the first place.

"So, tell me about that gig of yours," I said, relaxing a bit further into the booth.

"Well, um, we play on the strip."

I nodded. "That's something. Where?"

He paused for a moment.

"If you want me to review your band, I'm gonna need to know where to watch you," I added. It was meant to be a somewhat veiled form of comfort.

"Filthy McNasty's," he muttered. "But we've got a crowd there. People like us, they like what we do-"

"Hey, breathe," I motioned for him to slow down and stop rambling. "No need to be embarrassed. We all have to start somewhere. Sounds like your start out here was luckier than quite a few others."

He nodded again.

"You guys play tonight?"

"Yeah," he replied.

"Time?"

He rattled off the time that they were going to start playing. I nodded. It would work with my work schedule. Convenient.

"I- I was going to save a seat for you," Graham explained. "Like a table all to yourself."

"Special treatment?"

"Politeness," he corrected. That made a strange feeling pull at my chest. "Thought it'd be hard to take notes when stuck in a crowd full of people."

"I see," I said. "Just a thoughtful guy?"

"I try my best."

I hummed. "I'll go."

"Really?"

"But I don't want you to expect some stellar review just because we ate breakfast together and talked for a little while. Want a good review, put on a good show."

"Understood."

"Now, I need names. Who is the rest of this group of yours?"

"Well, my brother- Billy is the lead singer," Graham started.

He ran down the list like he had practiced exactly how he wanted to introduce them all.

Karen was their keyboardist.

Eddie was their bassist.

Warren was the drummer.

"And then, there's me," he added. "I play guitar."

I nodded. "So only two of you are actually Dunne brothers?"

"Yes."

"And one of you isn't a 'brother' at all?" I put the word "brother" in air quotes as I said it.

"Well, yeah."

I nodded again.

Breakfast after that was full of small talk. Which was strange for me. I wasn't one to usually entertain such conversation. Not in situations like this. This was me meeting a member of a new band to review. Business more than anything.

So, why was I so interested in talking about so much more than just his band?

It was a question that would sit in the back of my mind for the rest of the meal. Just constantly spinning around back there.

I paid for the meal before Graham could argue with me. When he tried, I raised an eyebrow at him, which seemed to be enough to shut him down.

He did seem insistent on walking me to my car after the fact.

I stopped next to it and looked at him.

"I'll see you tonight," Graham said with a grin.

"You will," I nodded.

There was this pause between the moment I spoke and the moment I went to get in my car.

He must've taken that pause as some kind of opportunity. He stepped forward before going to close the rest of the distance.

I reached up and placed a hand on his chest.

"Don't do something stupid," I warned as I leaned away from him. He furrowed his eyebrows. "Kiss me and I won't be able to review anything involving your band. I won't risk my integrity like that."

He slowly nodded at me. "Then, I'll wait."

I let out a shocked scoff. "Excuse me?"

"I am going to wait until your review comes out," he explained, stepping closer to me again. "And once it does, I am going to call your office again, we'll meet here for breakfast again, and when we're done... I'm going to kiss you."

"Is that right," I asked.

"Yeah."

"I don't remember you being this confident last night, Graham Dunne."

"It's a lot easier when I don't have my brother and friends staring at me," he shrugged.

I chuckled as I nodded. "Alright... I'll see you tonight."

"You too."

He started walking backward, still looking at me with that dumb grin.

I got in the driver's seat and started my car.

I chuckled to myself before going to pull out of the parking lot.

I don't think I had ever hoped so much for a gig to go well.

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

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[officialparentofadrien]

𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒊𝒈 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊 𝑺𝒆𝒊𝒋𝒖𝒓𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

read part 1 here! the second part of the mini scenario for my lovely and fellow sei lover @wsknbfanaccnt

Warnings: mentions of eating a lot

(Listening to Welcome To New York by Taylor Swift)

Well, there are two ways actually. You could've gone first class or private jet. Either way, you're travelling in high class and he's gonna make sure you're comfortable all the way through.

Once landing in New York, you bet that the hotel you're staying at is one of the best in the city. You know like Five Star Hotel, Grandiose Halls all that.

So average flights from Tokyo to New York take 12 hours.. let's say your flight left at 12pm so you'll be arriving at midnight.

As soon as you arrived at the Hotel, of course, you slept because duh? Jet Lag.

So first day in NYC will probably start with morning cuddles.

You'll be waking up in a fluffy bed that's facing the window that shows you the New York skyline with your precious boyfriend sleeping peacefully beside you for once. Usually, Seijuro wakes up first whenever you two sleep together, so it's rare for you to see a peaceful and sleeping Akashi Seijuro.

...for a short while because he opens his eyes a few minutes after you opened yours. (you almost had a heart attack)

"Jesus Christ, Sei..." You laugh lightly after his eyes suddenly open, lightly pushing him away. (He slept facing you so)

Seijuro gives you a small laugh in return, pressing a kiss to your forehead in apology.

"Forgive me, love." He says, his arm still holding you close.

After that, you two eat breakfast at the restaurant downstairs before you head on out to see the sights.

He insisted on renting a car but you said New York would be much more fun to explore on foot.

Seijuro was amused when you suddenly whipped out a well-decorated (Like highlighters, calligraphy and stickers) bucket list and started to walk around.

You guys ate a LOT of street food. You know those super yummy appetizing food you see on Pinterest when you search "New York Street Food"? Yeah, you ate a LOT of those.

Aside from eating, you took lots of pictures in different places.

You even played with a few dogs in Central Park and found it really funny when you saw Seijuro struggling with a dog that refuses to sit. (It's canon. He dislikes disobedient dogs) so you can just imagine your usually proper lover arguing with a puppy.

Obviously, the trip won't be complete without stopping by Liberty Island. Seijuro took almost all your pictures with that soft, fond smile on his face but you managed to convince him to take a picture WITH you a few times.

"I feel awkward in that picture," you say as you swiped on your phone, reviewing all the pictures you've taken.

Seijuro chuckled, brushing your hair away from your face. "Nonsense. You look beautiful," he says as he presses a loving kiss to your cheek.

(so so GODDAMN IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN)

You guys probably visited lots of museums too. You even joked once saying that he's a beautiful piece of art.

"That art is so pretty, Let me take a picture of it." "Love, the painting is over there." "I wasn't talking about the painting silly."

You guys had multiple back-and-forths of those in multiple museums that you visited.

He took a candid of you while you guys were in time square and it's now his wallpaper.

You did the same thing to him except you guys were at the Empire State Building while he was admiring the view.

Overall, this is the best date and trip you've ever had. For now, because he'll probably think of a way to top this trip.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

[astyrial]

sleuthing spider - 🕷️ ch. 5 - new york air

    "well, you want to find out or not?"

  the open car door lets the wind run along any of your exposed skin, chills running down your arms. no decision in your life has ever felt this reckless, even with your odd profession and the risks that come with it. you stare out at the masked vigilante for what feels like far too long. ultimately he's a mystery, you barely know him.

  yet, the way he tilts his head, holding out his hand for you to grab, it's enticing. it makes you change your mind about the fact that he's a stranger, someone you wouldn't typically trust. however, your hand is already reaching for the car key and your bag. maybe it's not the smartest choice you've ever made, but kicking the door with the bottom of your foot while walking towards him is the one you choose.

  "let's go before i change my mind," you grab a hold of his hand, letting him move it to his shoulders. 

  being this close to a stranger would always give you pause, but it appears that being close to this stranger is nothing but exhilarating. you quickly lock the car and shove the key down your pocket with your left hand. everything seems to be moving quickly as you reach the other over his shoulder. he leans back, looking over at you, "you better hold on tight, because this could be dangerous."

  "knowing you is probably dangerous, so let's hurry and follow the guy!"

  your fingers grip the back of his suit, his hand on your lower back. before you can even feel it coming, the wind is rushing through your face. the buildings seem a little smaller than when you're on the ground. birds are nearly at your level, pigeons landing on certain roofs with certainty. the sky looks a little bluer and your heart races. 

  people on the ground become as small as a retriever, your hands gripping his suit even tighter. despite wanting to see the world from a whole new perspective, your eyelids pinch together, worried that some motion sickness may arise. "can you tell where he's going yet?" you yell, unsure how the wind will effect the spidey's hearing. 

  "it seems he's going to east harlem!" 

  the sound of his voice is slightly masked by the strong winds. the smooth tone that he usually carries is taken by the wind and he sounds ever so slightly out of breath. you wait for another couple of minutes before opening your eyes, the scenario looking completely different from that of the restaurant fisk overtook.

  buildings are older, the streets looking similar to ones you would frequent on the job. you purse your lips, wondering where fisk could possibly be going. your eyes flash to spiderman as his hand tightens around your waist. he takes a quick turn and suddenly you realize that he does it at every turn. he knows that taking a turn like that could send you flying, so he holds on tight.

  you smile to yourself, shaking your head a second later. wherever your mind may roll with this, you try to block it out, remember your mission. spiderman seems interesting enough- 

  "he's stopping here, we'll have to get off on this roof!" 

  he lands on a gravelly roof, small gardens scattered around. you can tell that he's not used to the added weight as he stumbles a bit. out of instinct, you bring your legs up, nearly wrapping them around his waist. 

  "if you just wanted a hug, you could've asked ms. investigator," spiderman laughs at his own joke, leaning his head back.

  you immediately let go of him, letting your feet plant safely against the gravel roofing. your tongue runs along your teeth, head shaking. "you're ridiculous, you know that? because i certainly know that," he looks over at you, hands on his hips as if he knows something you don't.

  your eyebrows raise, arms crossing in front of your chest. a smile spreads across your lips as you turn to look down at fisk's limo. the man steps out of the back of it, nearly too quickly for you to grab your phone out to take a photo, nearly. the bald-headed multibillionaire, makes his way into the large building complex. 

  the sign out front shows that it holds multiple businesses within. where he's going, neither of you could possibly know unless someone goes inside. your head moves slowly back at spiderman and a sigh releases from your lips, "i need to go in there."

  "you're not going in there, you're a civilian."

  "unless you're military, you are too. plus, i'm a private investigator i do this all the time."

  "not with wilson fisk you don't. just- let me do it, you can create a distraction or stake out his car."

  you bite your lip, looking back at the building. right now, you could very well find something out for your client, but if you stay outside, you may not. fisk is an important guy and could very well be the death of you if he catches you. yet your client needs answers and so does the rest of the victims that he created.

masterlist / chapter four / chapter six taglist:

[turtlemagnum]

last night i cooked these shitty steaks my mom's boyfriend bought expecting her to cook them. i think i made the taste itself about as good as it could've been, but by god was the cut of meat horrific. it was so thin and tough, i finally understand why some people don't like their steaks well done because now i've had bad well done steak. both my mom and her boyfriend complained about me over-seasoning the steak. my mom made the vegetables and funnily enough, i felt like they were under-seasoned. still, we were hungry afterwards, which then led us to discovering that my mom's wallet was missing. her boyfriend was, of course, nothing but a nuisance. constantly getting in the way, asking asinine questions, so on. we realized that it could've been at the restaurant we went to the night prior, and as i looked up their number it turned out we were just 10 minutes from them closing, but they did in fact have it. so that definitely alleviated a lot of stress.

this forced her shitty boyfriend to have to pay for the 10 dollars wendy's was gonna cost us. boo fuckin hoo. i noticed on my way down the stairs with him, i was shakier and slower than usual. i guess the stress of her losing her wallet got to me more than i realized. then, of course, there was the stress of being in the car with the cuntweasel himself. the other night they got into an argument about how he uses GPS for things he should know by now (because GPS is annoying and inefficient), and he claimed that he knew "the areas he cares about" like the back of his hand. this is supposed to be one of the areas he cares about. you know what he did on the way to wendy's? turned on GPS. you wanna know how to get to the wendy's from our apartments? take a right out of the fucking parking lot and go straight for a few minutes. he should fucking know that. i fucking knew that, and i don't live here full time. combine that with him just being a bad driver and whiny little bitch, that made that car ride far more difficult than it should've been.

i, of course, stayed quiet. i find the man deeply insufferable, but i really don't wanna start shit because inevitably that would lead to even more whining. so when we got there, imagine how hard it was for me to keep quiet when we got to the wendy's and the line was long enough that he bitched for a solid 5 or so minutes nonstop during the wait. and like, 5 minutes doesn't sound like a lot, but god did it feel like forever; especially because i had to refrain from telling him to stop being a little bitch. after the wait (and me laughing at how clearly stoned the lady taking our order was), we head home, but not before he needed to get fucking cigarettes.

on the way to the gas station (which is, thankfully, right across the street from our apartments), he didn't buckle his fucking seatbelt. and my mom's car is the kinda car that makes insufferable dinging noises when someone isn't fucking buckled in. so, something about my family. we're natural born tumblr users. casual and often creative threats of violence are common, obvious jokes to us if not everyone else. so saying something like "glen, i swear to god if you don't buckle your fucking seatbelt i'm gonna stab you when we get back upstairs" would be completely normal to us. it would be taken poorly if it were directed at someone who isn't as accustomed to that, for instance my mom's shitty boyfriend. so i had to refrain myself from saying the above quote. lots of trying my fucking patience, that man does.

so anyways, we're finally back upstairs, we eat, i find out this fucker's been drinking my mountain dew. today i told that to my mom, she told me where to hide them, so that's fun. anyways, time passes, i inevitably get barely any sleep because they're both night owls and they usually have the TVs on, and then i hear an argument from their bedroom as i'm in mine. i try to ignore it, until i hear my mom yell "get your hands off of me" which sends me into fucking fight mode. i rush over, he seemed to have listened, but god dammit if i'm not gonna let my mom get assaulted if i can help it. she goes out into the living room, i follow, turns out he only grabbed her by the wrist but still. i swear to god if i find out that man has done anything more violent than that i'm gonna cut his dick off and feed it to the seagulls. but i digress.

so, this morning, we drop him off at work because his car died (that's a whole other fucking story), and now we go off to have some time together. i like spending time with my mom usually, especially without him. he's a fucking drain that immediately makes me tense up whenever i'm near him, not even mentioning how much he fucking smells. seriously, he apparently once told my mom "you're the cleanest person i know, you shower every day" as if that isn't what you're fucking supposed to do? god damn dude

anyways, we go back to the japanese restaurant to get her wallet. thankfully, it still has her credit card in it still intact, nobody seems to have intentionally stole it, so that was a huge load off our shoulders. we talked a lot, partially about how much he sucks (i know she "loves him" and that's why he's still around but god if she doesn't also seem to hate existing around him), and before we know it we're home. it's nice being here with just her. feels like that's how it's supposed to be, to be blunt. that man is like if you put a 5 year old in a 50 year old's body, i swear to fucking god. anyways i just swam for a while. was nice. one of the nicest things about these apartments is the pool, which rarely has other people in it so it's nice and quiet. had good timing too, just as i was getting ready to leave these kids came in and kids are loud so i'm glad to have been gone quick

[your-sweet-cookies]

Not if it’s some ass who thinks he can put his hands on you.

𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒.

Going out on dates had become by now a habit of the two, since both Kukki and Niragi enjoyed spending this kind of time around each other, indulging in romantic activities before returning to their love nest to continue the fun in between the sheets. So this evening wasn't going to be much different, Niragi having let her know that they were going to go to a newer restaurant in town that promised a fancy experience. "You spoil me so much, wild bob cat! This place sounds really expensive!" Kukki had chuckled, shooting him a playful look since she could always tell that he wanted to treat her only to the best of the best. "Then, I'll have to wear something suitable to a fancy occasion like this one." She had concluded, the grin playing at the corners of her lips indicating that she must've had something mischievous in mind regarding the outfit for the night.

And that's why Kukki was now standing in front of her wardrobe, a single towel wrapped around her gorgeous body after the silver haired had taken a hot shower. She was pondering between three of the dresses that Niragi had bought for her: the cute classy black dress she'd worn many times before for their nights out, the elegant white dress that she usually reserved for the more prestigious events that Niragi was sometimes invited to attend due to work and she accompanied him as his partner, and one of her more risque red dresses, made solely out of red lace that if not paired with the right undergarments, it left little to the imagination. The first two she'd worn plenty of times before, but the last one hadn't received much attention in the past precisely because of its more revealing nature. She usually wore it during their romantic dinners at home, to rile him up as they'd enjoy their meals, but all in all, it was a really pretty dress, even fancy if she could say so.

So, pondering between the three options, a little mischievous idea crept its way at the front of her mind. They were going somewhere fancy, right? Then what was better to wear for such an occasion than an equally fancy and extra dress like the red one? Kukki could've at least tried it out to see what the reaction would be from her boyfriend if she went down wearing this revealing piece. Of course, she wasn't ill mannered or callous to wear it with nothing underneath, so for the lingerie part, Kukki had chosen an equally bright red, laced set, that popped out nicely through the laced material of the dress, complementing it rather elegantly so. In this attire, she could have easily been the center of attention for the night: a very beautiful and enticing woman with a body to die for.

Admiring herself in the mirror for a moment more, with a satisfied smirk on her red painted lips, Kukki then took her purse and went down to the living room, where her partner was waiting for her, nicely dressed in a stunning black suit as well. "How do I look, darling?~" Kukki mused, watching carefully to see Niragi's reaction. "Isn't it a pretty dress?" And as expected, it didn't take long for Niragi's dominant side to shine through, since it was obvious that the man wouldn't have liked for what was his to be eyed by other men too, fact that reflected in his very words. The comment really made her chuckle. "Well, I doubt that anyone would be brave or stupid enough to try and lay a finger on me with you by my side. But if you're that worried, I could also go and change into my black dress instead, if you think that this one is too much. I just want to look the best for you, babe, and take your breath away!~" Sensually, she touched his cheek with her delicate fingers and looked Niragi in the eyes, with a seductive gaze. "Or we could just skip the meal entirely and just spend the night in, just the two of us, so you can feast on the sight of what's underneath this provocative dress...~"

[cheerychoco]

JUNE'S JOURNAL

Previously

Entry #7

I spent a few days to myself. Luckily, I have enough PTO to spend since I'm so embarrassed with how terrible my life is.

I took some time to get back into practicing my writing. Other than this, I haven't really taken the time to "perfect my craft" or whatever it is everyone says. But honestly... it felt nice. Even if it doesn't go anywhere, I'm glad I didn't second guess myself and just did it, ya know?

Since it's Saturday, I decided it was time to leave my apartment. I made myself my favorite breakfast and headed to the gym to let out steam.

Baby... I should've just stayed home.

I went straight in and headed toward the punching bag. I was completely in my zone, nothing could've broken my focus.

Then, Kieran showed up.

I had been avoiding him ever since I found out the news, and I had no idea how to speak to him without crying. I should've known we'd run into each other but wishful thinking I guess.

My heart started racing the second he walked up with that big smile on his face. At one point in our lives, that smile would've made me giddy with love. But at this moment, the only thing I felt was pain. He didn't even realize the pain I caused him yet, but I can't keep this to myself. I have to let him in eventually.

We sat with each other for a few minutes and it was... uncomfortable. We couldn't really look each other in the eyes, its like he knew something had changed between us.

In the end, we planned to meet tomorrow night for dinner at our usual restaurant to catch up and clear the air.

I'm terrified.

-J.

[victoria-daydreams]

The Scars That Bind Us

Chapter Two: The Skeletons in Our Closets

AN: I’m so glad that we are all united in our thirst of Park Hae Soo/Cho Sang Woo. I appreciate everyone who has taken time to read this story and enjoyed it as well!

Word Count: 2.2k

Taglist: @tinydramatist, @whysoseriousssssssss​, @dripoftheseus

Chapter Three: Would You Like to Play a Game?

Three years ago

"What a long, boring day,"

It was the end of an eight-hour shift at the diner Simona worked at, her feet were sore and the restaurant had been suffocatingly hot. The yellow, polyester button-up dress that made up her uniform was slightly damp and clung to her body in several spots that irritated her enormously.

God, she could kill for a shower right now.

Simona clung to the pole, her arm tensed to stop herself from toppling over every time the train jolted as it raced down the tracks. Her knuckles were cramping from the effort. Finally, her stop arrived and she fought through the crowd, stumbling over bags and feet, almost landing flat on her face as she stepped onto the platform. The doors hissed shut behind her and the train sped off, leaving her choking on a gust of dirt.

When her coughing subsided, Simona brushed the dust and dirt left from the train off of her navy blue trench coat and began her journey to the next platform. She trudged up the subway stairs, using her umbrella as a walking stick while trying her best to keep her balance as people roughly brushed past her. It seemed like there was a sea of nothing but businessmen in tailor made suits and women in pencil skirts or slacks. All of them walking shoulder to shoulder, bumping and elbowing their way to catch their usual train, eagerly trying to get home from work. It was a typical evening in the subway, it was only worse because today was the start of the weekend.

Simona pushed her way through the crowd, hastily crossing the corridor, and entered into another busy hall. In the distance, she could faintly hear the music of a street performer, only for it to be overshadowed by the sound of an oncoming train.

Reaching the final platform to take her home, Simona sighed heavily as she collapsed onto a bench in the subway tunnel.

“Another day of work done,” Simona exhaled, shutting her eyes and leaning her head against the wall. “And god knows how many more to go,” she complained, reopening her eyes.

She had been working double shifts for the last two days and it felt like there was no end in sight. Simona let out a yawn, rubbing her eyes. This last double shift had drained the little energy she had and also gave her a massive headache. Just 15 more minutes until the train arrives. Just 15 more minutes. 

Simona set her umbrella beside her, scanning her surroundings as she did. The platform was almost completely empty save for a few workers, sweeping the floor and other commuters on the opposite end of where she was. Simona slumped back down in her seat, her eyes lowering themselves onto the tracks below.They were muddy from today’s rain and rotting garbage was floating in the brown water. She couldn’t explain why, but the sight made her stomach lurch.

Simona was torn from her musing at the sound of a small thud next to her. Turning her head, she met the stare of a stranger who was about her age or a little older than her.

“Seriously, out of all the empty benches here, he had to sit next to me,” Simona thought.

He looked like the stereotypical All-American boy, blond hair and blue eyes. She also couldn’t help but notice the suit he was wearing, it could've easily cost the same as her rent.

"Can I help you?" she asked, raising of one her eyebrows.

“Actually, it’s more of what I can do for you,” the man replied, a smile on his lips that seemed to make his blue eyes twinkle.

Simona snorted, “Oh god, you’re not some Christian missionary are you?” she asked. “If that’s the case, then there’s nothing you can do for me,” she stated, turning from him and staring across the platform.

“No, I’m not a missionary,” he replied, a chuckle escaping him. “I’m a salesman,” he corrected.

“Same difference,” Simona dismissed, still looking in front of her.

"Well, I don’t think most missionaries are going to offer you what I’m about to,” the Salesman replied, lightly laughing.

“Oh, let me guess, ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity’,” Simona guessed, rolling her eyes.

“You guess correctly,” he said, beaming proudly. “How-”

“Listen sir,” Simona interrupted, facing him again. “I’m not buying whatever you’re selling, capiche?” she asked, before pushing herself up from the bench.

“Now, don’t be hasty Miss Simona Ballard,” the man warned, causing her to freeze in mid-motion.

 Her eyes widened, “Excuse me?”

“How the hell does he know my name?” she thought.

SImona felt her body drop back down onto the seat as if there would weights tied to her.

“How are those double shifts treating you Miss Ballard?” the Salesman questioned curiously. “You must be dead on your feet all the time,” he remarked, glancing down to her aching feet.

She gulped nervously, “W-Who are you?” Simona asked.

“I told you, I’m a salesman and I like to know everything about my clients,” he grinned, showing off all his teeth.

It reminded Simona of a shark.

The Salesman dug into his pocket before smoothly whipping out of what looked to be a business card in between his fingers. Simona tentatively reached out towards his hand, warily plucking the card from his grasp. She looked down at the little brown business card now in her possession. It was near blank, save for the large circle, triangle, and square on the front side of the card. It reminded her of the buttons on a Playstation controller. Was all this an effort to sell her a goddamn gaming console? Slowly, she flipped it around in her hand and just stared at it. On the back of the card was simply eleven digits that made up a phone number.

“Miss Ballard, how does making money by playing some games and having good time as well sound to you?” the Salesman asked.

“Unbelievable and shady,” she responded bluntly, pocketing the card.

All he did he was smile, “I can assure you, that you’ll be paid handsomely if you participate,” he said. “What do you have to lose? Going back to your minimum wage job and slaving away to make ends meet?”

Simona cringed at the thought of the unappreciative customers, the unfair managers, and the crude comments from the male customers. Her food stained apron was an awful reminder of what’s to come for her next shift. Just then, a slow, low moan echoed through the tunnel causing Simona’s eyes to drift to the dark abyss of the subway tunnel. Her train would be here soon.

“Ah, that sounds like your train,” the Salesman commented, standing up easily and buttoning his suit jacket, the image of cool and collected. “We wouldn’t want you to miss that now would we?” he smiled, extending his hand toward her.

Simona was still stunned by the conversation that had just taken place to realize she allowed him to help her up. Suddenly, a warm and forceful breeze, blew against her body, whipping her curly strands of auburn across her face from the speed of the incoming train. The high pitched screech of arriving subway trains snapped Simona out her trance. Before she could truly comprehend what had just occurred, she dropped his hand and quickly snatched her umbrella from the bench. She couldn’t wait to get on that train.

“Have lovely evening, Miss Ballard,” he wished, flashing her a winning smile again.

"Y-Yeah. I will," she muttered, backing away from him. "Well, um, goodbye, then," she said nervously.

With the automated female voice announcing telling people to board the train cars, Simona turned on her heels and hurried to get on.

“Oh and Miss Ballard!” he called from behind her, stopping her in her tracks. “The eviction process is a terrible thing to experience-”

Simona quickly spun around, “I beg your fucking pardon?” she said, glaring at him.

The Salesman grinned at her sheepishly, "My apologies that was grossly insensitive of me. No doubt you have everything under control," he breathed out in an embarrassed laugh. "I implore your forgiveness," he apologized, looking at her kindly, but she felt as if she was being mocked.

Simona’s eyes narrowed at him. Was this some sort of trick? Some sort of sick joke?

“Just give what I said some thought Miss Ballard. Spots are filling up, fast,”

Facing forward, Simona counted it as an accomplishment that she didn't immediately make run for the train. She didn't dare look back. The moment Simona heard the doors close behind her, a sense of relief washed over her, happy that she was alone. Well, she wasn’t alone in the train car, but she wasn’t near him. Simona released a breath she had no idea she was holding in.

No one had ever made the pit of her stomach grow cold or made her skin crawl like he had.

The subway car began to rock back and forth, the motion jostling her as the train pulled away from the platform. Looking up from her position near the door’s windows, Simona met the Salesman’s stare. His eyes were searing into her as his lips curled into a smile. Although, the train was gaining speed, it felt as if time had slowed. He stared after her, his gaze never once leaving her, even as her train car was enveloped into the darkness of the tunnel.

~~~x~~~

A loud sigh came left Simona’s lips as she emptied the last drop of wine into her glass, taking a sip from it. Leaning her head back against her sofa, she let her eyes close.

“What a day,” she murmured.

She reached up and ran a hand over her eyes, another sigh leaving her. She could definitely feel her headache growing stronger. Pushing herself up, Simona sipped more of her wine before placing it down on the coffee table. Hesitantly, she reached out and grabbed the strange business card off the wooden surface, almost as if she was scared it would bite her.

Simona studied the tiny slip of paper, it felt weighted in her hand, much heavier than any business card should have been. Maybe it was because it held more possibilities than it probably should have. The number on the back of the card had haunted her the entire train ride home. The rational side of Simona was telling her to not even think about taking up the obviously shady proposition. While the other side, wondered how much money were they offering to play in these games.

Suddenly, a loud and persistent knock was at her door. Simona’s head snapped up, startled by the timing. She sat completely still, not daring to breathe. Slowly looking over shoulder, she cast a fearful glance at the door. What if was that Salesman again? He already seemed to know an uncomfortable amount of information about her, who’s to say that he didn’t know where she lived as well.

She crept to the door just as another strong knock came again. Stopping at the door, Simona leaned forward and peered through the peephole. Her eyes shut, letting out a sigh of relief. It was just her sleazy landlord, not that he wasn’t any better than that salesman. He was equally as bad. She could only imagine the lame excuse he would use to come into her apartment to hit on her, or to correctly put it, harass her. Simona opened the door as far as the chain lock would allow.

“Mr. Jones, it’s late,” Simona greeted, clearly irritated.

At first he didn’t respond, instead she watched his gaze traveled across her body to her legs. She was only wearing a nightgown which was really an oversized pajama shirt, showing off a generous amount of skin unfortunately.

Mr. Jones’ eyes flicked back to hers, “Well, you know what’s also late, Simone?” he asked, folding his arms.

“It’s Simona,” she corrected.

“Your rent,” he continued, ignoring what she said.

“Yeah, I know,” Simona gritted out. “My payday is coming up, you’ll get your rent money,” she assured, her grip tightening on the doorknob.

Mr. Jones nodded his head slowly, a leering grin on his face.

“That’s good to hear,” the older man began, moving closer to the door until he was mere inches away from it. “Just make sure I get the other part of your rent as well and I’ll look the other way next time when you’re late,” he commented, his tongue darting out to lick his lips.

Simona’s face scrunched up in disgust, “Oh fuck you, you disgusting perv!” she shouted, slamming the door with an ungodly bang.

A loud groan of pain followed by swear words could be heard from outside her door. Another bang shook against her door.

“You gave me a nosebleed, you bitch!”

“Serves you right!” Simona retorted, locking the door.

“Consider yourself homeless Simone!” Mr. Jones exclaimed, the doorknob violently shaking and rattling.

Simona turned around, facing her living room again and ran around the room throwing on discarded clothes strewn about the floor. Simultaneously slipping her shoes and jacket on, Simona glanced down at the card on the table.

“I can’t believe I’m about to do this,” she stated, chuckling in disbelief.

She snatched her glass of wine up and downed it before grabbing the paper. Cutting the lights off in her apartment, Simona’s fingers danced across her phone screen dialing the number. The phone had barely rung twice before someone answered.

“State your name,”

“Simona Ballard,” she responded, crawling out her fire escape window.

Chapter Four: Tag, You’re It!

[midnxghtsunwrites]

LAID OFF

PAIRING —

Andy Barber x Black Reader

SUMMARY —

You get fired from your workplace of eleven years and Andy tries to comfort you.

WARNINGS —

Just good ol' fluff and angst, ignorant people doing ignorant things — yakwtfgo

It was midday when Andy received a text from you saying that you were on your way home from work. As far as he knows, your workday definitely does not end at twelve pm. Immediately, he called you and the conversation went as vague as he expected.

"Why are you going home, sweetheart? You okay?" He questions. You can't see him but you can tell that he has those crinkles in between his eyebrows that usually come with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Do we have anything on our grocery list? I'm gonna stop by Walmart on the way home." He doesn't have a chance to answer before you cut him off, "Never mind, I'll just go to the house and grab it."

"Y/N —"

You hung up.

A day of shopping went by with you trying to take your mind off of what happened just hours before. Your boss of eleven years called you into his office, handed you a termination packet, a crappy explanation, and a company pen.

A pen.

"It has your name on it," He'd quipped.

As you now stand in your bathroom, twisting your hair into bantu knots, you wish you would've stabbed that motherfucker in the eye with that pen. You're absolutely taken aback by his audacity — it followed you throughout the day.

Even when your son came home from school and greeted you. You were in the kitchen at that point, aggressively stirring up some chicken soup — your comfort food. He gave you the weirdest look and retreated to his room.

During dinner (without Andy) you listened intently as your son recounted his day, trying to get your mind off of how much time you'd wasted in that company.

Now, you can hear the security system speak that the front door is open. Andy's home.

You try not to think about the packet you left on the bed — he has to know somehow and you don't want to say it out loud. Part of you feels he'll be disappointed in you.

When he enters the bathroom, the packet in hand and a thoughtful look on his face, you try not to let it faze you and get back to spraying leave in conditioner in your hair.

You can feel his stare burning into the side of your face.

You blink and meet his eye in the mirror, "I don't wanna talk about it."

"We have to talk about it." His voice is calmer than you thought it would be.

"No, Andy, we don't have to do anything — I, on the other hand, have to finish these bantu knots that I started way too late in the day. Should've done this tomorrow. Not like I have anything else to do —"

Andy scoffs, "Y/N, stop doing your hair for a minute and talk to me."

"What?" You question, beyond irritated, "What is there to possibly talk about? Huh? I wasn't good enough at my job and I lost it. There's not much else to it, Andy."

"Y/N —"

"No." You deadpan, slamming the bottle down on the granite counter top and turning to face your husband, "I gave eleven years of my life to that place. Just to get a letter of termination and a pen. A stupid pen? Is that what my life has come to? They could've had the decency to send me to fricking Jamaica or some shit — they're good for it."

Andy leans back against the wall and watches you as you rant.

"If I'm that replaceable, why the fuck didn't they just fire me ten years ago when they saw what a crap job I was doing?" You know you're a great employee but the rage is pouring off you in waves, "I was sacrificing my weekends with family to go to that bum place — for terrible fucking pay, mind you — and this is what they do? This is how they pay me back for wasting a decade of my life? I'm just so —" A frustrated groan finishes your statement.

"And I know you're disappointed in me. You're disappointed in the fact that I didn't work hard enough. I didn't fight hard enough. Well, fuck that. I'm fucking over it."

"Are you?"

"Yes, I'm over it." You reiterate.

Your husband knows you too well to think that you're over it. He counts down from five in his head.

Five..

Four..

Three..

Two..

One..

"Is it because I'm black?" You ask, suddenly.

Right on cue. Andy whistles lowly, proud of himself.

"Fucking hell," You scoff as if just realizing something, "I knew there was some shady shit when they took us to a damn plantation for a mixer and only asked me to bring food."

Your husband's head shoots up in surprise, "Wait, they did that? Why didn't you tell me?"

You shake your head, "I wasn't thinking too much of it. Plus, it was like six years ago — I was naive as hell."

Andy furrows his brows in thought, "What was the reason they gave for firing you?"

"My disruptive behavior. Apparently, they don't like when someone accidentally drops their stapler." Saying it out loud pissed you off even more.

"Those assholes." Andy comes to your defense, biting his bottom lip, irritated. Finally, he nods, "Okay. We'll sue for wrongful termination. I'll call someone in the morning so we can get this sorted out."

You pause for a moment, glad your husband is there to fight by you and defend you. A part of you is tempted to do just that — get a couple thousand from that hating ass job. But no, you don't even want to think about them anymore.

Begrudgingly, you shake your head, "Nah, baby, I just wanna wash my hands of them. I'll send out my resume in the morning and I'll probably take a couple more days to mope, but I don't wanna think about them anymore. Just the fact that I'm jobless."

"There's my girl," Andy jokes as he wraps his arms around you. Your hair is haphazard on your head seeing as you haven't finished the knots yet, but Andy doesn't care. He's obsessed with you either way. "And I'm not disappointed in you, Y/N. You're the best at what you do. Them letting you go is their loss and they'll definitely realize what they're missing out on when you're out there doing your own shit. We have enough in our savings to spare — you can start that restaurant you've been dreaming about."

"And you'll be my greeter when you're not putting criminals in jail?" You ask, sweetly, a bright smile growing on your face.

Andy pecks your glossed lips, "Wouldn't have it any other way." He taps your ass, "Now, how about I help you finish your hair, we can drink some hot cocoa, I can give you a massage. Plus, I can take tomorrow off, we can pull Y/S/N out of school and we can go on a hike to clear your mind."

You almost cry at how much Andy is willing to do for you.

"Ugh, how did I get so lucky?" You rest your hand on his chest, right where your name is tattooed and pull him down to kiss you.

He pulls away, slightly, his beautiful blue eyes lighting up with such joy and admiration, "I ask myself that everyday."

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[growingupautie]

StoryTime: All That and a Bag of...

At my previous job, I and a coworker or two would often grab lunch at a local restaurant. Usually, it was just me and one other guy thought. Sometimes we'd go to the pizza place. Sometimes the Chinese place down the street. There were a few good spots but we went to them all the time so they got pretty boring. Isn't it funny how when you finally have access to almost any food, you end up feeling like nothing sounds good and taking it for granted?

One day, most of my coworkers were busy, and my go-to guy told me he had errands to run. I drove by the Chinese place we usually go to and parked my car. But as I got out, I saw the Subway next to it and decided that since nobody ever wanted to go there, I would do that instead. I closed my car door and felt someone watching behind me. It felt like they were ready to make their move and ambush me with something but there was a distinct lack of a feeling of ill-intent.

I started to rush off toward the entrance as I hear from the watcher behind me "HEY! Hey man! Can you uh...I don't get paid for two weeks and I just started a new job...Can you buy me lunch and I'll pay you back?" I look back and see an older man in his late 30's sitting in his beat-up work truck wearing a neon work vest frantically awaiting my answer. "Uh..." I said, not really wanting to interact with anyone that day but feeling like I was long overdue for a good deed. "Sure, man...Come on."

He said "Are you serious?! Thank you. Oh, God. Thank you. God Bless you." and he leaped out of his truck, and threw the door shut running toward me. He held the door open for me and said "I'll pay you back. I promise." When I do things like this for people, I don't really want to be paid back and as I told him, it "wouldn't be much of a good deed if I did." He thanked me with an oddly frantic nature and seemed to almost get teary-eyed.

I thought to myself about how rare kindness must be to him if that small amount elicited that response. Then I realized that it most certainly was to me, and that's about the same amount of kindness it would take to move me as well. "I haven't eaten in a few days..." he told me. "I just started this new job, and I'm in a bad way until I get paid." He added. As his words hit me I said with a somewhat heavier heart. "Well, you're eating today, man. Get whatever you want.

The person in line ahead of us turned around and mean mugged him, and looked at me as if to say I was being scammed. That the guy was just in it for a free meal. Honestly, He could've been right in that moment for all I knew. But the truth is, I didn't care. I'd rather it be a free food scam than any other type because it's still a good deed done in the name of goodness.

But at the same time, I felt like this guy was either legitimate or extremely exaggerating his actions to seem that way. Either way, I didn't care. And because of that, the joke would be on him if he was lying. He ordered a 6-inch sandwich, and I told him to make it a foot long if he hadn't eaten in so long. He almost broke down again but snapped out of it, and changed his order.

He added chips and a drink to it, but only after I insisted. Further taking away the idea that this was all a scam to get free food. He picked his sandwich and drink up and looked like he was ready to walk out. "Do you mind if I eat with you?" he asked me. I was taken aback. Most of the time when I had bought someone lunch over the years they either doubled their order, left as soon as it was ready, or both. "Uh...Yeah, man. Sure." I told him.

We went and sat down and he thanked me again frantically for the food. Then he pulled the sandwich out and started literally scarfing it down in front of me. And I mean scarfing. And for a brief moment, I thought to myself "Who eats like that?" until it clicked in my head that only someone who hadn't eaten a meal in a long time would... I immediately felt horrible. "How long has it been?" I asked. "Um...Been a few days. Maybe Saturday?" It was Tuesday.

"I'm sorry, my brother. I didn't realize how bad it was." I told him as tears burned in my eyes burning my nostrils as I was overcome with emotion. He told me he understood, and I did more than anyone else did for him. I explained my stance on doing the good for the good and he told me again he would pay me back. "No, my brother. I never expected you to. That's the whole point. His eyes welled up more than they had before as he kept eating.

"My wife left us..." he said. "us?" I asked seeing what I was assuming was his wedding ring on his necklace and worrying about his answer. "Yeah, me and my little boy. She left us, and went to Louisiana." (I believe) he told me. "She took almost everything with her leaving me broke, and without any way to provide for my son." He took another bite and continued. "I just started this job, and it pays good. But I ain't gonna see a dime until next Thursday."

I asked him when the last time his son ate was, and he told me he had been going without so he could feed his son. I believe he said he could only afford ramen and hot dog weiners and was making his son that. I had always wanted to be a dad and I didn't really have the best examples growing up. At that time I was questioning ability to be a father.

Kandace and I were either planning to or trying to conceive, at the time and all I could think was being in a situation where I couldn't afford to take care of my son and what that must be doing to him. Much less foregoing food for himself to do what little he could. Thinking about it now as a father makes the emotion so much worse but at that moment it nearly broke my heart.

He didn't ask me for money. He told me he was going to find a way to get some groceries. That he didn't have anything to sell, but he would find a way. He nearly finished his entire sandwich by that time, and I asked why he was eating so quickly. He told me he had spent 30 minutes of his 60-minute lunch break asking people outside to buy him lunch so he didn't black out at work with no food.

In that moment...I had had enough. I wasn't going to put up with a situation like that that I had the power to change. I packed the rest of my sandwich up to take to work and said. "My brother. I know you don't have much time left but can you follow me to the Grocery store real quick?" He said "uh..sure" unsure of why I would ask him that. He followed me over to the ATM directly inside and upon realizing where we were said "I...No, my brother. You've already helped me enough."

"My brother..." I told him. "I don't trust these humans out here to help you, and I'm not going to let a hard-working single father and his son starve. It's just not going to happen." He started actually crying at that point and I did all I could not to do the same. I pulled out what I could afford to give him.

The number is not important, and I can't remember anyway, but it's not as much as I wanted to give him. I told him that I hoped what I gave him would get him through to payday and he hugged me (After asking.) I told him they would be ok and that we was an amazing father to sacrifice for his son like he had. The kind of father many kids unfortunately never had. I knew he needed to hear that and I'm glad I said it.

He kept trying to tell me he wanted to pay me back. And in the end, I finally told him how he could. "When you are on your feet and can afford to. Find someone who needs help like you did, and help them." I said. "That's what I'm doing now, and that's why I'm doing it. I continued.

As an Autistic adult, I came from a place where nobody would hire me, and no matter what I tried to make money, I fell flat on my face. I have been plagued with bad luck most of my life and have often felt cursed, so when I finally get on my feet and out of the bad times and see someone struggling to do the same just like I did, my first thought isn't to judge them or tell them to pull themselves up. It's to help them up.

He was a single dad with a new job trying to do right by his son. He was pulling himself up. But he needed help. Sometimes when people help themselves up, they still need a hand. And in a world of apathetic "not my problem" attitudes. Be that hand. Be that hand in spite of the judgmental onlookers, and naysayers. Yes. Guard yourself against being used, and abused but do what you can afford to do to help make their world, and by extension the rest of the world a better place.

And wherever you are, my brother, if you are by some random happenstance reading this. I hope you and yours are as well as me and mine. Thank you for being a shining example of fatherhood in a time where I was questioning my ability to be one.

-Nathan Alan McConnell

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