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d0youc0py · 10 months ago

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I’ve been seeing so much ex husband price stuff on here and it’s making me drool. So I’m contributing some ex husband/not divorced yet but taking a break for vague reasons but you both still deeply love each other TF 141….Also this is sappy, dramatic and not accurate character portrayal—just let me live in denial!

“Johnathan, it’s 1 am.” You groaned, trying to rub the sleep from your eyes.

“Go back to bed, Honey.” He muttered back quickly. You shot him a glare at the term of endearment. He was balancing a flashlight between his teeth, his back mostly turned to you.

“Are you fixing that window?” You questioned, turning on the overhead light. He must’ve not wanted to wake you. He took the flashlight out of his mouth, looking over his shoulder at you. His chest swelled at the sight of you in one of his shirts. It took every ounce of self restraint not to wrap you up in his arms. “I told you over the phone I hired someone to come and fix it.” You yawned.

“And have some stranger traipsing through the house.” He huffed. You watched as his arms flexed at even the slightest movements. You hated these moments of weakness. It was the same reason why you couldn’t fall asleep unless you were wearing one of his shirts. Or the same reason you would light a cigar like it was incense. The same reason why you always answered his daily calls. Then you’d remember why you wanted a divorce in the first place. It always felt like someone dumping cold water on you.

And thats exactly how you felt now.

“That’s not your problem anymore, John.” You reminded. His blood ran cold. Yet he kept up his unbothered appearance.

“Never a problem, Honey.” He assured, still keeping his back to you. You sighed running a hand over your face.

“I just- I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to just show up whenever you want. It’s my house right? That’s what you agreed to. It’s not just some motel you can show up at whenever you want to feel needed.” You spat. His body was still and ridged. His teeth ached from the tight clenching of his jaw and the pain in his chest was wince worthy.

“I know.” He said slowly. “I just want you to know I’ll always take care of you, Honey.” He began to turn towards you but stopped himself. He couldn’t stand to see the look on your face.

“I don’t need you to take care of me, John.” You continued. “I was able to survive before you and when you left me every other month.” You don’t know why you were being so forceful with him. Maybe it was because you hadn’t physically seen him in a few weeks.

“Well maybe I’m not doing it for you, hmm?” He shot back, finally facing you. His eyes were just as red the day you walked out of the lawyers office. “You made your decision, but that doesn’t mean you just stopped being the most important thing in my life. So yeah, I’m going to drop by if I feel I need to because I vowed to always take care of you and no fucking paper you make me sign is going to take that away from me. If you don’t like that you can get a restraining order.”

He didn’t even have a moment to catch his breath before your hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him down for a kiss.

“Hey, Cap.” You smiled into your phone. Calls from Price were kinda common- he just liked to check up on you here and there, but you could tell by the sigh on the other end this wasn’t going to be about you.

“Hey, Kiddo.” He started. “I catch you at a good time?” He questioned.

“Yeah, just watching TV. Everything alright?” You questioned back. There was another sigh on his end, and it sounded like he was taking a drag of his cigar.

“No one’s hurt.” He was trying to pick his words carefully. “It’s ’bout Simon, though.”

“Okay.” You responded slowly. Just the mention of Simon’s name had a small tremor rise in your body. It’s not like you had gone no-contact with him. He called you a few times a week just to ask if you needed anything, if anything in the flat needed to be fixed, or just to make sure you locked all the windows before going to sleep. “You’re building up a lot of suspense here, Cap.” You offered a fake chuckle.

“Sorry.” He paused again and you wanted to rip your hair out. “He’s just- I know it’s really none of my business what happened between the two of you but he’s not doing good, Love.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s doing fine work-wise. But I’m worried about him personally. He’s droppin’ weight, smoking a couple packs a day, drinkin’ when he knows he’s not suppose to be. When he’s not doing that he just sits and stares. Johnny has to check his pulse sometimes.” It was his turn to offer you a chuckle. Another pause and drag. A few fat tears rolled down your cheeks and Price ran a hand over his face when he heard you sniffle. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I also know you would get after me if I didn’t. Now you don’t owe him anything, but I think just a call from you would help him out a lot.”

“You think he’s doing this because of me?” You whispered.

“Course.” Price responded immediately. He cringed at himself. “What I mean to say is, you’re that man’s ‘reason.’ You get what I’m saying? Men like me and him need a reason. A reason to come home. A reason to be better. A reason to just get our asses out of bed at the crack of dawn. Like I said you don’t owe him anything, Kiddo, but I think just hearing your voice would do him some good.”

“Thank you, Price. For looking out for him and me.” You said sincerely.

“It’s what I get paid for.” He shot back with a laugh. You rolled your eyes, pressing the big red button after a ‘goodbye’. Your swollen eyes raked over the wedding photos you still had hanging in the living room. You couldn’t not call him. You wondered how long he’d been acting like this. Had he been doing it the whole time you had been separated? You rubbed at your eyes working up the courage to press his contact in your phone.

It only rang once before he answered.

“You alright?” He asked quickly.

“Yeah.” You replied, taking a deep breath. “Just calling to check in.” You said slowly. You heard him breathe a sigh of relief.

“Checkin’ in on me?” He repeated. Your heart ached at the thought that he seemed to think you didn’t care about him.

“That okay?” You urged. He hummed in agreement. “If you’re busy I can call bac”-

“Not busy.” He cut off. “What’ve you been up to?” You heard some shuffling and it sounded like he was getting into bed. You wondered what time it was wherever he was in the world.

“Nothing too interesting. I got a new cat! She’s an older tabby who’s seen some things, but she’s a Sweetheart.” You rambled on smiling.

“She probably thinks she’s in heaven with you.” He snickered. You giggled at his words and his eyes shut tightly trying to soak up every second of it.

“Simon, is there anyway when you get back you could help me move in a new cat tower? They’re all fighting over the one we have.” Using the word ‘we’ had just become habit when talking to Simon. You didn’t even realize you had said it. But you using that word was all the ‘reason’ he needed.

“Of course. I’ll be home Wednesday. That work for you?” His heart was beating out of his chest like it did the very first time he asked you out on a date.

“That’s perfect. I’ll see you then, Si.”

*inaccurate medical rules*

Your leg bounced up and down nervously, your eyes about to burn a hole in the pale blue curtain. You were in an accident- not a major one, but you did receive a concussion.

Johnny was still your emergency contact and according to the nurses he was more than willing to pick you up.

“He’s not entirely my husband.” You began. The nurse raised his eyes from the clipboard for a split second before shrugging.

“Says it in your file and he’s still your emergency contact. He’s already on his way, but do you have anyone else we could call?” His tone was bored and you wondered how many times he had to have this conversation a day. You slowly shook your head. “Well we can’t just let you leave by yourself.” He sighed.

“I know, but I filed for divorce. He just refuses to sign it. Doesn’t that count for anything?” You pleaded. The nurse gave you a sour look.

“I can change your emergency contact so in future accidents he won’t be contacted.” You furrowed your brows at his choice of words.

“Hopefully there won’t be anymore accidents.” Your body stiffened at the all too familiar voice. The curtain was drawn back revealing your husband. He gave you a soft smile and you hated the way it settled your stomach.

“Yeah right, so change your emergency contact or no?” The nurse piqued up. You shut your eyes tightly, shaking your head side to side. You wished the floor would swallow you. The nurse looked between you and Johnny before giving you two some privacy.

“I’m sorry about all this, John.” You sighed standing up. “They wouldn’t let me leave without someone signing for me. If you could just walk me out, I can call an Uber.”

“John?” He repeated, in a whisper. It was probably just intended for himself. His chest tightened. No nicknames. He partly hoped that this experience would’ve softened you. Made you happy to be alive. Make you want to wrap your arms around him and call off the whole ‘divorce’ thing. He can picture all the times you sprawled out on his chest, whispering into his skin how safe you felt with him. Now here you were inching yourself away from him like he would ever hurt you. “I’d rather take you home.” He pressed.

“It’s seriously okay John”-

“Enough with the formalities.” He snipped. Your eyes widened and he groaned at his mistake. “You’re discounting everything we’ve been through together. Treating me like some stranger.” He growled out.

“Well what am I suppose to do? Hmm? You want me to call you ‘Mac’ again. Or any of the other ridiculous nicknames I made up for you? Well I’m not going to do that! You were good to me for so many years, Johnny- please don’t think I have forgotten that. But this last year it’s like I haven’t even existed to you. You’re taking every single job that is thrown your way like you don’t even want to be with me anyone, so I’m just doing what you do obviously want but aren’t going to say.” Your voice shook and tears dropped from your eyes, but you held your ground. His jaw clenched tightly, his eyes red from holding back what you had already given up hiding.

“You think I want this? I”-

“Hey, as much as this has been the highlight of my week, we actually need your bed back.” The nurse interrupted, peaking his head through the curtains. Your flushed but nodded your head in understanding. Johnny was hot on your trail following you out. The cold air felt nice against your heated body and you turned to Johnny waiting for him to make the first step.

“I’m sorry for gettin’ on you in there.” He sighed. He shifted on his feet. “I just miss you.” His eyes refused to meet yours knowing it would cause him to break. He opened and closed his mouth trying to find the words to how desperately he wanted you in his life.

“For a man who loves to talk you sure are having a hard time.” You sniffled, wiping at your still streaming eyes.

That was all he needed to let it out. It was sloppy and unfiltered, but yet it shattered your world and everything you thought you knew about the man and how he felt about you.

You saw him at the store. It wasn’t the first time you had run into him- actually you two seemed to be bumping into each other all over the place. And without hesitation every single time he would flee the scene like you were some bully from high school he ran into. The same thing happened tonight. You both turned into the same aisle, stared at each other for a moment, then he dropped his basket and charged out the door.

You had already made up your mind weren’t going to let him go this easy.

You rushed after him, at a speed walk pace.

“Kyle!” You shouted after him in the parking lot. He was just opening the door to his sleek black car, one of his feet inside already. He paused for a moment, before sliding into the drivers seat. You were able to grab the door handle before he shut it on you.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” He growled, beginning to tug the door back. Your hand gripped the car door and he quickly faltered not wanting to slam it shut on your fingers.

“Just let me talk, please?” You begged. Those same brown eyes that you had spent the best part of your life staring into bore coldly into yours. “I just- We keep running into each other. I just think it’s silly that we keep avoiding each other.”

“Not silly.” He shot back without missing a beat. “You don’t want me anymore, remember?” Your heart dropped.

“Ky, that’s not true”-

“Fucking save it, Y/N. You’re the one who wanted to take a break. Why don’t you just divorce me and get it over with already.” He spat. His face curled in a way that made you want to die.

“Is that what you want?” You asked quietly. He ran his hands up and down his face.

“I’m tired of your games, Lovie.” His voice held no warmth. “I want my partner back. The same person who I vowed to spend the rest of my life with. The same person I vowed to love and protect- but that person doesn’t even seem to be you anymore. I couldn’t imagine just cutting you out of my life the way you did to me. And the fact that you were able to do it fucking terrifies me. Just call me when you figure your shit out.”

He shut the door and you let him.

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wystericwoes · 1 year ago

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“Pretty boy”

Inumaki Toge x reader

Fluff

Warnings: slight cursing

"You just don't understand Maki!"

You dramatically entered your room, putting your belongings on the floor and tossing yourself on the bed as she rested her weapon against the wall, crossing her arms and raising a suspicious brow at you.

You stared up at your dismal ceiling. Letting out a long sigh.

"He's just so pretty."

She observed you curiously as you thrashed around your bed.

"Maybe if you finally talked to him rather than hoping he'll magically become a mind reader-"

You tossed a pillow at her which she easily caught.

"I don't want him to become a mind reader, I just want him to like me and tell me!"

"But without him knowing you like him first? Yeah, because expecting him to make the first move is always the best thing to do.”

she adjusted her glasses and tossed the pillow back to you which you roughly caught and placed back.

You leaned against the wall and pulled your legs up to yourself, resting your chin on your knees.

"You don't get it, if I confess and he doesn't like me, I lose him."

"You're not going to 'lose him' from a confession. It takes more than that to scare him away sadly. We're all stuck together after all."

"Exactly!" You sat upright.

Maki rolled her eyes as you rambled.

"He'll get sick of me, having to see my face in class every day, every mission, all the time."

"You're so dramatic."

You pulled your phone, zooming in on a picture you snuck of him during training. He was looking off, his long eyelashes and smooth locks gracing his face like a goddamn angel.

"Its not fair!"

You set your phone aside so you could slam your face into your pillows and let out a muffled scream.

"Why can someone be so damn pretty? It shouldn’t be allowed!”

You huffed as you recalled his smooth skin and sharp features. Soft hair and gentle smiles.

You put your hands on your face and rolled over to your side facing the wall on your bed.

“You’re obsessed with him.. get a grip.”

Maki rolled her eyes placing a sassy hand on her hip with an annoyed expression.

“You wouldn’t get it. You’ve never had boy problems.”

Her jaw ticked.

“Id hardly call it boy problems if it’s just you sitting in bed thinking about him.”

You threw a pillow again, which she threw back again.

You caught the pillow and pulled it into yourself, hugging it tightly.

“You don’t gotta say it like that!”

You sat upright and whined.

“I just wanna hold his face and kiss it!”

You roughly imitated the motions of what you were saying and made a dramatic kissy face.

“And he kept smiling at me all day, with those big stupid pretty eyes! It’s like he knows what he’s doing.”

“Yeah you don’t sound creepy at allll.”

She said sarcastically.

“It’s not creepy! It’s honest. It’s not like it’s my fault he’s got those stupid pretty lashes and that stupid silky hair and that stupid smooth skin!!”

“If you’re just gonna talk about Inumaki then I’m leaving.”

She turned around and began making paces out the door before you yelled at her to come back.

“Okay sorry!”

“Thank you.”

She made her way through your room and sat in your chair legs crossed facing the bed. You two sat in silence as she began pulling out her books and setting them on your desk to begin your nightly ritual of studying next to eachother. But she abruptly stopped her movements when you let out a long and hearty sigh, making her let a sigh of her own.

“Do you just want me to talk to him?”

“No! Thats 100 times worse.”

“Then get it over with yourself so he can at least reject you and you can move on already.”

“It’s different with him!”

“You’re absolutely delusional. We’re not in elementary school anymore, we communicate our issues like adults.”

You hated to admit that she was right. At this rate with your feelings, you would either drive yourself mad not knowing If he felt the same or if he didn’t. But Is it really better to be rejected than to never know at all? You silently weighed your options.

Maki opened a pencil case and pulled out a ballpoint pen, clicking the end as she started to write. The rhythmic sounds of it began to lull you into a daydream as you fantasized about him again.

Closing your eyes and succumbing to your own fantasies maki took it upon herself to take action. Because as much as she valued you as a friend, if she had to what about your fanatical little crush one more time- she’d lose it.

A few minutes had passed as you remained unmoving.

“Y/n?”

She whispered.

Asleep.

She chuckled to herself as she carefully grabbed your phone Off the bed typed in your passcode, opening up recent messages.

>Toge Inumaki 🩵

>Nobara Kugisaki

>Gojo-Sensei

She cringed to herself as she clicked on Inumakis name and the heart.

Y/n: Hey Inumaki, sorry to bother you. Are you free to hang out soon?

Maki set down the phone content with her text. Not expecting the phone to ding seconds later.

Inumaki: Hang out?

Y/n: Yeah, is that okay?”

Inumaki: ofc it’s okay lol I just don’t know you wanted to hang out with me

Y/n: well ofc! I really like being with you.

She watched as the three dots popped up, anticipating his response.

Inumaki: As long as you’re sure you wanna. Just us?

Maki cringed as her fingers hit the keypad and typed the response.

Y/n: Yeah. I wanna be alone with you :) If you’re okay with that.

Maki looked up from the screen to check that you were still asleep, confident you were since you were even drooling a little- she went back to work.

Inumaki: sounds good, what about the movies tonight?

Tonight?? Maki bit her nail as she looked back from the phone to you back to the phone.

Y/n: sounds great! Text me the deets and I’ll be there.

She got up and tapped your shoulder until you stirred awake.

“Hey! Wake up.”

You pushed her hand away as your eyes slowly rose. Maki shoved your phone in your face.

“I got you a date.”

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #jjk fanfic #fanfic #jjk imagines #jjk x reader #jujutsukaisen fanfiction #inumaki fluff #jjk inumaki #toge inumaki #inumaki toge #inumaki #inumaki x reader #inumaki x y/n

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vanoilette · 4 months ago

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𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘’𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄,

𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃. ૮꒰´ᵔ`⑅꒱ა . .

summary ⟢ ݂ : what happens when hitoshi shinsou falls in love (slowly but gradually) with one of, if not the most annoying person he’s ever met? how cliche, however, even if he keeps telling himself that — it seems he only falls harder and faster as the days pass, oh no, his dignity.

notes ⟢ ݂ : reader doesn’t have any pronouns mentioned (i think), not proofread.. slightly suggestive, likes and reblogs are greatly appreciated (and so are you, i appreciate your support very much : 3) 𓈒 𓈒 𓈒 making this was so fun!! i love toshi hes so shejjdkddkkeie . . its not really a fic, more so a blurb!! Im definitely gonna be making a part two to this though.

Shinsou was not one who was easily persuaded.

He was stubborn — he’d admit that much. And he didn’t exactly enjoy when any one had any sort of leverage over him, a power someone could wield over his head for the foreseeable future. And when entering the hero course, he most certainly didn’t think he was going to have any problems there. Well — of course, he was wrong, because of course he was, because when did anything go his way without some kind of failure happening along the way?

The kids in the hero course were a little odd in his own, personal, and very brutal opinion. He had made it quite clear during the joint training that 1-B and 1-A had that he was not here to make friends. He was here to get to his goal, and not get distracted along the way. — or, thats until he met you. Whom, by the way, seemed so very insistent on befriending him. You were worse than Kaminari was, you seemed a little more dense when it came to him throwing hints — or even being straight forward enough to just grumble a ‘leave me alone’, it flew right over your head. Ever so conveniently.

Or so it seemed that way anyways.

Constantly following him around like some lost puppy, as if you didn’t have anything better to do, you had friends, he just wasn’t sure why you seemed so deadset on pestering and getting to know him that you willingly missed that opportunity. You were either dedicated, or just a creep. However, he didn’t mind the advantages too much of you always being around too much, he wasn’t a douchebag — asking you to do everything, just whenever he didn’t feel like doing it. He was pretty sure he had you wrapped around his finger.

It took him a while to figure out it was the other way around.

“Wait, what?” Shinsou said, having to a double take, you had actually declined the offer to go train with him tonight, and then it was apparently because you were going to train with Midoriya instead — when? — Shinsou had most certainly never seen that green headed geek talk to you. Now you were pal enough to train together at night? This must have been some weird joke, because no way you’d refuse him.

However. He kind of mentally stepped back, he reminded himself that you have other things in your life — other people — more important things to do, since when did he become such a — no, since when did he actually want you to hang out with him?

Its not like..he needed to train with you, he could always train alone, like he had before you very annoyingly forced your way into his life like the frustratingly pretty nuisance you were.

“Sorry; i know we usually train together, but Midoriya said he wanted to try and test out a new move he had.” You replied, Midoriya was nice and all, but you had a feeling you’d probably get your ass kicked, for such a nice guy. One would think he was a little on the more weaker side, but then again — this was U.A.

That was possibly the most boring training session Shinsou had in a long while.

No one to talk to, or occasionally stare at their sweat covered body as they attempted to catch their breath — and no one to, you know, actually give him a challenge, though it gave him a chance to practice more specifically on using his scarf..

Heading back to his own dorm, there was a sense of unease, a sense of dread, all that with a mix of disappointment, you were probably still out training since Shinsou had wrapped up training early due to the fact he hated the loud silence. Collapsing onto his bed with half lidded eyes, he glanced around the room.

Then thoughts of you appeared, as usual.

He didn’t like thinking about you, yet he also loved how it immediately erupted a sense of giddiness that he was usually good at shoving right back down, and he most certainly did not like the way his lips slowly yet surely upturned into a small smile as he was reminded of you, and just thinking about you overall existence had made his cheeks turn a light shade of pink, dusting over his fair skin.

Oh, he was pining hard, and bad.

Shinsou was beginning to admit it to even himself, he could only ignore it for so long, besides — you were a nice distraction, a lovely distraction, you already distracted him without trying, or so he had thought.

You were just so pretty, and sweet, and even after he had so rudely dismissed you and pushed you away, you still seemed so determined, that was a nice quality.

Shinsou would gladly let you distract him.

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ganondoodle · 5 months ago

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got this reblog on one of my posts were i talked about being anxious about the future of the zelda series after totk and-

i even went back and unblocked them just to check my own post and check twice what they meant exactly- but i still dont know how they got to these conclusions

i never said i 'want a good uwu ganondorf' (bc that would mean hes aligned with hyrule bc thats how goodness works!!!!11!1!!!), i also dont think of any of the zeldas as 'whores' (seriously, where did that come from?? neither me nor the addition of someone agreeing with me said anything like that??? did they think bc the addition called tloz misogynistic means we think zelda is a whore????? huh???)

its also funny how they say they want zelda to stay a simple fairytale rather than have 'people like me' bc .. one point i talked about in the og post was how the evil arab thing VS good white people media likes to do so much is so normalized here that its simply seen as a simple harmless fairytale trope instead of a big underlying issue in general media and the writers might not even realize it (which is worse) bc the most 'generic' appeal is to people who dont think of it as a problem in the first place, because it is so normalized

(huh, i wonder about what kind of person that part was about .. hmmmm)

(ALSO funny they mention princess hilda as nuanced villain ... like ... wow they are so nuanced about purple haired people!!- like guess why we want a nuanced/less badly/less flat written ganondorf and what he, in particular, has not in common with other villains! its not his hair color! .... or was that point supposed to mean .. look we have one female character that is a villain, its not misogynistic! idk honestly)

(and the classic, "you just call it this/dont like it bc its not what you wanted !!!!!!!2!"1!112!!")

also funny how its 'never gonna be progressive enough' like asking for the franchise to maybe put a little more thought and nuance into their white divine right vs evil desert man simulator instead of making it worse is already asking too much

(i dont know what the last point has to do with anything??)

(also yes totk is racist, like most if not all of the franchise and a alot of other media as well, shocker- you can still like it though, i and plenty of other people are still fans of it, we just wish they did a little more with their stuff and maybe not make the racism problem WORSE)

(also yes the hyrule monarchy is also evil :))) )

(and also not so secretly so either :)) )

#ganondoodles talks #zelda #ganondoodles rants #ganondorf #wanted to search my blog for the post at first and tumblr showed me two posts and their reblogs #i have so many more posts in this tag #the fuck #.....im sorry to all the zelink shippers with a brain but i cant say im surprised that they were one #i could go through every point in their addition but tbh its not worth any more of my time really #needed to say something though bc .....#yeah no wonder nintendy dont have to put any work into their story if thats how some people react to mild criticism of it lol #who are you fighting for little man?#defending the big corporation from mild criticism from people that want the media they produce to be better??#....... in the end i kinda did go into every point #or what point i thought they were trying to make which ... was rather unclear to me #anyway #wild to come across people like that here #only had one other i can remember but they went straight to insults lol #(was there ever a divine prophecy that said only gan can be king??? how was urbosa or riju on the throne then??-#(wait was that meant as “see? the gerudo have the divine right thing too!! samey as hyrule so they not bad!!”#i am genuinely so confused

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iouinotes · 1 year ago

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Beautiful Boy | Alex Walter

pairing: Alex Walter x female!reader

show: My life with the Walter Boys

warnings: mostly fluff and love confessions, but a bit of implied sexual activities

word count: 4,6k

summary: You are completely in love with your best friend. When the chance is given, you decide to finally take it and show your love.

a/n: The story will mention a review from the past, where they play truth or dare. So, I was inspired to write that scenario: match made in heaven is here!

He's everything I ever wished for. It´s silly, thinking about it, really. My ongoing crush for him since the first time I met him all these years ago.

It was during the first day after the winter holiday. It was dark outside, very cold and rainy weather. Well, unfortunately it did not look like that in the morning, so I instantly panicked after school, because I forgot to bring my jacket. Normally one of my friends picked me up after school and drove me home, but she was sick today and I heard about her being ill, last minute.

So now I´m standing in the hallway, debating if I should better start to go to the bus station (probably getting soaked) or if I just walk to the school library, hoping that the weather cools down. I was drowning in my own thoughts, when I first heard his voice.

"Are you okay?" The second my eyes landed on him, I was gone for good. Because the boy in front of me was utterly beautiful. Handsome round face, freckles, warm brown eyes and a shy smile. One look at him and I fell in love with his beauty. Little did I know, I would soon fall head over heals for his personality or the way his voice sounds when he is making fun of me, because I believe in love at first sight. How could I not, when I have met him?

He was very caring the first time we met. Even though I was embarrassed of my situation, he made me feel comfortable. When I told him about my difficulty, he instantly helped me out. He told me, that his brother also picked him up from school every day, so it wouldnt be a problem, if I came along. Not only this sweet gesture made me speechless, it was also the way he stripped out of his jacket and gave it to me without hesitation, when we went outside and he saw that I didnt bring a jacket.

"What? No, I can´t-" I tried to argue, but one blink of his lashes, one look at his eyes, was enough to keep me occupied. "My mom would kill me, if I didnt. It´s okay, I dont mind." He really was the sweetest. His jacket kept in fact, keep me warm. And it also smelled like him, thats what made me blush in the end. I didnt know, if he noticed me looking at him from time to time (but then again, he nowadays didnt noticed it either), but I could not contain myself.

He was a gentleman, shy and adorable. He was all I wished for in a guy. When his brother - who I idetified as the most popular guy of our school- Cole, came in sight, only then it clicked. The boy in front of me, with his nervous smile, was Alex Walter.

When the car parked and the headlights were visible in the rain, we quickly ran to the blue vehicle. His brother didnt talk much, so the car ride was mostly quiet, my eyes were out the window and my thoughts were on Alex previous gesture of holding the door open for me. He didnt intend for me to fall in love with him, but I couldnt think of anything else to do, better than exactly that.

"I didnt get your name?" was all he said, when the car stopped in front of my house. "Oh right, sorry. Im y/n." He smiled again at me and my heart wanted to jump out off my chest. I didnt really notice Cole in the front and his famous "Cole effect". I was all catched up, by the beautiful boy next to me.

"Alex" he shook my hand and it made me giggle. I saw his ears turning pink at my laughter, so I smiled at him, so he knew I wasnt making fun of him. He relaxed then, but much to my dislike the blonde brother spoke up, before I could say something else. "I dont have all day, so are you two done looking at each other or can you go now? I swear, I saw y´all nearly kiss." At that, I was the one who turned red. "Sorry, thanks for the ride and-" as I wanted to strip off the jacket, Alex stopped my movements. "Oh no, you can have it. I mean- it´s still raining outside, I-I dont want you to get sick." Maybe I was already at that exact moment, falling in love with him. I also think, that his words made my cheeks turn a shade of red, that wasnt even on a scala anymore, because it was so high.

"But when do I give it back to you?" The last thing I wanted to do, was crossing a line with the Walter brothers. And maybe I also hoped to see him again. "Tomorrow? I will be in the gaming room in third grade. If thats okay with you?" He spoke quickly, because Cole kept getting more annoyed. "No, its fine. Thank you, Alex." I kissed him on the cheek (dont know where that one came from) and before I could look back, I was already out of the car and running towards the house. When I opened the door and the warmth embraced me, I looked out of the window from my house. The car was already gone, but I remember smiling so bright, I almost could not contain the happy feeling that consumed me.

That was the first time, my diary heard of Alex Walter.

The next day, I searched through three gaming rooms before I finally found him, starring at his laptop. As soon as I tapped him gently on the shoulder, he turned around and looked at me suprised. When he asked me, if I had had any trouble finding him, I said "what no, it took five minutes", when in reality it took 20 minutes, but he sounded really sincere, so it didnt matter.

That was the start of our ever-lasting friendship. We became best friends quickly and are verly close ever since, he is my other half. We are always together, in the hallway, at lunch, we see each other at the weekends and we even got the price "the best of best friends" by our friendgroup. I mean it was funny and its nice, really. But it says everything. We are just friends.

It´s very funny actually, because he knows me better than anyone and I can´t keep one secret from him. He just knows, when something is up. But my biggest secret of all time, that was the part where he was clueless about.

My love for him.

He just doesnt notice and I tried to not show it, but everyone knows I like him. Well, expect for him. When I look at him too long, because I (again) got lost in his eyes or looked a second too long at his lips, while he talked, he thinks he has something on his face. When I compliment him, for literal anything, he thinks I make fun of him, so he doesn't take it seriously. And I tried almost everything, so he could finally notice. Maybe then he could make the first move.

I once talked about my ideal type, because it was a truth or dare on my birthday party and I literally described him - he didnt notice. I swoon on a daily basis over his beauty, his intelligence , his personality, his habits, his cute flaws like staying up all night to play a video game - he doesnt know. I tried to learn his favorite video game, I read the Lord of the Rings saga, I even watched baseball games with him, I do anything so he will notice, how much I care about him. But he just doesn't get it.

If I would know, he simply didnt like me that way, I could somehow cope with that. But then, there are moments, where I would catch him starring at me, where he seems to be the one wanting me. He watches romantic movies with me and lets me cry about it after, when I´m sad about the ending, Sometimes I even get to lay on his chest. He listens when I talk about my newest book obsession, he goes shopping with me, even though he hates it. He helps me studying and I can tell him anything, he´s always there for me.

So it could be, that maybe my feelings were not completely unrequited. But then again, why didnt he made a move by now? Nevertheless, it keeps me awake at night. Because I want nothing more than to kiss his soft lips, feel his skin against mine, to look at his eyes and study every single freckle from his neck to his forehead. I want to love him. In a way, he knows it.

These feelings, these thoughts are constantly in my head. Especially now, when I sit across him and simply look at his concentrated face. His eyebrows are drawn together, he´s currently biting on his bottom lip, his nose scrunched in a frown. The light of his room shows me every little detail of his face. In moments like this, on a friday evening, where we study together for a biology test, I wish he would know how I feel about him. Because it would make everything so much easier.

Its currently raining outside, a remember of our first encounter, the clouds are dark and I hear loud thunder since the last couple of minutes went by. "Do you think, it will get better? The weather clearly looks bad." I shift my gaze to look at him and when I catch him starring at me, my heart swells in my chest.

I want to break the distant between us and close the gap of our lips. Want to get to know every little detail of his body. But as he speaks up, I clear my head. "I dont know, Danny said something about a storm. I honestly didnt know, it would be that bad." He closes his textbook and stands up, looking out the window. ,,Should I go?" My question suprises him. "Now? I think if you take a step outside, you will get swept up by your feet. It´s not safe." He looks at me unwary. "I dont know, I always wanted to fly. Maybe thats a sign." I grin at him and he laughs quietly. "Yeah, of course. Let me ask my dad, what he thinks is for the best. Maybe he can get you an umbrella and you do your best Mary Poppins impression."

~~~~~~

30 minutes later I find myself in a full-on Walter-family-disscussion. "But uncle! I dont get to have girls stay overnight. Thats unfair!" Lee is looking at George, unable to hide his jealousy. "When did a girl ever wanted to stay overnight with you?" Isaac asks from across the table. Lee just ignores him, an angry look in his eyes.

"Look, its nothing that I will allow forever. But right now, she cant go home, so she is welcomed to stay here." I smile at him, thankful that I´m not getting thrown out. "Also, she is like a thirteen family member. She´s practically living here." George added. One look at Alex and I wanted to know what he was thinking. Was I just like a sister to him? "Okay enough of that. Y/n, dear you are welcome to stay the night. We will figure it out. Nathan is staying with Skylar, so his bed is free." I´m glad, Katherine is here. I thank her and George and by the time, we ate dinner and Alex got me a toothbrush, so I could get ready for bed, it was late after 11.

As I make my way back to Alex's room after using the bathroom to change into my clothes, leaving me with shorts and a shirt, Cole is suddenly standing next to me. "Well, what a great opportunity for you." He grins at me. At his comment, I am visible confused. "What do you mean?" I look up to his smiling figure. "You have him all by yourself, of course. Your chance to finally do something. I can´t stand it anymore, you like him and he likes you. I always thought you were the clever one out of you two, so please put everyone out of this misery and kiss him, because he´s a complete idiot. It's long overdue for you two to get together."

His words leave me stunned. After he´s done talking, he makes his way silently back to his own room and I´m still standing in the hallway, trying to process his words. Kiss him. He likes you. Does Alex really likes me or is that some cruel joke for Cole? I hope not. Because my friends have told me several times, that they think, Alex likes me too. But I always thought, they were wrong.

My heart is heavily pounding as I make my way back to his room, taking a deep breath as I open the door. Alex is playing a video game, as always, but I see that he also changed into something more comfortable. It helps me calm down my nerves, when I see him doing something, he always does. I take a few steps towards his chair and his concentrated figure.

I mean, what was there in life, if I didnt take any risks? If he likes me back, it could be the answer to all my dreams and if not - well, the weather was still going pretty bad and could help me out of the awkward situation.

When I decided to test their he-likes-you-too-theory, I quickly came up with a plan. Okay, so I wasnt the best at flirting, that was for sure, but I could make a move. For starters, I wanted something, I often thought about.

As I stand behind him, I trace my fingers along his shoulders, hearing his surprised breath, that he quickly tries to hide. Well too bad, I heard it.

"Alex?" My voice is quiet.

"...yes?" I can see his muscles tense, while I keep touching his shoulders, going lower until I touch his arm. Something about what Cole said, about Alex liking me, gives me a certain confidence, that wasnt there before. Please dont let the King of hooking up be wrong.

"Could I borrow one of your hoodies? I´m freezing and only have my shirt." I try not to think about the possibility that he laughs in my face and says no. But then again, I know that Alex wouldnt do that. "I-uh, yeah. You can, um, grab one out of my closet." I smile to myself, when I see his eyes nervously scanning the display. He paused the game, even though he doesnt look at me while he talks.

"Thanks." As I turn towards his closet, I get the feeling that he´s secretly watching me choose a hoodie. When I get a hold on a dark green one, I immediately know its the one from when we first met. I take it and walk towards the other bed, getting a glimpse of his eyes, that continue to follow me. And then I do something, I thought I would never do in front of him. I change out of my top, the cold air hitting my skin and I hear him gasps.

When I change into his hoodie, a settling warmth embraces me. I smile to myself, a joy blooms in my chest, the feeling of wearing his clothes, makes me feel too good to be true. The shorts I´m wearing are the same ones as before and I think, that I kinda like the casual look. And maybe it looks fine, that could be a good way to get Alex attention. My shorts cover my thighs, but because his hoodie is bigger than what I normally wear, this way it looks like I only wear his hoodie.

When I turn around and fix my hair, he already started another game again. Okay, mission getting-some-sort-of-reaction, is starting to get interesting. "Soo, what do you think? Too big?" I wait for his reaction. When he slowly turns around, one hand holding up his headphones, I see him trying not to stare too hard. But since I see his eyes scanning my body, it´s impossible for him to pretend. I smile to myself.

"And?" I make a step in his direction, watching him swallow. His eyes wander to the floor and a nervous expression crosses his face. "I- I need to finish this game so-" he turns around so fast, I´m almost surprised his neck didnt broke. Shit. That wasnt part of the plan. I glance around the room, trying to come up with something, another way to keep his attention at me. I sit on his bed, near his computer and decide to watch him play. I hear the sound of the game playing in the background, while I continue to think of a way for him to notice me.

And even though I keep my hands to myself, I see him sqirming in his seat. I laugh quietly. "Everything okay?" it seems he isnt that concentrated anymore. "Yeah, uh, are you bored? You never watch me play." His head turns to look at me. "You could teach me some moves." I say, looking at him and then the game, that shows a spider attacking some creature. He raises his eyebrows at my words.

"You sure? I thought you didnt like video games." My eyes wander to his lap as I quickly come up with a plan. "Maybe I will like it, if you show me some tricks. And also, I like you and you´re really interested in gaming, so I thought I could make an effort." His cheeks are blushing, my eyes are starring at his clueless ones.

A smile tucks at his lips, but he tries to keep his cool. "I mean, I´m really good at this, so I could teach you one or two lessons. Where do you want to sit? I only have one gaming chair, but-" he glances around the room, trying to come up with something.

"Well, we could share?" I ask, my voice sounding sincere and not as much thrilled at the idea, to sit in his lap, even though I am freaking out in my thoughts. His eyes widen, when he realizes what I just said.

"You want to-" he doesn't finish his sentence, stuttering at the idea of me sitting on his lap. "If thats okay with you, of course? I think its the best solution, I mean I do want the full experience. So its fair." I see him nervously licking his lips. "Yeah, yeah. I get that. Okay, cool, how do you want to-" I smile at him and his nervous speech. "Just relax, I dont bite. You do know that, right?" I laugh when I see his ears turning pink.

"Right. So uh, come here, I guess?" He puts his arms on the armrests to give me good access and I feel myself getting nervous. God, I never got to be this close to him. I stand up, his eyes take my form in his sweater in, I see him starring at the naked skin. And when I see something shining in his hair, I act without a second thought.

"You have something in your hair, dummy." It's a little paper ball from Benny, probably from the previous dinner (fight), I lean myself down, facing him forward in his lap and cross my legs over his thighs. I don't notice what position we are in until I lean back to show him the piece of paper and suddenly, I'm just a few centimeters from his face. Shocked by the less to no space we have left between us, he doesn't speak and neither do I. We just look at each other.

"i-i got it." The words leave my mouth, the distance between our faces -god his lips look so soft- leaves me speechless. It takes him a moment, but when he answers he sounds just as out of breath as me.

"thanks."

Again, we sit in silence. Suddenly I loose my balance and I almost fall out of the chair, but his arms are quick to catch me. So now, he has his arms around my waist and my arms linger around his shoulders for support. If I would lean closer, I could kiss him.

The thought of kissing him, makes me sqirm and when he lays his hands onto my waist to still my movements, I feel dizzy. Because Im not just sitting on his legs. Indeed, I sit literally on his lap. So when I feel myself getting wet, because he makes me so touch starved, I completely loose my mind.

"Im sorry- i didnt mean to sit that way. I just-" his eyes are so fascinating, brown, green and warm. It feels like he´s looking at my soul. He´s watching my every move. I know I should probably get up, but its the first time, he is that close to me and I cant stop looking at him.

Without a thought in my head, I raise my hand and touch his cheek. I see his lips breaking apart, so he can draw a surprised breath. "You have so many freckles everywhere." My eyes wander around his face. His voice comes back to life for a second, but only to sign. "Too many, actually." I draw my eyebrows together.

"It suits you and it´s not too much. Thats a perfectly fine amount of freckles. Look-" I start to count them. Each and every one. Starting from his ears towards his cheeks, his nose, further down until I stop at his lips. "You have one right above the corner of your mouth." I mutter, my thumb brushes his lips for a second.

Caught, my eyes sneak back to search his gaze. But he just looks at me. My heart feels like it could break any second, if I dont open my mouth to say something.

"You are" I begin to say "so beautiful to me. Every freckle you have, the colour of your eyes, your hair, your lips, your voice, just you."

I cant hold back anymore.

"i-i love you, Alex. I really do. I thought it would just be a crush that would go away, when time goes on, but it hasnt. You´re in every piece of my heart, you hold it together. You are my joy, my laugh, my sadness, you were everything for me, the first second I got to know you. Because you are the best person in my life, my best friend, my other half, my partner in crime, I would bail you out of jail in a heartbeat. Without you, my heart wouldn't beat anymore anyway. Because you make it live. Every day, every time I see you. Maybe if I would have known better, I would have never agreed to take your jacket, the first time we met. If I would have known, how absolutely in love I would get with you, it would have scared me to death. But now? Now I know better than to be away from you, because I better live as your best friend than without having you in my life. Because now, being away from you would be my death."

In one second, I bail my heart out and before I know it, he takes my face in his hands and leans forward. He stops his movement right before our lips touch.

"I think you will be the death of me too, sweetheart."

And with that, he kisses me.

Slow at first, his lips touch mine, so very soft and gentle. I almost think I´m dreaming, because his lips do feel like a dream to me. His hands caress my back and I clutch to his shoulders, afraid the moment will end. His warm hands strive back to my cheeks, tilding my head in a way he can have more access.

And I let him, mainly because I´m too caught up with this emotion and also because I would let him do anything with me. My hands are in his dark hair, gently tugging at his strings, so I get to hear that little breathless sound he makes, that makes my heart flutter.

I sink in his warm embrace, moving my lips with the same rhythm as him, hearing my heartbeat in my ears. His right hand goes to the back of my neck and this action makes me weak in the knees. And he notices it. Gently he breaks apart, leaving me with the want to have more of him and when I open my eyes - I didnt know I closed them - he looks at me, like I´m the sun and he´s the moon, that was away for too long.

"God, you´re so beautiful." His voice is deep, I can hear him catch his breath. His words make my heart ache until I think it isnt able to comprehend his compliment. I feel his lips again, my eyes flutter at the contact. One hand around my hip, holding me steady and the other one, around my neck, making me unsteady.

"alex-" a moan wants to escape me, but I try to hold myself together. His lips leave my mouth and trail further down, finding a spot at the curve of my neck.

"god, yes. Say my name again." I´m pretty sure, I never wanted him more than now.

My hands linger in his hair, I feel his hot breath on my skin and clench my thighs together. He is making me feel all worked up. As his lips leave that spot, I whimper his name, but as soon as his mouth leaves my body, he reconnects with it.

Brushing my hair aside, he kisses me again for a second before he lets go of me. With that, im completely convinced he hates me, the way he´s making me suffer. I hear him quietly laugh, so I slowly open my eyes to watch his face.

"You look drunk on love. Are you alright?" He smiles at me, looking at me, like he didnt just turn my world up site down (and my panties wet, by the way).

"What?" I ask, catching my breath. His skin glows and as I watch every detail of his face (how could I not), I almost miss his next sentence. "I would have never thought that this was your idea of gaming." I feel his shoulders move, when he tries to keep himself from laughing.

I gently smile and roll my eyes. "You are just too handsome for me, to concentrate on anything other than you." His cheeks turn red and there´s a glimmer in his eyes, that makes me feel completed. "So that´s why you have bad grades in math, maybe I shouldnt be sitting next to you then." His joke makes me laugh.

"Well, maybe you can give me some private lessons, so I could improve." At that, he opens his mouth, but no words are said. "Too stunned to speak?" I lean forward, his eyes follow my lips. "You just never flirted with me, its distracting." He looks up.

I just shake my head. One of my hands sneaks around to linger at his cheek. "Oh, trust me. I have. You just never noticed." His eyebrows rise. "Thats a shame. But I guess I have now." He catches my lips.

Yes, he definitely did notice me now.

#my life with the walter boys #alex walter #cole walter #love confessions #beautiful #love #rainyday #x reader #in love

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blu3n · 1 month ago

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["Hi, Blu3n, what do you think? how would Jason Petrr Todd be in a relationship? "]

Anon.

"1 he would be sooo communicative, i mean since the day he got back he's been telling bruce that he has a problem, he's told him exactly what that problem is, how it hurt, and how he can fix it. Everyone say's he never stops complaining and its like, yeah? cuz honey is still mad?? kill joker and he'll stfu about it bc he's still hurt. like he's not going to stop being upset until he's dead, and everyone is pushing the blame on him from bringing up valid arguments bc it makes them uncomfortable to admit that their system protecting their own moral comfort isn't working. If jason had a problem he would tell u about it, and you could actually fix it if you cared about it (unlike bruce...) also he would not hesitate to tell u he cares about you, he's said i love you so many times to love interests, idk if he's said it to bruce, but we know the sentiment is there. he would tell u he cares."

".2 his compassion babay!!!! hes sooo empathetic, he get so angry on behalf of the victims that he kills for them, and thats like, ugh, amazing. he knows what its like to be a victim and he can apply that feeling to everyone who needs an ear. he knows what its like to be a murderer too and so he holds nothing back for his victims (the self loathing is cute but sad.) his anger is his compassion weaponised, and im gonna make out with him for it."

".3 he's dependable!!! we all know that if he cares about you, bestie nothing will stop him from keeping u safe. he will kill for you. thats it. if your in a situation where batman needs to choose between u or someone else? jason would storm in, kick him to the side and choose you over and over (if he cares that is, gotta win his heart first am i right?) his code makes me feel much safer than bruces thats for sure. if i go rogue he can kill me."

".4 HE'S LOYAL!!! even after dying he still comes back to do what bruce taught him to, just a bit further u know? like he continues to protect gotham in his own way, he might not work for the bat but he's still a gotham boy and he loves her, protects her even after dying, he'd probably show u the same loyalty bc he's desperate for it back. he'd never cheat, tho i do expect him to be a bit jealous, but thats okay, i get the same lol."

"5 honestly his will to live turns me on a lil bit. im sorry you have to read this but when crawled outta the grave? i'd make out with him in that mud. i'd roll around with him in that mud. I'd tell him he's a good boy in that mud. maybe its not really a will to live and more a need to make them pay, but ugh,,, just his determination gets to me. theres just something so beautiful and gorgeous about crawling out of your grave, like yeeeessss im so angry that not even death can hold me back. i am alive and there is nothing you can do to stop me now, i will haunt the narrative except i wont haunt it because, im actually alive and im going to reshape the narrative to fit MY revenge and make the whole idea of death seem obsolete. suck it batman."

!! Owner of the post. !!!

NOTE:

Stop thinking that Jason would be terrible, in fact he has his disorders, but he would take care of you as if you were THE ONLY PERSON IN HIS ENTIRE WORLD!!!!

#jason todd reader #dc fanfiction #jason todd #jason todd angst #jason todd x reader #dc fanart #jason todd imagine #jason todd comfort #jason todd x y/n #jason todd headcanon

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maxdibert · 1 month ago

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Hey so maybe stop bashing on a fandom thats just trying to have fun wasn't it like Taylor Swift or idk another white woman who said "never hate on someone's idol it might be the only reason they're alive" and yes we recognize how the fandom is flawed but jesus christ chill dude

So you acknowledge that the fandom has its issues, but you don’t care at all and just keep pinkwashing bullying and classism? So it’s all fine as long as you perpetuate the classic stereotypes that equate evil with ugliness and poverty, twisting the canon narrative to fit your ideal of beauty privilege, conveniently rainbow-tinted so the stench of victim-blaming and body-shaming isn’t as obvious? But it’s suddenly wrong when someone calls you out on it?

I don’t have an issue with people liking the Marauders or the Death Eaters. Honestly, that’s great—everyone’s entitled to their preferences. My problem is that out of all the incredibly problematic characters in this fandom, you only exclude, vilify, and paint one of them as irredeemable: Severus Snape. Which, surprise (spoiler: it’s no coincidence), happens to be the only one in this lineup of super queer, super POC, super body-diverse OCs who is canonically working-class and desperately poor. He canonically doesn’t fit the stereotypes of the ideal masculine figure, which is exactly why the boys who do perform that toxic and aggressive masculinity bully him. He canonically falls outside beauty standards, so he’s mocked for it. He canonically isn’t the perfect British white boy, and he’s ridiculed for that too. Funny how you paint the epitome of white, economic, and cishet privilege as unique and different, but the one character in that generation who is the closest thing to queer-coded ends up being the homophobe? Or the misogynist? Or the sexual predator? When he’s canonically the only character from that generation who has actually suffered what we would now define as sexual assault?

Look, I’d have no issue with your fandom if you didn’t constantly engage in this bashing that reeks of classism and body-shaming. Oh, and let’s not forget the internalized misogyny—it’s glaringly obvious, by the way. But since you insist on making jokes and ignoring how problematic it is to portray the only socially marginalized character in that entire group as the worst villain, maybe it’s time to tell you straight up that you’re either a bunch of kids who have never opened a book about gender, politics, and social inequalities in your lives, or you’re just as much fans of bullies and the elite as J.K. Rowling herself. And if you don’t like hearing that, maybe do a little self-reflection. Because your double standards, cynicism, and hypocrisy are not only nauseating but downright embarrassing.

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mayearies · 1 year ago

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☆.

NORMAL GIRL

𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐆 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒

˚ʚ property of ©hiimayee ɞ˚

genre: angsty (a lil fluff) | warnings: insecure reader a/n: i gotta confess i just listened to the ctrl deluxe because i didnt know there was one but I LOVE JODIE AND MILES SMSM translations: amor, que paso / love, what happened . di lo que piensas / say what you think . tía / aunt . como si fuera ayer, hermosa / like it was yesterday, beautiful . mi corazon / my heart . mamá, déjame ayudarte / mama, let me help you

summary: miles assuring youre the one for him no matter what ♬ song: normal girl by sza

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

miles and you were just laying down and watching some television on the couch while tía rio went to the store. she said she wanted to teach you and miles how to make pasteles tonight. you honestly weren’t paying attention to whatever was being shown, instead you were thinking about yourself. you just wish you were more-

“-normal?”

the tv cut off your sentence with that word, snapping you back into the moment. he noticed your sudden jump and looked up as you as his thumb circled your stomach. “you okay?”

“hm? oh yeah- yeah i’m fine.”

your voice was really unconvincing, he rolled his eyes as he laid his head back down on your chest and turned his eyes toward the tv again. “amor, que paso? you look upset.”

“nothing, just thinking.” “you know you can tell me anythin’, right? di lo que piensas.”

you know that. but you wanted to keep this to yourself. but also knowing him, he would be able to get you to crack sooner or later. miles was really passionate about hearing what you’re thinking. he liked to hear you speak. he says that a lot.

“you know how i, y’know act really out of character?” “what’chu mean, ma?” “like when we first met—don’t i act completely different now that we’re dating?”

the circular motions on your stomach paused for a second as he looked up at you but the motions still continued as he stared at you. glancing at your lips from time to time. “i mean, i never really noticed.”

“never?” “no. you stay the same in my eyes. the same cute princess i’ve known. so i dont know what you mean when you say ‘out of character’.”

maybe he didn’t see you the way you saw you. you felt like you’ve changed since you met him. in some ways bad, in some ways good. but you still felt like you weren’t yourself. “you know the times i would be hyper and all that.”

“como si fuera ayer, hermosa.” “well.. do you think thats normal considering me?”

miles squinted his eyes at you as he shifted so you were sitting on his lap. “‘normal’? you’re not normal.”

“exactly what my point is, miles. and i feel like it’s a problem.” “what’s wrong with not being normal, love? you can’t define normal in a person.” “but i’m not-“

“no buts, mi corazon. i like all the moments we share. the silly ones, the serious ones, thats all a part of you. and i like that. y’know, mama might have not had the best perception of you when we first met but, i still loved you. the same i do now. you might have changed. i still love you the same. ♡”

he lightly pepper kissed you over your face. he always knew a sweet way to shut you up. you were his life, and he wouldn’t want you being insecure about yourself any time of day. even when we was asleep or away for prowler business.

miles didnt have any expectations when he wanted a girlfriend. you just had to like him back. and you did. thats all he asks for. nothing else. “you okay now?”

he liked the way you would instantly melt at the kisses from his chappled lips. it made him feel warm and fuzzy inside. he kissed your nose before you laid your head on his chest. he stroked your scalp, too.

the sweet moment was inturrupted when the door lock was making noise, “i’m back!”

miles’ hands gestured for you to move so he could help with the groceries. a faint “mamá, déjame ayudarte.” coming from him as she thanked him. you were still a little froze in the moment to which you couldnt feel tears on your cheeks drying up.

“oh! good, she’s still here-“

once rio turned her attention to you, she held a look of slight worry. which then shifted to an eyebrow raise at her son as he carried the bags.

“what did you do?” “nothing, mama! i swear. we just.. had a little moment while you were out.”

she looked back and forth between you two until her mouth made an ‘o’ shape, “ah, i see.”

“…not-“ “yes, i know ‘not like that’!”

©hiimayee

#miles morales #miles g morales #miles morales x reader #across the spiderverse #miles morales blurbs #e!42 miles morales #earth 42 miles morales x reader #miles morales earth 42 #miles 42 #42 miles morales #earth 42 #earth 42 miles fluff #earth 42 miles morales #earth 42 miles x reader #earth 42 miles morales x black!reader #earth 42 miles angst

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reigns-devotee · 1 month ago

Text

The substitute master list

Part 2

Word Count: 10.7k (she's a huge chapter)

Warnings: Language, forbidden want, angst, 18+

The sharp, repetitive blare of Alicia’s alarm jolted her awake. Her hand shot out from under the plush white comforter, blindly patting the nightstand until her fingers found her phone. She squinted against the glow of the screen as she tapped snooze with a groggy sigh. But there was no point in going back to sleep — she was already awake.

With a heavy groan, she pushed herself up, the cool air of her room biting against her warm skin. Her hair was a mess of curls, some flattened against her cheek from how she’d slept. She rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands, blinking a few times to clear the sleepiness.

Her feet hit the soft, plush carpet, and she sat there for a moment, letting the weight of the morning settle on her. Another day, another class. But today felt... different. She couldn’t quite put her finger on why.

Shaking off the thought, Alicia moved through her usual routine. She shuffled into the bathroom, turning on the lights with a quick flick of the switch. The bright, clean glow reflected off the marble countertops and mirrored walls, making everything feel a little too sharp for her half-asleep state. She brushed her teeth, rinsed with cold water, and turned on the shower, letting the steam rise and fill the air. The soft sound of running water echoed in the quiet of the condo.

Her shower was quick but calming, the warmth washing away the last traces of sleep. She let the water run down her face, her mind blissfully empty for a few short minutes. But once she stepped out, wrapping herself in a fluffy white towel, her eyes drifted toward her open closet.

And that’s when she saw it.

The white top.

It hung neatly on a sleek silver hanger, right at eye level, like it was waiting for her. Her lips pressed into a line as she stood there, towel draped around her shoulders, droplets of water sliding down her arms. She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at it like it had personally offended her.

"Ugh, not you," she muttered under her breath, running her fingers through her damp curls.

She knew exactly why it was on her mind. Zoe. Zoe and her big mouth. Wear the top, she’d said. It was supposed to be “iconic,” whatever that meant. And if Alicia knew one thing, it was that Zoe’s version of "iconic" usually meant trouble.

Her gaze lingered on the top a little too long. It wasn’t flashy — it was simple, clean, fitted just right. But that was the problem. It was too right. It hugged her in all the right places, and every time she wore it, Zoe made it very clear that people noticed.

Her fingers tapped against her arm as she bit her lip in thought. Just wear something normal. A hoodie. A sweater. Anything safe. She took a step toward the other side of her closet, eyeing her go-to oversized sweatshirts. They were comfortable. Easy. No attention. No stress.

But her eyes shifted back to the white top.

Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her towel, chewing on the inside of her cheek. It’s just a top. It’s not a big deal. But even as she tried to convince herself, her brain threw in one stubborn reminder — he’ll notice.

Her heart did a tiny flip at the thought. She hated that. Why am I thinking about him? She shook her head, gripping the towel a little tighter around her shoulders. He’s just a sub. It’s not like he cares what I wear.

But still...

Her gaze flickered back to the top once more, her chest rising and falling in a slow, drawn-out sigh. It wasn’t like she was doing it for him. It was just a shirt. It just happened to look good. Thats all.

She stood there for another moment, eyes locked on it like it was a decision that would change her whole day.

Her phone buzzed from across the room, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced toward the bed, already knowing who it was. Probably Zoe, ready to hype her up (or bully her) into wearing the shirt.

“Okay, fine,” she muttered to herself, turning back toward the closet. Her fingers brushed the fabric, soft and smooth under her touch. Her lips quirked into a small, knowing smile.

“Iconic, huh?” she whispered to herself, pulling it off the hanger.

Fine, Zoe. You win.

The white top hugged Alicia like a second skin, sculpting her silhouette in a way that felt just a little too noticeable. As she reached for the cold metal handle of the student center’s glass door, she pulled it open with a firm tug, letting the warm, coffee-scented air rush over her. Her curls shifted as the slight gust followed her inside, and almost instantly, she felt it.

Eyes.

She didn’t have to look around to know. People at tables, leaning against walls, scrolling through their phones, or typing on laptops — they glanced up. Some tried to be subtle, others didn’t even bother. She kept her gaze straight ahead, heart thudding in her chest as if it knew something she didn’t.

Ignore it. You’ve worn this before. It’s just a shirt. But even as she thought it, she tugged lightly at the hem, smoothing it down. Her eyes darted through the crowd, scanning for the familiar sight of Zoe.

When she spotted her best friend in the far corner, feet propped on the edge of a chair, head tilted back as she scrolled on her phone, Alicia's jaw tensed. No coffee in her hand.

No coffee on the table.

No coffee anywhere.

Alicia narrowed her eyes. She’s dead.

Her gaze snapped to the left, landing on her next destination — Brews & Muse. The cozy little coffee stand in the center of the student lounge had a line, but not a long one. It wasn’t like she had a choice. Her caffeine levels were at zero, and dealing with Zoe on an empty tank was a death wish.

Her boots tapped against the smooth floor as she made her way over, dodging a couple of guys deep in conversation and a girl pulling books out of her bag. The smell of espresso and warm vanilla wrapped around her, comforting in a way that only Brews & Muse could pull off.

The line was short, just two people ahead of her, giving her a moment to glance at the menu overhead — not that she needed to. She ordered the same thing almost every time. Her gaze flickered to the pastry display, and her eyes instantly locked on it.

The croissants.

Golden brown. Flaky. Perfectly puffed like little clouds of buttery heaven. Her stomach growled, low but fierce, and she rolled her eyes at herself.

"Alright, alright, I hear you," she muttered quietly, stepping forward as the line moved.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out with one hand, tapping the screen to see the message from Zoe.

Zoe: girl i know u see me in the corner like a whole celebrity and i know u also see i didn’t bring ur coffee. oops 😏

Alicia's thumb moved fast.

Alicia: you better pray i don’t choke you with this croissant when i get over there.

Zoe: ohhh spicy 😏 i’ll be ready.

Alicia’s lips pressed into a thin line to stop herself from smiling. She’s so annoying.

“Next!”

The barista’s voice pulled her attention back. It was the same guy who’d been working there all semester — tall, broad shoulders, always wore that gray Brews & Muse apron like it was high fashion. His dark hair peeked out from under his cap, and he gave her a grin like he knew something she didn’t.

“Back again, huh?” he asked, leaning one elbow on the counter like they were old friends.

“Don’t start with me, Damon,” she said, stepping up to the register. “You already know how this goes.”

“Croissant and a vanilla iced coffee, right?” He tilted his head, his grin growing. “Or you feeling bold today?”

“Don’t fix what’s not broken,” she shot back, pulling out her card.

He tapped a few buttons on the register and raised a brow at her. “You ever think maybe you are broken, and a new order might fix you?”

Her eyes narrowed playfully as she slid her card into the reader. “Keep it up, Damon, and I’ll take my business to Perk & Pour.”

He put a hand on his chest, pretending to be wounded. “You’d betray me like that?”

“Without hesitation,” she teased, grabbing her receipt as it printed.

“Cold,” he muttered, shaking his head as he turned toward the pastry display. He slipped a croissant into a small white bag, folded it twice, and placed it on the counter like it was a gift. “But I respect it.”

By the time she made it to the end of the counter, her iced vanilla coffee was already waiting for her, condensation gathering on the plastic cup. She grabbed it with one hand, the croissant bag with the other, and turned toward Zoe’s table with renewed determination.

The eyes were still on her. Of course they are.

But this time, she didn’t care. The buttery smell of the croissant and the sweet, creamy swirl of her vanilla coffee were the only things that mattered. Oh, and maybe strangling Zoe.

Alicia weaved through the crowd, her iced vanilla coffee in one hand and the croissant bag in the other. The cold condensation from the cup chilled her fingers, but the warmth of the buttery pastry balanced it out. Her gaze stayed locked on Zoe, who was still sprawled in the booth like she owned it, her feet propped up on the chair across from her. She hadn’t even looked up from her phone.

Bold move, Zoe. Real bold.

“Move,” Alicia said sharply as she reached the table.

Zoe glanced up, her brown eyes glimmering with mischief. She grinned, slow and smug, like she’d been waiting for this moment. "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence. Miss Main Character herself.” She dropped her feet from the chair, slowly sitting upright as if it took every ounce of effort.

Alicia slid into the chair across from her, tossing the croissant bag onto the table like a judge slamming a gavel. Her coffee cup followed with a soft thud. “You’re real lucky I was in a good mood today, Zoe.”

“Oh please,” Zoe leaned forward, her chin resting on her palm, grinning like a cat who’d caught a mouse. "You look too good to be mad today. I know you saw them looking."

Alicia rolled her eyes, unwrapping the croissant with sharp, deliberate movements. The flaky crust crunched softly as she peeled back the paper, revealing its golden surface. "Yeah, I noticed. Kinda hard not to when everyone’s acting like they’ve never seen a shirt before."

Zoe snorted, shaking her head. "Girl, it’s not the shirt, it’s you They’re not looking 'cause of fabric. They’re looking 'cause you finally stepped on their necks today.” She waved a hand in the air, like she was presenting a masterpiece. "And I, for one, am so proud of you."

Alicia arched a brow, biting off a flaky edge of the croissant. “Proud? For what?”

“For finally listening to me,” Zoe said, leaning back in her seat, arms spread wide. “I told you that top was dangerous and here you are, causing distractions, stopping hearts, making people forget their student loans for five whole minutes. Look at you — doing community service out here.”

Alicia’s laugh came quicker than she expected, and she shook her head, hiding her smile behind the croissant. “You’re so annoying.”

“But I’m right,” Zoe said, tapping a finger against the table like she’d just made a closing argument in court. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Alicia didn’t answer. She just took another bite of her croissant, eyes drifting to the side where a group of guys from her econ class sat. Sure enough, one of them was looking her way, his eyes flickering between his laptop screen and her like he was trying not to get caught.

Her heart gave a little thud.

She looked back at Zoe, who wiggled her brows, clearly having seen it too.

“See?” Zoe leaned forward, propping her elbows on the table. "You can't fight facts, babe. Just embrace it."

“Whatever,” Alicia muttered, popping the lid off her iced coffee to stir it with the straw. The creamy vanilla swirl blended into the cold brew, creating a soft caramel-colored gradient. She stared at it for a second too long, letting her thoughts settle.

Her mind shouldn’t have drifted to him — but it did. Mr. Reigns.

Take your grades seriously.

The way he’d said it, like it wasn’t just about her grades. Like it was about her. And then, the way he corrected her when she called him sir. His voice was sharp but smooth, like velvet hiding a blade. Call me Mr. Reigns. She felt the shift in her chest all over again just thinking about it.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the side of her coffee cup, eyes distant.

“Uh oh,” Zoe said, snapping her fingers in front of Alicia’s face. “What’s that look? You got quiet.” She tilted her head, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking about Mr. Reigns right now.”

Alicia froze, her eyes cutting to Zoe in a panic. “I’m not.”

Zoe’s jaw dropped, and she let out a loud, dramatic gasp. Her hands slapped the table. "OH. MY. GOD. You are”

“Zoe, shut up,” Alicia hissed, eyes darting around to see if anyone heard. “You’re literally so loud.”

“I KNEW IT!” Zoe’s voice was quieter, but her grin was ten times bigger. She leaned in so close their faces were inches apart. “He got in your head, didn’t he?” She tapped her temple with a knowing smirk. “Rent-free, baby.”

Alicia shoved a piece of croissant into Zoe’s face, smothering her with buttery crumbs. “Eat this and leave me alone.”

Zoe choked on laughter, pulling back with her hands raised in surrender, still grinning like a maniac. “Okay, okay! But I’m just saying, you might wanna wear that white top again on Wednesday.”

“Not happening,” Alicia muttered, but she knew Zoe wasn’t going to let it go.

"Mm-hmm," Zoe hummed, reaching for a napkin to wipe the crumbs off her chin. "We'll see."

The rest of their conversation shifted to other topics — Zoe’s crush on some guy in her film class, weekend plans, and random TikToks they’d both seen. But no matter how much Alicia tried to focus on the present, her thoughts kept drifting. Mr. Reigns.

Her phone buzzed.

She glanced at it, expecting another message from her brother, Nikolai. But it wasn’t.

It was from an unknown number.

Her brows pulled together in confusion as she unlocked her phone and opened the message.

Unknown (10:42 AM): Alicia, I expect you to be on time today. — Mr. Reigns

Her heart stopped.

How does he have my number?

Her hands hovered over the phone screen, unsure if she should reply. Her gaze flicked up, landing on Zoe, who was distracted by whatever video she was watching. For a second, Alicia debated telling her.

But something about the message felt… personal.

She stared at it for a few more seconds, feeling her pulse pick up. Slowly, she locked her phone and set it face down on the table. She didn’t tell Zoe.

Her fingers wrapped around her iced coffee, taking a slow sip. The vanilla was sweet, but her mind was too busy to enjoy it.

Her heart was still beating too fast.

The soft hum of voices echoed through the hallway as Alicia and Zoe strolled toward their classroom. Their footsteps tapped lightly against the polished floor, blending in with the shuffle of other students heading to their own classes.

“We’re early for once,” Zoe said, flipping her hair over her shoulder with an air of accomplishment. “Look at us being responsible citizens of academia.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Alicia muttered, shifting her tote bag higher on her shoulder. Her eyes flicked toward the classroom door, the faintest trace of nerves bubbling in her chest.

They stepped inside, the cool air of the classroom immediately wrapping around them. Students were scattered in small clusters, chatting quietly or scrolling on their phones. Zoe made a beeline for their usual seats in the second row, and Alicia followed closely behind, eyes darting around as she scanned the room.

Her gaze stopped instantly when it landed on him.

Mr. Reigns.

He was standing at the front of the room, back to the class, writing on the whiteboard in clean, sharp strokes. His black suit jacket was perfectly tailored, the fabric pulling just right against his broad shoulders every time his arm moved. The smooth line of his back, the precise way he stood — it all felt too intentional. Too controlled.

Alicia’s heart did a slow, heavy thud.

Just sit down. Don’t stare. Don’t make it obvious.

Her eyes darted away as she followed Zoe to their seats. She set her bag on the floor and slid into her chair, smoothing down her white top as if it needed adjustment. Zoe pulled out her notebook with a sigh, tapping her pen lazily against the edge of the desk.

“Ugh, I forgot to bring a snack,” Zoe groaned, glancing at Alicia. "You got anything in that tote of yours? Gum, candy, a bag of chips, anything?”

“Nope,” Alicia replied, her voice distant. Her eyes were already drifting toward the front of the room again. She didn’t mean to look, not really. But she had to check.

Her gaze shifted slowly over her laptop screen, just a peek. Just a glance.

There he is.

He’d turned around. His back was no longer to the class. He stood facing them, hands casually in his pockets, his head tilted slightly as he scanned the room like he was taking in every single face at once. But then, his eyes stopped.

On her.

Alicia froze. Her fingers hovered over the keys of her laptop, but she didn’t type. Her breath came just a little too shallow as she felt it — the weight of his stare. His eyes were sharp, dark, and entirely too focused.

Her heart thudded again. She dropped her gaze back to her screen, pretending to type something, even though her fingers weren’t moving. Ignore it. He’s just looking around. You’re not special. Stay calm.

But her hands didn’t stay on the keys.

Instead, her fingers slipped under the edge of her laptop, slowly, carefully lowering the screen. Her chest tightened as the dim glow from the screen disappeared, her reflection fading into the glossy black. Her hands felt stiff, like they didn’t want to listen to her anymore.

Her gaze lifted.

Big mistake.

Because his eyes were still on her. No longer scanning the room. No longer looking anywhere else. Just her.

Her throat went dry.

Her mind scrambled for something, anything logical to tell herself, but all she could do was watch as his eyes lingered, unblinking, steady as stone. But then, something shifted. A flicker. A hesitation.

His gaze dropped.

Not far.

Just an inch or two.

Her chest.

A flash of heat shot up her spine so fast it almost made her shiver. Her breath caught, heart pounding so loud she swore it echoed in her ears. It wasn’t a long look, just a split-second slip of his gaze. But it happened. She saw it happen.

And so did he.

His eyes snapped back up, sharp and quick, like he’d caught himself too late. His jaw shifted just barely, his teeth pressing together for a half-second. His tongue darted out, a fast flick across his bottom lip before he pulled it back. It was barely a movement at all, but she caught it.

Her fingers curled into fists on her lap.

Don’t react. Don’t react. Just breathe.

But he didn’t flinch. He didn’t look embarrassed. He didn’t apologize. He just turned his head away, eyes focused on the whiteboard as he picked up the marker again. Calm. Collected. Like it never happened.

Her heart didn’t get that memo.

“Are you good?” Zoe’s voice snapped her out of it. She was leaning toward her, eyes narrowed like she knew something had happened. “You’re all quiet again, and you only get like that when you’re either plotting or panicking.”

“I’m fine,” Alicia said quickly, straightening up in her seat and opening her laptop again. The glow of the screen washed over her face, but it didn’t make her feel any less warm.

Zoe’s eyes narrowed further, her lips pressing together like she didn’t believe a word of it. “Mhm. Sure, okay. Noted.”

“Zoe, please,” Alicia hissed, tapping at her keyboard like she suddenly had something urgent to type.

“Okay, okay, I’ll mind my business,” Zoe muttered, holding up her hands. “But I know that look.” She smirked as she sat back in her chair, casually twirling her pen. “It’s the 'I'm thinking about someone I shouldn’t be thinking about' look.”

“Shut. Up,” Alicia shot back, her voice low but firm.

“Shutting,” Zoe whispered, still grinning like she’d won something.

At the front of the room, Mr. Reigns’s voice cut through the quiet hum of the class like a blade. “Alright, everyone, let’s pick up where we left off last week. Laptops open. Notes ready.”

His voice was calm, steady, deep. The kind of voice that didn’t have to get loud to demand attention. It just took it.

Alicia’s fingers hovered over the keys. She glanced up one more time, just to see if he was looking at her again. He wasn’t. His eyes were on the whiteboard, marker moving in smooth, effortless lines as he laid out a diagram.

She breathed out slowly, trying to match the calmness he was putting on display. But the way her heart was still racing told her she wasn’t fooling anyone — not even herself.

“Notes, Miss Brown ,” his voice cut through the air like a warning shot.

Her head snapped up. Did he just —

Her eyes locked with his for the third time that morning. His expression was unreadable, lips pressed into a firm line. His gaze didn’t drop this time. It didn’t shift.

She quickly glanced down, typing anything just to look busy. Don’t look again. Don’t look again.

“Don’t fall behind,” he added, his tone cool, detached, but somehow heavier than it needed to be.

I’m not falling behind. I’m not falling behind. She repeated it like a mantra in her head as she stared at her screen, hands moving with no real direction.

Zoe’s quiet snicker floated from beside her. Alicia didn’t have to look to know that she’d heard every single word.

“Yup,” Zoe muttered, still typing on her own laptop. “Rent-free, baby.”

The faint ding of the bell echoed through the classroom, signaling the end of the period. The room came alive with the clatter of laptops closing and chairs scraping against the floor. Students moved in a wave toward the front, handing in their completed assignments with barely a glance at Mr. Reigns.

Alicia sat back for a moment, fingers still drumming on the edge of her desk. Her notes were neat, her quiz complete, but for some reason, she didn’t feel as relieved as she should have.

Just get up. Hand it in. Leave.

She stood, sliding her paper into her hands and walking toward the front of the room. Her heart thudded in her chest with each step, the sound seeming to grow louder with every inch she moved closer to him.

By the time she reached his desk, she realized she was the last in line. Everyone else had already filed out, the door swinging shut behind them. Her footsteps slowed.

No big deal. Just drop it off. Easy.

Her fingers lightly placed the paper on the top of the desk, sliding it into the pile.

But Mr. Reigns didn’t just take it.

He reached out slowly, his large hand sliding across the surface to grip the edge of her paper, his fingers curling deliberately. He didn’t look at it. He didn’t look at her either — not at first. Instead, he shifted his weight, sitting back in his chair, his eyes on the paper like he was scanning it for some invisible flaw. Then, with unsettling calm, he set it down, so gentle it barely made a sound.

Her breath caught in her throat.

When he finally looked up, it wasn’t quick or casual. It was slow, deliberate, like he wanted her to feel every second of it. Dark, steady eyes locked onto hers, and her body froze in place.

"Take a seat," he said, his voice calm but firm, like it wasn’t a request.

Her brow furrowed. "I—"

“It’s not an option,” he cut her off, his voice sharp as a blade.

Her breath stilled. Her lips parted like she might protest again, but she stopped herself. She glanced toward the door where the last of her classmates had just disappeared, and for a moment, she considered bolting. But something in his tone, that low, commanding tone, had her sinking back into the chair without a second thought.

Her palms pressed flat against the cool wood of the desk. Her eyes stayed down. Don’t look at him. Don’t look at him.

But then she heard it.

The soft click of his dress shoes against the floor. Slow. Measured. Each step landing like a clock ticking in a quiet room. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Her head shot up just in time to see him stand.

Fully upright, he was massive. His frame towered over her, broad shoulders filling the space like a storm cloud that just rolled in. His black suit hugged every inch of his frame — the sharp cut of his jaw, the smooth line of his tie, and the sheer size of his build left no doubt that he had every ounce of control in this room.

Her heart was in her throat.

He leaned forward, palms pressed against the desk, his eyes pinned on her with an intensity that made her grip the edge of her chair. His stare lingered for a moment too long before he straightened up, his gaze sharp, calculating. Then, with slow, purposeful steps, he moved.

Click. Click. Click.

He circled her.

Like a lion, his pace was slow, steady, predatory. Her pulse picked up speed as he moved behind her, and her eyes stayed straight ahead. Her back stiffened. She could feel the weight of him, feel him moving even though she couldn’t see him.

Her eyes darted forward, watching him out of the corner of her vision.

Don’t turn. Don’t turn around.

But she could hear his breathing. Not loud, just present — that quiet kind of breathing that you only notice when there’s nothing else making a sound.

Her heart hammered so hard she was certain he could hear it.

Then, suddenly, he stopped.

Right in front of her.

Her eyes flickered downward for a moment, and that’s when she noticed them — his legs. His thick, solid thighs filled out the fabric of his slacks in a way that seemed almost criminal. The way they strained against the material with every movement was distracting, dangerous.

Her gaze shot back up, burning with embarrassment. You did NOT just look there.

But he’d seen it.

Her throat went dry as she caught the faintest twitch of his lips — a smirk that he wiped away just as quickly as it appeared.

“First,” he began, his voice smooth but sharp, like honey laced with something bitter. His eyes locked on hers, not blinking, not looking away.

He stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them. Her breath hitched, and her legs pressed together instinctively under the desk.

“You walk in here late,” he said, his eyes glancing briefly at the clock on the wall. The rhythmic tick-tock of it echoed like a countdown. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Her mouth opened to explain, but his eyes flicked to hers, and whatever excuse she had dissolved on her tongue.

“Then,” he continued, leaning in just enough for her to feel the shift in the air, “you pull out your phone in the middle of my lesson.”

Her eyes widened. He saw that She’d only glanced at it once to reply to Zoe’s text. How did he even see that?

Her gaze dropped to her lap, cheeks burning hot. She pressed her lips together, her fingers curling into the fabric of her jeans. Don’t say anything. Don’t make it worse.

“And,” he said, his voice lower now, more deliberate, as he slowly circled her again. Her eyes followed him this time, her head turning to keep him in her sight.

Don’t turn your back on a lion.

He stopped once more, this time directly in front of her. Her heart felt like it was caught in a chokehold, her breathing shallow and quick.

He didn’t crouch. He didn’t lean in this time. He stood perfectly still, like a storm that hadn’t quite hit yet. His eyes were darker than she remembered, the brown so deep it looked almost black under the classroom lights.

His gaze trailed downward slowly, inch by inch, and she felt every single second of it like a weight pressing on her chest.

“And you decide,” he said softly, his words like a hook drawing her in, “to walk in here… wearing that.”

Her eyes shot up, mouth opening in shock.

His gaze stayed locked on hers, unwavering. “A shirt that exposes,” his eyes flicked lower, dragging like a slow burn, “more than enough skin.”

Her breath hitched.

Her eyes darted down to her top — the one she’d put on that morning without a second thought. It wasn’t even that bad. Sure, it was fitted, and maybe a little more snug than usual, but it wasn’t scandalous. Her mind reeled as she tried to come up with something to say, but no words came out.

Her heart felt like it was trying to beat out of her chest. Her gaze shot back up, and her eyes met his once more. Don’t look away. Don’t let him see you fold.

“I wasn’t trying to—” she started, voice quiet, shaky, but his eyes narrowed just a fraction, and she stopped herself.

He didn’t move. Didn’t blink. He just stared at her like he could see through every word she didn’t say.

The silence was deafening.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry as sandpaper. Why does he have to look at me like that?

“Don’t waste my time with excuses, Miss Pierce,” he said, voice low but sharp. He stepped forward, leaning down just enough so his face was closer to hers. Too close.

“You’re better than this,” he murmured, his eyes so close that she could see the faint flecks of amber in the brown. “Aren’t you?”

Her breath felt like it had been stolen from her lungs.

Here's the revised version of the scene with your requested changes:

“Yes, sir,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, her eyes locked on his, unable to look away.

Mr. Reigns' gaze darkened, and he leaned in just a fraction closer, so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body. His breath brushed against her cheek, making her pulse quicken. His lips barely parted as he spoke. “I told you,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, “don’t call me sir.”

A shiver ran down her spine as his eyes flicked down to her lips, then back up to her eyes. He didn’t step back. Instead, he lingered, hovering just inches from her face. The tension in the air was thick, suffocating.

His tongue darted out, slowly licking his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt her body freeze, a jolt of something she couldn't name shooting through her, making her feel both exposed and trapped.

He straightened up a little but kept his face close to hers. His lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile — the kind that didn't reach his eyes. “It’s Mr. Reigns,” he corrected, the words dripping from his mouth like poison.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath, but it was no use. The air was thick with anticipation, and she was caught in it, struggling to breathe, struggling to break free from the magnetic pull of his presence.

Alicia stood in her kitchen, the warm steam from her shower lingering in the air. The soft hum of the refrigerator was the only sound as she pulled open the cabinet to grab a mug, her mind still reeling from the moments in class. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint why — whether it was the tension from earlier or the electric charge that still hummed in her veins. She ran a hand through her damp hair, pushing it back from her face.

The sudden buzz of her phone broke the silence, sending a shockwave through her body.

She glanced at the screen — the name that made her heart race even faster than it already was. Mr. Reigns.

Her stomach flipped. No way. She had been expecting to hear from him, but she wasn’t sure when or how. Still, there it was.

She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, before unlocking the phone.

Mr. Reigns: Did I tell you to call me sir today?

Alicia’s pulse picked up as she read the message. She took a deep breath before responding.

Alicia: Sorry, Mr. Reigns. I won’t do it again.

Her fingers hovered over the screen, wondering if she should add something else — something more daring. But she wasn’t sure how far she could push things. She tapped a few words, then deleted them.

She sent the message and waited.

Mr. Reigns: Good girl. I’m glad we’re clear on that.

Alicia’s breath hitched, the words on the screen sending a spark straight to her core. She couldn’t believe he was texting her like this, but a part of her couldn’t deny how it made her feel — the mix of curiosity and heat that twisted in her stomach.

She quickly typed back.

Alicia: Understood, Mr. Reigns. Anything else?

She bit her lip again as she hit send, trying to ignore the butterflies swirling in her chest.

Seconds later, the reply came through.

Mr. Reigns: Oh, I think you know what I need. But I’ll let you figure it out for yourself.

Her heart skipped a beat. She read the text again, her fingers trembling as she set her phone down on the counter. Was he… flirting with her? Teasing her? The idea of him letting her figure it out made her stomach twist in excitement.

But then, another message pinged in.

Mr. Reigns: “Maybe it’s better if I show you instead.”

Alicia stared at the screen, her heart racing now. The heat building between them felt undeniable, and as much as she wanted to reply, part of her feared what would happen next if she did.

She typed, her fingers shaky.

Alicia: “Show me? How?”

She hit send, almost afraid of what he might say.

Seconds passed, then another text appeared, and this time, there was no holding back.

Mr. Reigns: “Let’s just say, it’s more than a lesson you’re going to need.”

Alicia’s breath caught in her throat. Her phone buzzed again.

Mr. Reigns: “I’ll let you know when. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Her hands were trembling now, the anticipation building until she didn’t know whether to feel nervous or excited. She quickly put her phone down, her chest rising and falling with every shallow breath.

The thought of him — so close, so commanding — kept swirling in her mind. She couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him, the heat that surged through her as their exchanges became more intense, more... daring.

But for now, there was nothing more to say. He’d left her hanging, and part of her *loved* that. The uncertainty. The promise of what could come next.

What the hell have I gotten myself into? she wondered, but deep down, she was more than ready to find out.

It was a lazy Sunday morning, sunlight pouring through Alicia’s large bedroom windows, casting warm golden streaks across her bed. She didn’t have class today, which meant one thing — no rushing, no deadlines, just the slow, blissful ease of doing absolutely nothing. Except today wasn’t just any Sunday.

Today was party prep day.

Once a year, like clockwork, Alicia and her best friend Zoe threw the biggest party of the semester. It was a tradition they’d started back in their freshman year, and somehow, it had grown into one of the most talked-about events on campus. People would clear their schedules, rearrange their weekend plans, and beg for an invite. This year was no different.

The kitchen smelled faintly of vanilla candles, and the soft hum of music played from a speaker on the counter. Alicia stood by the fridge, sipping on a cold bottle of water. Her hair was tied into a loose bun, and she wore a cropped tank top and gray sweatpants that hung comfortably on her hips.

Zoe sat at the kitchen island, scrolling through her phone with one leg crossed over the other. She looked up with a mischievous grin that Alicia recognized way too well.

“What if Damon comes?” Zoe asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Alicia snorted, twisting the cap back on her water bottle. “If Damon comes, he better leave his ego at the door,” she replied, shaking her head.

“Pfft,” Zoe waved her off. “Please, like that boy even knows what humility is.” She tapped at her phone for a second, then glanced up, her eyes glittering with something far more devious. “Better yet… what if your professor boyfriend shows up?”

Alicia’s eyes shot up, narrowing on Zoe like a laser. “Ugh, he’s not my boyfriend, Zoe,” she groaned, dragging out the words like they physically pained her. “That’s not… that’s not even professional.” She emphasized the word like it had weight, but even she knew how flimsy it sounded.

Zoe tilted her head, her lips curling into a grin like she’d just been handed front-row seats to the drama of the year. “Not professional, huh?” she teased, setting her phone down so she could lean forward on her elbows. “Girl, please. I saw the way he looked at you on Tuesday.”

Alicia’s eyes darted away, suddenly very interested in the pattern of the tile floor. “Nothing happened,” she muttered, crossing her arms.

“Oh, really?” Zoe raised an eyebrow. “What even happened Tuesday? I never asked 'cause I figured you’d tell me, but you went radio silent. I texted you like, a million times.”

Alicia rubbed the back of her neck, her fingers pressing into the tension there. “It’s… it’s nothing,” she muttered. But the words tasted like a lie. Her mind flashed back to Tuesday — the steady tick of the classroom clock, the slow circle he made around her desk, his deep, smooth voice, and the heat that rose to her cheeks every time he was too close for comfort.

Zoe’s eyes widened with realization. She gasped, slapping the counter. “Oh my God, something did happen! Look at you, all fidgety!” She pointed at Alicia like she’d just cracked the code. “Spill. Right now.”

Alicia sighed, tugging her bun tighter like it would somehow ground her. She glanced at Zoe, debating for a second before giving in. “He… he kept me after class,” she admitted slowly, her voice quieter now.

Zoe’s jaw dropped. “*And?*” she prompted, practically bouncing in her seat.

“And… it wasn’t a big deal,” Alicia said, rolling her eyes. But she could feel her face heating up, betraying her. “He just talked to me about… participation and professionalism and… stuff.”

Zoe tilted her head like she could see straight through the cracks in Alicia’s story. “Stuff?” she repeated, eyes narrowing.

Alicia waved her hands. “Yes, stuff, okay?” She shot Zoe a look. “He was just being a teacher.”

“Please.” Zoe leaned back, her grin full of mischief. “You don’t go silent for 24 hours over ‘just teacher stuff.’ You were all up in your head about it, huh? Tell me the truth, Alicia. Did he do that thing where he tilts his head just a little while he’s staring at you, like he’s trying to figure out what’s under your skin?”

Alicia froze.

Zoe gasped, pointing at her again. “He did, didn’t he?! He totally did!”

Alicia grabbed a pillow from the couch and threw it across the kitchen, hitting Zoe square in the arm. “Shut up!” she said, covering her face with her hands. “You’re so annoying, oh my God.”

“Admit it!” Zoe teased, tossing the pillow back but missing. “He had you flustered. He’s totally into you.”

“No, he’s not.” Alicia rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the stress. “He’s just one of those intense people who stares too much. You know the type.”

“Uh-huh,” Zoe said, crossing her arms with a knowing smirk. “Sure, babe. He’s just ‘intense.’” She made air quotes with her fingers. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Alicia groaned, walking to the sink and splashing her face with cool water. She didn’t want to admit it, not even to herself, but Zoe wasn’t entirely wrong. There was something about the way Mr. Reigns looked at her that felt different — like he was studying her too closely, searching for cracks.

The memory of his eyes on her chest flashed through her mind, and she quickly shook it off, drying her face with a kitchen towel. Nope. Not thinking about that.

“Okay, enough about him,” Alicia said, pointing at Zoe like she could command her to drop it. “We have a party to plan, remember?”

Zoe grinned, not ready to let it go but willing to play along — for now. “Yeah, yeah. But if he shows up, I’m calling it Alicia’s Love Triangle Party.”

“Don’t you dare,” Alicia warned, her voice firm but her smile threatening to break through.

“Too late, babe. It’s already trending in my mind,” Zoe said, hopping off the stool to grab her phone.

The two of them spent the next hour making a list of everything they’d need — snacks, drinks, decorations, and, of course, the perfect playlist. Zoe took charge of the music while Alicia texted a few people to spread the word.

But no matter how hard she tried to focus on party prep, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone might actually show up.

And she had no idea if she’d be ready for it.

The low thrum of bass-heavy music pulsed through the walls of Alicia’s condo, sharp and steady like a racing heartbeat. Warm, colored lights cast shifting hues of blue, purple, and red against sleek modern decor, giving the entire space a nightclub glow. The air smelled like spiked punch, faint vanilla candles, and a hint of citrusy perfume.

Alicia leaned against the wall near the hallway, her fingers curled around a cool red cup. Her fitted black mini-dress hugged her curves, the soft fabric moving with her every subtle shift. She wasn’t here to stand out — but she always did, whether she wanted to or not. Her sharp cat-eye liner and glossy nude lips caught the colored lights just right, adding to the effortless glow she’d perfected over the years.

“There you are, superstar.”

Her eyes flicked up, and there he was — Damon. Of course. Leaning one arm on the wall beside her, his gold chain catching the light just right. His grin was sharp, his dark eyes doing that slow once-over like he was entitled to look. She sighed inwardly, taking a sip of her drink.

“Damon,” she said flatly, not even bothering to look at him fully.

“Aw, come on,” he said, flashing that same grin he’d been using on every girl since junior year. “You can’t hit me with the cold shoulder tonight. Not when you’re looking like this.” He tilted his head, his gaze dipping down to her dress, lingering on her legs like he had all the time in the world. “Don’t be like that, Alicia.”

She didn’t budge, eyes still forward. “I’m not being like anything Damon. Just existing.”

“Yeah, well, you’re existing real nice tonight.” He stepped in a little closer, his arm dropping from the wall but not enough to back off. He had that casual, cocky stance like he thought being in her space was his right. “How ‘bout you let me steal you for a dance? Just one.”

She tilted her head at him, eyes narrowing slightly. “Steal me? You’d have to be slicker than that, Damon.”

His grin widened. “I’m slicker than you think.”

“Mm-hm.” She took another sip of her drink, slow and deliberate, then fixed him with a raised eyebrow. “And yet, here you are. Talking.”

That earned a laugh from someone nearby — Zoe. Her best friend stood a few feet away, holding her own cup and watching like it was prime entertainment. Her eyes danced with mischief as she mouthed, Drag him.

Alicia turned her attention back to Damon. “If you’re so slick, Damon, go prove it on somebody else.”

His smile faltered just barely, and she caught it. It was quick — too quick for most people to notice — but she’d seen it. He let out a breathy laugh, rubbing his hand over his jaw like she’d actually hurt his feelings.

“Alright, superstar,” he muttered, eyes flicking to the side like he wasn’t even talking to her anymore. “Guess you got it all figured out.”

“Been had it figured out,” she shot back, eyes still steady on him. “Now if you’ll excuse me—”

Her words stopped mid-sentence.

Because she felt it.

That prickle on the back of her neck.

Her gaze flicked to the entrance of the condo, her heart doing that slow, heavy thud. The kind that wasn’t supposed to happen at a party. But there he was. Him.

Mr. Reigns.

He walked in like he owned the entire room. His broad frame moved with that same calm, controlled energy she’d seen in class — like nothing could shake him. But tonight? He wasn’t in his usual suit. He was in a plain black T-shirt that clung to his chest and arms just enough to be noticeable, paired with dark jeans that hung low on his hips. He didn’t look like a teacher. He didn’t move like one either.

People turned to look at him as he walked past, their eyes following him like he was gravity itself. Nobody asked why a grown man was at a college party. They didn’t have to. He had that presence — the kind that didn’t need permission.

Her throat went dry.

“Girl…” Zoe whispered, sidling up next to Alicia like she’d just witnessed a plot twist in a TV show. “Tell me that is not Mr. Reigns.”

Alicia didn’t answer.

“Alicia.” Zoe’s voice was urgent now. “I know you see him.”

“Shut up,” Alicia muttered, eyes still locked on him. Big mistake.

Because the moment she looked, he looked back.

Their gazes met across the room, and her breath caught. Not again. His eyes did that slow sweep — from her face, down to her dress, then back up like he’d just memorized it. The air in her lungs suddenly felt too heavy. He tilted his head, his lips curving into that subtle, knowing smirk.

“You’re done for,” Zoe muttered, nudging her in the side. “He’s been looking at you like that all week, and now he’s at your party? Girl, pack it up.”

“I didn’t invite him,” Alicia hissed, eyes narrowing as she stared him down like she could somehow force him to look away first. He didn’t. Of course, he didn’t.

“Somebody did,” Zoe said, taking another sip from her cup. “And if I had to guess? He didn’t come for the punch.”

Before Alicia could respond, she felt movement beside her. Damon. Of course.

“Yo, who’s that?” he asked, his eyes narrowing in on Mr. Reigns like he’d just spotted a rival in his territory.

Alicia didn’t answer, but Damon kept going.

“Lookin’ kinda old to be here, huh?” He tilted his head, lips pursed in that cocky, confrontational way guys do when they feel threatened. “You know him?”

“Yeah,” Alicia said simply, her eyes still on Mr. Reigns.

“Yeah?” Damon echoed, his voice sharper now. “How?”

She exhaled through her nose, finally glancing at him. “He’s my teacher.”

“Your teacher?” Damon blinked like he’d misheard her. He glanced back at Mr. Reigns, his face twisting into something closer to disbelief. “Man, what kinda teacher pulls up to a party like this?” He let out a short laugh, but it didn’t sound real. “He supposed to be here for, what, extra credit?”

Alicia’s jaw tightened, and she stepped away from the wall, eyes locked on Mr. Reigns.

Forget it. She wasn’t about to stand there and let Damon turn it into a whole scene. She cut through the crowd, heels clicking against the floor until she was at the kitchen counter, refilling her drink with sharp, deliberate movements.

“Long night already?” a low, familiar voice asked behind her.

Her breath stilled.

Slowly, she glanced over her shoulder, already knowing who it was. Mr. Reigns. He was closer than he should’ve been, standing at her side like he’d been there for hours. Her fingers gripped the edge of the counter tighter than necessary.

“Something like that,” she muttered, turning to face him, her eyes narrowing. “You’re a long way from the front of the classroom, Mr. Reigns.”

His lips tugged into a slow, easy smile. “Not that long,” he said, eyes on her and only her.

Her heartbeat drummed in her ears, matching the bass of the music. She tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. “How’d you even know about this party?”

His smile widened just a little, like he’d been waiting for her to ask. He leaned in, not enough to crowd her, but enough to make her pulse trip.

“I have my ways,” he murmured, voice like smoke curling through her ears. “You’d be surprised what I hear.”

Her eyes darted to his, and she swore he was enjoying this. Too much.

“Surprised?” she repeated, lips parting with disbelief. “You do know you’re a whole teacher, right?”

He leaned back, that smirk still on his face. “And you’re a whole student.” His eyes did that slow sweep again. “Guess we both forgot for a second.”

Her breath caught. She hated how fast her heart was going.

“I didn’t forget,” she muttered, eyes steady on his.

“Didn’t say you did,” he replied, his eyes flashing with something sharp.

And just like that, he was gone, walking off like he hadn’t just set her whole world on fire.

“Girl…” Zoe appeared at her side, eyes wide. “You’re done for.”

Yeah. She was.

The music throbbed like a second heartbeat, loud and relentless, its bass vibrating through the floor. Multicolored lights flickered in sync with the rhythm, washing over the crowd in waves of blue, red, and purple. Bodies moved together, fluid and wild, a tangle of limbs and heat. The air was thick with the mingled scents of sweat, spilled liquor, and faint perfume. It was the kind of chaos Alicia loved — no expectations, no rules, just movement and music.

Her head buzzed, warmth spreading from her chest to her limbs with each drink she’d downed. It wasn’t until the fifth — or was it sixth? — that her laughter became louder, her movements looser. Her hands were in the air, fingers brushing the air like she could catch the music itself. She threw her head back, hair spilling down her shoulders in a wave of soft curls. Her eyes were half-lidded, lips parted in an easy, careless grin.

Damon’s hands were on her hips.

Her body rolled to the beat, fluid and instinctive, like she’d been born for it. Damon’s hands guided her, his fingers pressing lightly against her waist as he matched her rhythm. His breath was hot against her ear, words she didn’t fully catch slipping past his lips — something about how good she looked, how she’d been "playing too hard to get." She didn’t care. Not tonight. Her world had narrowed to the pulse of the music, the glow of the lights, and the fire spreading in her veins.

“Damn, girl,” Damon muttered, voice low and rough. His grip tightened just a bit, like he thought he could claim her if he held on long enough. “Finally letting loose, huh? ‘Bout time.”

Alicia laughed, her head tilting back so she could look at him over her shoulder. Her smile was hazy, her eyes slow to focus. “Don’t get too excited, Damon,” she teased, twisting her hips a little sharper, pulling away just an inch before rolling back against him. “You’re still not special.”

His grin widened. “Yeah? You’re makin’ it real hard to believe that right now.”

Her eyes closed for a moment, letting herself sink into the music, the feel of it in her bones. Her hands slid up her own sides, fingers grazing the fabric of her dress like she needed to feel it to remember it was there. Her heart was racing, her blood alive with the rush of it all. Her mind floated somewhere above her body, untethered and free.

Then everything stopped.

It was sudden — a shift in the air, like a vacuum had sucked out all the noise and left only a single, sharp presence behind her. The warmth on her hips disappeared. Her heart lurched as a strong hand gripped her arm, firm but not rough. She whipped her head around, ready to snap at Damon for being too handsy — but it wasn’t Damon.

Mr. Reigns.

Her breath caught. Her whole body went still. Her gaze snapped to his face, and her heart skipped, not from the alcohol this time, but from the sharp, searing intensity in his eyes. His jaw was tight, his lips pressed into a flat line that said more than any words could. His fingers curled just slightly around her arm, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind her he was there — and he wasn’t happy.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice low and controlled, the kind of tone that didn’t need to be loud to be dangerous.

Her brow furrowed, confusion and defiance flashing in her hazy gaze. “What are you—” she started, but he was already moving. His grip didn’t waver as he pulled her away from the center of the dance floor. She stumbled, her heels catching on the slick wood for half a second before she found her footing. “Hey—what—”

“Quiet,” he ordered, glancing at her over his shoulder, his eyes sharp and unyielding. It wasn’t a request. It was a command.

Her mouth opened, a protest on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it. Maybe it was the shock of seeing him there — here, at this party, dressed in dark jeans and a plain black T-shirt that hugged his chest and arms just right. He didn’t look like a teacher. He didn’t look like anything safe.

Her eyes darted to Zoe, who stood at the edge of the crowd, wide-eyed and frozen. Zoe’s mouth opened like she was about to say something, but she stayed quiet, her eyes darting between Alicia and Mr. Reigns like she was trying to solve a riddle. Damon’s face was twisted in confusion, brows drawn low as he watched Alicia get pulled away.

“Yo, man,” Damon called, stepping forward. “Where you think you’re takin’ her?”

“Away from you,” Mr. Reigns said without looking back, his voice sharp as the crack of a whip.

“The hell you are,” Damon muttered, stepping forward like he was going to follow, but Zoe’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist.

“Don’t be stupid, Damon,” Zoe warned, her eyes locked on Mr. Reigns' back. “Trust me. You don’t want that fight.”

The stairs loomed ahead, each step creaking underfoot as Mr. Reigns led her up, his grip firm but not painful. Alicia’s heart pounded harder now, her pulse in her ears. She twisted her arm just slightly, testing his hold, but it didn’t budge. Her eyes flicked up to his face, sharp with shadows from the dim hallway lights.

“Where are we going?” she demanded, her voice lower now, her earlier bravado starting to crack.

“Upstairs,” he said, glancing down at her, his eyes unwavering. “Where it’s quiet.”

“I don’t need quiet,” she snapped, planting her heels against the step to slow him down. “I’m fine. Let me go.”

He turned, looking at her fully now, his eyes darker than she’d ever seen them. Not angry. Something else. Something heavier. His hand didn’t move from her arm.

“You’re not fine, Alicia,” he said, his voice so low it sent a shiver down her spine. “You’re drunk. And you’re dancing with people you shouldn’t be.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I can dance with whoever I want.”

“Not like that,” he replied, his eyes flicking to her lips for a second too long before snapping back up. “Not tonight.”

Her breath hitched, and she hated that he’d noticed. Hated it even more that she’d felt it, too. Her heart was still racing when they reached the top of the stairs, the hallway dark except for the faint glow of a distant lamp.

He opened the first door on the right and pulled her inside. Her bedroom. Her pulse jumped in her throat as the door clicked shut behind them.

“Sit,” he ordered, nodding to the bed. “Now.”

Alicia laughed, the alcohol getting to her more now. "You complain about me on campus, now you're complaining in my home," she said, eyes half-lidded but sharp with challenge. Her words carried that telltale looseness that came from too much punch, but her voice still had that edge of defiance.

Mr. Reigns didn’t respond right away. He leaned against the closed door, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes fixed on her like she was a problem he’d been assigned to solve. The soft glow from the hallway light framed him in shadows, his broad shoulders taking up too much space in the doorway. His gaze never wavered, steady and unyielding, and that only made Alicia’s pulse tick faster.

"Mr. Reigns, the big and bad substitute teacher. Thirty-four years old at a twenty-three-year-old’s party. How appropriate," she said, lifting her cup like she was toasting him, her grin slow and teasing.

His jaw ticked, the muscle there flexing as he held back whatever response had been on the tip of his tongue. "Careful, Alicia," he warned, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the room. "You’re walking a line you don’t want to cross."

She stepped forward, hips swaying with an exaggerated confidence that the alcohol made her believe she had. Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head up to meet his gaze. "Oh, but isn’t that what you like? People walking lines they shouldn’t? Isn’t that why you’re here, Mr. Reigns?" Her voice lilted with sarcasm, sharp and sweet like a sugared blade.

He uncrossed his arms and took a slow, deliberate step forward. It wasn’t fast, but it was enough to make the air shift in the room, heavy and thick with tension. Alicia’s breath caught, her heart drumming a little harder now, not from fear, but from something else she didn’t want to name.

"You think you know me," he said quietly, his eyes dropping to her lips for a brief, dangerous second before snapping back up to hers. "But you don’t."

Her grin faltered for half a second, but she leaned into it, chin tilting up in defiance. "I know enough. You’re here, aren’t you? No suit. No tie. Just a guy at a party he has no business being at." She took another step forward, close enough now that she had to tilt her head back just a little more to hold his gaze. "So tell me, Professor, how did you even know about this party?"

He raised a brow, his lips twitching like he was holding back a smile. "You think people don’t talk? You think your name doesn’t come up?" His eyes flicked down her frame, slow enough to make her feel every inch of his gaze. "They talk about you, Alicia. Loudly."

Her breath hitched, but she didn’t back down. "Yeah? And what do they say?"

He leaned in, so close now that she could see the faint stubble on his jaw, the sharp line of his cheekbone. His voice dropped to a murmur, low and dangerous, like he was sharing a secret only she could hear. "They say you like to play with fire. They say you think nobody can touch you." His gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. "But you forget what happens when you get too close to something that burns."

Her heart stuttered in her chest, her throat tight with something she couldn’t name. Her fingers curled into her sides, nails pressing into her palms like an anchor.

"Maybe I like the burn," she shot back, her voice quieter now but no less sharp. "Maybe that’s why you’re still standing here."

They stared at each other for a moment too long, the air thick with things neither of them was willing to say. The music downstairs was a distant thump, the voices of the party muffled beneath the heavy weight of the silence in her bedroom.

He pulled back just an inch, his eyes still locked on hers. "You should sit down, Alicia," he said, his voice firm, quiet, but final. "Before you say something you can’t take back."

Her chest rose and fell with slow, deep breaths, her gaze still locked on him. But after a beat, she turned and sat on the edge of her bed, her back straight, her chin lifted like she was the one calling the shots.

She watched him as he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed again, his gaze still sharp and unmoving.

"You’re still here," she said, tilting her head, eyes narrow and curious. "What does that say about you, Mr. Reigns?"

He didn’t answer right away. Just stared. His silence was louder than anything he could’ve said.

"Guess we’ll both have to figure that out," he said finally, his eyes never leaving hers.

His gaze darkened as he stepped forward, slow and deliberate, his presence swallowing up the space around her. His eyes dropped, lingering too long on her face before sliding lower, the weight of it enough to make her breath hitch. He tilted his head, his eyes sharp and unreadable as he said in a voice low and rough, "You do crazy things to me, Alicia." His hand shifted to the front of his jeans, gripping himself through the fabric where the strain was undeniable. "Things I can’t stop thinking about."

Her breath caught in her throat, and she watched him, her gaze darting between his face and the unmistakable evidence of his desire. The air grew thicker, heavier, charged with an intensity that wrapped around them like a vice.

His eyes found hers again, and he let out a slow, quiet exhale through his nose. "Ever since I saw you for the first time, you’ve been in my head," he murmured, his voice grittier now, rough like gravel. "You’re a storm I can’t get away from. I want to punish you for it." His hand tightened briefly, his fingers pressing into the fabric of his jeans before he released it, letting his arm fall to his side.

Her heart pounded so hard it echoed in her ears, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away. She knew she should say something — anything — but every word was caught in her throat.

He took one step back, just enough to give her space, his eyes never leaving hers. "But not tonight," he said, his tone final and absolute. "Not like this. Not when you’re like this." His gaze flicked to the half-empty cup on the dresser, then back to her face. "When you’re sober, we’ll see if you still want to play with fire."

She blinked slowly, the weight of his words settling over her like a blanket too heavy to throw off. The air felt colder when he stepped away, like the heat he’d brought with him had been snuffed out.

She stayed on the bed, heart racing, mind whirling with too many thoughts she couldn’t sort through. Her eyes stayed on him as he walked to the door, one hand gripping the handle.

He glanced back once, his eyes darker than they’d ever been.

"Goodnight, Alicia," he said, his voice still low and rough, and then he was gone.

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