#honestly all i wanna do today is lay in bed and read my slow burns

[itsscottiesstark]

I take it as a personal attack that AO3 would shut down for 10 hours on the first day of the month that marks a year of good omens s2 but okay.

[babyboibucky]

Birthday Tiara

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: You weren’t enjoying your birthday until Bucky comes along.

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: SMUUUT, oral (m receiving), p in v penetration, unprotected sex

A/N: This is dedicated to our birthday girl @whoth3hellisbucky 🥰 I’m so happy and flattered that you sent me this request!!! I wrote and finished this piece as soon as I got your request lmao that’s how excited I was. I really hope you’d enjoy this!!! Happy Birthday and have a great one, lovely!!! 😘

MAIN MASTERLIST

How in the fresh hell did you end up being in someone else’s birthday party during your own birthday? You have no idea in all honesty. Was it fun? Yeah sure, free unli-booze for you and your friends.

Were you having fun though? Not really.

This was supposed to be your day, and initially it was. You’d taken your girl friends out to dinner, did some pre-gaming at a nice bar and then went from one club to another. Everything was peachy and going as planned until one of your friends saw her co-worker who happened to be on her way to another friend’s house for a party.

One thing led to another and now you were here, in a stranger’s house and all by yourself because your so-called friends were too drunk to even remember why all of you were out together in the first place.

“Best birthday ever.” You harrumphed sarcastically as you stepped out into the backyard.

You shivered at the cold wind that welcomed you and wrapped your arms around yourself. Letting out a melancholic sigh, you began to kick at the ground in disappointment at how the night went.

Looking up, you found yourself staring into a pair of ocean blue eyes. You didn’t know whether you had looked at each other at the same time or if he had been watching you ever since.

He was standing a few meters away from you, with two other ladies who were chatting with each other. The man was tall and handsome, you could see that even in the dark. Brunette locks and a five day old stubble, donning a jacket with a wool collar— very, very handsome.

As if his physical appearance wasn’t attention-grabbing enough, he even had a plastic tiara on his head and you have no idea why.

The two of you continued eye fucking each other but neither of you decided to make any move. Despite the guy engaging in a conversation with the girls, his eyes kept going back to yours. You smirked when he winked at you before taking a long sip from his drink.

His eyes were glued onto you even as he brought a blunt up to his lips, taking a quick drag from it before handing it over to the girl in front of him.

And then he made a face at you, his hands gesturing as if he was telling you what the fuck are these girls even talking about?

You chuckled at his face and shook your head. Deciding that maybe, it was time to go home, you waved at the guy and walked away.

“I was asking you to come and rescue me out there, not leave me behind.”

Turning around, you found that the guy was already standing in front of you. Now that he was closer, you realized how tall and well-built he was. Your eyes automatically scanned him, from his wide chest down to his—

“Bucky.” He said, interrupting your thoughts.

“Bucky?” You repeated in question.

He nodded, “That’s my name. And you are?”

You eyed him suspiciously, trying to read his expression but he was just smiling at you and waiting for an introduction. You told him your name and shook his hand before the both of you started walking around aimlessly.

“What brought you here?” Bucky asked, hands inside the pockets of his jeans.

You shrugged, “Beats me. You?”

He mimicked your gesture, “Got dragged by a friend and now I can’t find him.”

You snorted, “Tell me about it. I was out with my friends to celebrate my birthday and now I’m alone.”

Bucky stopped in his tracks and tugged you back, his hand around your arm sending shivers down your spine.

“Hold on, it’s your birthday?” He asked with amusement. “As in today?”

You nodded, “Yup.”

Bucky licked his lips as he stared down at you, “You got a couple hours left to make the most out of it.”

You bit your lip, knowing exactly how you want to make the most out of it. Bucky was an attractive guy, you weren’t going to deny that. And he seemed to be insinuating at something too and honestly, you were up for it.

You were pissed off at your friends for ditching you for someone else’s party. At this point, you’d do anything to turn the tables around and make your birthday memorable at the last minute.

“Have any suggestions on how I can do that?” You asked, looking up at him through your lashes.

Bucky smirked, taking off his tiara and then placing it on your head.

“I’ve some things in mind that I can show you, princess.”

-

Bucky had you pinned against the door of whoever’s bedroom it was that the both of you first stumbled in. His lips were bruising yours as he kissed you fervently, hands wandering all over your body, cupping, squeezing whatever he can.

“Whose room is this?” You panted against Bucky’s lips as you pushed his jacket off his broad shoulders.

Bucky licked your lips and then began kissing his way from your jaw down to your collarbones, “No fuckin’ idea and I don’t care.” He huffed against your skin, tugging at the straps of your dress.

Your hands fumbled with the buttons of his top, almost popping them off with urgency when you felt a hand brush your folds through the thin material of your lace underwear.

“Shit, wet already.” Bucky grunted before grabbing the hem of your panties, pulling it down your legs.

Finally, you managed to completely remove Bucky’s shirt, revealing his more than average body beneath all his clothing.

“Fuck, happy birthday to me.” You moaned before pushing Bucky towards the bed, climbing over him and straddling him.

Bucky groaned when you sat on him, your bare cunt pressed against his clothed erection. He watched you with lust-filled eyes as you reached for the hem of your dress, pulling it off and then throwing it aside. He chuckled when you fixed the tiara on your head, straightening it up.

Bucky’s hand slid from your thighs up to your waist, his rough palms leaving goosebumps in its wake until he reached your breasts. He cupped them before he unclasped your bra behind you, revealing your entire body to him.

He sat up and licked a nipple, eliciting a breathy moan from you as your hips began to grind against the rough material of his jeans.

“Fuck, baby. You messed up my jeans.” He chuckled, noticing the damp spot on his crotch.

You couldn’t care less anymore, you needed Bucky right now. You wanted to feel him against you, inside of you. Maybe it was the alcohol in your system or the sheer disappointment how your birthday went down, but you were desperate to get laid.

Bucky sucked your other nipple, his tongue laving at it playfully as your hands grabbed at his fluffy hair.

You moaned out his name when he pulled away, laying back down but leaving his hands on top of your thighs.

“Come get your present, birthday girl.” He rasped, head tipping towards the impressive tent on his pants.

You practically purred and wasted no time to unzip him, quickly pulling his pants down together with his black boxer briefs. His cock sprang free, slapping against his abs and you salivated at the sight of it— hard, red and weeping.

Taking his shaft in your hand, you bent down and licked a thick stripe from his balls up until the tip, tongue twirling around his crown earning a low groan from him.

“I’m not even sure if it’s still your birthday we’re celebrating or mine.” Bucky quipped breathlessly when you repeated the action.

You took the head of his cock into your mouth, sucking on it and letting your tongue flick against his slit while your hand began to give him slow but firm strokes. Bucky lifted his head up to watch you, hands framing your face before he decided to fix the tiara that was still tangled into your hair.

“Look at you, baby. Lookin’ like a dirty little princess with my cock in her pretty mouth.” He grunted, moving his hips to get more of his cock into your mouth.

You hummed around Bucky’s length, relaxing your jaw as you tried to take all of him. He was too big and girthy but god, he tasted magnificent. Even without touching yourself, you could feel your wetness gush out of your throbbing cunt.

The kind of throb that needed to be addressed as soon as possible.

Bobbing your head, you squeezed Bucky’s balls making his hips thrust upwards before you released him with a lewd pop.

“Wanna fuck you now, princess. Come here.” Bucky said and took your face in his hands when you climbed back up, pulling you down into an urgent kiss.

You whimpered into the kiss when you felt Bucky line his cock into your entrance, pushing his hips upwards until the head was in. Straightening up, you placed your hands on his chest and carefully sunk down on his length.

Both of you moaned in unison when he bottomed out, the heat in your abdomen growing and growing until you felt like your entire body was on fire.

“Go on, princess. I’m all yours, take what you need.” Bucky urged, holding onto your hips and guiding you to grind down on his cock.

The slow, deliberate roll of your hips against Bucky’s turned desperate, with you moaning out his name as you bounced on his erection. You watched Bucky throw his head back, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he growled at the feeling of your velvety walls clenching around his cock.

You grabbed one hand on your hips and brought it up to your breast, letting him fondle it as you rode Bucky. He let the pad of his thumb brush against your nipple before pinching down on it, making you cry out in pleasure.

“Bucky, fuck! I’m close...” you whimpered, legs burning but never stopping as you chased your high.

Bucky wrapped his arms around you and pulled you down to him before rolling over until he was on top. His hips pummeled into you hard and fast, lips attaching onto your own and swallowing your whines.

“Cum for me, princess. Come on.” Bucky growled against your lips.

A certain snap of his hips allowed his cock to hit your sweet spot, sending you into a spiral of pleasure. Your body went rigid as you climaxed, your toes curling and your fingers digging deep into Bucky’s ass as your pussy clenched around him.

Bucky kept on thrusting, his breaths mingling with yours until he too came with a low grunt. You hummed at the feeling of his warm release filling you up.

“Fuck.” Bucky breathed out, his body going limp against yours.

You stayed quiet for a couple of seconds, catching up on your breath before you let out a chirpy chuckle.

“I feel bad for the person who owns this room.” You admitted.

Bucky pressed a gentle kiss on the side of your throat before lifting himself up with his forearms.

“I don’t.” He said before leaning down to kiss your lips.

“Happy birthday, princess.” He greeted again before removing the tiara on your head.

“Like I said, I had a couple of ideas on how you can make the most out of your birthday. We just checked the first one on the list.”

You made a face, unable to believe that Bucky wasn’t done with you yet. Before you could even protest, Bucky beat you to it by flicking his tongue against your clit.

“Lay down and let me show you how a princess should be treated.”

-

Everything Bucky Tag List:

@ddowii​ @jessou893​ @stealapizzamyheart​ @bagelofthelord​ @mxnt​ @dontputyourfckingdrinkonmytable @jeeperky​ @ohladymacbeth​ @wildflowergubler​ @supraveng​ @twinerd14​ @buckysmar @bakugouswh0r3​ @sweetcoldharmony @wintersfilm​ @charminivy​ @amelia-song-pond​ @iamvalentinaconstanza​ @mcubqrnes @i’m-squished @tcc-gizmachine​ @sipsteacasually​ @prettyintopeerpressure​ @weloveyasmin @est19xxshit​ @bloodhon3yx​ @dressed-in-prada​ @lizette50​ @thatfangirl42​ @sunflowerbunny2​​ @unmagically​​ @okiegirl24​ @sugarpunch-princess​ @enlyume​ @vvipgotbb @slimeyderp​ @lyoongx​ @just-deka​ @nobody-will​ @jaziona92 @elisebuitron​ @dpaccione​ @suvikamahes98blr​ @buckybarneshairpullingkink​ @earthtonav @x-judyjude-x​ @nani-kenobi @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @belladonnabarnes​​ @iloveangstposts​ @weenersoldierr​ @asemistablehundredyearoldman​​ @reidbuck​​ @lizzarooni @girlfriday007​​​​​ @bonkywobble​​ @lost-in-the-stars03​ @its-yasbxtch​

[yunhostinyuyu]

bunny, bunny

pairing: friend!yunho x fem reader

gerne: pwp (im sorry), uni au, friends to friends with benefits

wc: 1.8k

synopsis: when your friend and you ended up in a bed in between each other’s thighs, your friendship was in danger of being disrupted. thankfully, you two came up with a solution…

warnings: cock warming, public play, exhibitionism, grinding, descriptions of past sex scenes, use of pet names, orgasm control? a little praise and a little degrading thrown in too because why not

authors note: this is not proof read and I wrote it at 1am please be kind <3

—

It was a summery afternoon, Yunho and you spend it per usual at the park near campus, studying for your final exams. The last rays of sunshine shining though the pine trees that spend shade to the entire space decked in greenery and flowers. It was especially quiet at this time, which was the reason you went there regularly. Yet the specific place in the very back spend and enormous amount of silence that the both of you enjoyed thoroughly.

But despite the breeze that fanned over your legs and arms, your insides were burning. As if someone poured hot chili sauce in your gut, focus not present and the notes you compared and tried to burn into your memory were wasted efforts. The burn inside churning your stomach in all shapes, trying to sit still - but to no avail.

Why? Because your friend right next to you railed you last weekend, and since then acted as if nothing had happened between the two of you. Never had you ever thought of him like that, but ever since it happened, you couldn’t pull your mind off it. It was a thought chain that disrupted every effort to study, reimagining the things that went down in his bed. But anytime you tried to hint at it or even talk about the incident, he avoided it, changed the topic, or even flat out pretended he didn’t know what you were referring to. And it was exhausting. You were even considering forgetting about the whole thing to continue on with your friendship and not to get the mush of sexual fantasies and your blatant neediness between that.

But still, you thought about it. You couldn’t not think about it. Never had anyone… fucked you the way he did.

“I love the way your boobs bounce, the way you clench around me like that- fuck, like that. You feel so snug around my cock, so good bunny. Just for me.”

Panting. Moaning. Maintaining your rhythm. Repeat. He stretched your walls so well, the constant dragging against your velvet walls make you go crazy. Orgasm pending as your legs got more tired, yet trying your best to continue riding your friend.

“Dumb little bunny, getting tired already? Don’t you want to cum?” He teased, seeing and feeling your struggle, releasing a incoherent chain of moans and complaints. His smirk still ever present on his lips, clearly enjoying himself. After a few more attempts on continuing to get your release on him, he rolled over to change your positions, moments before your thigh muscles would have given out.

“Bunny, answer when I ask you something. Do you wanna cum on my dick, huh? I guess you don’t want to then…” he provoked, knowing exactly what he was doing while slowing his movements. “Yun, no! No I wanna cum, please don’t stop, I’m begging you, please please please, I’m just a dumb little bunny. Make me cum, please Yunho. I need-“ he muffled your pleas with his giant hand, pushing his fingers against your tongue while snapping his hips harder then before, sounds of skin slapping filling the room. Crying as he gifted you with your well earned orgasm.

“Snap out of it, Y/N. You’re off somewhere in Dreamland.” his deep voice woke you from the depth of your naughty mind.

“Fuck- Yunho! Don’t startle me like that!” Playfully hitting his arm as you try to compose yourself again and at least pretend to study, so you can find an excuse to get home and take care of the blinding ache that was slowly bubbling up in between your legs.

Yunho got another book out of his backpack, flipping through the pages as he side eyed you again and again. “What did you think about? You’re been really distant today, I’m almost offended.” His voice sounded calm. And yes, he was right, you acted strange - but to your defense, you didn’t know what the late events made you two. Mind rattling without coming to a conclusion, you simply sighed and looked up from your study material. Rolling over from laying on your stomach, to now rest on your back and searching for Yunho’s attention.

“Yunho, I don’t - no I can’t anymore. You idiot make me crazy, all I can think about is you fucking me and I can’t get this image out of my head. And I can’t stand how you keep on pretending it never happened. I hate this so much. I cannot get over it, and you certainly don’t help with your whole spiel.” words hitting him square in the chest, and even while they came out more forceful than you imagined in your head, it seemed to work in your favor… well more or less…

“Bunny, bunny, if you want me to touch you, just tell me. I can tell by the way your thighs rub together…”

“That’s not what I mean Yunho. You’re doing it right now, again! You’re avoiding the issue at hand, and if you don’t man up I’ll leave until you grow a pair of balls.” You shake your head, denying your arousal pooling in favor of getting your point across. His features turned serious for a moment. Closing your eyes in frustration and hiding your face behind your fingers to avoid his stare boring through your skull. But before he said anything, you felt something along your legs-

“You’re too riled up. But let’s talk this though if it bothers you - which it clearly does. But before that-“ his fingers traveled up until they felt the damp material of your panties, moving it to the side to push his own digits in. Mentally cursing at your choice to wear a skirt today of all days. “- let’s relax. Please, just sit up.”

Trying your hardest to keep any signs of newly found ecstasy to yourself, one hand moving in and out of your hole, the other wrapping around your waist to pull you up from your lying position and bring you onto his lap. His chest pressing against your back, his mouth ghosting over the shell of your ear. Whispering, only for you to hear “good bunny, now-“ he pulled his fingers out of you, which contracted a short whine from your end, and despite trying your best to play coy, you failed. Feeling a grin on his face as he continued to work you up. One hand untucking his half-hard member out of his sweatpants. Your mind went blank as you felt him teasing your entrance, hands searching for him to stop.

“Yunho, we’re in public, someone will see us. Please-“ you whine, slowly loosing control of yourself and almost grinding against him, begging for stimulation. Without answering, he slipped inside effortlessly thanks to your arousal that drenched your core. Lewd moans leaving you as his grip found your hips again, holding you close to him, while not giving you a chance to fuck yourself on him.

At this point all the built up composure was thrown out the window and you tried your hardest to get any stimulation from him, which his death grip on you prevented. “Stop clenching, let’s talk.” He commented, not letting up on you. Brows furrowed in confusion while glancing back at him.

“I didn’t expect you to be this needy for me in public. It explains a lot. But in all seriousness…” he started, and despite everything, you could think clear thoughts again, his rough touch comforting you in a way. “Let’s talk it through.”

Deep sighs escaped while chewing on the inside of your cheek. “You know, I don’t know. It was all so awkward since we… you know, did it. I don’t want to loose our friendship but at the same time my mind is filled with you. But not my friend from Uni-Yunho, instead it’s just ‘bunny looks so good doing this and that’-Yunho.” You found it surprisingly easier to talk your mind without having to look into his eyes. But your voice was thin and could break off any moment to turn into whispers.

“I’m- I don’t know what to say, honestly. Did I ever make you feel uncomfortable, or push you to do things you’re not okay with?” He asked out of the blue, and you shook your head vehemently at his question. His grip on your hips let up, feeling that his hold may cause a few bruises, but that was the last of your concerns. “Never. If it did, we would have never gone that far. You know me, I’m quick to reject people when I feel iffy.”

A soft, breathy laugh left him and you felt his warm breath against your neck. “I know. Suppose I’m lucky then.” Hands coming back to lift you off his cock, and you turned around to face him. Slowly sinking back onto him and finding his hands once you bottomed out.

You both were nervous about this, but nonetheless you were determined to get this topic over with, to come to a conclusion. A proper result to see where you both stand at.

“I have a proposal then.“ he spoke, hands leaving yours again to hold you and make you sink onto his boner once again, this time moaning louder than the first time, and a heat crawled up your neck and cheeks. “What if we…“ he guided you up and down, your hands frantically grabbing onto his shirt to deal with the sudden stimulation. Tiny groans tumbling from his lips as well, “Let’s keep this casual. Make it our thing. We don’t have to get caught up with any feelings or attachments. We can simply keep going as friends, and when… you know. We get desperate, we can play with each other.” He suggested while keeping a steady rythym, bucking his hips ever so perfectly, hitting your spots better than anyone before him did.

“Are you suggesting that we- oh fuck! T-that we… become friends with benefits? Mmmh- you sure about this?” trying your hardest to talk properly without drawing too much attention to your situation. Even if any bystander wouldn’t think you were getting off in public, your skirt hiding both of your private regions perfectly. Your sounds and movements would prove anyone otherwise.

Yunho slowly but surely slacked off and stilled his movements while staying snug inside you again. “That’s what I’m saying. You think you can do that?”

In all honesty, this newly found confidence surprised you, but it suited him so well, ever since becoming intimate with him. And having this side of Yunho, alongside a normal friendship, a friendship you cherished and celebrated? Where he still was that funny, yet slightly clumsy and sarcastic person? It seemed like a jackpot.

Breathily, leaning your forehead against his, and nodding at his suggestion. “I can. I want to. I mean, I wanna try this thing with you. Please-“

Suddenly, lips slotting against your own sloppily. Hands touching you everywhere, heavy breathing and panting.

“Let’s take this back to the dorms then, bunny. Be good and I’ll make you cum as much as you want. Sounds good?”

—

[ais-for-alex]

It’s Not Fair

Hi hello, so I wrote most of this little story quite awhile ago and never finished it but today reading over it I just felt the need to give it an ending (it’s not the best ending but it’s an ending) anyway, I hope y’all enjoy a little short story about Leo experiencing anxiety 🥰 as always these characters belong to the lovely @lumosinlove

It’s not fair.

The thought wound its way into Leo's mind, twisting and sliding into every nook and cranny of his brain as easily as a serpent sliding through marshy river reeds.

It’s not fair.

Leo sighed and rolled his shoulders out hoping to relieve the coil of tension that had tightened in his muscles. The day had started so good too. He had woken that morning to the feeling of Logan pressing soft butterfly kisses to his cheeks, his forehead, his neck, Leo’s face pulled into a sleepy smile as he blinked his eyes open taking in the sight of Logan’s bright eyes and atrocious bed head.

“Good morning baby,” he mumbled, voice scratchy from sleep. Logan grinned back and leaned in, catching Leo’s mouth in a slow chaste kiss.

“Bonjour mon amour,” Logan whispered back against his lips. Leo didn’t want to move even an inch, because right there in their bed with Finn snuggled into his chest snoring softly and Logan’s lips warm and plush against his own, that was his favorite place in the world.

Everything had been going smoothly, practice had been hard but good, his day perfectly ordinary in every way. So why?

Why on earth did he feel this way? Why had his heart began beating fast as hummingbird wings? Why were earthworms burrowing and churning through soil in his stomach? Why did invisible ants scurry across his skin raising goosebumps in their wake?

It’s not fair.

It’s not fair that out of the blue Leo’s entire mood could flip, that his happiness could sour and curdle with unfounded anxiety. It wasn’t fair that the good could turn so very bad without so much as a warning.

Oh, boo hoo, who ever said life was fair? Leo shook his head, trying not to listen to the stupid mean thoughts in his head. Get over yourself, your little discomforts don’t matter. Suck it up.

Leo breathed in deep, trying in vain to settle the uncomfortable squirming inside him. After he had gotten home from practice Leo retreated out onto their little balcony, the cool evening air felt nice against his skin. The coarse wicker of his chair bit at his legs, through the thick denim of his jeans; the sharp pricks simultaneously felt very far away but also somewhat comforting, grounding him in the world around him. Leo’s eyes were locked onto the Gryffindor skyline but they had long since glazed over blurring the buildings into one gray streak across his vision, smudged pink clouds just above it.

Distantly he heard the glass door slide open and Finn’s soft voice, “Hey Nutter Butter, Lo was wanting take out tonight. Any strong opinions on Thai?”

Leo opened his mouth to answer, his eyes still staring blankly into the distance, but he couldn’t seem to get enough breath into his lungs to form the words. Each inhale making his chest tighter and tighter until Leo wished he could take a knife and cut himself open just to relieve the pressure.

“Leo?” Finn asked, concerned as he stepped out onto the balcony, coming a bit closer. Finn must have recognized the glassy vacant look on his face because he let out a sympathetic sigh, “Oh, sweetheart.”

Settling down onto his knees so they were at the same eye level, Finn pressed his palms against Leo’s thighs smoothing them up and down the tense muscle soothingly. They had been through this enough times for Finn to know that when he was lost and hurting, Leo craved nothing more than the contact. The warmth of his partner's hands on him more comforting than anything else.

“Come here baby,” Finn whispered, his hand rising to cup the back of Leo’s neck and gently pull him into his shoulder. Leo could feel his fingers thread into his hair as Finn pressed a kiss to his temple, “It’s ok my love, everything’s gonna be ok,” he murmured.

“Guys? You decide what you want for dinner? Cause I am not above ordering without-“Logan said walking out onto the balcony only to cut off his sentence when he saw the tender way Finn was holding Leo.

“What happened?” Logan asked, concern bleeding into his voice as he came to sit on the arm of that wicker chair, his hand settling warm and heavy on Leo’s back.

“I don’t- I-“ Leo tried, somehow his mouth unable to even form the simple phrase I don’t know.

It’s not fair.

It’s not fair that at random everything could be stripped away leaving Leo raw as an exposed nerve.

“Oh, mon amour,” Logan sighed, sad and sympathetic, “shhh, it’s ok you don’t have to answer.”

Leo’s breathing was as shaky as his trembling body, he let himself lean into their touch until his back was pressed to Logan’s thigh, face still buried in Finn's shoulder. The position was awkward, but Leo honestly couldn’t have cared less all he could think about was the warmth of their hands soaking into him. All he could think was how he desperately wished their touch could burn away the feeling inside him.

But sadly no matter how much he wished their love alone was enough, that wasn’t how life worked. But despite the fact that Finn and Logan couldn’t fix him Leo was still so incredibly grateful for their support, their love.

And in the moments when it felt like he was locked in a grave buried alive under cool dry earth. With tangled tree roots trying to twist and burrow through his body, absorb the nutrients of his life, they were the ones that made Leo want to dig himself out. They were the ones that made him want to claw his way back to the surface rather than surrender himself to the worms.

Leo didn’t know how long they sat with him, just letting him draw strength from their stability while the cool evening air washed over them. He didn’t know if his shaking was from the cold or the anxiety but then again he didn’t really care.

Eventually, Finn and Logan guided him back inside their home; they wrapped him in warm blankets and held him close until the trembling subsided.

“How you doing, Love?” Finn finally asked once Leo’s body seemed to have relaxed a bit. They were laid together on the couch Leo wrapped up tight and curled into Finn's chest. He soothingly ran his hands up and down Leo’s body and pressed a kiss to the little fluff of hair that was visible from inside his blanket cocoon.

“M’ok,” Leo whispered, his voice a bit rough from the raging forest fire of emotions that had burned hit inside him.

“Yeah?” he asked softly, worry clear in his voice, Leo just nodded.

“You hungry? You haven’t eaten since this morning, it might help to get something in your system.” Leo shrugged and snuggled in closer, tucking his face into Finn's shoulder.

“You just wanna stay here laying on me?” Leo nodded once more making Finn huff a soft laugh and kiss his head again.

“Alright baby, how about this: Lolo will get food, you can stay here and when he gets back if you don’t want to eat you’ll have some food for tomorrow. That sound ok?”

Leo tightened his hold around Finn and mumbled a quiet, “love you.”

And though the words were muffled by the blankets wrapped around him Finn heard, “I love you too Le, I always will.”

Read on ao3

[like-a-bag-of-potatoes]

Then and Now - Dear Diary

AN: It's been a while since I’ve written Supernatural, or Dean, but I'm back now with a new Series. Gonna be 10 parts in total with a lot of feels and fluffs. I've been toying with this idea since I started re-watching spn earlier this year (thank you quarantine) and then after reading a series by the amazing @percywinchester27​ I got inspired and started writing. Shout out to my awesome beta @thorne93​, you da bees knees. 

AN2: I'm doing a thing where I raffle off a personalised drabble every month. How do you join? Easy, just hammer that reblog button. Reblog is one entry, reblog with comment is two entries. So you help spread my work and you might get a little sumpthin’ in return. Win Win

Pairing: AUDean x Reader

Warnings: Some grade A second hand embarrassment (it gets a bit awkward, yo!) There's some talk about sex in this. Italics are entries from her diary. 

Wordcount: 2070

CATCH UP HERE

Summary: It's 2010 and you’re back in Lawrence to settle your family’s affairs after your mom passed. You hope to be in and out of town before anyone really knows you’re there, but that doesn't go as plan. Will a certain green eyed mechanic convince you to come back to the life you once had in Lawrence? Or are you going to return to the real world as soon everything is settled. 

Three weeks had passed since that night by the lake, and the farm was back in pristine condition. You had worked tirelessly, day in and day out, with some help from your friends of course. It had been so great to reconnect with them all. Honestly, you were the happiest that you had been in a while. There still was a dull ache in your heart though, one that seemed to strengthen every time you were with Dean. It was hard to be around him, to be his friend when you knew that was all it was ever going to be. And now that there was nothing left to keep your days occupied, that old restless feeling had settled in your bones again. 

This life wasn't meant for you. Not on this farm. Not Dean. Not even your friends. It was an unachievable dream, just out of reach, and it was slowly driving you insane. Hope had ignited in you that night by the lake, maybe, just maybe there was a chance for you and Dean, but nothing had happened since then to tell you that that was the case. So now you were convinced you had put more meaning in his words than was really there. 

Some days you would stop by the pet shop and say hi to Red, which now was something you looked forward to. Donna told you that he had been a lot happier since you started visiting him, and at times he was a real chatterbox now. You would let him on your shoulder and walk around the store while you talked softly to him, treating him some sunflower seeds here and there. Red greeted you with a high pitched hello every time you walked through the doors, and when you left, he would reach his little foot out as if he was trying to stop you from leaving. At times you wondered if he would make a good travel companion. If he could come with you in your truck as you drove around the country, but those thoughts were quickly pushed aside. 

It was another beautiful Saturday morning, music was blasting from your old boombox as you cleared out your closet. It was an old mixed CD that Dean had given you way back when, filled with Metallica, Zeppelin, Skynyrd, and everything else Dean listened to. REO Speedwagon played in the background as you found the stacks of old diaries in the far right corner, hidden under some other junk. A smile played on your lips as you pulled them out, five of them in total, all with different covers around them. 

“This is bound to be awkward,” you mumbled to yourself as you picked them all up and carried them with you down stairs. 

After filling your cup with coffee, you brought it all with you to the front porch to start what would most definitely be an embarrassing trip down memory lane. 

June 1st 1995

Dear diary. 

I had a huge fight with Jo today. We were gonna hang out after my guitar lesson and she just kept houding me to play… IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. I asked her nicely to back off, but she wouldn't leave it alone. Then she said I was just scared of embarrassing myself in front of Dean and I was sooooooo mad at her. Like… I swore her to secrecy when I told her about my crush on him and now… God… I don't think I can ever face him again. 

She's such a BITCH sometimes. 

The word ‘bitch’ was spelled out in big red letters, and you couldn't help but chuckle at your fifteen year old self. Gone were the days when your troubles were this innocent. 

There was no entry for a couple of days, just some doodles of Dean's name over and  over again. 

June 5th 1995

So I made up with Jo. She apologized which I know is, like, super hard for her to do, so we���re good again. She told me Dean has been acting really strange the last few days. Been all quiet and stuff. She said that Benny told her that Cas had told him that Dean asked Cas if he thought I had a crush on him. 

Jo thinks Dean has a crush on me too, but I don't think so. The last girlfriend he had was Lisa Braeden and she's so beautiful. No way I can compete with that. I just need to get over these stupid feelings so things can go back to normal. 

You skimmed through a few more entries, stuff about tests at school and plans for the summer holiday, then some thoughts and ideas for your birthday. It was all very tame. 

But then… 

June 14th 1995

HE KISSED ME!!!! I can't believe Dean actually kissed me… and on my birthday. It was so perfect, and his lips were so soft. It was better than I could ever have imagined. I'm so happy right now I could just scream. He asked me if I would go with him to the lake tomorrow and I literally can't wait. I can't even stop smiling. 

It was the perfect first kiss with the perfect guy. 

Then there was a drawn heart with Dean’s name in it. Without realizing it, your fingers ghosted over your lips as you recalled the kiss. It was a bit frustrating that you hadn't written it down in more detail, but the butterflies that coursed through you told you that you remembered it just fine. 

Time didn't really register as you sat and flipped through the pages of your diaries, so when Dean pulled up, you didn't know how long you had sat there. The coffee had long been forgotten and was now too cold to drink. 

“What's all this?” Dean asked as he plumped down in the empty chair. 

“My old diaries,” you said with a smile. “I found them earlier in my closet. It's so awkward, but I just can't stop reading,” you explained with a chuckle. It was hard to ignore the uproar of butterflies in your stomach at the sight of Dean, but you did your best to push it aside. 

“Lay it on me,” he gently ordered with that cheeky grin of his. 

“You want me to read you my diary?” You asked in bewilderment. 

“Yes!” he exclaimed, laughing. 

“Brace yourself for some grade A second hand embarrassment, Winchester,” you warned and he made a point of getting comfortable in his seat. You opened the book on a random page and started reading. “June 21, 1995. It's been a week since Dean and I kissed for the first time, and I still can't believe he asked me to be his girlfriend. Like, for real-” Dean chuckled and you chanced a look up at him, but he urged you to continue. “I mean, I have never been anyone's girlfriend before so I'm not really good at it I think. Like, can I just hold his hand whenever I want now? Or kiss him? ‘Cuz I want to do that all the time. I just don't want him to feel like I'm too clingy or something like that.” Your cheeks burned with embarrassment. 

Dean just chuckled. “Why didn't you tell me?” 

“About my insecurities?-” he nodded -”I didn't want you to think I was a dweeb,” you said as if it was the most obvious thing. 

“That ship sailed long before that,” he said, erupting into laughter when you stuck your tongue out at him. “If it makes you feel any better, I wanted to hold your hand and kiss you all the time too,” he said in an exaggerated sweet tone. 

“Ha! Wish I knew that back then,” you mused. 

“Go on,” he said eagerly, pointing to the book in your hand. 

With a deep sigh, you opened to another random page. “August 7th, 1995. Dean took me to the lake today to watch the sunset. It was beautiful. We talked about ‘doing it’.” As you read the words out loud you giggled and hid your face behind the book. “Oh my god, Dean… It's so awful,” you whined behind the book. 

Dean found your embarrassment adorable, especially the smile that followed it, and the laughter. Your nose always scrunched up when you were embarrassed and it was nice to see that hadn't changed. “Go on,” he urged. “I wanna know if we ‘did it’.” Although he knew perfectly well that you didn't, not that night. 

“Really?” you asked, peeking up over the book. 

“Hell yeah. I'm invested in this now, don't leave me hanging.” 

“I told Dean I was scared because I hadn't done it before. He said he hadn't either. I was so sure he had done it with Lisa, but apparently that was just a rumor. I want to do it with him, though. I can't think of a better person to lose my ‘V’ card to. He said he would wait for as long as I wanted.” Even as awful as this was, it was very sweet in its innocence. 

“I remember that night,” he said, smiling. It wasn't that cheeky grin from a couple of seconds ago, though, it was the smile one had when recalling a fond memory. “It was a really great night.” 

“It was,” you agreed. It was nice to share this with him, even though it was embarrassing, it was a story that the two of you shared, and it was nice to have this reminder of how good things once were for you. You flipped the pages once more, now looking for a specific entry. “August 12th 1995. Dean and I finally did it. It was at the lake in the bed of my truck, but it was as perfect as could be. He was so gentle with me, and patient. It hurt a lot at first, but Dean went really slow and it got better. There was a little blood afterwards and I was super embarrassed, but he didn't care. I’m so glad Dean was my first, because I don't think anyone else would make me feel so safe. Dean always makes me feel safe.” The words trailed off and you looked up at Dean, the air suddenly thick around you. 

He cleared his throat before he spoke. “Well, there you have it.” 

“Sorry. I didn't know it would turn so… real,” you said quietly, closing the book and placing it on the table. 

“No - it's not - don't.... A lifetime ago, right?” 

“Right,” you agreed. Clearing your throat, you got to your feet and rubbed your clammy hands on your jeans. “Want a beer?” Now, you were eager to change the subject to just about anything else.

Dean looked up at you with apprehension as he accepted the bottle from you. He didn't know how much longer he could hold back his feelings. It was a decision made with his brain rather than his heart, to wait until he was sure you weren't gonna leave again. Every day was a new challenge, and he had to convince himself all over again that this was for the best, even though he desperately wanted you back in his arms. It was so clear to him now, why no relationship he’d had worked out, because no matter who they were or how happy they made him, they were never you. No one could take your place in his heart, not ever. “You know-” he cleared his throat and shifted in his seat, looking anywhere but right at you -”that night meant a lot to me too. And not just because I got laid for the first time,” he said with a chuckle. Typical Dean to add some joke into a serious conversation. “But because it was you.” 

The truth he spoke was clear in his emerald orbs and it damn near melted your heart. “I guess it was pretty great. Especially for two teenagers who were too immature to say the word ‘sex’ out loud,” you mused, a crooked smile on your lips. 

“You know what I think we should do?” Dean asked after a moment of silence. 

“What?” 

“We should grab some beers and head up to the lake to watch the sunset. Bring some blankets and stuff like we used to do, you know?” 

“I would like that very much,” you said earnestly. 

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[jawritter]

Broken Me...

Ch. 8

Summery: The Dallas Convention couldn't have come at a worse time for Jensen. His world fell apart earlier that morning, but was expected to just act like everything was normal. You and a friend were at the convention for her birthday. Life hasn't been that great for you either, but a forced meeting on stage changes two worlds. Will you be able to put this broken man back together again...

Series Warings: Cheating, shitty marriage, Danneel is a bitch, I unfortunately have to put that as a warning because some people tend to get turnt up about it if you don’t... Smut, Crying, Suiside Attempt, brief discription of suicide attempt and recovery, depression, hints of self loathing, language. I think that’s it... Suicide Trigger warnings will be placed over each chapter!

Chapter Warnings: Smut, unprotected sex, grinding, dry humping, language, description of nightmare.. I think that’s it..

Word Count: 1908

A/N: BINGE READ TIME!! As always all mistakes are mine! Please do not copy my work! Feedback is gold!! Hope you all enjoy this one!!

Want More? Check out my masterlist!!

****MASTERLIST****

Time jump to Sunday night. The last night in the hotel for the con.

Sitting alone in the hotel room that you had Jensen had been sharing for the rest of this con, waiting for Jensen to finish up with some last minute photo ops, the last thing he had to do for this con, and man you were glad it was almost over…

They had to break earlier today from when the actual photo op was scheduled due to the AC not working in the room they had set up in to take the photos.. It wasn't really that big of a deal. It was only like 60 people that were left to get their photos. 

It was the panels today that were brutal. 

Y/F/N and Yourself sat and watched helplessly as fans nailed Jensen with questions after questions about his and your relationship. Apparently someone had taken a picture of the two of you after the panels ended last night…

One picture, that was all it took… Now word was already spreading that you were the other woman… 

Jensen took it in stride though, seemingly unbothered boy opinions and curiosity concerning you, and denying that the two of you were together before Danneel and himself separated. He didn’t bother to deny that you were somewhat together though, and you didn’t know who you felt about that really...

Y/f/n left after the panel was over with Alex. Since the  con was technically over, and you both live in Dallas, she just decided to go on back and get settled into her new place with Alex. You hugged her, and told her you would call when Jensen and yourself arrived back at your appointment Monday, and that you would set up a lunch date soon..

By the time Jensen stumbled through the hotel door he was slightly intoxicated, and extremely exhausted. 

They were taking their "apple juice" shots during the last panel. Losing a game with Misha had nearly finished him off, much to Misha delight, and everyone else’s amusement.. 

Once he was showeres he stumbled to the bed falling asleep almost immediately. You took the chance to finish packing the rest of your things, and then grab a shower before bed. 

You stood in the shower letting the hot water beat away the stress of the day as well as the stress of things that were surely to come. 

There was still a lot of unknown in whatever this 'relationship' was between Jensen and yourself. There was just a lot to work out in general on your part. As far as Jensen. He had to basically put his whole life back together. Which wouldn’t be easy by any means.. So you definitely had a lot to think about..

Stepping out of the shower you were towel drying your hair when you could hear strange sounds come from the bedroom. 

Throwing the door open you find Jensen tossing and turning. Sweat forming on his forehead as he fought against something you couldn't see in his sleep. The nightmare he was having must have been a rough one. He was starting to yell by the time you got to his side. Shaking him awake.

"JENSEN!! WAKE UP!!" You yell at him, and he sits straight up in the bed. Panting like he'd ran a race. 

"Hey handsome you okay?" You asked him. his eyes wide as he scanned the room.

"Yeah......just a nightmare." He said in almost a whisper. Shaking as he layed back down, closing his eyes up  tight as if he could make the images that were lingering from his dream disappear.

"Wanna talk about it?" You asked, sliding under the covers with him. Jensen automatically reaches for you to lay in his shoulder.

"Not really." He said quietly. His voice was full of tension.  You traced little circles across his chest with your finger connecting the freckles in random patterns as his breathing evened out to normal, and his body relaxed against yours.. 

You were just gonna let the subject drop. It was well after midnight and the two of you needed sleep. You had to leave in the morning, and Jensen wanted to leave early before people got up and moved around the hotel. You didn't want to push him to talk about anything he wasn’t comfortable with..

You slept very little that night. Jensen tossed and turned most of the night. You wished he trusted you enough to open up to you, but then again, you'd only known each other for three days. So you weren’t about to ask him again when he already said he didn’t want to talk about it..

You laid there. Staring at the ceiling the majority of the night. Wonder how this is gonna work. Praying he wouldn't one day just leave and never come back.

This was the risk you agreed to take. You knew he had A LOT to work through. You knew this wouldn't be easy. You also knew you couldn't make yourself stay away from him. There was something in you so drawn to him. All you knew is that you need to be with him. If he decides to leave it's gonna hurt like hell.

You felt Jensen shift his weight next to you again. You rolled over to check him for what seems like the thousandth time in an hour, to see him staring at you.

"Hey babe." Voice thick with sleep, and his brighter than they were when he’d woken up from his nightmare. 

"Hey." You tell him, reaching up running your hands through his hair. "You didn't sleep much." 

Pulling you closer Jensen nuzzled his faces in closer to you...

"No. Stress got to me last night. I let Danneel get in my head. She texted me and said that my kids would be calling another man Daddy soon. It got to me worse than I thought. All night I dreamed I could hear my kids screaming. The house was filled with smoke, I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find them......" 

You were relieved that he trusted you enough to talk to you about what was bothering him, but helpless to know what to do about it..

Almost reading your mind Jensen pulls your face close to his. Resting your forehead against his for a moment before bringing his lips to yours. Kissing you deeper than he ever had. Tangling his fingers into your hair. Pressing his lips closer to yours, running his tongue lightly along your bottom lip. Begging for entrance, and honestly, how could you tell him no. 

His strong arms wrap tighter around you as he runs his callous hand down to your hips. Pressing your hips closer to him. You could feel his growing erection against your thigh. Causing you to gasp. You could tell even through his running shorts and boxers the man was huge. 

Jensen moved slowly from your lips to just under your jaw line. Kissing and nipping is way up to the sensitive skin behind your ear. Causing your breath to hitch in your throat as he ground his bulge against your aching core. 

You couldn’t help but moan into his kiss as he worked himself against you, over and over, pressing too much pressure, then suddenly not enough...

Sliding his hand from your lower back to the back of your thigh your body was heating up in response to his touch quickly as he continued to grind himself against your center until he was panting against your lips. Building you up higher and higher before quickly pulling away to slide your pj shorts, and black panties down in one pull, and you kick them off the rest of the way. Jensen quickly sheds his own shorts and boxers as well. 

Reaching around you pulls your leg over his waist. Pressing his throbbing length against you. Teasing you, but not yet gaining entrance.

“Fuck I wasn’t planning on doing this so soon, but I need you.” He said, breathing hard against your neck, holding himself back, waiting for you to tell him it was okay…

Your hands tighten on his shoulders as he runs his swollen tip through your dripping folds again, putting just enough friction to drive you crazy, but not fully satisfy you. 

“Please Jensen.” You whined, your back arching your further into his chest. That was all the permission he needed...

In one swift movement he pulls your shirt over your head. Breaking from your lips only long enough to remove your shirt. Throwing it across the room hitting the wall. His already shirtless torso heaving with deep heavy breaths. His eyes darkened with lust. His kisses become rougher and impatient with need. Moaning against your lips as his gentle slid just the tip of his rock hard length into your soaking core. Causing a deep gasp to escape from your lips.

"Fuck baby girl your tight. I'm gonna have to go really slow." He said in a voice you could barely recognize. Bringing his lips back to yours before you could even respond to him. 

He expertly unclasped your bra, throwing it against the same wall your shirt had hit. Working his way down your collar bone. One hand still firmly placed on your lower back while the other hand explored your breast. 

Everywhere he touched was like pouring gasoline into a fire, burning higher and hotter against your skin until you were both a moaning mess..

Slowly yet firmly he began to slide the tip of his throbbing length in and out of you. Pushing more of himself into you with each thrust of his hips until he was seated completely inside of you.

He paused for a moment. Not moving. Giving you time to adjust to his sheer size. He was definitely bigger than any man you'd ever been with. 

"You okay." He asked, in a husky carnel voice. 

You nodded at him and experimentally rolled your hips against his, pulling an almost inhuman growl from his chest.. 

Pressing his full weight on top of you he began to slowly thrust in and out of you. Keeping your bodies pressed as close together as possible. His every thrust hitting your most sensitive places deep inside of you. His body rubbed against yours as his hands explored you, and worshiped your body. 

You had never had a more sensual, intimate, experience. Keeping your bodies connected and wrapped around each other. Literally making your bodies feel like they had become one. 

Jensen's thrust became harder. Breathing out a small moan every time he pounds into you. You run your nails lightly from the top of his hairline to his lower back. Pulling a louder moan from his throat. His pace increased as his thrust became more sloppy and out of rhythm. You could feel your own end building in your belly. Spread through you as your walls quivered around him.

"Babe I can't last much longer." 

You didn’t even have time to respond as your walls clamped down around him. Pulling you over the edge you feel him spill deep inside you both of you riding out your high with a loud strangled moan.

Jensen rolled you both over to your sides. Still seated deep inside you. Unwilling to break your connection. Both of you dosing back off for at least another hour of the most peaceful sleep either of you had all night.

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[blackypanther9]

Part 19 - Wrong Move...

Your POV....

I went outside and back into the room, where Loki was in the glass. As I was there....he wasn't in the cell anymore. I panicked.

"Loki ?", I asked into the room....nothing.

"Loki...this isn't funny.", I told the room.

Suddenly the door opens and I turned around. I saw Fury enter, he looked at me.

"Loki is in my office. He is waiting for you and wants to know where the scepter is.", he told me.

I nodded and ran out of the room to the office. As I got in I saw Loki sitting on a chair, waiting.

"Hey...Lucie. Do you know where the scepter is ?", he said.

"It's in the lab... The boys are investigating it."

"Can I look at it ?"

"Why ? It's the reason you killed people. It controlled you."

"I just want to see it."

I got closer and stared into his eyes...still green. Nah ! Fine.

"Alright...fine...", I gave in.

He smiled at me and got up. I went with him into the lab and he saw the scepter immediately. He went closer and....no....no !

"DON'T TOUCH IT !!!"

.....too late....he drew his finger over it and he shivered.

'No....What have I done ?'

He took it in his hand, turned around and had blue eyes again. I stared at him.

"I wanted to see if it was the scepter...Guess it was.", he said, smiling.

I got in fighting position. He attacked me and wanted to hit my head with the scepter. I dodged. I ran out of the room and into the room, where his cell was. I opened the doors and made an illusion on it. It was looking like it is still closed. He came inside. He still smiled, then grimaced.

"Is the power not working ? Oh you poor mortal.", he said sarcastically.

He went to me and was going to touch me with the scepter. I took a hold of it, lifted it with Loki up and threw him in his cell. I had the scepter in my hand and Loki was in the cell again. I made a move with my hand and the door closed. He tried to run out, but he was too slow and ran against the glas.

"Why did you idiot do that ?! Look at you !! Odin will kill you for that ! DON'T YOU KNOW THAT ?!", I screamed at him.

"I do. And I honestly don't care.", he said smiling at me.

I shook my head, turned on my heel and went to the door outside. He chuckled, before I was on the door. I stopped in my tracks and turned around, to face him.

"What are you laughing at ?", I asked.

"Look at you and your great friends. You won't be having this kind of freedom forever.", he said amused.

'So much for he is finally free and trusting him and all...'

I rolled my eyes, turned around and left. I heard Thor calling me and running to me. I stopped, turned around and looked at him annoyed.

"What, Thor ?"

"Why is Loki in his cell again and you have the scepter ?", he asked.

"Loki touched the scepter, to know if the scepter was the reason of his sudden change. And it is. He is again under the control of it. And no, I won't ask Banner again, to knock the shit out of him. I am sick of it."

Thor's eyes widen in shock. I turned around and went into my room, locking the door behind me. I fell into my bed and hugged Loki's blanket....again. I hit the wall, I was facing and I broke my hand. ....Right....I put my wristbands on, in case I do something like that...

"Lady Lucie ? Please open the door...", I heard Thor knocking.

I hid my face in Loki's blanket and screamed.

"Leave me the fuck alone, Thor !"

"Why ? You are sad. I want to change it."

"Then go away !"

There was silence. After a moment of silence I heard footsteps, getting further away. A few minutes later I fell asleep, still tightly hugging Loki's beloved blanket.

In my dream....

I was standing in Loki's room and looked outside the window. I looked down at a book. I didn't saw any writing on the cover. I sat down on Loki's bed and opened the book. The first pages, I saw nothing. Then I turned a page again and gasped in shock. There was a drawing. Not just any drawing... It was Loki killing Odin, Thor and Frigga. I let the book fall to the ground and wanted to stand up. But I couldn't. Out of nowhere, came out of the book blood. I lifted my legs and laid on Loki's bed. Suddenly the door opened. I turned my head, slowly, afraid of seeing Loki in blood or any dead person in the doorway. But instead I saw Loki, clean and well. He came to me in a rush as he saw my face in shock.

"Dest, what's wrong ?", he asked worried.

"The book....please tell me it was a prank of yours.", I said pointing to the book on the floor.

He looked at it and then at me. He picked it up and opened it.

"I don't know what you are talking about...The book is fully normal. I swore that I won't play mean tricks on you...and I stand to this promise. What did you see, dear ?", he asked worried.

"I saw a scary painting of you killing Thor, Frigga and Odin. I dropped it and suddenly, out of nowhere, came out blood of it. Please tell me you pranked me !"

He stared at you as you stared at him.

"Darling...don't you know anymore ?", he asked.

"W-what do you mean ?!"

"You drew this picture and burned it after that. It was 5 years ago. And......I am....dead.", he answered.

I stared at him.

"But you ARE here !!", I screamed.

He turned away from me, his back facing me and as he turned back to me, I saw his eyes were white like snow, no green orbs and no black pupils... I screamed and jumped from the bed.

"WHAT HAPPENED ?! WHO DID THIS TO YOU ?!", I screamed in panic.

"Don't you remember ? He did this to me."

He pulled his collar down and I saw his neck blue and purple as if he got strangled to death. Suddenly his head fell to his right, with a sick cracking noise. I screamed in shock again. His neck was definitely broken.

"LOKI ! YOUR NECK !!!"

"I know. He killed me, 5 years ago..."

"W-WHAT ?!"

He stood up, walked to me, took my hand and kissed it. He used his right hand to move his head to its actual position and pulled his collar up again. He pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. Then he let go.

"When will that happen ?", I asked.

"You have 4 - 6 years left.", Loki answered.

I was frozen in shock.

"You need to wake up. You don't belong here. Wake up... I will see you."

I shook my head. He sighed.

"I am sorry.", he said.

Before I could ask him he was a dark creature and jumpscared me.

End of dream....

I startled awake and sat up. As I woke up it was 2PM. I fell asleep at 2 AM today. I sighed in relief, but couldn't forget the nightmare... I stood up, grabbed a poetry book, not caring how I looked like right now and went into the room with Loki in his cell. He looked at me and I teleported the book into his cell. I was relieved that he wasn't dead. He took the book and smiled at me, after he read the title.

"Thank you, Lucie.", he said.

"No problem........Could you stand right in front of me as close as the glass allows you ?"

He looked at me confused.

"And why should I do that ?", he asked.

"Please ? I just wanna check something."

He hesitated but did as I asked him. I got as close as I could and looked at his throat. Nothing. Good. I stepped back.

"Okay thanks. I need to go now, I am busy... Goodnight Frosty."

He then stepped back too. Looking at me still confused.

"Goodnight...", he replied.

I walked outside and back into my room. After 20 minutes the ship, or whatever it is, rattled and I felt like we were falling and my feeling didn't trick me. Because I fell from my bed onto the wall to my left. Hard. It almost knocked the air out of me. I stood up and ran outside. Luna was with Tony the whole time, I was worried for her and what happened. Tony ran as fast as he could with Luna in his arms, as soon as he spotted me.

"Take her !", he screamed.

"What happened ?!"

"We got attacked ! I have to go !", he answered and ran away.

"TONY !"

He stopped and turned around to look at me.

"BE CAREFUL AND GOOD LUCK !!", I shouted to him.

He smiled, nodded and then ran off again. Luna pulled out her claws and clung onto me. I ran into my room and stayed there for good 12 minutes. I then pulled out a collar for Luna, put it on her and pressed a button. She now will stand like that even if she is upside down. Yes a gravity collar for animals... I am clever. Then I ran out and heard a gunshot in Loki's cellroom. I opened the door, to see Agent Phil Coulson laying there with a weird weapon in his lap. His body and suit had his own blood everywhere.

I ran back out, I searched for an first aid kit. As I found one and returned, Director Fury was already there and Phil was dead. I stopped dead in my tracks. I let the aid kit fall and Fury looked me in the eyes. He was mad.

"He and on our side now...huh ?", he asked angry.

"Mister Fury...I can explain myself. I swear ! He-"

"NO. You lied to us. You said he was good now. Bruce said he can be trusted again. Why did you lie ? Huh ?! Answer me damn it !!"

I flinched everytime he yelled at me. It wasn't me who let him out. But it was my fault of being too late, of him touching the scepter again.

"Thanks to you, he escaped ! Thanks to you, Agents died ! Thanks to you, we almost all died !", he yelled at me.

I got angry and looked at him. Now it was my turn.

"YOU THINK I DID IT ON PURPOSE ?! LISTEN HERE ODIN NUMBER TWO, HE WANTED TO SEE WHERE THE FUCKING SCEPTER WAS AND I SHOWED HIM !! HE RAN HIS FINGER OVER IT AND IT PUT HIM UNDER CONTROL AGAIN !!! HE WANTED TO TEST THAT ! BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT HIS DAMN PLAN WAS IT WAS TOO LATE AND I LURED HIM INTO A TRAP AGAIN !! I LOCKED HIM UP AGAIN !! I WASN'T THE ONE WHO FREED HIM !! I WASN'T IT IN THE FIRST PLACE AND IN THE SECOND PLACE ALSO !! INSTEAD OF ALWAYS JUDGING ME, YOU SHOULD HEAR THE PEOPLE OUT FIRST INSTEAD OF JUST BLAMING THEM !! YOU GOD DAMN MORONS !!!"

He stared at me in shock and respect, but I was too angry to see it. I turned on my heel and ran out into my room, locked the door and packed my stuff. I am going to leave now ! I knew it was a big mistake in the first place. Why didn't I listen to my feeling ?!

Part 20

Masterlist with all Chapters of this Story click here !  

[amara-scott]

Halloween

Movie: Blackkklansman Characters: Phil Zimmerman x Reader Categories: M’sorry this is long, everything? lil smutty at the end

So, yes- I may get a little more excited for unimportant holidays than the usual American citizen should. But does that mean others have to be cranky or a grump? No. Why not just go with the flow and enjoy some free candy?

"Okay- I get that you don't like it, but what's your costume going to be?" I ask Zimmerman as I sit on his desk at work, looking through a catalogue of adult costumes. Extremely boring ones, might I add. The ones you see in every store and every commercial.

I hear his sigh and glance over the edge of the current page. He rolls his eyes, not looking up from the paper he's reading. Jimmy laughs behind me, Ron joining in. I give them a grin, like every year, I love teasing poor Phil.

"Not happening this year." He mumbles, taking a sip of his coffee, grimacing afterwords. Probably already cold. I hop off his desk and take the mug.

"I'll give you time to think while I get you a fresh, hot coffee—" I walk out the office, patting his shoulder as I go and make out Ron who can't contain his snickering. He receives a glare from Flip but no further comment. I hurry and greet a couple guys in the kitchen.

"Flip! Hey, I have an idea guys. Since it's my turn to host the dinner, we'll all keep it a secret what we dress up as. What do you say?" I place the steaming mug next to Flip's papers and he groans, leaning back and looking at me.

"Seriously? Why do we have to dress up at all?"

"Flip, why not?" I point at Ron, agreeing with his question.

"You're my favorite officer, you know that, Stallworth?" I walk over to him and place a hand on his shoulder as we share a smile.

"Hey." Jimmy says, I look over and wave him off.

"You know very well you're high up on the rank as well." He sighs relieved and sinks back into his chair with a grin.

"What about Flip?" Ron asks, smirking and we all glance over at Phil. He's obviously listening but trying to ignore us, head down and pen ready to write.

"Officer Zimmerman? Oh, I don't know. He's been quite rude lately. I would say— just below Landers."

"Hey!" His head snaps up and he frowns at me, all of us chuckling at his expression. I skip over and lean my elbows on his desk.

"You know what to do to change that." I wink at him and stand back up straight, walking toward the office door. "I'll see you on Saturday then, no more complaints." I raise an eyebrow at Flip at the end, him sighing deeply but nodding. I grin and wave, turning. My bell pants moving and flowing with my long strides.

___

I wait for Patrice to come over that Saturday. She helps me with the food and dips, decorations and music. As Bobby Pickett's Monster Mash is playing in the background, we get ready, dressing up in our costumes.

I slip into my rather tight Bat Girl suit and Patrice in her Wonder Woman outfit. I place the crown in the perfect spot in her wild hair and we help each other touch up on our makeup. We giggle as we pose, taking polaroids and skipping through my small house like we were saving the world. I'm about to take some more popcorn to throw at her but we hear a knock, freezing and I grin, walking over to the door. I see Patrice straightening her outfit, making sure everything's in place.

I open the door and peek outside, seeing my three favorite men of the night. I can't help but burst out laughing, Jimmy dressed up as Tin Man from Wizard of Oz. Even his face is painted silver, shining brighter than my glitter eyeshadow. Patrice walks over and giggles, welcoming Ron and I hug him afterwards. With Jimmy I try to keep his face a little further from mine.

Ron honestly couldn't have picked a better costume. His name tag reading Agent Bond. Which he kind of was. A really good undercover detective. And a secretive bag in his hand.

And Flip? Flip wore a flannel, his hair as messy as ever and Jeans and boots as usual. I don't want to frown, not showing him that it disappoints me he didn't put any effort into it. I really do like him, and I know he likes me too. We spent many evenings together, staying longer at diners and bars than the others. Talking and exchanging looks. Maybe I'm just overreacting.

"Good you're here Flip." I give him a smile and hug him, wondering why he is so quiet. I raise an eyebrow as we pull away and lead them all inside, showing them the food filled table and offer them beers.

Patrice and Ron sit together, Jimmy on one end and the seat next to Flip still open. I feel his eyes on me as I walk between kitchen and dining room. I also picked the costume because it honestly just looked really good. It sparkles just like Yvonne Craig's version, purple and tight. I pull up my mask and sit down next to Flip, trying not to be too mad at him. It's just a costume for goodness sake. Or rather the lack of one.

"Hey Flip, what do you think of (Y/N)'s costume?" Jimmy says, biting into a piece of meat, raising his silvery eyebrows. Ron smiles, glancing up at Flip too. He hasn't even eaten anything yet, is he grumpy today?

"Yeah and what about the food, you don't like it? I'm sorry that I invited you- won't happen again-" I let out, growing more angry every second he's just sitting there. He looks like he's trying to suppress a grin, struggling to keep a straight face. I frown, not sure what's going on. Jimmy and Ron join in and Patrice too after Ron whispered something in her ear.

"I think you look bloody good tonight, Bat Girl." Flip says, turning to me and I glance at his mouth, wondering why his words sound muffled. He grins at me and my eyes grow wide. Vampire teeth. Everyone starts laughing and I can't help but giggle, slapping his arm. He's unbelievable.

"Just for you." He says, quickly taking out the teeth and drying his mouth.

"Well I have to admit- that was good." I say, taking my beer and holding it up to the others.

"To a fun night with Bond, Tin Man, Wonder Woman and- a wanna-be-Dracula." We all toast and take a sip, I finally feel relaxed and take another glance at Flip, shaking my head at him as he looks back at me, winking.

___

We let movies roll in the background and played Pass Out while eating and laughing. Once we finished the game and Flip won, having ten pink elephant cards first, he raises his fists in the air, Ron and Jimmy groaning in annoyance as he gets his last tongue twister right. I feel very tipsy, not used to too much booze. Who could have figured that Ron would bring that game?

I lower one of Flip's arms, shushing him. "Calm down, cowboy. It's just a game." I hear myself slur at the end, frowning. I need water.

"No way, I've never seen you drunk before, Batsy." Flip responds and I click my tongue, trying to stand up. I had to wait a second before actually moving toward the kitchen. "Hey, hey— let me help you." A hand wraps around my waist, holding me to their side. I look up at Flip and nod.

"Thanks." I say quietly, my cheeks warm and eyes glossy. "I want water." I mumble and he helps me sit down at the small kitchen table, leaving me and returning with a glass of what I hope is water.

I take a sip and frown, a weird taste after all the beer, wine and whiskey we had this night. "You doing alright? Feel like you need to throw up?" I groan, not wanting to even think about it. I lean forward on the table, head in my hands and close my eyes for a moment.

"You want me to bring you upstairs?" He suggests, his voice sounding closer than last time he spoke. I glance over my fingers and he sits beside me, rubbing my back now, beneath my costume cape.

"No, I'm good-" I hiccup, holding a hand to my lips and growing even warmer in the face as Flip chuckles, running a hand through his hair and standing up, holding out a hand to me. I sigh taking it and his other hand is back around my waist, holding me up. I can walk myself, I want to pull away but am not strong enough. Maybe it's good he's holding me.

"Hey guys, the host needs to lay down, I'll bring her to bed." I frown at Flip, shaking my head.

"No, I'm fine-" hiccup "-I just need more water." I can't make out anyone's expression before being lead to the stairs. I hear good night and thank you but the next thing I feel is already my bed. Soft blanket against my cheek. I sigh, not wanting to move an inch and sleep for days.

"Let me get Patrice." Flip says and I hear a couple steps. Then my hair is lifted off my face, moved right behind my ear. "Sleep tight." I feel something wet on my forehead and then nothing. Only quiet. And dark.

___

I roll over, feeling around for my blanket and cover my cold skin. With one eye open I look around, trying to figure out what's going on. My window is open, curtains pulled together, darkening the room. I groan, frowning. The phone rings and I flinch, holding a hand to my warm head. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to ignore the shrill tone but it doesn't stop. In one slow but swift motion I sit up, taking a second to regain my balance and blink my eyes open.

"Hello?" I get out, clearing my throat afterwards, not knowing what's wrong with my voice. So groggy and deep.

"Wow, good morning Bat Girl, had a little too much to drink last night?" I hear Patrice's voice and roll my eyes, sighing.

"Why did you let me drink that much? You know me. At least I thought you did." I grin, shaking my head and closing my eyes again, leaning forward, head in my free hand.

"You should know your limits, sister. Maybe you got a little closer to knowing them last night."

"Sure thing, sister."

"You up for a run later?" I raise an eyebrow, not sure if she even drank anything at all last night. I stand up carefully and draw the curtains aside, squinting my eyes as the first sunlight burns my eyes.

"Wow, how late is it?"

"It's one thirty. I'm glad I finally woke you up."

"I'm glad too, I bet it's a mess downstairs. I'll call you when I'm done cleaning, a run should do me some good though."

"Yes, right on, sister. See you later."

As I put on a robe, scanning my costume at the end of my bed, I walk out and down the stairs. I sigh relieved, the mess not as big as I thought. I hope the boys took some leftovers home to eat. But I see all the food stacked in the fridge. I roll my eyes and pack boxes, to drop them off at the station later.

I get ready, drinking a rare cup of coffee and put on grey leggings and a turquoise long sleeve for my run with Patrice. I'll meet her in about twenty minutes at the station.

As I drive there, I try to remember what all went down last night. The pass out game was maybe a little too much for my fragile stomach. And Flip, his Dracula teeth still make me grin. Such a dork.

I park my car and walk inside the station, having all the food stacked on my arms. As I get to their office I make out Patrice at Ron's table, laughing and sitting down on his desk.

"Hello guys, anyone ordered leftovers?" I place down boxes on their desks and lastly at Flip's, sitting down on his.

"Someone arose from the dead I see." Flip says and Patrice nods.

"She was still asleep two hours ago." I frown at her, mouth agape and cross my arms.

"Why do you have to betray me, Patrice?" They laugh at me, Flip nudging me arm. I glare down at him, not able to hide a smile.

"Especially you, Dracula."

"What? I didn't betray you, I even brought you upstairs." He raises his hands in front of himself, eyebrows doing the same. I roll my eyes and stand up, telling Patrice to wrap it up and go running.

"You're going for a run? You mind grabbing me a good coffee on your way back?" Flip says and continues to scan through papers.

"Who says I will come back after my run?" My hands land on my hips, eyes on him as he slowly looks up, adjusting his holster over his red plaid shirt. Which was my favorite. I loved the color on him and it's the softest out of all of them.

"Well, I know you need those tupperware boxes back so-" He shrugs his shoulders, smiling innocently.

"You're lucky you're cute, Zimmerman." I mumble, hitting his shoulder and the guys laugh, Patrice and I walking out.

___

"So are you dating now or what?" Patrice huffs, running alongside me as we enter the park and follow the path down to the water.

"Who? Me and Flip?"

"Obviously, he's absolutely into you."

"What makes you say that?" I swallow, trying to take a look at her but struggling to do it while running. I just see her eyes rolling.

"The way he's treating you, looking at you. Last night for example, he helped you go to bed and was such a gentlemen. He came back down, asking me to help you undress."

I frown, hoping not to trip as I try to remember the wet sensation on my forehead last night. The way his finger ran across my forehead. My skin tingles at the thought.

"I don't know, Patrice." I say and she sighs, changing the subject.

___

The whole way back to the department I have to think of what Patrice said, nearly running into a couple officers. I carry the four big coffee cups from our local Colorado café that usually doesn't do takeaway coffee. But for the department they do. So sweet of them.

"Three orders of hot and delicious coffee?" The guys look up and I give them the cups, Jimmy nearly burning his finger. "Careful!" I say and giggle. I give Flip his cup and he hums, smelling the liquid, eyes closed.

"That's the good stuff." I grin, nodding and take a gentle sip myself, sitting back down on his desk.

"Flip?" He looks over, nodding and drinking the coffee. I push a black strand of hair out of his face, adjusting my seat and face him more. "Can we talk later?" I ask quietly, not wanting to cause a scene or give the boys anything to tease Flip with.

"Uh, sure. After work?" I nod and rub my arm, smiling at him. "You could come by my place, if you want." He adds, seeming hesitant but tries not to show it, drinking more of the coffee. I stop moving for a second, not sure if I heard him right. To his place? I've never been there. Weird, to be honest. I've known him for a while now, nearly a year. Patrice introduced me to them all after an incident with an investigation she told me. That's how she met Ron too.

"I'll be there at around eight?" He nods and smiles at me. After writing down his address for me I leave and decide a hot shower would be the best now.

______

I'm done cleaning up my house and myself, when it's already 7.20. I curse under my breath and quickly get dressed. It's chilly outside and I settle with a thin white turtle neck and my favorite blue plaid skirt, short but beautiful. At the door I put on my black thigh highs and grab my purse and coat, finally leaving at 7.45. It's about 20 down to 21 Street so I hurry, still staying with the speed limit.

As I pull up to number 1813, I take in the house. It's matching the blue tones of my skirt, the lawn turning dry and a huge oak tree standing to the side. It's a cute one story house. I smile and step out, a cold breeze welcoming me. I pull on the coat and hug myself, walking up to his house. After knocking it only took him about a minute to open the door.

"Hey there." We share a hug and he leads me inside, taking my coat from me. I take off my boots, him clearing his throat and then moving from behind me toward a different room.

"Just follow the smell once you're done." He calls out and I look up to see where he's going. I grin and try to imagine Flip cooking a dinner. I walk toward the kitchen and stop in the doorway. He's stirring something in a pot, then goes over to grab a couple plates from a cabinet.

"Can I help?" I walk in further, smoothing down my skirt. He looks over, up and down my form only briefly and shakes his head.

"No need, I can manage. You can pick a drink and sit down in the dining room, right through that door." He nods ver to a different entry way and I open the fridge, looking through his options.

"Alright, you want a beer too?" He hums in response, tasting the sauce next and I try to peek but he points to the door, looking at me seriously.

"Okay okay, I'll leave." I raise my beer bottle filled hands in defence. Before going out the door I glance over my shoulder, his eyes on my bum, not realizing I caught him. I smirk and sway my hips more, leaving and sitting down at the round table in the room. I bite my lip, crossing my legs, running a hand over my exposed skin.

"Here we go." Flip enters, carrying two plates. Pasta with red sauce. I mean, it's nothing extraordinary but it doesn't have to be. It's a good dish and smells really good.

"Thanks, Flip, looks and smells amazing. Where have you been hiding your cooking talent all this time?" He chuckles, joining me across the table. We clink our bottles and start eating. My thigh high socks warm my feet and legs, it's really gotten cold out now. November is one of my favorite months.

"How was work, everything alright?" I ask, wiping my lips with a napkin and take another sip.

"Yeah, it's gotten more busy lately, though." He sighs, twirling more pasta on his fork. I just watch him for a moment, eating. I want to place another fork full into my mouth but it's too much sauce and splatters onto my white turtleneck. I groan, wiping my mouth and start dabbing at my shirt. But it's only getting worse. I hear him chuckle and watch me.

"Hey, that's not funny. Do you have dish soap?" He frowns, nodding though. "Excuse me for a second." I stand up and walk toward the kitchen. I make sure the door is fully closed and step up to the sink. I pull off my top, running some warm water over the spot. Then I look for the dish soap. Nowhere to be found. I want to groan again but start looking through the cabinets. Where does a man keep his cleaning supplies?

"Flip? Where is the dish soap?" I call out and hear his chair squeaking. I freeze, panicking. He'll see me in my bra- I block my chest with the wet top and shiver, the water cold against my bare skin. He walks inside and stops for a second, looking at my state. He clears his throat, hiding a smile and opens one of the upper cabinets, pulling out the dish soap from a shelf that I clearly could not have reached all by myself. Idiot.

"Here you go." He hands it to me and I smile tightly, trying to avoid eye contact. "Do you Want me to get you a shirt?" He asks, leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed. His grin warms my face even more and I only nod.

"Thanks." I mumble and he pushes himself off, walking past me and toward his bedroom, I assume. I let out a breath and use the soap to quickly soak into the fabric, rubbing the spot together and running it under warm water again. I repeat that until there's only a very light shade of sauce, nearly gone. One time in the wash should get rid of the rest.

"Here you go." I flinch, turning around and accept his shirt. A black plaid shirt that I haven't seen on him before.

"Is this new?" I try to act casual, pulling it on and buttoning it up- but wrong. I groan and he pushes my hands down gently, redoing the buttons. His fingers grazing the skin of my stomach and chest. He apologizes quietly, focusing on the buttons. My heart races fast and at hope he doesn't feel it.

"There- and yes. It's a new one." I thank him again, tucking the shirt into my skirt on one side at the front. The sleeves are long and wide, covering my hands as well. "You want to sit on the couch?" I bite my lip, nodding at him. Before we move he steps closer and wraps his hands around my neck, my breath stuck in my throat. His fingers push out my hair that's stuck underneath the flannel. "Better."

He smiles down at me and walks past me, looking back to see if I'm following. I do. And sit down next to him. Right leg tucked underneath me and hands in my lap as I face him. "I like this one." I say, playing with the ends of the sleeves.

"Me too." I look back up, he's already watching me. "So what did you want to talk about?"

I knew this would be coming but I hoped he forgot. He's a detective. He doesn't forget anything. Maybe struggling to remember names sometimes but that's about it.

"I- uh, you know I just wanted to see how you're doing. I care about my- friends." He nods slowly, totally not buying my words.

"Well I'm doing just fine, thanks for asking." I nod, looking down at my lap, hoping he would let it go.

"How long, (Y/N)?" I meet his ganze, a sigh leaving his lips.

"What do you mean?" He shakes his head, chuckling and inching a little closer, his left hand over the back of the couch and right hand taking my left one, holding it and then gazing back up at me.

"How long are we supposed to keep this game going? I mean, it's fun, don't get me wrong. I love flirting with you and showering you with compliments but- you know, I think-"

"-it's time we take it a step further?" I conclude for him as he starts struggling with words. He nods, sighing with a smile. I take his big hand between both of mine, running my thumbs over his skin.

"Exactly." He adds, his voice calm and warm, like always. Another thing I love about him. I don't know what else to say so I lean my head closer, watching his lips and eyes, his own face leaning in. I close my lids and concentrate on his and my breath mixing. Soon our lips meet, gently and slow. My left hand going up around his neck, trying to sit closer to him. His hands hold onto my waist, lifting me up and setting me on his lap. I giggle against his lips and he chuckles, pulling me tightly against him. Our flannels rubbing together. He's still caressing my hips, digging his thumbs into my skin and hands cupping my bum. My skirt riding up with every movement. Soon his thumbs hook under the hem of my skirt and stay there for a moment. Our tongues fighting and tasting each other. My fingers running through his thick dark hair. His beard tickling my neck as his lips move from my mouth down to my neck. I hold his head and lean mine to the side slightly, giving him more space to play with. His breath is heavy and hot against my skin, his lips leaving a wet trail as he tries to move even lower, quickly opening the top two buttons of the flannel I'm wearing.

"Flip~" I whimper, his teeth pulling at my lower lip, hands back by my skirt, lifting it even further until the fabric is around my waist, panties exposed. My core tingles and I can't help and rock back and forth on his lap, glancing down and making out his hard member inside his pants. I unbutton my shirt even further and pull it off completely, his eyes glued to my every movement, cupping my breasts as soon as they are free. I still wear my bra but he's quick to unhook it and throw it to the side. Hands back on my breasts.

"Fuck." He says under his breath, kneading them and playing with my nipples. I inhale sharply as his teeth graze that soft skin. I try to take off my high socks but he grabs my hands, shaking his head at me, going back for a kiss. His hands now running up and down my thighs up to my ass.

I finally get to unbutton his flannel and he pulls it off, shirt following. I already try my best at opening his buckle but struggle, sighing and stopping the kiss to have a better look. He chuckles and helps me, pulling down the zipper too. I feel his fingers move around my bum and push my soaking panties to the side, teasing my lips and bud. I moan, moving my hips and palming him through his boxer briefs before freeing his member fully. I stroke it, his forehead now resting on my shoulder as he breathes deeply, small but low moans leaving his luscious lips every now and then.

And that's how we had sex for the first time.

___

The next morning I wake up to low snoring, I smile before opening my eyes, glancing over at Flip's peaceful form. The blanket only covering his lower body. His bare chest falling and rising with every breath he takes. I reach out, pushing his hair back gently and watch him, covering myself with more blanket. I move closer to him, resting my head in his chest, fingertips dancing across his stomach. His breath calms down and he's sighing, still sleeping as I glance up to his eyes. I look back down and bite my lip, my fingers moving further down and pushing the blanket as I go. Soon I reach his member, lightly touching it. I lift myself off the sheets and move lower, parting his legs carefully and kneeling between them, I wet my lips and kiss his semi hard cock. I watch his face, twisting and moving. And when I finally take him whole into my mouth his eyes slowly open, hands gripping the sheets as he looks down, smirking and chuckling as he throws his head back against the pillow. I smile as I lick his penis, kissing the tip and running my hands along his abdomen, dragging my nails down. His muscles twitching underneath my touch.

"Good morning to you too." He mumbles, his voice still sounding way too tired. He rubs a hand across his face and the other one tangle ps in my hair, guiding me up and down at a pace he enjoys. His other arm is tucked behind his head and he looks relaxed. His breath is getting heavier, louder, turning into moaning. But suddenly he sits up, me following his movement as his wide eyes search for his alarm clock.

"6.30? Fuck-" He stumbles out the bed and nearly bumps into his dresser on the way to the bathroom. I didn't know he would be working today. Oops. The shower is running and I hear him exhale loudly, soon turning off the water again. I walk to the bathroom as he comes out, pulling out clothes from his drawers. I have to suppress a grin, holding a hand in front of my lips as I still see his hard member. He's trying to tuck it into his pants but I push his hands off, kneeling down.

"If you're late, ten more minutes won't be a problem." I say, his face twisting in frustration and he groans, pulling on his shirt and the black flannel I wore yesterday. I start my job, trying to make him release fast.

"Fuck, okay- this might work." He says, sounding more awake and guiding my head again, his head tilted back. He's pushing my head so far that I'm near tears, struggling to take a breath. The pace quickens and he's holding me down, groaning and twitching in my mouth, now loudly moaning and releasing his load down my throat. I hold onto his legs, hoping he'd let go soon so I could catch my breath. And that he does, I gasp and cough, wiping my mouth and swallowing down his cum. I wipe my eyes and smile up at him. I kiss his tip as he takes a couple deep breaths.

"No more- I need to get going." He tucks his member away, zipping up and buckling his belt. I stand up wiping some spit off my face. He stops and turns to me, pulling me into a hug. "You're incredible." He whispers into my hair, kissing my forehead. He steps around me and I follow him into the living room where he quickly covers me with a blanket from the couch. "Careful love- only I'm allowed to see you like that." He winks and I giggle, pulling it tightly around myself, watching him put on his boots. "I'll bring you lunch later." I say and he smiles, walking over and giving me another kiss, this time on the lips.

"Thanks, see you later." I wave and watch him leave, going to his car and driving off. I go into the kitchen and sigh as I see my stained shirt still laying there. I clean up his house as best as I can, taking a simple black short sleeve shirt from his drawers and get dressed. Before I leave I make sure he has dinner for tonight and write a quick note.

Thanks for last night, I loved it. Dinner is in the fridge, hope you like it. :)

I leave and take all with me that's mine, driving back to my place to make him some early lunch. I make sandwiches, grab an apple and a piece of my homemade chocolate cake that they didn't finish at the Halloween dinner.

Once I'm freshly showered and wearing new clothes, a sweater and my bell pants, I drive back to the station. It's now 11.30 am.

I walk into the office, a big smile on my face. Their conversation dies down as they see me and Flip stands up, taking my bags and pulling me into a hug, kissing my lips. I melt into his touch, stroking his cheek. Other hand holding his strong arm.

Once he lets go, he goes in for a second but brief peck on the lips.

"When did that happen?" We look over at a stunned Ron and smirking Jimmy who looked like he was waiting for it to happen.

"You owe me, Stallworth."

I ignore that our friends were betting on us and only look at Flip. "I made you lunch and brought you some cake as well."

"What about us? Are we getting no food no more?" Ron gasps, holding a hand over his heart.

"I don't know yet. Maybe you should ask Patrice." I raise a brow at him and Flip throws an arm around me, pointing at me.

"She's my personal chef now, none of yours. Get used to it. Comes with having a girlfriend, Stallworth." I look up at him. Slowly smiling.

"Girlfriend, huh?" He shrugs, smiling innocently and I ignore the comment he made about me. Instead I agree with him. Hugging him around his middle.

"He's right." I mumble into his flannel, loving his smell. I could fall asleep just like this. And just like that I won not only a man who I want to spend a lot of time with- no- I also gained a best friend. My Flip.

_________________________________

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The Difference Between Boys & Girls | o7

summary: Sam & Erin are university students who share a cheap one bedroom apartment above a shitty takeaway restaurant. Due to the limited space, they’ve grown accustomed to sharing just about everything, including the occasional kiss.

pairing: Jung Hoseok (Samuel Park) feat. Park Jimin (Brian Yi)  x Named OC characters: meet the cast.

genre: angst, smut, fluff word count: 3k chapters: o1| o2| o3| o4| o5| o6| o7| o8| o9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14 warning: boyfriend!hoseok, jealous!hoseok, painter!jimin, friends to lovers trope, college au, angst, sexual themes, slow burn, arguing, pining

a/n: this ones a bit short, sorry!

Sammy stopped waiting for Erin to return long after the sun had set and the plates of food he'd set out for both of them grew cold and inedible. His intentions for the night were simple; treat Erin to a highly deserved meal prepared by someone who was not him, commend her for how hard she had been working lately in order to do as well as she could on her few remaining final exam and somehow during the night offhandedly mention the fact that he was in love with her and probably has been since the first time they met. Just to gauge her reaction. It was a simple plan that didn't require any extra factors to be accomplished but it definitely did require Erin to be present, which she was not.

A frown turned down the corners of Samuel's lips and created an expression that was rarely seen on his naturally bright and cheery face.  With one final glance down at his cell phone that had been quiet all night, Sam huffed and pushed himself back from the coffee table then stood up. It was well after 12 and Erin hadn't called, texted or left any indication of where she might have been and what was taking her so long to come back home. He thought about calling her as he blew out the single candle that was placed in the middle of the coffee table, Samuel argued with himself the entire time he put away the extra food and ultimately decided that he shouldn't. He was worried about her but that didn't really give him ample reason to treat her like a child breaking curfew, especially since he had a vague idea of where could be at this hour.

Samuel knew that Erin wasn't exactly a party-going socialite so she couldn't have been out dancing; if she was staying late at the library or work she would have texted him or left a note for him somewhere when she came home. He had also taken note of the aftermath of clothing and makeup left behind by hurricane Erin all over her room which meant she went someplace where she wanted to look her best and there was only one reason Erin really dressed up these days. 

Brian.

The image of that orange-haired punk putting his hands on Erin made Sammy grit his teeth and fling his body back against the couch. He was letting his imagination get the better of him but just thought of anyone but him comforting Erin after a long day at work, touching her or anything else made Samuel's blood boil. His feelings were irrational and childish and even if Samuel recognised that it wouldn't have stopped the anger that found root in his heart or the ache that pinged him after he allowed his agitation to settle down.

Erin was no longer just his.

She was content in finding happiness elsewhere and Samuel had to find a way to accept that. They were getting older and even though he would have loved to, Sam supposed they couldn't continue to simply play house for the rest of their lives. Eventually, they had to grow up and maybe that meant growing apart too.

Brian was normally a late riser. It was never unusual for him to still be in a deep sleep well after 12 in the afternoon but today was different. Today he was up with the sun and the scent of lingering arousal and a familiar gentle aroma of woman’s perfume filled his nose. The first thing he felt was something against his face, warm, soft brown and ticklish. A yawn forced his jaw to go slack as the sunlight shone through the window, brightening up his bedroom. A nest of brown hair rested below his nose, belonging to the naked feminine body that was cuddled up against him. 

He swept a few strands of her hair away from Erin's slumbering face as a small, tender smile crept upon his lips. Her current expression was in such contrast to the one she was wearing just a few hours ago when she crying out with pleasure beneath him. Now she was so quiet. So calm. Brian wasn't sure which one he liked better. He pressed a kiss on her earlobe, then traveled down to her neck and brushed his lips gently against her skin until she stirred slightly and turned to her side, muttering something that sounded like 'Quit playing Sammy', but Brian couldn't be sure.

He ignored the doubt and peeled himself away from Erin's body, the cold air of his loft attacking his body the second he was no longer covered by the plush comforters. Brian pulled a pair of joggers on his lower body and decided that he might as well pick up the rest of the clothing that had randomly landed around the floor of his bedroom while he was at it. In a careful and lazy manner he retrieved most of Erin's clothes and placed them on the edge of the bed near where she lay, he grinned again when Erin rolled onto her back and spread her arms out at her side. Her jacket was in his hand and he was about to place on the bed with the rest of her clothes but something fell out of the pocket and gave him pause. 

Brian knew the easy thing to do would have been to put the folded up sheet of paper back into the jacket pocket since it wasn't his and he didn't really have a reason to read it, but he was curious and figured it was probably just some leftover fax from work that Erin had forgotten to send out. It wouldn't hurt to read it.

So Brian unfolded the sheet of paper and instead of seeing figures and numbers or a schedule of some sort like he expected Brian found himself reading a handwritten note from Erin's roommate. There was nothing scandalous written, and it definitely seemed like a friendly gesture between friends but something about the way Samuel wrote 'Love, Sammy' with a silly little heart in place of the 'o' and the general tone of the note rubbed Brian the wrong way. It was all just so.... intimate. An innocent kind of intimacy but still an intimacy that Brain often didn't feel when he was alone with Erin. The paper crumpled in Brian's fist and he shoved it back into the pocket where it fell from and tossed the jacket onto the bed before swiftly moving out of the room.

It took another few minutes for Erin to wake up and realise that she was alone in bed in a bedroom that did not belong to her. The initial panic within her subsided when she remembered that she was still in Brian's loft and her arms stretched far above her head as she sat up and glanced around the empty room. Everything looked so different bathed in sunlight but Erin didn't allow herself to linger for too long, she was out of bed and dressed in a matter of seconds and quickly went to search for her boyfriend. 

Erin smiled widely when she caught sight of him in the kitchen fumbling around with something she couldn't see. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and buried her face into the space between his shoulder blades, pressing her plush lips against his warm bare skin. 

"You let me wake up alone, rude" She giggled and hardly noticed the way he tensed up when her lips made contact with his body.

"Sorry," Brian muttered in response but didn't turn around.

Erin was slightly put off by his curt response and her eyes squinted downward for a moment but she pushed on regardless, concluding that Brian just may not have been a morning person.

"So um, I was thinking that since I have my final final in a few hours and I can't really stay for too long today maybe we could meet up this afternoon? You promised to take me back that speakeasy pub last month and we still haven't been back."

Brian shrugged and gave Erin a halfhearted 'maybe' in response but when he stopped washing dishes and moved from the sink to the refrigerator like she wasn't even holding him his actions left her confused and honestly a little hurt. She didn't understand why he was acting like his, especially after last night. 

"Are you okay Brian?" She asked gently, still hovering around the sink.

"I'm fine" he replied with his head hidden behind the door of the fridge.

Erin shuffled on the heels of her feet and bit down on her lip, he definitely didn't sound fine.

"Are you sure because you seem a little...upset? Is this about last night? Do you think we're moving too fast or something?" Erin paused and laced her fingers together "Do you regret sleeping with me?"

Her last question made Brian shut the door and look directly at her for the first time that morning, his expression soft and apologetic.

"What? No, of course I don't" he said in a whisper as he reached forward to pull her against his chest.

"Then why are you acting so weird?"

Brian pressed his lips together and rested his cheek against Erin's temple. 

"It's silly..."

"I still wanna hear it"

"...fine. I found something this morning that made me a little upset that's all"

"Upset? With me?" Erin asked and pulled her head back to look up at her boyfriend.

"Yeah. I came across the little note that your roommate left you when I was picking up your clothes and I didn't like it."

"Wait a minute, you were snooping through my pockets while I slept? Do distrust me that much?"

Erin completely detached herself from Brian's body and put an ample amount of space between them. She could understand if he was upset about something that actually warranted a reaction but there was nothing written there to explain this kind of reaction.

"I wasn't snooping, it fell out!"

"That doesn't matter who are you to be rifling through my personal effects? That note wasn't addressed to you so you had no business reading it, and what the hell could have made you so damn vexed? Is no one else allowed to hope I have a good day but you?"

Brian exhaled deeply and girded his hips, he was doing his best to keep a level head but with Erin's voice raising slightly the more she spoke it was becoming harder for him to remain docile. 

"It's not what was written on the paper but the tone of it all that bothered me."

"Because you can judge tone just by reading something?"

"No, but I can judge it based on past experience, I've seen the way he looks at you when you're not paying attention Erin. You've said that there's nothing going on between you two I not so convinced of that. I mean we can barely get through one date without you mentioning his name at least five times, trust me I've counted."

Erin gasped, her fingers raking through the front of her hair as she turned away from him for a few moments before turning back to face him with her features shrouded in anger.

"Are you fucking kidding me? If this has been bothering you for so long why are you just now bringing it up, you've had so many opportunities to ask me about this?"

"I didn't think it would be a problem before now, and look I don't want to keep bringing this up but can you honestly tell me that he doesn't feel anything for you? I'm not saying he's got to be in love with you but you can't live with someone and not-"

"Of course, we love each other!" Erin bellowed before Brian had a chance to finish his sentence, her gaze wild with anger as she stepped toward Brian who looked startled. 

"We've known each other for over half the duration of our lives, we have shared every major moment in life since middle school. I know that Sammy loves me with every part of him that is capable of giving love but there is a difference between loving someone and being in love with them. He's not in love with me." Erin noticed the slight tremble in her voice when she spoke, the part of her that still wished Sammy felt some other way was still alive and ached when the reality of her words hit her.

"I-i'm sorry, I shouldn't have overreacted..." Brian stuttered and attempted to reach for her shoulder but Erin side stepped him and shook her head.

"I'm going to be late for my test."

It's well into the afternoon when Erin finally returns to her apartment and finds Sammy bundled up on his pullout bed watching something on Netflix that she didn't recognize. Silently she kicked off her shoes, dropped her bag and made a beeline straight for her roommate, forcing her way into his lap which made him sit up rigidly and peer down at her.

"Can you hold me?" were her only words and Samuel was quick to oblige her by wrapping his arms tightly around her body and holding Erin tight to his chest. He recognized the pained expression on her face and knew that she would probably need a minute before she felt like telling him what was wrong. So they both sat in a comfortable silence, the background noise from the television filling the void until Samuel finally looked down at Erin and ticked up one of his eyebrows.

"What's wrong, noona?"

Erin took a deep breath and relayed her entire day to Sam, the fight with Brian, her race to her university, the fact that she nearly missed her opportunity to take her final exam and the fact that she was so distracted from her argument with Brian she may have bombed her final. She was on the verge of tears by the time she was done speaking but Samuel calmed her in a way that only he could by pressing his soft lips against her temple and gently stroking the length of her hair, muttering gentle compliments against her skin the entire time.

"I am 100% sure you didn't fail that final, I've heard you reciting literary nonsense in your sleep for the past two weeks. Even if you were distracted there's no way you could have failed."

Erin pouted, she was glad for the reassurance but her gut was telling her otherwise.

"And about your fight with...your boyfriend," 

Erin clamped up the moment he mentioned the fight. In her haste to tell him what was bothering her she had completely forgotten to censor herself, she didn't mean to mention that he was the cause of their fight.

"You know he's wrong, right? I mean I love you, you know I do but...I-....you're family it'd be weird to think of you in any other way." Sammy managed to crack a playful smile even though he was dead inside, those words pained him to say more than he thought but he couldn't bring himself to say anything else. He didn't want to sway her heart, not like this when she was vulnerable and troubled. Erin sniffled and nodded quickly, pretending to be relieved when he said the exact opposite of what she wanted to hear.

"That's what I told him," She said softly and pulled back from and made and effort to get off his lap, "Sorry for bombarding you like this, I just needed a hug." Erin chuckled and stood to her feet.

"I'll always be here to give you one" Sam replied and then neither of them spoke for a few seconds, staring each other down and holding their gaze like they both wanted to say something but in the end no one spoke up and Erin found herself awkwardly waving and walking away.

She slumped to the ground the second she closed the door behind her and Erin buried head between her knees, she had been trying to hold in the tears since Samuel held her but hearing him admit what she already feared was the final straw to break the dam of her tears. What started as a gentle stream soon evolved into a silent sob as Erin pressed her head backwards against the door in a shallow attempt to stop herself from violently weeping like a teenager. She already had suspicions that Sammy didn't feel the same way so why did this hurt so much? A part of her wanted to go back out to the living room, grab her roommate by the collar of his thin white t-shirt and explain to him that she believed that they were soul mates and they belonged together she didn't care if he saw it or not. But what would that prove? It would shake the foundations of their friendship and Erin wasn't so sure their relationship could handle such a blow.

Instead of mustering up courage Erin dragged her body towards her bed and pushed herself underneath the mess of clothes and blankets, hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

[the-gayest-of-all-authors]

How sure can you be that you are alone?

1 INT. TEENAGER BEDROOM LATE EVENING 1

SAM- a sixteen year-old girl, wearing comfortable light-grey sweatpants and a dark-grey hoodie- relaxes on her bed. She reads a collection of tales and poems of Edgar Allan Poe. The light is dim and cozy. A chain of lights hangs over her and the bed's head. Her phone lays besides her; it buzzes. It's a text from HAILEY- her best friend.

HAILEY

Hey, what's up girl?

Sam takes her phone and closes the book. She texts back.

SAM

Nothing much. Was reading a bit and before that I was watching a few movies but nothing extraordinary; I'm bored.

HAILEY

Ya serious, reading? While your parents are outta town? You fricking kidding me?

SAM

Welp, what else should I do? There ain't much to do.

As her belly rumbles, Sam gets up and puts her phone into the front pocket of her hoodie.

2 INT. KITCHEN PROGRESSIVE 2

Sam switches the light on and walks directly towards the fridge. The cold and bitting light in it flickers on. She takes out the eggs, closes the fridge and then takes out a pan, putting it on the stove. Her phone buzzes as she turns the stove on.

HAILEY

There's always something to do. You just need to find something besides watching movies and reading boring old stories.

SAM

First of all, those stories aren't boring and second of all I already found something else to do; I'm making myself some eggs.

Sam's phone starts vibrating and the display shows an incoming video call from Hailey. Sam accepts the call.

SAM

Why are you calling?

HAILEY

I didn't wanna miss you burning down your kitchen.

SAM

I am not bad of a cook.

She cracks open two eggs into the pan and puts the rest back into the fridge.

HAILEY

Remember that time we cooked at my place and the neighbors called the fire department because of all the smoke.

Sam grunts and rolls her eyes.

SAM

That weird dish you chose was way too difficult for the both of us. Literally nobody would be able to cook it.

HAILEY

Nah, honestly it wasn't the complicated. And it was all fine 'til I went to the bathroom for like five minutes.

The floor boards upstair creeks. Sam turns around and looks towards the stairs through the door ways. Sprinting footsteps run upstairs and slam a door. Sam lets out a quick and little scream of fear.

HAILEY

What was that?

SAM

(disregarding)

The wind or something...

Sam turns back to her eggs and tries to shrug it all off.

HAILEY

Wind? Wind which makes the floorboards creek?

SAM

(Grabs a spoon; scrambles her eggs)

That's the house; it's just settling.

HAILEY

A good fifty or more years after being build?!

SAM

Look okay,

(throws spoon on the counter)

wood sometimes stretches and relaxes, that's all. I just watched a bunch of short horror movies and read a bunch of old horror stories. My brain doesn't need more input now.

HAILEY

Alright okay, Jesus calm down. I just got freaked a bit out by it.

SAM

Imaging how much I freaked out about it.

HAILEY'S MOTHER (O.S.)

Darling come down, it's game night tonight.

HAILEY

Yes mum, I'm coming. I just need to end the call with Sam.

SAM

Duty calls?

HAILEY

More or less... Anyways see you Monday.

SAM

Yas.

(waves at her phone)

Bye.

HAILEY

Bye.

Hailey hangs up and Sam continues cooking.

3 INT. BATHROOM LATER 3

Sam enters the upstairs bedroom and switches on the lights. She walks in front of the mirror and brushes her teeth. As she bows down to spit the foam out, a claw like hand with and hairy arm appears in the mirror, creeping in the bathroom form the corridor which is still pitch black. Her head comes back into view.

She then continues to take a shower. Hot steam fills the bathroom like mist. It floats into the corridor. Sam cannot hear the claw like hands and feet approaching the shower curtain clacking and the tiles of the bathroom floor. The claw like hand- black like tar and sprouting a few disgusting hairs- comes closer to the shower curtain. The long nails already touch it softly, as Sam opens it to take her towels. The thing disappeared without having been seen by Sam. She gets dressed. In the mirror the reflection of a head is visible. A pure black head from a wolf with bright red eyes. As Sam turns towards the mirror it disappears.

4 INT. CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE 4

Sam walks into the corridor. She switches off the light in the bathroom. The whole house, accept for her room at the end of the corridor, is enveloped in darkness. She looks at her phone and scrolls through social media. The wolf like head appears behind her. The index finger of the monster slowly but steadily comes closer to her screen. She flinches and turns around in horror holding up her phone to light up the corridor; nothing is there but the big plant at the other end.

While she still watches in fear and terror, she begins to slow step towards the plant, away from the coziness and safety of the light of her room. The floorboards creek ominously under her feet. Suddenly the door of her room slams. She screams and drops her phone face-first on the floor.

SAM

Shit.

(carefully she picks up her phone)

Please don't be cracked, please don't be cracked.

(she turns it around slowly)

Oh good Lord, thank god.

Sam puts her phone in her front pocket and turns to her room. The creature runs into the bathroom. Sam turns suspiciously around. She narrows her eyes and tries to see.

Sam breathes heavily. A nervousness build up in her as she stands surrounded by pure darkness. The sound of shattering glass and something metal hits the floor downstairs. Sam sharply sucks in the air through her teeth.

SAM

Nope...nope, I am not doing this today.

Sam walks straight up towards her room. The wolf creature stands behind her on its back legs. As she tries to push down

the door handle, it doesn't move. She shakes it harder and presse herself against the door with her whole body. She lets go of the door and decides to kick it in.

Slowly she steps back while rubbing her hand. The creature still behind her, like statue from hell. She bums into it. Her whole body freezes up. Shock fills her entire self. With her left hand she goes bag. Her hand can feel the strong hairy arm. She keeps going downwards with her hand until she reaches its claw. Shockingly she takes out her phone. Then she leaps forward turns around and holds up her phone to see what it was behind her. There's nothing. The door to her room opens. She looks into it. The chain of light is still on. She sprints into it and slams the door behind her.

5 INT. TEENAGER BEDROOM PROGRESSIVE 5

She leans against her door. She breaths heavily, puts her hands against her forehead and slides down the door. Confidently she gets up and shakes her head.

SAM

That's all just my imagination, period.

She throws herself onto her bed and picks up the book. Her door creeks open. In a mirror, which is out of her view, the claw tries slowly to reach around the door. Sam runs towards the door. The claw gets hit by the door.

SAM

Holy shit!

She stumbles back and falls back. The creature bust open the door and the lights in her room go out. She grabs her phone and turns the flashlight on it on.

6 INT. CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE 6

The wolf creature starts growling. Her whole body is shaking as she walks into the corridor. Behind her the wolf creature rises to its back feet and follows Sam.

SAM

Hello... is anything here?

Sam runs down the stairs into the kitchen and slaps the light on. She calls Hailey.

HAILEY

(sleepy)

Yes?

SAM

There's something in my house.

HAILEY

What...what are you talking about?

SAM

I swear. I didn't see anything but it's growling.

HAILEY

Girl, you just need sleep.

SAM

(angrily)

I don't need sleep I need help.

HAILEY

Okay listen to me...

The wolf creature runs down the stairs into the living room. Finally Sam sees a first glimps of that heinous creature. She grabs a knife.

HAILEY

First try to breathe and relax, get your head and thoughts straight. But if you really feel that threatened call the police.

SAM

Okay...

Sam breathes quickly, she can't calm down.

SAM

I'm going to call the police and then you again okay?

HAILEY

Good. Go hide in the bathroom, lock it behind you.

Sam ends the call. The lightbulb in the kitchen bursts. Sam runs into the downstairs bathroom.

7 INT. LITTLE BATHROOM PROGRESSIVE 7

She slams the door behind her, locks it and reaches for the light switch; it doesn't work. Trembling she dailies the police's number. No one answers her call; her phone dies.

SAM

(tears starting to roll up in her eyes)

What why?

She looks around and is getting more helpless. Desperately she climbs on top of the toilet and tries to open the small window. The wolf thing opens up the door, slowly and cautiously. Sam tries to squeeze through the window, but is ultimately drag down by the wolf.

[heartsywritesthethings]

No Excuses

Summary: Bakugou is stubborn as all hell, so he likes the excuse he gets from Shinsou using his quirk to make him listen. But Shinsou would much rather Bakugou just be honest about what he wants. (1742 Words)

“Raise your arms over your head.”

“What the fuck did you just say to me?”

Shinsou smirks as he leans against Bakugou’s doorframe. “What? Everyone else in class has had a chance to tickle the shit out of you. I may have gotten a hand in now and again, but I’d like to have a real go. And hell I think you’d like that too. That’s something I wanna test.”

Heat rising in his cheeks, Bakugou shouts, “Oh fuck you, Mind—”

“Gotcha~” teases Shinsou, shutting the door behind him as he moves fully into the room. “Now, raise your arms over your head.”

Under the influence of Shinsou’s quirk, Bakugou raises his arms, laving his fingers together behind his head. Now Shinsou didn’t tell him to do that much. So far, his theory seems sound. Smirking, Shinsou approaches with wiggling fingers, watching blood rush to Bakugou’s face and his eyes widen ever so slightly. Oh. This’ll be fun.

Slowly circling his prey, Shinsou pokes and prods at Bakugou’s sides to hear the soft squeaks accompanying the motion. He keeps up the teasing touches until Bakugou’s arms start to shake slightly. With a gentle shove, Shinsou gets Bakugou sitting on the edge of his bed, hands still laced behind his head.

Done with the barely there touches to work him up, Shinsou decides to stop messing around. He digs into Bakugou’s sides with one hand while the other rakes up and down his ribs. It only takes a few seconds for laughter to spill out. Bakugou’s arms remain behind his head, but constantly twitching and jerking in place. It’s only when Shinsou reaches the top of Bakugou’s ribcage and his hipbone that his arms come crashing down involuntarily. His laughter becomes bright and booming, almost cackling. Keeping his hands where they are, Shinsou switches to lightly spidering his fingers.

Bakugou fucking Katsuki giggles.

With a laugh of his own, Shinsou backs off the laughing blond. Once the angry boy’s giggles subside some, Shinsou feigns indifference as he mentions, “Huh. I thought I’d have to use my quirk for at least part of that.”

Hugging his arms close to his chest and rubbing at his ribs, Bakugou asks, “What the fuck are you talking about, Mind Freak? That’s literally how you got away with this shit, you prick.”

Shinsou shifts a predatory smirk towards Bakugou. “Nope. I only told you to raise your arms, not to keep them there. AndI dropped my control the second you did. You just didn’t notice because you wantedto keep your arms up for it. Turns out, you like it~”

Now there’s an expression Shinsou’s not keen to forget. First his face drains of color, mortified that he’d been caught. Then—oh and then—red completely floods his face. Eyes wide and darting about wildly. Shoulders hunched up to his burning ears. Mouth fumbling over excuses and curses. It’s damn precious.

Not interested in the bullshit Bakugou is spewing, he uses the response to get a real answer. “Now, answer honestly: do you like being tickled?”

The answer comes out choked as Bakugou fights the control (for the first time in this encounter). “Yes.”

“Ah, there we go! Thought so. Sooo… do you want me to keep going?”

Shinsou drops his control as he asks, but Bakugou still answers, “…Yes.”

“I didn’t even order you to answer that. Plus I dropped control anyone. You answered all on your own; I’m so proud. Let’s give you what you want. Lay back for me?”

Bakugou won’t look at him, clearly embarrassed. Blushing looks good on him. Still avoiding Shinsou’s stupid, smug face, Bakugou grounds out, “Is that a command?”

“Nope.” Shinsou pops the ‘p,’ entirely too pleased with himself. “It’s a request. You clearly want the excuse of my quirk making you cooperate. I’d rather you cooperate because we both know you want to. So I’ll ask again: lay back for me, cutie?”

Glaring at Shinsou proves entirely useless, but that doesn’t stop Bakugou. After a few moments of ineffectually glaring at the smug teasing grin before him, Bakugou averts his eyes as he lays back on the bed, now glaring at the wall as he grumbles, “Don’t fucking call me that.”

“Cutie? But Bakugou… cutie, you like being tickled and you’re willinglylaying back, waiting for me to turn you into a giggly mess. Because yesyou giggle. It’s fucking adorable. So. Cutie.”

Shinsou’s grin widens at the embarrassed whine he’s rewarded with for his teasing. Oh and that persistent angry blush. What a damn treat. Settling in over Bakugou’s lap, Shinsou gently squeezes his knees against Bakugou’s waist, just to make him feel a tad bit trapped. That alone gets a delicious squirm. Smirking, Shinsou sets an elbow on Bakugou’s chest and leans his head on his fist, looking down at his friend. “Would you mind terribly if I asked you to put your arms up?”

“I fucking hate you.”

“Mhm. Sure. Well this is all you. No quirk! Arms up, please.”

Bakugou hesitates, but ultimately raises his arms and a ruckus. Really, so much swearing over getting what he wants. Shinsou cracks his knuckles, watching Bakugou’s gaze zero in on his fingers. Now that he has his attention, Shinsou slowly lowers wiggling fingers to Bakugou. As he does, he keeps his eyes on Bakugou’s face. Bakugou’s eyes follow his fingers. His arms twitch as he tightens his grip on the sheets behind his head. He’s biting his lip in anticipation.

Well keep anticipating.

Shinsou doesn’t let his fingers touch down. Watching. Waiting. He doesn’t have to wait long. Bakugou looks up at him, expectant. Shinsou raises an eyebrow. The two stare each other down like that before Bakugou clears his throat. “Fucking hell. Are you— you gonna— umm…”

“Yup. I’m gonna tickle you. Just like you want. As soon as you ask me to.”

“WHAT?”

“I’ve had to ask you to do everything on your end. It’s your turn. Ask me. Doesn’t have to be nicely, but you’ve gotta ask me.”

Shinsou really didn’t think Bakugou could get any more red than he already was, but Bakugou does regularly surpass expectations. Watching him fumble for words is a pretty sight, sure. Watching him stop, set his jaw, and take a deep breath from his nose while he droops his head back? That’s a win.

“Just… will you… fuck.”

“Aw come on. You can do it. You want it? Get after it.”

The answer is just a whisper. “Fucking… tickle me, asshole.”

“That’s enough for me!”

Satisfied with the request, Shinsou doesn’t make Bakugou wait any longer. Without preamble, Shinsou claws at Bakugou’s stomach, laughing at the bark of laughter released before Bakugou bites at his lip again, trying to keep his reactions from escaping. “Well that just won’t do.”

Shifting to where he knows he’ll get a strong reaction, Shinsou stares at Bakugou fighting a smile, watches it grow as he touches down on Bakugou’s ribcage. “Waihit!”

“Oh, no more waiting.”

Fingers dig in between ribs, causing Bakugou to toss his head back and shriek as his arms comes crashing down. Keeping his hands where they are, but stilling their motion, Shinsou tuts, “Ah, ah, ah. Arms up.”

Bakugou shivers, opening one eye to look at Shinsou. There’s a smile plastered on his face that he’s no longer trying to fight. Good. There’s also a challenge in his eyes as he asks, “And if I don’t?”

“Then we’re done. If you don’t want this, we stop. Just say the word.”

Shinsou has no intention of rising to any of Bakugou’s bait. They’re both here because they want to be. And he’s going to make Bakugou be honest about what he wants or he won’t get it. The embarrassment at it is a major bonus. Bakugou pouts at Shinsou, but slowly raises his hands back over his head.

“Now you’re getting it, Bakugou.”

He drums his fingers. Once. Twice. Three times. Then he slowly scratches at the uppermost bone of his ribcage. Immediately, adorable giggles pour out of the normally volatile teen as he squirms, arms shaking with the effort to fight his body’s instincts. The slow scratching increases speed exponentially. Again, Bakugou’s arms come down to his sides with a shout. This time, however, Shinsou doesn’t stop or slow his touch. Smiling nearly as wide as Bakugou, Shinsou reminds, “Arms up. Come on.”

The effort Bakugou exerts to raise his arms is admirable. He tries and tries but they keep coming right back before they even get all the way up. Shaking his head, he chokes out, “I— I cahan’t! Can’t— fuhuhuck— can’t do ihit.”

Gradually slowing his fingers, Shinsou listens to Bakugou’s laughter decrease before reaching behind himself to squeeze at Bakugou’s thighs and knees. The booming laughter picks back up as Bakugou erradically kicks out his legs. “Fuhuck! Okay! SHihIT! Thaha—nAh!”

Bakugou cuts himself off with a shout as Shinsou returns one hand to his ribs. “Had enough?”

Bakugou’s near silent laughter prevents him from giving a verbal response, so he just nods his head at Shinsou. At that moment, Shinsou stops and shifts himself off of Bakugou, instead sitting beside him. As Bakugou catches his breath and rides out the laughter, Shinsou states, “Well that was fun, right?”

Shinsou makes sure his face read don’t-fucking-lie-to-me-or-never-againas he turns his head to Bakugou. After a moment of thinking, Bakugou turns his head away and nods. “Good. Glad the angry ticking time bomb of our class enjoys the adorableact of being tickled and is honest to his dear friend about it.”

Rolling away with a groan, Bakugou hides his face in the sheets. “For fuck’s sake, shut up, Shinsou.”

“Cute. Tickle you. Embarrass you. Earn the privilege of being called by my actual name for my troubles. I’ve befriended the Blasty Boy.”

“I literally fucking hate you.”

“Nope. We’re friends. You love me. I thought you learned more about honesty today. I’m disappointed.”

“If you’re gonna stick around, shut the fuck up and put a goddamn movie on.”

Huffing a short laugh of his own, Shinsou complies. Mostly. Binging Avatar the Last Airbender counts as a movie, right? He does actually want to stick around and be friends with this whole stupid class, including Sparky Sparky Boom Man, despite his initial lies that he had no intention of making friends. It’s important to be honest with what you want. “Sure thing, buddy.”

[kyvir]

They were best friends, denying for years what they both really wanted. When a little teasing turns serious, feelings are revealed. There’s an accident, a long road of recovery and a love that only becomes stronger over time. To be together always, that’s all either of them ever wanted. 

Continuation to A Walk in the Park (SasuSaku)

To Walk Alongside You (BoruSara)

Rating: M 

Warning: excessive cursing and eventual smut

Genre: Romance/ Friendship 

Chapter Two: Sleepover

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I closed the door quietly behind me when I got home, not wanting to wake anyone. The lights were off and I could just make my way to Junior’s room with the moonlight. His door was ajar and I peeked inside, finding him fast asleep and snuggling with Levi. I smiled at the sight, my little brother still as soft hearted as always despite being seventeen now. He was the spitting image of Dad and acted just like him.

I padded over to my room next door and slipped my shoes off. After I changed into my red nightgown, I sent Boruto a text, letting him know I got home in a safe and timely manner. I had fun today despite having to wait for a certain blonde idiot that never showed up. Even though we bickered, he was still my closest friend. He always reminded me to loosen up while I reminded him to keep his head on his shoulders. I honestly didn’t know what he would do without me.

Just as I sat on my bed, a response came through from Boruto. ‘I’m home already too… because you’re such a slow ass.’

“Tch.” I huffed, but there was no heat behind it.

‘And how many laws did you break getting there?’ I text back, knowing he sped the whole way.

He replied quickly. ‘Only one.’

I rolled my eyes and put my glasses in their case before texting back. ‘I see, and how fast were you going, hot shot?’

‘Not fast enough. Faster than you though.’

“Jerk.” I whispered out loud, giggling. ‘Yes, yes, I know. You’re the fast and furious while I’m slow and serious.’

‘If you’re so serious then get to bed. You have work, remember?’

I smiled and layed down, pulling the covers over me. ‘You have work too. Stop texting me and go to sleep.’

‘Fine. Bet I’ll be asleep before you though.’

I shook my head at the challenge, still smiling. ‘Sorry, can’t hear you, I’m already asleep.’

‘Goodnight then. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Goodnight, sleep well.’ I text back and set my phone on my nightstand.

I can’t imagine him surviving without me, but then again, I couldn’t without him. That night I dreamt of when we were younger and we played outside the shop while our dads worked. It didn’t happen too often because of my dance classes, but we enjoyed it when it did. He was still as rough around the edges as he was now, the only thing that had grown was the size of his ego. But I was used to that, I had a pretty big ego of my own, being an Uchiha and all. In fact, every member in our family did except for mom. She’s always so humble and kind, and I find myself thinking of her when my pride starts to slow me down.

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my alarm, hitting the snooze for five more minutes. I could smell Mom’s cooking from here and smiled at the thought of Dad sneaking samples. I dozed off until my alarm went off a second time and then sat up, stretching. I turned it off and hopped in the shower trying to make up my mind whether I was dreading going to work or not. It wasn’t terrible per say and I was learning a lot. However, most of my co-workers were a joke. The men were better than everyone and sucked up to those in a higher position, some women joining in. Most women, though, they were completely clueless.

I honestly couldn’t understand why half of them were there if not to flirt. ‘Oh doctor, you’re so smart’, ‘Oh doctor, let me get that for you’. Yuck. I don’t know how my mom did it, the medical hierarchy was insane. At least school was easy for me and for that I was thankful. While Junior went with Dad and learned about cars, I danced and learned about medicine from Mom. If she hadn’t started teaching me so young, I wouldn’t be where I was now, top of my class. I got out of the shower and dried off, dressing in my burgundy scrubs. Then I combed my hair and braided it, clipping it up into a bun. After I grabbed my glasses, I headed to the kitchen.

Mom was finishing the sausages while Dad was sitting at the table, feeding Levi bacon from his hand. Lou was sitting at my mom’s feet, watching her and patiently waiting for attention. “Here, Lou.” I called and she pounced over.

Mom said Lou looked just like her grandmother aside from her green eyes. I had never met Luna, but I could tell from family pictures how much she meant to us, just as much as Levi and Lou did. She barked as I showered her with as much love as possible.

“Morning.” Dad greeted before picking up his newspaper, Levi laying by his feet contently.

“Good morning, Dad.” I smiled. “Good morning, Mom.”

“Good morning, Sarada.” Mom smiled sweetly at me before setting a plate loaded with food for me at my usual seat and then walking over to give Dad his. She leaned down and their eyes met. My heart swelled at the look of affection passing between them before Mom walked away, always aware of when she had an audience.

Seeing the love between them always awed me and I could only hope I would have that someday. “Do you need me to pick up anything on my way home from work?” I asked, coming up to the sink to wash my hands.

“No, that’s okay. I know you’ll be going to the park to meet up with Boruto.” The suggestive look in Mom’s eyes did not get past me.

Dad cleared his throat. “Don’t get any ideas, love.” He told Mom, flipping a page.

Mom turned on her heel, her hand propping on her hip. “I don’t know what you mean. All I said was that I knew what our daughter would be doing after work and if I’m being frank, I’m glad she’s doing it.” She turned her nose up then, grinning from ear to ear.

“Yes, you’re forever innocent.” He teased and I could tell he was smirking. “I think we both know what the park entails.”

“Do you… really want to have this conversation darling?” Mom asked, walking closer to Dad.

Dad put his paper down and looked at her, sure enough, smirking. “Perhaps . . . . but after breakfast.”

“Very well… though you could save yourself the trouble because I already know how it will end.”

“Oh, do you now?” Dad asked and I didn’t like the look in his eyes. “Shall we put that claim to the test?”

“Preferably not in front of me.” I said, holding my hands up in surrender as I sat at the table.

“Behave darling.” Mom told Dad then, and I couldn’t get that suggestive smile of hers out of my mind. Their love was a beautiful thing, but so was the sun. If you got too close, you would get burned.

Junior walked in still half asleep with his hair going every which way. “Hey Mom, Dad.” He yawned, sitting at the table.

“Junior.” Dad hummed gently and then went back to his paper. Levi got up from his spot and came to sit next to Junior, his tail wagging.

“Did you brush your teeth?” Mom asked Junior as she brought over his breakfast. “I’m very worried about that foul mouth of yours. If you’re going to use bad language at least do it when you’re alone.”

Dad gazed over his paper and gave Junior another one of his looks. “It’s not a hard thing to remember, son. Don’t curse around your mother.”

Mom gave Dad a smug look then. “Or around anyone’s mother for that matter.” She pointed out.

“Hn.” Dad nodded. “No cursing around mothers.”

“I got it.” Junior sighed. “Sorry again, Mom. It slipped.”

“Just don’t let it happen again.” Mom smiled as she finally came to sit at the table with a plate of her own.

“Hn.” He grunted, digging in.

I began eating my own breakfast as Dad and Mom followed suit. Mornings were one of my favorite times with the family, it was peaceful and never boring-- Uchiha’s never were.

“Hey Mom, did you need me for anything today?” Junior asked. “If not, I wanted to head to the shop.”

“No that’s okay. You can go to the shop. I have to do some grocery shopping but I can use your father for that.”

“After we settle the matter from before.” Dad stated and I rolled my eyes.

“What matter?” Junior asked, looking at me.

“You don’t wanna know.” I told him and he read between the lines, scrunching up his nose.

We all finished our breakfast and I headed out, grabbing my purse and my car keys. Junior followed me outside and made sure Mom and Dad weren’t paying attention.

“Sis, Dad’s planning on going to the shop today too.” He said, giving me a pointed look.

“Do you think Boruto was able to fix his car?”

“You tell me, you saw what condition it was in.” He huffed. “Look, I’ll see if I can distract Dad for as long as I can, but you should text him and let him know.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. ‘Why don’t you text him?”

“I can’t do all the work.” He scoffed. “I’ll let you know when Dad’s heading over, he’s giving me a ride anyway.”

“Alright.” I sighed, knowing better than to argue, He was as stubborn as Mom and Dad put together. “See you when I get home, Bro.”

He smiled at me and tugged my sleeve. “Later, Sis.”

I got to work ten minutes early and put my purse in my locker, sending Junior’s message to Boruto before I started my day. At least I had Chocho there with me to help me through the idiocy. She was a bit simple herself, but she understood things in a way I couldn’t describe, it was truly amazing. We had become friends rather quickly and she was definitely someone I could count on. Work ended up being pretty intense and annoying today, but I had something else to look forward to. I got home as quickly as I could, admittingly going one mile over the speed limit. I wasted no time going to my room and changing my clothes.

I decided to go with white shorts and a purple T-shirt. I put on my sneakers and was out the door again, now heading to the park. After I got there, I pulled out my pocket mirror and checked my hair. It was still up from before and I made a split second decision. I took it down and let it lay where it pleased, the braid making it curlier than usual. Then I straightened my glasses and put the mirror back in my purse, heading towards our spot. I was surprised to find Boruto already there, sitting on the bench and looking like a lost puppy. I smiled and called out to him, noticing he had brought food too.

“Hey, look who’s on time!”

He looked up, blue eyes finding me and a smirk instantly pulled at his lips. “It’s just you’re late. Though I’m not surprised. You probably didn’t drive over fifteen miles an hour.”

“I drove a mile over the speed limit, thank you.” I told him proudly, taking a seat next beside him. “Praise me.”

“Ooooh, not a whole mile. I’m just… so proud.” He chuckled and leaned back on the bench, his arm casually moving to rest behind me.

I reached over and tugged a strand of his blonde hair. “Better be.”

“I brought burgers… don’t worry I remembered to get you extra tomatoes.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” I said. “You better be joking.”

He rolled his eyes and handed me a burger. “I’m not an idiot, Sarada.” He said as I took the burger and he reached for his own.

“Are you sure about that?” I giggled, unwrapping it.

“Sure am… and so are you.” He said before having a bite. “Oh… your fucking dad…” He chewed quickly. “Bastard gave me an earful… and nothing was even wrong with my car! Why can’t I catch a break. There I was, doing my own thing with my tune up and he had to come waltzing in all ‘you need to use these brake pads’ and ‘that’s not the right stance to use when you’re standing and hovering under the hood.’ What the actual fuck… he doesn’t make sense. Honestly I think he just wants to give me a hard time about everything for no damn reason.”

I leaned back, focusing on his words rather than the arm I was now resting on. “He wouldn’t say anything if he didn’t care, even if he can be a bit much. Mom puts him in his place all the time.” I told him.

“Well you know I just have to take his shit. Pain in the ass, he may be… but I still have a lot of respect for him.”

“He is pretty cool, huh?” I teased, though it was true. “Your dad too, Mom says they were amazing out there. I wish I could’ve seen it.”

“Yeah… they were both amazing. Your dad is still one hell of a mechanic too. And… he hasn’t even shown you any of his old races? I have all of them on disks at my place.”

“Do you?” I asked, looking down as I took a bite. There was no way I would admit that while my dad was showing Junior his racing videos I had played outside with him instead.

Boruto pulled his arm back and turned to face me more. “Damn right I have them. I can’t believe you’ve never seen him race. Hate to admit it but, he was even better than Dad.” He laughed a bit and leaned back again. “You wanna come over and watch them?”

“Sure.” I said, smiling. “As long as your house isn’t a hot mess.”

He coughed then and scowled at me. “Hey, you’d know if you came over to visit me once in a while…”

“I would if you weren’t at the shop all the time.” I countered. “Though I might make an exception this time and help you clean up a bit.”

“I don’t want you to come over and clean. You’ve wounded me… my house is actually really clean. I mean… I only go home to sleep anyway.” His voice turned quiet with his last words and I couldn’t help but notice that and the way his face fell.

“Only to sleep?” I repeated softly. “Well, that isn’t any good. Maybe I should come over and cook some time, that way I know you’re eating well.”

He shrugged. “I eat. Every day with you and most of the time I get something on my way home. It’s just kind of boring there… and I prefer to be at the shop anyway. Or here…”

I titled my head and took hold of his hand. “You can always find me here.” I reminded. “Though I doubt it would be boring if I came over. Have you met me? I’m crazy, I drove a mile over the speed limit. And you see these hands? They were trained by the one and only Sakura Uchiha to cook only the finest of foods. I have skills, Boruto, you should recognize them.”

“Keep on and I might make you move in.” He laughed. “It would certainly be… interesting.”

“Interesting.” I repeated. “You may be right about that.”

“Who are we kidding… your dad would definitely blow that shit out of proportion and kick my ass.” He sighed then before suddenly jumping up and pulled me along with him, our hands locked together. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t come over sometimes… like now.”

“Now?” I blinked. “Like right now?”

He nodded, grinning at me. “Don’t you want to see those old videos?”

“Yes, and that clean house of yours.” I teased, remembering what his room was like when we were younger.

“I hope you’re not expecting to be disappointed.” He said, pulling me along. “We’ll take my car.”

I smiled and pushed up my glasses. “Can I drive?”

He hesitated, smile fading but I never in a million years expected him to hand over his keys. “Just this once… and… you can’t be a slow ass-- my car doesn’t believe in that shit.”

Despite the rude comment, my dark eyes were sparkling. “Right. One mile over the speed limit coming up!” I grinned.

“Make it twenty.” He muttered. “Better yet, just drive normal… you don’t know what the hell you’re doing.”

“I do too.” I said, regrettably letting go of his hand to get in on the driver’s side. “I’m part of team Konoha just as much as you are.”

Boruto got in the passenger side next to me and moved around, trying to get comfortable. “Well this feels all wrong… and if you are then show me. Drive like you mean it.”

I bit my lip and gave him a challenging look. “Alright hot shot, I’ll make it two miles.”

I started the engine and felt it roar, vibrating the car as it came to life. I may not be as obsessed as my dad and brother were, but I had a love for cars too. As long as they were driven safely and responsibly. I tapped my foot on the gas pedal, excitedly glancing at Boruto.

He grinned, liking the thrill in my eyes. “Don’t be scared of it.”

“I’m not.” I insisted. “Just seeing how it feels first, it’s a lot more power than I’m used to and for good reason. I’ve seen whats under this hood.”

I threw him a wink for good measure and then pulled out, taking us on to the street. I let it fly for a short while, getting wrapped up in the engines purr, but then I settled it down with an ease off the pedal. It was more sensitive than my sports car and a lot more wild. I could see how much this car suited him. It was just as excitable as he was and it gave me a tingling feeling to have so much speed at my fingertips. I was tempted to go three miles over the speed limit, but held back. I didn’t want to get too reckless. I turned on to Boruto’s street with one hand, loving how smooth it rode.

“I’ll admit it.” I sighed. “This is a cool car.”

“Well, it’s my car isn’t it.” He chuckled. “Don’t drive past my house now, you might not know where it is since you never come see me.”

I puffed out my cheeks and glared at him. “I know where it is.”

“Good.”

I spotted the blue and grey house, pulling into the driveway. I turned off the engine, sad to see it go, and handed Boruto his keys.

“Well? How did I do?” I asked.

“Slower than I like but… you did just fine.” He smiled softly which took me a bit by surprise.

“Thanks.” I smiled back, deciding I liked this softer look.

We got out of the car and went inside, Boruto closing the door behind us. I was shocked to see it really was clean, spotless even. The Boruto I know was never this neat and it made me think back to his words before. He was only here to sleep. He was a guy who fought for his independence, but now that he has it, he’s . . . alone. It was heartbreaking to think of him sitting in this big house by himself.

“I’m impressed.” I told him. “I am in fact eating my words, your house is very nice.”

“Told you not to expect to be disappointed.” He said smugly as he took my hand and pulled me into the living room. “Have a seat and I’ll put on a video.”

I did as he said, choosing one of the green beanbags, watching him move around happily. This was the Boruto I knew. “Which one are we starting with?”

“I thought it would be best to go back to the beginning… but if you prefer, we could watch his last race.”

“Well, I’m not planning on leaving soon, so let’s start from the beginning.” I told him, promising myself I would come over more often.

He nodded, finding the certain disk and putting it in his bluray. He got the remote and came to sit in another one of the beanbags, moving it closer to mine. He started the video then and I watched carefully, recognizing Dad instantly. He looked just like Junior as he walked to his car and got in. A few moments later the race began. The way he took off and handled his car was enough to take my breath away. He was smooth and efficient and he won, not only on the first clip… but on all of them that we watched.

Boruto changed the disk when we finished the first one and I noticed how Dad had aged. Not by much, but enough to tell. He was just the same in his racing, possibly better with each clip. I was always so thrilled to watch Boruto, and though I didn’t think watching these videos would excite me as much as seeing a race in real life-- they did. I found myself wanting to cheer my dad on, even though these races happened so long ago now.

“This is his last race coming on now.” Boruto explained, settling in to watch closely and I did the same.

It filled my heart with joy to know that he’d won his last race as well and there at the end of the video as he got out of his car, I saw Mom running to him. Her belly was swollen, obviously in the late stages of her pregnancy with me. I could tell by the way my dad was on the track that he really loved racing… and to know that he’d given it up for Mom and my brother and I… it made me a little sad for him. Not that he’d ever seemed unhappy to me.

“He really was something. I’d beat his ass in a race though.”

I laughed, lightly shoving his arm. “I’d cheer you on.”

“I’d be counting on it.” He smiled and checked his phone, his brows pulling together. “Shit… Sarada it’s almost midnight.”

“Oh crap!”

“You should just stay the night.” He murmured. “By the time I take you to your car and you get home it will be really late and I don’t want you on the road at this time of night alone anyway.”

I hummed and considered his words. The park was safe enough to leave my car and I didn’t really like driving late at night . . . .  “Alright, I’ll text my mom and she’ll smooth it over with my dad.”

“Better tell her just not to tell him at all.” He muttered before getting up and stretching. “I think I’m going to have some hot chocolate. Want some?”

“Of course.” I grinned. “Don’t even think about holding out on me.��� I said and sent my mom a quick message.

“Never.” He called as he wandered into the kitchen and started fumbling around the fridge and then the cabinets. “Damn it. I never know where anything is in here… found it.”

“Want some help?” I asked and walked over to the fridge, wanting a snack. “I could make something to go with it.”

“I’m fine with just the hot chocolate but you’re welcome to fix anything you want.” He said as he poured two cups full of milk and carried them to his microwave. “This will just take a minute. I do it all the time.”

I raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t comment. There wasn’t really anything in the fridge that I was in the mood for and I was about to give up when I spotted graham crackers on top of it.

“Bingo.” I grinned and reached for them on my tippy toes, the box just out of reach.

Boruto chuckled as he moved next to me, his body too close as he reached and grabbed it for me, his chest brushing against me and the scent of his cologne filling my nostrils. He handed the box to me, blue eyes heated and smirk ever present.

“Short… and slow.”

My cheeks flamed and I smacked his arm. “I almost had it.”

“Almost.” He mumbled, leaving me to return to making the hot chocolate. “Why don’t you take those and go pick out a movie?”

“Tch. Whatever.” I huffed, admittingly pouting. I can’t help it if I’m short.

I took my graham crackers and opened the box while I scanned his movies. A horror movie caught my eye and I put it in, grabbing a blanket on the couch and sitting right in the middle. I got comfy and chewed on my crackers, happy and content as the disc menu came up.

Boruto finally returned, handing me a steaming cup as he glanced at the flatscreen. “Horror? Really… I figured you’d pick a chick flick… not that I have any of those.”

I smirked. “If I wanted to watch one of those, I’d just sit here and watch you.”

“I’m not offended. It’s not my fault the ladies love me so much. Shit.” He sat next to me, his arm going behind me to rest on the back of the couch. “And if you want to watch me, anytime… feel free.” He winked.

I choked on my cracker. He laughed as he patted my back and I glared tearily at him, sipping some hot chocolate. “Jerk.”

“You’re the one who said it.” He mused as he took the remote from me and played the movie. “Gonna get scared and hold on tight to me?”

“You wish.” I said and rolled my eyes, even if the thought was appealing. “Though you can hold onto me if you get scared.”

“Tempting… thanks for letting me know. I may take you up on that.”

I reached over and stuffed a cracker in his mouth. “Hush you.”

“Damn… I thought you were gonna kiss me.” He grumbled, mouth full of the cracker.

My eyes widened a bit and I couldn’t fight my blush. “Slow down there, speed racer, before you hurt yourself.” I said, voice waning.

“It’s you that hurts me.” He sighed and sipped his hot chocolate as the movie finally began.

I decided to leave it at that and focused on the movie, trying to play his words off as a joke. It was hard to tell whether he was serious or just teasing me sometimes.

After about half an hour, Boruto was fidgeting around until he’d scooted much closer to me, his arm now resting around my shoulders. “Where the hell did you find this movie? This is another level of weird.”

“It was on your shelf.” I pointed out. “And while it is weird, it’s also quite predictable.”

“The hell it is… if one more thing jumps out unexpectedly I may end up on top of you. And I don’t wanna hear you squeal… actually… scratch that, you can squeal all you want.”

I reached over a pulled a blonde strand of his hair. “Cool it, hot shot.” I told him despite his words making my skin heat up. That was not an image I should be picturing in my head.

He sighed loudly. “Fine.”

I patted his head. “Good boy.”

“Excuse me, but I am not one of your dogs. Don’t pet me.”

“No?” I asked and giggled. “Don’t be like that Boru, I know you just want some love.” I teased, petting him again.

“I might… but if I do it’s damn sure not the petting kind. I’m a man, in case you forgot.”

“Yes, very scary.” I said, never feeling in danger when he was by my side. “I’ll take note of it.”

He hummed a light chuckle then. “Good. I’d hate to have to show you… or maybe I wouldn’t.”

There he goes again. “Don’t forget who beat who when we were younger.” I reminded, though judging by his frame, he might be too much for me to handle now. “I’d hate to have to punch you.”

“I doubt I’d feel it at all.” He mused, staring ahead at the screen. “Short and slow… and that girly strength is no match for me.”

I put my crackers down and threw a right punch straight at his chest, feeling the muscle push back against my fist. It was a lot harder than I’d expected.

Boruto turned to me, cocking his left brow and appearing completely unphased. “What the… did you just…” His lips fell apart as he stared at me for a moment and the next thing I knew I was tackled onto my back with him hovering over me.

“Boruto!” I squealed, taken off guard.

He grinned broadly then. “Ooh. Say it again.”

I blushed again and my whole body felt hot beneath him. Since when was his voice so deep? “N-no way.”

“Why not?” He asked, voice too low. “It sounded so good.”

I was confused. Boruto had never teased me like this before and I was starting to take it seriously. Was this really happening?

“Shut up.” I huffed, turning my head away. I couldn’t stand to look into his blue eyes any longer, they would swallow me whole. “I took it easy on you.”

“I hope… that punch was weak as fuck. But that’s not the point… you did punch me. So, you owe me.”

“Owe you?” I squeaked. “N-no I don’t!”

He moved a bit, more of his weight resting on me and my breath hitched. “Don’t you though? I mean… I’ve never punched you.”

“So what.” I whispered, barely able to think straight with his body so close. Even my glasses were starting to fog up. “Doesn’t mean anything.”

“I’m wounded.” He murmured, holding himself up with one arm as he moved his other hand down to them hem of his shirt and pulled it up, revealing his perfectly muscled torso. My eyes locked on his bare upper body and my blush spread all over me.

“Boruto!” I squeaked again. “Don’t flash me!” I said despite not being able to look away.

“Flash you? I’m just showing you the wound you’ve inflicted on me.” He smirked.

“What wound?” I asked, unconsciously scanning over his body. My eyes caught sight of black ink on the right side of his chest, going over his shoulder. “Is that a tattoo?”

He laughed then. “This old thing? Some best friend you are not even knowing I had it. It’s been over a year now. Oh and yes, it is a tattoo.”

I didn’t hear a word he said, too focused on the way it curved on his skin. “That’s sexy.” I mumbled, not realizing I said it out loud.

The amusement in his eyes died out immediately and I felt him stiffen against me. “You didn’t just say that.”

“Say what?” I asked, finally looking up to meet his eyes.

His face fell and slowly, he got off of me, dropping his shirt and getting up off the couch altogether.

My ears burned and I looked after him in confusion. Had I done something wrong? I pushed up my glasses and took a deep breath. What in the world had just happened? My best friend was on top of me. . . . and I liked it.

“Let’s get back to the movie.” I suggested, clearing my throat. I would have to sort through my feelings later, when I was alone. I couldn’t ignore what just went on between us.

Boruto hesitated and I could tell he was upset but after a moment, he sat down at the other end of the couch quietly, eyes looking straight ahead at the screen. It was awkward . . . it hadn’t been awkward between us since . . . never. I hated it. I picked up the box of graham crackers, silently offering him one.

His eyes cut in my direction before his head cocked to the side and he reached for the cracker, taking it quickly without touching my hand. He turned back to the movie, taking a bite of the cracker and not saying a word. A small smile made its way to my lips, it was better than nothing. We watched the rest of the movie in silence, the box of crackers soon empty. I stood with the blanket around my shoulders, draping it like a cape before I spoke.

“Could I borrow a towel and some pajamas?” I asked meekly. “I’d rather take a shower before bed than wait until I get home tomorrow.”

He stood slowly and stretched. “Follow me.” He said, his voice as low as it had been earlier.

I followed him through his home, down a long hallway and into his room. He went to his dresser and quickly found a T-shirt and a pair of flannel pajama bottoms that he handed over to me. “My bathroom is through there,” He told me, pointing to a closed door. “You can shower there. My other bathroom doesn’t have any supplies.”

“Thanks.” I told him, offering a small grin but all I got in return was a slight nod before he turned and walked out of his room, closing the door behind himself.

I huffed in frustration, not knowing what had made him so upset. I went into the bathroom and started the shower, stripping down, setting my glasses on the sink. I honestly didn’t understand what happened back there. He was . . .  and I was . . . it was different. He wasn’t just teasing. Or at least, I thought he wasn’t. I got into the shower, letting the water wash my tension away. That feeling that I had when he was on top of me, it was unreal. My body was hot and I found him . . . attractive? Sure, I always knew he was a good looking guy, but that was attraction.

My body had been burning for him, because of him. This was uncharted territory. People don’t feel that way about their best friends, right? We don’t feel that way . . . right? I can’t deny how my heart had raced, even if I didn’t acknowledge it at the time. We’ve never been in a situation like that before. I thought back to how his chest felt against my fist, how his body had felt against mine, how he looked, discovering his tattoo. My face heated up. What was going on with me? My feelings for him weren’t any different, surely. I still cared for him the same. He was my best friend and always would be.

So why did I feel like things wouldn’t be the same? Was it possible my feelings were changing? I wasn’t sure, my feelings were in knots that I didn’t know where to begin to untangle. How was Boruto feeling? Did he feel any different? Was that why he was upset? I sighed and rested my head against the tiled wall. Was he only teasing he like usual? Did he get upset because I didn’t react the way he thought I would? I wrapped my arms around myself and bit my bottom lip. Whatever was going on, I wasn’t solving it tonight. Hopefully time would tell and I could straighten things out before something bad happened-- before I lost my best friend.

[firsthandfirecracker-blog]

Journal [8.5-8.7]

8-5-89

I saw her again.

It sounds crazy to admit that—that I “saw” her. But here I am, hours later, still chilled to the bone.

Her face won’t get out of my head—that subtle smirk. Those eyes. The way they narrowed the more I told that cop about her, like I was betraying her.

I can’t be alone with my thoughts right now, so I’ve turned to my journals. I pulled them all out from the dusty bin in the back of my closet and spread them on the rug. I didn’t start journaling until after I got back from college, but there’s still plenty to go through. Six years’ worth, to be exact.

Larissa was only twelve when we started classes. Poring over those journals, she’s brought back to life before my eyes, bright and fierce and determined. She was full of hope in those days—maybe her situation wasn’t the best, but she was going to make it better. She had to.

I wonder what happened. When did the light die from her eyes? When did the switch flip? Or was it slow and steady, like a forest fire in a thunderstorm, determined to blaze yet doomed to fail?

The truth may lay somewhere in between, I suspect. Maybe my journals will tell me something. I can feel their presence, almost; they vibrate with importance. I’m going to take out all the pages about Larissa, line them up end to end, and read them. I hate to tear into my records like this, but information is more important than sentiment right now.

8-6-89

Funeral today. Nolan dances on my skull; my head aches.

8-7-89

Couldn’t sleep last night. I showered and slept (at home, for once) and laid in bed for two restless hours. Then, I got up and started reading.

I’ve been through ‘83- ‘87 already. I journaled less frequently then—the habit was new when I first moved back, and at times it wasn’t a habit at all. Honestly, it’s painful to read these old accounts. For instance, this one:

10-22-83

Fifth class with Larissa today. She’s a quick learner, but she’s got a long way to go. She’s enthusiastic and pretty agile, too—her love of jump-roping proves it—but she’s neither accurate nor powerful. Of course, she’s twelve, so I’m not worried about it in the long run. I guess I’m just concerned that she’s gonna hurt herself again.

We’ve been doing mostly conditioning and practicing form, but today she insisted that she get a chance on the bag. I swear, I was gonna say no, but she just gets this look in her eyes when she wants something that’s impossible to resist.

Well, long story short, she almost sprained her wrist. She was all red-faced and sniffly, but she didn’t cry—not when I showed her how to ice it properly, or when I began wrapping it up, even though I was sure it hurt. To distract her from the pain, I asked her about her week, thinking she’d mumble something about school and be done with it. To my surprise, she opened up like a flower, gushing about all the cool stuff she’d done. She was most proud of befriending this cat that lived in the park; she’d been saving bits of her lunch to feed it, apparently.

She was so animated when she told me, free arm waving as I pinned the bandage in place. Seeing her shine so brightly, I can’t help but worry. Nothing that pure can last.

I can still picture her so clearly: that bright smile, those determined eyes. But reading back on it now, I can’t help but wonder what brought her into the gym in the first place. What drives a twelve year old girl to learn to fight—independently of her parents, no less? Perhaps more importantly, why didn’t I question it sooner? Why didn’t I push harder? Why didn’t I—

Nevermind. I could keep myself here all night considering what-ifs and should-haves. I need to move on.

9-8-84

Hard to believe it’s been almost a year since Larissa started taking classes. She’s thirteen now and she’s got the attitude to prove it. Looking at her these days, I can’t help but remember myself at that age. Like Larissa, I’d always been a spitfire, and when I entered my teens, it only got more intense. I hope she’s not getting into the kinds of trouble I got into at that age.

Oh, who am I kidding—she’s a kid. Of course she’s going to get in trouble. I have to remember that it’s not my job to protect her, but to give her the tools that she needs to protect herself. She’s certainly come a long way from where she was a year ago: she actually landed a punch square to my jaw today when we were sparring. When she realized what she’d done, she threw her hands straight up and let out a holler. Naturally, I saw that she’d left her stomach open and socked her one. She fell back onto the mat, and for a moment I worried that I’d hit a bit too hard, but then I realized that she was laughing.

Her class is always my last of the day, so she helped me clean up, putting the mats back in their place and sweeping the floor. Just as I was about ready to see her off, she stopped short and spoke:

“Can we get ice cream?”

I frowned. “Shouldn’t you go with your parents?”

At that she wilted, a look I’d seen only once before, at her first class.

“They won’t care,” she said at last. The specter dancing between her eyes was gone; she turned abruptly and flounced out the door.

I’ve long suspected that Larissa has a neglectful, or at the very least ill-informed, home situation, but I don’t have anything to prove it. She clams up if I ask about it, and I wonder if it’s even my place to.

So, yeah, we got ice cream. I got a simple strawberry cone, while she went all-out with a sundae. I couldn’t help but laughing, seeing the chocolate drizzle reflected in her saucer-like eyes.

“We’re celebrating,” Larissa said, “’Cause we’ve been in class for a year. That’s a long time.”

I smiled softly. I used to think a year was a long time, too; it was only after… well… anyway, I couldn’t argue with her, because it was a long time in teenage years.

“Ms. Wilder, I’m gonna be in your class forever.”

I laughed and ruffled her hair. “Good, because there’s so much more to learn,” I said, but now, hours later, I can’t help but wonder if I jinxed it.

Again: no parents. I’ve thought about it a lot in the years since then. They were always this… blank space, I guess, this chasm in her story. I knew she had them, and I knew she lived with them, but I never once met them. Not once in six years. Normally I wouldn’t allow a child to sign up without parental approval, but Larissa had this hungry look in her eyes, or something close to it, a look that told me she wasn’t being provided for. So how could I refuse her? How could I condemn a girl to a life of neglect when I could instill in her the tools she needed to better it?

Not that it worked, but… anyway. I’m tempted to blame myself, as always, but looking back through these journals, it’s clear that there was more to the story.

3-12-86

This has been the longest six hours of my life.

I was coming back from the grocery store around seven p.m. when I passed the church. It’s still burned into my eyelids—that spire, looming high overhead. My gut lurched, but I didn’t have to wonder long to see why.

Not three blocks past the church, I saw someone walking along the side of the road. I recognized those messy blonde curls: Larissa. She carried her shoes in hand, bare feet dirty with roadside muck.

I pulled up next to her and rolled down the window.

“Larissa?”

Her eyes were red-rimmed, and I caught a glimpse of a tear before she scrubbed it away with her sweater.

I was about to hop out of the car when she opened the door and slid in.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

She sniffed. “I’m fine.”

“Larissa…”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

I started driving, my mind at work.

“I just got groceries. Why don’t we stop by the park and eat sandwiches? We don’t have to talk.”

For a moment she looked like she’d refuse, but something in her softened and she nodded, slumping against the seat.

I laid out napkins and sandwich fixings in the trunk of my car while she wandered around the park, balancing on anything she could find: tree roots, parking blocks, the little fence by the playground.

“Order up!” I called, and she came running over. Her eyes were still puffy, but she smiled as she bit into the ham sandwich. I did the same to my own, causing a bit of juice from a poorly-cut tomato to spill down my shirt. We both laughed, and for a moment I could almost forget the strange circumstances that brought us here.

We didn’t talk, in the end, choosing instead to listen to the songs of the crickets and the whisper of the wind.

“It’s about time I take you home,” I said when the sky was dark and our bellies were full.

She looked at me, and I saw It again, that looming something that stood between us.

“Can I stay in the spare room tonight?” she asked, uncharacteristically looking down at her hands. She was a stickler for eye contact.

In answering I hesitated—that was my first mistake.

“Your parents will be worried about you.”

Her lower lip jutted out. “They don’t care.”

“I’m sure they love and care about you—”

“They don’t care,” she spat. “Don’t you get it?”

Seeing her then, I’m not sure I did.

“Look… you can stay, but I just want to call them and—”

Larissa sprang up.

“Of course, you just have to play it by the book, don’t you? Did you ever think that some rules need to be broken?”

Her eyes were moist as she turned and took off for the road.

“Larissa!” I called, panicked. I sprinted after her, but her adrenaline must have took over—she ran faster than I could hope to catch up. Doubled over on the side of the road, I recalled my groceries and my open trunk. Once I’d recovered a little, I jogged back to my car and packed everything up, then took off down the road.

I didn’t find her, though. Finally I gave up and cruised by her house, hoping to see some sign that she made it home. As I passed by, I saw that the light in her window was on and hoped for the best. I thought about asking her parents, but knew she’d never forgive me for bringing them into it. I don’t even think they know she takes classes.

I ended up just returning home. Now that I’ve had some time to reflect on it all, I wonder if I was wrong not to contact her parents earlier. Must the cost of caution be the trust of someone you care for?

Part of me thinks I was wrong not to ask about what was going on, but I know she wouldn’t have answered me. Probably would have run off sooner. Still, there’s a thread to pull here. What happened that night at the church? I should ask around, see what I can dig up.

I don’t know if I can keep reading these… I can still see the face of that young girl who first walked into the gym, her excitement when she succeeded, her fury when she failed. Through it all, she was so alive, and now she’s—

I have to move on. It’s like this clock is ticking inside me, I don’t know for what or why, but I can’t rest until I find the answer. And the answer is here. So I’m skipping forward a bit, because I remember the golden years quite well. After that first year, when she was unsteady on her feet, fire roaring but unable to direct it. No, it was after that, when she started to gain confidence but before she got jaded.

I’ve been thinking about what that cop said—maybe she intended to fight someone. Looking back, I think that maybe he was right. But it wasn’t just one person. She wanted to fight… I don’t know, the system? Her community? Everyday injustices? (Ok, don’t project, Naomi)

My head is spinning. I need to take a break.

…

Well, it was a shit day, but at least I made it through. I’m at the park because I couldn’t stand to be in my apartment for another minute. Hopefully the fresh air will help to get my investigative juices flowing.

I think my students could tell that something was off today, but it’s not like I’ve been hiding it, exactly. I cancelled all my classes after I heard the news, and today was my first day back. There was just this weird energy with them, like I was delicate. They weren’t exactly in top form, either. I think we were all just distracted and didn’t really want to be there considering the circumstances.

Whatever. No use stewing in it; if I want to get some sleep tonight, I’ve got to get through these next few years. Of course, by this time I was journaling every day, so there’s much more to go through. I have one journal for each class of hers over the past two years, except one. Can’t remember why I didn’t write that day, but there must have been a good reason. I’ll think on it and see if I can’t figure out which class that was.

As for what I do have, most of the journals read pretty much the same: summary of the class, some routine stuff about form and improvement and whatever, the odd note here or there. But there are a few that stand out, like there’s something between the lines that I can’t quite read. I won’t rest until I can.

Here’s an entry I found particularly significant re: fighting someone. Maybe that cop was on to something.

12-10-87

Larissa came in ready to pick a fight today. She half-assed her warm-ups and clearly didn’t bother to stretch. I’m not proud to admit it, but I may have escalated things a bit. I suggested we go straight into sparring since she seemed so eager to get it over with; she agreed.

When we fought, though… I’ve never seen her do it with such ferocity. Often when we’re sparring she’ll end up giggling because she’s enjoying herself so much and because, well, sparring can be funny sometimes. This time, though, she was all business. She was so focused, like this fight would decide something, though I don’t know what. And her eyes—she had this far-away look, like she was fighting someone else. I can’t help but wonder who that could be.

I tried to make small talk with her after class, which she usually goes for, but this time she aggressively brushed me off, turning her back to me like a child. I just let it happen. It’s not my business, after all, as she’d stressed to me a dozen times or more. Funny, she didn’t used to feel that way. Used to be that she was all too eager to share… or maybe it was only certain things she was sharing.

I guess what really got to me, though, is the car that came to pick her up. I’d never seen it before. Usually her brother or Jill would come pick her up, but this was some big SUV-type car, and I swear it had the brights on because it blinded me just to look in that direction.

I don’t usually do this, but I ended up accompanying Larissa out the door, hoping if I got around the lights I could see inside. But the windows were too darkly tinted for me to see anything.

I’m sure it’s fine; I’m just paranoid. Years of suspicion really haven’t gotten me anywhere, so I should probably just drop it.

This is the first occurrence of someone I didn’t know coming to pick her up. After this entry, it happened more frequently—a trickle at first, but by ’89, it was becoming more and more common. She was always cagey about it, like she didn’t want me to know who it was.

Well, it’s about time I found out, isn’t it?

This next entry is the one I kinda told the cop about, though in fewer words. I don’t need a journal entry to remember it crystal-clear, but since I’m a glutton for punishment I read it anyway.

8-17-88

Larissa came to class high today. I don’t know why it bothers me so much. I should be able to let it go, but it feels like some… contract had been broken. Larissa could say anything she wanted, but I always got the impression that she respected our time together. She was—maybe not happy, per se—but grateful to be there.

I noticed it from the first moment she walked in the door. She had a certain spring in her step, one I hadn’t seen in years, not since the early days of our classes together. I barely got to say hi before she was out the door, doing her weekly run around the warehouse to warm up. I thought about warming up with her, but she seemed like she wanted to be alone.

When she came back, we stretched together, then we moved on to bagwork. It’s something we do every class, but this time she just couldn’t get with it. The point of working with handheld pads is to train speed and accuracy, not power. But Larissa had this, I don’t know how to describe it… a manic look? She was always spirited, but this I’ve never seen before. It was like she couldn’t control herself. Her first few hits would be soft, like they should be, but they’d keep getting harder and harder until I had to stop the session and remind her of the exercise.

It wasn’t long before I had to stop the session completely because she just wouldn’t listen. I suggested that we move on to shadow boxing—no point wasting all your strength on air right?—but then she rolled her eyes at me and I kind of lost it.

I can still hear the conversation now, echoing over and over in my brain:

“Larissa, are you high?”

She gave me an incredulous look, like I’d insulted her.

“I don’t want to put you in a corner… I was just wondering if you wanted to talk about it.”

“Naomi, I’m not here to talk. I’m here to fight. You know that.”

I’d opened my mouth to say something more, but she launched herself at me, throwing a sloppy, overextended punch. It was easy to dodge, but she kept coming at me. From her mouth came this savage cry, like a wounded animal fighting for its last breaths.

The look in her eye was so wild that I’ll admit, for a moment it scared me. In the end, I had no choice but to shove her back, landing on the padding below with a thud. She looked up at me with those red-rimmed eyes and I could see her shredding me to pieces in her mind. After a silence that seemed to stretch on for ages, she scrambled to her feet and stomped toward the door.

“If you can’t train me, I guess I’ll have to find someone who can,” she spat.

“Larissa!” I cried out, but she was already gone.

And now here I am. Alone in the gym, wondering if she’ll ever come back. Wondering why it feels so important that she does. I’m not sure I’ll ever know.

Famous last words, right?

I have a million more questions now and no answers. My head feels like it’s splitting in two from the pressure of my unknowing. But I will know… I must. I can’t rest until I figure it out: What killed Larissa Kearney? What killed L͝ariss͘a̸ ͢Ḱe̶ar̷ney͏? What ki̸ll̀ed̢ L̶a͢r͡i̢s̡sa ҉Ke͏a͢rn͢èý?͝ Wh̀a͞ţ ̶k͞il͢l̛e̛ḑ Ļaris̷s̨a͝ ͘K͜e͘a̶rņey? W̺̻͔͎͖͚̫̕h̳̻͖a̭̲̝͈̜͢t̠ ͟k̼̖̬i͏̠̻̦̤̞l̠͇͕̼l̼͖̪͔͇e͉̘̼͟d ̩͞Ļ̺̺͔̭͚̲̳a̮̬͟r͖͎͍̤̤ḭ̛̠̫̭̝͙̜s̛̠̤̖̼̣̻̤ș͓̠̖͇͔ͅa͎̠ ͓̜̫̫̭̱̬͡K҉̬͕͇͇ͅe̫̭̱̪a̺͖̜̬̱̰r͉̺͉̳̘̙͖ņ͉̣ey͈͘?͚̤̲ W̰̠̼̼̹͞h҉̭̭a̤̮̘̲ͅt̮͔͉̭͘ ͓̭̗͇̠̣̩k̬̙̪iḽ̜̤̗̟͇̖́l͍̟̹̩̰e̬̝͖̹̦̟̕ͅd̵͖̹̩ ͓̹̞̜Ḽ͇a̢̞͔͍̜̖̯r̝͟į̜s̰͉̹s̲̫̞̘͠a̶̠͈͇̱̠ ̸̹K͜e̫̮͈̱a̸̱̦̤͕͈̠r͍͈̹̭̙̥͟ͅn̡̬̯͍͓è̤̠̰̪̟̠y̵?͔̼͞ W̲͔͖͇͖h̛̬̬̤̰̝ͅa̧̖̘̩t̳ ̠k̙͈̻i͇̲̣̪̬̯l͔̠̘l͏̦e̖̖͇͎̣̹̙d̶ ̧L̥̝͘a̶̗r̴͉̰̻̠i̫͙͝s̴̯̪̣͔̰͇s̳͚͇͢a͉͚͚͓̫̝͍ ̤̝̙̕K͇̮e҉̗͎ͅͅa̟̞͔̜̦r͢n̫̱e͖͡y҉͙̹? W̻̭̙̤̠̪ͅh̰̬̮͢a̜̯̤̼̳̩͡t͙̳̖͞ ͚̬̬̯̀k̞i̴͕̦̭͍ļ͕̹͔̺͖̩ḻ̜̙̝͙̜e͎̼̺̭͓͎d̫͚̣̺̩̀ ̤̭͚̬̝L̙̟à͕̪͕̗̖̜r̦̳̳̩̦͉i͍s͈̙͍s̀a͕ ̢̮̙̪͖̬̙̲Ḳ̫̩̹̫̻e͏̺̭̲a̶̩̱̭̤̣r͕̟͠n̡̥͈e̼̣̺̙̬͓y̰̞͙̤?͕̪̘̼̭ W̰h͓̘͙͕̰a͖͚̰͉ṭ ̴̣͎͖̗͈͙k̛̘̜̺͚̭i̭̜̝̣̝l̳̼̞͔̟̣͠ͅl͔̻̤̰̜̙e҉̝͔̯̺d̯͔ͅ ̙͎L͙a̤̤͢r̰̫̥̘̺̕ḭ̩͍͉̹̻͠ś̱̩s̖̕a ̫K̛̠̪͓̣̻ę̜̮̹a͏͓͙r̹͚̖̜n̷é͎̝̦̯̬y̖̲̕?̥̘̠ W̑̆h̨̪͎ͬ͒ͫ͊̊͆å̸̖͙̭̫̝͖̦̔ͨ͂̿́ţ̼͓̮̖̝̃͒͆ͣ̌ ͉͠k̪̘̱̯̞̻̓ͬ̋̏i̼͕̪l͉̙̻̤̾̄̓ḽ̶͔̺̠͙̻e̴ͣ̂ͣ͆͊̒d̸̬̲͈̣̹̅̓̔̈̽ͩͩ ͥ̿ͫḼ̸̟̥̖̞̽ͤ͂͌ͫ̑̅ä̭̖ͫ͛ͣr͚̼̤͓̝ȉ̵̻͕̫͚ͣ̿̔̋s͈̗̺̲̉̎̅͆͟ș̙͖̖̳̥̺̇ͨͦ͑á̛̀ͩͮ̑̄ ̳͉ͪ̍͆͛͞K̗̘͋̓̇eͧ̽ͦ̐ͥ͂̄҉͕̣͓̯͇͍̲a̫̗͙͈̓̒̎̈́̎̄r̶̫̞̮̹͕͕̞̉ͧ͑ͩ͛̑ͣn̴̠̱̗̯͇͐͌ėͣ̐͂͗̓͏͍̲̙̘̜̟͕y̻̦͔͙̪?͉͉̭̪͚͍̫̆ W̘̺͗hͦ́aͫ͒ͨ̾t͙͞ͅ ̺͙͖͍̽͂̚k͚͍̳̞̽̈ͥͬ̈i̲̦̝̗ͭ͑͆̐ͧͅll͏͖̭̫͙̰̯e̼ͬ̉̄d͙̫̼͇͖̅̈͗ͥ͆͠ͅ ̨ͦ̃̍L͇̘͇̖͉̖̳͐̒ͬ̍͊ͬ͟ā̸͈̣͚̻̜ͧ̓̂ͭr͓͋̾i̥̪̫̫̐̾̑ͥ̚s̭̮̙͐͌̊s͓̰̣̪ͧ̌͗͟a͈̦͉̗͉ͯͭ̇̂̑͆̚ ̣̟̟͙̫̏̓ͯ͡ͅK̴̬̈́ͬ̋ͥ̔ͣ̚ḛ̤̦͈̻͕̳̋̒aṛ̞ͭ̓̓͆͗ͪn̲̼̮ͮ͆̐̎̌e̸̘̟̓͊ͮ̈y̐̂̂͑̑͗̾?̭ͤ͜ Ẅ̲̠̠̘́͑̿h̄̀̆́ḁ͕͕̤͈̂ͦ͊̅̄̐ṭ̺̠̦̊͗́̏̓̒̚ ̡ͧ̒k͚̝̲̼̣̱̮ͮͨͤ̚̕i̥̖̋́l͉̰̭̪̰̀ͭͨl̅̃e͔̠͙̜̟ͭ͋̎͆̾͗d̡̈́ ̋ͦ̍Lǎ͚̰̆̅ṛ͎̲͆̈́ͯͧ̚͝i̛͍̮͈͈̫͇͖s̱̤͂̍͞s̀a͑͏̫̻̘̲̦̞ ̖͍̤̙ͬ̔ͭ͑̂̕K̊ͦ̅̃͏̱͚̭͚̳̤e̳͖̞͈͚͎ͤ̄ͥ́a̞̖̜͇̜͍͌͛̓͜r̢̖̩̻͆̇n͂҉e̿͐̀̽҉̮̲̺ͅy̜̘̠ͥ̄ͦ͂?͚͇̼̲ͧͭ W̖̥͕͚̦̖̫̯͉̍͒ͪ̆ͯͣ̕ḥ̀͌̎̾ͮ̍̃͢a̘̬̻̩̯̒ͦͩ́t͎̝̻̼̃̾͊ͦ̉ͥͅ ̛͈̬̭̤̺̾͋̿ͨ͢͞k̰̎̇͠ȋ̶̛̠̝̼̬̘̭̍̆̑̇ͮ͗̃l̺̘̜̱̭ͦ̈ͩ̔ͥ̊̒ͩ͠l̙͔̜͑̈ͬ̒͠e̝͎̰̼͍͓̦̋ͫ͑̌̌͌͗d̴̷̖̒̈́̐͌̾ͣͅ ̻̜̜̝͐͊̋ͥL̸̬̞͍̲̦̻̍͋̈̈̎̋͜ą̶̸̬̲̩̰̄̄̿r̝̫̺̝͈̮̠̖͙ͤ͑̑i̷̪͉͍̍̑̈̒ͤs̯͕͖̘̥͚ͬ̋̏̌͜s͔͈ͫͧ̌̆͒̀̚aͭ͑̚͏̼̜̪ ̸ͦ̆ͫ̄̽͏̹͈̠͔͙̙̩̳͟K̸̟͖̭͖͈̟̪͙̭̆͗̎̄͂̋͋͆͢͡e̛̜̖̬̩̱͊̓̔ͮ̽á̧̨̖̮͚͖͖͍͔ͦ̔̊̽͑̋ͨ̚ṙ̴̵͉ͥ̑͗͛n̢̮͎͕̞͊̔͗͞ȩ̰̥̖͕͖̳̬͍ͣ̿͊̀̆͂͢ÿ̸̗̙̭͎̣̖̩̭̓̒ͮ̅̉͘?ͤ̀͐̋͛̀̄̏͏͕̣̘̭͎̞̀ Ẅ̵̡̺̫͚͙̞̬́ͭ̾͠h̘̣̻̄̉̌̏̀a̶͈̫̞ͣ̊ͮ́ͫ͌͗̀̕t̴̢͉̪̫̩͒͑̊̀͒̈́̋ ̛̗͖̞̮̍ͮ͑́̚͘k̟̠̞̞̭ͧͣ̈̀͊̿ͮ͆ͨ͠͝iͮ̊ͤ̅̊ͨ̃ͦ̀́҉̮͓̻̩̣̭̮l̷̰͔̞ͤͥl̴̞͔̘̘̫̠͉͋ͬͩͨ͋͒͌͞ȇ̠̼ͩͩ̉̄͂͑́ͅḑ̬͔̳͈͍̋̉ͣ̚͜ ̨͚̑̔͌ͬ̚Ḻ̵̟̯̲̩̱ͦ͆͒̎̊͊̂ͫã̜̮͚̝͚̙̻̃ͦ͘͜͡r̴̰̱̘͍̲̻͆̓ͤ̽̑̽́̎͊i̠͔̜̙̝̪̠̭ͩͫ̀͟s̱̳͕̯̬ͬͦ̓̍̽͊ͮş̗͉̼̟͚̻ͫ͌̆̽͑̒ͬ̚͘a̧̢̘͓͒͐̅̾͑͋͐͞ ̶̬͕̮̺͂ͧ̍̒K̗̯̜̠̔̎͞e̯̹͇͉͇͎͙̞̾ͬ̃́̌̌̏ͫa̦̖̖̪̒̓̊̒̄̄̚ȑ̶͓̪͉̤͍̳͛n̢͍̭̤̣̪̯̳͈͖ͤ͋̉ͥ̊ͪ́eͥ͏̗̖̹͜y̨̮͙͎̳ͥͧ̽ͤ̅ͨ̈́̿͂́?̪̣͎͌ͬ̈̀͂͛  W̷̪͕̪͔͗̃̔ͮ̈͆h̢͔̮͔̿ͪ̄ͫ̆aͬ͗ͨͩͧ̽ͨ͏̵̼̠t̵͙͍͖̬̼͖̊͆̽ͭ̈͠ ̨̪̲̥̾ͧ͊ͤͭ̅͌̀͞k̭ͪ̍̎̓̐͋͘͜iͪͦͧͧ̾ͪ̏҉̥̘̝̣͖̝ͅͅl̻̟̹̜͉̮̩̟͉̉̋̉l͆҉̷̤ȩ̶̱̤͈͍̹ͤ̇d͇̞̯̳̼̃ͫ̄ͦ̔͋ ̮̰̘̥̹͉̱̈ͩ̓̏͂̀̉ͪL͋ͦͣ̐ͥ͑̒͊͘͏̫̠̖̻̼̠͉ạ̾̈ͨ̋̎̀͠ȑ̡̬̯̪̫͎͌͂̌̔ͬ̿̋̈́i̸̺̮̲͖̓ͮ͒śͪͬͫ́͏̳̟ś̈͑͗͌ͭͧ҉̫̩͔̹̺͢ȧ̵͖͓̤̗͉̜͗͒͑̂̿ͯ̀ ̰̘̅̾̓͜K͇̞̝̑̈́͋͛e̩̦̖͉̣͈͔̽̎̓̅́͂̀̄̀̚͜ͅa̶̔ͥ̏ͨ͂̉̏ͧͩ҉̩̟̝̹̘͇r̴̾ͣͬ̌҉͙̹͓̱̬n͈̣̹̣̪̻̝͛̃ͮͧ͟ͅę̴̲͗̽̚y̲̲̟̤̣̜̺ͯ̓ͤ͢?̷̨̢̖̹͓͇̺̉͋ͤͯ W̸̩͎̥̲ͨ͗ͧ̀͟h̤͈̣͇̭̪̟ͥ͑ͣͣ̚̕͟͡ͅȧ̠̮̗̭͒̃̓̉ͤ͊̕t̵̨̧̺̙̟̖̀̀̉ͬ̎ ̡̘̖͊̈́ͧ̒ͭ̓͝k̰͚̫̯ͥ͆͋̈ͮ̊̏̑͒i̞̖̿̂͌ͩ͟l̶͉̮̟͈̱͙ͧͨ̒̓̉́͝l̄̍͊͒ͩͥ̀͏̪̀͢ͅeͩ͑ͥͧ̂͗ͧ͏͈̞d̯͓͕̮͈̔ ̭ͯͫͬ̄̄̂ͧ̿̈L̸̺̬̫̗̝ͪ̉͂̓̀̅́ȃ̩͉͔̯͍̼̯̮̎͂r̖͎̘͛̽́̔͗ͮ͂͟î̖̺̝̩̞̓̈͋̄̉͊͛͘s̴̷̉ͩ͏̜̳͙sͥ̋ͮ͘͏҉͈̞̗̼͔̬ͅa̫̤͇͉ͬͫ̅̀̾̊̈́͞ ̶̗͙͔͇̏͂K̫͋̈͌͒͗̅̚̚͢͡e͇̘̫̠͚̺̼̊ͩͩ͊̆̑ͪḁ̸̯̈͗ͤ̅ͦͮͦ̊r̀̉̃ͣ̂͊ͫ̂҉͓̯͖̀͝n̮̟̩̫̘͈ͮ̎̉͑̾͊͛͘̕e̴̷̺̠̜͚̮̼ͥ͛̌͑͋͢ͅy̛̺̯̹͉͚͓̩̅̌̎̑͒ͪ̔̓͐̀?͓͒ͧ̽͠͠ W̍̑̑̈́̊̀͏̠̯h̷̛͈̥̙͕̊̊à̡͆̆ͣ̈́̒̐͏̶͍̹t̵̼̯̺̺̞͈̻̫̃ͣ͊͝ ͎̄̌ͣ͗ͬ͜͠k̡̺̮̲̟̪̗͔̿̾͆̌ͯ͋́ͣ̕͜i̻͈͖̣̪ͭ̊͌ͨ̂ͩ̐͑̔l̨͍͎̻̫̝̟̻̝͋͗ͥ́ḻ̵̥͚͎̙̮̻̗̃ͥͤ͊̍ͩ̈͗͛͘͞e̶͓͎̣͖̝̗͆ͫ́̋͐̆̓͂͛̀͠d̢̨̦ͯͯ̄ͮ̈́̈ͫͥ̚͜ ̶̶̧̯̥͂̿ͮL̥̫̠͍̟̹͔͚̻̀͒̇̄̂̚͞a͆̃̑̾ͪ͛̃ͬ҉̼͙̺̜̯̺r͓̼̤̖̬̼̞̎̊̑̎̅i̼͓̹͎̬̲͒̃̊͆͒̋̑̆́s̫͒̐͂̓͟s̵̵̼̗̮̪̥̽ͭͨ̌̎̑̌͝a̩̥̳̤̝ͫ̒͊̾͞ ̟͉̟̟̱̬̪̱ͭͬ̂̊̂́̌̎Ǩ̺̭ͩë́̏͒ͨ͂̊҉͈̯̞͘a̜̱͓͓̣͆ͦͮ̅̽̚͝͝r̼̲̱̺͖̯̪̮̂ͮ̅̀͋͐n̜͑̈͒ͬ̏̿̓̚̚͘ȩ͍̫̺̫̼̼̣͚̔̃͡y̪͓̥̻͙̬͇ͯ̀͑̓̾͑̉ͤ?̷̫͔̠̼͈͖̋͑̔ͣ W̨̞̝͕̜̹̞̮̱̟͇̦̭̭̗̩̬̰̑͛̀́ͦͣͤ͒ͯ̌͂ͭ̉ͬ́̊̾͒ͭ̀̀ͅḩ̴̳̖̰̦̗͉̲̝̺̳̩̣̹̲͔̊̓̿͋̀ͅa̵̷̻͓͔͔̦̣͕̺̙͔̜͓͕͇ͭ͗̌̔͒̑̅̊̇ͦ͆͘͢t̵̟̘͍̯͐̑͛̊ͣ͛̈́̈͢ ̸̸̡̧̬̮͇͇̪͎̩̝̣͈̦͚̲̥͍ͦͥ̌̀̊ͯͬ͋ͧ̍͊͋̏ͪͦ́̀ͬͅkͫ̅ͤͮ̆̀͐̐͐ͤ̋̍̏̚͜҉̵̴͇̱̱̤̭͇̩̱̩̹̩̻̰̼͎i͛̅ͬͦ̓ͩ͗̉҉̼̫̞̮͙̲̣̖̺̗͈̖͉͍̻̳̭͉̤͟l̵̡̤̯͕͕̩̘͖̟̤̻̰̝̭̝̭̻̤̾̔̌ͭ͑̏ͭͧ̌̃ͪ̏͒̏͝ͅl͖̳̳̝͉͍̲̼̫̭̙̠̠͇̦̟͚̹̇ͣ̿ͬ̌̀͋̈ͬͫ͊͛̄́͟e̡̧̛̫̤̯̬̰͓̤͔̭̲̤̞̰͈̣̦̿ͩ̎͑̈́́̚ͅͅd̸̴͆̄ͦ̽̍ͥ҉̵͔̘̠͕͙͓̗̹͢ͅ ̸̶̸̗͚̝͎̘̳͍͉̹̫̻̬͚̞̻̐̓̿̒͆͑̓͑̍̋̏̋̈́ͨ͠L̶͉͉̙̯̬̬͚͕̃́ͧ͋͒͌͊̓͑͗ͬ̅͊͒͞ą͚͖̞̱̟̰̗͈̙͓̣̦ͣ͆̏ͭͬͪͬ͒̾ͮͦͦ̽́r̲̻̰̟̳͇̭̙̝̺̪̠͔͇͖ͦ̾̇͗ͦ͊͌ͨ͘͟͟͝͞ͅͅi̵̶̦̲͚̞̭̮̱̲̩͍̹̟ͪͮ̅́͟͝s̻̳͔̝͙̤͎̣̻͖̜̯̞ͭ͗͛ͭͩ̋̈ͥ̃̓̇̇̓͗ͫ̋̊̚͠s̾͊͋̿ͥͮ́͒̏ͣ̈̓ͬ͑͋̆̋̚͢͏̢̯̹̻̣͓̗̘̩͎̗̻̠͉͉̬̤͓̕͢a̸ͮ̎ͯ̅͊ͯ̀̅̒̌̄́͋͑́͏̭͍͇̬͖̖͍ ̨̼͇͍̯̯͉͇̮̖̪̼ͧ͛̈͊͌͛̂ͬ̈͒̚K̸̷͍̠͍̺̤͔̬̼̹͉̱̠̭̗ͫ̂̅̅͊̔̅ͯ̋̔̒̒͌ͩ̓̚ͅe̅ͥͪͯ̂ͥͮ̋̎̋ͣͫ̓̒̊̅҉̴̯͎̩͔̙̱͕̪͚̪̘̺͎̖̟̯͞ã̷̆ͭͬ̈́́̾̆̔̔̎̍͋ͥͩ̚҉̭̭̞͖͕̹̗͍͇͝r̡̨̞̝̜͉͕̗̙̩̭͖̠̦̪ͯͮ̒̄̏̂ͮ͢͝n̵̞̰̠͕̹̗̹̘̩̮͍̰̝͔̮͈̥̯ͣ̑́ͮ̀̀̀̚͘e̷̸̻̺͈͓̫̼̠̟ͫͮ͆̓̇̓ͫ͑y̡̛̛̰̱̹̮͓̙̜̙͈̝͌ͪ͂ͦͨ͗̃̒ͬ͆͂̌͋ͣ̽̇̂̆͂?̭̘̫̲͚̥̖̣̮͔͍̝̞̥̯̯̦̭̱̐͐ͭ̃͊͟͢ W̡̖̘̹̙̟̖̺̗̥̟̘̮̯̠͕̞͔͛͒͂͗ͪ̂̊̃ͫ͊͗̇͌̆͐́͗̀͜͠h̯͓̙̹̖̬͎͚̦̙͎̟̅̾ͫ́͊ͣͣ̓̾͘͝ȃ̘̖̰̲͇̲͈͙̝̲͇̎ͩ̉́t͂̒̾̒̃̌̇ͪ̆̽́ͮ̐ͧ́͏̰̮̪̙̖̜̹͖͙͕͇͈̣͍̗ͅ ̨̧͚̪̼͕̍̈́ͫͭ̅ͭ̆ͯ̀ͩͮ͊́́k̆̊ͨͪ̓͑̓ͣ͆̐̔͂́̊ͪ͗͗̏͏̷̢̨̡̳̫͇̹͔̟̗̯̘̝̮̱i̐ͯ͊̏̄̚͡͏̵̬̟̪̥͈͇̗̫̘̺͝l̛̛̠̲̭̯̮͎̝͉͙̱̫͔̫̘̼̼ͤͥͧͪͯ͒̐͒ͩͧ͛́͒̋̌̋̊̽ͭl̶̡̙͈̪̱͎̿ͩ̆̊͒̅ͫ͂ͨ́̚̕͜eͧ̈́͒͑̿́̾ͤͨ̍̈ͫ͆ͪ̉̍҉̴̛̹̞͓̞͇͍̰d̸̍̊͐͗͡͡͏̲̙̮̘̼̫̤̼̪̝ ̧̧̨̛̜͉̟̮̗̠͖͍̪͈͎̺̹̙̤͎̑̍̓͂ͨͩ͗͛ͨͭ͑͑̋ͮͮ͌͆͡L̵̸̛̮̟͖̮̝͙̟̳̳̙͇͍ͦ̑̋͌͋͗͌͛͌ͫ͟͠ȃ̡͉̗̻̥̻̮͓͊͊͋ͣ͐̉ͨͧ͊̇ͨ̽̍̓͝r̸͓͍̙̠͒̾̑̍ͤ̕͜i̡̛̩̖͉̥͕͈͇̳̥̹̦͖͉͇̮̟̍̍̂͗̓ͥ̒̔̅ͤ͛ͮ̑͑̅͟͡s͗̅̐́̋͒ͮ͑͌ͥͬͤ̈͋̔͟͏̧̨̥̣̖͎͚͈̟̝͍̭͚̘̘̼̳̰̟͉s̴̨̥̳̱͚̱̘̱͛̀ͨ̇̂͂ͣ͡a̦̯̠̝͂̀̋̈ͬͫͪ̐ͫ̆ͬ̿͜͜ ̐͋ͯͫ̋̂͒ͦ̾̅ͨ͛͌̇͌͒͏̀҉̯͕̼̹͙̬̦̘̫K̄ͦ̊͐͛̔ͧͦ̇̌ͪ̔͊̐ͣ҉̡̻̫̹͖̪̕͞͠e̴̷̢͋̄͊ͭͣ͋ͨ͏̪̘̹̼̙͚å̸̤̠̩̘͕̼͗̓ͪ̑̅͝͞͝r̳̮̤̹̪̖̗͓͍͕̋̈́ͦ̅̃̊͒̆̃͛̾̔͂̕͢͠͝n̉͋ͬ͗͂҉̵̵͠͏̦͍͇͔̫̝e͙̭̭̫̞͙͉̟̝̳͓̹͇̬̪̾̃̈́̃͐̀͟͠ͅͅy̙̖͙̮̖͇͆̈́́ͧ̃̅̋ͦ̚͘̕͡?̵̢̰͍͈̰͎̰ͥ̐̀̀́ͬͨ̀̈́͑̾ͧ̃ͤͬ͛̐͆ͦ̀͡ W̴ͩ̎̇̒͑́̌ͬͣ̏͆̉͐̐ͣ҉̧͚̝̰̗̣̫̤̘̟͉͔̫͕̰͎͘h͐̓ͣ̀͋̏̃͐ͯ̒ͮ͂͑̌̐̐͏̸̖̹̬̺̘a̶̳̮̗̭̔̏͆ͧ̓͆ͦͣͮ̕͜ț͇̜̹̭̘̰̦̭͈̯̯ͧ̆ͬ̂ͭ͒̓͊̀́̚͜ ̴̡̛̠͎̫̟̿̋ͦ͐̓ͮͮͬ͛ͣ̽̀ͥ̔̔̎ͩ͜ͅk̴̮̝̱̟̤̭͕͚̊̔̓͊ͤͭ͊̊̔̕͝į̸͖̲͇̟͉̭̤̩̖̬̺͍̪̝̩̽̒͐͗ͮ̌̅ͨ̈͋ͨ͝ͅl̢̧͎̼̜͎̙̜̤͕̭̻̻̟̮̎̐͌̀̎̿̔̍͌͛̈́̐̓̽͞ͅlͫ̊̆̿͗ͧͪͦ̓ͤ́̾̃͐̽̒̚͏҉̺̻̫͇ė͛̎̀ͪ̃ͭ͆̋͒̆̎̾ͯ̍͜͏̠̗͍̠͉̞͉d̢̗̥͍̠͙͍̮̳̫̞͚ͨ̈ͭͧͪͮ̈ͪͫ̽̓̀͟͠͠ ̷͕͚̮̘̯̯̰̎ͧ̏ͯͨͨͧͣ͋ͯ͘͟͜ͅͅL̴̸͇̹̤͓̱̱̻̱̘̰̻͎̤̦̖̊̅̑̐̐̓̓ͦ̕ą̷̞̦͉̲̒ͭ̓ͥ̄͆̌̽̏ͧ͒͑͟͡ŗ̵̖̟̤͚̹͔̠̯̖ͣͤ͑̈́ͬ͑ͯ̑͗̇̚̕î̴̓ͮ̑̈́ͣͮͫ҉̫̯̪̹͓̱̖̹͉͉̞ͅͅs̷͇̞̪̫͕̤̳̫̑̒͆̄͑͝ͅş̹͉͙̦̦̝͈̼̱͇̗͇̞̒̓ͦ̋͗̽̆ͪ͒́̽͆͝͠ͅa̷̶̷̛̰̦͍͉̜͕̻̣̤̫̞ͫ̌̉̃ͨͯ̌͟ ͇̯͈̼̟̘ͦͪ͑̔ͥ̾̋ͬͮͧ̌̾̌͆̀͘Ḳ̷̛̛̮̘̖̙̓ͨ̂̎́̾̃ͥ̃̑ͯ̅́̚͡e̛̔̒ͯ́̂ͤ͊̔ͬ̈̄ͥ͌ͯͧ̔̒͠҉͇̹̺͚͉̗͕̠͙͍̲a̵̢̡̞̩̺͎̖̻͉̜̙̟͔͖̅̊̂̍̃͆̈̑̓͆ͩ̃̈́͋͗ͧ̚͡ͅr̠̠̬͍̲͖͈̣͕̹̎ͦ̔̈́͛͋ͮ͌̀́͞͡ͅñ̵̒̍͊͌͋̒̋̿̊̾҉̷̨͙̲̞͎̜͎̼̪̣͙͇̙̭e̸̞͔̥͔̯̰̻̮͍̳̜̮ͣ̔̋̃̆̈́͊̐̅̏̆͐̀ͯ̂̀́̚͢ỳ̸̨̍̌ͧ͒̔͜҉͚͍̗̱̯͖̖̲̪̱͓͙̗͖?̧̨͔̼̹̮̑ͭ͗̓͒̍̄̔ͭ̋͆ͧ͆̐̿͢͞͝ͅ

[yourfriendlyneighbourhoodauthor]

You’re the sound of a song (and I can’t get you out of my head) Pt 2

Synopsis: You, badass Avenger, loyal teammate, and current idiot who is in love with Wanda Maximoff. What will it take to show her that you love her? Maybe almost dying for her, but when that backfires (don’t wanna say I told you so but), you have to navigate the waters of heartbreak while living with Wanda in the Avengers tower and working with her on missions.

Pt one

Masterlist

Dr Cho had been brought in to help accelerate the healing process the next day. Wanda had been forced to leave to go on a mission. Everyone was worried about you but Steve thought they could use the distraction. The mission was quick and easy, minimal risk and the perfect thing to pass the time before you woke up.

You felt light shining on your eyelids as you slowly gained consciousness. The slow and steady beeping from various machines and the feeling of a needle in your arm told you that you were in a hospital. Or at least in a medical area of some sorts. The bright lights illuminated a stark room full of medical instruments, gurneys and hospital beds like the one you were currently in. The room was a SHIELD medical bay and for a second you were completely disorientated; until you remembered everything that had happened. You sat up abruptly; too fast.

A small groan escaped your lips as you clutched your head, pain sending lighting bolts behind your eyes. The machine next to you started beeping faster, keeping in time with your heartbeat and a nurse came rushing into the room. You were scolded and pushed gently back onto your bed. The nurse warned you that you were still on strong medication and it would be a while before you could get up. You opened your mouth to speak, your voice croaky from days of not using it.

“Where is everyone?” The nurse, Carol (as her name tag said), smiled at you.

“They are away for the day but I’ll be sure to let them know that you have woken up.”

You nodded and lay down, letting the nurse look into your eyes and ears, and check all your vitals.

You had suffered a lot of injuries and everyone was surprised that you had survived; judging from the condition you were in when you came into the medical bay. You chuckled when she told you that Wanda hadn’t left since you were brought in. The nurse left to get the doctor and came back with a young woman with dark brown hair and warm eyes.

“Hello Y/N, my name is Dr Armer, and you, are very lucky to be alive. I heard all about your daring feat and I must say I am very impressed that you survived.”

You laughed, but it came out as a more airy grunt.

“It seems like everyone is.” You croaked back.

The nurse handed you a cup of water and you gulped it down gratefully. Dr Armer checked you over, making sure that you were stable and then you were told that you could leave only if you accepted that you would have to be in a wheelchair and you weren’t allowed to do anything physically straining. The accelerated healing may have helped but you still needed time for your muscles to fully heal.

You were helped into a wheelchair and Carol pushed you to the bridge where Fury was. The door opened and the room was busy as usual. Fury was looking over everyone and you looked at the screens to see that he was overseeing the mission that the Avengers were on. Fury turned around and walked over to you, his face a blank slate.

“I see you have wasted no time in getting out of bed Agent L/N.” You smiled.

“Yeah, well, I couldn’t leave you alone. SHIELD wouldn’t survive.” Fury huffed and you could have sworn there was a tiny glint in his eyes and a small lift in the corners of his mouth.

You glanced at the screens again. “Where are they?”

“In Russia. Surveillance.”

You nodded along as you read the information on the screens. Your hand went to your stomach as the pain throbbed. Fury noticed the movement and motioned for Carol to bring you back to your bed.

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The next few days were so boring you would have done anything to get out. Thankfully the others were back quickly. They rushed into your room where you were in bed.

“We thought we would have to sell your organs!” Tony exclaimed when he reached you.

“Yeah, you sure you’re alright? We really need the paycheck.” Clint joined in on the joke.

“I already sold to another buyer.” You smirked at them. Steve stood next to you.

“We’re glad you’re okay, Y/N.” You smiled and nodded at everyone.

“Fury’s not letting me do anything till I’ve fully healed but I can go back home tomorrow.”

You chatted with the others until they could barely keep their eyes open.

“We’ll see you tomorrow Y/N.” Nat put her hand on yours for a second then left with all the others.

Before she could leave you called Wanda over. Wanda kept her eyes on the floor until she got to your bed. Her eyes were unfocused and she had dark circles under them.

“Are you okay?” You looked at Wanda to gauge her reaction.

She laughed, a short bark before saying quietly, “I think I should be asking you that question.” You chuckled.

Wanda laughed along with you for a second before her smile disappeared and that same tense expression was back on her face.

“I have to get back to the tower, I’ll see you tomorrow Y/N.”

You nodded and Wanda turned to leave; taking one step before rushing back and enveloping you in a hug.

Wanda’s voice tickled your ear. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

You hugged for long moment and then Wanda left you to sleep. You sighed and lay down. Something was bugging Wanda, you knew her well enough to know that. You made a reminder to ask her about it when you were standing.

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You woke up to the sound of rain hitting your window. Today was your first mission since you had been hurt. You pushed your blankets aside and walked over to your closet, putting on your uniform.

Walking out into the hallways, you saw that no one else was up. You walked into the training room and went to the punching bag. Wrapping your hands, the room was soon filled with the dull thuds of your fists hitting the bag with the occasional kick. You were listening to music, zoning out while you trained. When your arms became tired you moved to the obstacle course, monkey bars, jumps, climbing, parkour. Steve came in and nodded to you while he went to his usual spot by the punching bags, bringing his own because he always broke at least one.

When you entered the common area, everyone was up and eating breakfast, you poured yourself a bowl of cereal and sat down to eat. You felt eyes on you and looked up to find Wanda staring at you, her eyes darted from yours to her food. Your eyebrows knitted together and you shoved some food into your mouth with just a little too much force. Your coughing caused everyone to look over at you and you waved to let them know that you were fine. Your throat cleared and you avoided their eyes; ears burning as everyone looked at you.

Wanda was avoiding you. When you had gotten back everyone treated you like nothing had happened. Except for Wanda, who was walking on eggshells around you. You had tried to talk to her about it when you were alone but she would always make up excuses. It annoyed you to no end and you hadn’t stopped trying to find out what was wrong. But Wanda had caught on and had avoided you completely after that. She had hurt you and the worst part was you had no idea why. You couldn’t understand what you had done wrong, hell, you hadn’t been around for you to have done anything anyway.

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You sat in the quinjet sandwiched between Nat and Clint. The mission was simple, there was a small weapons manufacturer tied to Hydra and you were going to intercept a transfer. Wanda, Nat, Clint and Steve were going on the mission with you. The air was cold and you tugged your jacket tighter around your shoulders, lurching slightly as the jet turned slowly. You soon adjusted to the turbulence, albeit with a bit of a faster heart beat.

Clint nudged you with his arm and you turned to see his eyes staring at you with concern.

“Are you okay?” You were confused for a second until you realised that you had been clenching and unclenching your fists for who knows how long.

You shook your head to clear your thoughts and folded your hands in your lap.

“I’m fine, just didn’t sleep that well.”

Natasha scoffed and shook her head next to you. You turned to her. “Something to add, Nat?”

She turned to you and it felt like she knew your every thought. But last time you checked, Nat didn’t have any mind reading abilities. Wanda was the one that you had to watch out for, but she had made a promise that she wouldn’t use her powers unnecessarily. Nat pursed her lips and squinted her eyes slightly.

“Your heart rate is elevated and you have a blush on your neck and face, and your eyes haven’t been moving from the same spot over near Wanda for the past 5 minutes.”

You stopped breathing for half a second, quickly regaining your composure.

You whispered hotly to both of your friends, “There is nothing wrong. At all. I’m just tired, I told you,”

Natasha smirked and Clint chuckled. Wanda looked over at the noise and you both stared at each other, the awkwardness festering until one of you looked away. When she did, you huffed out a quiet sigh.

Nat gasped quietly, “Wanda?!”

You elbowed her and clamped your hand on Clint’s mouth to stop him from repeating Nat’s words. You felt him trying to speak under your hand.

“Uhh afagrutchom anda??!!” You glared at both of the agents and only removed your hand when Clint promised to be quiet.

Regardless, he still whispered to you as soon as you removed your hand.

“You have a crush on Wanda?!” Nat and Clint both looked shocked but you silenced their questions.

“No, no, I don’t. At least, not anymore. I don’t… think? ugh! I don’t know. She’s been avoiding me so I guess that tells you all that you need to know.”

Natasha frowned. “But I thought you guys were really close.“

“Not anymore, ever since last mission it’s like I’ve got the plague. Honestly you’d think she’s scared of me.”

Clint glanced at Wanda quickly. “That doesn’t make any sense, I would have for sure picked that she liked you.”

However hard you tried, you couldn’t stop your heart from beating just that little bit faster at Clint’s words. But the anger you had felt earlier overcame that slight joy and you turned to whisper yell at your friends.

“I don’t care, I don’t care anymore, she can do whatever she wants. I just…I don’t,” you sighed, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

Getting up, you walked over to Steve who was sitting and going over the mission plan. For the rest of the plane ride, you focused on the mission and nothing else.

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

The plan was for you to split up and surround them while someone acted as the distraction. You volunteered immediately to distract but Steve had already chosen who would go where. Steve was with Clint and Nat was going to distract the targets. You realized that this left you with Wanda, and you turned to Steve to glare at him, making sure he knew you were pissed.

The last thing that you needed was to be distracted by the situation with Wanda. But you guessed that Steve hadn’t gotten the memo that you and Wanda didn’t work as well together as you used to.

You were silent till you landed and then you only replied to Wanda in short, one syllable responses.

The area was an abandoned car yard, with a warehouse to the left of it. You and Wanda were hiding near the warehouse while Clint was on the roof covering Steve who was ready to jump in. Natasha was hiding amongst the cars.

You settled behind the wall of warehouse. You heard cars pulling up, the click of a door, footsteps as they went into the building. Nat slipped out from behind you and walked casually in after them. You heard loud voices, telling Nat to stop. Then her calm, low voice asking if they knew where so and so was.

The voices became agitated and then Steve spoke through the earpiece in your ears,

“Go.”

Silence.

Guns went off and you heard yelling as you and Wanda raced to the cars, heading off the people inside the building and taking out their reinforcements. There were 8 men awaiting you and Wanda. You both dived for cover, you went left, Wanda going right. bullets flew above your head as you crouched under cover. You returned fire and looked at Wanda.

You signaled for her to cover you but she shook her head, her eyes hard and slightly glazed over with red. Before you knew it, she was gone from her cover, taking down half the men before she had to dive for cover again. “Wanda!” You raced after her, shooting two others before diving after her.

“What the hell Wanda, what were you thinking!” You looked over your cover and shot agent. The last one came running towards you and you flipped the agent over, punching him in the jaw as he landed. You turned to Wanda as the others came towards you, pulling a Hydra agent in tow.

“What the hell was that Wanda!?”

You felt your body tense as Wanda turned towards you, failing at hiding her anger.

“You can’t run in and expect me to stay back every time, Y/N!” You recoiled slightly, shocked and confused.

“I don’t! You do realize that we are a team and you can’t do something like that without telling me first!”

Wanda turned to face you fully and her eyes were stormy, tears were hiding just below the surface of her anger.

“Why would you run at them like?!” You stepped back.

“What? What are you talking about Wanda?”

Steve walked up to you, hearing the yelling and placed a hand on both of your shoulders.

“Guys, calm down, you just-“

You pushed Steve off of you and stepped up to Wanda.

“No, I want to hear this. What did you mean Wanda? I didn’t run at anyone…”

It dawned on you as you finished your sentence, your mind flashing back to when you had recklessly run into the line of fire to protect Wanda. Risking your life for her own.

She confirmed it for you a moment later. Her voice was quieter this time.

“When you saved me, you ran at them.” Wanda folded her arms across her chest, looking at her feet then back at you. Her lower lip trembled slightly.

“You knew! You knew you were going to get hurt and you still did it!”

Heat filled you and your cheeks burned. You silenced Natasha and Clint’s questions with a wave of your hand.

“No I didn’t! I-” Wanda stepped closer to you, almost yelling now. Your head was throbbing with your heart.

“Why did you do it! You could have found another way! You should have listened to orders! Why would you do something so stupid just for-”

You snapped. Your mind blanked and you said the first thing that came to mind. Your voice broke as the confession flew out of you.

“Because I love you!”

Silence.

You stepped back as you realized what you had said, one hand flying to your mouth. Wanda looked just as shocked as you. Her mouth was open and her eyes were wide. She reached out to you.

“Y/N.”

Steve, Clint and Natasha were watching this play out and you felt your ears turn red as Wanda took a step towards you.

“Y/N, why didn’t you tell me?” Tears stung your eyes and you angrily wiped them away. You couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Why do you think Wanda! You don’t feel the same way. You’ve been avoiding me, it’s not like I could just go up to you and say ‘hey Wanda, I know you probably hate me but I love you. Great! Done! Bye now!’”

“Y/N, I don’t hate you.” Wanda’s eyes softened, tears welling in her eyes. She reached for your hand but you pulled away, tears threatening to fall and break the dam holding you in.

“Then why did you ignore me?” Wanda looked at the ground and you felt another surge of anger.

“Wanda, just tell me!” Her eyes were wide and her voice was small, trembling when she answered.

“I didn’t want you to get hurt again. I thought that if we weren’t as close you wouldn’t risk yourself for me again…I’m so sorry.”

You almost broke down then and there but you recalled all the times that you had woken up screaming and Wanda hadn’t been there to calm you down like you had done for Wanda. Screaming into your pillow when dreams of Wanda dying invaded your peaceful sleep. The fire that had started to die down inside you flared up again.

“That’s your excuse? That’s all you have to say?” You scoffed and turned to leave. Wanda grabbed your arm. “Y/N, I’m so sorry, please! Just let me-” You pulled away roughly.

“That’s not enough Wanda. Just…leave me alone.” Turning to Steve you took a deep breath and clenched your fists, daring him to stop you.

“I’ll make my own way back, it’s not far.”

You walked away with your eyes down, not daring to look at anyone. The embarrassment and sadness mixed inside of you to create a concoction of sorrow. When the others were out of sight you broke into a run, the sobs escaping your mouth. The world blurred as your heart broke.

You fucked up.

So, so bad.

:’’’)

[magagerie]

A Con Gone Wrong

“How did you meet him?”

The long black nails stopped their trek through auburn locks. Julian made a small groan at their ceasing and looked up to the small apprentice beneath him. Wally’s talons stilled on his head where it lay against her chest. Her kohl lined eyes lay fixed on the scratchy sheets just besides Julian’s knee where they laid in Mazelinka’s home. She’d slipped out of the palace for the day, the drovel of court hurting her eyes with how much she rolled them at the pompous officials around her.

“Who?” her voice vibrated against Julian’s cheek, the rising and falling of her breath lulling the man into comfort. “Asra?”

“Mhm.” Julian rubbed his face into her satin blouse before flicking his gaze back to her face.

“Oh.” She nodded nonchalantly into the distance, lavender blinking the gangly man into focus with a smile. The gold hoop on the center of her lip caught in the faint candlelight with her grin, the deep blue they were painted today complimenting her brown complexion.

“Well that’s an awfully long story.” Wally teased, her finger going back to smooth through his hair.

“I’m not going anywhere.” A smirked flashed across his face before it fell once more. “Are you?”

She regarded him impassively, a wide smile soon breaking across the magician’s face. “Not unless you’re coming with me.” Her arched brows waggled down at Julian, a strand of hair falling from her powder blue mohawk.

“Then tell me a story, Cadwallader.” Julian encouraged with a proper grin, his neck stretching to look at her.

“Okay, okay.” Wally maneuvered into the pillows further, “Get off me first, my toes are fucking cold.” They wiggled for emphasis.

He huffed a laugh and granted her request. Julian rolled off the small woman with a faint wobble, his long legs nearly falling off the bed with the motion. His large hand trailed down her thigh as he left her long enough for Wally to shove her feet under the cotton blanket covering the bed. He made sure to keep his palm over the light lavender slacks obscuring parts of her leg, Julian too aware of the large expanses of skin still left bare to his wandering eye.

“Alright, come here.” The apprentice waved the fugitive doctor closer once she was properly settled. Wally did nothing to hide the smirk that settled on her face from his staring, seemed to preen under it even.

Julian raised his eyebrows at Wally (definitely without a blush beginning to color his face) and followed suit, laying on his side and placing his head on her bare shoulder, “You wouldn’t be so cold if you wore more clothes.” He poked the wide cutout on her thigh, the tawny skin soft under his touch.

“You wear too many clothes!” Wally countered, sticking her tongue out. The pair piercings at the tip winked as they made their way back into her mouth, after which a wrinkled nose met him instead. “I can’t understand how you’ve lived in Vesuvia for ages and still think that 5 layers of clothes are necessary.”

“I only wear three.”

“Still too many. You look much better in none, dear.” Wally’s long fingernails dug into Julian’s hair once more and tugged at the strands for emphasis. A moan slipped from Julian’s lips before he could stop it.

“You’re-” Julian’s face turned upward with the pulling of Wally’s grip. His tongue flicked out over his dry lips, eyes glazing over momentarily. A flush painted most of his face before he swallowed and tried again, “you’re changing the subject.”

“Nope!” Wally grinned down and dark blue lipstick branded itself on his temple, “I’m just teasing you.” she spoke into his skin.

“Wally,” Julian had to fight the whine bubbling to the surface, “please don’t.”

“Fine,” she leaned away from him, smirk still firmly in place, “You’re no fun.”

A beat of silence.

“So you wanted to know how I met Asra?” she finally began, sounding like she’d forgotten his original question.

Julian nodded.

“Alright, so~” she drew out the ‘o’ for a few seconds, attention grabbed instead by the wax dripping down the candle. She stayed transfixed, the slow bead moving down to the wooden table beneath and stilling as it cooled. With a shake of her head, Wally realized she’d still been holding out the vowel and a blink later, her mouth closed.

“So I met him in the marketplace, or was it by the old plague wards? I don’t know, but either way it was in a back alley! I had my shitty little table set up, a bunch of rings on my hands to cover the green marks they left behind from the day before. Do you know how easy it is the make cheap ass rings look expensive? Even without magic! You just shine them up right and make sure the paint doesn’t flake in noticeable places and you’re good to go! Honestly, if you wanted me to spiff up your-”

“Wally.”

“What?”

“You’re getting off topic.”

“Oh fuck.” A flush crept over Cadwallader’s freckled cheeks, the subtle red dusting over her nose as a pout pursed her lips, “Where was I?”

“Literally at the beginning.”

“Shit.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, time to get serious. Just punch me if I derail again, okay?”

“I-”

“Thanks for agreeing! So, as I was saying, I met him in some random back alley at my divination stand. I had the usual shit up that you see at a fortune teller’s table, right? Like the cards and crystal ball and everything. Well this fucker just walked up and his clothes look travelled. Like exotic silks and embroidered shit and just seemed like he had money to burn, and who was I to deny him the pleasure of giving me money? So I called him over with my best smile and batted my eyes dramatically cause it’d worked on all the other bastards before him, and I was all like ‘for 4 gold pieces I’ll read your palm and tell you your dead girlfriend’s name’ or some shit and guess what? He bought it!”

Wally was using her hands at this point, back bent over Julian’s head where it had slid down to her hip as she gestured into the air, obviously enjoying her story as much as Julian enjoyed hearing it. “This poor sap came up to my booth and gave me his money and bought into my stupid, vague reading. It was all ‘she died tragically before her time’ and ‘you’ve gone to great lengths to preserve her memory, but fret not, she’ll always be close to you. Closer than you may think.’ and all that other mumbo jumbo that crackpots usually give you like shitty fortune cookies. Do you know what those are? My father use to get them all the time from his homeland, just these plain ass cookies that didn’t even have sugar- barely any vanilla!- and the outer edge had runes scrawled into it like a stamp just giving you something stupid like ‘your future is bright but only if you keep your gaze on the sun’. But like, which sun? And why would you do that anyway, you’ll lose your eyes if you look too long, even babies know that! What kind of dumbass-”

“Wally.”

She stopped, blinked, looked down at him.

“I told you to punch me.”

“Maybe next time.” The Doctor smiled at her fondly before waving a hand into the air, “Please, continue.”

Wally blew a raspberry at him. “I gave him his reading, took his money, and watched his smile with a ‘what the fuck’ expression. It was like he knew I was full of shit but humored me anyway. There wasn’t pity in his eyes, but it felt like it so it made me mad. I swindled 15 more coins from him by giving two 3 card spreads and a ball gaze. Hey shut up, don’t laugh, I haven’t actually seen his balls, I’m sure you know more about them than I do, Ilya. What, are you mad now? Don’t poke the bear if you don’t want it to shove your dirty laundry in your face, boy.”

“He eventually left and I did too. There was a few more customers after him, but they were are simpletons. They didn’t weird me out as much as he had. His final remark was ‘I look forward to my next reading, Cadwallader’ and it was bonkers cause that was before I gave my name to clients. Usually I’d just draw them in and then run as soon as I got their money so they couldn’t find me once they realized I was full of shit. But, Asra was different. He didn’t give me his name either, but I knew it. And that was fucking weird. I barely remember my mother’s name… Actually, I don’t remember her name, but I knew his? The fuck is up with that? But that’s how it was. It rattled me, but not enough to stop conning chumps. That was the only way I was living at that point!”

“It was about two weeks after that that I saw him again.” Wally’s voice shifted, more distant in her memories than it had been. Julian looked at her through his eyelashes, good eye finding her face blank, the magician too lost in thought to notice his staring.

“What happened then?” his voice barely broke a whisper.

“Well at first I didn’t think much of it! I’m use to seeing people dicking around in the square, it didn’t feel anything special. Until he made eye contact.” The scam artist shivered at the memory. “It was fuckin’ terrifying, Julian. Like, if I could describe to you just how close I was to shitting my pants in that moment, I would. It was like,” A pause. “if Count Lucio’s goat painting showed up and offered to give me a blowjob at 2:37 in the morning. In front of his wife. It was bananas. Well, not to say I wouldn’t enjoy a blowjob at that time, but what about the repercussions? I don’t wanna get caught fucking a dead noble! Which would I get hung for: being a homewrecker or a necrophiliac? That’s just too close for comfort man, I’d rather keep the freaky shit in the privacy of my own slice of Hell, not in the common for the world to see. Having my bits out in public is something I’m willing to try once but that’s not how, I’d much pre-”

A love tap knocked Wally on the side of her cheek, stopping her in her tracks. Her mouth hung open mid sentence briefly before her tongue flicked out to wet her lips and she closed them.

“Sorry.” she looked sheepishly at the man at her side.

“Why were you scared?”

“I’ve never-” She stopped of her own volition this time, eyebrows knit together as she tried to pick her words, “I’m not- I’m not use to people seeing me like that. Like they know me. People usually just glance over me or stare because of my dashing good looks,” a smug smile crept across Wally’s lips before she could stop it, “but his stare just got me. It knew me. Honestly, the only time I’ve ever seen that look, it was followed by a curse and a fist in my direction so I booked it. I only grabbed my decks and just hauled ass down the alleys until I thought I was a good distance away.”

Laughter cut through beside her and the magician stopped, “What?” she asked.

Julian’s grin softened and he glanced back up at his living cushion, “The image of you running. As you couldn’t have ran off with your whole stand.”

“Hey, it’s a lot bulkier than you are! Do you know how hard it would be run with a table?”

He laughed harder, a tear pricking at his good eye.

Wally’s hands extended as she mimed its size, “It was this big, Julian! I can’t throw it over my shoulder like I can you! It wasn’t as noodly, the shape it was was the shape it was going to be, no bending allowed. Now I could have maybe ran with it over my head and tried to pole vault over a wall with it. Gods, that would have been fucking hilarious. Just running from the law and all of the sudden boing! out of that bitch like those rubber balls kids chuck at walls to see how far it’ll bounce back. But I wouldn’t bounce back, I’d bounce away into the night like a fucking lemur.” A pause. “Fuck, I did it again. You’re no help at all Julian.”

“Hey now-”

“No, this one is entirely your fault and you can’t tell me otherwise. You’re the one who interrupted. And you wanted to hear this story in the first place.”

“I’m sorry.” His tone of voice said this was only half true.

“Shit, where was I? Right!” Wally’s manicured finger went in the air as she remembered. “So I booked it, right? And I finally got far enough where I felt safe and took a breather. I’m use to running through the streets and all. With what I do, especially when people realize that I’m full of shit most of the time, they tend to want their money back. Or to leave me another gift in a black eye. Either way, they keep my calves in great shape, as you can tell-” A toned leg popped out from beneath the blanket.

“I can, they’re very nice.”

“Thank you.” Wally nodded proudly. “So I’d gotten a fair distance away. But like a weed, he just popped up outta nowhere at the end of the alleyway! I didn’t even have enough time to pull out Susan!” Her arm flung out towards the small stack of cards sitting alone on the dresser. It was a deck Julian had never seen before, different than the set Asra had used to read him in their past. There were fewer in this one, only 40 cards, and the images depicted on their faces were unlike any he’d ever encountered.

In their short time together, Julian had only asked once to get a reading from Wally.

Her response?

‘Even you don’t hate yourself enough to want that.’

“He was just on me! And I tried to be like ‘oh hello, stranger, can I help you on this fine day?’ but we both knew that was bullshit. As I sat there, waiting for the retribution that the gods had promised me ever since I used Susan to change that first legal document, I felt no fear. For it was to be, a just ass whooping. And plus, you’ve seen my biceps, I’m good. They were even more impressive 2 years ago. But he didn’t want to strangle me for telling him his dog that died seven years ago was the reason he could never find the socks he was clearly wearing that day. Nah, that was when he offered to teach me proper magic. And it was fucking wild, man!”

She looked back at Julian, eyes wide, “I know I’ve said that a lot during this tale, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I was so confused by it I was tempted to flick him in the forehead to prove he was real, and was really close to doing it too! And then Faust popped out, and she reminded me of a slightly less cool Lysander, and I was gone. My contract was binding, my shit was moved in, and that was all she wrote. My tale of ‘holy shit that story is just wild enough to get me to this wild moment in my life’ is over and now you know more bullshit about me than you probably wanted.”

Julian was quiet. “I can’t believe it.”

“It’s the truth, man.” Wally shrugged, jostling the man resting on her shoulder.

“I can’t believe you almost cursed Asra.” There was a beat and Julian started laughing, the whole bed shaking with him.

“Hey, he woulda deserved it.” The smile that found its way on Wally’s face soon broke into her own giggles. She flung her head back into the pillows and wiggled down into the mattress so she and Julian were eye level.

“You’re not wrong.” The laughter didn’t leave his voice when he replied and regarded her fondly. Julian’s light eye found hers and a sigh left his lungs.

“You’ll find I rarely am.” Wally smiled before quickly stealing a kiss from his still parted lips.

Julian blinked as an impish grin spread across Wally’s face. The slight smudging of her lipstick caught his notice when she pulled back. “What was that for?”

“You’re attractive and I have no impulse control.” She said flatly before stealing another one.

This time, Julian’s arms snaked around the small magician’s back before she could pull away, his larger frame dwarfing hers as he deepened the kiss. A giggle bubbled up Wally’s throat and she reciprocated, eager to feel more of him across her skin. A lavender clad leg lazily slid up Julian’s as she slotted herself into his empty spacing, filling her senses with nothing but his touch and taste as she claimed him with her own. Nails and teeth and soft groans filled the air the further the past got from their minds. It all fell away until the only thing left was Wally’s fingers pressed into Julian’s hips and the touch of his lips against her ribs. But it still wasn’t enough.

She wouldn’t be sated until he was a mess beneath her, drunk off her touch and begging like he did best.

ao3

[dreamotopy]

The Reunion

Prompt: Where Harry comes back home and Y/N missed him too much for words. 6 months. That’s how long it had been since you had seen Harry in person. Of course there were the daily calls, texts and face times. But nothing could ever compare to the feeling of seeing him in person. There was something just so magical about his presence, that it made you crave him every second of the day. Whether that be the loving gaze with which he looked at you, or the glint in his eyes that sparkled with love and pure happiness. At times, you wondered how you had gotten lucky enough to get someone like him. Someone so pure, so mysteriously beautiful. Someone whom you loved with all of your heart, body and soul. And to think that he loved you back all the very same. Harry had never failed to tell you how much he adored you, how every moment spent together was the best of his life. There was never a dull moment between you two. As spontaneous as you both were, there was always one thing or another to talk about. But even when there wasn’t, the silence was very much treasured, with the both of you dwelling in the comfort of the others’ presence. It was always hard when he left. A lot of the nights were spent awake, wishing you could be in his arms right then. It was hard for him as well, he knew that you had trouble sleeping alone, and he wanted nothing more than to hold you. But the movie was important, and he knew that you would pretty much kill him if he ditched the shooting and came back home for you. You had always been appreciative of his career, as he had always been of yours. You were a book writer, one of the best of the time. Harry always asked you where your inspiration came from, and once when you replied with “You”, he couldn’t have been more surprised, yet happier than ever. Honestly, he hadn’t expected to be such an important person in your life that you would actually write about him. But it lit him to the core that the love of his life loved him back just as much as he did. While he was away for his movie, you had been busy with your own book. But successfully, he had completed his movie just as you had gotten done with your book. The book was about a long distance relationship, which was pretty much inspired from your own, and you couldn’t wait for Harry to read it. He had been working hard for his movie, as well. Considering that it was his first, he tried to put his everything in it. As busy as the both of you were, you never failed to think of the other throughout the day. The usual phone calls may have been reduced on the days that were busier than others, but you still managed to make it work. Today was the day that he was coming back home and you couldn’t have been happier. He didn’t have to do anything for a couple of months now, and you were the same. The two of you made sure to clear your schedules beforehand, so you could fully enjoy each other’s presence. The trailer for ‘Dunkirk’ was to be released that day as well. Harry was more than excited for you to see it, as he had raved to you about it many times before. You yourself couldn’t wait, so when you woke up that day with your phone blowing with notifications of people freaking out, your first instinct was to click on the link straight away. The short video absolutely blew you away. The movie seemed so fascinating, and you felt immensely proud that your very own love was in it. You couldn’t help but notice just how good he looked. Needless to say, you were bursting with pride. Just as you were going to call him, your phone dinged with a text message: Getting on my flight back home, love. Can’t wait to see you! Of course, you had forgotten about the time zone. However, you felt your heartbeat fasten as you read the text. He was coming back home, back to you. You will be seeing him for the first time in months. The trailer definitely hadn’t helped your patience. After wishing him a safe flight, you decided to clean up the house. That got done soon, and you still had around two hours until his plane would land. Therefore, you settled for watching the trailer again. After watching it endlessly (you just couldn’t get enough), you finally decided to get ready to head out to the airport. You wanted to look good for him, especially now that you were seeing him after such a long time. You settled with blue jeans and a tank top, with a cardigan above. Setting your hair in its usual waves and applying a little makeup, you were good to go. Taking your phone and keys, you headed out to your car. As you arrived at the airport, you were thankful to see no paparazzi around. You went inside, and soon the announcement came that the plane would land in a couple of minutes. As the time for Harry to come out neared, you felt your heart racing. You didn’t know why you were so nervous. You had been together for a long time, and had been through this many times before. However, there was always this lingering fear of whether you two could fall back into your usual routine again. That fear was whisked away as soon as you saw him coming out of the luggage department. He looked as good as ever, with a duffle bag in his hands. You were quick to run towards him, calling out his name. That was enough to grab his attention, and he dropped the bag to the floor as soon as he saw you. Spreading out his arms for you to jump in, he couldn’t have been happier. He had waited so long for this moment that he almost wondered how he had been able to go so long without you. His hold on you was tight, as he cherished your presence. “I’m guessing you missed me, huh love?” he teasingly said with a smirk. That smirk was soon lost though, as he felt your body trembling, he pulled away to look at the tears streaming down your face, with your eyes shut tight. “Hey now, don’t cry sweetheart. I’m here now, ain’t I? Goin’ nowhere, I promise. Jus’ me an’ you now.”  You nuzzled your face in his neck, still overwhelmed by the fact that he was actually back. Harry felt his own eyes watering, he had missed you just as much. And to see you crying, that was a sight he couldn’t bear watching. He wanted to see you happy, and he wanted to be the one to make you happy. “Baby, please don’t cry. Wanna see you smile. ‘S been so long, hasn’t it.”  You pulled back to look him in the eyes, as he wiped away your tears.  “I’m sorry, I just missed you so much, can’t believe you’re actually here. It feels like a dream.” You replied, with a tearful smile. “Wouldn’t do this in a dream now, would I?” he said as he smashed his lips with yours. The kiss was slow and passionate, yet filled with impatience and excitement. Every kiss, it felt like the both of you fell in love once again. And all you prayed was that this feeling between the two of you would never die. As you two pulled away, there were huge smiles etched upon your faces. You leaned closer to him and whispered, “I saw the trailer, Haz. I'm so proud of you, I can’t explain it in words.” He smiled back as he replied, “Thankyou baby, couldn’t have done it without you.” “I love you”, you said, as you held on to him tightly. The two of you had now resorted to a quieter area of the airport so you could have your reunion in private. “I love you too, pet. Missed yeh so much while I was’ away.” Soon enough, you two headed for home, your hands were intertwined as you drove home. You could feel his gaze burning into your skin, and you turned to the side to face him. “You’re staring.” You stated the obvious. “I am.” He replied with a smirk. “May I ask why?” you questioned, with a smile on your face. “How about no?” he said, at which you let out a laugh. These playful conversations were one of the most cherished things in your relationship, and you missed them a lot while he was away. “I swear you only get more beautiful every time I see you.” He complimented. Heat rose to your cheeks at the comment. It was strange how even after all the years of being together, he still had the same effect on you as he had on your first date. “Have you completed your book?” he asked, genuinely interested. “I have, yeah. Just need to get the editing done, but that can wait.” You replied. “I can’t wait to read it. I’m sure it’s amazing.” He replied, ever so appreciative of your work. In reply, you raised his hand to kiss it, as you continued driving to your shared home. That night, you two lay in bed cuddled into each other, just sharing stories and experiences that you had during the time you were apart. He told you about his movie, while you told him about the ideas that you had for new books. You two snuggled deeper into each other with every word. Secret words and promises were shared in the dark, in the solace of your own home. You both cherished your time together, enjoying the blissful time that you had. You were both so caught up in each other, that time became irrelevant. All you two wanted was to just hold each other tight enough that you would become one. And in that moment, you wished for nothing else than to have the beautiful boy next to you, yours forever.