#i ended up getting a free to good home old ass dresser that i stripped all the paint off of and repainted. it looks incredible

[toytulini]

honestly having fish tanks has given me such unrealistic expectations for the weight capacity of most furniture

[voidingintotheshout]

December 7th: Stuffed Like a Turkey

Trevor’s phone rang. It was Jack. “Honey, where are you? Abigail just got dropped off from the after school and she wants to say hello. You texted me that you arrived a couple of minutes ago but we haven’t seen you. What’s up? Worried about your punishment?” Jack could hear Trevor huffing and puffing on the other end of the line. He laughed a little. “Oh my God, has my big chunky pig gotten so full and out of shape that he’s out of breath just walking down the hallway?” Jack laughed.

“No... I’m taking.... the stairs!” Trevor finally managed to get out as he tried to catch his breath, hunched over the railing on the third floor landing. Trevor needed to hold the phone away from his ear because Jack was laughing so much. Eventually he heard some murmuring on the other end of the line and Trevor could barely hear Jack, in between laughs telling their daughter “I’m just laughing because your big daddy is being silly. He’s taking the stairs to get to our apartment on the fifth floor instead of just taking the elevator like he always does. Yes. You could also take the stairs to go up to our apartment. Since apparently your big daddy likes to take the stairs, maybe you two could race up to the apartment sometime.”

“You’re trying to give me the nickname big daddy to our daughter?!? No. I veto that name. I am going to be Daddy Trevor just like I always have been. Not Fat Daddy, Jumbo Daddy or Tubby Trevor. We are not going to create an entire identity about around my recent weight gain.”

“Tubby Trev! Why didn’t I think of that! That is perfect. TT! That’s gonna be your new nickname. Thanks for the idea.” Jack said, cackling. “So why is my TT taking the stairs?”

Having fully caught his breath, Trevor responded with as much dignity as he could muster “Back when we first moved here, I would be able to take the steps two at a time all the way up to the fifth floor to our place. I wanted to see how well I could still get up those stairs now. I didn’t realize it until the party a couple of days ago, but my physique is totally gone.”

“All of that sedentary eating really took a toll on you, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Jack was very quiet. “You don’t regret it, do you?” Jack could hear Trevor’s breathing growing heavy. “Take deeper breaths. It’ll increase the time until you need to stop and catch your breath.” Jack could here Trevor’s breath growing deeper and more controlled. “What floor are you on?”

“Fourth. And no. I don’t regret it. Being able to share all of your passions for food and having all of this free time to focus on other things is really amazing. I guess I was just expecting that my old muscles would be there if I needed them, you know? Maybe that’s stupid, but I guess I was just assuming that I could go to the gym and still do my old workout but I’m just realizing that I may be more out of shape than I thought.”

“Well, if I’m not mistaken you should be coming up to the fifth floor landing and to our floor. I prepared a little treat for you because I imagine you’re so hungry after that pizza, then I’m gonna let you change and we’re going to have a little bit of fun as a family. I went through your college archives and I found something really interesting so we’re going to have a walk down memory lane as your punishment.”

“What? What are you talking about. I’m coming into the apartment now.” Trevor hung up the phone and Jack was standing there with his phone all ready to document the split in his pants.

“OK fat boy, bend over.”  Jack then thought better of it and looked over at Abigail who was doing her homework in the kitchen and said “Honey? That’s a funny nickname that only I get to call Daddy Trevor. I don’t get to call other people that and you’re not allowed to call other people fat boy. OK? It’s just a name between the two of us.”

Trevor smiled and, like a flash of lightning, this little brown haired girl in a blue damask sundress sprinted out from the kitchen shouting “DAAAAAADEEEE TEEEEEEE!!!!” So Trevor quickly dropped his bag and let his bodyweight pull him down into a squat, tearing his pants beyond recognition as he scooped up his daughter in his arms and then surprised himself by being able to stand up as she clung around his shoulders.

“Baby girl! I thought about you all weekend. How have you been?”

“OK. My weekend was pretty fun but it wasn’t as fun as it is with you. Also, their cooking isn’t as good as Daddy Jack’s. His food is way better. Also, I hope you do OK in your physical fitness challenge. I hope I do as well as you do.”

Trevor looked quizzically at his husband. “The what now?”

“Oh, I got the idea from our friend Juniper. Do you remember Juniper?” Trevor nodded. That was their code for when they needed to reference something of an inappropriate nature while their daughter was within earshot. Instead of referencing the event they would just reference it as something that was said or happened while they were spending time with ‘our friend juniper.’ Trevor assumed this was the punishment. “So what idea is this?”

Jack smiled. “Let’s let you get changed first. Let me help you off with these things—while you little miss” he said, turning his attention to their daughter “need to get back to homework. Your Daddies need to get into some fitness gear and we’re not going to start until you finish your homework. I think you still have your math to do?”

“Yeah. 15 problems. Stupid math.”

“Well, that should take you about 20 minutes. You go back to the kitchen table and we’ll go and get changed and we will be out soon to check your homework. What are our rules?”

She grumbled. “I’m not allowed to go more than 3 feet from the edge of the table. I’m only allowed to go to the kitchen once, and then only to fill up my water cup. If I’m caught playing around with things that I shouldn’t be touching while you are in the other room, I lose my privileges for three days. I know, I know.” She looked bitterly at her homework across the living room. “You know, it’s bad enough that I have to do math, you don’t need to make it worse by having all of those dumb rules.” She sulked.

Trevor just laughed “well we appreciate in advance you following all of those dumb little rules and if you do it, we will thank you by letting you choose from one of three treats that we brought home from a party over the weekend.”

“Will we now?”

“What could it hurt? Now go and do your homework.” He said, turning to Abigail.

She scampered off to the kitchen where they immediately heard the faucet running and she was filling up her water glass from the kitchen sink. They waited for a second to see her get settled on the dining room table and open her books and then jack lead Trevor by the tie into their bedroom and closed the door.

Trevor expected Jack’s mood to immediately change because they only had so much time during the day where they could be alone. He was not disappointed. “You fat fuck. You’ve gotten so fat that you don’t even have any clothes to go to work in tomorrow. What do you expect me to do, go out after work and get you some jumbo clothes for your fat chubby ass? Get on all fours, let me inspect the damage.”

Trevor heard the click of a lock and he knew that it was safe. He heard the closet door open and he knew that Jack was getting some stuff from their toy box. Since their kid was in the next room, he knew that they were only gonna be using quiet toys like a ball gag, electric play, ropes, things like that. He knew better than to ask if Jack wanted him to take off his clothes so he just got down on all fours, split pants exposing his chunky rear end.

He looked around and saw that Jack had stripped off everything and was standing there in just a pair of short shorts and was just throwing on an elastic harness. He had a little electric taser toy in his left hand and his Grandfather’s ivory-handled hunting knife in his right. “I’m about to have some fun with my pig. First, let’s document the damage.” Jack took the knife and tossed it on the bed. He got his camera phone off the dresser and started snapping pictures. “Look at you. You’re already getting out of breath climbing the stairs and you’re not even 250 pounds yet. That’s pathetic! You’re only half the size you’re probably eventually going to be, judging from how much of a pig you are in the kitchen.” Trevor heard the clicks of the camera behind him and knew he was documenting the tear of his pants. He felt a mild electric jolt go through his ass cheeks.“Look at this fat ass. I remember you when you used to be this fit muscular God, now you’re starting to just look like a tub of lard, you’re almost starting to look sloppy. And you know what?” Jack says with disgust in his voice. “I love it. I love seeing that you have put on all of this weight because of me. Because of what I’ve done; my cooking and my accommodation of your sedentary lifestyle. Making you a breakfast for half a dozen people for you to eat all by yourself and volunteering to take our kid to school every single morning just so you have more time to be a fat ass. And now, you are giving me another key to controlling you: I am now going to be buying all of your clothes. I’ll have these new clothes to go on, and then I’m just going to be getting you some sizes larger, as you grow out of things. I’ll keep track of what size you currently are and replace them as needed but I am going to cut out all of the tags, so you can never know how fat you’ve gotten.”

Jack grabbed Trevor’s nipples and twisted and grab them so hard that Trevor almost yelped out in pain, if it wasn’t for the gag and muzzle that had been put over his mouth to keep him quiet. All that came out was just a very quiet muffled moan. That’s when Trevor heard the soft pit of the shocker getting tossed on the bed and the light rustle of a hand picking something up off of the comforter. He looked up and saw the flash of metal. “You know why I have this knife pig? You’re not allowed to use your mouth because your mouth is only allowed to be used for eating and sucking my dick and I don’t wanna fat pig like you anywhere near my cock. You’ll probably get confused and try to fucking eat it like it’s a goddamn hotdog you gluttonous fuck. No. If you want to communicate with me, I want you to snort like a fucking pig you are. One snort for yes, two for no. Do you know what this knife is for?”

“Oink.”

“That’s right. I’m going to strip my hog.” Trevor could feel the knife gently caressing the skin near his throat and then he felt the angle change as Jack used it to cut through his shirt like it was the wrapping paper on a gift. He heard the knife drop to the floor and then jack squatted down and used his powerful strong muscles to tear apart the rest of the fabric from his shirt. He picked up the knife again and sliced to cut the sleeves all the way down to the wrists so that Trevor didn’t need to get his hands off of the carpet in order to comply with Jack’s request to strip.

The shirt came off and Jack’s hands roved all over his husband’s torso squeezing and pinching some places and shocking others. All the while he was dirty talking how fat Trevor had gotten over the last year, but then, Jack moved again and he could feel the blade working near his waist, sawing through his pants and his leather belt to release his pants. Trevor was grateful at how careful Jack was being. The dirty talk stopped and all of Jack’s attention was focused on making sure the knife stayed where he wanted it. Within a minute or so, he cut through the belt, the pants, and the underwear and he shoved the ruined clothes down to the man’s knees.

Then, Trevor heard Jack mumble something and knew that Jack was trying to read the time on the alarm clock at the far side of the bed, just to see how much longer they had. Trevor was really grateful that even during a scene like this, Jack would take care of those real life details so that Trevor could just stay in character. He was the pig. Look at him. Look at what he had done to his body. What he had let Jack do. “I took a fit, hot guy and turned him in to a fat boy. I took his place in the social circle, even took his clothes, his identity, everything. All I left him with is cellulite and love handles.” Trevor could feel Jack’s hands roaming around his now soft crotch and midsection, paying extra attention to the fat that had settled around the base of his cock. “Look at you. You used to have such a beautiful cock. It was so great for fucking, but it’s already starting to get smaller and buried in fat, and as you get fatter, you’re going to get more out of shape and eventually you’re gonna have to give up fucking me at all because you’re going to get out of breath before either one of us has been able to get off, if it’s even possible for me to get off thinking about your fat blubbery ass. You’re just gonna have to get me off by sucking my dick and I’m gonna end up getting off by fucking your fat ass, until your ass grows so wide and soft that I can’t even bury my dick in there because your ass has just grown so fucking gigantic. But then I’ll find other ways. Other ways to use you, like the sex toy you’ve become.”

Jack sighed, and moaned as he moved his lips very close to Trevor’s ear whispered “turtle soup.” That meant that it was the end of their role-playing.

“OK!” Jack said, his voice lighter. He took the muzzle and ball gag out of Trevor’s mouth. Instinctively, Trevor moved his mouth around a little bit just to work out the tenderness from being restrained. He saw his partner Jack taking off the harness and putting all of the other toys back in the box at the top of the closet where no little hands could get to them. It was in a box marked ‘all tax records,’ so no curious little hands would think to look in there. Trevor let Jack hoist him up and was very appreciative that Jack immediately got the lotion to moisturize Trevor’s waist and any other parts where chafing might make him sore. “So how was that? Was it OK? Too much?”

“It was good. Hot. I really like it when you boss me around. I didn’t think I would.”

“You liked it? I’m so glad! I feel like you were so good at being in charge and being the alpha male for so long I thought maybe I wouldn’t be able to do it well.”

“Are you kidding me? That was fantastic. I just wish we had more time. You know, I’m pretty horny right now, but we’ve gotta get dinner started. Also, aftercare, you know. What’s our timetable?”

“We have about five minutes before we’ve got to be out back out there.”

“No problem. What are we gonna be having for dinner? Have you made anything?”

“No, but I figured I would just give you a salad with a little bit of grilled chicken for dinner tonight. You’ve been eating really heavily the last couple of days as part of our days-long role-play and I figured you need a little bit of time to let you recover before we go back to heavy meals all the time.”

“Thanks. I’m still feeling really full from the pizza. I’m feeling stuffed like a turkey.”

“Oh my God, I meant to ask. Was that too much? Was two too many?”

Trevor laughed and stepped out of his ruined clothes, leaving him standing there in just his socks. He saw that jack grabbed a reusable shopping bag that had been sitting unobtrusively in the corner and pulled out some oversized workout clothes that he wore at the beginning of their relationship whenever he would join Trevor in the gym. Trevor had a feeling he knew it was coming but figured he would play along. “I will admit that I had half of the second one left over, but I put it in a big Ziploc bag to have those slices tomorrow. One probably would’ve been sufficient but I understand getting me used to having larger and larger portions of food. It makes sense. I could’ve killed you making me walk through my office with a giant tear in my pants though.”

“Well, I thought of that and I think that once we have dinner, we will have about an hour or so before she needs to be put to bed so I thought it might be a good idea for us to go to the mall really quick and get you some stuff for tomorrow and also get you a complete change of clothes that is three or four sizes larger than you are now that you can keep at work, so that you never need to worry about it if you end up blowing a seam or popping a button at work, you can just change into something else and no one is going to know.”

Trevor laughed. “So you anticipate me getting fatter for a little while. What’s the plan? We probably got to get out here in a couple of minutes.”

“Oh my God! You’re right! Here, put this on.” Jack said, throwing a bag of clothes at his husband.

Trevor made an uncoordinated attempt at catching it and then sat heavily on the bed and opened up the bag and saw, what he hoped was not in there, which was his workout clothes back when he weighed 180 pounds. 65 pounds ago, this was the slim-fit stuff that he would work out in and occasionally do personal training in. “Oh my God, is this even going to fit? Why are we wearing this?”

Jack laughed. “Why? Yours doesn’t fit? That’s so funny. Mine is just super baggy. You had a lot of workout stuff and I chose these because these were the stretchiest of your workout gear but we are going to be doing the workout, as a family, that you would assign your overweight clients when you were a personal trainer back in college. Do you remember? In front of clients, you would always call it your ‘beginner workout,’ but among your friends you would always call it the ‘fat-ass fitness challenge’.”

Trevor blushed with humiliation. “Ironic. You’re going to make me do it aren’t you?”

“Well, fat ass. I didn’t tell you this, but back when we first met I actually tried that work out and it kicked my ass. I couldn’t get to the end of it & I couldn’t do all of the reps. I actually talked to someone who you gave this work out to, way back when I was just starting to date you, and he said that you gave this workout to him too, and it was so hard that the person gave up going to the gym completely. Since you have become a fat ass yourself, no offense, I thought it only fitting to give you a taste of your own medicine.”

“No offense taken.” Trevor said airily. “I take it as a compliment.”

“Excellent. Put on those clothes.” Jack was standing there, lacing up his shoes and Trevor put on his compression shirt, charcoal gray and he was amazed that it managed to even attempt to cover his belly. “Do you remember that this was your looser one?”

Trevor laughed. “Not so loose now. I would wear it when I was going on multi-mile runs, so I didn’t need to worry about the material being so tight that it would chafe me. Now, it barely contains me at all. Multi-mile runs, by the way? I’ll be lucky to be able to do a multi-mile walk nowadays.”

“Nonsense. You’ve gained weight, not transformed into a different person. I see what you mean about aftercare thought. I’ll need to pull you out of that pig headspace before we resume our regularly schedule programming.”

Trevor nodded, checking himself out in the mirror, wishing the tight clothes weren’t so revealing, but fascinated at the changes to his body. “I’m amazed it fits as well as it does, honestly.”

“You only have a couple of inches of belly hanging out the bottom. It’ll probably the last time I’m gonna be able to get you to fit into that shirt without tearing it apart.” Trevor’s hands darted to the bottom of the shirt and saw that yes, his belly was hanging down an inch or two below the shirt and he could pull it down to cover the bottom of his belly but the shirt just immediately went right back up. He could only imagine how much skin he would be exposing if he actually sat down. If he wasn’t careful, this would turn them on all over again. He then put on his boxer briefs that he needed to stretch the seams of a little bit right near his waist and where they hit him in the middle of the thigh because they were so tight they were starting to cut off circulation. Then he tried his old basketball shorts. They were so tight that they fit like bike shorts, and even then he knew that when he sat down his ass crack was going to be exposed for all to see. “OK, so I clearly look ridiculous. Can I take this off?”

Jack laughed. “Of course not honey.” He said, as he walked over to the door. He unlocked it and opened it to step into the hallway. “We have all of the equipment here for you, me, and Abigail to do that work out to find out who in this house is in the best shape. I will demonstrate the exercise and then do my set, Abigail will then do hers and then you will do as much of the work out as you can, TT. If you manage to do the entire work out, I’ll let you change into regular clothes before we go to the mall but if you can’t go through even one set of every exercise, you’re gonna have to wear those clothes until we put Abigail to bed.”

Trevor looked at himself, bloated, fat, and spilling out of the clothes that he had worn all of those years and pounds ago to highlight his physique which were ironically still highlighting his physique but were now simply highlighting how fat he had become.

He liked it. It was like a badge of honor, usually, to show the world how comfortable he was in his own skin and how much he had changed from being the superficial vain guy that he was back then to being someone who appreciated the deeper qualities that make people great.

He had a feeling though, that he was going to be wearing these clothes for quite a while. A couple years ago, he thought, as he was making his way down the hall to where Jack was explaining the work out to Abigail, he had revisited that old work out and found that it was way more difficult than he had remembered it being. He already knew that the old beginner workout for overweight clients was a power move that was intended to show how strong and fit he was, compared to his clients. He let them think that the work out wasn’t too difficult but was intended as a challenge to motivate them… but he could see now that it was just demotivating to give a beginner something that was so likely to cause them to fail.

Abigail, rushed past him into a room and slammed the door as she got on her own fitness clothes as Jack was setting up the course and occasionally popping into the kitchen to get something started for dinner. Trevor felt like he needed to take his lumps for this, wondering to himself how many people were still obese today because he didn’t give them enough support and encouragement all of those years ago. Happily at least, he was starting to not really feel so full from the pizza.

He was grateful for the salad. He needed a little bit of a break from belly-busting meals for at least a couple of hours. It was going to allow him to feel more like himself, well it would when he could finally get off this ridiculously tight clothing.

[atths--twice]

Posting two chapters today! As they both revolve around Christmas, I wanted to share them both today. I hope you enjoy them.  : )

___________________________________________________________

Mulder wakes to a cold and lonely house on Christmas Day. He is lost in memories of the past, and in need of changing the present to fix the future. 

Chapter Nine 

Gifts of Christmas 

December 2014

Christmas morning dawned and with it a cold snap that promised snow later in the day. Mulder got up to use the bathroom and shivered before getting back under the covers and going back to sleep for a while.

Once he woke again, he saw that it was ten in the morning. He made some coffee, ate some breakfast, and took a shower. Standing in the bathroom, he wiped the steam off the mirror and looked at himself, really looked at himself.

It had been three months since Scully had left. While he was doing better than when she left, he still missed her every day. He was still sleeping on the couch and not been upstairs in all that time. He still had the beard, and the thought of going upstairs for a razor ...

He left the bathroom and dressed, turning the heat up to be a little more comfortable. Turning on the television, he saw that it was a marathon of A Christmas Story and he thought of how Scully loved this movie. He left the movie playing and settled back into the couch.

Years ago, when they had first moved into this house, they spent time feeling free and finally able to stop running. Of course, years of paranoia and constantly looking over his shoulder did not stop overnight.

They had escape plans ready and practiced, just in case there was trouble. It kept them busy for a while, and then Scully had found a job. She was busy and he was alone at home for the majority of the day. Dates blended together and suddenly it was Christmas Eve. He had no idea until there was a pounding at the door. Scully stood on the other side with a tiny Charlie Brown type tree.

She grinned as she came inside and set the tree on the dining room table. She also had some food in her car. She had stopped at her mother’s on her way home as they would not be joining her family the next day, him still not exactly a free man.

She pulled some chintzy decorations out of a bag and they decorated the small tree with them. She smiled at him and it was like a match had been thrown on a puddle of gasoline. Within minutes, they were naked, her legs wrapped around him, both of them on the brink of climax. She clawed at his back as she came, leaving scratches she would tend to the next day, before creating new ones.

After they had finished, she warmed up some food, completely in the nude. They sat eating the meal her mother had prepared, naked and basking in the afterglow of their frenzied lovemaking. She grinned at him, telling him about her day, before teasing him as she ate. Touching his foot, licking the whipped cream slowly off her fork, sucking said fork into her mouth. He reached for her and the power went out, plunging them into darkness.

Stumbling in the dark, he swore as he stubbed his toe. “Christ! Didn’t we have candles all over this place a few days ago? And where the hell are the flashlights? We carry them for years and now, I can’t find ONE?” She laughed and he swore again

“It really is dark, isn’t it? Be careful, Mulder!” she giggled when he hit something else, cursing again.

“A-ha!” he yelled out, his hand landing on a couple of votive candles in a drawer. He felt around and found some matches, lighting them, finding her smiling at him. Naked, and so fucking beautiful.

He walked back over to her and grabbed her hand, handed her one of the candles, and pulled her upstairs. Taking her candle from her, he set them both down on the dresser. He turned around, looking at her as she stood in the light of two small candles, her beauty magnified tenfold.

He walked up to her and kissed her, stroking her back, giving her the chills. The bed was cleared of all pillows and he laid her down, kissing his way down her body. She arched up into him and pulled at his hair, as he kissed her thighs, continuing down, worshiping her body.

“Mulder,” she moaned, her hands in his hair, holding him where she wanted him most. He kissed and licked, bringing her over the edge as she held his head tightly.

“I need you inside me, Mulder. Now.” She relaxed her tight hold on him and pulled him toward her, guiding him back to her mouth. She kissed him thoroughly as he slid inside her, and she gasped into his mouth. She gripped his ass and pulled him closer, locking her legs around him.

Slowly and almost rhythmically, they moved together, whispering the other’s name, sighing, and then crying out. Lying there after with the candle light flickering, he ran his fingers through her hair.

“I love you, Scully,” he said.  

“I love you too. Merry Christmas Eve, Mulder,” she whispered, falling asleep with her head on his shoulder, her arms around him.

Shaking his head, he saw the movie had ended and the credits began, before starting over once again. Mulder felt embarrassed that thoughts of Scully made him hard as a family movie was playing. He turned the television off and put his hand in his sweats, stroking himself, closing his eyes, and thinking of the taste of Scully’s skin.

He remembered waking up early on that Christmas morning, to her mouth around him. He groaned and put a hand on top of her head, running his fingers through her hair, and breathing her name. She looked up at him and he almost came at the sight. Smiling as well as she could around him, she continued with her task. She was so good at knowing exactly what he liked, taking him to the edge, before she straddled him, and rode him to orgasm.

Mulder moaned as he felt his release approaching. He thought of the feel of her around him as she came, the breathy way she said his name, and he came. He cried out, breathing hard, his sweats a mess, immediately feeling ashamed for what he had done.

He got off the couch, changed his pants, and washed his hands. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror again, he shook his head and made a decision. Leaving the bathroom, he walked up the stairs and stood in front of their bedroom door, his stomach churning.

Taking a breath, he opened the door and kept his mind on the task of getting the job done. He walked into the bathroom, filled the sink with water, rinsed his face, lathered on the shaving cream, and began to shave his face.

It took awhile, and when he was done, he almost did not recognize himself. How long had it been since he had seen his face clean and without all that hair? He was pale and now seemed even more so without the dark hair covering his face. But, he felt better, more like his old self. He took the razor and shaving cream and set them on the dresser. He took out some more clothes, long sleeved shirts specifically, picked up the other items, closed the bedroom door, and headed downstairs.

Setting the things down, he looked around the room, and then opened the front door and looked outside. He could smell snow, knowing it was coming. God, his face was cold without its healthy covering of hair. Turning back into the house, he decided to do something he had not done in a while, and go for a run.

He put on a long sleeved shirt, slipped on his running shoes and a beanie, stepped outside and stretched out on the porch. He started out slow, getting used to moving around again. It was cold out and his breath puffed out as he breathed. It felt good to be out, feeling his muscles waking up.

He ran to the left and past the house, down the road about three miles, before turning around and heading back home. It began to snow as he was halfway there. He stopped for a few minutes, closing his eyes as he raised his face to the sky, letting the cold flakes hit his naked face. He smiled as he opened his eyes and began to run again.

He turned up the driveway, his feet crunching up the road. On the porch, he paced and stretched as he cooled down. He felt good as he watched the snow falling, his breath returning to normal. Opening the front door, he toed off his shoes and took off his beanie. He stripped down and went into the bathroom to take a shower.

Ten minutes later he was dressed and in the kitchen looking for something to eat for a late lunch or early dinner. Mrs. Scully had not been over since last Wednesday, it being the holidays and all. Grabbing a can of soup from the cupboard, he reached for a pot to warm it up, when he heard a knock at the door.

He set the pot and soup down and walked to the door. Opening it, he found Mrs. Scully with her arms full of items. He reached for the little tree she was holding and she smiled. Snow covered her head and her jacket.

He turned inside and she followed him. “I was trying to beat the storm over, but it looks like I was a little late,” she said with a laugh.

He set the tree on the coffee table, it being rather small, and turned to look at her. She was setting down the gifts in her hands and then unbuttoning her coat, placing it on a dining room chair.

“It’s cold out. I was surprised to find it so ...” she was staring at him and he saw her eyes fill with tears, as she reached up to hold his clean shaven face.

“There you are,” she said softly, stroking his cheeks with her thumbs. She stepped back and smiled at him, moving her hands from his face. She blinked back her tears and wiped at her eyes, as she took a deep breath.

“There is, uh, Christmas dinner in the car. But put on a coat, it’s cold,” she said, clearing her throat.

He nodded and went to oblige, donning a coat as she asked. He took the basket out from the backseat and brought it inside, closing the door behind him. He shook his head and took off his coat before bringing the basket to the kitchen.

Mrs. Scully already set the table when he walked past her. “We will need to warm up what we want,” she said, joining him at the counter.

He took out the containers and she began to open them, setting the lids to the side. She took the plates from the table and loaded them up, warming them up one at a time in the microwave. He found a bottle of wine in the basket and opened it, pouring them each a glass, setting them on the table.

When the food was warm, they sat down and he looked at her. She reached for his hand and bowed her head. He held her hand and she prayed for their meal, squeezing his hand when she was done. They began to eat and she reached for her wine when he finally asked her what was on his mind.

“Mrs. Scully, what are you doing here? On Christmas Day?” he asked her, watching her face. She took a drink of wine and set her glass down, folding her hands in her lap.

“Bill, Tara, and the kids are visiting her parents this year, Charlie ... well, you know he’s not been back to visit for years,” she said, falling silent. She looked down before looking up at him again and giving him a brief smile. “Dana is working today and I decided to see if you wanted some company, seeing as we’re both alone.”

She smiled at him and picked up her fork, looking at him and then his plate, silently telling him to do the same. He smiled slightly and followed her lead, thinking of Scully working on a day she loved spending with family.

“She volunteered,” Mrs. Scully said softly, as if reading his mind. “Dana volunteered to work today so someone else could be home with their family.” She looked at him and he nodded.

“Sounds like Scully,” he said quietly. She nodded and touched his arm.

They ate the rest of the meal in silence, both of them with their own thoughts. When they were finished, they cleaned up together, putting the food into the fridge. He topped off their glasses of wine and they sat back down at the table.

“You brought gifts,” he said, not looking at her, not having anything for her.

“It’s Christmas, Fox. Of course I brought gifts,” she said matter of factly, causing him to look at her.

“I don’t have anything for you,” he said, keeping his eyes on her. “Scully ... she always bought the gifts ... and I ...”

“I can see you again, Fox,” she said with a smile. “That is gift enough for me.” He chuckled and she joined him.

“Well, if that seems like a good gift, hopefully this won’t be too much to handle. How good are you at cutting hair?” he asked her, smiling, as she had been after him for weeks to get a haircut.

She grinned at him, standing up to gather supplies. Soon, he had a towel draped over his shoulders, his hair dripping onto it, as Mrs. Scully combed and cut his hair.

“I used to cut the boys’ hair when they were younger, until they wanted a real haircut. I won’t lie, that day kind of broke my heart a little,” she said with a small laugh. “I understood, but still, it was painful for a mother to hear.”

“Was it Bill? You can tell me if it was,” he said, as she moved his head around. “Next time I see him, I’ll give him a punch and say you know what you did and he’ll know.”

“Fox,” she said sternly and then laughed. He smiled, his eyes closed as she snipped away.

She was done a short time later and he went in the bathroom to check it out. As with the shave, the haircut made him feel better and more like himself. He looked younger than he had in years and it felt good.

He walked back out and smiled at her. She smiled back and gestured to his gifts. He sat at the table with her and opened the first one, finding a long sleeved Knicks shirt and a beanie.

“This is great. I actually went out for a run today. The first time in a while, so these will be perfect,” he said, making her smile.

The second gift was one he would not have expected. It was an old push button wall phone. Yellowish beige with the old spiral cord. He looked at her and she raised her eyebrows.

“If you insist on living out here, with your cell phone not on right now, I’m going to insist you have a landline. In fact, you don’t really have a choice. I already had it activated. All you have to do is plug it in and hang up the phone,” she said. “The number is taped to the back of the phone.”

He stared at her and she stared back. He turned over the phone and looked down at it, the number indeed taped to it.

“I want to be able to reach you, Fox,” she said, quietly. “Emergencies on either end. That’s all, okay?”

He looked up at her again and nodded. “It’s a good idea,” he agreed, and stood up to see about mounting it to the kitchen wall. A few minutes time and it was done.

He lifted the receiver and heard the dial tone, a sound he had not heard in a while. He hung it up and turned back to her.

“Thank you for the gifts,” he said with a smile. She nodded and they sat back down, finishing the last bit of wine in their glasses.

They visited for an hour more. The snow continued to fall and the sun was beginning to set. Mulder insisted on driving Mrs. Scully home, despite her protests that spending money on a cab home for him was silly, and she would be fine. He would not hear it and finally she agreed.

Christmas music played on the radio as they drove back to her house. She spoke of a Christmas when Scully was little and had just learned the truth about Santa.

“Fox, she was so devastated,” Mrs. Scully said with a laugh and then a sigh. “She kept saying we had lied to her and it was wrong. I tried to explain it better, but she would not listen. Christmas Eve, I found her reading The Night Before Christmas to Charlie in his room. He asked how Santa was able to bring gifts to every child in the world and I was sure she would spill the beans. She didn’t though. She told him he had a magic sleigh that could go fast and a magic bag that would fill and refill as it was needed.”

She smiled and was quiet for a minute, music and the wipers the only sound in the car. He glanced at her, then kept an eye on the road.

“The next morning, there were of course gifts from Santa. Charlie kept exclaiming how Dana told him of the magic bag and how Santa could get to every house with his fast sleigh,” Mrs. Scully said, looking out the window. “Charlie never found out about Santa from Dana.”

Mulder was quiet, thinking about young Scully, how of course she would not ruin happiness for someone else. He gripped the steering wheel thinking of how she missed out, how they missed out on sharing their own Santa stories with William. Scully deserved so much better.

They were both silent after that story, arriving at her house not long after. He went inside to wait for the cab, still thinking of so many Christmas mornings of the past. Mrs. Scully came up to him and took his hand.

“I want you to have this, Fox,” she said, placing a key in his palm. “It’s a key to this house and I want you to have it with you always. Same as with the phone, I want you to have this in case of emergencies. Okay?” He held the key in his hand and nodded. She patted his hand and smiled.

A horn honked outside and he looked out the window seeing cab was there. He turned from the window and gave Mrs. Scully a hug and a kiss on the cheek, wished her merry Christmas, and then walked out the door.

The drive home was quiet and he was glad of it. The snow was beginning to really stick, so he was happy when they pulled up his driveway, allowing him to get inside where it was warm.

Seeing his gifts on the table, he remembered about the phone. He walked over to it and lifted the receiver, dialing Mrs. Scully. She answered in two rings, happy he was calling to tell her he was home. She thanked him, said merry Christmas again, and hung up.

He set the phone down and flopped down on the couch. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Taking the key to Mrs. Scully’s house out of his pocket, he stood up and added it to his key ring, hanging it up when he was done, and laying back down on the couch.

For a day that started out rather sad and lonely, it had turned out better than he could have hoped. Mrs. Scully was a godsend, always showing up when he needed her, somehow attuned to his need for company.

He needed to tell her how much it meant to him, he really did. He turned over on the couch and closed his eyes, crossing his arms. Next time she was there, he would tell her how much it meant to have her in his corner.

Next time, he thought before he drifted off to sleep.

[snowflake-of-destruction]

would you ever uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh write uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh monster scarf

Take what I wrote before getting distracted by something shiny. I’m not going to proofread it or attempt to remember how this came to be. Read more because 1) length 2) suggestive themes in one part. Warning: It’s dumb, but, I mean the whole premise is crack

It was all because of Roxas.

Those words were a perpetual reoccurrence in Axel's second life. The reasoning behind countless life decisions, good and bad, but predominantly the former since he couldn't bring himself to consider even the ones with heavy consequences if they involved the man that had breathed life and love back into his existence. In particularly romantic times, the fiery keyblade wielder would claim that it was because of Roxas that his lungs filled and emptied and he continued to exist, every exhale a tribute and whisper of the blonde's name. Such claims though were usually met with rolled eyes and uneven blotches of red that looked more like hives or fever than blushing and were all the more endearing for it, paired with a grumble that he shut up and stop being so cheesy from the object of his affection himself.

They were also paired with less life and death actions. It was all because of Roxas Axel got his head stuck in between the slots of the banister in Elsa's ice palace and had to be carved free and then wait for the remains to melt off him. It was all because of Roxas he had to keep buying new clothes, and not just because of tears and popped buttons that were casualties of overeager fingers but because ice cream once a day and sometimes more, replacing meals, was not something he could sustain and remain a rail now that he was fully human without the magic metabolism of a Nobody perpetually in his ideal state (Roxas had crowed that Axel may one day even have an actual ass to speak of, and after the redhead's subsequent, calculated pouting had been forced to show him how he appreciated what ass Axel did have now). It was all because of Roxas and his insistence on buying what was on sale, and that he knew best and paint always ended up more faded when applied to large areas than on paint chips that the walls of their apartment were such a very bright green that it scared Xion's dog, Dinah. Though it was Axel's fault partially for not questioning Roxas's knowledge when he knew full well that he'd once had to teach Roxas and Xion what paint was.

This time, it was all Roxas's fault that the scarf collection began.

What was Axel supposed to do but add a new ever present accessory to his wardrobe when Roxas ran over to a stall in the Agrabah market without even being summoned by the ever present yelling of one of the vendors trying to entice passersby and only managing to produce an intimidating cacophony of conflicting overzealous squawking that tended to repel Axel for one ( though he supposed it had to work on some people if they kept doing it) and ran back with a stretch of silken material in brilliant emerald interspersed with gold swoops and coils and clutches of blue and red flowers in busy bunches trailing through the air behind him like a banner?

"It's the color of your eyes!" Roxas had exclaimed in explanation, throwing the prize around Axel's neck, smiling brighter than the glaring sun, intensity enough to cast away every bit of grating sand and even more grating annoyance that Yensid had sent them to the desert world for the fourth time that month when he knew for a fact Sora and Kairi were both available but kept getting assigned new worlds, and keeping his hands twisted in the ends so he could use the scarf as a yoke to pull Axel's head down in order to kiss him without the need to stretch or press himself close enough enough that a simple kiss would lead to distracting thoughts and temptations not fit for a public marketplace.

Warmth settled in Axel's chest beyond even the usual warmed caramel slow melt that Roxas tended to inspire as the redhead reached up and pinched the water soft material of the scarf between two fingers and slid the calloused pads of his fingers along its coolness. "Thank you, I love it. I used to wear scarves a lot back in Radiant Garden before...." his smile turned sheepish and slightly pained in the way it still too often did when speaking even of happy memories from his first life as Lea. "Well, before." When Roxas let go, he looped the scarf a few more times around his neck, pulled to make the loops loose, and tucked the ends under. "Looks good," he said with far too much confidence for someone without a mirror and wearing a yellow and orange kurta and pants to blend in with the locals that didn't as much compliment the colors of the material circling his neck as directly contest them.

"You don't match," Roxas had done his part to inform him. The scarf would bring a pop of color to Axel's usual wardrobe of mostly black.

"I know," Axel seemed to relish the words, a smile crinkling the corners of eyes that lit in a way that Roxas could only compare to the times Axel greeted friends after long absences.

It became a self-perpetuating cycle. Axel would wear scarves because Roxas would buy them and look so immensely pleased with himself that his partner was surprised he didn't start humming. Roxas continued buying them because Axel looked at each one like it completed him.

Then it carried beyond that. Far beyond.

Roxas slacked to just taking pictures of interesting scarves he saw and sending them to Axel's gummi phone. Twilight Town hardly ever dipped below temperate, and even though many of the scarves Axel now owned were pure fashion statements, most were thicker and several of the infinity scarves were now part of woven together, braided scarf trios that increased their thickness as well as their propensity to clash hideously with whatever Axel wore, something he seemed to consider a bonus instead of a deterrent, ever the enigma, the man who considered walking outside without making sure his winged eyeliner was perfectly even a crime and was occasionally known to vainly fuss over his hair as if tending a firstborn child, but now took glee in mixing stripes with checks. Besides, Axel now owned scarves in the double digits. Roxas felt silly carrying on with impulse buying. They could be a fun fallback birthday or holiday gift now, but how many scarves did Axel really need?

The answer to the question Roxas luckily hadn't asked aloud was answered after he came home one night to see Axel cooking dinner with a scarf knitted to look like a giant strip of bacon that he hadn't seen before.

"New present from Namine?" After the artist had spent a month with Rapunzel, Eugene, and Cassandra (an event that caused the Guardians of Light to start taking bets on whether the handmaiden had influenced the length of her stay until Namine had upset all assumptions by announcing she was moving to Todayland and then proceeded to spam Kingstagram with pictures of her with Wilbur Robinson) she'd come back with several new talents she now was very likely to send examples to her friends. They'd already been sent matching knitted beanies in sea salt blue and a set of looped potholders.

"No, I've had this for a bit," Axel had answered vaguely, and Roxas had accepted it, easily distracted by the fact that the bacon scarf and a novelty apron with a racing ketchup and mustard bottle and the caption "I relish the fact that you mustard up the will to ketchup with me" was all Axel was wearing to cook dinner.

"Xion isn't home?" he asked unnecessarily.

One burnt dinner later, Roxas found himself with his wrists tied together with the bacon scarf, whining in protest as Axel pulled away and left him lying alone and terribly neglected on the bed, muttering under his breath about blindfolds as he searched through his top dresser drawer.

"Your scarves are hanging up in the closet. Remember? I got you that scarf rack to hang them all off of." It technically had been advertised as a hanging tie rack but a tie rack wasn't something they needed.

"Those are only some of the ones from you, a few everyday ones and ones I want to display," Axel tossed out casually like the sentence was perfectly normal as he slid open the second dresser drawer down--the one Roxas knew to skip over when he was putting away clothes after his turn doing laundry because Axel had started using it for overflow from the memory boxes of old papers, WINNER popsicle sticks, and the like he kept on the top shelf of the closet--only to have it explode with multicolored material that had apparently been shoved into every nook the dresser drawer had to offer, compressed until it became spring loaded. Axel did not appear to be bothered by the comical display. "My less important scarves are in here. Might need another drawer soon." It's said absently, the blissful unawareness of the hoarder who doesn't see a problem.

Roxas constricted the muscles of his stomach in an attempt to sit up without use of his arms or hands and turned toward his boyfriend, amused.  "You have been hiding scarves?"

"Not hiding," a slip of defensiveness entered Axel's voice. "The box in the guest room is just because I haven't gotten a chance to unpack the ones Isa sent from Radiant Garden yet."

"Your old scarves?" That changed things in Roxas's eyes. He wouldn't make fun of any attempt of Axel's to regain and reclaim a happier past.

"No, the Restoration Committee had a town garage sale as a community event. I told Isa to buy me any interesting pieces and send them with the next gummi ship. I think he threw in a couple he bought too." Axel faced the bed with a bright red woolen scarf with white reindeer and snowflakes in one hand and a flimsy thing with cherry blossoms that had probably started its life as a woman's shawl in the other. "Is the mood still on or do you want me to help you out of that knot?" He gestured toward Roxas's tied hands with a flick of the hand that sent a waterfall ripple down the cherry blossom scarf.

"Mood's a little off," Roxas wriggled his wrists to keep feeling in his hands. "But nothing that can't be reclaimed. One question first though. There's a whole box in the guest room....besides the drawer and the scarf rack?"

Axel shoved scarves back into the drawer by the handful, only keeping out a thin black and blue striped fuzzy cashmere. "Nobody's using the third bedroom since you moved into mine. I don't see a problem. I'll move the box in here."

"The problem isn't cluttering the bedroom," Roxas trailed off as Axel approached the bed.

"Then what's the problem? They make me happy."

"...Then I guess I'm happy."

The decision that there was no problem just added to it. Scarves no longer confined to hiding spots were now found draped over lamps like decoration, hanging from fan blades like streamers, discarded on chairs when ones that were worn were taken off under the excuse they were just forgotten when the truth, that space to put them away neatly was limited, was apparent. They multiplied as if breeding. Roxas feared he'd have to host an intervention. Xion, for her part, was ready to co-host, insisting that Axel's collection wasn't normal. "I have a seashell collection. It doesn't take over our whole apartment!"

Intervention proved not to be necessary though. Axel got the situation under control on his own, after a fashion at least. It started with losing control entirely, and before that, a trip to Monstropolis.

[And then Axel buys a scarf that turns out to be alive and have a mind of its own. Whoops. It plays nice and docile for awhile but then starts strangling him or jumps off his neck to strangle someone else when it becomes enraged seeing so many of its fellows lying “”dead”” around the Sea Salt Trio’s apartment. They would make quick work of the scarf but it has many, many places to hide in camouflage and proves able to swap its pattern with another scarf if it touches it. Thus the hunt begins. But who is hunting who? ] 

[hilllsnholland]

how about a tom x reader smut where he's just come home from filming and they couldn't contain themselves so they have to be quiet because his parents are downstairs...

I LOVE THIS CONCEPT! Sorry it took me so long to do I’m trash 

SMUT BELOW

____

     Tom pressed your body against the door, your hips pulled back and your face turned slightly to look back at him. His lips were attached to your neck and his hands were feeling your now naked body. So much for that beautiful sheer rose gold dress you bought, it was no discarded on his childhood bed and a possible tear in the zipper. 

“Baby, I’ve missed you so much.” His voice is raspy as his hands dip into your heat. 

   It had only been two months since the last time you saw each other. A long time apart but you made it through. Tom was filming and had just arrived home to spend time with you and his family before he leaves again. He had only been home for about ten minutes when he asked if you’d help him unpack. Yeah, unpack his dick alright. He didn’t hesitate once you entered his childhood bedroom, immediately taking off your clothes and stripping himself. You were full of lust and fear, his family was just downstairs and the walls were thin. 

“Are you gonna be a good girl and be quiet for me?” 

   You hummed a confirmation as he pressed his fingers deeper inside you. Small cries and moans left your mouth as he pumped slowly, stretching you little by little so you’d be ready for him. Tom was feeling animalistic, he wanted all of you to himself. He wanted to empty himself in you, or on you, whatever you agreed too. But he was a gentleman so he took his time. Not worrying about his family walking in because all he could think about was how sexy your voice was. 

“Tom, “ You whine as his thumb brushed past your clit 

“Sh, baby you don’t wanna get caught.” 

   You wanted him so badly. Every night you ached at the lack of his touch. You couldn’t make yourself feel the way Tom could. He had a magic touch that couldn’t be replicated. Screw the slow and steady. You wanted to be fucked until you saw stars. 

“But Tommy I want you to destroy me.” 

   Your words were strained but were just enough to push Tom over the edge. He placed a hand over your mouth as he began to pump in and out of you faster now. His thumb was now rubbing against your clit at an amazing speed, your screams becoming muffled under his hand. Tom pulled you back against him so you could feel his free cock rubbing against the soft skin of your backside. He dragged his fully erect cock on the roundness of your ass, letting precum string across the curve. There was a sudden noise coming from the hallway and the both of you stilled. Tom pulled his fingers out of you and spun you around so you were facing him, hand still placed over your mouth. “Be good darling.” He whispers as he slides into you. 

   The footsteps disappear, it was probably one of his brothers getting something out of their room. Tom waits for another second to move, your eyes are wide in anticipation because his cock is fully in you and just that was making your eyes roll into the back of your head. As soon as everything was silent, Tom began his ravage on your body. His hand still cupped your mouth as he rams his hips into yours while his mouth sucked on your bare chest. Almost pornographic noises were spilling from your lips but Tom had stopped them. Usually, he’d let them fall for hours, but his entire family didn’t need to hear that do they? 

   Tom evened the position by pressing you again the end of his dresser, slightly lifting your legs up so he could get a better angle. Now he was hitting you right where you needed it, your back arching and your words sputtering out by all he heard was muffled noise. Tom tried to hold out longer but two months takes a toll on him as he felt he was coming close. 

“Baby, show me where you want it.” He says in short huffs, trying to keep his voice steady and low so no one on the other side can hear him. 

   He takes his hand away from your mouth and you felt like you could breathe again. Not like you weren’t enjoying it but the flush of life came quickly.

“Tits. please.” 

   Tom was surprised, his eyebrow cocking up at your cheeky request. He loved when his pleasure covered your chest, his eyes love drunk as you took it so well. You wanted him so bad and you were feeling it okay? Tom continued his forceful thrusts while his mouth dipped to play with the buds of your breasts. Soft moans left your mouth that was now uncovered, his hands were too occupied with holding you as close as possible. You were getting close too finally, needing him to touch you more to get there. 

“Tommy,” You shakily moan “Clit…baby clit.” 

    Tom hears your words and snakes a hand around your waist, using his long fingers to drag over your clit in quick circles. After a few seconds of adjusting he finally got the right speed and you chasing your high. You started to pant louder, his name spilling out more and more as you got closer. The way you said his name, dragged out and whiny, and the way you clenched around him brought him to his finish. Tom pulled out and jacked himself to completion on your chest while his other hand kept pace on your clit. Tom unloaded himself on your perky tits, cum dripping down the valley. 

“Tom…Tommy…FUCK TOM.” 

   You finally screamed out, forgetting the house full of people right below you, as you finally came. Tom had forgotten too as he felt accomplished with making those orgasmic screams leave your lips. He leaned down and kissed the arousal that left your pink lips, patting your bum lightly as he got what he wanted. 

“Fuck baby girl, I missed you.” Tom sighs at your sweet taste and then pulls you back to standing. 

   Before you could respond there was a rush of footsteps up the stairs. Both of you went wide-eyed and scrambled to get your clothes back on. You took one of Tom’s old shirts and wiped your chest clean before pulling on your dress, which had a nice little tear on the back. Tom pulled on a white T-shirt and sweatpants that he deserted long ago, searching the room for any other signs of your escapades. The room reeked of sex and your bodies glowed from climaxing, whoever was gonna walk in was going to know something was up. Before you could open the window to let some fresh air in, Harry and Sam swung the door open. 

“Knock why don’t ya?” Tom sasses, trying to act casual. 

   Harry and Sam looked around the room, obviously hoping they’d catch you two in the act to make fun of you but there was nothing. 

“Dinners almost ready,” Sam says as he side-eyes the two of you. 

   They start to leave the room, both you and Tom sighing in relief at escaping their torments. Harry stops though and looks at you, shaking his head and putting his hand in front of his eyes. 

“Y/N, I advise you to look at yourself before you go downstairs.” 

   You squint at him, turning to look at Tom’s full-length mirror and almost screaming in shock. You completely forgot how sheer the dress was and your lack of undergarments had given the twins a free show. Tom’s eyes widen and he slams the door in their face. You gather your bra underwear and slip that was thrown into the corner of the room and sigh. 

“Well, fuck, I was hoping you’d be the only Holland to see me naked.” You sigh as you properly get dress. 

“Fucking same. Twats.”

[katarinahime]

Living Together

@sasuhinamonth

“I can’t believe you’re moving in together.” Sakura squealed, her body almost shaking with excitement, rattling the box she was carrying. She stepped in, looking up at the foyer of the house, like she had never been in there before (she had countless times), searching it with new eyes.

Hinata hid her blush by brushing her bangs away, looking down at the ground, holding the front door open for her friend. “I told you, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Not a big deal?” Sakura scoffed. “Not a big deal! Hinata!” She dropped the box she was carrying down onto the shoe rug with a loud thud.

[[MORE]]

Hinata’s heart dropped, quickly cataloging what could have been in that particular box and if it was breakable. Sakura had been more than helpful with packing and moving all of her things across town, so she really couldn’t complain. Her friend was just… excited.

“It’s such a big deal! How could you down play this? You’re MOVING IN to Sasuke freaking Uchiha’s house!” Sakura’s voice stretched thin near the end of her sentence, not taking a breather break.

“Um, yes. I am.” Hinata replied quietly, trying to pacify and validate Sakura, while simultaneously trying to tone her down. “But, I already stay here a lot...”

“Yeah, sure.” She physically waved her hand around a little, in dismissal. “But, moving in is different. It’s permanent. It’s,” Sakura paused, grabbing onto Hinata’s arm causing her to let go of her grip on the door, letting it shut behind them. Sakura’s green eyes widened. “Commitment.” She whispered the last word with reverence.

The door swung open, knocking Hinata in the back slightly. “Sorry, I was running late. Has Forehead stopped freaking out yet?” Ino strode through the front door, a cup holder with three white coffee cups in her hand.

Without knocking.

Which was normal in Hinata’s old apartment, but she was pretty sure that Sasuke himself would have different feelings on that matter entirely.

Living here would be different. Not just for her, but for her friends as well.

“I wouldn’t be freaking out so much if Hinata was freaking out more.” Sakura argued.

Hinata looked at Ino, lips pulled together in a quiet line, conveying with her eyes only her desperate call for help. Thankfully, Ino had always been basically a mind reader.

“Get moving Forehead. We have a car full of boxes and a cranky Uchiha who gets home at six. Let’s get his girl moved in before he gets home.” Ino snapped her fingers on her free hand, urging Sakura back to action.

“Are you feeling okay, you look a little stressed?” Ino cocked her head to the side, her long blonde bangs swishing around with the movement.

“No, I’m fine.” Hinata nodded, reaching down to pick up the box that Sakura discarded on the ground.

“Are you sure? Not anything you’re stressed about?” Ino smirked, raking her fingers through her bangs, looking past Hinata at the entry way mirror on the wall behind her.

“It’s not going to be a big deal.” Hinata coached herself, more than replied.

“Not a big deal that you have more clothes than a strip mall?” She blinked her blue eyes, waiting for Hinata to reply.

Hinata gulped down her impending fears. “It’s just so clothes. He can’t care that much.”

“He can’t care that much?” She scoffed. “The guy likes to label and color code everything.”

Hinata almost snorted, letting her nose wrinkle in a little smile. She reached up and moved one of the cardboard flaps to peak in on the contents. “He’s not that - particular.” She settled on that word, feeling it was the most favorable for Sasuke.

“Particular. You mean, anal.”

“No.” Hinata frowned.

“I swear the guy thinks his house is a freaking museum. ‘Don’t touch that.’ ‘You got finger prints on that.’” Ino narrowed her eyes, lowering her voice, shaking her head like Sasuke.

Hinata decided to ignore the impression entirely. Ino was nosey and grabby. Hinata found her friends quirks endearing, but Sasuke was not so inclined. She couldn’t really blame him. They weren’t his friends.

“He just doesn’t like his stuff bothered.

“Well, you don’t think he’s going to be bothered by stuffing all these clothes into his house?” Ino asked, narrowing her eyes.

That was the real question, wasn’t it. She’d been with Sasuke for awhile. Spent a lot of time with him at his house. But he’d never seen her clothing collection. Had no clue what he was coming home to, after work today.

“No.” She breathed, trying to pep herself back up. “Because he doesn’t think ‘I’m’ a bother.”

“Well, he fucking better not.”

Hinata smiled over to her best friend, before peaking into the box she was holding.

“Pig, you’re not even helping!” Sakura stormed back into the house, another box in hand. “You’re just staring at yourself in the mirror.”

Ino glances away from the mirror, glaring at Sakura. She plucked one of the three coffees from her paper carrier. “Pumpkin spice latte for you Hina.” She waited for Hinata to situate the box back down on the floor. “And a nosey bitch latte for you, Forehead.”

“Better be a skinny, no whip, nosey bitch latte.” Sakura sniffed, also setting down her box to accept the drink.

The girls stood in the entry way for awhile, drinking their coffee, taking it all in.

“So, this is where we’re going to have to come hang out with you.” Sakura frowned.

“Yeah, and when we wanna have boozy brunch, tight ass Uchiha is going to be hovering over us, making sure we don’t drop crumbs or something.” Ino lamented dramatically, swishing her pony tail around.

“He’s such a buzz kill.” Sakura agreed.

Hinata didn’t comment.

Especially because she could still distinctly remember their obsession with Sasuke, before he was her boyfriend. Sakura and Ino gushed for hours about the new hottie in Sakura’s department. Both girls trying endlessly to get his attention, with dresses, “accidental” meetings in the copy room, their offers of showing him around getting turned down.

He didn’t become the grumpy, stick in the mud until he was swept off the market by none other than Hinata herself.

She hadn’t even realized that Sasuke was the guy they were talking about. She accidentally ran into him at a lunch meeting with some higher ups, getting sat next to each other at the table. They made small talk near the end.

A couple days later she ran into him on her floor, and he causally asked her to lunch, at this salad bar restaurant a block away.

She thought it was really cute when he over loaded his salad with tomatoes and before she knew it, she said yes to a next lunch.

And another.

And then, suddenly, they were going on real dates.

By the time her friends found out, she really liked him. Felt like she could be serious about him. So she didn’t really feel like she could back off, even if they liked him first. She didn’t mean any hard feelings towards her friends or anything, she just -

Really really liked him.

He was analytical. Quiet. Observant. Thoughtful. He was really clean, she noticed the first time coming to his place. He was consistently praised at work and put in leadership positions. His work ethic and attention to detail gained him several promotions since she knew him.

Yes, he liked things a certain way.

No, he didn’t like loud, messy women.

Who were her friends.

But he made a point to be very respectful of Hinata’s friendships. Most of the time.

She heard the door click, but also saw both of her friends stop and turn, like dogs pointing. They might’ve said they didn’t have a crush on him anymore, but Hinata knew better. Not that her friends were ever disrespectful to Hinata, they’d never make a move on him.

But the tabs they kept on her boyfriend were bordering on more than just friendly.

He entered the bedroom, tall, straight backed. His relaxed face turned immediately into a frown upon noticing the other women his his bedroom.

Hinata stood up from the floor and her pile of clothes.

“How’s the unpacking going?” He questioned, surveying all of the still unpacked boxes.

He didn’t look at her as she hugged him, his eyes still on the partially unpacked piles on the floor as he kissed the top of her head.

“I thought you’d be done by now. We have dinner reservations.” He reminded her.

Ino and Sakura looked at each other silently before standing up and taking their leave, saying good bye.

The absence of her friends made her even more nervous. Not because she was afraid of Sasuke or anything like that. She would just now have to face the actual music. Explain. The truth.

“Um, I kind of ran out of space.” Hinata’s mouth ran dry.

“What? I gave you half the closet. And your own dresser? How could you run out of space?”

She bit her lip watching him glance around the room. He took a step over to her new dresser, opening up the top drawer.

The entire thing was filled with different kinds of underwear sets. Some lacey. Some frilly. Other comfy and cotton. All of them, folded and matched, crammed in. Dozens and dozens of pairs.

Sasuke stared at it blankly, before looking at her. Not questioning, but completely blank. Like he had absolutely no idea what to think.

Without another word, he shut the drawer, moving onto the next one with quick precision. He found it completely filled with night clothes. Each one, meticulously matched and folded as small as possible. The drawer still filled to the brim. There was no possible way to fit another pair of pajamas in there. Even pulling one out would tug out the others around it, which is exactly what Sasuke did.

He plucked out one of them, that was silk, but still more on the tame side. A petal pink, tank top and shorts set.

“I’ve never seen you wear this.” It was almost an accusation.

Like he was mad she never wore it? Well, they had spent the night together countless times before this. But he had never looked in her drawers or her closet before. Plus, she had so many pajamas, there were some in there she never wore.

He set the pair on top of the dresser, shutting the drawer and moving to the next one. Socks. Maybe fifty pairs of socks, all paired, folded and stuffed in. Wool, no shows, fuzzy. All kinds.

“This is absurd.”

Hinata wrung her fingers together, biting her lip. This was not going well. She didn’t know exactly how springing the news that she was a shopaholic to her boyfriend would go, but -

“I really like clothes.” She finally settled

for.

“You wear the same thing every day.” Sasuke rebutted. Clearly thrown with his findings.

That wasn’t exactly true. She would never wear the same thing every day that’s gross. But maybe she settled for a tame, classic outfit for work.

“They always look so cute one everyone on else. I see them on models, or Instagram, and then I order them. I don’t have credit card debt or anything like that.” She wanted to reassure him. “I love them. But then when I get them...”

How could she explain insecurities to someone like him. A man, first off, who could never understand the intricacies or nuances of being a woman. But a man like him, who was so sure of himself. Confident. Could pull off anything.

“It just never looks the same on me.”

“The closet is full too?” He double checked, looking at all the boxes still on the floor of his bedroom.

She nodded.

This isn’t how this was supposed to go. Moving in together was supposed to be a happy day. They were taking a major step in their relationship.

And she had been lying to him. Lying might’ve been a strong word. Having a lot of clothes didn’t change her as a person. As the person he was in love with.

But he did like things a certain way. Was very clean.

Maybe this is what would be their incompatibility? She desperately hoped not.

Sasuke walked into the closet, staring at her side. This was one of the first times he seemed off kilter. Bewildered.

“Dresses?” He blinked. “You don’t even wear dresses.”

“I still like them.” Just not on herself.

Sasuke reached up, and grabbed a dress off the hanger. It was simple, black, short with spaghetti straps. “You’ve worn this?”

...

More at:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13353220/1/

[erikismybitch]

Waiting In Vain : Chapter 13

Come Get to this .

Marley had just gotten home from a long shift at the bar . Her feet were killing her from walking back and forth on the hard floor all night . She threw her keys somewhere on the living room rug , along with her bag. Her superstitious mother told her to never put her purse on the floor, or she would be broke . So she kindly picked it up, even though she didn’t want to, and put it on the couch. By the time she reached her bathroom , she had already stripped down naked for the shower .

It felt so good , the water burned into her overworked muscles like a massage . She needed one of those , Marley had been working hard . And she hadn’t seen Erik in a while. He was away for work at first , in some place where phone service for foreigners was nonexistent . But whenever he got the chance , he’d call her . Only short conversations about their days, then he had to go. But he had been back for a few days . They just had two schedules that wouldnt permit them to be together.

Other than her long shift, Marley had a good day. In fact she had been having good days . She sat on her bed , dry from her towel but still slightly sticky warm from the water . The mango shea butter she applied all over her body gave her a glow . She laid there on her bed , with the slight lump of emotion in her throat .

The TV was on mute , something good was on but she couldn’t keep focus . Then, she started smiling out of nowhere , thinking about Erik . Just everything about him she liked . Even the way he coughed excited her . How he was so tough when he didn’t need to be , and how calm he was when he handled her .

Marley purposely laughed out loud to herself “Oh my god , you are tripping!” she tried to somehow convince herself that this kind of behavior wasn’t normal. But it was , especially when you liked somebody. Marley had liked Erik for a while, but this was different. It was below the surface of things , deeper . She thought about him all of the time, she wanted him all the time . Marley hated that feeling, she had that feeling long ago with Trey and it ended. Even though her relationship with Trey was good...until it wasn’t . But she knew Erik was not Trey and she didn’t like to compare the two . She also had to stop comparing herself to her cousin. Marleybhad to remember that Erik wanted to be with her, he said so himself . She turned the TV off . Then hit shuffle on her iPad that sat on her dresser . The Bluetooth was forever connected to her speaker , so it played.

Marvin Gaye - I Want You (Vocal)

Oldies always played through Marley’s speakers . Rather it be Soul, Dancehall or R&B . Sometimes she dabbled in New Age music , but nothing gave her good vibes the way the old songs did. Her mom used to tell people “Marley has an old soul”, whatever that may mean.

Melodies from the song sounded like love. Marley thought it was weird, but that was the only way to explain it . She had heard the song millions of times, this time wasn’t the same . The cords reminded her of him. Marvin Gaye’s aggressiveness reminded her of him. They way the song came together , the music was talking to her. Every lyric explaining exactly how she felt . She closed her eyes and stretched her toes to the rhythm . Envisioning a state where the words were her reality.

“I want you , the right way , I want you and I want you to want me to ...”

Marley turned over and grabbed her phone , she scrolled to their text thread and read the transcripts from the last couple of days . she wanted to tell Erik that she wanted him , just like the song said . But she thought it would be too forward , Erik was a little hard to read . She settled on something simple.

What are you doing.

Nothing was as simplistic at that. It’s funny , because Erik was thinking about her too . He was laying in the bed because he had an early morning that next day . The text woke him up . Even though he knew he needed sleep , he needed her too .

About to come over if you home .

The giddiness Marley felt when she saw the response. Erik watched the time , a quarter past twelve . She responded right away .

I’ll leave the door unlocked .

He wanted to tell her not to do that , because it wasn’t safe . Erik would loose his shit if something happened to her this early into things . Before he could have this new experience . He didn’t though , this overprotective-ness thing always went into overdrive when it came to Marley . He didn’t live that far from her and he drove like a bat out of hell . Nothing could happen to her in between time . Erik made sure to remind her to use the camera on the doorbell if she did leave it unlocked . He got dressed quickly , slipped on shoes and dashed for the door .

Marley heard him when he came in the apartment, in fact she saw him through the doorbell camera. Marley didn’t have to tell him to come back to her room , he was already there . Marley was cuddled against her biggest pillow . Dressed in nothing but a short white cami and white panties . Her scarf was hanging off of her head , Erik would probably make it fall off soon. Marley wasn’t extra, or even trying to be sexy . To him, she just was . And even if she did ... he’s be fine with that too.

“Hey” Marley’s sweet voice was like honey to a sore throat. He kicked off his shoes and threw down his hoodie. Erik then claimed his new spot beside her . She turned in a way so that they could face eachother. “You miss me?” She was only kidding with him. The apples of her cheeks rose to make her eyes chink .

“Yup”

Marley was overjoyed with effulgence , she didn’t expect him to say that. She thought maybe he’d joke with her too , but no .

“For real?” Her brow lifted in curiosity.

“I’m not about to say that shit again” Erik rolled his eyes like a brat.

Marley gave an airy laugh. Then “I missed you too” muttered carefully from her lips as her gaze set on his lips inching closer to hers . He kissed her first, nice and slow . When he pulled back you could hear the slight wet pop. His eyes were hazy, Erik smirked because hers were still closed and waiting for him to come back . So he did . Along with his wandering left hand that just had to grip the side of her jiggly ass .

Marley wrapped her leg around his waist to be closer to him, it excited her . He groaned against her lips , bewildered by her forward behavior. Even thought Erik knew she could never be as aggressive as him. He pushed her back down onto the mattress hard and broke the kiss. Marley bit on her lip, still tasting sweet traces of this man that infatuated her. The bottom of her cami rose up way above her belly , the bottom of her breast were peaking through. Erik gave a solid hit on her ass . Her giggles were muffled by the pillow she stuffed her face in.

“Stop being shy” his tone was calm , but his actions weren’t . He hit her again , she moaned this time . It hurt good.

“I’m not” her face still in the pillow .

“Look at me then” there was solemn in his voice so Marley showed him her face .

“It’s just...” she began to talk , but had gotten distracted by his chiseled arms. Her free hand ran up and down his arm a few times . He gloated .

“Nothin’ ”

“You good” He sealed with a smirk.

Erik lifted her cami and uncovered her body . He kissed the spot right above her belly button and bit lightly in between her breast. Her breast that bounced slightly each time he made a move . Erik liked that shit, he was a breast man. He claimed her nipples , squeezing both breast together like a two for one deal. He massaged them gently, then took turns on either one his mouth craved . Marley traced the back of his head with her fingers . She tried hard not to stuff her face back into her pillow .

Erik had decided that was enough , he’d get back to those later . He sat up in front of her , in that classic position with her laying on her back . He gazed at the radiant figure she had . Her curvy body that looked so strong and fertile . Like it could handle everything he wanted to give her , everything he was going to give her .

His shirt came off with ease . This was the first time she’d seen his body in a long time . Not in the dark kitchen of her old apartment, but in this luminous room. With soft lighting from the moon and her lemon scented candle . His muscles were everything to her , she knew he could probably bench press her weight with ease . Marley felt her little precious clit throbbing . He took grip at the rim of her panties . His touch alone made the hairs on the back of her arms stand up at attention . Her blood rushed to the center of her nub. “Omg” repeated over and over in her head .

Another body, number eight to be exact. But that shit was meaningless, especially if this was the man she’d be with forever .

Forever Marley ? Girl it’s too early ...

There wasn’t even a title between the two of them , and she was already having thoughts of forever .

Marley was delighted by the feeling of him slipping her panties down her leg . She was already so wet that her panties were slightly sticking to her . Marley eased up and let him pull them all the way off . She spread her legs in a wide V. Erik got off the bed , still in view between her legs, he slipped off his sweats and briefs.

Marley wanted to say something like

“Will this change us ?”

“Is this all you want?”

But instead of talking she brought his face down to hers and kissed him . Eriks hips retreated back , and forth as he found her entrance . His tip felt that warm slippery wet hole and he eased himself in, just a little bit .

Marley let out a short gasp , unprepared for his size . He expected that, that’s what all the girls did . A couple inches slid in and out at a steady pace , she stopped retracting and allowed him to do as he pleased . He kissed her neck to comfort her , she kept her hands on the back of his shoulder blades . When he felt her fingered grip become tighter , he knew he could give her more .

“Aight , Im finna’ put the whole thing in now” he told her casually, giving her another gentle kiss. Marley’s eyes spread in shock.

“Erik, it’s more?!” Marley panicked and rested on her elbows. She looked down at the act, in disbelief at how massive he was .Overwhelmed by the site of his huge dick stroking in and out of her . She coated all his inches , ten inches if she had to guess a number.

Erik was amused by her amusement. “You like watching my dick fuck you like this?” His voice was so raspy and full of lust. When she didn’t answer , he slammed into her hard , resulting in a huge slap . When he did it again her head flew black in bliss. He gave her another stroke, harder than before , the charge of pleasure that bolted threw her body made her fall back down on the bed.

“This the shit you like, huh?” He asked , but it was more of a statement by looking at her reaction . Her mouth drew wide open , Erik invaded her , reaching every spot that needed to be hit . Scratching every itch that had been yearning to be touched. Erik fucked her hard and steady , rhythmic almost . His ass muscles flexed at his technique. Marley felt like he had rehearsed exactly what to do to her body . Her lower lips were swelling on account of his body hitting hers so hard . His thick rod hit a nub of pleasure inside of her . It felt so fucking good that Marley finally let out a moan loud enough for him to notice. It came out so uncontroled, so honest that her body practically did it for her .

Erik thought it was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. It threw him off game , he’d heard the moans and screams from numerous women before her. But they didn’t sound like this. Not like Marley. They didn’t come from the girl that lit his fire quite like she did . He looked up at her , his face softened with tenderness. Clueless to her effect he made her moan again for him . It was more bewildering than the first .

“Shit, Marley...” he sucked in air and hissed. Erik needed to hear that sound again , and again and again . So he made sure that every stroke gave him that even exchange. Even when she shook or her breath hitched like she was losing it . He gave her all he had , long and hard .

Marleys eyes met his for the first time . Her exposed breast bounced to his cadence. Erik didn’t understand that in the midst of getting fucked , how did she manage to still look so angelic. Marley gripped the sheets and when that wasn’t enough , she gripped him. She wanted to bite him, slap him maybe for what he was doing to her . And when gripping him wasn’t enough , she tugged at his dreads . Without words she was telling him that she needed him, and he was doing everything right .

“Oh my god , Baby!” her voice croaked and almost broke him down . Erik slowed his pace , she let out a deep sigh of relief . It was quiet for a moment, but a nice type of quiet . Where all they could hear were sloshing sounds of his dick , filling her wetness . With hitched breath, Marley looked him and asked “What’s wrong you okay?”

She worried , noticing the shift in him . He just laughed to himself and nodded his head . He thought it was sweet that she was worried about him, when it was the total opposite. “Yeah I’m good . You good ?” He slipped out of her, gazing at just how well she glazed his entire dick . Not just some of it, the whole thing. Every girl couldn’t do that for him.

Marley pushed against him , feeling empty because she wanted him back inside of her. Her plee didn’t go unnoticed, Erik was just beginning . He lifted one of Marleys firm legs up and placed it on his shoulder . He positioned inbetwen them . This gave full access for him to get deeper. Her eyes shut slowly. No cautioning , he invaded her . Her bed , that had never made noise before was now squeaking loudly because of how forceful Erik fucked her . He held on to her thigh. She held on to nothing , whenever she tried to grab a hold of anything , Erik slapped her hands away . She held back her screams but it was apparent on her face what she wanted to do . Marley was afraid of the sound she would let out . It would be ugly, exactly how she heard her cousin scream all those nights . Even her headboard hit the wall , she prayed that her elderly neighbors wouldn’t be bothered .

Just when she felt like she couldn’t take him any longer , she quickly used her hands to push him away . She wasn’t fast enough , Erik caught her .

“Why you running from me huh?” he teased and came down to her , never letting up his strokes . The same pace , the same hardness . His free hand squeezed her cheeks together, making her lips pout out . Hungrily he licked on her lips like a mad man. And when she looked as if she was about to try and run again, his hand latched on to her neck. Marley could feel herself going over the edge as he choked her. Her walls clinched around his manhood. Marleys face scrunched , her nostrils flared . She was embarrassed at how hideous she knew she looked . To Eriks view , it was the sexist face she had ever made .

He let her ease back down “Where the fuck you goin Mar ?” he said gently, followed by a satisfying groan .

“No where” she told him. Marley wasn’t going anywhere

“You so beautiful, you know I got you now.... Right” Erik ran his face along the side of hers . The feeling of his facial hair brushing against her skin reminded her of how much of a man he was . How rugged he was . His dreads overtook his face and hid the tiny beads of sweat. She pulled them back so she could kiss him . She wanted him to say that again to her . He was making her feel safe with him.

“When you run, I’ll always catch you” The break was over, Erik started to slam into her again . “You got it?” Erik was so aggressive with her, because he meant it .

“Yesssssss! ” she cried out long and submissively while He continued to get that spot “I got it baby... okay!”

“Ain’t no running, you take this shit!”

Marley could no longer make out any words but that didn’t stop her yelling out . She called on god so loud , you would have thought he walked into the room.

Each time Erik came down inside of her, he’d seethe the words “Take it! ....Take it!... Take it!” Through clinched teeth. He looked at her face of bliss , it made his blood rush to the tip of his manhood. He could have fucked her all over this room , he could have flipped her in every kind of position. But with missionary , it was a different kind of intimacy. He could kiss her , look into her eyes and make that connection with her. And if he could make her cum like this , the possibilities were endless .

“Damn , you look so good when you take my dick”

Scooping strokes that make her body want to explode . “My legs are shaking baby !” Marley had made a mess , they were on top of the huge puddle she had made . “Yes Erik , Fuck!” She buried the side of her face into a pillow , her hips arched forward so hard that the covers went down with her . Erik could feel the sensation setting from his balls , and making its short journey through his dick . He was about to bust , and right before he slipped up, he pulled out . Casting his warm coating all over the inside of her thigh.

He flipped himself over and laid on his back . Marley stayed in the position . Her legs were wide open . She tugged at her nipples as a way of easing herself. Marley was bewildered at what had just taken place . Erik was good at everything. She gazed off through her slightly open curtains, thinking about how she couldn’t wait for him to leave , just so she could see him all over again when he came back.

“ I almost didn’t pull out” he said , as if it was nothing . Reality had set in, they had used no condom and Marley was not on the pill . She was playing with fire . Marley got out of the bed and walked to her bathroom. Careful not to drip over her floor .

Erik was still in her room when she came back . After a quick wash up she had walked back in covered by her robe. He was dressed and sitting on the bed facing door . Marley could clearly see that he was about to leave her in this late hour . She closed her door and put her back against it . Her crossed arms were much like an angry mom. He could have jetted off while she was in her bathroom, At least he had the decency to wait for her .

“Come here” Erik could tell Marley felt a way about him leaving . Slowly she walked towards him. Erik wrapped his arm around her waist and used his freehand to scroll his phone . He was noting the time “I work in a few hours”

“Fuck work” she giggled and straddled his lap, causing him to fall back on her mattress . Eriks hands palmed her ass, like a magnet . He wanted to stay there, but tonight was all bad.

“My job won’t have that, I can’t ”

“Stay, make me cum again. I liked that” Marley kissed his neck quickly like a chicken pecking for food.

“Nah, my round two always lasts a lot longer” With his strong arms he managed to push her off of him. Marley flopped on to her bed, only craving the feeling of him more than before . She groaned when she felt the weight of the bed shift . Erik had gotten up .

“Fineeee” Marley dragged like a kid who couldn’t get their way . Marley walked him to the door . They shared a kiss and Erik left . Marley stayed glued at door until she heard his loud engine start. She didn’t walk away until she heard it head down her street . Then , she grabbed a clean sheet set from her linen closet .

(Hope it’s not a lot of typos)

[solastia]

The Dragon’s Lair | 2

Chapters:  [ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Pairing: Dragon Hybrid Namjoon x Reader 

Word Count: 3,748

Genre & Warnings: Hybrid au. Fantasy themes. This will have a little bit of everything. Lots of fluff, some angst, perhaps eventual smut. Mentions of physical abuse and possible other trauma or emotional issues in the future. Brief mentions of death but no MCD. 

Notes: Trying to make up your own Dragon lore is a pain in the ass. 

You could hardly believe that it had only been a week since you’d met Namjoon and discovered a whole new world. The two of you had decided to wait until the weekend for him to move in, giving him time to wrap up his classes and say goodbye to his friends since he’d be away from the center for a while for a bonding period with you. It also gave you a chance to prepare your home, although you were still pretty confused about how the hell you were supposed to prepare for a Dragon. You’d settled on just making sure there were the basics in his room; bed, dresser, desk, and a laptop. You’d take him shopping for whatever else he wanted later. 

The two of you had also used this time to get to know each other a little more. You rushed over after finishing your work for the day, and you’d watch him teach a class. He taught literature and music production for fun, but helped with the classes that covered hybrid health and law as well. After his class, the two of you would hang out in the exotic wing’s playroom, watching movies or playing with the other hybrids, or go to his room where he showed you books he’d been reading or whatever shiny thing had caught his eye in the yard that day. He was such a beautiful old soul, and you gravitated towards him he was an oasis in the desert. 

The more you got to know Namjoon, the more excited you got about bringing him home and starting a life with him. He was smart and passionate, caring of his hybrid friends, so sweet and shy. Honestly, the more you thought about it, the crazier it was that he hadn’t been grabbed before this and was settling for someone like you. Not that you were willing to give him up. They’d have to fight you now. 

You’re practically skipping as you make your way into the now familiar lobby of The Fairy Pawmother, sharing a smile and a wave with the regular hybrids that hung around the area helping customers and potential adopters. Heechul is in his usual spot behind the front desk, smirking over your obvious excitement. 

“Either you’ve become a bunny hybrid, or it’s Saturday,” Heechul chuckled, pulling out Namjoon’s file. 

“Todays the day! Is everything ready? Did he change his mind?”

“Are you serious? That kid has been ready to go since six am. I had to force him to eat because he was too excited, and he’s been sitting on the couch with his bags for hours. I’m almost insulted he’s so ready to leave me.” 

You snort, accepting one of the papers he hands you to sign. 

“You know he’s going to be coming back to help with classes and to see his friends after the bonding period.” 

“Still not the same. Be good to my baby.” Heechul fakes a tear, and the two of you chuckle. “I’ll have someone load his things into your car for you. Let’s finish signing these and go get him before he comes barreling down the stairs and hurts himself.” 

Once the paperwork is all completed, he takes your arm to escort you to the exotics wing. You take the chance to ask him something that had been on your mind, but you hadn’t wanted to upset Namjoon by asking him. 

“Hey, so I was just wondering why Namjoon was here for so long? He’s so amazing, and I mean, I can’t possibly be the best person to come along.” 

“I don’t know about that, but he actually was adopted once, a long time ago. It’s all in the copy of his files that I’ll be giving you today. I believe he was...five? They brought him back when he was seven. I was really upset about that. I’d had this off feeling when they met, but Namjoon was so excited to have a home that I let it go.” 

“Seven? Poor thing. Did they say why?” 

“They couldn’t handle him, they said. Probably expected him to act like a dog hybrid when he’s a dragon. I assume you won’t make that mistake.” 

“I hope not. I’ve been trying to do research, but there’s not much out there about dragons besides that they like shiny things and dumb jokes about how humans are tasty with ketchup. There’s absolutely nothing about dragon hybrids.” 

“That’s because he’s been the only one in thousands of years.” 

That fact brought you up short and gave you a whole new set of worries. Mainly, that there was no way for you to ask others if you had problems. Except for Heechul, but he was overly fond of vague answers. You’d have to rely on Namjoon being honest and open about his needs. So far nothing hinted that this would be too hard, but it was still worrisome. 

There was also the fact that this meant he was completely alone and had no one that really understood him as a dragon hybrid. He had his other exotic friends, and they could relate on some levels, but as far as being a dragon he had only himself. 

“Wait, if he’s the only one in thousands of years, how was he born?” 

“Just caught that did you? It’s all a bit complicated for the mortal mind, honestly. Let’s just say that there are souls out there deserving of a good life, some that have been here before, and not all of them are human. They are granted a chance to be reborn and adapt to be more accepted into the current world.” 

“So he was reincarnated? But where are his parents?” 

“Oh, that’s basically me. Namjoon came to me as a lovely gold and silver egg.”

“An egg. He was freaking hatched?” 

“Well, he is a dragon, remember?” 

“So someone just put a shiny egg on your doorstep, and you let it hatch?” 

“It was more like it shimmered into existence in the nest I have set up in my room for such things.” 

“Right. Shimmered. Got it.” 

You didn’t get it. 

Heechul patted you on the head, and you could practically hear the There, there, you dumb human.

“Namjoon’s great, though.” Heechul continued. “Very smart, I’m sure you’ve noticed. He likes to talk things through, so he’ll probably let you know what you need to know. I think the thing those people had a problem with the most was the hoarding.” 

“I saw stuff about dragon hoards, but I didn’t realize he’d do that too.” 

“Oh yeah, although Namjoon is easy. His current obsession is those Ryan teddy bear dolls. Last count there were at least sixty-three of them covering his bed, and he slept in them like a nest. Frankly, it's adorable. He still has the urge for all things shiny, but I think Namjoon is the sort of dragon whose hoard will end up being more...sentimental.” 

You recalled seeing a few of them in his room before, not nearly the amount Heechul had described though. He must have started packing them away the moment you’d met. 

You finally reached the floor where the exotic rooms were kept, making your way towards the now familiar room at the end of the hall. 

You peek into the room with a grin. “Hey, you.”  

Namjoon was sitting on his twin sized bed, that was now stripped bare, kicking his legs back and forth with a large gold velvet bag sitting next to him. His eyes shoot to meet yours, jaw dropping in shock before melting into the sunniest smile. He was absolutely beaming as he jumped up and hugged you, practically crushing your smaller frame to his. 

“You came! I...wasn't sure. I hoped, but...thank you.” 

You pulled back, patting his cheek gently. “Of course I came. You’re stuck with me now, buddy. Sorry.” 

“I’ll try to live with that,” he giggles, lowering his head shyly. 

“All ready to go?” you ask, taking a moment to scan the room. It seemed he’d done an excellent job of clearing everything from his room, except for whatever was in the giant Christmasy looking bag. 

“Yeah. Just this. I, uh, didn’t want anyone taking my Ryans down. I wanted to take them myself. Do you have room for them still?” 

“Yeah! Of course. Heechul told me how much to expect, so there should be plenty of room in the back seat, and you’ll still be able to keep an eye on the bag from the passenger side. Is that alright?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry for being a bother.” 

“Hey, you’re not. It’s really fine, Namjoon. Honestly, I get it. I have an Avengers collection at home, and I would probably have a panic attack over anyone else trying to move it.” 

Namjoon chuckles, nodding in understanding. “I didn’t know you liked those types of movies. Who is your favorite Avenger?”

“James Barnes.” 

“Does he count as an Avenger? Wasn’t he a bad guy? I know they tried to fix him up before he fought in the last one, but does that make him an Avenger?” 

“Are we about to have our first fight? I will fight you over Bucky,” you smirk up at him as he grabs his giant bag of plushies. 

Namjoon’s stunning amber eyes glint with undisguised amusement. “Duly noted. Bucky is an Avenger. I know how to pick my battles.” 

“Good boy.” 

Namjoon’s cheeks flush at the words, and you hope that wasn’t too far. You were just teasing, but it could be taken either good or bad. You settle for clearing your throat with a small smile and letting Heechul chat with Namjoon as he guides you both back to the lobby. 

Heechul and Namjoon discuss the lesson plan Namjoon had prepared for the classes in his absence. You allow them their time as you all wander through the halls, using the time to build a mental list of things that Namjoon might need. 

You’re startled out of your thoughts when fingers softly touch yours, and you glance up to see Namjoon has moved the bag to hang off of one shoulder, leaving one hand free and was tentatively trying to hold yours. You smile reassuringly and pull him a little closer, lacing your fingers together firmly. 

Heechul walks with the two of you all the way to your car, opening the door for Namjoon to gently secure his collection in the back. 

“Well, I’ll see you in a month, Namjoon. I wish you the best of luck. You know where to find me if you need me, but somehow I’m sure you won’t.” Heechul pulls him in for a quick hug, and no one acknowledged that the man’s eyes looked suspiciously watery. 

You both got in the car and waved to Heechul one last time, clasping your hands back together as you drove off. 

“Let’s go home.” 

You pull up to your house about a half hour later, watching Namjoon inspect it out of the corner of your eye. You can’t help smiling to yourself over the fact that he could barely hold himself still. He was practically bouncing in his seat as he looked at every bit of the outside he could see. 

“Here we are. I know it doesn’t seem like my style, but my Grandparents built this place, and it didn’t feel right to repaint or anything,” you explain as you both grab a couple boxes and his bag of plushies and lead him up the grey bricked path to the buttercream yellow and ivory painted farmhouse. 

“This place is huge,” Namjoon wide eyes travel over every bit of the house and the land around it. “You didn’t tell me you lived on a farm.” 

You chuckle, using your knee to balance the boxes on while you unlock the beautifully carved oak and glass windowed front door. 

“It’s not really a farm anymore. They sold off the big chunks of land years ago when it became apparent there was only me to inherit, and I am no farmer. I’m already struggling enough trying to keep Grandma’s flowers and kitchen garden alive. We just have a little barn and some penned up areas in case I ever want to get, I dunno, goats or something. There is the big forest behind our house past the pool; that’s technically mine. Not much I can do with it, but I didn’t want to sell it off and have some corporate assholes come in and build a carwash behind me or something. I used to go exploring in it as a kid and pretend I was Snow White.” 

“Why Snow White?” 

“Oh, because there were a few squirrels and a couple of deer that got used to me and would let me pet them or give them treats. So, to a little girl, that means I’m obviously Snow White.” 

Namjoon laughs and follows you into the house, and you lead him up the steps to the room that sits next to yours. You set the boxes down near the massive king sized bed and gesture grandly around the room. 

“Here are your quarters, sir.” 

Namjoon quirks an eyebrow as he sets his things down, shaking his head. 

“Yeah, you’re right. That was cheesy as fuck,” you giggle. “Anyway, it’s nothing special right now. I wanted you to be able to pick what you wanted, so I just got the basics. We can go to a home goods place to pick out everything else you’ll need. Bookcase, blankets, bathroom goods, all that.” 

“It’s so big!” Namjoon wandered around, poking his head into the closet and the bathroom. 

“You’re kind of a big guy, so,” you chuckle, watching him plop on the bed and bounce as he smiles up at you. “I gave you the biggest room available, besides mine. I’m right next door. There are three other rooms if you wanted to choose a different one.” 

Namjoon shook his head. “No, this one is great. Big and bright. More than I thought I’d ever get. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” you blush as soon as the words leave your mouth. You hadn’t meant to say it, but your head to mouth filter always seemed to malfunction around Namjoon. 

He didn’t seem to find anything amiss with it though since he continued playing on the mattress. You clear your throat and walk back towards the door. 

“So, I’ll leave you to unpack your things and make a list of what else you’ll need. Don’t worry about cost or anything; it’s best if we just take care of the big stuff now so you’re comfortable.  Forgive my ignorance, but will we need to go by a hybrid store for unscented things? I know the other hybrids are into scent marking their stuff but is that important for you too?” 

Namjoon rubs the back of his neck. “Uh, yeah. That would be nice. I can get pretty territorial. Um, but not in a bad way! Don’t worry. I just...need to protect my den?” 

“It’s cool. I understand that you don’t exactly have a guide and you get by instinctually, so whatever makes you feel comfortable and fulfills whatever urges you get, we’ll do. As long as it’s not like, burning the mailman. Let’s avoid that. He brings me cookies every Christmas.” 

Namjoon chuckles silently, shoulders bouncing as he shakes his head. “Got it. No crisping the mailman.” 

“So you really shoot flames?” You raise your eyebrows in surprise, having expected for at least that to not be a real thing.

“Sort of? It’s not like, dragons in the movies kind of flames, or all the time. Twice a year, in the spring and late summer, I run even hotter than usual. Like, so hot that the first time it happened, I thought I was dying. And I get really protective of my hoard and can get a little aggressive? I don’t really mean it, it’s just the hormones and stuff.” He glances up at you like he’s begging you to understand, and you have a feeling this is a sore spot for him.

You nod and pet his shoulder a bit to let him know you understood and didn’t blame him. He seemed to get the hint and relaxed his shoulders, continuing his story.

“Anyway, one year we had a new hybrid in the center, and he heard me shouting and came to check on me. I guess no one warned him not to. And in my hormone driven mind, he was coming after my hoard, so I screamed at him. I could feel my throat expand and my mouth suddenly tasted weird as something coated the inside like mucus. And then, to everyone’s surprise, I shot what was basically a fireball at him. Singed off his eyebrow, but he thought it was so cool we became friends. Jackson is awesome. I can’t wait for you to meet him.” 

“Sure. You know, that sounds kinda like your..heat season? I don’t know what it would be called for you.” 

“Me either. Heat or rut is a dog and cat thing. Everything online is just for snakes and stuff, and they just call it mating season. Heechul hyung calls it a rut to make it easy for everyone, so we can just keep calling it that I guess.” 

“Okay, I guess we’ll...discuss that stuff more later. We have a few months before Spring,” you try to hide your blush as you realize you’re going to have to figure out arrangements for that. You’ll have time to ask Heechul, you suppose. 

“Anyway, make your list, and we’ll go get you taken care of.” 

“Thank you, Y/N.” 

You nod and smile softly at him, leaving him to settle in. 

Many hours later, you both get home exhausted and ready for bed after such a long day. You’d bought him everything his eyes landed on just a little too long. Among the many items that you’d purchased, he now had a beautiful royal blue and silver bedding set, everything he could possibly need for his bathroom, and a new Ryan plushie that you’d insisted on buying him. He’d maintained he didn’t need it, but you’d seen the way he clutched it tightly to him and narrowed his gaze on anyone that got too close to it. 

There was still plenty more he’d need, but the big stuff like the bookcases would be delivered, and there was plenty of time to get whatever else he needed later. 

You help him make the bed after washing the new set and stand back to fondly observe as he adds his Ryans one by one with painstaking care. The newest one you’d bought him seems to have a place of honor next to his pillow. 

“I’ll leave you to your rest. I’m beat. Night, Joonie. I’m so happy you’re finally here,” you say softly, reaching up to peck his flushed cheek before you head to your own room. 

You’d finally started to drift off a bit when you heard your door creak, and a light tap sounded in the silence. 

“Y/N, I’m sorry, but are you awake?” 

“’S’matter Namjoon?” you slur, struggling to come back to awareness. 

“Um...it’s just. I can’t sleep? I’ve tried so hard but...”

You sit up slowly, rubbing your eyes a bit. “Oh, yeah. New environment. That happened when I went to summer camp a few times. Couldn’t sleep well for the first three days. Uh, if you’d be comfortable with it, you’re free to sleep here.” 

You hear a shuffling sound coming closer in the darkness. 

“Are you sure? It’s not weird? I just...have this urge like somethings missing in my hoard and I know there’s not.” 

“Maybe I should try sleeping in there then, so you’re not away from it?” 

“Would you?” Namjoon’s nearly breathless excitement at the suggestion settled that. You hummed sleepily as you got up and waved around for his hand in the darkness. He saw better in the dark, you guessed, because he latched on easily and gently dragged you to his room. 

He flipped down the blankets and helped you get under them, arranging his plushies so they wouldn’t be in your way but still close. He snuggled in when he was done, inhaling loudly before releasing a pleased sigh. 

“You can cuddle if you need to. It’s cold in here, and you feel like a damn furnace,” you mumble into the pillow as you settle in. 

He wraps his arm around you slowly, like he’s worried you’ll change your mind. Eventually, he relaxes, and you find yourself completely wrapped in his long limbs. You giggle when you hear his pleased rumbling. 

“Better?” 

“This is perfect. The weird tickle I get when something is wrong with my hoard is gone.” 

“Does that mean I’m part of it now? Not sure how I feel being compared to a Ryan doll.” 

Namjoon huffs a laugh against your hair. 

“Would it bother you if you were a part of it? It seems kind of possessive, I guess. I don’t want to scare you off already.” 

“No. Its...kinda nice, actually.” 

Namjoon rumbles again, the vibrations strangely calming as you burrow close to his chest. Your last thought is that if you had to belong to anyone, you were glad it was him.

[t-i-n-y-d-i-n-o]

Run Pt. 12

I’m sorry this took so long, I lost inspiration for it. Im thinking there will only be 1-2 more parts for it as well.

Warnings: smut, swearing, comforting Shawn.

I hope you enjoy this piece ~T-Rex💕🦖

~Pt. 12~

~1 week later~

“What if you just don’t go for a morning run?” You ask as you straddle Shawn’s lower stomach, smiling softly.

“How am I supposed to keep my body if I don’t go for a run?” He questions raising his eyebrows slightly as he looks up at you. A little grin toying at his mouth as he sees the way your hair falls in your pony tail, his shirt pooling on your body.

“But I want to cuddle...and maybe make out a little bit.” He laughs loudly as he looks up at you, resting his large palms on your thighs.

“Well then come here.” He murmurs pulling you down and kissing you. Holding the back of your neck, his other hand coming up to hold your hip. Thumbing your soft cotton boy shorts, your core coming back to rub against his tip in his briefs.

“You just wanna make out?” Shawn asks against your mouth. Groaning softly as you rock back against him, smiling softly as you bite down on his plump lower lip.

“Maybe do a little more?” You say quietly, he nods a bit and pulls you closer.

“Ride my face?”

“You’re a fiend for that.” You laugh, sitting up to pull your shirt off.

“No no...wanna try something new...ride my face while you suck my cock.” He tells you, cheeks flushed a pretty pink color.

“Oh...oh.” You mutter, blushing slightly and nodding your head shyly. He drags his hands up your sides to cup your bare breasts. Rubbing his thumbs over your nipples gently, getting them to harden before he’s pulling you down into him.

Mouth latching onto your breast and sucking slowly while he pinches the free one. Your fingers tangle in his hair while you moan softly, grinding your hips down into his.

“Fuck I’m so hard.” He pants softly against your skin, groaning in his throat.

“Please...want your cock in my mouth.” You murmur, nose scrunching as you hold onto his messy curls. Shawn moans softly and nods his head, helping you sit up so you can slide your panties down. His boxers following yours to the end of the bed, before he’s helping you move around.

You feel your stomach tense as you see how hard he really it. Tip swollen and red, precum beading in the slit. He pulls your hips back into him, a soft moan coming from his mouth. You slowly lick a strip up his length, feeling him reciprocate by licking a strip up your core.

Before he’s using his fingers to pull your lips apart, pressing his tongue against your opening. You gasp quietly, curling your hand around his length. Stroking him as you wrap your lips around the head. Sucking slowly and using your tongue to draw a little pattern on him.

“Fuck...feels so good.” He groans behind you, thumb coming down to rub circles around your clit. Tongue going back to working your entrance, slipping just the tip inside before pulling back out to circle around you.

You whimper softly, pushing your hips back a bit, before going lower on his length. You feel his hand moving before a finger is slowly pressed into you. His mouth moving down to latch onto your clit, you pull off of him with a gasp.

“You’re gonna play dirty eh?” You ask breathless as he flicks the tip of his tongue over your clit. Your head falls to the side as you moan his name quietly. Hips pushing back into him before you’re wrapping your mouth back around him. Hollowing your cheeks and taking him deeper, using your hand to stroke what you can’t fit.

“Baby just like that.” Shawn groans behind you, hips bumping up towards your face. His tip hitting the back of your throat causing you to gag. Pulling off of him you focus on his tip, tears collecting in your waterline. As he goes back to sucking on your clit, adding in a second finger and crooning them into your g-spot. Pulling off of him you let out a little cry, hand continuing to move on him.

“S Shawn I’m gonna cum, please don’t stop.” You gasp, feeling your stomach clenching again. Nose scrunching up as he continues his pace, pressing his fingers just a little deeper.

His length twitches in your hand, causing you to wrap your lips back around him. Half heartedly sucking him off as you start hurdling towards your release. You cry out, eyes squeezing shut again as you start to orgasm. Walls clenching as your mouth falls slack around his length.

“R ride my cock baby...fuck wanna watch your ass bounce.” You pull off of him to nod, letting him almost man handle you into the position he wants you in. Your back facing him as he lays back on the bed better.

He holds his length for you to sink down on. Moans ripping from both of your throats, your hands meeting his thick thighs. Balancing yourself before starting to rock your hips against his. His hands holding your waist as he moans below you.

“Always feel so good filling me up Shawn.” You tell him, sitting up straighter to look back at him. Seeing the way his cheeks have deepened into a rosy hue.

Curls having fallen onto his forehead, chest glistening with sweat. You bring your hands up to cup your breasts, pinching at your nipples gently. Your walls squeezing around him, causing his hips to buck up.

“Fuck baby...I’m not gonna last. Oh fuck.” The older gasps, hands gripping onto you tighter. You moan quietly, eyes shutting as he uses his heels to lift his hips up for you. His tip hitting your g-spot, causing little black dots to appear in your vision.

“Touch yourself...wanna feel you cum around me.” Shawn says from behind you, you turn your head again to look at him. Blown chocolate eyes meeting yours, before you’re biting your lip. Bringing your left hand down to rub your clit in time with his thrusts.

“Jesus Christ Shawn...feels so goddamn good.” You tell him, jaw dropping slightly as your stomach tenses again. He groans softly as he watches your bum hit his pelvic bone again. The skin jiggling a little bit, causing his own stomach to tighten.

“I’m gonna cum...fuck I’m gonna cum.” He pants out, you lift your hips letting his length slip out of you. Your hand coming down to stroke him quickly.

Thumb running over his tip, causing his hips to push up. A loud moan coming from him as he starts to release. Globs falling down your hand and dripping down his length. You ride him through it before letting go, collapsing next to him.

“Was that as much fun as your run?” You ask him, panting softly as you look at him. He laughs breathlessly and looks over at you.

“Kiss me.”

“Wow, what a nice way of telling me to.” He pulls you over, efficiently cutting you off with his mouth on yours. You break apart, both going to clean up, you washing your hands while he wipes himself down.

“Fuck, you never came again.”

“Get me later...I just wanna cuddle with my boy.” He smiles softly and leans down to kiss you, following you to the bedroom. You stop at the dresser, pulling on a pair of your panties. Grabbing one of his shirts while he slides his briefs on. Looking over at him to see the muscles under his skin flexing.

Both of you crawling under the sheets and cuddling together. The sounds of the beach outside coming in through the open windows. Your head resting on his chest as his arm wraps around your waist. Your fingers gently playing with the hair spread across his skin.

“I love you.”

“I love you too baby.” You hum quietly and let sleep over take you, body relaxing into his.

~few hours later~

You wake up with a sudden jolt, eyes popping open as you look up at your boyfriend. You slowly slip out of his hold, just wanting to check around the bungalow. Rubbing a hand across your eyes you head out of the bedroom. Trudging through the house, getting to the four seasons room.

Gasping softly as you see light almost white blond hair, and broad shoulders. Your heart beginning to thud as you look at the tailored suit. His hands on his hips, gold watch glinting in the light from the setting sun.

“D dad?” You ask quietly, eyes wide as you look at him. He turns around, one eyebrow raised and an angry scowl on his lips.

“Y/N what the fuck is going on here?” Markus asks looking at you, eyes grazing over your attire.

“And where the fuck is Shawn?”

“H he is sleeping.” You breath, suddenly feeling very self conscious as you remember your clothing options.

“Is he...are you having sex with your body guard?!” The tall man blows up, hands being throw in the air.

“Dad stop! Dad he loves me and I love him!” You say trying to control his anger, not wanting to wake your sleeping boyfriend upstairs.

“You are a child, you don’t know what love is. He is a 24 year old man, you are a 19 year old girl Y/N.”

“I’m 20...since you forgot, again. I turned 20 and I’m old enough to know what love is. If I’m old enough to know to keep my head low and run at the first sign of danger then I am damn well old enough to know what love is.” You say, crossing your arms over your chest. Anger and frustration bubbling up in your stomach.

“You are coming home, forget about him! It was a mistake to send you with him, Jesus Christ you were completely off the grid for almost seven weeks!” Markus yells, face turning red in fury as he looks at you.

Shawn jolts slightly in bed, hearing a clatter from somewhere in the house followed by your voice. Unintelligible words that he can’t make out but doesn’t care to even try. Springing up and grabbing a shirt before running for you. His heart pounding as he almost trips while coming down the hallway.

“Y/N! Where are you?!” He yells stopping once he gets to the four seasons room. Seeing Markus only a few feet from you while you seem to be standing your ground. He hurries to your side, back to the angry mob boss.

“Are you okay? What happened?” He whispers cupping your face, seeing the tears in your eyes.

“I’m fine, nothing happened. He is leaving.” You say looking around Shawn at your father.

“I am not going anywhere, unless you are coming with me.” He replies shortly, you let out a little humorless laugh.

“I’m not going anywhere with you. In my entire 20 years of life, Shawn has shown me more love than you ever have. He makes me feel like something more than a damn pawn in your stupid ass game. I am over being a ‘mob boss’s daughter’ I am over having to constantly run. I want to be able to settle, I want to be able to go to college like a normal young adult. I want to be normal.” You say, the tears finally starting to run down your face. You quickly wipe your cheeks, taking a deep breath and steeling yourself.

“I am not leaving Shawn and you can’t make me. The door is that way, if you can’t handle being a civil human being then you can leave.” You state before heading back into the house, the hiccuping cries starting up as soon as you’re far enough away.

Shawn watching you go, his heart breaking at the pain in your voice. Before he slowly turns to look at Markus, seeing the unreadable expression on his face.

“How long has this been going on?”

“A while now...but not before we ran.” The bodyguard responds, slowly standing to his full height.

“Do you love my daughter?”

“With all of my heart sir.” Markus looks at him with cold, unreadable blue eyes.

“Are you going to protect her no matter the cost.”

“I am willing to put my life down for her’s.” Shawn states without missing a beat, taking a deep breath. Markus nods slowly, looking down at the Italian leather of his shoes.

“Where are you two going after this?”

“Back to a small town, nobody knows us there.” The curly haired boy says, watching the mob boss move closer.

“If anything happens to my daughter...I will have you killed faster than you can say her name. Do you understand me?”

“Yes sir.” Your father reaches into his pocket, pulling out a slick black wallet.

“It’s linked to a Cayman’s account, nobody will be able to track you.” He hands over the plastic card, before walking out of the house.

“Oh and Mendes?” The tall boy turns around to look at the older man.

“You have my blessing.” Shawn feels his heart drop slightly, stomach following. Before he can say anything Markus is gone. The boy looks down at the card, heading into the house and tossing the Visa card on the table.

“Baby? Baby where are you?” Shawn asks as he comes to the bedroom.

“Oh sweetheart.” He whispers seeing you sobbing into your pillow. He crawls up the bed by you, laying down and crossing his arm over your lower spine. The older stays quiet as you slowly calm down, hiccuping sounds coming from you.

“W why does he have to do that? Every time something is going good. He comes in and ruins it.” You murmur turning your head to look at him, he wipes his thumb down your cheek. His heart breaking slightly as he looks at you, just wanting to take away all of your pain.

“Because he loves you and wants the best for you like any over protective father.” He responds, you roll to lay on your back.

“Markus has never been my father, he has just been the man in the big office with a lot of money.” You mumble, rubbing a hand down your face and taking a deep breath.

“When Markus hired me he told me to protect you at all costs. And the way he spoke of you...baby, that is the kind of way a father talks about his daughter. He loves you so so much Y/N he’s just bad at showing it in front of you.” Shawn says softly as he kisses your cheek, letting you lay on his chest.

“You really came running in to save the day in just your underwear and a t-shirt? No gun?” You tease softly, he chuckles quietly and runs his fingers down your spine.

“I had to get to you fast, wasn’t really thinking about clothes or my gun.” He replies, smiling softly as he looks down at you.

“I love you Shawn.”

“I love you too Y/N.” You lean up and kiss him softly, smiling against his mouth. Both of you relaxing back into the sheets, taking in everything that happened in just the last few hours.

TAGLIST

@planstonightbaby @lavieenbananabread @begginyouformendes @shawnm521 @esoltis280 @nervousaroundmendes @rosecth @sinfulshawn

[winmance]

Trust in me - Chapter 8

Jared used to live in a huge house. It was the kind of house that you would see in the movies, with your classic American white-picket fence, and flower beds near the porch, each more beautiful than the last. It had two bathrooms, four bedrooms, and a recreational room. It was the type of home that always had warm cookies, ready to be served, a constant warm vanilla scent wafting through the air.

Now he owns a tiny room below a strip club. One where he performs every once in a while when he needs cash, he lets old men rub their hands - and sometimes other… parts - on him. There are no flowers there, no sun, and all you could smell was dirt, sweat, and sperm. Yet, he’s happier in that seedy little room than he has been at his so-called ‘home.’

Jensen’s apartment isn’t as big as his house was, but it isn’t as small as his apartment either. It's just the right amount of space that someone would need to function properly, with room to spare. There are two rooms, a bathroom with a tub, a living room and a kitchen. Once they got there, Jensen told him that he could eat whatever he wanted, he wonders if that included beer too.

“There’s a tv here. I don’t watch it often, but feel free to use it,” Jensen said, showing him the remote control next to the tv.

He doesn’t know why Jensen is showing him all of this, but he doesn’t ask. Usually, his clients are very direct about what they want. Sometimes they want to be tied up on a bed for hours, sometimes they want to tie him up. They might want to be used or to use him. There’s no place for discussion when he does this, it doesn’t matter if he wants or doesn’t want it. He’s there to satisfy them, to let them forget their shitty lives for a while and get them to feel good, whether he wants it or not.

He doesn’t know what Jensen wants, doesn’t know why he asked him to come to his apartment - he doesn’t know why he agreed.

Actually, he knew why he agreed - because getting fucked in a bed is far more comfortable than suffering in the cold street.

“Do you want something to drink?” Jensen offered

“Can I have a beer?” He asked hopefully.

“Orange juice or water?”

“Orange juice,” He grumbled jokingly.

Jensen smirked before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving Jared alone in the living room. There are a few boxes on the floors with the initials ‘JA’ written on them. Maybe Jensen moved in recently? But he glanced to the right and saw a bunch of pictures standing on coffee tables, dressers, etc. and he sees that the calendar on the wall is open on september 2017, even though it’s actually september of 2018, which means that Jensen has been here for at least a year.

Maybe he was moving out? He wondered, Jensen isn’t happy here - that fact is obvious. Jared sees lots of sad men in his life, whether it was because they felt trapped by working at home, or from being lonely, none of them had looked as sad as Jensen does. On second thought, sad wasn’t the right word for it, more like… disappointed - as if you were to go somewhere expecting to have fun but end up wanting to go home after a few minutes. That’s what Jenssen looked like - like someone who really wanted to go home.

He wondered briefly if Jensen would agree to just drop him off somewhere along the road. He needs to leave town and never come back. He doesn't think Jensen would agree though, he’s lucky that Jensen had offered him a place to stay in the first place.

“Here you go,” Jensen said, giving Jared his drink.

“Thanks,” He says quietly.

They stand awkwardly in front of each other, neither of them knowing what to say or do. Jared’s body is screaming for him to sit down, but he doesn’t want to piss Jensen off. He knows far too well what it feels like to piss off a client, and he had already had enough pain for one night. Jensen isn’t a client, but Jared isn’t a fool - when someone offers you a place to stay for the night they expect more from you than for you to just sleep.

Any other time he would’ve jumped at the occasion, Jensen is hot - hotter than most of his clients. Even though he seems intimidating and unkind he was nice enough to buy him food and allegedly invited him into his home. He couldn’t remember the last time someone let him order whatever he wanted without expecting at least a blowjob after.

But all he wants to do tonight is lay down and sleep for two days straight. He only hopes that Jensen wouldn’t ask him for anything he couldn’t do properly. He’d do whatever Jensen wanted him to do, but his lips and mouth were all ut ruined at the moment and he couldn’t even get on all fours, his legs were too battered and ached in pain. His mind was foggy and he felt as if he was gonna faint at any moment. He’s scared of what his reaction would be once they were laying in bed naked together. He knows how he could react, had suffered from it before, but he couldn't afford it tonight.

Maybe he could just lay down and let Jensen fuck him? God he hoped so.

“You wanna take a shower? Get clean and everything?”

He shivers happily with the thought of a hot shower. He’d been on the street almost all day, and he couldn’t think of anything better than feeling warm again.

“Yeah, please, that would be great,” Jared said with a small smile

Jared attempted to walk towards the bathroom but his knees buckled and the ground came rushing up. Just when he thought he would hit the floor a pair of strong arms caught him around his waist.

“Thanks,” Jared said breathlessly.

‘Don’t worry about it,” Jensen said with a smile.

Jensen helped him to the bathroom, giving him a towel and showing him where the soap is.

“Is it okay if i come in to drop off some clothes while you shower?” Jensen asked, hesitant.

He doesn’t know what kind of clothes Jensen is talking about. What was Jensen’s kink? Was it panties? Latex? He once had a client who’d asked him to dress as a bear. He’s pretty sure Jensen isn’t into that kind of thing, but he knows better than to judge a book by its cover.

Either way, he couldn’t care less if Jensen was coming into the room or not.

“It’s your home so feel free to do what you want,” Jared said, note of confusion clear in his tone.

Jensen frowned as if he wanted to correct Jared, but he doesn’t, choosing instead to show him how the shower works.

“Do you need help getting undressed?” Jensen asked.

“Dunno. You wanna help me?” He asked in a sweet voice.

“No,” Jensen said, visibly upset, “Guess you can do it on your own then.” With that, Jensen walks out of the room, leaving Jared alone again.

Jared’s throat tightens and he could feel his stomach twisting weirdly. Jensen’s stare was full of disgust, as if Jared was so ugly that he couldn’t even look at him. It’s not the first time Jensen had looked at him that way, and that’s why he thought Jensen wouldn’t even try to do anything with him. Who would want to have sex with someone who disgusts them.

He tries to get undressed as best as he can - he probably could’ve used Jensen’s help but he had to fuck it up. The feeling of the clothes scraping against his abused skin sent waves of pain through him.

He steps into the shower and turns the water on, it turning brown from the dirt and blood that caked his body. It felt good, so good that he decided to wash his hair, hoping that Jensen didn’t plan on going anywhere near it.

The soap on his skin doesn’t feel as good as the water and he hisses from the sting of it. The nurse at the police station took good care of him, but she didn’t take care of all of his injuries. Slowly, he dragged his fingers closer to his ass, trying to push the blood away. The man had just shoved something into his ass - Jared still isn’t sure what it was - and it pretty much destroyed him.

The first touch of his finger to his rim makes his whole body freeze, the pain unbearable. He pushed through it and kept going, he could still hear the man behind him, feel his hot breath, and could feel his disgusting body against his - he doesn’t want to remember, he wants to push the memories as far as his mind would allow him to, and to bury it, never needing to think about it again.

He wants to forget, but all he succeeds in doing is letting out a loud, ugly cry that he quickly tries to stifle by shoving a fist into his mouth to bite back the sobs. But it was too late, Jensen had heard.

Jensen knocked slightly on the door.

“Jared? You okay? Can I come in to drop off some clothes?” Jensen asked.

“S-sure,” Jared says stuttering as he hides behind the thickly fogged glass.

Jensen opens the door and sets down the clothes before quietly shutting the door again.

He waits a couple minutes, letting his body and mind calm down before continuing his inspection. He sighs in relief when he doesn't find any evidence of tearing. It's just blood from cuts on his ass and maybe his rim. Good, he’ll be able to satisfy Jensen.

Once he’s sure he’s all clean and open, he steps out of the shower and starts drying himself.

He frowns when he sees the clothes. Jensen must have made a mistake, and he’s almost tempted to go out and find him. He doesn’t, though. Sometimes, people have weird fantasies and it’s his duty not to say anything about it.

He struggles to pull on the grey joggers and the Led Zeppelin shirt that was two sizes too big for him and hung of his frame, exposing the bruises on his right shoulder - which he unsuccessfully tried to hide. The clothes are warm and comfy, the warmth giving him the feeling as if he were on the receiving end of a full-body hug. He let himself enjoy it, taking in Jensen’s musky scent. There’s also a pair of socks waiting for him, which he pulls on rapidly before heading to the living room.

“Jensen?”

“Oh, hey,” Jensen said from the kitchen, “Uh, I didn’t know what you could eat because of your throat - not that I mean - I just - nevermind. I made chicken soup. Is that ok?”

“Y-Yeah, it’s great!” Jared said nervously.

“Cool. Sit on the couch, I’m almost done.”

Jared does as he was told, waiting patiently for Jensen to finish. He has no idea what Jensen’s kink is - does he want to have sex with Jared with his clothes on? He doesn’t seem to be narcissistic, but then again, you never know. Even if that was the case though, what’s up with the soup?

It’s weird - none of his clients had ever taken care of him - everything was so odd. What if Jensen had a baby kink? One of his coworkers, Nina, told him that a man had once asked her to wear diapers and to act like a baby. The best part was that it wasn’t sexual but the downside was that it was fucking creepy as hell. He likes to call his clients daddy and for them to call him baby, but acting like an actual baby? Yeh, that’s definitely not his thing.

But he will play his part if that’s what Jensen really wants. He can’t go back to his apartment anymore and he’s far too tired to go back onto the streets. He’s too scared to, although he’d never say it outloud. His apartment used to be his happy place, now - now, well it’s just another bad memory. Another place where he was abused.

“Here,” Jensen said, handing Jared a bowl of soup before sitting on the armchair next to the couch.

“Careful, it’s a bit hot. I don’t cook very often, but I hope it’s still good.”

“I’m sure it is” Jared said, trying to reassure him.

Jensen had a bowl too, as well as his beer and Jared really, really wished that babies were allowed to drink beer to. Would he be allowed if he put it into a baby bottle?

“Fine. But only one swallow,” Jensen orders, giving his beer to Jared.

He closes his eyes in pleasure as the cool liquid flows down his throat, he almost moans from the euphoric feeling. The beer tastes good, and makes him feel a bit fuzzy, which makes the pain more tolerable and the memories less coherent.

“You up for a movie? Maybe it could, you know, change your mind and everything?” Jensen asked.

“Yeah, that would be great!” He answers back nervously.

Jensen turns on the tv and starts pressing almost every button, causing Jared to be a little perplexed.

After almost ten minutes Jensen had finally succeeded in what he had wanted to do - if the smile on his face was anything to go by.

The ‘NETFLIX’ logo appeared on-screen and Jared watched as Jensen put in the passowrd. Apparently, they’re using Derek’s profile, and Jared gave Jensen a funny look.

“Yeah, I’m not paying for that shit. Derek gave me his password.”

“That’s nice.”

“He’s a nice guy.”

Jensen’s voice has an underlying condescending tone. Jared’s reaction was flushing red, cheeks burning while he remembered how much of a bitch he was to Jensen’s friend. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do - he wouldn’t apologize for it. Actually, maybe he should, he isn’t sure. Does Jensen want him to apologize? He’d gladly do it if it means that Jensen would let him stay the night. He doesn’t know if that man is still looking for him, but just the thought of leaving the apartment sent shivers down his spine.

“Are you cold? I can give you a blanket if you want.” Jensen said, noticing his shiver.

Jared doesn’t have time to answer before Jensen throws a blanket over him. He seems really stressed out and awkward. Jared doesn’t say anything and just accepts the warmth.

Tags : @emmalh2001 @captainsteelandsunshine @servilesammy @mereka18 @jareddbootylecki

[surrounded-by-superheroes]

The Soldier and the Assistant Ch. 4

Click here for chapter three!

Summary; You run into a mysterious stranger on the street while running late for work and spill coffee all over yourself in the process. Later, you find out the man was none other than James Buchanan Barnes and your company is about to write a story about him. The thing is, he’ll only talk to you. As you get to know one another, you both start realizing this relationship is a little more than work. Will both of you let the romance bloom? Or kill it before it starts?

A/N; Bucky and Steve crack me up and I never get enough of their bullshit. Amen.

Warnings; Language.

Tags; @farfromjustordinary @ria132love @karlilarki

Words; 2,595

Chapter Four

Change of Plans

*Bucky’s POV*

“What the fuck would you have me do, Steve? I wasn’t going to let her cry alone in her apartment, still terrified.” I justify my reasons for bringing you here as you sleep soundlessly on the couch. Steve rolls his eyes and rubs his temple.

“For the last time, I’m not upset you brought her here. Just surprised. Stop trying to convince yourself you need a reason to feel like protecting her, jackass.” Steve snaps back, an entertained smirk on his face. After sighing, I remain silent as we stand across from your sleeping form. I’d brought you up and in Steve and I’s apartment and sat us both on the couch. You’d told me the whole story in a calm, distant voice then proceeded to realize you’d left the coffee I got you at work. Honestly, you seemed more upset about that than about Jim, but that’s most likely the shock. Afterwards, you calmed down and fell slowly asleep in my arms. Steve finally got here and that’s when I laid you down and told him what happened. Now, the both of us are just standing across the room from you lying on our lumpy tan couch. Steve’s hands are in his pockets, most likely missing the perch his suit’s belt usually provides, while my arms are crossed across my chest.

“I’m not sure what to do.” I admit uneasily. “She can’t go back there and work for that asshole again.” That’s one thing that absolutely cannot happen. Steve nods along with my words.

“Agreed, but her future is up to her. We don’t know if she’ll want to press charges or just quit and be done with everything.” Steve says, ever the reason to my insanity. I frown at the thought of Jim walking free and briefly think of holding a gun to his head, but dismiss the thought. I’m in enough trouble and I’d rather not get Steve blamed for anything else, or you. “I’ll call Natasha. See what she can find on this Jim guy. Maybe there are other people willing to speak up. I doubt this is the first time it’s happened.” Steve claps a hand on my shoulder and I nod at him once before he heads to his room to make the call. My place is in here, watching over you. Suddenly, your legs crumple into your body and you frown. As quietly as I can, I walk over and grab the blue blanket off the back of the couch, laying it over your body and tucking it under your feet. The frown disappears and I find myself smiling down at you. That’s when I decide that if you don’t wake up I’m not taking you home. Sleep is a precious peace and I refuse to disturb yours after a day like today. Carefully, I reach down and brush my lips across your forehead.

“What are you doing to me?” I question you and tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. Almost imperceptibly, you smile.

*Reader’s POV*

Waking up is fucking hell most days, but today especially. My eyes are still covered in makeup and now are crusty from sleep and tears. My mouth tastes weird and dry from the lack of, well, any drinks yesterday and my body is still cramped inside my pencil dress. I wipe the crust out of my eyes without a care to what I look like; I’m sure I already look like shit. Finally, I break the film and open my eyes to reveal an unfamiliar bedroom. Looking down, I see navy sheets and comforter covering me in a pale-yellow room. Some paint is chipping off the walls, but everything else in the room is pristine. The bed is in the center and is flanked by two small, white tables. Straight across is a honey-colored dresser and on the wall to my left is the doorway to a bathroom in the corner, another door on the wall that meets it. Symmetry. The setup is definitely a soldier’s room, but the accents are not. It isn’t hard to guess that this is Bucky’s room, especially since I can smell him in here. Bar soap, spice, and something bitter like gasoline or oil.

There are pictures placed on the dresser and both bedside tables. Mostly of Bucky and Steve, but a couple of just places. Drowsily, I climb out of bed and wander around to get a better look at the pictures. All are black and white with the exception of one, but I love seeing Bucky in uniform. The one on his right nightstand, most likely closest to him when he falls asleep, is a colored picture in a white frame. He was clearly coerced into frame, judging by how he’s angled and Steve’s arm drawing him in by the neck like a noose. They’re both grinning even though Bucky is in the middle of an eyeroll and it makes me smile. Straightening up from my crouching position, I glance at the walls of the room. What I love most is that most of the walls are covered in drawings and writing. Carefully, I let my fingers trace the fine script on one of the thin pieces of paper. I’d have never guessed Bucky’s handwriting to be so fine. Feeling a little more awake, I head to the bathroom and find a little pile of clothes with a note.

“For you. Figured being in these would be more comfortable than a dress. Soap’s in the shower and you’re more than welcome to it. Bucky.” I read the words aloud, feeling the soft fabric of his sweatshirt and sweatpants under the paper. “Sweet.” I murmur and glance up at the mirror, nearly shouting when I see how bad I look. My hair is a mess, my makeup is slathered over my face, and my dress is askew. Immediately, I shut the bathroom door and strip. I let the water be freezing to wake me up and do my best to get all the stuff off my face. After giggling a little at Bucky’s old spice shower stuff, I use a little and rinse fast. I’m in and out in less than ten minutes, then walk out in fifteen wearing Bucky’s big clothes.

The note he left me is folded up in my dress that I take out with me. I open the door and wince a little at the bright light. Bucky keeps his own room dark. Then, the smells and sounds start hitting me. Bacon overpowers everything else and I can hear it sizzling. My eyes find the source of the sound to my right, in a small kitchen. Bucky stands there in sweatpants and a loose T, poking the bacon with a fork in his right hand. There’s no Steve in sight, but it may be too early for him. I have no clue what time it is. All of a sudden, I feel extremely embarrassed. One bad day and you call a stranger to pick you up, spend the night at his place, and sleep in his bed. God. Even so, I set my dress beside my purse at the door and walk over to Bucky.

“Morning.” I bid him quietly, my voice still a little croaky from sleep. Bucky’s head snaps up at the sound of my voice and he turns to look at me with a comforting smile on his face.

“Afternoon.” He corrects and points at the clock on the oven. My eyes shut as I sigh, a headache already on it’s way. “Here.” I open my eyes to find Bucky gesturing to a small breakfast table for two. Smiling thankfully, I sit down where he tells me.

“Uh, so listen, I’m really sorry about all this.” I tell him sheepishly as he returns with Motrin and coffee. “Thank you. Anyways, I’m really thankful for everything you’ve done for me, when you really don’t know me and others would’ve just kicked me out.” I continue as he now brings me eggs and bacon on a plate with a fork. “Are you listening to me?”

“Yes, I’m listening. You’re just being ridiculous. I’m not going to throw a crying girl out on her ass, no matter who she is. What would the reporters say?” He teases and the discomfort in my chest evaporates.

“You know what, I really don’t feel bad anymore.” I quip and he smiles lopsidedly. “Thank you for breakfast and coffee, you’ll make a fine husband one day.” I tease right back as I fold my legs under me, getting comfortable. His eyebrows shoot up as he sits across from me with the same breakfast, but he says nothing about my comment.

“You’re welcome.” He responds softly as I take my meds with my coffee. The taste is perfect, somehow, and breakfast is delicious. “Now, it may be too early for you to talk about this, but I wanted to ask you what you’re planning to do. About Jim.” Bucky asks and his voice is careful, not knowing my mind on the subject yet. My eyes shut a moment and I pause to collect my thoughts.

“Ugh, right. Well, obviously I’m going to press charges against the son of a bitch, come what may. I’m out of a job pretty much either way. Especially since I’m not going in today and there’s no way I’m calling.” I explain my plans, then look back up at Bucky. Those blue eyes are striking and shining with pride as he looks at me. The look cements the plan even more in my mind; if he’s looking at me like that, then I must’ve made the right choice.

“Sounds good to me.” He agrees and I can’t help but smile at his handsome face. “Hopefully you won’t mind, but you actually won’t have to do that. Steve’s already taken care of it.” Bucky reveals and starts eating his breakfast as I stop in shock.

“What? How?” I ask instantly, flabbergasted.

“Well, Steve called Natasha to dig up what she could on Jim. He could’ve had his own cemetery with the amount of skeletons in his closet. Natasha rallied them and was there when Jim was arrested.” Bucky allows a chuckle to slip from his pretty lips. “She was ecstatic at the opportunity.” He tells me and my mind reels with the addition of such new information.

“So…he’s gone? That’s it?” I ask him, still trying to wrap my mind around it. Bucky nods, his face quizzical at my not understanding.

“Yes. He’ll be in prison before the year’s end if Natasha gets her way, which, she always does.” He reports, eyes scanning me for what I’m thinking. After a few moments of silence, he gets up and kneels beside me. “It’s over, doll. I…apologize if this isn’t the way you wanted it done, but the bastard didn’t deserve to breathe any more free air.” He tells me, those eyes burning into mine as always. I shake my head, reaching out and messing up his hair lightheartedly. His grins, although it is a lonely grin.

“No, I’m not upset. I’m only surprised.” I tell him sincerely, then smirk. “You’re ruining your reputation for being bitter, Bucky.” His grin reappears as I tease him, and we both stay there for a moment. With our eyes connected and my hand still in his hair, the air around us seems to charge with heat and electricity.

“And whose fault is that?” He whispers gruffly and I see his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows. My hand falls from his hair to his jaw and I smile slightly when I rub my thumb over his scruffy cheek.

“You know, you look lonely sometimes. When you smile.” I tell him in a sadder tone, letting my hand drop to my lap. “When you allow yourself to smile.” I continue.

“Do I?” Bucky asks and fleetingly I think his ankles must hurt from crouching for so long.

“Yes.” I tell him simply, my eyes fluttering from his eyes to his lips, then back again.

“I don’t feel lonely when you’re around, doll.” Shock courses through me, but he doesn’t give me a chance to respond. “Damn. I sound like an idiot.” He mumbles and stands. I catch his hand before he walks away and he looks back at me, his eyes swimming in vulnerability.

“I already know you’re an idiot.” I tease and get a laugh out of him, then a happier smile.

“You’re still a smartass. Eat your breakfast.” He tells me and takes his own plate away, rinsing it and putting it in the dishwasher while I finish my food in silence. Once I’m done I follow his lead, which coerces another smile from his lips. “How about this, you think I’m lonely, so why not spend the day with me?” He asks and I notice he seems to force the words from his mouth, or perhaps they were so eager he couldn’t hold them in anymore. Either way, they bring an amused smile to my face.

“You make it sound like a chore, Bucky.” I tell him honestly before continuing, “of course I wouldn’t mind. Do you have any plans?” At that, a mischevious smile overtakes Bucky’s face.

“Yes, actually. I do. I want you to write that article.” Bucky says firmly, steel and determination written all over his face. My eyes widen at the prospect.

“Bucky, you’re aware that I don’t have my own private printing press, right?” I ask, gesticulating dangerously with my fork still in my hand. Bucky leans over, takes the fork, puts it in the dishwasher, then nods.

“Yes, thank you. I want you to write it anyways. Think about it.” He tells me as I heave myself up on the counter while he washes dishes. The corner of his mouth twitches at the action. “What paper, magazine, whatever, isn’t going to hire the author of that article? An article about the world’s most wanted assassin?” He continues dryly and I snort.

“Right, the fluffy assassin that just made me breakfast and let me stay at his place.” I find it more important to address what he thinks of himself first, instead of his offer. Bucky smirks and shrugs.

“Maybe don’t include that.” He suggests and I nod with a silly grin. “But, what do you think of writing the article?” Bucky stays on course, drying his hands on his shirt. I tap a nail on the counter while I consider him and his kind offer.

“Why? Why are you doing this?” I ask seriously, losing the levity for a moment. Bucky sighs and runs his hands through his hair while he thinks.

“I like you. You’re different and seem like you deserve a chance. You certainly deserve a hell of a lot more than the treatment you’ve had so far.” He growls and I hop off my perch and stand a little less than a foot in front of him. The irony of is words aren’t lost on me, but I choose not to point it out.

“That isn’t an answer, Bucky Barnes.” I remind him and he rolls his eyes. “But anyways, I like you too. I’d be happy to do the article.” I relent and pat his arm, then head to my purse. After grabbing my notebook and pencil, I sit back down at the breakfast table. “Ready?” Sighing in resignation, Bucky comes over and sets a cup of coffee down in front of me.

“Born ready.”

[rohitkkumar]

WTC final Is Virat Kohli battling worrying form in Tests? Numbers suggest so

I had a great apartment in Somerville, just outside of Boston. It was the second floor of a two family with two bedrooms, decent living room and kitchen, a full bath, off-street parking and a porch overlooking a small park. The rent was steep and I didn’t want to move, so I put an ad on Craig’s list. A lot of replies I discounted because they had pets, were smokers or just sounded way too weird. I was about to give up when I saw Megan’s response. I never considered a female roomie, but wasn’t opposed to it either.

I set up a time for her to come and see the place. She was prompt and I opened the door to see a tall, beautiful red-head. I’m six-four and she was only a couple inches shorter. She had shoulder length wavy hair, a trim figure and a great smile.

She said her roomie was getting married and would be taking over the whole apartment where they lived. She worked as a nurse in Boston and my location would be an easy commute.

I showed her around, collected a couple references and told her I’d call her. Her references were all positive, so I called her and told her I’d be looking forward to her as my new roomie.

I had some misgivings sharing with a girl. I always had guy roomies. I wondered if it would be awkward. What if I brought a girl home? I laughed and said slim chance of that with my recent dating history. What if she brought guys home? Well, I wasn’t her father, so what the hell.

Megan moved in the first weekend in May. She didn’t have much to bring. Her old roomie and her fiancé carted in a twin bed, beat up dresser, one bean bag chair, boxes of books and clothes. They got her settled and left. Megan spent the rest of the day settling in.

Around six I offered to get some pizza and beer and she readily accepted. Later as we sat in the living room we began to fill each other in on backgrounds. I’m a writer and she looked dubious. I assured her it’s a regular job with a paycheck. I work for a high tech firm writing manuals, spec sheets, a newsletter and other stuff. She’s an ER nurse and said she had strange hours. She might work three twelve hour shifts in a row and then be off for three or four days.

Megan was easy to talk to and easy to look at. I hoped I could adjust to having a beautiful woman living in my apartment.

We settled into a simple routine. I was usually up and out by 7:30. On the days Megan worked, she had to be at the hospital by 7:00, so we didn’t see too much of each other. On her days off, we usually had dinner together and started becoming good friends.

Living with a woman caused some adjustments. I was pretty much a boxers or less around the house guy. Often, I wouldn’t wear anything to go to the bathroom for a shower and I never wore clothes to bed. Now, I started wearing shorts and a t-shirt and being discreet about closing the bathroom door and other things so as not to seem like a jerk.

After about a month, the weather turned warm. The apartment had no air conditioning, so we tried to keep cool by a couple window fans, open windows and by not wearing a lot of extra clothes.

I couldn’t help but admire Megan’s figure. In running shorts, her favorite bottom, her long legs were nothing short of awesome. She favored tank tops that outlined nice but not large breasts and showed a flat and tight tummy. Her ass was phenomenal in her shorts, jeans or almost anything she wore.

We both enjoyed running and would often take a three mile run in the evenings. One night it was really hot and humid and we returned drenched. I said she could take her shower first and after mine we could hit an air conditioned neighborhood bar.

I had just finished a tall glass of water and was headed to my room, when Megan came out of the bath. She held a towel in front of her and we almost ran into each other. We apologized and she turned to head into her run. Her back was completely exposed. I looked at her ass and blurted out, “Holy shit.”

She looked over her shoulder said, “Oops. Sorry.” She dashed into her room and closed the door. I went into the bath and stripped off my wet running clothes, struggling to get my shorts over my erection that popped up the second I saw that perfect butt.

Now I love women and don’t have any dominant fetish about any one part. All parts appeal to me. But, Megan did have the best ass I had ever seen in clothes. Now, seeing it naked and moving, it literally took my breath away. I’d put it right up with Nicole Kidman. It was tight, round and luscious. My hand strayed to the rod sticking out and, after a few minutes of attention, brought the release I needed.

I dried, dressed and Megan and I walked the few blocks to a bar. The cool interior was a relief as were the tall draft Sam Adams we had.

We sat at the bar and paid a little attention to the Red Sox game on the tube, but mostly drank, ate bar peanuts and didn’t talk. That was unusual for us, because we talked to each other all the time.

Finally I broke the ice, “Megan, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…well, I mean, I didn’t expect to see your…what I’m trying to say is I hardly saw anything, honest.”

Megan had a great smile that lit up her entire face, and she turned it on full blast. “Jake, you said ‘Holy shit’. So I gotta imagine you saw my ass.”

“Sorry, Meg. I was just surprised.”

“Yeah,” she answered as she sipped her beer. “You know I’ve been thinking about this sort of thing and have come to the understanding that living with the opposite sex roomie has its challenges.”

“Challenges?” I asked.

She nodded and said,”Let me ask you something and promise to answer honestly. Before I was here, what did you wear around the apartment?”

“Boxers,” I said and then smiled and added, “or less.”

“Exactly,” Megan said. “Now you’re wearing shorts or pants all the time. Now, me, I am sort of a let it all hang out girl. My old roomie was a nurse too and we worked a lot of the same shifts. We’d get home and feel really grubby from being around sick and hurt people. So, we’d just about get in the door and we were stripping. We’d throw our stuff in a big hamper and walk around bare-assed drinking wine or beer until we each had our showers. Most days, it was just bikini bottoms around the house—at the most. When her fiancé moved in, we discussed it and said we weren’t going to alter our habits. I can guarantee you he never complained.” The last bit she offered with a grin.

I didn’t know where this conversation was going so I did what most guys do, kept my mouth shut and drank beer.

“So,” Megan continued, “as I said I’ve been thinking about it. I think I have an idea that will help.”

“What?” I asked.

“Tell you when we get home,” she said and ordered us two more beers.

At least this conversation broke the ice and we started chatting normally. We ended up splitting a burger and fries at the bar and had two more beers.

Arriving back in the apartment, Megan excused herself to go pee. I was sitting on the couch watching the end of the Red Sox when she came back in.

“So, do you want to hear my idea?”

“Sure.”

“I say we just get it over with and then we can relax.”

“Get what over with?”

“Being afraid one of us is going to see the other person naked or be seen partially naked or whatever. Or worse, imagining what the other person looks like naked. We need to get rid of the big curiosity factor.”

“Megan, I haven’t been trying to spy on you if that’s what you mean.”

“No, I’m not saying that, Jake. But, let’s be honest. I see you looking at me sometimes when I have that old tank top and my nipples are poking out. Hey, I’m not pissed, but just saying that’s natural. I’m a girl, you’re a guy and we get curious.”

“Meg, I’m really embarrassed. I don’t want you to think I’m like mentally undressing you all the time. Ok, I will admit that one tank top is provocative, but I didn’t think I was that obvious.”

Megan laughed and her laugh was one of the sweetest sounds I ever heard. “You weren’t that obvious, but I knew you were looking. And, true confessions, I was flattered. Besides, after the first time, I could’ve chosen not to wear that again. So, I guess I was being a bit of a tease.”

She continued, “So we can agree there is some curiosity and that each of us has had to adapt to living with the opposite sex. I think it’s stupid, so let’s get it over with.”

I still did not get it. “Megan, I don’t want to appear to be stupid, but what are you talking about?”

Again the brilliant smile, “What I’m talking about, Jake, is that right now, right here in our living room, we strip off. We get buck naked and let the other person see it all. No more secrets, no more sneak peeks. Let it all hang out and then we can get back to living the way we want.”

“So, you’re saying we undress in front of each other?”

“Jake, that’s exactly what I’m saying. So, stand up and let’s do it.”

I felt as if I were moving in a dream, but I stood. Facing each other, I pulled my polo shirt over my head and dropped it on the floor. Megan removed her t-shirt exposing a sports bra. She then dropped her shorts to reveal a pair of pink bikini bottoms. I undid my belt, praying that I would not get a hard-on and embarrass myself to death.

Megan looked at my boxers that were decorated with Patriot’s logos and just shook her head.

In a fluid motion she pulled her bra over her head and without hesitation bent and tugged her panties to the floor, kicking them free with her foot. I stared at the magnificent naked body in front of me.

I was brought back to reality with a pronounced, “Ahem” from Megan.

I realized I still had my boxers on. I slowly slid them off and straightened to face her. She did not hesitate to look me up and down, spending some time on my crotch. She motioned with her finger and I turned my back to her.

“Holy shit,” she exclaimed. We both burst out laughing at her imitation of me. I turned back to face her. She raised her hand and we high-fived.

I once again took in her body. Her breasts were on the small side, but stood out proudly from her chest. She had almost no areoles topped by dark, tiny nipples that appeared to be erect. Her tummy was flat and tight. She had a belly button ring that made her navel stand out. Her pussy was the same shade as her hair, a mixture of reds and strawberry blond. She slightly trimmed the side and the top, but the rest was a wondrous jungle of tufts, curls and color.

Her breasts and crotch were lily white as opposed to the fair complexion of the rest of her body. I knew she would never tan, but there was a nice contrast between her sex parts and the rest of her body.

She watched me looking and then turned to give me a full view of the fantastic ass I glimpsed just a few hours ago. I now saw each cheek had a delicate dimple. Her back and legs were muscled but smooth.

I was using every ounce of willpower to keep my dick from getting hard.

“So, there,” she said. “We’ve each seen it all.”

“What now,” I asked? “What are the rules?”

Megan smiled and said, “Simple. No rules. If either of us doesn’t want to wear clothes, then we don’t. If we do, we do. No hassle, no pressure, and best of all, no wondering. Deal?”

It didn’t take me long to figure that the deal would mean I probably would be looking at one of the best bodies I had ever seen and so said “Deal.”

Megan extended her hand and we shook.

“Now, I’m going to bed. I’ve got to be in early. ‘Night, Jake.”

“‘Night, Meg.”

As I lay trying to get to sleep, I kept replaying the scene of her stripping and the view of her naked body. My dick rose to the occasion this time and my hand helped relieve the tension it was carrying.

I didn’t see Megan for three days. I had two night meetings and went to a Red Sox game with some buddies. The next time I saw her was Saturday morning.

I woke around 8 and had to pee. I started to pull on my boxers and then thought, maybe I don’t need them. Then, I thought maybe Megan had second thoughts or really didn’t want me to actually walk around the apartment swinging in the breeze. I covered my bets by picking up my boxers, but not putting them on. I figured I could just hold them in front of me if I ran into Megan and she seemed shocked.

I opened my bedroom door and noticed Megan’s door was open. I headed to the bathroom and heard her call out, “‘Morning.”

I turned to see her walking my way with a mug of coffee in one hand and the Globe in the other. She wore tiny blue bikinis and nothing else.

I slid my boxers in front of me and said good morning and motioned to the bathroom.

She nodded and then said, “What’s with the boxers?”

“Uh, I, well, I was just carrying them in case, you know, that maybe being naked wasn’t…”

“Jake, I thought we covered that. Go balls out all the time. It’s cool. I don’t mind. Hell, it’s nice to see a tight bod. And, in case you are wondering, I think you have a good dick and great ass. Very good, actually. Ok? So, chill.”

I grinned and tossed the boxers back into my room. From that moment on, it was very casual in our apartment.

Boston was in the midst of one of the worst heat waves in our history. Both Megan and I appreciated being able to strip off and cool down. On the evenings she was home, we settled into a little routine. We’d have a light supper of salad and white wine, put a fan in front of the couch, turn off the lights and watch a ball game or pick a movie to watch, or sit on our porch, all while being nude or sometimes Megan wore tiny bikini panties.

We alternated movie selection. One night it might be a chick-flic romance for her and the next a shoot-em-up or spy one for me. Neither complained about the other’s choice and we each loved making caustic comments about the inane plots of any of the genres. When watching baseball, we’d comment on the players, which ones were good guys and which were assholes. Megan asked why guys kept pulling at their crotches. I tried to explain adjusting the boys, but she felt they could do that in the dugout and not on the field. All in all, we soon hardly took notice of our nudity—well, actually I always noticed her body, but I certainly didn’t complain.

One particularly hot evening, we were watching a Sox game. We were both damp with sweat and finally Megan said, “I need something really cool to drink.”

I said how about frozen Margaritas.

We agreed and both headed to the kitchen. Megan said she’d get the blender and I pulled out the booze and dug in the fridge for limes. I was turning to get a knife to slice the limes just as Megan was backing up from retrieving the blender from under the counter. She was still bent over and her butt was sticking up in the air. I turned and she moved back and suddenly my dick was right between her ass cheeks.

She yelled, “Whoa!” and I stumbled back. My embarrassment went off the chart when I immediately got hard from this unexpected contact.

“Jake, what the…” Megan stopped in mid-sentence as she turned and saw my erection.

“Oh, boy,” she said softly.

“Sorry, Meg, that was totally an accident.”

She looked directly at my erect member and said, “And, that is the result of this accident?”

I smiled dopily and said, “You know they have a mind of their own. Sorry, I’ll go put some clothes on.”

“No,” Megan commanded. “Actually, this is sort of the last barrier of curiosity. I admit I wondered what your dick looked like hard. So, now I know.”

We both looked down at my erection, and, honestly, without me doing anything, it bounced.

We laughed and Megan said, “Well, hell-o to you, too.”

We made our drinks and went back to the couch. I was back to almost normal. We sipped in silence for a while.

“Jake, are you Ok?”

“A little embarrassed, but, yeah, I’m Ok.”

“Well, I was wondering about this. I mean I know we say being naked around each other is cool, but you never got a hard-on. I’ve been around guys, and usually it happens a lot. God, my ex-roommate’s fiancé had a woodie half the time we were there. I think he was proud of it and I also think he was hoping that Carol and I would team up and take care of it. Never happened, I assure you. But, you’ve been pretty tame.”

“Well, I’ve been concentrating a lot to keep it down. And, if I had one, I stayed in my room until, well, let’s say it went away. Many times in the morning I have one, but just hang in my room ’til it goes away. I didn’t want you to think I was a perv and imagining you in a sexual way.’

“Jeez, Jake, don’t work yourself up. We are friends and I’d like to think we are very good friends. I don’t think we are going to screw each other by mistake, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have sexual thoughts. I like looking at you naked. I think you have a really, really attractive dick and I especially like seeing it as it swings when you walk. It’s certainly not tiny, I say that because I hear you guys are hung up on size, but it’s not grotesquely big. I think your ass is fab. And, you have a great set of balls. So, yeah, I think sexually. It’s normal.”

“God, I wish you didn’t say all that,” I moaned.

“Why, did I offend you?”

“No,” I said and looked down at my crotch. Megan followed my eyes to see a hard and upright dick.

“My bad,” she said giggling.

“I’ve think you’ve unleashed the devil. Now that he knows you’re not offended, he’s going to be popping up all the time.”

“No prob, Jake. He’s always welcome” she said as she lightly touched the top of my naked thigh.

She offered her glass and we clinked rims and drank.

“How about you and your man-spear get us a couple refills, while I just enjoy the view.”

I was amazed at how fast I was loosing my concern about parading around aroused. I returned with her drink and she asked me to stand there. She looked intently at my erection, which did nothing to ease its hardness.

“That’s very attractive, Jake. I still marvel at how hard a guy’s dick can get. Thanks for letting me stare.”

I raised my glass and we toasted silently.

After that night, Megan stopped wearing her bikini briefs even occasionally. She was always nude when we were in the apartment. It was now mid-August and a weekend when both of us were off work. I stumbled out of bed with major morning wood and went in search for coffee. Megan was in the kitchen making a pot. She had on black undies.

She turned and noticed my erection and said, “good morning my fine hard friend. It’s always good to see you.”

I shrugged and said, “Morning wood. As soon as it goes down, I’ll pee. By the way, what’s with the panties?”

Megan blushed, turning her white breasts a pretty shade of pink.

“Got a little visitor.”

“Huh, someone’s here?” I panicked thinking she might have a guy over and I didn’t want to be caught in this condition.

Megan laughed, “No, stupid, I’ve got my period.”

Now it was my turn to blush and I am sure I was scarlet from head to toe. “Sorry. It’s just that I never noticed before.”

“That’s because my last two happened while I was working.”

Talking about this feminine stuff made me go soft enough to be able to pee, so I excused myself.

Back in the kitchen I poured a mug and joined Meg at our small table.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever talked about a girl’s period before. Doing it would be weird, but not as weird as sitting here naked talking about a girl’s period.”

Laughing Megan assured me it was Ok.

“Jake, I think we can talk about anything. I don’t believe I’ve ever been as comfortable with any guy or practically any girlfriend as I am with you. You’re a great friend.”

I agreed and offered a coffee mug toast.

[nowitsdarkfic]

chapter twenty-eight (kiss me deadly)

“But I know what I like I know I like dancing with you And I know what you like I know you like dancing with me.” -”Kiss Me Deadly”, Lita Ford

October 23, 1988. New Orleans, Louisiana.

After the little sorta gig, I go back upstairs to the apartment to check to see if Lars is up yet. I open the door to find him laying face down in his bed with his face buried in his pillow.

Not even the hefty bass guitar downstairs or the sound of my voice was able to knock him awake.

I'm still barefoot: I peer down at the bare skin on my feet and frown as I wiggle my toes.

Meanwhile, the scratchy interior of this coat is really starting to irritate me. I peel it off and toss it onto the foot of the bed right before the soles of his feet. I strip off the gloves and lay them on top of the dresser, and give my hands a shake to let them breathe.

Take a walk, I suppose.

I'm thinking something happened to my shoes once I return to the top of the stairwell; like someone took them while I was unconscious last night. Or maybe I did something with them because my memory is dark pertaining to what happened after I left Ellen's apartment and returned to the bar to meet up with Lars and Delphine again. I descend the stairs once again and pass the doorway to the bar and the restaurant, the latter of which is now filled to the brim with chatter and patrons. I'm met with another doorway to my right and a large room illuminated with candles upon the walls: the floor is covered with papers and clothes and all manner of things that I don't even know where to begin to describe. I return my attention to the corridor straight ahead, at the heavy dark floor right under my feet and the plain white front door at the far end. Right next to it is a vacant podium made of heavy black polished stone.

I can only wonder what the flooding situation is as I make my way over to it and yank it open. The morning sun has disappeared behind heavy gray clouds to the east of here, the whole place smells of freshly fallen rain, and I know the storm is coming soon. There's a light breeze blowing, but I know I need to find my shoes soon because I don't want to be caught up in a torrential downpour barefoot. It's one thing when I'm back upstate and it's the summer time. But here, no way.

It's times like this I wish I found my pocket knife back home. I don't know: it's just good to have with me.

I'm striding down the wooden steps to the concrete walkway, which is cold from the rain last night, but dry. My hair falls over my shoulders and my chest once I reach the street for a better view of the French Quarter.

I turn around to take a better look of the building I'm in at the moment: a three story house with a bright red roof that's in shambles and ten tiny witching windows near the gutter. I wonder what's up there?

Something catches my eye to my left and I raise my gaze even higher to the trio of telephone wires attached to the side of the building. I recognize my Chucks tied together and strung over them near the top level.

Delphine did that, I just know it.

An older woman with dishwater blonde hair and dressed in a yellow slicker and stompy boots strides up the sidewalk to my left. She's carrying a couple of grocery bags, one in each hand.

“'Scuse me, young man, could I ask you of a favor?” she asks me in a squeaky voice.

“Uh, sure.” I think it's odd she referred to me as “young man”, but whatever. “What can I do for you?”

“Could you help me carry this inside here?” She gestures to the sack in her right hand. “Be careful, it's a little heavy.”

“Oh, yeah, of course! Here—” She lifts it into my hand and I almost drop it onto the sidewalk from its weight. Luckily, I caught it in time and I follow her back into the building.

She leads me past the restaurant and the stairwell, down the hallway to another stairwell, one that has more than one flight.

“Very strange place we're in right now,” I observe aloud.

“This building used to be a hospital,” she explains as we both grip onto the banister with our free hands and ascend the stairs. “Built in 1907, utilized during the First World War and then condemned after the Second, and then reopened about fifteen years ago to serve as a fraternity house before becoming an apartment complex with an accompanying restaurant about five years ago. My ex husband and I used to own this place together before we divorced and then he died last year.”

“Oh, God, I'm sorry to hear that.”

“Eh, we've been drifting apart for a while before then.” We reach the first landing and she hesitates to catch her breath. The grocery sack in my hand is heavy but not heavy to drag me down.

“Are you alright?” I ask her, concerned.

“Yeah, just—getting older and… more out of shape. I've had problems with my heart… for a few years now. I won't go into it—it's a lot of mumbo jumbo technical jargon that a young fellow such as yourself… need not worry about.” She lets out a low whistle before proceeding onto the second set of stairs before us.

We reach the third floor, which smells of potatoes and carries with it this heavy damp feeling from the holes in the roof and the impending rain, and the second door on the left. She reaches into her pocket for her key and unlocks the door. I follow her into the front room of her little apartment; to my right stands the kitchen and then the bathroom. I duck past her to set down the grocery sack on the counter when I catch a glimpse out the window. There are my shoes dangling in plain sight over the wire.

“You know, you've come this far for me—would you care for a cup of tea?” she offers me, setting down the other bag of groceries on the counter behind me.

“That's very kind of you, but I'll pass, though.” I turn my attention to the window on the side of the room, and the sight of my shoes outside on the wire. “Those are my shoes out there.”

She looks at me baffled.

“I was wondering where those came from,” she remarks with a slight chuckle. “I was wondering why you were barefoot, too—” She heads over to the window to open it. “—given it's been raining all night long and there's a lot more coming later tonight with old Hurricane Maureen headed our way.” She turns back to me. “Go back into the front room and fetch me the broom—” She pauses.

“Joey,” I fill in for her.

“—Joey! Oh, I love the name Joe. Just something about it so simple and common but so rare at the same time.”

I feel my face grow warm at the sound of that and I return to the front room of the flat. I spot the broom and the accompanying dust pan leaning up against the wall next to the closet door. I fetch it and bring it back to her.

“I'm Molly, by the way. Molly Bradley, proud mother of author Candace Bradley.”

Candace! But I can't remember if that's the same Candace Maya's related to. But I don't really want to ask her about her or if she knows about Maya at all, given I'm still trying to process the information I already have about her. And for all I know, she might have no idea who I'm asking about so I keep my mouth shut.

Molly leans out the open window to lift them off of the wire. I watch her hook the joined laces with the side of the broom head and, careful not to drop them, bring them into the kitchen. Now I have my shoes: I have no socks.

“May I ask what happened to these that cause them to be slung over the phone wires?” she proceeds as she gingerly sets them down on the linoleum before me.

“I have no idea to be honest,” I confess to her. “I think something happened last night, but I can't exactly recall it, though.”

She raises her eyebrows at me as she rests a hand on the end of the broomstick.

“Were you drunk?”

“I had a drink, but that's as far as I know anyways. If there was more, I'd probably remember, but I don't.”

She chuckles at me.

“What're you doing tonight?”

“Tonight? Uh—probably nothin'. I'm here with a friend of mine—he's downstairs—and he still hasn't woken up yet.”

“You know, now that I think about it, I did see you last night at the bar. Like you and your friend and the bartender were laughing it up together and making a lot of noise. I came down because I could hear you from up here.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. It's alright, though, because you boys piped down real quick and the bartender gave you both some kisses.” I'm taken aback by that: Delphine kissed us after we were drunk off our asses. “So tonight, you're probably doing nothing. Okay. Mind if I invite you boys up here for dinner tonight?”

“I'd love to. I'll have to ask him when he wakes up but I'd love to.” I pick up my shoes at the knot in the laces. “Soon as I find some socks. Thank you again, Molly.”

“And thank you, Joey,” she follows up, leaning the broom against the edge of the counter. But that still doesn't answer why my shoes ended up where they did after last night. Nor does it answer the framed picture on the shelf next to the door, the one with her a man and a gaping hole underneath them, like something had been cropped out. That last thing stays with me as I’m leaving the apartment and headed back down to the bottom floor and then the other stairwell to Lars’ apartment.