#i have to wait until i have the money which sucks but he is ready

[naamahdarling]

.

[arts-i-enjoy]

AHHHHHH

[creative-caramel-coffee]

I think I expressed my self terribly wrong sorry!

So basically reader is sick but maybe the team doesn’t realise and they do things unintentionally that make reader even more sick (like leaving the windows open, telling her to go buy something or I don’t know) until Wanda and Nat have enough and realise that reader is sick and tell the team to stop

-🦜

Stubborn and Sick

Pairings: Wandanat x R

Word count: 1K

Summary: Your sick and stubborn, but you also can’t back down from a challenge. What happens when Tony gets involved?

TW: sickness, fever, almost kinda fainting? (Idk), bread slander, fever induced vertigo, headache etc.

A/n Hehehe bread slander. Grains and seeds sucks so bad. I don’t care if its healthy it tastes like chunky cardboard. White bread and whole meal all the way peeps.

You were stubborn. It was a fact, and everyone knew it. So, when you got sick after falling in a frozen lake on the last mission Wanda and Nat decided to wait until you came to them for help instead of trying everything to convince you to let them help you.

The rest of the team however was more than a little blind when it came to other people's needs, not for lack of trying but more so because they were dense, and not just in terms of muscles.

You stood in the kitchen, the fever you had managed to develop this morning was throwing you for a loop. You were making some toast, hoping you would be able to deal with that at least. Your throat hurt so bad and there was a dull headache settling in for the long run it seemed.

You probably shouldn’t have stayed up all night trying to finish the mission report for fury. But tony had bed you a hundred bucks he would finish his before you did, and you weren’t one to back down from easy money.

You finished buttering the toast and patted the cash in your pocket and smiled to yourself. Turning to put the knife in the sink to clean later the world spun. You staggered a bit and held onto the bench with both hands leaning against it heavily.

“Damn this stupid fever” you muttered. When you vision cleared you deposited the knife and went back to the plate. Picking it up and setting out for your room. Your muscles hurt and your head hurt more. You had barely made it three feet down the hall when you heard a voice from the kitchen.

“Who ate all the bread?” It was Clint so you hightailed it out of there, knowing if he found it was you, he would send you to buy more. And you were pretty sure a trip to the shops would kill you at this point. Alas, fate was not on your side today. Being sick you were clumsy and slow due to the fever. Needless to say, Clint caught you easily. He scowled at the toast you were holding.

“I wanted a sandwich.” He grumbled. At this point tony walked past.

“Whats up Legolas?” Tony chirped probably hyped up on coffee and energy drinks.

“L/n here ate all the bread.” He said still scowling at the toast.

“Then it seemed fair she goes to buy more.” Tony grinned, “I know she has the money for it.” You glared at him.

“Fine.” You growled. So, despite the pounding headache and sore muscles, the fever and growing ache in your knees and back you submitted.

You huffed and nibbled on the toast before leaving it on the desk. As you left the room you shot the delicious toast a mournful longing look. It simple sat and waited.

The shops were awful to say the least. The lights hummed which hurt your head and the brightness hurt your eyes. Parts of you hurt that you didn’t know existed let alone could feel. You slouched and shuffled down the bread aisle. There were so many different types. You grabbed the first one you saw when a sudden wave of vertigo hit, and you stumbled like you had in the kitchen. Leaning against the shelf and closing your eyes.

Yelena was in town and so her and Nat were having a movie night, and as all good movie nights need, they were out getting snacks. So, you can imagine Natasha’s surprise when she saw you looking just about ready to pass out in the bread aisle. She wasted no time rushing to your side and steadying you with her hands on your shoulders.

“Y/n? Y/n!” She said patting you lightly on the cheek. You were very pale and seemed only mildly lucid at best.

Nat took the bread from your hands and shoved it in Yelena’s direction who took it and inspected it.

“Grains and seeds?” She mumbled. “Gross.” She shoved it back on the shelf and picked up a loaf of white bread.

“Y/n/n i need you to open your eyes for me sweetheart.” She said and you mumbled something incoherent.

“What was that love?” Nat asked feeling your forehead with the back of her hand. You were way too hot and defiantly running a high fever.

“I said m sick natty. ‘N i don’ feel good.” You slurred and Natasha looked around to Yelena before realising she had gone to buy the bread for you. She didn’t know why you wanted it but if it was worth almost dying for, she would buy it for you. After all you were dating her sister.

Nat scanned you up and down deciding that this had gone on for too long. In a gentle movement she scooped you into her arms and you tiredly rested your head on her chest eyes still shut and muttering nonsense. Yelena and Nat met at the register and the three of you headed back to the compound. Being an avenger Nat did receive too many odd looks for carrying her very pale and sick looking girlfriend through the shopping centre.

On the way back Yelena done with you in the back on Nat’s lap. She was fanning you with her hands in a fruitless attempt to cool you down. She had dialled Wanda who was going to meet them in your shared room with supplies and a wet cloth for you.

Nat easily carried you out of the car and back to the room. Wanda took your temperature and Yelena went to put the bread in the kitchen slightly thrown off by her sister being so domestic all of a sudden.

Your temperature as expected was far too high and so they went about cooling you down with a cloth and fever reducers. After a bit you were asleep with Wanda and Natasha laid beside you careful not to add too much extra heat to your already furnace-like temperature.

You rested and it was simple to say that Nat’s movie night gained an extra two people. Well … one witch and a half dead, half sick and fully asleep avenger.

MASTERLIST

[hendersister]

cruel summer

summary: steve gives you a ride home after a late night working at the mall.

pairing: steve harrington x henderson!sister reader

title 🎵: cruel summer by bananarama

It’s summertime. While most of your friends are spending the season outside and relaxing under the sun, you’re stuck working inside all day at Starcourt Mall. You got a job at Waldenbooks because you’re trying to save up money to buy a car. You’re about to enter your senior year at Hawkins High and you want to be able to drive yourself to school instead of bumming rides off of friends.

At least you’re not completely alone at the mall. Steve Harrington works at Scoops Ahoy, which isn’t too far from Waldenbooks. Sometimes when things are slow at the bookstore, you go down to the ice cream parlor to hang out with Steve. 

You became friends with Steve last fall around the same time that your little brother, Dustin, started bonding with him. But you think that working at the mall has really brought you and Steve closer together. Over the past few weeks, you two have been seeing each other on a daily basis. Steve’s face lights up every time he sees you walk into Scoops Ahoy and it always makes your day when Steve visits you at Waldenbooks. You and Steve genuinely enjoy spending time together. 

Whenever you’re both working late, Steve offers to give you a ride home. The last bus always leaves as soon as the mall closes and most of the time you need to stay later. Tonight is one of those nights. You’re working OT, re-organizing a bookshelf after some kids moved several titles around, and Steve has to stay late waiting for a shipment. The delivery driver is running way behind schedule.

By the time you finish work, the mall is closed. You go downstairs to Scoops Ahoy. Just as you arrive, you see Steve walking out of the ice cream parlor. 

“You ready to go?” he asks you.

“Yeah,” you nod.

You watch him pull down the security gate and lock it. Then you two make your way to the exit. No one else is around and most of the lights are off except for the big neon signs outside of the stores. You love it when the mall is closed because it's so quiet and calm.

“You know, I think I prefer the mall like this,” you say.

“Me too,” Steve agrees.

You and Steve walk together across an almost empty parking lot until you reach his red BMW. He gets in the driver’s seat and you sit shotgun. You keep your eyes on the rearview mirror, watching Starcourt getting smaller and smaller as Steve drives away.

“I feel like I need to enjoy this time alone with you while I still can. Because when Dustin gets back from camp, you’re gonna want to spend all your time with him insead,” you joke.

Steve chuckles, shaking his head.

“That’s not true. I’ll still wanna hang out with you too...”

You look down at your lap, hoping Steve doesn’t see you blush.

“Truth is, hanging out with you these past few weeks has been the best part of my job. Scoops Ahoy totally sucks! The only reason I have this stupid job in the first place is because I couldn’t even get into Tech and my douchebag dad’s trying to teach me a lesson. I make like $3 an hour slinging ice cream and I have no future…” Steve vents.

You shake your head.

“Don’t say that! You have a future,” you try.

“I just don’t want to be stuck in Hawkins forever…” Steve shrugs.

You take a deep breath.

“Steve, I get it… Honestly I think part of me wants a car so badly because I’m afraid I’ll never get out of Hawkins. That car is like my last ditch exit plan. I don’t want to be stuck here either,” you quietly admit.

Steve sighs, understanding. It’s comfortably quiet for a moment. And then-

“I forget about all that shit when I'm with you though…” Steve says.

You bite your bottom lip to stop yourself from grinning ear to ear. Steve looks at you and sees you blushing. You couldn’t hide it from him this time. You shyly smile back him and then change the subject-

“You should lose the sailor’s hat. It’s hiding your best feature,” you suggest.

Steve nods in agreement.

“Yeah, I know! It completely screws up my game. But I have to wear it… company policy,” he complains.

You slowly reach towards Steve.

“Well you’re off the clock now-”

You take the hat off Steve's head and toss it in the back seat.

“Much better,” you smile.

Steve smiles back at you. You look into each other’s eyes. You both feel the electricity in this moment. After a beat, Steve turns his focus back to the road. The car is approaching your street.

“Ok so I’ll just turn right and take you home…. Or I could keep going straight and then we’ll just be driving around town for a while,” Steve tells you.

Steve is having a good time. He doesn’t want this night to end. And neither do you.

“Keep going straight,” you nod.

[bainutwater85]

prop: you 2 imitate each other no matter what. Denki is always awestruck when you step around him ≧▂≦

notes: you both crush on each other but you think the feelings aren’t reciprocated even tho it’s so obvious to everyone else that you 2 have it out for each other

cw: sweetheart!yn, nervous&awkward denki. y/n has braces!

“y/nn!!” you turn to look behind you, all you seen was you friend in a crowd of people as he excitedly pushed them out the way to get to you. With a warm and cheesy smile you open your arms to hug him! you hadn’t seen him outside of school due to exams and trainings and being busy of course with your job. Engulfing each other in tight hug— he squeezed you hard like you were gonna melt in his arms like puddy; tapping his back to let him know it’s time to let go.

with a smile he hooked his arm around yours and walked you to class. All you could do was smile and feel warm inside, finally seeing the person you know and love the most!.

in class there’s a project, you didn’t need to worry about finding a partner because denki automatically volunteered to be yours ≧ω≦. Talking him through the work and helping with the hard and difficult questions— you could see him staring out your peripheral vision; your cheeks got hot and you started to sweat a bit, palms getting sweaty. “denki, i can see you staring!” you exclaimed softly. he chuckles a bit before responding “that pimples looks ready to be popped..let me pop it!” your jaw dropped and eyes furrowed as you smacked his hand away from your face. “no way!” you pouted while he laughed in your face. Mr. Aizawa standing right behind you two as you go at it.

the you and denki stopped laughing, stopped playing around when you felt and cold presence breathing down your neck. Simultaneously, you and denki both turned just to see the sight of your teacher- glaring you both down. Detention. yeah that SUCKS. it was no better when sero, mina and kirishima were laughing at you both!

the room was still and quiet besides the occasional sound of paper flipping and the squeek of the dry erase marker in the board. You looked quite pissed as denki struggled and groaned at his missing work assignments, which you’ve already completed. You had a choice to read a book or clean and you picked neither. As you were about to lay your head down, a paper ball hit you in the head! you turned around and glared at denki before picking up the paper.

“cOd whEn wE gEt hoMe?” in the most sloppiest handwriting ever. It took you a minute to decipher if his E’s were actually 3’s.

“sure, but that’s only if i don’t get in trouble when i get home! if i do i’m totally blaming this on you >:(“

“ur daD is cool tho >B) he shOulndt grouNd u!”

“yeah maybe.., i’m hungry. you got any snacks pookie?”

Denki reaches in his backpack and gives you a chocolate bar and the rest of his soda pop. You almost foamed at the mouth and thanked him so much before turning around and finishing your 30mins of detention.

30mins later your waiting for denki at the door because he can’t seem to find his airpods. “oh denki! i have them i forgot they were in my pocket” you say while walking out the door, him trailing behind you with a sigh of relief “thank god, i was about to flip out !” chuckling you say “you gave them to me in 2nd period”. As you were about to cross the road off campus, denki grabs your hand and pulls you back “hold on! we have to make sure no cars are coming” he pulls you close to his side putting and arm on your shoulder as cars pass by. “Maybe we should just take the bus?” you suggest “Um, does it look like have bus money y/n” he says sarcastically, laughing. A smile purses across your face; a feeling in your stomach that makes you happier than usual.

He held your hand all the the way to your house until he was about leave to go home himself but got freaked out by the neighbors dog and ran into your arms practically jumping on you “agh! denki!” you yell as he almost knocks you down. “That dog is on a leash! it won’t do nothing to you-“ “AHH i don’t care just open the door ! i’ll have my mom pick me up”

with that you brought him into your house, choking and waiting his mom. When she pulled up into the drive way you walked him out saying your byes and se you layers before he turned around and pressed his lips agaisnt your forhead. never have you smiled so wide, your rubber bands on your braces could little pop off the brackets rn by how hard you were smiling.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Just wanted to say ur posts always make me cackle 😂. Forget them haters!

Thoughts on how AGSZC would react at the dentist??

(thank you ❤️ 😂 )

Angeal: SOLDIER has a dedicated team of dentists who provide dental care for its operatives, and Angeal is eternally grateful for it. Because his family didn't have much money, he rarely had the opportunity to visit the dentist. While Hollander did offer dental treatments on multiple occasions, Angeal's mother was always wary of Hollander being near her son. So when Angeal joins the army and SOLDIER and gets ready access to dental care, he's determined to follow the dentist's instructions. Too determined, really. He thinks it's a competition.

Angeal: So what's my grade? Dentist: You don't get graded on your oral hygiene. Angeal: But how are my teeth? Dentist: They're in perfect condition⏤ Angeal: Perfect I got an A. Dentist: Angeal: Take that, Genesis. Dentist: Angeal: He got an F didn't he?

Sephiroth: His experiences with dentists have been limited to Hojo either performing his dental work himself or closely monitoring professionals during surgeries and unnecessary procedures (like pulling out teeth to observe how fast they grow). Needless to say, he was hesitant about visiting a regular dentist until Angeal suggested it to show him that not all dentist experiences are uncomfortable.

Sephiroth is pleasantly surprised by the dentist's office he visits in Sector 8.

*During his appointment* Dentist: How are you finding things? Sephiroth: Excellent. The waiting area was stocked with books and magazines, there was calming music, the receptionist offered me coffee. Now there's a TV on the ceiling, which I'm so distracted by that I barely notice the treatment being done. You're also being very gentle. Thank you. Dentist: I'm flattered⏤ Sephiroth: It's nice not having to worry about one of my teeth being extracted against my will. Dentist:

Genesis: "He hates the dentist" is what he tells people, when in reality he lives in constant fear that he'll randomly black out one day and wake up strapped to a dentist chair. No one knows why, not even Genesis himself understands why the dentist makes him so uncomfortable. He doesn't like sitting with his mouth open while someone pokes around in there, he doesn't like how sterile the dentist office feels, he doesn't like the prospect of having a cavity or something he'll have to be treated for, so he combats this by simply not going to the dentist. Done. "If you don't know about it, it doesn't exist."

Unfortunately this backfires horribly the day Genesis won't stop complaining about a toothache⏤and refuses to get it checked⏤so Angeal and Sephiroth take matters into their own hands.

*Lazard sees Angeal and Sephiroth carrying an unconscious Genesis into the elevator* Lazard: Please tell me he's still alive. Sephiroth: No, not murder. We cast sleep on him. Angeal: We're taking him to the dentist. Lazard: And what will you do once he wakes up screaming? *Sephiroth produces a hammer out of nowhere* Lazard: ...............

Zack: Loves the dentist. LOVES it. If Zack could go to the dentist every week, he would.

Angeal: Hey buddy, how was the dentist?

Zack, with his face full of stickers and sucking a lollipop: It was great! They got a new gaming setup for the waiting room. And I watched a movie while the dentist worked, plus he was suuuper proud of how white and healthy my teeth are. He praised me, and I even got a gold star. Oh! And on my way out, he gave me a goody bag. *Zack lifts a bag filled with toothbrushes, toy cars and crayons* Sephiroth: Does the sign outside your dentist's office say 'Pediatric' before it? Zack: Yes, why?

Cloud: Cloud doesn't fear the dentist. The dentist fears Cloud. His dental records come with a warning for every new dentist at the barracks: "WARNING: BITER." He's not doing it on purpose, in fact, he'd rather not have the reflexes that make his jaw clamp shut tightly around foreign objects. His habits are also every dentists worst nightmare. Chewing ice, nail biting, using his teeth as a tool to open things, and drinking a blend of black coffee with soda "because it tastes nice."

Zack: How'd the dentist go? Cloud: He went to the E.R. Zack:

[storiesavenged]

Assistant

tony stark x assistant!reader

feat. best friend bruce banner

~ wherein your tony's new assistant and you were doing well, until you made a series of mistakes.

~ masterlist ~

!! warnings !!

• yelling, arguing

• tony is an ass for most of it

• reader has family issues

you knew he would be furious. your heart raced as you all but sprinted through the avengers tower up to his office, hearing jarvis alert tony that you had finally arrived your heart sank to the bottom of your chest. you were still new thus this could be detrimental to your position here. you knocked on tony's door, only entering once hearing him give the all clear.

"y/l/n, you're late. care to explain?" his voice was rough, annoyance seeping into his every word.

"i-i'm so sorry mr. stark, i had a personal matter.. it won't happen again.." your head stayed glued to the floor, afraid to see the look on your bosses face.

"of course it won't, because if it does you're finished. understood?" he spoke sharply, making you flinch.

"y-yes sir.. i understand sir.." you bit your lip, the threat of losing your job lay heavy on your psyche on top of your personal matters. you had gotten into a nasty fight with your parents before going to work this morning which is why you were late. they called you for the first time in several months just to ask for money again. you finally lost it, cutting contact with them once and for all. even though you loved them, it was clear they were trying to use you and you weren't having it. you were taken out of your thoughts by tony snapping his fingers.

"i need a coffee. go get me one y/l/n. and, be quick this time." he all but spat and you nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat. you made your way out of his office and down to the ground floor of the avengers tower. you got into your car and opened the app to tony's favourite coffee place. you placed a mobile order so it would be ready when you got there as to not waste any time. you needed to make up your mistake. you picked up his coffee, driving back to the tower with a hand holding it steady in your cup holder. you made your way back up to his office, knocking on his door. when he didn't answer you decided to ask jarvis where he was.

"hey jarvis? where's mr. stark?" you asked softly, still anxious about seeing him after your encounter earlier.

"he's in the lab, [insert your preferred title ] y/l/n." jarvis answered and you thanked him before making your way down to the lab, coffee in hand. as you were about to enter, your best friend bruce banner came out. he couldn't help the smile forming on his face when he saw you.

"y/n!! hi!!" his warm voice was so comforting to you in that moment, you almost wanted to melt into his arms and tell him everything.

"hey bruce!!" you smiled as you wrapped your free arm around him, pulling him in.

"wow, it is so good to see you right now" you rubbed your neck after pulling away, being careful not to spill tony's coffee.

"what's up?" he asked, slight worry in his tone. tony sure didn't notice your puffy eyes from crying but nothing could get past your best friend. you had to fight breaking down right then and there, remembering you had a task to do.

"i- oh gosh i'm sorry bruce, i can't talk right now... i have to get back to work. but i promise we'll catch up later okay?" you panicked a bit, knowing tony was probably waiting by now, and certainly displeased.

"alright, i'll see you later y/n" he smiled before walking off. you sucked in a breath as you entered the lab, your eyes scanning the room for tony. once you saw him you made your way over, coffee still in hand- until it wasn't. you had tripped over some wires laying on the floor and spilled his coffee all over him and the computer he was working at. your heart shattered, you knew you were toast. you stood up shakily, biting your lip as you went to grab a towel. you rushed back over to tony, him ripping the towel from your hands.

"s-sir i'm so sorry..." you started, wincing as he stared daggers at you.

"how incompetent are you, huh?! you just had to ruin everything didn't you?! you fucking idiot! you are just worthless!!" he yelled at you, causing you to shrink in on yourself. he stood up abruptly, shoving you out of his way leading you to land on the ground with a thud. your fought a pained scream as pain took over your left arm, wincing as you moved to stand up again.

"get the hell out. don't even think about coming back, you're finished." he spat, exiting the lab not without slamming the door behind him. a sob tore through your body as you fell back onto the ground, careful not to hurt your arm even more. your mind was racing with thoughts, blaming yourself, insecurity, the works. you were so lost in your thoughts you didn't notice bruce had entered the room.

"y/n..?" he rested a hand on your shoulder as he crouched in front of you, frowning when you flinched.

"b-bruce-" you choked out, sobbing when he pulled you into his arms. he picked you up and carried you to the medical bay, sitting you down on the bed. he knew you were hurt as he noticed you clutching your horribly bruised left arm.

"what happened, love?" he asked softly, not leaving your side. he took your hand in his, rubbing circles on your palm, an action he would always do to calm you down.

"mr. stark... he... i-i messed up... i spilled coffee on him a-and.. he pushed me... landed on my arm..." you breathed deeply, trying to calm yourself down.

"h-he fired me bruce... he said don't think about coming back ever..." you explained, tears filling your eyes once again. you just lost your relationship with your parents and now your job.

"love... that's so uncalled for, i'm sorry.. i'm going to have a word with-" you shook your head.

"p-please don't... it's fine..." you whimpered, not wanting to cause any drama or trouble. bruce frowned before nodding. he noticed you fighting a yawn and helped you lay down on the bed, sitting with you until you fell asleep. once he knew you were fully asleep he left quietly- not before doing what he needed to fix you up- refusing to let tony get away with his behaviour.

bruce pov ;

i barged into tony's office, not caring that i had just interrupted him and steve.

"what the hell banner, can't you see we're busy here??" he spoke sharply but i couldn't care less. he had just hurt my best friend. i took a second to calm myself as i could feel the other guy starting to come out.

"i don't care. why the hell did you break y/n's arm??? they are heartbroken thinking they just lost their job. what the fuck do you think you're doing???" i asked, livid that he had even put his hands on them.

"what the hell- you broke their arm?? what even happened??" steve was now staring at tony who rolled his eyes.

"they ruined the lab computer! and my damn suit. spilled my fucking coffee all over it. fucking incompetent-" a deep growl escaped my throat, interrupting him. i could feel the other guy threatening to take over, and the only reason he didn't is because steve brought me back to reality.

"you know who you remind me of right now, stark? you remind me of your father." i snarled, seeing his expression change instantly. he looked down at his lap, realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. he stood up abrubtly, catching both of us off guard.

"where are you going?" i asked as he got up and headed towards the door.

"i... need to make this right." he looked at me with remorse in his eyes. i sighed, rubbing my temples.

"yeah. you do. their favourite flowers are [your favourite flower]."

"thank you. i'll be right back, jarvis tell pepper she's in charge while i'm away."

you woke up later that evening, moving to sit up, noticing your arm in a sling. you looked around the room for bruce, not seeing anyone you frowned. but you did notice your favourite flowers on the table beside the bed. your eyebrow twitched, wondering if bruce had gotten them for you. it wasn't long before tony made his way into the room, you flinched when you saw him.

"sir... i'm sorry- i meant to leave-" you paused, noticing he wasn't angry.

"no, y/n you don't have to apologize. actually i'm here to apologize to you." he frowned as he saw your arm in a sling. he took the chair in the corner of the room and moved it to sit next to you.

"i am truly, deeply sorry y/n. i was a complete asshole- i have no excuse. you didn't deserve this at all. i would be delighted to have you around if you would like to keep your position here, and i promise to do better." your eyes widened at the revelation he still wanted to keep you hired.

"i would love to stay, mr. stark.. and i accept your apology. i just... need some time away.. i was late and distracted today because.." you trailed off, unsure if you wanted to tell him about your parents.

"if you don't want to tell me that is perfectly fine. i won't force you to tell me." he spoke softly, sincerety in his eyes. looking into them, you felt a sense of security you hadn't before. like you were safe with him.

"i.. had to cut off my parents this morning.. they hadn't spoken to me in months before now, and just called to ask for money.. i.. i loved them. but it was clear they thought nothing more of me than a moneygrab. so i blocked them. told them never to call again." your eyes watered, remembering the whole exchange vividly.

"oh... i'm so sorry y/n.. i know what it's like to have a rough relationship with family. feel free to take as much time away as you need- with vacation pay of course." his eyes showed bitterness at the remembrance of his father and the fact he was cold and unloving to him all the time. he smiled at you, before pointing to the flowers on the table.

"i got you these by the way, bruce said they were your favourite."

"you got them for me..? i thought bruce did... well thank you- he's right they are my favourite. did he.. talk to you?" you asked slowly, a smile coming to your face as you admired the flowers and thought about how bruce was such a good friend to you.

"i was afraid he'd let out the big guy and beat me up. he and steve really talked some sense into me." he chuckled softly. you giggled, shaking your head. bruce had always been protective of you like that.

"well, i have to get home for the night, but remember you have my full permission to take some time off to heal- in fact you have my encouragement to do so." he took your hand in his, looking into your eyes.

"thank you, for forgiving me. you've done very well here and i was afraid i'd gone too far to get you back." he admitted, sheepishly rubbing his neck with his free hand.

"what matters is you're working on making it better now. that's what's important to me. as well as this job, i'm very glad you aren't firing me, i need this job" you laughed softly.

"anyways, goodnight mr. stark." you smiled.

"goodnight, y/n."

masterlist

[eeeeeidklol]

winter romance part 1

warnings: cussing? i think that’s all idk reader is bi? (she flirts w a guy and isn’t very sure of her sexuality yet!)

random: i’ve never done one of these before so be nice probably a bunch of grammar and spelling errors sorry!*also this part is mainly background explaining stuff*

your in college living your life it’s almost winter break and you can’t help to be excited but all of a sudden you get the worst news of your life..well according to you.

SORRY FOR ANY ERRORS!! anyway..!!

you decide to post about it..your bestfriend lena immediately comments on it and then texts you.

*one notification*

lena: your going to jackson?! since when!

“trust me not by choice i’m leaving in a few days probably”

you immediately respond with

*buzz buzz*

lena: but what about all our fun winter plans?! this sucks y/n.

“i know im sorry but we still have a few days..let’s hang while we can linnie”

lena: oh don’t “linnie” me i’m so bummed but you’re right let’s hang soon with the whole group!!

linnie is a nickname you gave your bestfriend lena when in class the teacher couldn’t pronounce her name and you both found it extremely funny and silly and you’ve randomly called her that ever since

you post on your spam account some pictures of you and your friends hang out already missing them.. the next day you hit the road your already going to the airport your a bit nervous you haven’t seen your dad in so long your lost in thoughts until..

*buzz buzz*

ethan winston commented: miss you already pretty lady

you immediately groan at the notification you and ethan had been flirty for a bit but you both always never took it too seriously plus you weren’t sure if you even really did like him or if you just thought he was cute either way you both didn’t wanna ruin the friend group by causing unnecessary drama by dating. your thoughts break as your mom speaks.

“y/n i want you on your best behavior when your at your dads okay?”

“yea..okay i don’t even understand why i have to go?”

“look i know it’s never been easy for you ever since me and you dad split honey..but your father is finally ready to reconnect with you and i’ve told him that door has always been open for him.”

“he never tried to connect with me when i was younger.” you say your voice laced with attitude

“y/n.” your mom says sternly before her voice softens.

“your dad was busy when you were little always working on his business sweetie he loves you and now that he’s all settled down in jackson he’s ready for you to see his life okay?”

you just hum and nod at her not wanting to continue this conversation. you knew the real reason why he wanted you over there just so he could please your mom and make her happy and make her think he’s changed when in reality he hasn’t you’ve always known he misses your mom but his pride holds him back plus your mom definitely doesn’t miss him after he never payed attention to her for years and only focused on his work. all he cared about was money and growing his business but now your getting of the car saying your goodbyes to your mom dragging your suitcases into the airport.

*buzz buzz*

your phone buzzes as you sit down and wait for your plane to arrive.

new messages from: lena, kenna, bre.

*are we there yet?*

a gc made which your 3 best friends made on a long car ride which taking forever and your friends brother mark was driving and you all couldn’t talk out loud since your friends brother would hear the conversation which none of you wanted.. since the conversation was very silly and private you all were bored out of your minds hence the gc name no one has bothered to change it since then.

bre:“day 1 without y/n i feel myself going blind”

lena: literally i miss her so much RIP Y/N!

i’m literally right here?

you text.

kenna: it’s like she’s still here..

you can’t help but let out a small giggle at that..you and your friends text until it’s time to board the plane..it takes some long hours until your finally off the plane. once your off and go get your bags outside waiting for you is your dad claiming he couldn’t go inside since it was “too confusing” as if he hasn’t been to millions of businesses meeting that involved him traveling.

“no it’s okay dad i don’t mind..” you say to his excuse on why he didn’t meet you but still you give him a warm smile.

“alright then let’s go you’ll love it sweetie.”

your dad wasn’t a bad person..he’s just money obsessed which confused you since he lived in jackson. as your dad described it jackson was a warm nice town where most everyone knew eachother. your dad had loved working in nyc he loved the business in jackson he was a boss of a important business there.. you really didn’t know much you just knew he was the boss around there.

your looking out the window appreciating the view it was very pretty it was late night and you were exhausted after tour 7 hour flight you decided to text your mom.

“hey with dad now. miss you love you mom.”

*buzz buzz*

“happy to hear sweetie love you.”

you close your phone and smile sweetly and your moms “i love you” text soon your off youe dads car and into his house it was a nice house the neighborhood was nice..your dad shows you your room it looks nice you immediately get into bed not bothering to unpack yet your dad chuckles at you

“ready to hit the hay?” he says

“yea im all jet lagged. so sleepy.”

“alright night sweetie..nice having you here..maybe..uh tomorrow morning we can get some coffee? if you even like that sort of thing.”

“coffee sounds great dad..thanks..night.”

he shuts your room door and you cuddle into the sheets. has he really changed? is he really trying to bond? your not sure but decide to sleep it off.

next morning you wake up at 9 in the morning sleepy only to find out your dad is up and awake you linger around the house you eventually find him typing away in his office making calls too he soon realized you and turns to you and smiles as he’s on the phone quickly putting it on mute

“i’m almost done here you can go and change and then we’ll head out for breakfast okay?”

“okay..” you rub your eyes and head back upstairs into your room unpacking most of your important stuff like makeup and outfits and your brush just to get ready and soon you’re all ready.

you and your dad head out and go to a local breakfast place you walk there and talk about how life’s been and things like that sook your there and you both sit

“what can i get you?”

a girl with a slicked back pony tail asks.

“just 2 coffees for now dina thanks”

“oh! mark! it’s you! sorry been so busy haven’t even payed attention..who’s this?”

“that’s my daughter..y/n she’s probably around your age she’s in college aswell..”

“hi..” you say and smile shyly

“hi im dina! so nice to finally meet you your dad has talked about you before he comes in here a lot so i’d know.”

“mhm dina i was wondering if you could show y/n the town maybe? just so you know she has a friend”

“oh-“

you get interrupted you didn’t need anyone to keep you busy while he was off at work you didn’t wanna be a inconvenience.

“i’d love to! that would be so great..plus id love to make a new friend aswell.”

you smile warmly at her

“are you sure i don’t wanna be a bother..”

“no don’t worry! you won’t”

“well..i have to get to work soon..”

“but our drinks dad-“

“well you woke up late sweets..sorry.”

you get up to leave with him but dina stops you

“wait! stay! you can meet my friends..they’ll be by soon and i’ll sit too and we could all talk..? and get to know eachother “

you look at your dad hurrying already to work and you agree and quickly tell your father you’ll stay you curse yourself feeling like your dad hadn’t changed one bit now..your lost in thought upset but the door of the dinner opens a girl walks in with green eyes her face scattered with freckles she was very pretty she immediately caught your attention you barley noticed the guy next to her

“ellie! jesse! your here come sit!”

dina immediately abandones her cleaning tables and comes to me

“this is my new friend y/n she’s very nice she’s new around here wait..how long are you here for y/n?”

“just for the winter break so like for 3 weeks because then my college classes start up again”

“ahh..nice okay! this is ellie..and jesse”

they both sit down at the table

“hey..nice to meet you”

the guy says you greet him aswell he obviously has a thing for dina not being able to take his eyes off her as she gets their drinks.

“nice to meet you too”

the freckled girl says looking at you

“so..what are you doing in jackson?”

“oh visiting my dad..for the holidays”

“nice wait so where do you live?”

immediately you both hit it off asking eachother question with dina’s friend jesse being too busy just waiting for dina to come back soon i leave to the restroom excusing myself while im gone dina comes with the drinks and sits down

“woah? ellie’s actually talking that’s surprising”

“how’s that-“

“because you never talk to new people ellie.” dina teases

“mmh yea this is the most talkative she’s been in awhile” jesse chuckles ellie just gets embarrassed

“shut up! i’m just being nice plus jesse was just gawking over you the whole time so i had to say something!”

“ellie since when are you fucking nice??”

you finally come back and sit down noticing it goes a bit quiet when you come back and just smile awkwardly

“soo..why’s ellie red?”

dina bursts out laughing

“yea can you explain that one ellie?”

“probably because dina’s pissing me off”. ellie smirks a bit

“interesting..”

(ahh in ending it right here bc i need to sleep and i don’t wanna make into a draft bc last time i did that it didn’t upload anyway this is part 1!! ill make part 2 tmr maybe!)

[infinitestarsdev]

Devlog 2025-01-03 (What we've been cooking… Contains slightly nsfw images.)

2025 is going to be absolutely amazing!

You might have noticed that our pinups have been sporadic at best, which really sucks for everyone, and it's something that we're fixing. Hirodan, who has been drawing the last few pinups, is an amazing artist, but he, unfortunately (for us), got a full-time job which demands all of his time. (yay for Hirodan for getting the job!)

We've employed a new permanent artist who started on the 1st of January to help us create more characters for IF THEN ELSE, and one of their monthly assignments is to draw the pinups. (Franco has graciously allowed us to share some teasers of what you can expect from him going forward!) Besides Pinups and Character Asset packs, Franco will also be helping with some of our side projects, the first of many being a short game set in the Infinite Stars universe for the Sealed with a Kiss jam running this month. (We're excited for this one!)

(Some examples of what you can expect from our 2025 pinups!)

If that wasn't exciting enough, we are currently in the final stages of bringing an additional permanent (meaning not-a-freelancer) writer on board to focus on some of the side projects we have planned for 2025 and beyond.

I should probably stop while I'm ahead and stay quiet, but call it New Year excitement babbling: We are looking into expanding the team to include a permanent Python developer to help code all the cool ideas we have for Infinite Stars and the other planned side projects. This isn't official yet, and affordability will be the biggest deciding factor.

With the additional help, we aim to do four modest to large public Infinite Stars releases this year, so one release per quarter giving you more Infinite Stars goodness with less waiting in between. The season 1 wrap-up is on the horison. We still have a few more surprises in store, but I'm going to be lying if I said my mind doesn't wander off to plan and imagine content for season 2.

All of this costs money, quite a bit more than what we are pulling in from our amazing patrons right now. Luckily, I've built up a bit of savings from my day job, which I intend to push back into Infinite Stars as a calculated risk until it becomes self-sustaining again.

::Nervous chest breathing::

That being said, I'll need your help to get there. I'm willing to put my own money where my mouth is, and I hope the results will earn your enthusiasm and support. Patreon has been nagging me to update our Patron tiers, so if you have any ideas as to what would earn your buy-in on our journey, please be so kind to share them with me, no matter how silly or unrealistic they might seem to you. I've always loved doing the impossible, and maybe, together, we can get it done.

On to the actual reason you are here: News about the new Infinite Stars content. It's still cooking, unfortunately. The last internal word count on content not yet available in the public build was around 4x the length of Episode 1, with a bit more to go.

This will also be the first time you'll encounter a "wrong" decision that leads to a premature ending of the story. (It's clearly labelled, so there is no need to stress about it!)

It'll also introduce several new characters, most of them alien.

(A sharp-eyed theory crafter might notice one of these isn't like the others.)

It has quite a few new MC portraits that haven't been released yet.

As I've alluded to before in the past, it has some anxiety-inducing content that will probably top that scene near the end of Episode 3. I've also hinted at some twists and a few new things we're trying out... Honestly, I can't wait to share it with all of you, and I wish it was already ready.

Have a fantastic weekend. Be kind, be safe and remember to see the beauty in the small things that you might miss otherwise. <3

[countryclubkook]

Robbery

Pairing: JJ Maybank x fem!reader (somewhat)

Warnings: mentions of hook ups but nothing explicit, I don't really think there's anything else in here that needs a warning

Summary: The newest “pogue” member has a secret

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this🤍 it was so much fun to write (there's a fun little twist in here😏)

You read through all the texts from the same number you've gotten over the last several months. You tried explaining to them that you needed more time, it was too soon to text you again but they refused to listen. You just hoped it would be over soon. “Hey y/n, are you coming or are you just going to sit there and stare at your phone all day?” John B spoke which snapped you out of your thoughts. You had all planned on going surfing since it was such a nice day out. You were the fifth and newest member of the infamous pogue group, you’d always seen them around town but never really made any efforts into being friends until a few months ago. It wasn't until you got closer with Kie that the friendship blossomed into what it is now.

“Oh yeah sorry. Got lost in my thoughts again.” laughing as you grab your towel before heading out to the twinkie. You see the rest of the group waiting for you guys and braced yourself when you saw JJ running towards you to pick you up. It was a tradition for him at this point, the day he didn't run full speed towards you and wrap his arms around you while swinging you in the air was the day hell would freeze over.

He always had a small crush on you and vice versa, but neither one of you acted on it knowing it would just ruin the friendship you have now and ruin the group dynamic. Plus there was a rule, no pogue on pogue macking (and yes that rule still applied even if you were technically a kook) Instead it was just small acts of affection, lots of flirtatious comments, and occasional hookups when nobody was around to see. Even if you were a year older than the group, that never stopped you guys from always being together and having a fun time all the time.

“Hey Princess. Ready to get your ass kicked in our weekly surf competition?” JJ said with a large smirk on his face knowing he would win.

When you first began hanging with the group, you and JJ quickly formed a bond over your love of surfing. You weren't very good but that never stopped you from doing it and so JJ came up with a fun idea to have a “surf off” and see who lasted the longest. He was doing it purely for bragging rights (and because he found you extremely hot when you surfed) but you liked to think you had a chance. Plus it's not even your fault! Your board just totally sucks and sets you up for failure.

“Oh you wish Maybank, I'm taking your ass down today. Prepare to bow before me” you gave him a small wink and he just laughed knowing how it would go but nodded his head going with what you said.

Of course he won, that boy eats, sleeps, and breathes surfing. The first wave was easy and you genuinely thought you had it covered. But the second wave? The second wave was a bitch and instantly knocked you off your board while JJ made it his bitch and rode it with ease. The others watched in amusement and paid each other money from the bets they placed.

“Uh oh, tough wave Y/N/N. Looks like I still hold the surf champion crown. I think you should bow before me” he said with the same smug look he always got when he won.

“Yeah yeah, whatever. I was just being nice by letting you win.” you smiled at him as you walked back to the shore and began drying off. He looked hot right now, water dripping down his very toned stomach and tan skin, there was no denying it. Apparently, your admiring stare was a little too obvious and JJ noticed it almost immediately.

“Like what you see princess?” flexing his abs and arms. You just rolled your eyes and shook your head before pushing him into the sand and running back to the van. A playful gesture right?

“Y/N! What the hell?” he yelled but he was met with laughter.

“Last one to the van has to help John B clean the chateau!” you heard him yell something to the effect of ‘that's so not fair’ and the others let out a loud laugh at the sight of you two but you were already halfway there so you didn't care to stop and chat. Safe to say you won and JJ sulked the whole way back.

When you arrived, it was around 9:30 PM, you were tired so you decided to head back to your place before your parents freaked out about your whereabouts and why you weren't home. Your phone buzzed notifying you of a text message you received, you decided to get home first before checking it. You pulled into your driveway and turned off your car before heading inside, once you got settled and headed up to your room, you checked the text.

“Is it done?”

“Hello???””

“Answer me”

You rolled your eyes in annoyance, this took time. You needed a little bit more time.

“Calm down. It'll be done soon.” you typed before hitting send and turning your phone off, sleep taking over you.

The next morning you woke up and got showered before making breakfast and heading out to the mainland. You had some errands to run for the day and that was the only place you could really go for anything other than groceries. You both loved and hated it there, you loved the shops and being able to get away from the island despite loving it, but it was always so packed and sometimes impossible to get there. You wanted some coffee from your favorite cafe at least but the line leading all the way outside of the building told you that wasn't happening anytime soon. You let out a small sigh before you heard someone call your name.

“Y/N? Is that you?”

“John B? What are you doing here?” you turned to face him and gave a small look of confusion. He never came over here, he really had no reason other than maybe a DCS meeting, so what was he doing here now?

“Oh um-” he seemed to look around as if searching for an excuse, or a person, before continuing, “I'm with a uh, a friend. Yeah they said they needed some help moving something and said they'd pay me well for it so I agreed. You know me, always up to do something if I get paid well” you knew he was lying but who were you to judge?

“I hear that. I'm on errand duty today so I'll be stuck here a while but I'll see you later yeah?”

“Oh, actually I uh, I won't be home till way late but I'll see you tomorrow?” he said rather quickly which made you suspicious, but you truly had no time to push so you let it go.

“Yeah sure. Well, I've gotta go kill some time and hope this line gets shorter so I can have some caffeine, but I'll see you tomorrow JB” giving him a small smile and wave before heading to one of the many clothing shops.

You ran to a few more stores and finally got your coffee before deciding to head back to the island. Your phone went off and again, another text from the same person with the same question. This time you responded with ‘tonight.’ and got a thumbs up in return. You pulled up to your house and ran inside to grab a bag of things you'd meant to drop off at John B’s earlier . You knew John B wasn't there so you called it for Kie, then JJ, and then Pope.

You were met with no response so you opened the front door and walked inside. You placed the bag down slightly behind the couch so it wouldn't get stepped on. You left the house, making sure to close the door behind you, and went back to your car. Pulling your phone out you gave the same person a call.

“I did it, it's all set for tomorrow”

“Good girl. Meet me tomorrow morning at my place. I love you” was all they said before hanging up.

When you woke up the next morning, you got ready and headed towards their house. Upon pulling into the driveway you saw them standing outside, you got out of your car and you both greeted each other. They gave you a small kiss on your head and a smile before you both walked inside, hand in hand, entering their home office and making a call.

“Kildare sheriff's office” the lady on the phone spoke in a relatively monotone voice

“I'd like to report a robbery. I have reason to believe that JJ Maybank broke into my home and stole money, a watch, and a few other pieces of jewelry from me.” giving them John B’s address knowing that's where he stayed and thanking them as they told you they were on their way.

”Well, how did I do?” looking at the person.

“You did perfect baby. We're going to make them pay for what they did to Top. I love you so much” Rafe said, looking at you in admiration.

You couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces when they finally put together the pieces and came to the realization that you had been plotting against them for months. Playing pretend as even a pogue by association was exhausting so you were glad you finally got to go back to your real life and real friends soon. Sometimes it came in handy keeping to yourself and not telling everyone your personal business. The fact nobody on the island other than Kelce and Topper knew you and Rafe were together came in handy. Those stupid pogues should have never touched Topper that night. You looked over at Rafe who gave you a smirk, one you mirrored in return, before your phone rang once more. You clicked accept and put it on speaker so Rafe could hear as well.

“We got him. Found a bag with your stolen belongings behind a couch. He's being taken into custody now ma'am”

“Thank you so much for your help sir.” you said in a sweet voice, hanging up after he explained what was going to happen.

‘Mission accomplished’ you thought. You don't know how they never figured it out. They 100% trusted you and let you in as one of them. It was almost too easy, JJ was so easy to get wrapped around your finger. All you had to do was flirt with him and swallow your pride to hook up with him, you hid your disgust very very well apparently. He fell right into your trap and now the real fun could begin. You and Rafe were going to enjoy every last second of it.

It would always be you and Rafe against everyone and everything for the rest of your life.

[noonaishere]

Music of the Heart [J.YH] - seventy-two | she’s a me

You walked into the studio.

“Sorry I’m late. My bus had a thing, and I had to wait for another one, and then there was traffic… What are you two doing?”

Hongjoong and Maddox were surrounded on all sides of the desk by papers.

“We got song submissions and we’re getting ready to listen. Put your stuff down.” Hongjoong said as he got the first cd ready.

You did as he said and pulled out a notebook, maybe you’d have something to make notes about.  Hongjoong put the cd in the computer and pressed Start.

“My name is Yujin. I’m sixteen. Um---”

She sounded so young. Hongjoong frowned and looked at the pile CDs. 

“How’d this get in here?” He asked as he flipped over the case it was in and looked at the back.

“What?” You asked.

“This is supposed to be song submissions from the producers we normally work with. This is from a bunch of kids in a band.”

“Maybe it was an accident?” Maddox offered.

Hongjoong shut it off.

“Wait--” You said.

He turned to you.

“Can we listen to it at least?”

He nodded and started it again.

“My name is Yujin. I’m sixteen. Um… I play bass… okay.” She laughed awkwardly. “Okay, I mean… I just started. But I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve written a few songs with some friends of mine, and… if Wonderland is looking for a group of teenagers who want to speak their minds and make the world a better place through music… look no further. Are you ready guys?”

“Yeah!” Three other voices joined her.

“One! Two! One, two, three, four!” 

The drummer counted and they all started playing… reasonably well. It wasn’t stellar, you wouldn’t even call it great, but for a bunch of teenagers who hadn’t been playing that long, it was better than okay. The fact that they submitted an original song was what really wowed you; they seemed to understand how to structure a song already and the lyrics weren’t half bad. At the very least they weren’t hackneyed or cliché.

“What is this?” You asked.

“Let me check if they sent any notes or anything…” Hongjoong sorted through the papers on the desk as he looked for it. Maddox also looked and eventually found them, handing them to Hongjoong.

“It says… they’re a band of four called ONIIX? Two boys and two girls.” He read the notes for a moment before handing it to you. “Holy shit, read what she wrote.”

There was a huge paragraph about their concept: how the members were aliens and looking for galactic peace, but that they had been stranded on earth and there was something they had to fight which - really - was just a thinly veiled metaphor for capitalism.

You chuckled.“I get the distinct feeling one of them had to read Ayn Rand during English class at some point and hated it.”

“Why?”

You smiled. “Because who actually likes Ayn Rand?”

He tilted his head in agreement. “You’re not wrong.”

“I’m very right.” 

He chuckled.

You went back to reading the notes. You were pleasantly surprised at how creative someone as young as these kids could be. How creative any kid could be if they were allowed. Something in you was almost jealous; you wished you had the opportunity to make your own decisions about the world at their age. All you had really got as far at that time was, ‘Everything sucks and nothing matters’ but that was just because you were being ground down under your mother’s boot and were under parental house arrest for almost half a year until graduation. Even after that, you had a hard start to your adulthood because all you had was the money in your pocket, a suitcase half-filled with clothes, and your bass. You definitely empathized with their hatred of capitalism because of that.

And who wouldn’t want to make the world a better place?

“They listed a bunch of influences, look at the American bands they picked.” You handed it back to him.

He read: “Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Rage Against the Machine…”

“Oh, you like them,” Maddox pointed out.

He nodded. “The Cramps, Nirvana, Lunachicks, L7, Bikini Kill…”

“Quite the punk rock appetite.” You said.

He nodded.

“What they’ve submitted doesn’t sound explicitly punk though.”

He nodded again. “Much more rock, but not particularly indie or pop.”

You nodded. “I wonder if that’s a stylistic choice or just their lack of ability.”

He nodded as he looked at you.

You didn’t know what to do, so you nodded again.

Maddox laughed. “Are you two communicating?”

Hongjoong continued to look at you.

You looked at Maddox, who shrugged, and back to Hongjoong, who now had an eyebrow raised.

“What?”

“...Would you want to train a bassist?”

You laughed. He couldn’t be serious.

He continued to look at you passively. He was serious.

 “Would that mean a new job title as well?” You raised an eyebrow.

He smiled. “I think I can finagle another pay line.”

“Ha… You trying to make me indispensable or something?”

He smiled. “I think… if we have a bunch of ‘Fuck the System’ kids who want to make music because they love it… you should be the one to teach the one who plays the same instrument as you.”

“Oh… I’ve never taken classes. I don’t know if I could teach it.”

“I’ve never taken production classes and yet I’m teaching you music production.”

“...Oh.”

Hongjoong smiled.

You looked at all the papers all over the desk as you thought. Could you teach someone to play bass? You’d have to look up lessons online or something to see how other people did it. But also: ‘Should you teach someone?’ was maybe the better question.

“You don’t have to decide now,” Hongjoong said, your eyes snapping to him. “We have to listen to all of the song submissions anyway, but we’ll hold onto this on the side.”

You nodded as he put the CD and its paper in his drawer.

“I’ll ask you again in a week or so.”

You nodded again.

He nodded back at you.

Maddox looked between the two of you and narrowed his eyes. “Are you two sure you aren’t communicating?”

Both of you laughed. 

Hongjoong clapped his hands together. “Okay, let’s listen to the actual song submissions.”

*ᴵ’ᵛᵉ ʰᵉᵃʳᵈ ᵐᵒⁿᵏˢ ᶜᵒⁿˢᶦᵈᵉʳ ᶦᵗ ᵗʰᵉ “ᵐᵉᵈᶦᵗᵃᵗᶦᵒⁿ ˢᵗᵃᵗᶦᵒⁿ”

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Send an ask or leave a comment if you want to be added to the tag list! 🎵

@luvvvx • @iamthehotdemon • @hrts4hanniehae • @rachs-words • @stayatinykatsy •

[jazzthatonewriterchick]

Lovers & Friends (18+ Fic)

Pairing: Keigo Takami x Black!Fem!Reader (Friends to Lovers)

Synopsis: In which you and Keigo have begun to realize the strange new feelings you both have for each other after one drunken night at a close friend’s wedding that ends with you in his bed, but because of your longtime friendship and committed relationships with other people, you’re more than happy to forget that night even happened and keep your mutual feelings in the dark…for now, at least. 

Story Warnings: Smutty smut; 18+ (MINORS GET AWAY); Cheating/Infidelity; Mating; Light Degradation; Spanking; Exhibitionism; Multiple Positions; Creampie; Unprotected PIV Sex; Facials; Scent Play; Marking; Spitting; Deepthroating; Cunnilingus; Begging; Edgeplay; Power Play; Daddy Kink; Some Angst; Hurt/Comfort; Mild Violence

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters mentioned in this fic. However, as this is my writing, I do not give permission for my work to be reposted on any other sites that are not from my own accounts. Thank you!

Writer's Note: Chapter 2 down!! Enjoy the read!! -Jazz

Chapters: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Bonus Chapter.

Read on AO3 here!

************

Chapter Two: Lean On Me.

You: Hey, I’m being kidnapped by a big ass bird. Don’t wait up for me 

This is the text you sent to your sleeping roomie, Rumi (ha, ha), before you strip yourself of your robe, throw on some underwear, and pick out a simple bodysuit and some jeans for an outfit.

Then you throw on some kicks and a denim jacket, and you grab your important items (money, keys, gum, etc.) before taking your personal elevator in your living room downstairs to the condo lobby. 

Only the overnight front desk clerk and two security guards are up. You give them a nod as you leave to meet up with Keigo in the lot and find him sitting on the roof, legs dangling. “You ready or what, blondie?” you call up to him. 

With a joyous laugh, Keigo stands, stretches, and flashes his wings at you so fast that your brain barely has time to process it. He truly has some gorgeous wings–fluffy, magnificent to look at, and crimson red. They are a stark contrast to the darkened sky, the moonlight coating each tip of his feathers in silver. You can see now why he’s so popular among the public and with the women, other than his handsome face and carefree, suave personality. 

He lands perfectly on his feet in front of you and smiles. “Whatchu got those for?” He nods at the car keys dangling from your wallet.

You stare at him, confused, and then realize with horror what he’s asking for. “No!” you protest. “You know I hate heights!” 

Keigo sucks his teeth at you. “Shut the fuck up, man,” he huffs. “And yet you’ve fought villains on top of buildings before.” He holds his arms out for you, his golden eyes holding a promise of safety. “You know I’ve got you, Y/N.” 

The look in his eyes and the softness in his tone make you melt. Goddamn him for being a good friend. With a slump of your shoulders and a whine, you open your arms for him. Keigo first wraps a secure arm around your lower back, bringing you close to him. The scent of his favorite cologne hits your nostrils, making you want to lean further into him and inhale deeper. 

Then he scoops you up by placing an arm under your legs until you’re off the ground. “Just relax,” he whispers in your ear.

But despite you having done this dozens of times, you don’t relax, even as he takes up into the air. You screech and grip him tightly, your eyes squeezed closed. “Relax, relax,” Keigo laughs, taking joy in your fear. “I’ve got you. You know I’d never let you fall, right?” 

You don’t answer, too scared to say anything or even move. You just continue to grip Keigo’s jacket and any other part of him you can reach. The wind blows your hair and into your ears, helping you imagine yourself in your car just driving and not several feet off the ground. As Keigo flies you to your destination, he hums some R&B tunes, obviously trying to calm you down but it isn’t working. 

After what feels like forever in the air and above Musutafu, Keigo finally lands in front of your favorite bar downtown. “Here we are, miss,” he chuckles.

He places you down gently and once your feet hit the ground, you open your eyes to face the quaint little karaoke bar called Hoshi’s which is bustling with activity on a late Friday night. You’re slightly pissed he’s making you interact in a social setting tonight. All you wanted to do was mope and wallow in your guilt tonight, maybe pour yourself some wine, but of course, the bird brain had other ideas. 

You turn to him with a glare. “One shot,” you tell him. “That’s it.” He nods, not saying a word as you walk into Hoshi’s together, mostly because he knows that that isn’t true. 

And it isn’t. You and him at Hoshi’s for nearly two hours, taking tequila shots, ordering copious amounts of hot wings, and chortling into the microphone after renting out your own room.

You go for the R&B and pop genres and jump from artist to artist from all different eras: Mary J. Blige, Ginuwine, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, etc. Half the time you’re laughing so hard that you have to restart your turn. 

It’s exactly what you need: time with your best friend, laughing and joking. You feel warm and happy spending time with Keigo (also from the alcohol), all the guilt and ugly feelings you felt before tonight gone.

After two hours of acting like fools, Keigo once again persuades you to let him pick you up and fly you over to one of the tallest buildings in the city. You still have your eyes closed, but because of the shots now in your system, the fear of flying is replaced with adrenaline. You find yourself giggling to yourself as you feel the wind whip across your face, your arms wrapped around Keigo’s neck. 

“Feelin’ good?” Keigo asks above the whistling of the wind. You nod into his chest, still giggling to yourself. “Good,” he chuckles, his chest rumbling slightly. “That’s what I wanna hear.” 

Minutes later, you come to the tall building belonging to a corporate office and sit along the ledge of one of the glass windows. Keigo sits next to you, his thigh brushing against yours. You stare out into the city lights slightly obscured by the smog of pollution, Musustafu appearing to you like tiny fireflies emerging through a fog. It’s beautiful. 

You sigh in contentment, full of shots, delicious wings, and a bubbly feeling like you just downed some champagne. “I really needed this,” you confess, the alcohol taking its effect on you. “Yeah,” Keigo agrees. “I could tell. I could almost feel the dryness of that sex.” 

You gape at him and smack him hard on the shoulder. “Ow!” he laughs, rubbing his arm. “I didn’t say I saw anything! But anyone walkin’ in that bitch without a brain could tell you didn’t get your nut.” 

You groan, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Was it that obvious?” you mutter, feeling even worse now and the alcohol isn’t making it better. You can feel the emotions bubbling, tears of frustration pushing past your eye sockets.

You suddenly feel Keigo covering your hand with his gloved one and staring into eyes that are like two twin yellow topaz gems. “Talk to me,” he softly says. 

And so you do. You spill your fucking guts to him. “I love Rei,” you begin, your friend’s hand stroking your back and pushing you to continue. “He’s so, so amazing and I care about him so deeply, but the sex is just so…so….” 

“Dry?” Keigo finishes. 

“We’ve tried new positions,” you continue without missing a beat, “and kinkier stuff, but nothing seems to work. We’ve been together for a year and I don’t wanna ruin things just because of something so small. I don’t know if it’s because we’re not compatible in the bedroom or if I just can’t connect with him on that level or–” 

“Hold up,” Keigo cuts in, putting a hand up to stop you. “First of all, has he ever made you cum?” 

You blink at your friend for a moment, attempting to process his question in your sluggish brain gone slow from the alcohol. His bluntness and the randomness of the question shock you. He fixes you with a stare, daring you to not answer or to lie. You bite your lip, your face going hot with embarrassment as you think of every sex-apade with Rei that ended in disappointment.

“No,” you confess softly, shaking your head.

Keigo’s eyes widen an inch. “No?” he asks, shocked. “He’s never made you cum once in the year you’ve been with him?” Once again, you shake your head, flushing with embarrassment at the fact. He whistles in astonishment. “Well, shit, Y/N, you’re better than me.” 

You scowl at him, confused. “What do you mean?” you demand. “You’re tellin’ me you’d leave someone just because they couldn’t make you cum?” 

Keigo looks over at you as if it should be obvious. “After talking to them about what I like and showing them over and over again? Shit, yeah! I’m not about to stress myself out over a relationship where the sex is minuscule.” 

You almost wish you had that kind of attitude. Sex is a big part of a relationship to you, yes, but the thought of breaking off such a nice relationship with such a nice guy because of the disconnect during sex just doesn’t seem right to you. But you suppose it’s easier for Keigo, the bachelor he is. He’s had models; actresses; singers.

He’s been all over the world trying women and men on like shoes. He’s seen it all and done it all. Of course, it’s easy for him to leave when something gets dry. 

“Well, I can see why you and Sakura are still together,” you hum thoughtfully. Keigo fixes his lips at the mention of his girl and you laugh, teasing him more. “How is she, by the way? She still coming to Fatgum’s wedding?” 

Keigo doesn’t talk too much about Sakura, his new girlfriend who he’s been dating for three months–the longest romantic relationship he’s had! Of course, it started as a fling after Keigo met her at a party and went straight to eating her out back at her place afterward, but over time, you were all shocked to find that he was actually involved with Sakura. 

You’re happy for him. Sakura seems like a catch–pretty, pink hair like cotton candy, a nice, petite frame, is a nurse for sick children, and isn’t a bitch. But for some reason, Keigo didn’t talk about her or bring her around much. You weren’t sure if it was because he was afraid of giving too much expectation for it or if it was something else. Something you didn’t know for sure. 

“She’s fine and yes,” he answers blandly, “but this isn’t about me and Sakura. This is about you, your man, and your bedroom problems. So, does he know where the clit is?” 

“Jesus, Keigo!” you shout, smacking his leg. 

“Well, does he?” he urges, hitting you back but not as hard. 

“Yes, he does, God!” you scoff, irked by his bluntness and crassness. “But it’s not just because he doesn’t know how to do me. I don’t know what I want him to do or how to do me because I’m not connected with him during sex. It’s like I’m somewhere else entirely when we’re together.” Even saying it aloud, you feel horrible. 

Keigo notices this and softens his tone. “Have you talked to him about this?” he asks. You peer at him from under your lashes and awkwardly look away. “Not exactly.” 

“What does that mean?” he asks, perplexed. You stay quiet, the shame rising within your stomach. “You’ve been dating the man for a year and you haven’t told him about any of this, Y/N?” Keigo scoffs, understanding your negligence to answer. “Really?” 

“Look, I’m not good at communicating how I feel, okay?” you snap, defensive. Keigo begs to differ, tilting his head to look at you from an alternate angle. “You’re doin’ a pretty good job with me.” 

You sigh, your shoulders slumping in defeat.

“You’re different though, Keigo. We’ve been best friends since middle school and all through UA. You’ve seen me through my downs as well as my ups. At my worst times. Rei has never seen me like that, so it’s not easy for me to just put this all on the table for him. Especially since he’s been working so hard to get that award he’s nominated for at the Heroes’ Gala.” 

Keigo nods understandably. “Oh, yeah, forgot that Gala shit was happening.”

Knowing him, he probably did unless his agency has been hounding him about it and he’s just being an ass. The Heroes’ Gala is one of the biggest hero events in history besides the Hero Billboard Chart JP. The JP event, which happens at the end of the year, is where all pros’ hard work pays off through a higher popularity ranking. 

In contrast, the Heroes’ Gala is where all heroes, whether pro, upcoming, or seasoned, from all over the world gather to celebrate the accomplishments of each and what it truly means to be a hero (at least that’s what it says on their website) by giving out awards and honorary speeches to each hero according to their work and popularity. It happens once every year and its location changes ever so often to be inclusive of international heroes. 

The last one was in London, England. This year, it’s happening in downtown Musutafu and all will be in attendance. Including you. This would be your first trip to the Gala.

You’ve never been to one before either (1) due to work or (2) because you never had a date and didn’t want to see the look of pity in everyone’s eyes when no. 13 pro hero walked into the scene without anyone on her arm. 

Last year you promised yourself things would be different. You’d train like crazy, get some good arrests under your belt, be kind to news reporters after kicking villain ass on live TV and adoring fans while out living life, and get an award to set on your desk, never mind not having a partner. But then Rei entered your life. 

Rei has also been working hard to get his award, whether that be taking extra shifts to patrol or upping his IG game for social media popularity. You’ve noticed he’s been pushing himself hard, doing everything and anything to achieve this goal, so the last thing you’d ever want to do is put more stress on him just because you can’t get your nut. 

You groan frustratedly, looking up at the twinkling stars for answers. “God, why are relationships so complicated? Why can’t my life just be a Disney movie?” 

Keigo chuckles at your anguish. “Mmm, I’m pretty sure if it was, the sex would be nada, babe. Can you even picture any of those Disney couples gettin’ it on?” You keep quiet, trying to imagine Ariel and Prince Eric doing missionary, but you can’t even conjure the thought. “Exactly.” 

He turns to you, his golden eyes twin pools of truth. “This is real life and real life is complicated; so are relationships. But to make sure you and Rei are on the same page, you have to tell the guy what you’re feeling and how you’re feeling.” 

You feel like crying right now. If only he wasn’t right about any of this. “I wish you weren’t right,” you lament, leaning your head on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around you, holding you close to him. “I’ll try, but I wanna do it after Fatgum’s wedding.” 

As the fact comes to mind, you laugh in disbelief into the summer air. “Damn, I can’t believe he’s getting married! It’s about time though. He’s been seein’ Haruko for six years now. Now that’s a perfect relationship.” 

You smile as you think of Taishiro aka the sweetheart Fatgum and Haruko, the curvy redhead with the plant quirk where she can manipulate plants of all shapes and sizes. They met at Haruko’s flower shop when Taishiro forgot to pick up a Mother’s Day gift.

You’ve never seen a couple more in love and in tune with each other. You can only wonder how the sex is–probably perfect. You love them, but damn them! 

“Shit!” Keigo suddenly hisses. You look up at him, finding a pained expression on his face. “First Nemuri and Yu. Now Fatgum? You’re not gonna get married in the next year too, are you? I can’t handle anymore of my single friends not bein’ single anymore.” 

You laugh loud and hard into the night, throwing your head back as you do. You snuggle into his chest, wrapping your arms around him. “Relax, bird brain. Marriage before I make number ranking pro hero no. 12 isn’t in the cards for me.” 

You feel Keigo sigh in relief and feel hurt for him. You can’t imagine how it must feel seeing all your friends move on and fall in love without you while you’re stuck in the same spot. But then again, Keigo doesn’t seem to be looking for “the one” or wanting to move forward too. You’d ever tell him this, of course. The man has his reasons for being who he is, and so do you. 

“And look on the bright side,” you chirp. Keigo glances at you questionably. “If all of us ever get married, you can just throw in the towel and put a ring on Sakura’s finger.” You raise your eyebrows suggestively at him. At this, he pulls a sour face at you, making you laugh even harder. 

See? Reasons. 

After another hour of shooting the shit, Keigo finally flies you home. Once you’re in front of your condo, he helps you right into your open bedroom window, holding your hips as he does. Once you’re inside, you turn to him with a grateful smile. “Thanks for tonight, Kei. I really needed this.” 

Keigo nods, still crouched in the window. “‘Course,” he replies and leans in to press a kiss to your cheek. His stubble tickles your skin. “Get some sleep, alright? And think about what I said. Communication is key.” 

You scrunch your nose at him. “Ew, you sound like Nemuri,” you say in disgust. “Get the fuck out of here.” You pucker your lips at him in an air kiss as he throws up a peace sign and flies away, flapping those wings that cut across the night sky like slashes of red satin. 

You have no problem settling into bed to sleep off the night, but across town, Keigo does. As he’s flying, he slows his role enough to take out his phone and compose a text message to his visitor for the weekend:  

K: You still there? 

*Read at 11:26 

S: Yeah just got upstairs. I’m waiting for u 

*Read at 11:29 

A smile quirks onto Keigo’s lips. He pockets his phone before zooming off toward home, knowing which ways to take for a shorter route. The skies are calm and clean, the warmth of the summer in the air making him sweat in his hero’s gear. He will definitely have to transition into his summer gear soon, but damn, if social media isn’t thirsty. 

When he arrives at his own condo, he lands on his personal balcony and slides open the doors left unlocked to his humble abode. When he walks in, he expects to see the familiar cotton candy pink hair and frilly skirt of his current girlfriend.

But who he finds sitting on his couch waiting for him is you. You’re still in your clothes from tonight, your shoes kicked off, and a happy smile on your pretty face at the sight of him standing there. How’d the fuck you get here so fast? And what the fuck are you doing here? 

“Hey, baby,” you greet him in that alluring, goddamned sexy voice of yours. Keigo is at a loss for words. He steps back towards the balcony, thinking about jumping off of it and flying far away from here and whatever this is. 

“Keigo?” 

Keigo squeezes his eyes closed tight and opens them back up to find Sakura replacing your spot on the couch now. She wears a frilly pink skirt and a white top that adorns her porcelain skin. She’s wearing a worried scowl on her face, her pink brows knitted together.

“Everything alright?” she asks in her voice that sounds like tinkling bells. 

Keigo blinks again, trying to make sure this isn’t another mirage. That alcohol must be setting in. “Uh, yeah!” he replies, plastering a huge, reassuring smile on his face. “Yeah, I’m sorry, babe. Just…thinkin’ about work today.” 

Sakura stands and walks over to him, standing right at his chest. “Well, tell me all about it,” she giggles. “You know I love hearing stories about work.”

She wraps her arms around his waist, pulling him close. “Plus, I can give you a nice massage,” she purrs, a seductive look in her aqua eyes. 

Keigo just smiles down at her and presses a soft kiss to her waiting lips. But instead of her mouth, all he can think about is yours. 

[ravenwitch45]

Heyyy!! Could you do Crimson x a single young dad read (like late 20s) who's pretty tired?

Sorry if this is a lot to ask!

-Laughs In Karmic Justice- Multisexual awakening bitch! I love this idea, not only for that but the idea of Crimson seeing a healthy Father/Child relationship and it cracking his heart a little, oh I love this so let's get into it!, and no this isn't a lot to ask, this sounds really fun!

Crimson with a young tired single dad s/o around their late twenties

Crimson didn't often go out to take care of buisness himself, but sometimes when someone owed them money if they were pretty helpful in the past, he'd go out to make sure he got it handled with a delicate, (And usually unfatal touch)

This was one of those times, a owner of a daycare ironically enough, and before he confronted the owner he decided to take a smoke in the currently empty waiting room, it was near closing time so he'd have the owner alone soon enough.

But then you stomp in with a sigh the moment he starts his lighter, almost stumbling over to a seat before leaning your head back with a groan, Crimson practically freezing at the sudden entrance, before you tiredly look at his lighter, noting how he probably shouldn't be doing that here.

He sighs, putting it back, saying something a long the lines of force of habit, and you chuckle weakly at that, joking his job must suck worse then yours if he's bout to smoke right before picking his kid up.

He corrects you, that he's not here for his kid, ignoring how his head bitterly goes to Moxxie almost immediately, and you raise a brow, getting the explanation that he's a friend of the owner and here to talk, and you just give a okay, not your business really.

You talk a bit more together over general stuff, before the door opens and a kid runs up to you, eagerly yelling Daddy and you pick them up in a hug, Crimson noticing how your tiredness all but melts away upon the kids entrance, and he looks away a bit from the sweet moment that looks all too famliar. The Kid asks who your new friend getting you to chuckle, saying just someone who gave you a good chat, before asking for his name, he answers, and you leave saying you hope you see eachother again.

You do actually, finding out you work at a factory he also has ties with, which is good cause Crimson honestly can't get you out of his head, he explains it away from how much you and your kid reminds him of his late wife and Moxxie, but the more he get's more odd one on one encounters with you, the more it's clear just you tugs at something inside him.

He spends way more time then he can excuse thinking of you, refusing to put any word like attraction to the feeling, and him momentarily considering asking Chaz for advice, makes him push it down further, clearly he's being stupid if he's considering such a thing.

Still he welcomes any encounter with you, talking with you as long as feels natural, until one time when he's paying a visit to the day care owner again (Cause they can't pay on time to save their life almost) where you show up to tell them your kid won't be there for a bit, apparently spending time with a relative, and your happy to find Crimson there.

You awkwardly ask if he'd like to go out sometime, saying he can take it as a date or just hanging out, admitting that you've been needing a break from everthing for a bit, and since he's the closest thing you have to a friend at the moment you want to spend it with him. Crimson ignores that he's blushing, saying he'd make time if you'd really like that. Also ignoring how he's not all that against considering going out on a date with another guy.

You smile before heading off, thanking him for being such a good friend, and Crimson keeps his composure, but then immediately loses it upon getting home, dragging Chaz into his room upon calling him over and yelling "How do you get ready for a possible date?!" Cause man is he clueless in the modern age.

Chaz helps out (After laughing his ass off of course) getting Crimson to settle on a bit more of a modern look, though pretty modest all things considered. leather jacket, some jeans and boots, and a sweater, nothing too much. Though you compliment him when you see it.

Overall Crimson enjoys the time with you, thoroughly unsure what direction you want this hang out to go, you going around to several clubs, giving you two plenty of time to have fun despite how awkward he feels.

Eventually you ask if he'd like to dance, he stammers and blushes a little, mumbling in agreement before you pull him onto the dance floor.

It's slow, to fit the music, you holding eachother close before you notice how much he's blushing, you ask if he's okay, hoping he's having a good time too.

He admits that while he is enjoying... whatever this is, he's not sure how to feel about wanting you with you, having never been interested in men before and not ever expecting to want one like this.

He abruptly goes silent when you cup his face, saying you didn't expect to want some overdressed smoker you met in a daycare, but that here you are nonetheless, saying it with a warm smile that is all too enticing.

Crimson kisses you passionately, pulling you closer ignoring all the awkwardness he feels for the time being, just to be here with you for a moment, you return the kiss, not minding the stray glances you get from the other club patrons.

After that you figure out a relationship, trying to see eachother when your busy schedules allow, and while he has no issue with you being a father, he admits he has to work that part of himself out if you want him to co parent with you, which your fine with, if he wants to get to know your kid like that that's his choice after all.

Overall it's a pretty sweet relationship, though expect to get teased a little by Chaz, though that's mainly at Crimson himself. Either way he's happy to have you, and your kid, whatever happens on that end.

Okay I really enjoyed doing that one! Sorry if it turned out a little long, just had an idea and it flowed out XP Sorry if I didn't do the dad angle as much as you wanted, just kinda wanted to make it clear reader had a life outside there kid and that it's good for them sometimes. Also enjoy some extra flustered Crimson cause I know yall love that sometimes XP

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti returns with another hot, hilarious Regency romp about a reclusive earl and the wallflower-turned-radical-pamphleteer who turns his life upside down.

For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets—and for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of: a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.

But the real earl has no idea who she is. When a bewitching stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned. And when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)

But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.

Review:

A wealthy spinstress who spends her time writing political pamphlets is getting ready to propose to her long time pen pal, the elusive Earl of Strathrannoch... the only issue is that when she arrives it turns out her pen pal is actually the financially broken second son who was using his brother's name and has stolen from him... and now the real Earl needs her help to get his brother and stop him from selling important political secrets and his brother's invention to the enemy. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a wealthy wallflower, she's happy to be a spinstress as long as she has her freedom. she spends her time writing political pamphlets under a anonymous name... until she begins a pen pal relationship with the Earl of Strathrannoch. Lydia and Arthur begin writing to one another and becoming friends and something more, and when she discovers Arthur's financial situation the perfect idea comes to her: she'll propose to him and it'll be the perfect way to maintain her writing and also be in a marriage with a partner who sees and understands her. She decides to go to Arthur's home to propose to him... only when she opens the door and finds the real Earl who says he's never written to her or heard her... they both realize that the real Arthur's brother has been using Arthur's name to write to Lydia to trick her into marrying him so he can steal her money. Arthur has been searching for his brother since his brother stole his invention and who better to help him then Lydia? Lydia begins spending more time with the real Arthur and discovers that she is in fact falling for him. Yet with a ticking clock and the fact that they are getting close and closer to Arthur's brother, Lydia will have to decide which brother she's going to pick. This was such a fun historical romance with a touch of comedy. Lydia and Arthur have such good chemistry and i adore the way that Alexandra Vasti writes her romances so much. The story just sucks you in and has you rooting for the couple so much. I just adored this book and can't wait to see what the author writes next. Both her books have become some of my favorite historical romances that are lighthearted and fun with a touch of spice!

Release Date: January 21,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[cherryc1nnam0n]

Thank you for calling...

Chapter 5: "Please help..."

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Chapter summary: When you come back Wednesday to work you didn't expect the chaos that awaited for you

Cw: Angst, crying, Eddie is depressed, more technical terms, screaming, people being assholes

You woke up early the next day, dressing up with whatever you found and going to work, when you got there your co workers were waiting for you

"Did someone die?"

"Almost..." Luke said

"Your customer called all day yesterday, he seems to have issues"

"Oh shit"

You waited until it was 7 am, clocked in and got ready, waiting for him to call again, your heart was a knot, was he okay? Is he okay? Was he robbed? Did something bad happen?

All your doubts were answered at 7:08 am

Edward Munson High Risk Authenticated

"Good morning and thank you for calling National Bank, my name is Y/n, who do I have the pleasure of assisting today?"

You heard nothing, then a sniffle? Is he crying?

"Hello?"

"Eddie? Are you okay?" You broke character when you heard his broken voice

"S-sweetheart" he said

Your eyes watered, you never heard him like this, he must be so sad

"W-what can I help you with?" Your voice trembled

"Y/n I-" he sobbed "I got robbed, someone emptied my account, I had 450 dollars saved for food and stuff and they're gone!"

You went into his account and saw it all

-356.90 Apple.com

-5.46 Amazon.com

-222.87 Uber

Available Balance -585.23

"Oh gosh, Eddie it's okay we'll fix this okay?"

"How will you fix this?! I was robbed! I don't use Apple, I don't even have an iPhone! I never buy shit from the internet and I have my own van so I don't use Uber! Y/n I'm fucked! I'm so fucked!"

"Eddie it's okay let's calm down and breathe okay? Breathe with me, inhale and exhale"

He did as you told him to and calmed down a little, he was still crying but now he wasn't yelling anymore

"I'm sorry for screaming at you" he said sobbing "But I really needed that money"

"I know Eddie, trust me I understand you, so I'm gonna help you okay? Now I need to contact disputes so they can file a claim on this, and your money will be back okay?"

"Really?" He had hope in his voice

"Yes, really"

"Thank you"

"You're welcome, nos stay on the line for me, I'll be right back"

You placed him on hold and called disputes

"Good morning and thank you for calling National Bank, my name is Michelle, how can I help you?"

"Hi this is Y/n from Hawkins"

"Oh hi Y/n, how are you?"

"I'm fine, you?"

"I'm doing great, what is your employee number?"

"It's xxxxxx"

"Last name?"

Y/l/n"

"Supervisor please"

"Joseph Quentin"

"Thank you, and how can I help?"

"My customer has transactions he doesn't recognize"

"I'll be more than glad to help, what's his social?"

"xxxxxxxxx, his name is Edward Munson, likes to be called Eddie only"

"Great, thanks, one moment"

You heard her typing on her computer and then she spoke again

"Which ones are they?"

"Apple, Amazon and Uber"

"I see them, you can put him through I'll be more than happy to help"

"Thanks"

You put all of you in conference and you heard him son again

"Hey Eddie, thanks for waiting in the line, I'm here with Michelle she'll take over the call and give you further assistance, thank you for being a valued-"

"Wait you're leaving?"

"Yes I'm sorry but she has to do her job and so do I-"

"Please don't go Y/n I can't-"

"Alright I'll take it from here, thank you Y/n you can leave now"

You huffed quietly

"Goodbye Eddie"

"No, no-"

You hung up the call leaving them alone, you couldn't stay on that call even if he begged you to, it's the rules

You sat back, placed yourself on After Call Work and cried a little

"Hey, hey, hey what's wrong?" Randall, one of the floor support people came to you "Are you okay?"

You shook your head "N-no..."

"Come on, let's go"

He logged you off and took you out to talk

Let's just say the day sucked...

~•~

A/n: I couldn't help myself so yes more angst! Eddie will be okay don't worry! Thanks for all the love <3

Taglist: @bbyhargrove @mystars123 @tiannamortis @kjaxm @eddiethesexy @kickstart-myheart-sixx @aftermidnightwriting @bratckerman

[itsawhumpsideblog]

The Safehouse, pt. 1

Had some ideas, thought I'd start writing. Here goes, I guess?

CW: for institutionalized slavery, mentions of abuse, treatment of people as things

The call came on their anachronistic landline while Angie was washing the dishes and it made her jump. She wanted to grab it right away, but she was in soap suds up to her elbows and had only gotten as far as toweling dry when Tim came skidding around the corner and grabbed the receiver off it's hook.

"Hello?" he asked, breathlessly, as though anyone else would call on that line. Parents and friends would have texted their individual phones; this phone could only ring for one purpose.

Angie finished drying her arms and walked over to lean against the wall, hoping to hear some of the conversation instead of waiting for Tim to hang up and relay the information. To her disappointment, he did a lot of listening and very little talking and there wasn't much she could glean until he thanked the person on the other end and turned to her.

"Well?" she asked anxiously.

Tim sucked in a deep breath as if steeling himself for something serious, which was more or less the case. "They're sending us three of them," he said. "Our contact says we should expect them to arrive tomorrow. They'll be delivered by WRU employees, so don't be surprised by the method of delivery, but he promised the abolitionists falsified records somewhere to get them sent here- no money changed hands. He was very clear about that."

It was no good asking who the contact was or how the delivery orders had been created. For the safety of the whole network, they would never know.

"We'd better get ready," Angie said needlessly. They had a checklist, but it made her feel better- more prepared- to say it out loud. "We'll have to make the beds, make sure we have food they can eat- did they say anything about allergies?"

"No, nothing." They knew better than to ask about preferences. The rescued box boys likely wouldn't be able to have preferences for some time, or at least not express them.

"So beds, food, soap and shampoo for their bathroom, fresh towels." Angie counted items on her fingers. "They'll need clothes- did they give you any information about sizes?"

Tim shook his head. "Just said they were coming tomorrow and that there were three of them- all men. They'll be with us permanently, until they're rehabbed well enough to live independently or in a halfway house. They're-" he winced slightly at the next phrase "-'second hand' so we should be prepared for them to be in... pretty bad shape. Maybe very bad. Our contact didn't know." Tim's voice had gone very quiet as he spoke and he was looking at his shoes.

Angie nodded. "We'll do everything we can," she said. "Do you want to split up and go shopping separately? Get it done faster?"

"Can I go with you?" Tim asked. He looked up at her through his bangs, smiling sheepishly. "I'm- I'm a little nervous. I didn't think I would be. But it would help to go together, maybe talk things over on the way."

"Of course," Angie said. "We can go together if you want. We should get started."

"I'll put my shoes on." Tim went to the front hall and returned a minute later wearing sneakers and a hoodie against the cold weather. He pulled keys out of the pocket and they let themselves out of the single-family home and got in the car parked out front.

The house was not really theirs and neither was the car; Angie and Tim had only known each other for a few weeks and both felt that it would be a while yet before they were comfortable living and working together. They had been paired up after training, a mostly-virtual affair offered in secret and only after volunteers had passed several levels of security and background checks and the like. The abolitionists could not afford to operate too overtly, but they managed to create and staff safehouses and Angie and Tim, along with others they would never meet, had been deemed to posses the qualities necessary to help rehabilitate rescued box boys.

And now, as of tomorrow morning, they would be the caretakers for three young men rescued from... whatever it was that WRU had done to them.

The pairing seemed to have been well made, or at least Angie and Tim thought it was. They had quickly become comfortable with each other and Angie's organized, energetic determination was a useful foil to Tim's quiet, gentle nature. She looked around and saw what needed to be done; his strength was in finding the right way to do it.

As they passed through stores, they talked and debated and made choices as if intentionally demonstrating these choices. It was Angie who steered them directly to the linens and quickly put her hand to the best financial choices, while Tim made sure the items were available in different colors and patterns, so that the new arrivals would each have something to call their own. Later, he ensured that the towels did not match the bedsheets, so the young men would not feel color-coded. Thanks to Angie, they kept the whole thing under-budget. "That leaves more," she said, "that we can spend on them later, when we know what they need."

That night, they ate pizza and stayed up until the early hours setting up the bedroom and bathroom. There was a bunkbed and another single bed to match it, mattresses to haul upstairs and put on the beds, a bathtub to wash out and curtains to hang. The house had come partially furnished, but they had expected more time to get it ready.

No matter, though. By the time they went to their own rooms to sleep, they felt confident that they were ready for the new arrivals.

Next time: a knock on the door and the population of the house grows.

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