#i mean yeah i’d be scared of him too. glad he’s on my side

[goldensunset]

‘h-he’s terrifying! he can’t be human! but he has a silly qwilfish-looking hairstyle!’ UNCALLED FOR???

[avis-writeshq]

02 — haunted

summary: “something’s gone terribly wrong, you’re all i wanted.”/“you’re not gone, you can’t be gone.” pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader genre: best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, fluff, angst warnings: rated 16+ for alcohol, religious talk (inaccurate portrayal of Christianity), vomit, INCREDIBLY CANON COMPLIANT ‼️IF YOU WERE TRIGGERED BY S2 EP15 REVELATIONS IN CRIMINAL MINDS, DO NOT READ THIS‼️ wc: 10.1k a/n: another special mention to @astrophileous for beta reading and hyping me up!! love you loads zahra 🤎 (she's also doing an AMAZING derek morgan series that i have the honour in beta-in so if you have time please do check it out!! it is an absolute work of art) SPARKS FLY MASTERLIST // MAIN MASTERLIST

There is never a dull day when working at the BAU. After weeks of cases and paperwork, a night out was exactly what everyone needed. A place to get drunk, have fun and unwind– and O'Keefe's was the exact place to do just that.

“You know, you can at least try to look like you’re having fun,” Emily muses, nudging your shoulder. 

Emily joined the team soon after Elle had resigned, and as much as you missed your friend, you enjoyed Emily’s company. She’s too observant for her own good; grinning at you from across the room whenever you have the slightest interaction with certain people. She’s a brilliant addition to the team, much to your chagrin, but you know it’s all in good fun. Well, all in good fun for her.

You shoot her a playful glare, sipping on your drink. “I am having fun!”

“Liar,” Emily says instantly, grinning at you. “C’mon, what’s going on?”

“Nothing,” you deny, “I’m just tired. Things have been… busy to say the least. I’m just glad that the team is getting some R&R. Well deserved, might I add. How are you? You know, with joining the team and all that.”

She smiles in your direction before downing a shot and shrugging. “It’s been good! Yeah, everyone is so… welcoming. It’s nice.”

“Different to a desk job?” You ask with a teasing lilt in your voice. 

Emily laughs softly. “Yeah, totally.”

Your gaze shifts to where Spencer is sitting, for once enjoying himself in such a crowded area. He’s talking to two strangers at a table, his hands gesticulating as he explains something and the two people seem thoroughly amused. 

“So… Spencer, huh?”

You frown. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

Emily laughs, “You’re staring at him with heart eyes. Anyone can tell. Except for him, apparently.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“For a profiler, you’re a horrible liar.”

You let out something that sounds akin to a dying cow, turning your attention back to your drink. Your attention wavers and it shifts back to Spencer who is enthusiastically talking about something to the two amused guests. He grins at them as they drink, his own cup still full. Derek is thoroughly enjoying himself as he dances with a group of girls, and you can see Aaron and Haley dancing together on the floor as well. It’s wholesome, seeing everyone in their casual wear and just having fun.  

“You should talk to him,” Emily tries again, nudging you. “I’ll buy you a drink if you do.”

You raise an eyebrow. “You’re bribing me to talk to my best friend?”

“I’m bribing you to give me entertainment,” she corrects, laughing.

“You’re horrible,” you tell her, smiling, as you walk past her in Spencer’s direction. “I expect that drink to be delivered to me.”

“Deal!” She calls after you, downing a shot as she watches you. 

Spencer smiles when he sees you make your way over to him, shuffling his chair to the side to give you more room. 

“Hi,” he murmurs, pulling your seat closer to him. “Having fun?”

“I should be asking that to you,” you respond, smiling. The two people he was once talking to take their leave, giggling about something you couldn’t quite make out. “I didn’t mean to scare away your company.”

He immediately shakes his head at your words. “I’d rather talk to you anyway.”

You can’t help the silly grin that spreads across your face or the way your cheeks heat up and you cough. “Well, I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

Spencer laughs, his hand gravitating to your knee and he squeezes good-naturedly. “You exceed them.”

You think he’s trying to kill you and you swear you stop breathing as you choke out, “I’m glad.”

It isn’t long before Emily makes good on her promise, and a waiter appears on your left. He presents a drink to your table, the glass adorned with a lemon rind and a raspberry, and you eagerly take a gulp. 

Spencer frowns a little as he watches you drink. “Aren’t you going to question who it’s from?”

“I know who it’s from,” you respond cheerfully, letting out a contented sigh. You offer the drink to him, moving the straw so that it’s pointing in his direction. “Want some?”

He eyes the pink drink suspiciously. “What is it?”

“It’s a Pink Bikini!” You chirp, sipping the drink again. “Like… coconut rum, raspberries, and lemonade. It’s good, Spence, you can barely taste the alcohol.”

His nose scrunches at the idea of coconut rum. “I dunno.”

“You’re not gonna get drunk from one sip,” you protest happily, a little tipsy. “It’s good! Besides, how do you know you’re not going to like it if you never try it?”

“You’re literally drunk right now!” He points out, laughing a little and moving the drink out of your reach. “Give it to me.”

“That’s only because I had a couple drinks earlier,” you argue, lunging for the glass. You’re quick but Spencer is quicker (and taller), and he chugs the drink before slamming it back onto the table. “Spencer!”

He grins at you, smacking his lips as he plays with the paper straw. “I’m protecting you, (Y/N). Who knows what you would’ve done if you drank any more.”

“You’re insufferable,” you chastise half-heartedly, “I was thirsty.”

“I have water,” he says, fishing a plastic bottle out of his satchel. He cracks the lid open, taking a sip himself before passing it to you. “Drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol can lead to dehydration. Drinking water slows down this effect, allowing the liver to metabolise the alcohol that was already consumed. This also means you won’t have as bad a hangover tomorrow morning.”

You beam at him, taking tentative sips from his water bottle. The fact that you’re drinking from the same bottle as him is not lost on you, nor the fact that he finished your drink by using your straw– your lipgloss stained straw– and he didn’t even bat an eye. 

“What would I do without you?” You croon, handing his bottle back. 

“Probably die of dehydration,” he responds, taking one last gulp of water, before returning the bottle back to his bag. 

“Ah, yes, that’s right,” you laugh again, beaming at him. You’re not sure if it’s from the drinks, but you can feel your cheeks begin to flush. Did it get hotter in here?

“Hey, sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we have a case,” JJ pats your shoulder sympathetically, frowning. “Horrible timing, but it’s urgent.”

You all but whine. “But I’m tipsy.”

“I’ve got aspirin in my bag,” JJ says, “you’ll be fine.”

“Stupid serial killer,” you huff, getting up from your seat. “They owe me a day off.”

*** 

“You know it never fails. Just as I’m getting my groove thang going, bam! We’re back at the BAU,” Derek says, pouring himself a much needed cup of coffee and sitting at the roundtable.

Spencer shrugs. “You know, statistically, a case doesn’t come in with any more frequency if you’re at a party or gathering than if you aren’t. It’s a… trick of the mind. We merely remember the ones that came in that way more.”

“Besides, how long does it take for you to get your ‘groove thang’ going anyway?” You tease, sipping from your own cup of coffee, and Emily cackles from beside you. 

“Only when he’s sleeping,” Gideon comments, walking into the conference room and taking off his coat. 

Hotch’s brows raise in a mixture of surprise and concern. “Where were you tonight?”

“I told you, I went to the Smithsonian,” he grunts as he sits into his chair.

“You missed a good time,” Emily insists, smiling.

“I had a good time,” Gideon responds, his attention turning back to the screen where JJ was getting ready to present the latest case. 

“Well, that’s definitely over,” she says, flicking the screen on. “Georgia. The Kyles– Dennis and Lacy– were murdered an hour ago in the suburban Atlanta home.”

Hotch’s brows raise in surprise. “An hour ago?”

JJ nods. “Police were on the scene unusually fast.”

“Why?” Derek asks, leaning over the table.

“One of the UnSubs called them and told them that the other was about to murder the victims.”

You huff out a laugh in disbelief. “You’re kidding.”

“From inside the house.” JJ purses her lips, gesturing to the transcript that was printed out in their files. “According to the dispatcher, the first male sounded terrified and begged them to get there before the other, who they both identified as Raphael, was about to kill the sinners that lived there.”

“‘Sinners’?” Hotch echoes.

JJ nods again, a grimace painted over her features. “The 911 centre is going to send Garcia the tape.”

“How fast was the police response time?” Spencer asks, glancing at the screen.

“Four minutes, twenty-six seconds. During which time Raphael was able to do…” JJ clicks a button on the remote and an array of gruesome crime scene photos popped up onto the screen. “This.”

“In four and a half minutes?” Emily asks incredulously, frowning. 

Garcia immediately turns away from the screen, clutching her mug closer to her chest. You can’t help but cringe as well from the violence presented in the photos: blood everywhere, smeared across the walls and floors of the house, and the victims lifeless. 

“Mr. Kyle is a dot-com millionaire. His company is one of the largest employers in the community. There’s going to be media coverage. Also, when they arrived, the police found this displayed prominently on the bed.”

Another image appears on the screen, this time a page of the Bible placed into a plastic evidence bag with a certain section highlighted. 

“Revelation, Chapter 6, Verse 8,” Hotch reads for the rest of the team.

Derek can’t help but scoff. “They’re killing sinners.” 

“These guys are on a mission. And mission-based killers will not stop killing,” Spencer says with a wince. 

“‘And I looked, and behold, a pale horse, and his name that sat upon him was Death,” Hotch begins, eyes trained on the Bible page.

Gideon continues, his voice quiet and grim, “And Hell followed with him.”

*** 

You sigh tiredly as you slump into the seat beside Spencer, playing with the cap of your water bottle. The sky outside is painted in oranges and purples as the sun begins to rise, and you try to hold back the frustrated groan when you see the blaring ‘4:22AM’ flash on your watch. 

“Is everything okay?” Spencer asks quietly, looking over at you.

You shake your head, running your fingers through your hair. “I just… I have a bad feeling about this case. There’s something… off about it.”

He hums in thought, “we’ve dealt with religious motives before, though.”

“I know but just–” you huff, leaning against the headrest. “It’s just weird. I mean, usually if one of the UnSubs were partnered with someone who was a liability, they’d eliminate them. But that’s just not happening here.”

“Don’t think about the case,” Spencer says gently, resting the palm of his hand flat against your knee. “It’ll be fine, trust me.”

When you don’t respond, he pokes your cheek gently shooting you a lopsided smile. “Hey. It’ll be okay.”

“I hope it will be,” you respond quietly, moving so that your cheek is pressed against his shoulder. “But you saw those images; what the UnSubs can do in less than five minutes. I know it’s nothing we haven’t seen before but–”

“(Y/N).” He squeezes your knee again and you flush as he continues to speak. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be back home before you know it. Trust me.”

You nod, although you can’t shake this feeling off. “Promise you’ll be safe?”

Spencer smiles at you. “Promise.”

*** 

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” you mutter, turning away as the video of Mr. Kyle being murdered plays on repeat. Your stomach churns at the mere mental image that pops up in your mind, and a chill run downs your spine. 

The case is a lot more gruesome than you expected it to be, especially when it came to the team’s attention that a video of the murder was circulating the internet. The video was currently being played on loop, with the voice of the UnSubs playing out of the computer. You thought you saw it all but this was unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. 

That is, until Spencer stood from his seat. 

“Agent Franks?” He whispers, looking towards the lead detective. “Does this building have wireless internet?”

Agent Franks nods. “Yeah. Why?”

Spencer swallows, gesturing to the computer. “That camera’s on right now. The computer has connected itself to the internet; it’s streaming a video feed somewhere.”

Hotch’s concern only deepens, along with the frown on his face. “Can we trace the stream to the destination?”

“If we keep it open, Garcia might be able to–” Spencer begins, only to be cut off by a beeping from the computer.

In bright red lettering, the words: ‘THE ARMIES OF SATAN SHALL NOT PREVAIL’ flash against the black screen before turning off.

“So, they’re controlling it remotely?” Hotch asks, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Is that even possible?” Emily asks in disbelief. 

“Yeah, you can totally access someone’s computer remotely. It’s actually done a lot today when a mortal calls for tech support. Instead of giving you instructions the tech can work on your computer from wherever she is,” Garcia explains through the phone. 

“And they maintain the access even after the work is done?” Hotch asks.

“They’re not supposed to, but I suppose you could install a Trojan horse.”

Spencer turns to Gideon. “Something left in the computer to be turned on later. It’s the same way that websites get pop-up ads onto your computer.”

“Garcia can you check the Kyles’ phone records and see if they called tech support in the last six months?” Hotch requests as he flips through the Kyle family’s folder. 

“Right-o. Oh, and if you get me the laptop I can search the drive for anything implanted there.”

Hotch nods. “As fast as we can.”

“By the way, this video? It’s gone crazy viral.”

Gideon frowns. “What does that mean?”

“That means it’s the most downloaded video on the entire Internet. Worldwide. And judging by the responses people seem to think it’s pretty cool.”

“Call us if you find anything on the Kyles’ computer,” Hotch mutters, before the phone hangs up.

“Honestly, they probably don’t even realise that the video is real,” you say quietly, pinching the bridge of your nose. “I mean, you see a video on the internet. The last thing you’d think is that it’s actual people being murdered.”

“They probably think that it’s marketing for a horror film or something,” JJ adds on, but the look on her face is just as disgusted.

“Well, the UnSubs were right about one thing,” Derek mutters, nodding grimly. “The world is pretty screwed up.”

*** 

After hours of going through files and trying to find a paper trail, you’re left with a mountain of paperwork in front of you and sore eyes. You press the pads of your fingers against the corner of your eyes, slumping over the table. 

“Hey.” 

Spencer’s voice brings you out of your thoughts and you peek a look at him. “Hm?”

A takeaway cup of coffee is placed in front of you and you immediately perk up. He chuckles softly, patting your head. “You looked like you needed it.”

You spy the name written across the paper cup and frown. “It’s your coffee.”

“You need it more than me,” he says honestly, smiling. “Besides, I’m okay.”

You take a tentative sip of the drink, the sweetness of the sugar overwhelming the bitter taste of the coffee but you don’t mind it. Instead, you didn’t actually mind it; especially because it’s from him. 

“Thank you,” you murmur. “We can share it if you want.”

He shakes his head ‘no’, turning back to the files on the page. “Where did you get up to?”

“Nowhere special. Agent Franks is right; there’s nothing in any of the files relating to knife fights that are remotely similar to the case,” you say, slumping against the table and leaning your head on your arm. “I’ve got six or so left to go through but I’m not getting much luck anyway.”

At that moment, JJ enters the room, holding another cream coloured file. “What if we were looking at this the wrong way?”

Hotch turns to her. “What do you mean?”

“I looked for unsolved home invasions. Three months ago there was a prowler called in directly outside of the Kyles’ house.”

Your brows knit together at her words and look up at her. “A prowler?”

JJ nods. “The witness was walking his dog in a nearby park. Going back to his car, he saw a man in dark clothing go over the back wall and start sneaking up to the house. By the time the police got there, the prowler was gone.”

“Only one man?” Hotch asks. 

“Apparently.”

“Was the witness able to describe the man?” Spencer questions.

JJ looks into the papers before shaking her head. “If he did, it’s not in this case file.

Hotch looks at JJ then back at the corkboard. “Is there a name and address to the witness?”

“Tobias Hankel,” JJ reads. “Lives about an hour from here.”

Hotch lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing his eyes. “It’s a long shot, but he might be able to give us a description. Why don’t you and Reid go out there, see if you can find Mr Hankel, and see if he remembers anything.”

You immediately frown, perking up at his words. “I can go too, sir. There’s a safety in numbers.”

“You’re exhausted and we need you here,” Hotch says, immediately shutting your suggestion down. “We don’t need three people to talk to a witness.”

Your face falls and your stomach churns. “I understand that, sir, but it’s late and wouldn’t it be safer if more people go?”

“We’ll be fine,” Spencer reassures, squeezing your arm. “We’ll be armed and we’ve got our phones.”

A small breath escapes you and you nod slowly, chewing your bottom lip. “Okay. Be safe.”

He smiles. “I will.”

JJ snickers lightly, turning to Hotch. “Be safe,” she echoes, grinning.

Hotch can’t help but chuckle as he returns with, “I’ll be so safe.”

“Oh shut up,” you laugh, rolling your eyes. “I’m gonna kill you.”

JJ grins. “But how will that keep us safe?”

You throw an eraser at her shoulder in response and she laughs loudly, walking out of the room. Spencer squeezes your arm again, rubbing your shoulder through the fabric of his jumper before following after her. 

It isn’t long before the lead detective rushes into the room, his words flying out of his mouth. “Agent Hotchner, we got another murder.”

*** 

“Tobias Hankel is the UnSub.”

Five words is all it takes for your world to come crashing down around you. Hankel? The UnSub? Your mouth is dry as the head detective explains about the dogs and you think you’re going to throw up. Your mind spins and your chest pounds with anxiety because oh God, what’s going to happen to the others? 

“We sent Spencer and JJ there,” you whisper, your throat closing up. You tug desperately at your collar, trying to breathe. “Oh my God, we sent them there. We sent them there.”

“Hey, hey,” Derek is quick to ground you, gripping your shoulders firmly. “They’ll be okay. It’s Spencer Genius Reid and Jennifer Bad-ass Jareau. They’ll be okay.”

You shake your head firmly, pulling away from his grasp and clutching your head. “I should be there with them. I should have gone with them. We don’t know what Tobias is capable of, Morgan, something could have happened to them.”

“We’re dispatching police now,” the detective says, getting off the phone. 

Tears spill from the corners of your eyes and you try to keep your breathing steady. It doesn’t work. The room is spinning and you can’t see straight. The words your team are trying to get through to you fades into background noise and you let out a choked sob. 

“They could be–” Your words don’t make it off your tongue and you turn, gesturing to the black screen that was once playing the video of the woman and the dogs. “Oh my God.”

“(Y/N),” Emily holds your shoulders tightly, her words a mixture of firmness and care as she tries to snap you out of it. “They’re going to be okay. We have to go there now.”

“They can’t be gone. Spencer can’t be gone,” you say, more to yourself than anything. “Yeah. Okay. Let’s go. We have to find them.”

The others don’t need to be told twice. You get into the passenger seat with Emily, trying to calm your breathing. One hour is too long. Why does Tobias have to live so far away? You press the palm of your hand to your mouth, the lump in your throat getting bigger. Hot tears fall down your cheeks as the world becomes a blur of flashing lights and you try not to cry. It’s your fault. You should have been there with him. There’s safety in numbers. Why didn’t you trust your gut?

“Don’t do that,” Emily says sternly, gripping the wheel tighter. 

You can’t bring yourself to respond, merely shaking your head adamantly. 

“Stop blaming yourself,” Emily tries again, glancing at you for a second before turning her attention back to the road. “It’s not your fault.”

“I should be there with them.” Your voice cracks pathetically and you wipe furiously at your eyes.

“You couldn’t have known.”

“I should have.”

She looks at you again. “Stop. You couldn’t have known. It’s not your fault.”

The rest of the car ride is silent. You’ve learned that this is the hardest part of the job: losing someone. Losing someone because of a job. It seems ridiculous, considering that it’s something so miniscule in the grand scheme of things, and yet it is the most common factor in divorces. A lack of commitment. Instead of committing to something that actually matters and can’t be replaced, their attention turns to something so lacklustre. If Spencer were here he would tell you the exact statistics. If Spencer were here, you wouldn’t even need to think about the statistics. 

The sound of sirens echo through the once quiet country area and the police officers file out of their cars. You fasten your Kevlar vest over your chest hastily, fumbling with the clasps as you jump out of the car. 

“John, Bobby, take the house with Hotch, Gideon and (L/N),” the captain orders, pointing towards the house. 

Your stomach lurches as Hotch busts the door open, and you move upstairs with your gun pointed out. 

“Clear!” You yell, rendezvousing with Hotch and Gideon soon after. 

“Downstairs is clear,” Hotch says, nodding towards you. 

“Then where the hell is he?” Gideon mutters, looking around the rooms of the house.

The blood rushes to your ears and the air grows thick. You can’t breathe. The house is unmaintained with mould growing in the corners of the rooms and dust gathering on the shelves, the paint on the walls cracking from water damage. Your eyes sting as the air pricks at your skin, and your legs carry you down the stairs and out the house.

“JJ,” you breathe, your eyes wide as you meet the blonde sitting at the back of an ambulance. You pull her into a hug. “You’re okay.”

It’s a different JJ to what you’re used to. She’s always been put together with not a hair out of place. She’s usually so full of life and mirth, bringing a sense of serenity and security when you need it most but this… 

Her blue eyes are red and puffy from crying and she’s shaking miserably against your body. She scratches at her wrists and picks at the bandages, her bottom lip trembling. Her gun is set beside her, not in the holster she usually carries it in.

“(Y/N),” she sobs, her voice cracking. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?” You demand. “Where’s Spencer?”

“I’m so sorry,” she repeats, shaking her head. “I tried–”

“Where is he, Jennifer?” You ask, pulling away from her like she burned you. “Where is he?”

She sobs again, clutching her head. “I don’t know, we separated–”

“What do you mean you separated?!” You’re trying not to scream. Your thoughts are running a million miles an hour. Spencer is gone. He’s gone. “Why would you do that?”

Jennifer lets out a wail, trying to explain herself through broken words. “We didn’t– he said– I’m sorry I’m sorry–”

“‘Sorry’ doesn’t bring him here, does it?” The words are harsh and low, and you tug at your collar again. “He’s not here, Jennifer! Does that mean nothing to you?!”

“(L/N), that’s enough.”

Hotch’s voice makes you snap your head in his direction and you see red. 

“I told you I should have gone with them,” you snap, and it doesn’t even occur to you that this man is your boss. “If I went with them, Spencer would still be here right now!”

“(L/N).”

“No.” You glare at him menacingly, too deep in your anger to even comprehend anything else. “He should be here right now! He should– he should be spouting out statistics or coming up with some theory! He should be here and he’s not!”

“We’ll find him. Trust me.”

“I did!” You yell, your voice fervent. “I trusted your judgement! And look where that got us. Spencer is gone. He’s not here, Hotch, because I trusted you!”

“(Y/N), enough.” Hotch is firm and he stares you down. “That is enough, do I need to remind you who you are speaking to?”

In an instant you stop, your heart lurching and you quiver. “... This is my fault.”

He immediately shakes his head no. “It’s not your fault.”

“I should have gone with him. I should have– it’s my fault. It’s my fault.” Your eyes well with tears and you tug at your hair erratically. “He can’t be gone. He’s not gone. He’ll figure something out. Why didn’t I do something? I should have–”

“Stop it. (Y/N), stop.” Hotch grips your shoulders squarely, bending down so that he’s eye level with you. “Take deep breaths.”

Your lungs burn as you try to breathe, hot ragged breaths leaving your lips shakily as you cover your face with the palms of your hands. Tears fall down your cheeks and gather in your hands as you make a desperate attempt to calm yourself down. It’s all too much. The sky is pitch black and the feeling of cold rain stings and bites your skin. The sounds of sirens fade away and for a moment it’s just quiet. Quiet, except for the words and the voices that swirl in your mind. 

“A man that matches Hankel’s description was spotted in the next town over.”

Derek’s words bring you out of your thoughts and you manage a soft, “What?”

“Alright,” Hotch nods, before turning back to you. “Go back to the police department.”

“What?” Your ears are ringing. You must have heard wrong. “No. No, no, I can’t– no, Hotch, I’m not going back to the police department. Spencer is missing.”

“You’re too close to the case.”

A humourless laugh leaves your lips as you stare at him. “We’re all too close to the case, Hotch. Look around!”

“You attacked JJ and you raised your voice at me. I want you to go back to the police department and work the case from there.” He speaks to you as if he were speaking to a child and it makes you feel sick.  

“Oh, so you’re punishing me?”

“No, I’m using you,” he says firmly, and then his voice softens. “It won’t do you any good to be here, (Y/N), you know that.”

“Aaron,” you try again, your voice wavering. “Please, don’t do this to me.”

“Go back and find us something that we can use.” He turns to one of the policemen. “Make sure she gets there.”

The policeman nods, tipping his hat, and gesturing for you to follow him. 

“Wait I– let me talk to JJ. I need– just, please,” you say quickly, clearing your throat. “Sir.”

He’s sceptical before nodding. “Go ahead.”

You don’t need to be told twice. In moments you turn back to the ambulance, letting out a heavy breath. “I’m sorry.”

JJ shakes her head adamantly. “No, you’re right. It was my fault.”

“It’s not,” you say quietly. “I know Spencer and I know you. It was… probably his idea to split up.”

She smiles wryly, fiddling at the bandage on her arm. 

“It’s not your fault,” you say again. You’re not sure who you’re trying to convince anymore. “You went through something too and I ignored that and that wasn’t right of me. I’m sorry.”

JJ sniffles, pursing her lips. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be,” you respond quietly, patting her arm. “I need to go. Um, Hotch wants me off the case, or something.”

She nods. “Okay.”

You look at her again, the guilt building like bile in your stomach. “I really am sorry.”

“I know,” she whispers, wiping the tears away from her eyes. “We’ll find him.”

You don’t respond.

*** 

Everything hurts. His head is pounding and he can feel the sticky blood drip from the side of his head and against his cheek. His feet hurt from each thwack of wood, and his wrists hurt from the handcuffs. It’s cold. So, so cold, and he feels so weak. No amount of knowledge or training could have prepared him for this.

Spencer’s throat throbs from crying. No matter how many times he tries to convince whatever personality is taking over Tobias, it never seems to work. What’s the point of being a profiler if he can’t even save himself?

The creaking of the door brings him out of his thoughts and he jolts. Tobias, at least who appears to be Tobias, enters the room carrying a slaughtered animal. A shiver runs down Spencer’s spine and all he can do is watch. 

“You need to eat,” the man says, his voice strangely soft and oddly calm. 

“What’s your name?” Spencer asks, his voice small.

The man looks back at him. “Tobias.”

“Tobias, who was here before?” The fear is obvious in his voice and Spencer just wishes for an ounce of Hotch’s stoicism or Derek’s bravery. 

Tobias chuckles weakly. “It was probably my father. I’m sorry if he hurt you.”

Before he could comprehend his movements, Tobias takes off his belt and walks over to him. Spencer fears the worst. Did Tobias’s father take over again? He tries to inch away, struggling against the restraints as best he could.

“W-What are you doing?” Spencer asks shakily, trying to pull away from him.

Tobias doesn’t respond, slipping one end of the belt above his elbow. Everything begins to click.

“No, no. Don’t. Please, please don’t.” He resorts to begging. 

In this moment, Spencer hates the way his mind works because he doesn’t need to know the statistics. He doesn’t need to know that 75% of drug abusers started out using pain killers. His head swirls with what Tobias could be using. Codeine? Heroin? Opium? The list goes on and he tries to keep his breathing steady.

“It helps,” Tobias says, ignoring the way Spencer trembles and shakes his head adamantly. “Don’t tell my father. He doesn’t know they’re here.”

Tobias takes the syringe and the bottle out of his pocket and Spencer sobs even harder. He tries to appease him again, shrinking away as best he could in his chair. 

“Please,” he tries again, his chest heaving and tears wetting his waterline. “Please, I don’t want it, I don’t want it.”

“Trust me. I know.”

“Please,” he begs, tears slipping down his cheeks. “Don’t.”

Tobias doesn’t listen. 

The effects are far too quick for codeine, heroin or opium and Spencer can feel it hit. He knows it’s wrong. He can go on for hours about the statistics about it but the feeling so euphoric that he can’t help it. And then he sees it. 

“We have another recruit as well. Came in a couple weeks ago,” Derek told him, walking him through the halls of the BAU headquarters. “She’s part of the academy Honours program. Top of the class, apparently.”

“Oh.” Spencer nodded slowly, fidgeting with the zip of his bag.

Derek grinned. “Relax, kid. You still have the most impressive résumé. She’s just an intern; doing paperwork, mainly.”

“I wasn’t– I wasn’t worried about that,” Spencer stammered, wetting his bottom lip. “I mean– not that I think she isn’t smart or anything. I just meant–”

“Kid, I mean it when you have to relax,” Derek snorted as he opens up the door to the bullpen “Meet the rest of the team.”

He walked through the doors, ready to make his mark. He’s spent so long believing that he was nothing but now… he took another step, meeting Hotch’s gaze and– he didn’t get very far when something catapulted into his side. There was a flurry of paper work and cream coloured files, case details splayed all over the floor. Spencer grunted a little, tumbling to the ground like a house of cards. 

“Oh, my God, I am– I am so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going and I was running and I am not used to office attire! I am so sorry!” 

The ramblings of a girl– she couldn’t be older than him, at least, not by much– filled Spencer’s ears and he grimaces. “No, it’s– it’s okay. Don’t– uh– don’t worry about it.”

“(Y/N)...” JJ huffed out a quiet laugh, helping the other girl to her feet. “Are you guys okay?”

“I’m okay,” Spencer said, slowly getting to his feet. 

The girl didn’t do the same, instead scrambling to pick up the multitude of papers that litter the floor. “I’m fine! Just– great. Great. Brilliant.”

Spencer immediately started to reach for the papers, trying his best not crumple them up anymore than they already were. “You’re… the intern?”

“Is it that obvious?” You ask, breathless. “I’m still getting used to all…” You gesture wildly to the interior of the bullpen. “... this.”

“(Y/N), meet Doctor Spencer Reid. He’s the youngest addition to the team. Reid, meet (Y/N) (L/N). She’s part of the Academy Honours Program,” Gideon introduces, peering at the two of you from behind his glasses. 

“Hi,” you said meekly, stretching out your hand.

His words hitched in his throat because once he’s gotten past the flying papers and the fact that you literally ran into him, he realises just how beautiful you are. You were right there in front of him, close enough to touch but–

“I don’t shake hands,” he said quietly, the anxiety gnawing at his stomach. His fingers twitch at his sides and he moves them to grip the handle of his satchel. “Sorry.”

You smile at him and his heart thunders in his chest. Is this how Romeo felt when he met Juliet? Or how Charles Bingley felt when he met Jane Bennett? 

“It’s okay,” you told him, tucking the papers under your arm. “Don’t worry about it. So, you’re a doctor? That’s really cool!”

“Reid here got accepted into the BAU without even taking a physical exam,” Derek chimed in, practically bragging about Spencer’s intellectual prowess. “Isn’t that right, kid?”

“I’m not an athletic person,” Spencer said awkwardly, his worries dissipating when he heard you laugh good-naturedly. Regardless, he felt the urge to defend himself. “I’m not weak.”

JJ laughed along. “We know, Spencer.”

“I’m not weak… I’m not weak…”

“I don’t give a damn whether you’re weak or strong.” 

Spencer barely manages to blink his eyes open as he hears the familiar timbre of Tobias’s father’s voice fill the room. He’s slowly coming down from the high of the drugs and the room spins as he does. 

“Yell all you want boy,” Tobias sneers, bending down so that he’s eye level with Spencer. “Ain’t no one gonna hear you where you are.”

As if to prove his point, he begins to scream. Deep and rumbly, and it jolts Spencer back to reality. He wishes he was careful. He wishes he was with you.

*** 

“Tobias has dissociative identity disorder,” Garcia explains to you through the phone, and you slap a hand to your forehead. 

“That makes so much sense,” You mutter to yourself, pacing around the room of the police department. “I should have seen it. It was right there in front of me and I missed it.”

Penelope hums, her voice tense with worry. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. No one knew until we started digging into the journals and cross-checking dates.”

“I know but–” You rub your eyes, cringing as stars litter your vision– “it was just so obvious. What else have you gotten?”

It has been a little over ten hours since Hotch sent you back to the police department and you haven’t gotten much sleep. You tried, you swear you tried, but every time you see the terrified face of Spencer and it makes you sick. The whiteboard in front of you is littered with different evidence files and profiles. Profiles on Tobias, profiles on the victims, geographical profiles… the list goes on. 

“We know that Tobias is an addict,” Emily says. “He picked dilaudid as his poison.”

“For someone so hellbent on following the Bible, he’s incredibly hypocritical,” You say, jotting down the words onto the whiteboard. 

“His personality is split into that of his father, Charles, and Raphael,” Emily continues, and you can hear the frown in her voice. 

You’re about to say something when Garcia’s voice raises by an octave. 

“Oh God,” she squeaks, and you can hear the clicking of keys in the background. “Morgan? Emily, get the others, oh my God!”

“What’s going on?” You demand urgently, gripping the phone tighter. “Garcia, what’s going on?”

“It’s Spencer,” her voice is hushed and far from the speaker, and your heart sinks to your stomach.

“What happened? Penelope, what happened?”

“We have to go,” she says hurriedly, and the sound of footsteps from the rest of the team fill the speaker.

“No! Wait, don’t hang—“

The sound of the prolonged dial tone echoes in your ears and you resist the urge to scream. You press the pads of your fingers to your eyes, hot tears wetting your skin. Crying will get you nowhere and you know that. You know that Spencer is holding on. He’s relying on the BAU to save him. 

You gather all the available files on Charles Hankel, spreading them around the table. There’s not much to read; he’s lived a relatively quiet life. He was a farmer, his wife left him… dead end. Again. You’re at your wit’s end and you grab your keys. 

“John, want to work on a federal case?” You ask, shaking your keys. The younger policeman nods eagerly and you point to the door. “Great. Let’s go.”

It’s a small country town in Atlanta. Someone has to know something, especially if Tobias was a drug abuser. 

“We’re going to a few Narcotics Anonymous groups,” You explain to John who looks a little too excited to be sitting in a federal car. “Ask questions on Tobias Hankel and Charles Hankel. Someone has to know something.”

“All due respect, um, ma’am,” John stammers, and you raise an eyebrow amusedly. He coughs before continuing, “why aren’t you with the rest of the team?”

You falter, turning your attention back to the road. “They need me to work it from here. It doesn’t matter, anyway.”

Two miserable hours pass by with not much luck. Two hours that could have been used for something more meaningful than asking a bunch of drugged up assholes about the UnSub. Anxiety claws at your chest again as you flick through the answers. It’s nothing you didn’t already know. 

“I got something,” John says a little breathlessly, jogging back over to you. 

“Yes?” You need something. Anything. 

“A few sheep were stolen off of a farmer’s property,” he says, flipping through the notebook and reading off his scrawny handwriting. “Wasn’t Charles a farmer?”

“What does that have to do with–” You feel your mouth go dry and you turn to him. “Which farm?”

“Which– um…” He swallows. “Mcallister? Shawn Mcallister.”

In seconds you’re dialling Garcia again and she picks up with a trembling, “hello?”

“Is Spencer alive?” You ask firmly, slamming the car door. 

“Y-Yes. He’s– it’s not good, (Y/N),” she whimpers, clicking on the keyboard. “There was another murder. Spencer had to– he had to– he had to choose who to save. The UnSub fed a video to us, (Y/N), it’s horrible.”

There was another murder? John seizes up beside you and you grimace. You keep forgetting that John is practically a kid, barely twenty-one, and he hasn’t even seen the horrors of the world yet. 

“But he came back, right? To Spencer?” You ask, gripping the steering wheel tighter in an effort to keep yourself steady. “Penelope, Tobias posted a video of the latest murder, right? When was it posted?”

“9:23,” she says woefully, typing away.

“Okay, and…” you check the police radio, biting your lip nervously. “Okay, it says that the call for the murder came in at 9:04.”

There’s a little static in the background along with some shuffling before she responds. “Um… okay?”

“John, I need a map. Where’s– goddamn it– where’s the map of the area, John?!”

He fumbles, spreading the paper open. “Here!”

“That road– it’s 60 miles an hour, right? That means he needs to be–” you scribble across the map, frowning. “That’s within seventeen miles of the crime scene. There’s a farm, uh, poaching or something. Mcallister farm?”

“We’ll find something,” Penelope says quietly. “I’ll try find the farm area. He is going to be okay, I promise.”

You let out a heavy breath. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

*** 

The guilt alone is enough to kill him. Spencer knows that he is not at fault for this; Gideon said so. Regardless, he can’t get their faces out of his head. They were happy. What if they had kids? They were good people; they didn’t deserve to die the way they did. Spencer’s head pounds as he slumps against the chair, his breath quickening when he realises that Tobias is right there.

“Sorry, I had to leave for a while,” Tobias, the real Tobias, says quietly, strapping the belt to Spencer’s arm again.

He’s felt this so many times now. The high, and then the inevitable low. There’s no point fighting it, Spencer tries to justify, it’s biology. 

“You can leave again,” he says softly, “and you can take me with you.”

“My father would be angry,” Tobias says, drawing the liquid up the syringe.

“Not if he can’t find us.”

Tobias scoffs. “He always finds me.”

“If you tell me where we are, my friends will come and they’ll save us,” Spencer pleads, trying to look him in the eye.

“We can’t be saved,” he says dismissively, flicking the syringe. 

Spencer sniffles, and for a split second he feels the fear course through his veins. “We can. We can, I promise, if you tell me where we are I’ll save us both.”

“Listen to me. It’s not worth fighting.” Tobias pauses, readying the syringe. “Tell me it doesn't make it better.”

The silence that follows is humiliating. He hates the way that he isn’t fighting anymore but he can’t. It’s almost as if his body doesn’t even want to listen to him. Tobias doesn’t waste another moment and the familiar feeling of artificial ecstasy floods Spencer’s mind.

“Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

The phrase was so unfamiliar and Spencer’s brows furrowed as he looked at you. It has been a couple weeks since you were officially indoctrinated into the BAU and he couldn’t be any happier. It felt nice to talk to someone who was his age, especially because he never really knew anyone of his age back in Las Vegas. 

“What do you mean?” He asked. 

You laughed and his heart fluttered in his chest. He remembered the feeling distinctly; how could he forget? The feeling is still the same now.

“I mean… tell me something not a lot of people know about you. Like… okay, I’ll go first. Um… my favourite flowers are hydrangeas. The purple ones.” 

He committed that information to memory. Every year for your birthday he would buy you a new pot of hydrangeas for your apartment or something flower related like an automatic waterer or a replacement sun lamp. 

“Hydrangea macrophylla,” Spencer said slowly, his cheeks flushed. “It means… gratitude, grace, and beauty. It’s fitting.”

He relished in the way your eyes lit up and the way you smiled at him. “Okay, your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

“Um… my middle name is Walter?” He chuckled awkwardly, wetting his bottom lip. “No one really calls me that, though.”

You typed something on your computer, reading out loud, “The name Walter is Germanic in origin and means ‘commander of the army’.”

His cheeks burned in embarrassment and he nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

“I like it.” You grinned at him. “Walter.”

Spencer choked a little, the hairs on his neck standing on end and heat crawling up his cheeks. “You– you don’t have to call me that.”

“I won’t if you don’t like it,” you told him. 

“It’s not that I don’t like it,” he said quickly, his eyes widening. “I’m just not used to it.”

He remembers the way you beamed at him and the way he felt knowing that he made you happy. 

“Well then,” You began, meeting his gaze, “I guess that means I just have to call you that more often.”

Tobias’s yelling brings him back and all he can do is stare as he watches him slam on the keyboard angrily. A bright red pop up is flashing on his computer, and Tobias turns to Spencer with a murderous scowl. 

“They’re trying to silence my message.”

“I can’t control what they do,” Spencer defends tearfully, his voice wavering. “I’m not with them, I’m with you.”

Tobias scoffs again. “Really?”

He types something onto the keyboard and Gideon’s face show’s up on the screen. He’s leaning towards the camera, his words a mantra that Spencer repeats in his mind. 

“Reid,” the crackly audio sounds with Gideon’s voice, “if you’re watching, you’re not responsible for this, understand me? He’s perverting God to justify murder. You are stronger than him. He cannot break you.”

Tobias slams the computer off, walking back to him. “You think you can defy me?”

“I don’t know what he’s talking about–”

“You’re a liar!”

Spencer can only grimace in response, the words caught in his throat. Tobias must have been able to see something and the fear creeps into his heart again as the man lunges for his arm. Tobias forces Spencer’s sleeve up and the guilt crashes like waves. 

“You’re pitiful,” Tobias sneers, “Just like my son.”

Spencer wracks out a sob, silent pleas of mercy never leaving his lips. Maybe he does deserve this. Maybe, in some sick and twisted way, the universe is out to get him for all his shortcomings. Maybe, he thinks to himself as he watches Tobias turn the camera on, maybe he does deserve to die this way.

“This ends now,” Tobias snarls. “Confess your sins.”

“No,” he whimpers. 

Tobias’s fist collides with the side of Spencer’s face with a resounding slap. 

“Confess!”

“I haven’t done anything…”

His fist meets Spencer’s cheek again and all he can do is recoil in his chair.

“Tobias, help me,” he manages, but his plea is shut down almost instantly. 

“He can’t help you, he’s weak. Confess!” He hits him again and the pain is almost too much to bear. “Confess your sins.”

Spencer sobs. “No…”

In a fit of anger, Tobias throws Spencer to the ground. It hurts. Everything hurts as he feels the back of his head meet the cold musty ground. He can’t breathe. He feels like he’s underwater. Have to breathe, he needs to breathe, why can’t he breathe? He needs to see you again. He can’t die like this. He can’t, he can’t, he needs to breathe. He tries to take a breath of air but it’s like his mouth is full of water. And just when he thinks he reached the surface, he’s pulled under once again. 

Warmth. The feeling of his blood pumping to his ears is the first thing Spencer feels and his fingers twitch. He’s alive. There’s only one reason why that must have happened. 

“I was given CPR,” he rasps out, Tobias’s words swirling in his head. 

“There are no accidents,” Tobias says slowly. “How many members are in your team?”

Spencer can barely whisper the word. “Eight.”

“Seven, not including you. ‘The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first sounding followed hail and they were thrown to Earth’.” He hoists Spencer’s chair upright, standing before him. “Tell me who you serve.”

“I serve you.”

“Then choose one to die.”

Spencer blanches, looking up at him. “What?”

“Your team members. Choose one to die.”

He doesn’t need to think when he responds, “kill me.”

Tobias jeers. “You said you weren’t one of them.”

“I lied.”

“Your team has seven other members. Tell me who dies.”

Spencer breathes in as if it were his last. “No.”

Tobias pulls out a revolver from his jacket pocket, spinning the cylinder before aiming it for Spencer’s head. “Choose, and prove you’ll do God’s will.”

“No.”

Tobias clicks the trigger and nothing happens so he repeats, “choose.”

“I won’t do it.”

The trigger clicks again and nothing happens. “Life is a choice.”

“No.” 

Spencer’s mind is racing. His first thought goes to you. He knows you would understand any and all references he throws in your direction, but it makes him sick just thinking about putting your life on the line. He needs something. He needs to think. 

“Choose.”

“I choose…” his voice stammers and he can barely see straight. “Aaron Hotchner.”

*** 

“We got him.”

The words echo in your mind as you pace up and down your hotel room, chewing on your destroyed nailbeds. It’s nearing two in the morning and you can’t sleep. The rest of the team are awake. Why should you be given the privilege of rest when none of them were able to? Why should you be given the privilege of rest when Spencer is out there fighting for his life? It’s not fair. Life isn’t fair.

When you hear the sirens outside you run out the door. Blood is pulsing in your ears and you’re still wearing the thin hotel slippers but it doesn’t matter. How could anything else matter? The car door clicks open and Emily helps Spencer out of the car. She whispers something to him and he looks in your direction. Those big hazel eyes stare at you with so much hurt and you can’t contain it anymore. 

“Spencer.”

His arms wrap around your waist, his nose pressing against your neck as he holds you, breathing in the smell of your vanilla perfume. He almost doesn’t believe you’re real. He pulls you impossibly closer, sniffling, and he can feel your fingers run through his hair. 

“You’re okay,” you whisper, trying to be reassuring, but he can hear the way your voice cracks. “You’re okay.”

“I should have listened to you,” He whimpers, feeling the cold wet rain soak through his shirt. “I should have– I’m so sorry.”

You shake your head. “Don’t be, Walter.”

The moment he hears that name spill from your lips he begins to cry. He’s okay. He’s with you now. You’re right here. 

“I thought–”

You shush him for the first and last time, squeezing his arms. “It’s okay. You’ll be okay.”

He wonders how a person could be so warm. Even in the cold Atlanta weather you’re still so warm. 

“Hotch wouldn’t let me work the case from the house,” you tell him quietly as you sit beside him on the bed. “Understandable. I screamed at him.”

He chuckles a little, flinching when you gently pull the bandage off the side of his face. He feels a lot better now that he’s clean, the shower more than necessary and he savours the feeling of warm water on his skin. The gash on his head is oozing sticky blood and you dispose of it accordingly, reaching into the first aid kit. 

“It’s gonna sting a little,” you tell him, pressing a damp cloth to the wound. 

He hisses at the contact, gripping your arm and he tries to change the subject. “Why did you scream at Hotch?”

You hum, continuing to clean the blood off his head. “I was mad at him.”

“It wasn’t his fault.”

“I know.”

You smile at him, applying a new bandage to his head. “It’s okay. I was able to help the case from here, anyway.”

“Stay with me,” he whispers, squeezing your hand. “Please?”

Your gaze softens. “Of course, Walter.”

He curls into your side, an arm wrapped around your middle and he breathes in the scent of your strawberry and honey shampoo. Your fingers curl in his hair, untangling the knots when your eyes flicker to your desk, the letter of resignation tucked inside your bag. He doesn’t need to know that. At least, not yet.

*** 

You knock at the door of Hotch’s office, chewing on your bottom lip. You remember being in this office for the first time four years ago when you were an intern; the way you shook with nerves and anticipation as you handed in your résumé for the honours program and then again when you were hoping to take the job full time. It’s ironic that you’re back at his office again, but for a very different reason. 

“Come in.”

The breath that leaves your lips is shaky and you take a seat in front of his desk. “Hotch.”

“(Y/N).”

You place the pristine white envelope onto the desk,watching the way his face shifts from stoic to surprised.

“You don’t have to do this,” He says, not touching the envelope. “The situation at hand was stressful. No one blames you for reacting the way you did.”

“It’s not just because of that,” you say slowly. “You were right. I was too involved.”

He shakes his head. “That’s not true.”

“It is,” you say quickly, a humourless laugh slipping at your words. “I would have killed him.”

Hotch looks at you, his eyes meeting yours. “You wouldn’t have.”

“I would have,” you say surely. “After what he did to Spencer, if I had found him I would have killed him. And I would have– I would have slept well. I love this team, Hotch, but I can’t separate those feelings when I’m on the field no matter how hard I try.”

He’s quiet for a moment before nodding, rising from his seat. “I’m assuming it’s a two-week’s notice?”

You nod, also getting up from your chair. “Yeah. I– I don’t want to just leave, you know?”

“We’re going to miss you,” he says, walking with you to the door, “but this will be good for you.”

“I know.” You can feel the stares of the rest of the team through the glass and you can’t help but smile. “They’re horrible at being nonchalant.”

“They’re profilers,” Aaron chuckles. “Can you blame them?”

“I guess not,” you muse, pulling the door open. “Thank you, Aaron.”

“You always have a place here, (Y/N),” he says gently as you walk back down to the bullpen. 

It doesn’t take long before the overflowing dam of questions burst and in moments Emily is crossing the room and sitting next to you. 

“You’re leaving the BAU?”

You look at her with wide eyes before laughing a little. “You… are very good at your job, huh?”

“Oh…” Penelope tackles you in a hug, her arms tight around your frame. “We’re going to miss you.”

JJ sniffles a little, joining the hug. “Don’t forget us.”

“As if I ever could.” A bittersweet smile rests on your lips. 

Derek hugs you as well, his chin on the top of your head. “Look after yourself, kid. We’ll make these last two weeks the best you’ve ever had.”

“If you ever need anything…” Emily begins slowly, squeezing your hands. “I’m here, okay?”

Gideon pats your shoulder lightly, a sad smile on his face. “You’re a good person. Never forget that.”

You nod, trying to blink away the tears that fill your eyes. “I know. Thanks, you guys.”

The opening and shutting of the BAU doors brings you out of your thoughts and the familiar head of brown hair stalking away makes your face fall. Gideon meets your gaze, gesturing towards the door. That’s all you need to run out of the bullpen. 

“Spencer– Spencer, wait, please.” You tug on his arm desperately. “Please–”

“What do you mean you’re leaving?” He asks, his voice cracking. It has only been a few days since the incident and he looks a little better. The scratches on his face are still visible, but they’re fading slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I–” you falter, flinching at the pain and hostility in his voice. “It was never a good time.”

He scoffs quietly, rubbing at his arm. “You should have told me.”

“I couldn’t just randomly tell you,” you say, frowning. “How would that be fair?”

Spencer rubs his eyes, the dark bags beneath them even more prominent. “Why are you leaving?”

“I have to,” you say gently, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I love this job but I can’t do it anymore–”

“Why not?!”

“Because–!” You exhale, trying to calm yourself down. “Because I swore an oath when I took this job that I will put this country above myself. And I can do that. I would die for this country to protect the people in it, I will hunt down the people who make this country so unsafe and I will sacrifice myself willingly, but you? I can’t– I can’t lose you. If I had to choose between catching the UnSub and saving you, I would save you in a heartbeat. Even if that meant letting a bad guy go. Even if that meant more people would get hurt I would still choose you and I can’t let that happen.”

Your words deem him speechless and he shifts his weight on his feet. For a moment, all he can do is stare at you as your reasoning sinks in. It makes sense. He hates that it makes sense. 

“So that’s it?” He asks quietly, finally looking you in the eye. “You’re actually leaving?”

“Not for another two weeks,” you tell him truthfully. “Besides, you can still text me. And call me. You know where I live so you can always visit.”

He bites the inside of his cheek anxiously, teetering on his feet before hugging you tightly, burying his nose into your hair. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

“I’m going to miss you too.”

His grip is tight around you and if you paid attention you could feel him tremble. “I can’t do this job without you.”

“Don’t say that,” you whisper. “You can, Walter. You’re stronger than you think you are.”

There are so many things he wishes he could tell you. You’re right here. He doesn’t have to yearn for your touch anymore because you’re right here in his arms. He wants to tell you so many things. Like how he adores the colour of your eyes, or the way you smile, or the way your hair falls. He wants to tell you how much he likes spending time with you and how he feels so good with you but he can’t. The words are at the tip of his tongue so how can he not say anything?

“I–” love you– “I’m really going to miss you.”

“Me too,” you whisper. “Me too.”

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full work

reblogs are always appreciated!

[sansaorgana]

Buck’s gal getting injured on base (twisted ankle or scrape - nothing major) and him just running off only hearing “she got hurt” to find her

hiii, it's me again 😌 with the second fic today because I'm trying to work on as many requests as I can since I don't have any plans this weekend and the amount of them in my inbox is lowkey stressing me out, not gonna lie 🤣 I love to write for Buck, though, so it's fine 💐

my inbox is open for blurb/short fic requests for major cleven 🤗

You would always wait for him when he was coming back from the missions. You were the only face Buck wanted to see first anyway and he kept searching for you through the crowd each time. Seeing you cheering for him would make him smile and his heart slow down its pounding in his chest.

But this time you were not there. His eyes were scanning through the crowd of men and women but you were not one of them. People approached him to congratulate him and pat his back but he did not pay much attention to it. He wanted to find his girl first. You would be the one to ground him after the mission and only after your sweet kiss he would be able to talk to these people or answer their questions.

“Where’s (Y/N)?” He kept asking but no one knew. Some didn’t even notice your unusual absence.

“You’re asking ‘bout (Y/N)?” Harry approached him. “She’s in the sickbay,” he explained and Buck’s heart skipped a beat at that. How could Harry be so casual about it…?

“What do you mean she’s there? What happened?!”

“I’ve no idea. Some accident. Buck, hey,” Harry tried to grab his friend’s sleeve, “you have to be interrogated first.”

“I don’t care,” Buck drawled out and hurried to the sickbay, not reacting to Harry and other men calling out for him. He was breaking a rule, he was aware. But there were more important things.

You were the most important thing.

Buck stormed inside the sickbay and looked around. One of the nurses sighed at the sight of him, already suspecting who he was looking for.

“She’s over there,” she pointed at the bed in the corner and Buck thanked her before rushing to your side.

You were reading a book and didn’t notice him at first, invested in the plot of some romance novel one of the nurses had lended to you. It was a nice distraction from the pain and from the stress. Buck was up in the air and you tried not to think about it too much.

“Sweetheart, what happened?” His deep voice brought you back to reality. You looked up and smiled widely at the sight of him.

“Oh! You’re back! You’re back!” You put the book away and extended your arms towards him.

“Yes, baby, I am,” he sat on the edge of your bed and took his cap off before leaning in to hug you. “What happened? Why are you here?!”

“You’re going to laugh at me,” you giggled.

“What do you mean?” He furrowed his brows, worried.

“I was in the archives, I tried to reach for the top shelf and I stood on the stool, right…” you started.

“Without taking off your heels first?” Buck sighed, knowing already what happened. He had been warning you about it each time he’d catch you doing it.

“Yes,” you looked down, ashamed. “And yeah, I fell down…” You paused and then you burst out laughing. “Oh, Buck, I’m glad you weren’t there.”

“I’d catch you if I were,” he lifted your chin up so you’d look at his face again.

“Yeah, no. Because…” you giggled, “...oh, baby, I fell down with the whole rack!” You laughed once again at how ridiculous you had to look when you had been found by the Colonel.

Buck chuckled finally, too.

“I’m so clumsy, it’s embarrassing,” you sighed.

“No, don’t say that,” he caressed your cheek. “Where does it hurt?” He asked.

You pushed your blanket aside and he hissed at the sight of your scratched knees and bruised hip.

“Yeah, not a very pleasant sight,” you admitted and covered yourself again. “The Colonel is more worried about that rack, though.”

“Of course he is,” Buck rolled his eyes.

“I’m scared that I’ll end up with scars on my knees,” you whispered. “I’m going to have ugly knees.”

“Well, that’s what you get for not listening to me, doll,” Buck bopped you on the nose.

“Will you still love me when I have ugly knees?” You asked shyly and he laughed.

“Oh, no, I can’t bear such a thought. I think I will be forced to look for a new girl with nicer knees. You see, knees are the most important part of a woman,” he teased but you didn’t find it funny and you pouted. “Oh, darling, I was joking,” he leaned in closer to place a kiss on your forehead. “I will always love you,” he promised and you smiled at him sweetly, “even with ugly knees.”

“Cleven,” Colonel’s voice made you both look up, “you should be in the interrogation.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m going now,” Buck put his cap back on and stood up.

“Both you and your girl are such menaces today,” Colonel Harding gave you an unpleasant look and you giggled.

“Oh, Colonel,” you rolled your eyes, “don’t you know trouble comes in pairs?”

MASTERLIST || BUCK MASTERLIST

[winchesterwild78]

All patched up

I’ve got requests- ignore them if you want, but I had to try.

If you could I’d like (all plus sized/curvy reader):

Dean- best friends to lovers type situation, she gets hurt on a hunt, self conscious about letting him take care of her and patch her up. He’s there for her both to stitch her up and emotionally.

*This is for you 😁 I hope I bring your vision to life. Thank you for trusting me with a request!!*

Characters:Dean Winchester x Plus Size Reader

Warnings: Language, insecurities, mention of hunting, Fluff, SMUT, oral sex female receiving, protected sex.

A/N: This is the final request from my lovely and I’m so excited to write it. I wrote it fast so please forgive any mistakes. This does not follow The Supernatural story line.

All work is my own, don’t take it!!

Minors DNI 18+

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

“Shit!” You yelled in pain. You realized you had a deep gash on your side. The latest hunt with the oldest Winchester was a long one, and you were glad it was over. During the fight you were thrown through the wall and a piece of the splintered wood cut your side.

You knew you needed to get it stitched up but you didn’t want Dean to do it. You knew he could do it and he was good at stitches, but you didn’t want him to see your body.

You’d been hunting with the Winchesters for about two years now. Sam was great and like a brother to you. Dean, oh Dean was something more to you. Well, in your mind he was.

You’d been with them long enough to know Dean didn’t do relationships. He did one night stands with busty, skinny women. The complete opposite of you. You were busty, but you were curvy too. You carried more weight on your body, had a stomach and you knew he’d never see you as anything but a friend.

You tried to tie a bandage around you enough to keep the bleeding under control until you could get to Sammy. You and Dean made your way back to the hotel for the night. It was late so you two decided to just stay one more night.

Arriving at the hotel Dean told you he was going to take a shower and then head to the bar. You nodded. Your heart broke each time he went to a bar and picked up another woman. You didn’t have any claim to him, but you wanted to.

You sat on the bed and mindlessly clicked through the television. You heard the shower turn off and a few minutes later Dean walked out with just his jeans on. His hair was still damp from the shower and little drops of water ran down his chest. You bit your lip and clenched your thighs together.

“Showers ready for you sweetheart” Dean said. As you stood you got dizzy. You didn’t notice the blood on the back of your shirt. “Hey Y/N, you okay?” Dean questioned. “Yeah. Just got up too fast” you walked past him.

“Holy shit Y/N! You’re bleeding bad! Let me see” Dean shouted. “I’m fine Dean. It’s just a scratch. You go to the bar. I’ll be okay.” You tried to pull away.

“Y/N, sit down now!” Dean demanded. You looked at him and said “No, I’ll be okay. Please let it go.” Tears pricked your eyes. “Sweetheart, please let me look. I can’t let anything happen to you. You mean too much to me.” Dean said softly. “I can’t Dean. I can’t let you see my body. It’s terrible and just, well fat.” You cried.

“Oh sweetheart, your body is perfect. Please let me take care of you. I can’t lose you.” Dean said. “Dean it’s not perfect. Not for you at least.” You whispered “Y/N, please” he said cupping your face.

You relented and laid down. Dean lifted your shirt and saw the gash. When he removed the bandage you winced in pain. “Oh sweetheart, this is really bad. I need to clean it and stitch it up.” Dean said getting up to get the first aid kit. You laid on your side as Dean got to work.

Goosebumps erupted on your skin with every touch from Dean. He smirked when he saw it. Dean really cared about you he was just scared. He couldn’t stand losing you and he knew if the two of you got into a relationship and something happened to you, he would be devastated so he kept you at arms length.

Once he was done and he added the wrap he offered to help you stand. You stood up with his help. Facing him and looking into his green eyes sent heat through your body. You swallowed hard and said “thank you for patching me up. I appreciate it. I’ll be okay taking a shower if you want to head out.” You said trying to walk past him.

As you walked past he gently grabbed your arm and turned you towards him. The two of you stood there in silence looking at each other. Dean cupped your cheeks and you leaned into his touch. He moved towards you and you moved closer to him too. Your lips were inches apart and your breath was mingling with his. He closed the distance and his lips landed on yours.

The kiss was gentle at first then became more passionate. Dean’s hands went in your hair and pulled you closer. You moaned as you continued to kiss him. His hands roamed over your body and you froze.

Dean stopped kissing you and pulled back. “What’s wrong sweetheart” he asked. “You don’t want me Dean. I’m not like the women you sleep with. I’m not beautiful or skinny. I’m curvy and I’m rough around the edges.” You lowered your head. Dean lifted your chin “Y/N, you’re right. You aren’t like the women I pick up in bars. You’re so much more. You’re a badass hunter who can hold her own, an amazing woman who has a huge heart, a beautiful soul who puts family and friends first and you’ve got an amazing body. I love you, not just as a friend but I love you. Please let me show you just how amazing you are. I don’t want the women at the bar, I want you. I’ve always wanted you. I’ve just been scared. Scared of losing you and being here without you. I can’t imagine my life without you and if you’re willing to try I’d like to take our relationship to the next level.” Dean said.

You looked at Dean and smiled. You kissed him again and whispered “Show me Dean. Show me what you want.”

Dean gently laid you down on the bed and leaned over you kissing your lips. He worked his way down your jaw, to your neck and collar bone. Your breath hitched and your hands instinctively held on to his body. His calloused hands ran over your body. You leaned into his touch.

He helped you remove your clothes and you went to grab the sheet. Dean stopped you. “No, please let me look at your body. You blushed and fought every instinct to cover yourself. Dean smiled “sweetheart you are absolutely gorgeous. Look at your body. It’s a work of art.” You smiled. You knew he was being genuine. One thing you can honestly say about Dean Winchester is he never lies about how he feels. It might take him forever to admit it, but when he does it’s the truth.

“Dean, one of us is wearing too much clothes” you whispered. Dean smiled and said “yes ma’am” and started to remove his clothes. You’d seen Dean mostly naked before but never fully. When he removed his boxers you bit your lip.

You had imagined him before. All those late nights alone in your room, but nothing prepared you for the perfection that stood before you. You felt your body respond to him and slick pooled between your thighs. Dean climbed on the bed and leaned over your body kissing your lips. Your breath caught in your throat when you felt his hardness rest on your thigh.

“You ready sweetheart?” Dean asked. You nodded yes. His lips trailed down your body and his hands touched every inch. Dean Winchester was touching you, exploring you and wanted you! Your mind and heart raced. His fingers found your folds and he slid two thick fingers in and you gasped. He smirked and started pumping. You moaned and called his name.

His heart fluttered when you called his name. He had waited since the moment he laid eyes on you for you to moan his name. He was in love with you but was afraid to tell you. Dean had a reputation of going after “the hot chicks” he would meet them in bars and sleep with them then leave before morning. He chose these women because he knew he would never fall in love with them. You on the other hand, from the moment he met you he wanted you.

Dean continued to touch your body. With every moan and calling of his name he fell deeper. He loved how your body responded to him. He couldn’t wait to make you his forever. “Dean I’m close….oh god…..please don’t stop…..oh Dean” you grabbed his hair as he continued eating you like you were his last meal. “Dean!” You yelled as you came hard. You saw stars. Dean continued his assault on your pussy until your legs were shaking and you were squirming under him.

He leaned up smiling and you were flushed and breathing heavy. Dean leaned up and kissed you. You could taste your juices on his lips and it turned you on more.

Dean leaned back and grabbed a condom, ripping it open. He pumped his length a few times and slid the condom on. “You ready sweetheart. If you’re not we don’t have to go any further.” He softly said. “I’m ready Dean, more than ready.” You smiled.

He lined himself up and pushed in. As he entered you both gasped. He made eye contact with you and kissed you. “God you feel amazing Y/N. Better than I imagined.”

Dean took his time with you. Exploring every inch of you. Every thrust felt deeper and stretched you more than you imagined. You felt a second release coming quick and before you could say anything it hit. Your walls clenched around Dean. He stopped and dropped his head in the crook of your neck.

He growled “damn baby. You do that again and I’m going to cum right now.” Dean pulled out and the loss of fullness made you groan. He laid down “climb on top baby. I want to see you.” You positioned your legs on either side of him. You steadied your body with one hand on his chest and took his length in the other lining him back up to you. You pushed down taking all of him in at one time. You both moaned. Deans hands grabbed your hips and held you.

You arched your back showing off your torso and full breasts as they bounced up and down with each thrust. Dean looked up at you and bit his lip. His hands moved to your breasts. You grinded against his hips and he thrusted up. You moaned and so did he.

The sound of moans, kissing and flesh hitting flesh filled the room. This was better than you had imagined. Dean really wanted to and it showed. He wasn’t hurried and each touch was exploring. Memorizing your body.

He leaned up kissing your lips and thrusting up. You moaned loudly and sped up. He lifted his hips to help give you more leverage. You knew he was close. His eyes closed and he grunted, thrusting deeper.

“Oh fuck baby” he groaned. You felt him twitch and his legs fell. When he was ready you moved, laying beside him. Dean rolled over and kissed you gently. “I love you, Y/N”. “I love you too, Dean.”

Dean got up and went to the bathroom to clean himself up. When he came back he brought a warm washcloth and helped clean you. He tossed it to the side and climbed in bed with you. You laid on his chest and he tucked an arm under you. He pulled you close to him. “You’re mine now sweetheart. Now and forever.” He whispered. “You’re mine Dean, now and forever.” You replied.

The two of you drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms. Finally saying the words you both had kept inside. Finally able to see how Dean Winchester not only patched your external wounds but your internal ones too.

Tags: @nescaveckdaily @kr804573 @k-slla @jackles010378 @jawritter @xx-spooky-little-vampire-xx @roseblue373 @cheynovak @jassackles @chriszgirl92 @suckitands33 @arcannaa @n-o-p-e-never @ladysparkles78 @smoothdogsgirl @hobby27 @manicjk

[daisies-daydreams]

HIYA BABES 🥰✨ ITS ME AGAIN. Ready to sin 🙏. Bimbo reader with hobie brown..SOMETHING ABOUT THAT IDK..recently my page has been nothing BUT bimbo reader and i fell victim to them. Maybe something fluffy and airy? But def smut with it..but like in the beginning it can be that reader is getting ready to go out and obviously her outfit is bimbo core (I LOVE dressing like that.) short and pretty but definitely too revealing for outside, so hobie goes out with her (with consent). He’s like a guard dog but not to an overbearing point..hobie definitely knows he has nothing to worry about. Not when reader looks up at him like he hung the stars in the sky. The outfit definitely does things to hobie and yeah. Just a cute little date thing. Idk where the smut comes in from 😭 ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO HOLD MINE OFF IF YOU GET TOO OVERWHELMED. LOVE YA MUCH 💙✨ SO GLAD YOURE BACK

Juicy (Hobie Brown x F!Bimbo!Reader)

Pairing: Hobie Brown x F!Bimbo!Reader Category: Fluff/Smut Warnings: Depictions of Drinking/Hangovers, Friends to Lovers, Flirting, Swearing, Hickeys, Oral Sex (F!/M! Receiving), Face Sitting (Reader on Hobie), 69, Nipple Play, Unprotected P in V (You Know the Drill), Missionary Position, Mating Press, Multiple Orgasms, Overstimulation, Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Aftercare Word Count: 6.6k+ A/N: Hello hello! Thank you so much for your request! I’m so glad someone suggested Bimbo!Reader (the thought of that pairing has been eating me alive lol 🤭😳). I hope you enjoy! The reader's outfit is similar to this with a few changes

You paused when you stepped out of your room, your hoop earrings jingling softly as you tilted your head. You smiled gently when you saw your friend, Hobie, passed out on your couch. He’d usually come and crash at your place after long nights of playing shows or whatever mischief he found himself in. You hummed quietly as you grabbed one of your blankets and draped it over his lanky form. 

“Sleep tight,” you whispered. You continued to hum to yourself as you sashayed to your bathroom, your hot pink crop top just barely hiding your tits as you reached into your medicine cabinet. You grabbed your lip gloss and mascara before shutting the mirrored cabinet. You swayed your hips side to side as an upbeat song played inside your head. You pursed your plump lips as you swiped your glossy, pink lip gloss across your mouth. You rubbed your lips together before puckering them out, smiling to yourself giddily as you set your lip gloss aside. 

“Where you goin’ lovie?” Hobie hummed from the doorway. You gasped and dropped your mascara, the bottle hitting the porcelain sink with a loud “clink!”. You glanced over to see him lingering in the threshold of your bathroom. 

“God, Hobie! You scared me!” you giggled. Hobie chuckled as he leaned on the doorframe. 

“Sorry, didn’t mean to sneak up on you,” he said with a lopsided grin. 

“Mhm,” you said with a suspicious, raised brow. You turned back to your mirror and unrolled your mascara. You arched your back a little as you leaned forward. “Anyway, I’m just heading to the pub down the street to watch the match. My stupid TV’s broken again,” you sighed as you brushed the thick, dark makeup across your lashes. Hobie pursed his lips. 

“I told you I’d fix it for you,” he replied. You frowned and fluttered your lashes before applying a bit more.

“I know…but I don’t want to be a burden,” you said as you gazed at him with a slight frown. Hobie sighed before taking a step forward. 

“You’ll never be a burden to me,” he said as he gently cupped your cheek. Your heart fluttered as he caressed your face with his warm palm. You laid a hand over his and smiled sweetly. 

“Thank you, Hobie,” you beamed. The tall man before you nodded as he let his hand fall back to his side. 

“No problem, love,” Hobie said. You tapped the tip of your white boot against the plush bathroom rug. His eyes scanned you up and down. “Would it be alright if I came with you tonight?” he piped up. Your eyes lit up as your heart glowed. 

“Are you kidding? Of course you can come!” you giggled and wrapped your arms around him, your plump breasts pushing against his chest. Hobie chuckled as he patted the middle of your back. 

“Sounds good. I’ll be waitin’ for you at the front door,'' he smiled brightly before slipping away. Your heart leapt as you finished getting ready. You slung your cute, pink purse over your white, fluffy jacket before walking into the living room. Hobie parted his lips as you walked out, your bra and thong peeking out of your crop top and short jean skirt. 

“You ready to go?” you asked while biting your lip. Hobie swallowed thickly and nodded as he opened the door for you. “Why, thank you,” you beamed. The lanky man cleared his throat before he came up behind you. You raised a brow as he popped his elbow out. 

“My, my. Aren’t you a gentleman,” you teased before slipping your arm into his. Hobie chuckled softly as the two of you walked out of your flat. 

“What can I say - Nan raised me right,” he shrugged. You giggled as your hips swayed while the two of you began to make your way towards the pub. The cool night air washed over your form, goosebumps raising over your exposed skin as your boots clicked against the cracked pavement. You hummed as you pulled a cherry sucker out of your pocket, crinkling the wrapper and tossing it into a nearby bin. 

“Not gonna eat there?” Hobie asked. You shrugged as you popped the sweet candy between your glossy lips. 

“I might. I just like having something sweet before I drink,” you smiled brightly. You noticed Hobie’s gaze softened as he looked down at you. “What’s wrong?” you asked, the white stick poking past your plump lips. He opened his mouth to say something but suddenly grabbed you. You gasped as the lollipop fell from your lips when he pulled you back against his chest. A car honked loudly before barreling down the street, the vehicle swaying back and forth before making a sharp turn. 

“Wanker,” Hobie scowled as he squeezed your arms. You blinked as you slowly turned towards him, your hands trembling as you placed them on his chest. 

“T-Thank you,” you breathed, your heart still racing at the thought of being nearly squashed by that car. Hobie nodded, his hands slowly dropping from your arms as he smiled gently. 

“You’re welcome, lovie,” he murmured. The tips of your ears warmed as you realized how close the two of you were, your hands still splayed across his chest. You bit your lip as you looked both ways. 

“Right…guess we should head inside,” you grinned. Hobie returned your expression as both of you made your way into the crowded pub. The sounds of people charming and shouting erupted from the slightly cracked door. Your cheeks flushed as Hobie ghosted his hand over your lower back as you walked up to the front stand. 

“Two for tonight?” a blonde hostess asked as she popped a bright pink bubble of gum. You nodded. 

“Yes, please!” you chirped. The hostess checked a piece of paper before her eyes lit up. 

“You’re in luck - a booth just opened up,” she beamed. You smiled as she grabbed two menus for you. You looked up and furrowed your brows as you watched Hobie remain strangely still, his eyes scanning over the crowd as his jaw tightened.

"Are you okay?" you whispered and nudged his arm. Your friend blinked and hummed.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. Just spaced out," he shrugged and slid his hands into his pockets. The hostess cleared her throat.

“Follow me,” the blonde grinned. You tugged on Hobie’s arm, slipping your own through the crook of his elbow as you followed the hostess through the crowd of people.

“Sorry!” you whispered loudly as you squeezed past several men. You noticed Hobie turned his head towards each man you passed before you finally stopped at a small, empty booth. 

“Your server will be out any second. Enjoy!” the hostess chirped. 

“Thank you!” you smiled brightly. The woman nodded before shuffling back to her post. You grinned as Hobie slid into the seat across from you. You sighed and squeezed your hands together, your glossy nails rubbing against the inside of your hands. 

“So, how’s the band doing?” you asked excitedly. Hobie drummed his fingers on the table as he pursed his lips. 

“They’re doin' well. Done a lot of shows recently, so we're taking a break for a bit," he said while scratching the back of his head. You hummed.

“That’s good,” you replied. "Where's your next show going to be?" you asked. Hobie pursed his lips as he drummed his fingers against the table.

"We're thinkin' of doin' it at Slotts' in a coupla weeks...but you don't know that," he whispered with a wink. You giggled and gave him a short nod.

"Of course," you winked back. You glanced down at your menu before the crowd erupted with cheers. You shifted your gaze to the TV: Chelsea just scored, several players jumping on the field and tackling each other. 

“What ‘bout you? Haven’t seen you in a while,” Hobie piped up as he rested his hand over his menu, his silver rings shining beneath the dim light of the pub. You sighed and closed your menu. 

“Nothing much. Still working as a bank teller these days,” you said in a bit of a despondent tone. Hobie nodded. 

“So that’s where you keep getting that candy,” he chuckled. You giggled. 

“Yeah. It’s become a real problem - I need to switch to something less hard soon,” you joked. The man across from you laughed, the corners of his brown eyes crinkling with mirth. 

“You’ve got a real good sense of humor, (Y/N),” he chuckled. Your body flushed with heat as you rubbed the back of your neck. 

“Aw, shucks, Hobie,” you giggled. A server suddenly appeared in front of your table, his mouth curved into a perpetual frown as he stared at you. 

“What can I get you?” he grunted. You smiled as you shuffled in your seat. 

“Could I have a tall old speckled hen, please?” you asked. The man scribbled down on his notepad before turning to Hobie. 

“Same f’me,” the tall man across from you replied. The waiter gave a silent nod before making his way over to the bar. Hobie turned his attention back to you. 

“Old speckled, eh?” he raised a brow with an amused grin. You snorted. 

“I’ll be able to handle it,” you said with a flippant wave of your hand. 

Two Hours Later… 

You met Hobie’s wide eyes as he stepped out of the bathroom. 

“Hey, Hobie!” you giggled as you wobbled on your table. Several men were mesmerized by the way you swayed your hips to the music playing on the jukebox. 

“Mamaaaaa! Oooooooh!” you belted, a few of the patrons joining in with you. You blinked as Hobie quickly pushed his way through the crowd, his brows knitted together as he flashed you a concerned look. 

“Hobie!” you squealed before your ankle suddenly gave out. The man beneath you quickly steadied your standing; his large, warm hands bracing your legs as you hiccupped. “Come up and sing with me, Hobie!” you said as you wiggled your hips, the men around you hypnotized by your movements. You blinked as he squeezed your hand. 

“C’mon, love. Let’s head on home,” Hobie sighed, his beautiful lips parted. You whined. 

“But I’m having such a good time!” you pouted and started to stumble around on the tabletop. Hobie frowned as he brushed his thumb against the back of your palm. 

“C’mon, sweetheart,” he urged you with a pleading expression. You pouted before eventually sighing. 

“Okay,” you murmured. Hobie kept his hands on your legs as you squatted down and started to crawl off of the table. The manager soon came out and gave you a deadly glare. 

“The bloody hell is your girlfriend doin’?” he scoffed. You glanced down at your white boots while Hobie held you close to his side. 

“She was just havin’ some fun, no harm done,” Hobie snapped back as he slung one of your arms over his shoulder. The manager sputtered as your friend guided you through the sea of swaying, drunk patrons. Your face grew hot when you realized the manager called you Hobie’s “girlfriend”. The thought made your body shiver slightly as your heart leapt beneath your sternum. You clumsily walked (more like dragged your feet) across the street, Hobie remaining by your side the whole time he guided you to the sidewalk. 

“You’re so good to me, Hobie,” you cooed. He shifted his gaze over to you and smiled. 

“I know, lovie,” he sighed softly. He gasped when you started to fall forward, your legs wobbling as he caught you. Hobie sighed as he threw one of your arms around his shoulder and hoisted you up. He studied your features before he parted his lips.

"What were you drinkin' so much for, anyway, hm?" your friend asked as he carried you towards flat. Your head spun as you frowned, your heart sinking a little even in your intoxicated state.

"I...I guess I just wanted your attention," you hiccupped. Hobie blinked, his features softening as you stumbled onto him. He grabbed your waist as you face planted into his chest. Your heart pounded in your ears as Hobie gently helped you back up, his large palm cupping your cheek as your vision began to fade.

"You've always had my attention, love”.

+++

You groaned as your head pounded, the room around you spinning as you slowly blinked your eyes open.

"Ugh, what the hell happened?" you asked groggily. You tensed when you felt someone's arms wrapped around your torso, their warm breath falling against the back of your neck. You swallowed thickly as you slowly turned your head, your body relaxing when you saw Hobie fast asleep beside you.

Hold on-

"HOBIE?!" you gasped as you scrambled onto your hands. His eyes instantly shot open as his breath hitched.

"(Y/N)?" he asked before drawing out a loud yawn. Your heart raced as his arms slipped away before he rubbed his eyes.

"What are you...how did we-" your mind was reeling as you tried to sort through your memory of last night. Hobie blinked a few times before he leaned on his side, his ripped, red shirt riding up his torso and revealing his lean abs. You bit your lip as your friend grunted beside you.

"You were completely smashed last night, so I carried you home," he explained nonchalantly. You slightly lowered your shoulders as you slowly nodded.

"Okay...but how did we...I mean, did we?" you made a few hand gestures while awkwardly glancing down. Hobie chuckled softly as he shook his head. "No?" you asked while perking your head up.

"No...you just asked me to stay with you," he said with a warm smile. You sighed and fell back onto your bed, your heart melting at his kindness.

"Thank God," you breathed. Hobie quirked a brow at your words. "No! I mean, not that I wouldn't, you know-" you groaned as you covered your face with your hands. Hobie remained quiet as he shifted beside you, his warm body barely caressing over yours.

"Do you want to?" he murmured. More heat rose to your cheeks as your throat tightened.

"You mean...have sex?" you breathed, each word growing more quiet with the last as your chest tightened. Hobie nodded as he leaned his head on his palm, his expression soft and inviting. You felt a spark of arousal light in your core as you gazed at his alluring, parted lips and down his dark, scruffy happy trail.

"You don't have to do anythin' you're uncomfortable with. I just-" Hobie's eyes widened as you leaned forward, capturing his lips in a heated, wet kiss. You closed your eyes and cupped his face as an insatiable hunger overwhelmed your body. Hobie sighed as he smoothed one of his hands over your hip, his other brushing over your face as he tilted his head.

You squeaked as he pulled you against his lithe body, something hard suddenly rubbing between your thighs as you moaned softly. Your lips glistened with your combined spit as you gulped for air. You shivered as Hobie stared into your eyes, his pupils blown wide and breath ragged as he squeezed the supple flesh of your hip.

"I thought you'd never ask," you confessed. You heard a low rumble rise from his throat before he dove back in. You trembled in his hold as he pressed his lips to yours, tenderly brushing over yours as he played with the band of your short skirt. You squealed as he slipped his warm tongue past your swollen, parted lips - his wet muscle eagerly dancing with yours as you bucked your hips forward.

"Fuck, you drive me wild, (Y/N)," he gasped before swiping his tongue along your lower lip. You panted and squeezed your thighs together as he kissed your chin and along your jaw, his fingers tugging on the thin band of your hot pink thong. "Every time I see you in one of these outfits, I have to stop myself from takin’ you right then and there," Hobie groaned before puckering his lips over your sensitive pulse. You pulled back a little as you laid your hands on his chest. He paused and deeply looked into your eyes.

“Please…don’t stop now. I never want you to stop,” you confessed with a low moan. A spark of lust ignited in his dark eyes as he sucked in a sharp breath.

“Fuck,” he murmured. Hobie quickly crashed his lips against yours, hungrily devouring your mouth in a passionate, sloppy kiss. You keened as he pecked along your jaw as his hands slid beneath your shirt and push-up bra. A soft moan escaped from your lips as he tenderly massaged your tits and brushed his calloused thumbs over your hard nipples.

"Bet your pretty pussy tastes just as sweet as you," he moaned into your ear before puckering his lips over your sensitive pulse. You nearly choked as he squeezed your nipples between his fingers, tugging on them gently as he ground his hips against yours at a faster pace. "Would you like that, sweet girl? My face stuffed between your perfect thighs?" Hobie grunted, his lips dancing over the fresh hickey on your neck.

"God, yes," you mewled as your walls fluttered at the thought of his thick, juicy tongue parting your puffy lower lips. Hobie grinned against your wet skin before slowly rolling onto his side. Your whole body trembled with anticipation as you watched him lie on his back, his eyes raking over your barely covered body. Your thighs shook as you slowly pulled your slightly soaked thong down your legs and kicked them aside with your short jean skirt.

“Take your time if you need to, baby,” he gently reassured. Your cheeks warmed at his caring voice while you bit your lip. You slowly raised your skirt up as you slotted your thighs across his lithe waist. Hobie groaned lowly as you crawled on top of him, his hands falling over your waist as you wiggled your hips.

"God, you're so fuckin' gorgeous," he murmured as he slowly slid his palms up and down your hips. You froze just before you reached his face, shivering as his warm breath fell over your slick folds.

“A-Are you sure about this?” you asked him with a gulp. "What if I break your neck or suffocate you?" you muttered and looked away. He raised his brows before leaning up and puckering his plump lips around your sensitive bundle of nerves. You gasped and gently bucked your hips forward as he moaned against your dripping, warm sex. He released his mouth with a loud “pop” before gazing into your eyes.

“I want nothin’ more than to feel you sit-no, ride my face until my mouth is completely soaked with your cum,” he said lowly while licking his already glistening lips. A soft moan escaped from your throat as your cheeks swelled with heat. “C’mon, lovie. I won’t bite…unless you want me to,” Hobie smirked before licking a bold, sloppy stripe along your slit.

“Oh, fuck,” you gasped as he pushed your hips down on his rugged face. You grabbed the headboard of your bed as he messily dug his tongue between your puffy labia, his nose grinding against your engorged clit. Your eyes rolled back as he audibly groaned into your cunt, his nails digging into your thighs as he voraciously devoured your sweet juices.

“God, Hobie,” you whined while gently grinding your cunt over his face, smearing your arousal across his lips and chin. Your jaw went slack when he swirled his wet muscle around your puffy bud, his fingers gently caressing your supple thighs as he flared his nostrils.

Your knuckles turned pale as you squeezed the headboard, your thighs quaking with every eager swipe of his soft tongue across your aching pussy.

“Yes,” you threw your head back and sobbed. Hobie’s eyes rolled back as you continued to rub your dripping cunt against his mouth, a low groan sending shivers through your quivering sex. The lewd, slick sounds of his tongue painting over your labia drive you further into a lustful frenzy.

“S-So good, baby,” you panted and nearly fell forward when he slipped his thumb over your swollen clit. The bed creaked as you thrusted a little faster, the feeling of his lip ring rubbing against your entrance making your head spin and thighs clench.

You squeezed your eyes shut as he massaged your tender button while sliding his tip past the rim of your tight entrance.

“Fuck!” you moaned as you felt the muscles in your lower stomach start to twist into a tight knot already. The way his tongue flicked and caressed your sex, his hot breath fanning over your clit every time his thumb came up - it was all too much.

“H-Hobie!” you cried as you fully sank down on his face. You heard him suck a sharp breath through his nose as your pussy pulsed against his smooth lips. Your breathing grew ragged as you white-knuckled the headboard, your bed creaking and groaning as he sloppily made out with your cunt. A sharp smack of his lips and swipe of his thumb finally made you tip over the edge. You cried and babbled incoherently as your jaw went slack, your legs shaking around his puffy wicks as your body grew rigid with bliss.

“S-Shit, Hobie,” you choked as your walls pulsed, your puckering hole gushing with your slick. A shiver ran down your spine as Hobie voraciously slurped up your juices - his tongue darting out and capturing every drop he could. You moaned as he continued to tenderly swipe his thumb across your bundle of nerves, his sharp chin supporting your perineum as he slowly blinked his eyes open.

It took a few moments before you slowly pulled your hips away from his face. Your jaw dropped when you saw how soaked his face was. Hobie chuckled as he swiped his tongue over his lips, his eyes half-lidded and completely mesmerized by your fucked-out expression.

“I-I’m sorry,” you said as you reached over to grab a tissue. You paused when he rested his hand over your wrist, a lopsided grin written over his sharp features.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it…I like it when my girl makes a mess,” he purred before pecking your swollen nub. Your breath caught in your throat as you felt his warm lips glide over your sensitive bud before he swiped the tip of his tongue over it. But even more so…the fact that he called you his girl made your knees weak and legs turn to jelly. Hobie smirked as he smoothed his thumbs over your hips.

“You like it when I kiss your pretty clit like that, hm?” he chuckled before pressing a few more quick, wet kisses to your bundle of nerves.

“M-Mm yes,” you keened and squeezed your thighs against the sides of his head. Hobie furrowed his brows when you suddenly slid down his lithe body. You sighed as you pressed your breasts together and rubbed your fingertips over the button of his jeans.

“Lovie?” he murmured, his hickory eyes fixated on the gentle sway of your hips. Your heart skipped a beat as you played with the band of his pants.

“Please, Hobie. I wanna make sure you feel taken care of, too,” you breathed while trailing your hands down his dark happy trail. Hobie groaned as he propped himself up on his forearms.

“Alright…on one condition,” he said with a mischievous smirk. Your eyes widened as he suddenly flipped you around, your face hovering above his hard, throbbing, cock while his lips just barely grazed over your raw, swollen pussy. “You let me have a second serving,” he blew a puff of air over your labia. You squeaked as a pulse of heat swept through your core while he nibbled and tugged on your folds. You arched your back and let your legs rest over his chest.

“Please, Hobie,” was all you could manage, your mind growing more and more foggy with arousal. You whined when he suddenly pulled his face back.

“‘Please’ what, (Y/N)? Use your words, sweet girl,” he teased. You could practically feel the smirk on his face as he spread your asscheeks apart, his lips mere centimeters from your weeping sex. You keened and threw your hips back as you clutched the band of his jeans.

“Please let me suck your cock while you devour my pussy,” you moaned and wiggled your hips. Your jaw dropped when he suddenly dove between your supple cheeks, his tongue vigorously swirling around the seam of your tight hole. “S-Shit,” you groaned as you hastily unbuttoned his pants. The sound of his zipper mixed with the wet, sloppy noises of him indulging in the sweet flavor of your pussy. You gasped when you pulled down his black brief, revealing a long, veiny cock.

His dick throbbed as a thick bead of precum slid down his mushroomy tip. You licked your lips as you wrapped one of your hands around his base, the sudden feeling of his breath on your asshole making you whimper and twitch above him.

“Fuck, you taste divine,” Hobie growled before enveloping his whole mouth over your raw cunt. You squeezed the base of his cock, drawing a deep groan from your lover as you slowly swirled your tongue around his aching tip. You flared your nostrils as you slowly sank your mouth down on his bulbous head, your nails digging into his thighs as he parted the seam of your entrance with his long, writhing tongue.

You moaned around his dick as he gently thrusted his slick muscle into your hole, his hands squeezing and massaging your asscheeks as he grunted. You had to take a deep breath through your nose before you sucked in your cheeks and slowly sank your head down on his length. You flinched above Hobie when he gave a sudden, sharp thrust deep inside your core as your soft mouth glided along his veiny cock. You couldn’t help but lightly grind against his chin, your engorged clit deliciously rubbing against his warm skin as he pumped his long muscle along your velvety walls.

You only sank down halfway and already had to suppress the urge to gag, tears forming at the corners of your eyes as your throat tightened. You shifted above him, resting your arms across his upper thighs before wrapping one of your palms around the base of his cock. Hobie groaned into your pulsing heat while you stroked his length in time with bobbing your head.

“Fuck, just like that,” you heard his voice muffled into your folds before he dove back in. You squealed and dipped your head down a little faster while he slide his tongue back inside your tight little hole. The sweet smell of sex and sweat wafted through the air as the two of you moaned against each other.

“Can’t hold on much longer,” you thought as your eyes watered while he curled his pink tongue inside your slick, gummy cunt. You whined as you squeezed his shaft while slobbering over his hard, throbbing sex. Both of you grew more sloppy with your movements as you felt your body shiver and tense with pleasure. You squeaked when he dug his nails into the plush of your ass and slid his face back and forth, smearing your slick across his mouth and massaging your bundle of nerves with his chin.

You moaned and opened your throat up as your second orgasm crashed over you, your body trembling with bliss as you nearly choked on his long dick. Hobie inhaled deeply as he eagerly slurped up your juices, his tongue lashing in and out of your pulsing walls as your legs shook around his head.

“Yes!” you screamed internally as you squeezed the base of his heavy shaft. Your head spun as you sucked hard on his cock, drawing a deep growl from your lover. Your eyes shot open when you felt long, heavy ropes of his cum paint the back of your throat. You relished in the way his dick twitched against your tongue, the small groans that left his lips while he desperately bucked into your soft mouth.

You kept your cheeks hollowed and lips curled around his shaft as he panted beneath you, his body shivering and balls tightening under your hold. You gasped when Hobie suddenly slid his tongue out of you, his breathing ragged as he pumped his ups up.

“Mmm, baby girl,” he moaned as the last stream of his cum splashed against your raw esophagus. You let his dick rest against your tongue for a few seconds before you slowly pulled your mouth away with a wet “pop”. You gasped for air, your lungs burning a little as you trembled above him.

“How you feelin’?” Hobie asked as he smoothed his hands over your hips. You licked your slightly swollen lips before eyeing a thick bead of white leaking from his tip. You smirked and pressed your lips to his head. Hobie’s breath hitched when you swiped the tip of your tongue across his slit before swirling it around his entire head.

“Good,” you replied as you peeked over your shoulder and wiggled your hips again. Hobie’s chest rose and fell below your stomach as he rubbed your waist.

“God, you’re incredible,” he suddenly praised before pecking your cunt for the last time. You tried to steady yourself as you climbed off of him, your limbs shaking like leaves on a tree while you rolled beside your lover. Hobie’s eyes sparkled with affection as he gazed at your flushed face.

“Lovie, I know that was a lot…but do you think you’d be able to handle one more?” he panted while slinging one of his arms around your back. Your eyes widened a little as he mindlessly traced his fingers along your hip and lower back, his eyes soft and half-lidded as he eyed your body. You took a deep breath and nodded.

“Yes,” you whispered while wrapping your arms around his neck.

“You sure?” Hobie asked, his voice still dripping with lust yet carrying a gentle tone with it. You grinned and nodded.

“I’m sure, Hobie. But…won’t you need some help getting…you know-“ you blushed and looked down at his now soft cock between his legs. Hobie chuckled and kissed the tip of your nose, the smell of your arousal clinging to his face making your cheeks swell with heat.

“Don’t worry about me...right now, all I want to do is make sure the world knows your mine,” Hobie’s breath hovered over your neck as his hands slid up your stomach. He sat back on his knees and tossed his shirt aside before kicking his pants on the floor. You gasped when he pressed his body against yours and began to grind his cock against your swollen folds. You moaned and spread your legs a little more as he unzipped your jacket, letting the puffy fabric fall open to reveal your hot pink crop top.

“Mmm look at you,” Hobie kissed your ear as he rolled your shirt over your shoulders. You shivered as his nimble fingers expertly unclasped your bra and tossed it on the floor. You blushed and turned your head as you laid completely exposed beneath him, your perky nipples hardening as he sucked in a sharp breath. “God, you’re perfect,” Hobie murmured as he slid his fingers up your sides. Your face flushed as you bit your lip.

“H-Hobie,” you breathed. You felt him smile against your skin while he brought his hands back up to your breasts. You flinched as he suckled on your neck while tenderly squeezing your tits. He rocked his hips forward, drawing a high-pitched moan from your lips as his cock glided over your sopping wet sex.

“Fuck,” you hiccupped while Hobie tilted his head and licked a long stripe over your raw hickey. You kept your arms wrapped around his neck as he squeezed and pinched your sensitive nipples. Your mind grew fuzzy as the tip of his dick rubbed against your swollen clit, his veiny cock spreading your slick labia apart with every stroke.

“Makin’ such cute noises f’me,” he chuckled lowly before lightly tugging on your buds and sucking against your neck again. You snapped your head back and arched your spine as you felt his wet, warm lips curl over your skin, his dick starting to twitch and harden against your aching sex.

“Mmm!” you whined as the bed began to creak and groan beneath his rutting. You dipped your head into his thin shoulder as he bunched the supple flesh of your breasts within his large palms. Your breath stuttered as he sloppily kissed down your neck and nipped at your collarbone.

“Fuckin’ hell,” Hobie growled. You whined when he suddenly pulled away, his cock slipping from your sex as he panted wildly. “Need you now, baby. Please,” he grunted. Lust brightly flickered in his eyes as he grabbed your waist, his thumbs squeezing the plush of your hips as he breathed heavily. You felt a spark of pleasure rush through your core as he lined the tip of his dick to your weeping entrance, your legs falling on either side of his hips as he squeezed your waist. Your breasts jiggled as you sucked in a deep breath and leaned forward.

"Make this pussy yours, Hobie," you moaned into his ear. Your jaw went slack when he quickly sheathed his length deep inside you, his cock pulsing as your pussy squeezed him in a tender, vice grip.

“Oh my God,” Hobie groaned as your juicy walls sucked him in, enveloping his long shaft in a warm, vice grip. The two of you remained still for a moment as you adjusted to his size. He furrowed his brows and breathed heavily before opening his eyes again. “Just let me know when you’re ready,” Hobie whispered, his lips dancing over yours as his cock twitched inside you. You took a deep breath and slid your ankles over the back of his thighs.

“Y-You can move,” you breathed as you gripped onto him. Hobie gave you a warm smile before he slowly pulled his hips back. A rush of pleasure ran down your spine as he stretched your hole wide open, his cock massaging your soft walls as his tip bumped into your cervix.

“God, you feel so good around me,” Hobie sucked in a sharp breath as he pumped his hips in a steady rhythm. You whined as he crashed his lips against yours, the heady taste of your arousal slipping against your tongue as he moaned into your mouth. Electricity danced across your skin as goosebumps rose over your body each time his hips came into contact with yours.

“H-Hobie,” you spoke up right as he pulled away from your sloppy kiss. He grunted in reply as he continued to thrust into your snug sex. You swallowed the lump growing in your throat as tears of pleasure rolled down your cheeks. “It's okay - I don’t want you to hold back,” you reassured him while cupping his sharp cheek. His pace slowed as he furrowed his brows.

“You sure, lovie?” Hobie asked, his voice laced with concern. You nodded before gasping as he pushed your legs up, his hands squeezing the back of your knees before he snapped his hips forward.

“Fuck!” you cried out as his tip slammed against the plug to your womb. The bed shook beneath his rough, heavy thrusts while his plump balls slapped against your asscheeks.

"Yes, s-shit you feel so good," Hobie panted as he nearly folded you in half. "So fuckin' hot and tight," he groaned while pistoning his hips forward, his cock sinking deeper and deeper inside of your clenching hole. You cried and thrashed beneath him, your pleasure bordering on pain as your cunt tightened around his cock.

"Gonna be a good girl and cum f'me, yeah?" Hobie breathed as he squeezed the back of your legs. You nodded as you moaned and babbled incessantly.

"Yes, please, k-keep going!" you cried out as his thick tip massaged your soft, sensitive g-spot. Stars began to dance in your field of vision as the muscles in your lower tummy grew unbearably tight.

"Hobie!" you screamed as you snapped your hips forward, your cunt violently pulsing around his shaft as a pure bliss pierced through your core. White flooded your vision as your entire being trembled, your pussy soaking his throbbing dick with your sweet cum while he moaned into your ear.

"Shit, baby," he gritted his teeth as your walls clamped down on his length. You sobbed uncontrollably as your legs trembled in his hold, your mind numb with an indescribable pleasure. "Grippin' me so fuckin' tight, such a good - fuck - girl," Hobie rasped as his thrusts began to falter. You parted your lips and gasped as if breaking free from drowning. Your body glowed with euphoria as your lover's breath grew short with each pump of his cock.

"W-Where do you want me?" he shivered while gazing into your tear-filled eyes.

"Inside!" you squealed as his taut lower stomach brushed over your clit. Your jaw dropped when he buried himself deep inside your core, his moans reverberating inside your ears as his cock swelled and throbbed.

"G-Good girl," Hobie rumbled as he shallowly pumped his hips while shooting streams of his thick, heady seed against your swollen cervix. You dug your nails into his glowing skin as he nearly choked, your walls greedily sucking him in as he drenched your walls with his cum. You felt like your body was drifting in the heavenly waters of a warm ocean as he gently thrusted into you a few more times, your sex squelching wetly as his cock deliciously rubbed along your raw walls.

"Christ," Hobie panted as his hold on the back of your knees softened. You slowly blinked your eyes open, tears falling past the rim of your eyelids. Your love swallowed thickly before he kissed your calf, a patch of goosebumps breaking out over the small area as you gulped.

"Please tell me we're doing another round - I think I need a breather first," you sighed. Hobie chuckled as he slowly helped you lie your legs back onto the messy sheets.

"We could just stay here if you'd like," he said with a bright grin. You nodded and took a deep breath, your heart still pounding against your sternum and body shivering with bliss.

"Yes, please," you murmured. Hobie smiled softly as he slowly pulled out of you, his cock drenched with your combined juices and inner thighs caked with slick. You sighed as he shifted behind you, wrapping one of his lanky legs over yours and sliding an arm over your stomach.

"Do you think we could do this again sometime?" you asked. Hobie hummed against your neck, his puffy wicks tickling your ear as he tilted his head.

"Do what, lovie?" he murmured before kissing over the blanket of hickeys laid across your pulse. Your breath hitched for a moment as he pulled you against his warm body. You slid your hand down and threaded your fingers through his.

"I guess I meant to ask...are we an item now?" you said aloud. Hobie squeezed your hand as you glanced over your shoulder, his smile soft and melting you to the core.

"I mean, I figured that the second my lips hit yours was the moment that sealed it," he chuckled. You giggled and shifted a little more to softly peck his lips. Hobie sighed as you fully turned around, your front pressed against his as he brushed his long, nimble fingers through your hair. Your heart skipped a beat as you parted, your eyes dancing with a warm love you haven't felt in so long.

"I love you, Hobie Brown," you whispered softly while rubbing his upper back. Your boyfriend returned your gentle smile as he kissed your forehead.

"I love you, too, (Y/N) (L/N)," he grinned ear to ear.

----

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Girls Like Girls - Robin Buckley X Cheerleader!Reader

Summary: Robin has a crush on the new girl in town. Y/N is also a new member of the cheer squad, which means Robin sees her all the time at games and other school events. Unfortunately, Robin is put in a tough situation. She's scared to talk to her because the cheerleaders have a reputation of being mean girls and she fears that Y/N may not feel the same. Little does Robin know that Y/N does not appear as she seems. Y/N becomes best friends with Eddie, which seems unlikely at the surface due to different social circles. This leads to rumors of course and word spreads like wildfire here at Hawkins, which then makes Robin's feelings even more confusing. After hanging out with Steve and the gang, Robin starts to see a different side to Y/N. Will they end up together or will they just remain friends?

Word Count: 2.2k

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Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

Chapter 4

“Listen, all I’m saying is that they hate us ‘bottom of the food chain’ folk because they don’t like that we’re different. But you know what I say to that? Screw em’! Who wants to be like those boring rich assholes anyways?!” Eddie proclaimed as he drove you and Robin home. He tried to make Robin feel better about what had happened, lord knows he knew what it’s like to be treated that way. He was labeled the town freak after all. Eddie’s actions made Robin feel guilty for the way she had thought and spoke to him as of late. Maybe he really is a nice guy after all. The pair of you were still holding hands and you had rubbed her hand with your thumb to soothe her. Robin was feeling an emotion she had never felt before and she was unsure of what it was, peace maybe? She couldn't tell, but she didn’t mind it. 

“Alright, we’re here.” Eddie said as he pulled up to your house. You and Robin had both piled out of the van and made your way to the driver side window. 

“Thanks for picking us up, Eds. You’re a real lifesaver.” Y/N said with gratitude. 

“Yeah, thanks Munson.” Robin said, still feeling guilty.

“Don’t mention it, I’d do it again any day! Now get inside before the little assholes throw eggs at you.” Eddie stated.

 You waved goodbye and led Robin to the front door, opening it and getting inside. Both of you made your way upstairs and headed to your room. “Whoa.” Robin said in awe as you opened the door and turned on the light.

“Is that a bad 'whoa'?” You chuckled.

“No no, I just- I wasn’t expecting your room to look this way I guess.” Robin stammered. Your room had sage green walls that had photos of friends and family on one side, while the other was lined with a few movie posters. Your bedding was green and black, which seemed in theme. You watched Robin as she toured around your room in shock. “I guess I was expecting something more-”

“Pink and girly?” You interrupted as she browsed your vinyl collection. She nodded in response. “Yeah I’m sure that’s what a lot of people think. They think that because I’m a cheerleader, well was a cheerleader, that I like all things pink and frilly and cute. Not that there’s anything wrong with liking those things, it’s just not me at all. Oh god I’m rambling again aren’t I? Oh god I’m sorry.” You giggled nervously as you sat on your bed.

“No no it’s okay really! I don’t mind it, I like rambling. I ramble myself sometimes.” Robin said as she smiled. She made her way over to your bed and sat next to you. “You know, I was expecting to be going back to my place-” Robin began to say.

“Do you want me to call Eddie again? I can tell him to take you home if you’d like! I just figured it was getting late and I don’t live too far from Steve so we could just come here to get away fast ya know?” You interrupted. 

“Oh I’m not complaining, I just wasn’t expecting my night to end like this. Here with you. But I don't mind it, I'm glad I'm here actually.” Robin spoke softly. You both sat with one another for a moment, but it didn’t feel awkward. It felt peaceful, almost right. Like she was meant to be here.

You soon got up and went toward your dresser. “Here’s some clothes to wear for the night, the bathroom is just down the hall and to the left if you wanna go change in there.” You said handing her the clothes. She nodded and headed to the bathroom. While she was gone, you had also changed and gotten yourself ready for bed. Robin soon returned and scrunched up her clothes into a ball on the floor, you watched in confusion. 

“What are you doing?” You asked.

“I figured I should probably sleep on the floor, it just makes sense ya know?” Robin replied as she sat on the floor. “Do you have a blanket or anything I can use?” She asked. You nodded and handed her a few blankets as well as a pillow.

“Here’s a couple just in case and a pillow so you’re more comfortable.” You said with a small smile. She took them and got herself situated. “I guess we should probably sleep then huh?” You suggested. 

“I guess so.” Robin replied.

You turned the lights off and made your way to your bed. “Goodnight Robin, if you need anything at all just let me know okay?” You said crawling into bed. 

“I will, goodnight Y/N.” She said turning over and heading to sleep.

Some time had passed before she heard you speak. “Robin? Are you awake?” You asked.

“Yeah, I’m still awake. You?” Robin asked, soon facepalming herself as she realized you were obviously awake as you had asked the question. 'Dumbass!' She thought to herself.

“Yes I am silly.” You giggled. She sighed in relief that you weren’t laughing at her. “You should come up here, I feel bad that you’re on the floor.” You said sitting up and facing her. 

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable or anything like that.” Robin asked, now facing you as well. You nodded and made a spot for her. She stood from her spot on the floor and crawled in next to you. You moved closer to her after she had gotten settled, you were now facing one another. Robin was grateful that it was mostly dark as she didn’t want you to see how badly she was blushing. Though she is also grateful that the moonlight is peaking through the window as it’s shining onto your face. You were absolutely radiant and Robin couldn’t get enough of you. Robin shuffled closer to you and now both of your foreheads were touching. You giggled and scrunched your nose. God how she loved when you did that. You both lay in the comfort of one another and soon you both drifted off to sleep.

Robin felt a gentle tap on her arm that had woken her up. “Hmm” She cooed as she slowly opened her eyes. 

“It’s time to get up Robin, it’s almost noon, silly.” She heard you giggle. She soon sat up and rubbed her eyes. Robin began to yawn and soon the realization had hit her all at once.

“Oh my god I’m gonna be late for work!” Robin proclaimed as she jumped out of the bed. You couldn’t help but let out a giggle as you watched Robin scramble around your room. “I need different clothes, I can’t wear my costume to work oh god!” She was rambling on until she noticed you holding something in your hand. “What uh what is that?” She asked.

“It’s your clothes you goof, I asked Steve if he could pick them up for you since he was already gonna be taking us to work today.” You said handing her the clothes. “He’s downstairs right now, he’s probably eating some of the food I made.” 

Robin looked on in confusion. “You made- you made breakfast? For me?” She was a little taken aback. 

“Of course I did, I wouldn’t be a good friend if I let you go to work hungry! Plus I owe you after what happened last night.” You stated. 

“Well thank you, that's very kind of you. I’m gonna change and then we can go.” Robin said as she headed toward the bathroom. 

“Okay, I’ll be downstairs fighting Steve off of the food!” You yelled from the top of the stairs.

“I heard that!” Steve yelled back.

Work was pretty slow that day. Not many people showed up as it was the day after Halloween. They were either hungover from all the partying or still asleep from staying up so late, probably from the high on a sugar rush from all the candy. The three of you pretty much just sat around and watched the movies that played until it was time for your break. 

Soon the door swung open. “Hey there losers!”

“Who are you calling lose- oh never mind.” Steve said, turning around and seeing Eddie standing there. 

“Well shit, if this is the thanks I get for bringing you all lunch?” Eddie witted as he set the bags of food down as well as the drinks. 

“How did you know it was-” Robin began to ask.

“I always bring Y/N lunch when she’s working.” Eddie said, playfully rubbing your head as you began to drink your soda. Robin watched on and she began to feel jealous again. She tried so hard not to feel this way, but she couldn’t help it. 

“Oh well uh thanks I guess.” Steve thanked him.

“Hey, it's no problem at all.” Eddie winked back at Steve, this caused Steve to turn a shade of crimson. He quickly turned around to hide his face from Eddie, if he knew what this did to him he’d never live it down. 

You noticed Robin’s mood shift and made your way over to her. “You okay angel?” You asked, gently grabbing her hand. 

“What oh yeah I’m uh I’m fine. Just peachy!” Robin tried to brush it off, but you could see right through it.

“You can tell me you know, I wont judge.” You whispered to her as to not cause Eddie or Steve who were in the middle of an argument about movies to look over to the two of you. 

“I’m just a little tired is all, slow day ya know?” She lied. She hated that she did it, but what else was there to do. She couldn’t just say it was because she hated seeing Eddie be sweet with you and not her. 

“Why don’t you go home and get some rest? Steve and I have this covered, really it’s no trouble at all!” You suggested. 

“Are you sure?” Robin asked, looking at Steve who just nodded.

“Of course! Hey Eds, do you think you can take Robin home for me please?” Y/N asked with pleading eyes.

“Only because you asked so kindly. Come on Buckley, let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Eddie joked as they headed toward the door. They both got into the van and headed on to drop her off. They both sat in an uncomfortable amount of silence before anyone had said anything. Robin had been staring out the window and then finally Eddie spoke to try and break the tension. 

“Look I know you don’t like me very much, I’m not really sure why. But I want you to know that I think you’re pretty cool, especially being friends with Y/N and all. I care about her a lot and if she has you in her circle of people, then you must be pretty damn special.” Eddie said as he focused on the road. Eddie was normally a maniac when he drove. But when he drove with you around, he was as safe as he could be. So he’d do the same with Robin because she was your friend and he knew you’d kill him if something happened to her. 

“Eddie look-” Robin began.

“Hey, you don’t have to tell me anything I get it ya know. I’m not everyone’s favorite person in the world.” Eddie stated with a frown. It made Robin feel even more guilty. They had pulled up to her house and before she got out, Eddie spoke again. “Just do me a favor?”

Robin nodded for him to proceed. “Just make sure you don’t screw it up with Y/N, she’s been through a lot and I’d hate to see her get hurt. She cares about you a lot, you know. I mean she literally never shuts up about you.” He chuckled. 

“I won't, I promise.” Robin responded. You were the last person that she wanted to hurt. You’ve been nothing but kind to her and she cared for you too much. Even though it killed her that she couldn’t be with you. All she ever thought about was you, you were so special to her and nothing would ever change that.

Next chapter

[topazy]

Teen spirit

Pairing: Carl Grimes × reader, Maggie Greene × sister reader

Warnings: Swearing, blood and guts

Chapter: 6.02

Carol finds you sitting in Judith’s nursery with a book in hand—a bible. Your mother and father were religious, and you used to find it confronting when they read to you from the Bible, but now it just makes you sad.

“How’s your foot?”

You place the bible on the floor and say, “It’s still sore, but better. Thanks for asking.”

It had been days since Rick left with some of your people to lure the walkers away, and Glenn still hadn’t returned. His name was even painted on the memorial wall. You tried to scrub it off before Maggie saw it, but you only managed to peel the tiniest amount off after hours of trying.

Judith only stirs slightly when Carol picks her up. The older woman smiles at you and says, “I’m glad to hear it. I’ve left food in the kitchen, and I’ll take Judith for a couple of hours.”

“Thanks.”

“Where’s Carl? I don’t want him in a panic when he notices his sisters gone.”

“He was going for a shower.” You offer her a small smile. “I’ll let him know.”

—

You lay sprawled out across Carl’s bed with your head hanging over the edge as you read one of the comic books. He doesn’t even seem surprised when he sees you in his room; he jumps on the bed beside you, nearly knocking you off the bed.

“Sorry.”

“Yeah, right,” you nudge him playfully.

You finish the last page of the comic, then hand it to him to start reading. He notices the pink on your nails. “When did you find nail polish?”

“I didn’t, Rosita did.”

Heat creeps into your cheeks as you think back to the night before when Rosita was painting your nails, and you not so subtly asked her what it meant if a boy kissed you. She beamed as she explained that the best way to know was to just ask, something you didn’t know how to do.

“Carl?”

He lifts his head from the comic and says, “Yeah?”

You sit upright, lean down, and peck him on the lips. You half expect him to say the kiss meant nothing, and this was a bad idea, but Carl drops the comic to the floor and kisses you back. Without meaning it, a giggle slips from your lips.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, it’s just... This is what normal teens do, isn’t it? Make out?”

He looks at you amused and says, “If we were normal teens, I’d be too frightened to speak to you.”

“Why?”

“The nerdy guys were always too scared to speak to pretty girls in rom-coms,” he laughs.

Although he’s only joking, you feel a slight flutter in your chest.

“I would have probably tried to have planned a clique way of asking you to be my girlfriend, which would have backfired and resulted in public humiliation.”

“Oh, yeah, I’d totally ditch you for the school's star quarterback. But I’d realize he was a total jackass at prom and take pity on whatever injury you got trying to impress me and beg you to give me another chance.” You place your hand on your heart for dramatic effect.

You both erupt into laughter. You pull him in for another kiss. You’ve no idea how much time has passed with the two of you being glued together in lip lock when Carl leans back on the bed and pulls you with him so you're laying on top of him, his hands resting on your hips. Maggie’s words about the ‘birds and the bees’ come to mind, and you slowly pull your lips away from his and sit upright.

Both of you are flushed and slightly sweaty. “Do you want to go for a walk?”

“Yeah, sure.”

—

“Is your dad still teaching Ron how to shoot?”

“Yeah, he is.”

You scoff, “Is Ron still being a total—oh god!”

The side of a wooden building on the outside of the fence collapses and brings the fence down, keeping the walkers out.

A thick layer of dust and dirt goes into the air, making it hard to see. Carl grabs your hand and says, “Come on!”

Walkers start to flood in Alexandria—more than you think you’ve ever seen before. Rick sprints towards you, “Carl! Y/n! Where’s Judith?”

“Carol took her,” you call back. “I don’t know where she went. Oh my god, where’s Maggie?”

A small number of you come together and start running through the streets, trying to find Carol. Jessie comes out of her house and fires at walkers, “Come on, I have Judith!”

You rush into her home and start to move furniture to barricade the door. “Michonne, have you seen my sister?”

“Yeah, she climbed onto the ledge beside the fence. The walkers won’t be able to get her.”

You gulped down, hoping that was true.

—

“Shh, you’re okay.”

You bounce Judith on your hip, trying your best to keep her calm. So far, the walkers have tried to get inside the house, but that could easily change if a noise or movement caught their attention. Hearing a groan of pain, you place Judith in her crib, then help Deanna sit up in one of the bed’s stacking pillows to support her. She has been bitten by a walker, and it wouldn’t be long until she turns.

“Thank you,” she said weakly.

You hear a commotion coming from downstairs, followed by shattered glass. Rick, Michonne, and Jessie rush down the stairs. Rick orders you to stay upstairs with Judith.

Minutes feel like hours as you wait for something to happen. During the gaps of silence, you start to think of Carol, Rosita, Tara, and the rest of your people, whom you hadn’t seen since the walkers overtook Alexandria. Suddenly Rick and Michonne sprint upstairs. You stick your head out of the room and see them dragging two dead walkers with them.

Rick nods his head at you and says, “Y/n, we are going to need plenty of bedsheets. Enough for all of us.”

“Got it.”

You run into the bedroom you presume is 's, as it smells of different soaps, has floral bedding, and uses a pair of hairdressing scissors laying on her nightstand to cut out the shape of ponchos. You hear Jessie ask, “Bed sheets for what?”

“We all go to the armory.”

“How?”

You squeeze between her and Ron to get back through to the room. Rick’s gutting the walkers. “The seeming zombie guts mask ours; we will be able to get past them.”

“She’s right,” Rick reassured them. “We’ve done it before. We stay calm and don’t draw attention; we can get by them.”

Father Gabriel turns to the side and vomits, watching the blood and guts pour from the undead body as Rick and Michonne each cut open a body. You hope he toughens up by the time you get outside.

—

Yoy, look up at Michonne when Sam almost starts crying, watching as the rest of you cover the bedsheets in walker guts. You were more scared to walk outside with a scared child than with a baby. Jessie tries her best to comfort her youngest son, but he still seems terrified.

“I’ll take her,” Carl tucks Judith beneath his makeshift, bloodied outfit.

Slowly, you make your way down the staircase and through the downstairs of ’s house in a single file. The smell of decaying bodies burns your nostrils, making your eyes water. There was a weird tension between Carl and Ron; you’d obviously missed something while watching Judith upstairs, and it was obvious you weren’t the only one of thought, so from the way Michonne kept glancing at the two teenage boys, as if she were waiting for something to happen.

Once outside, you take hold of both Carl and Jessie’s hands and start making your way through the herd of walkers, with Rick leading the way.

[sadhours]

simmer down - chapter two

billy hargrove x hagan!oc

read on ao3 • masterlist • prev chapter

requests are open!!

warning: 18+ minors dni, smut, tiddie fucking, p in v, oc x steve, slow burn

summary: Gina has it easy being Tommy’s little sister. A spot with the cool crowd. Invites to all the parties. Everything she could ever want. But it seems to be more a burden when the new guy from California shows up and becomes best friends with her brother. At least she has Steve, or does she?

word count: 10k

—

Gina wore the outfit Carol picked out. She paired it with the fancy cropped leather jacket her parents had bought her for Christmas. She’d painstakingly curled her chestnut hair with her butane powered curling iron. She had to wake a whole hour earlier to do so. It was a lot of work to go through for a boy, but Gina was determined to catch Billy’s attention. She even wore foundation makeup, which hid the majority of her freckles and she spent too long doing her winged eyeliner. She had to skip breakfast but she hoped it was a worthy sacrifice.

When she gets downstairs, she’s glad she catches her parents before they leave. She bounces on her tip toes and makes big doe eyes at her mother, “Can you schedule me an appointment at the salon? I need my hair permed again.”

Her mother smiles, “Of course, sweetie. You look pretty.”

“Thanks,” Gina beams.

Tommy snorts, shoveling a spoonful of his cereal into his mouth. “She’s trying to impress my new friend,” he says around the Wheaties.

“Shut up!” Gina groans and her mother gives her a knowing look.

“That kid with the Camaro?” their dad asks, “He seems like a good kid. Very respectful.”

“You two should ask him over for dinner. I’d like to get to know him,” their mom says, double checking her briefcase.

“He’s joining the basketball team,” Tommy adds, standing from the table to dispose of his bowl in the sink.

“What’s his name again?” their dad asks.

“Billy Hargrove,” Gina says with a dreamy smile and Tommy smacks the back of her head.

“Thomas Michael Hagan! Do not hit your sister,” their mother scolds.

Tommy mocks her, swinging his backpack over his shoulder as their little sister wanders into the kitchen. Gina double checks the small girls braids. She’d done them last night before bed and wants to make sure they’re not too messy from sleep.

“Invite that nice young man over for dinner,” their mom repeats, “I’ll make shepherds pie.”

“Yeah, I will, mom,” Tommy says exasperatedly and he ushers Gina out the door, tugging her by her backpack.

She climbs into the front seat and Tommy does the same in the drivers side, he turns the key in the ignition but before he shifts any gears, he turns to his sister and she meets his intense gaze. It’s a look he hasn’t given her before and if she’s honest, it scares her a bit.

“I told you he’s off-limits,” he tells her sternly.

Gina swallows the lump in her throat, “I’m… I know. I wasn’t wearing this to impress him.”

Her voice is shaky and she hopes Tommy can’t pick up on the obvious lie. She wonders if Carol talked to him last night. While she did consider Carol to be her best friend, she wouldn’t put it past her to tell Tommy their plan.

“Don’t fuck this up. I want to be his friend,” he continues, “I don’t have a guy friend to do cool stuff with anymore. Since the shit with Steve, I just hang out with you and Carol and no offense, you guys aren’t that fun.”

“You don’t think your girlfriend is fun?” Gina scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest.

Tommy groans, shoving the gear shift in reverse before looking behind him as he pulls out of the driveway. “I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t go telling her I said that,” he retorts. “I just mean, I get bored doing whatever the hell you two wanna do.”

Gina sighs, shaking her head, “I get it. I don’t like Billy, okay?”

“It’s not a matter of if you like him, just don’t try to sleep with him,” Tommy replies, turning on the stereo to cut their conversation short.

Gina doesn’t mind, though. Sometimes her and Tommy got along so well and then other times, she couldn’t stand to be in the same room as him. When they pick Carol up and Gina moves to the backseat, it’s like the conversation never even happened at all. Carol’s ranting about her parents the whole drive to school, not even sensing the tension between the Hagan siblings. As they pull into the parking lot, Gina sees Billy leaned against the side of his Camaro, talking to Tina. It makes her heart sink a bit but she remembers quickly that Tina doesn’t listen to the same music as him. Maybe it’s silly but she thinks it gives her an upper hand.

Gina doesn’t head over to Billy and Tina right away. Due to the conversation with her brother, she hangs back and pretends to be looking for something in her backpack. While she’s doing so, Steve pulls up and parks beside Tommy’s car. He’s alone and he looks forlorn, turning his car off and sinking into the seat. He closes his eyes and tilts his head back. She’s tempted to open the passenger door and sink in beside him, try her best to comfort him. However, she’s sure he’d tell her to get lost. Her eyes follow the curve of his nose down to his lips and she gets lost in memories of how it felt to kiss them. Then Steve lifts his head and opens his eyes, meeting her gaze.

Steve lifts his hand and waves, a small smile spreading across his lips. Gina’s sure she’s blushing as she waves back and pulls her backpack over her shoulders before turning to walk towards her group of friends. Tina’s excitedly talking to Carol and Tommy’s showing Billy a sports magazine. Gina’s fingers play with the strap of her backpack as she takes her place next to Carol, replaying the small moment she’d just had with Steve over and over in her head. She thinks it means something. An acknowledgment from him was all she’d been wanting for months now.

“What are you smiling about?” Billy asks as he kicks against her shoe, their eyes meeting.

“Nothing,” Gina replies, her smile not faltering.

Her stomach is full of butterflies, turning her head to watch as Steve walks towards the building. She suddenly can’t wait for study hall, the whole plot of impressing Billy with her outfit has fallen by the wayside. Steve’s name dangles on the tip of her tongue, those feelings of infatuation flooding back from such a minuscule interaction.

“Ya want a cigarette?” Billy offers and when she turns to look at him again she doesn’t miss the way his eyes travel down her body and back up.

“Sure,” she shrugs, taking the Marlboro perched between his fingers.

Billy leans forward to light it for her and Gina can feel everyone’s eyes on them. Especially the narrow ones of her brother and Tina. She sinks her shoulders a bit, turning away from Billy and instead involves herself in the conversation the girls are having. Carols worried about some test and Tina’s relating. Gina is suddenly reminded that next year she won’t have the security of her friend group. They’re all seniors. Come this June, they’ll be free of Hawkins High and onto whatever awaits them next. Tommy and Carol have plans to attend school out of state. Gina’s not too excited to assimilate into another group. She’s scared of being lonely.

——

Steve smiles up at Gina when she walks into study hall and takes her seat. Unintentionally, her effort in getting ready this morning has clearly caught his attention. She smiles back at him before opening up her backpack and pulling out her binder, shuffling through the pages to get started on her math homework. Steve’s eyes are burning holes into the side of her face. She’s happy about it but she still feels shy so she untucks her hair from behind her ear and lets it fall against her cheek. She wonders what this means. Perhaps Steve and Nancy are broken up now.

A note is tossed on her desk, coming from Steve’s direction. When she turns to look at him, he stretches his arms up and fakes a yawn, not looking nearly as inconspicuous as he’s trying to. Gina’s cheeks hurt from the smile spreading across her lips and she’s pretty sure she hasn’t stopped blushing since she walked in the classroom. Her fingers unfold the paper to see Steve’s messy handwriting scrawling out the simple message next to a smiley face:

Hi

Gina chews on the end of her pencil as she reads it, glancing up to see Steve tapping his fingers against the top of his desk. This is more than an acknowledgment, it’s a conversation. Tingles run up her legs, her heart beating a little faster as she reads it over again. Her pencil meets the paper, jotting down her reply.

Hey

She carefully folds it back up, darting her eyes to their teacher. He’s focused on whatever he’s working on at his desk. Since the coast is clear, she slides the note back to Steve before trying to get back to her homework but the numbers don’t hold her attention for long as she eagerly awaits his reply. Out of her peripheral, she sees Steve writing on the note before folding it back up and passing it to her.

How have you been? Missed you.

Gina’s heart about jumps out of her throat, her stomach flipping as she focuses on the last two words of his reply. Possibilities of the implications race through her mind. Did Steve miss her in the way she missed him? Was this friendly or romantic? She’s got to play it safe and assume it’s friendly so as to not embarrass herself. Gina writes back:

Bored. Missed you too.

Steve’s fingers brush hers as she passes him the paper back, their eyes meeting and Gina recognizes the glint in his brown ones. Steve is flirting. It’s very safe to assume Nancy is no longer his girlfriend, at least Gina thinks so. Unless her attempt to get Billy’s attention inadvertently caught Steve’s. Which was odd, Gina didn’t show up looking like a completely different person. Steve had seen her dolled up plenty of times before. Maybe Nancy and Jonathon really had something going on.

Steve tosses the note back, lounges back in his desk a bit and glances up at the clock.

Me too. We should get together soon. Do something fun.

Suppressing the excited giggles rising up her throat proves to be a difficult task as a few of them escape. Gina blushes an even deeper shade of red, quickly covering the note with her homework as their teacher snaps his head up to look at her. She quickly purses her lips and pretends to be mulling over her math problems, scribbling circles on the margins of the page.

“I don’t need to remind you all that study hall isn’t a free period,” the teacher announces, “Keep quiet and do your work.”

Gina couldn’t do her work even if she really, really wanted to. Steve’s at the forefront of her mind now. She imagines all the things they could do for fun, each scenario leads to a familiar excitement between her legs and she actually has to cross them for a bit of relief. After a few minutes have passed, Gina uncovers the note and writes in her best cursive:

Sure, I’d like that.

She meticulously folds it back up and slides it back on Steve’s desk. He quickly scrawls out his reply and hands it back over. Gina unfolds it slowly, checking to make sure the teacher hasn’t turned his attention back to her.

I’ll let you know when, babe.

Gina bites her lip to make sure no more excited sounds bubble out of her. After she’s folded the note back up, she tosses it into her backpack and spends the next excruciating twenty minutes daydreaming about the brunette boy next to her while failing at solving the rest of the problems on her worksheet. The bell rings finally, alerting the class that it’s lunch time and Gina starts putting her things away. Steve stands before her, puts his palm on her desk and smiles down at her. He looks so handsome in his jeans and pressed polo, the collar sticking up over his Member’s Only jacket.

“I’ll see you around, Gina,” he purrs and it takes everything in the freckled girl to not melt into a puddle on the seat.

Her voice is a dreamy whisper when she replies, “See you, Steve.”

His fingertips tap against her desk before he turns and walks out of the classroom, leaving her a little breathless and unbelievably elated. Steve Harrington wants to hang out with her again. It’s almost like she’s dreaming, she considers pinching herself to confirm she’s not. Gina’s practically dancing through the halls as she makes her way to her locker. She wonders if Steve will take her on a proper date this time. Every time they hung out before were under different implications, either Tommy was around or they were having sex. She hopes this time will be different.

By the time she makes it to the parking lot, everyone’s already gathered around Billy. Tina is curled into his side but Gina is quite literally so ecstatic that she can’t find it in herself to care. She’s getting Steve back, she’s so sure of it that the crush on Billy has slipped to the back of her mind. All she can think of is how soft Steve’s hair is, all the moles that scatter across his body and the way it felt when he kissed her. Steve, Steve, Steve. She’s basically chanting his name in her head. And the worst part is she couldn’t speak his name into existence around her friends. At least, not unless it was attached to an insult.

“Hey, Gina,” Billy greets in his low drawl, smirking lopsided. Just this morning that would’ve had her knees shaking but now, it reads as friendly.

“Hi, guys,” she chirps, “What’s up?”

“Billy joined the basketball team,” Tommy announces, beaming so bright it’s a little uncomfortable. Gina wonders why he’s so excited. Then she’s reminded about Carol’s comment about Tommy wanting Billy all to himself and Gina can’t bring herself to look at her brother.

“Very rad,” she muses, craning her head to look for the stupid boy she can’t get out of her head. She’s curious as to what Steve’s doing for lunch if he isn’t dating Nancy anymore. He never had trouble making friends but she doesn’t see him hang out with anyone besides Nancy these days. Aside from the group of middle schoolers he babysits.

They used to all sit in the cafeteria until Billy came around. The blonde doesn’t each lunch, ever. All he does is chain smoke during the hour. In fact, Gina realizes she’s never seen Billy eat but she knows he has to eat quite a bit for him to have muscles like he does. The new routine isn’t one she likes to much, she’s always starving when she gets home from school. Tommy is too. They started raiding the fridge and pantry as soon as they get through the door. However, Gina is pocketing the lunch money their parents give her and that’s been a nice bonus.

“Can’t wait to see him on the court,” Tommy continues, “He’s gonna devour Harrington.”

And there it is. Gina shouldn’t be shocked, Tommy can’t go an hour without shit talking his former best friend.

“Speaking of that,” Carol butts in, “Who’s all betting on him and Wheeler being over?”

“I have five on it,” Tommy snorts.

Tina giggles, “I’ll bet ten that they’ll get back together before the week is over.”

God, Gina hopes that isn’t the case. She also has some insight they don’t. Steve’s note is burning a hole in her backpack. She desperately wants to show it to someone, but it wouldn’t be received well. In fact, it’s guaranteed that Gina would be the only one to feel positive about it. And as much as she loves these assholes, that’s what they are— assholes. No doubt they’ll twist it and make Gina second guess Steve’s advances.

“Who fucking cares?” Billy seethes around his Marlboro, “Harrington’s love life is a bore. This place must fucking suck for each and every one of you to have such a vested interest in it.”

That’s one thing Gina’s noticed and liked about Billy; his disdain for gossip. Which is funny because that’s all her friends do. She’s guilty of it herself because well, the Californian is spot on. Hawkins is so dull that there’s not much else to talk about besides the people in it. The group kind of mumbles in agreement though it’s all a show for the new guy.

“And you know what I’ve noticed? Gina’s the only person who doesn’t talk about the guy,” he continues and all eyes fall on her.

Gina’s red cheeks are back, though in utter embarrassment. Thank god Billy can’t read minds because then he’d know that Steve is all she thinks about.

Tommy cackles, “That’s because she’s had a crush on him since she was like ten.”

“Shut up,” Gina fumes, smacking her brothers arm, “I do not.”

Billy’s eyebrows are raised as he looks at the small girl amused, “No shit?”

“I don’t not have a crush on Steve,” she defends herself and it’s true. It’s not a crush, she’s full blown in love with him.

“Tommy, you’re such an asshole,” Carol scolds, hooking her arm with Gina as she guides her away from the group but making sure to shove her shoulder against her boyfriends on the way.

Once they’re out of earshot, Carol continues, “Sometimes I have no idea why I love your brother. He’s the fucking worst.”

Gina swallows back the tears and hates herself for how easily it is to make her cry. She lets Carol drag her back to the cafeteria, they grab a small lunch each and Gina is eternally grateful she has Carol. They sit down at a table and Gina heaves a huge sigh.

“I hate him so much,” she complains, cracking open her Coke before shoving a straw into it. “That was so embarrassing.”

“I’m sorry,” Carol frowns, opening her pudding and shoveling a mouthful. “Tina’s really digging her claws into Billy anyways. Let them run their course and then make your move.”

Maybe the crush on Billy isn’t entirely dissolved, she was mortified with him finding out about her infatuation with Steve. Gina shakes her head, “I don’t want Billy.”

Carol rolls her eyes, “Oh, shut up. We all want him.”

Gina opens her bag of chips carefully and raises both her eyebrows at Carol, “Why don’t you dump Tommy and go for him then?”

The older girl heaves a sigh, resting her head on her hand as she looks at Gina, “Unfortunately, I love him.”

“Do you think you’ll marry Tommy?” she asks before munching on a handful of the Lay’s.

Carol giggles then, her face reddening at the thought and Gina’s happy for them. They really do love each other. It’s pretty gross.

“Hi,” the familiar voice catches Gina off guard, her and Carol look up to see Steve standing at the edge of the table, holding tightly onto his lunch tray.

A deep blush rises up Gina’s neck to her cheeks, staring up at big, dark eyes and a hesitant smile. Steve’s alone. It must feel awful given he’s walked up to Gina and well, Carol of all people. But he doesn’t glance to the redhead, keeps his eyes firm on Gina’s light brown ones. Of course, the older girl is shooting him daggers.

“What do you want, Harrington?” she seethes, mouth turned in disgust.

“Do you wanna join us?” Gina asks, voice sweet to offset Carol’s harsh tone.

“If that’s okay,” Steve replies, a little shy and still acting as if Carol isn’t there.

Gina nods, scooting further down the bench to accommodate the lanky brunette. Steve sits next to her, their thighs touching. The freckled girl sips her coke while she look’s curiously towards Carol. She seems amused and a little confused. She kicks Gina under the table and then stands.

“I’m gonna go find Tommy. See you after school?”

Gina nods, smiling wide, “Okay, sounds good.”

Once Carol stalks off, Steve heaves a sigh, “Well Carol still hates me.”

Gina giggles and offers, “I don’t.”

It almost looks like Steve is blushing, his cheeks swollen with the smile spread across his lips and he shakes his head. “For which I’m very grateful. I was kind of… a dickhead.”

Gina doesn’t want Steve to know how heartbroken she actually was from his departure. Always trying to be the cool girl, the one with no feelings and just a desire to have a good time. Something bred within her and Tommy, the biggest need to fit in and be liked. Their parents instilled in them how important it was to not stand out, do good in school, not catch too much attention.

“Yeah,” Gina breathes out, “I get it, though. I’m not mad at you.”

Steve smiles at her, offering the other cookie from his lunch while he bites down on one. Gina takes it with a grin, biting into the sweetness and holding her hand out to catch the crumbs falling from it. Steve looks at her with this intense, contended gaze. It makes her skin crawl in the best way, she likes his eyes on her. Gina likes attention, it’s a fault at most times. That’s why she has such a hard time saying no, always eager to please.

“How’s gymnastics?” Steve asks, suddenly.

Gina flushes, remembering how Steve used to go to all her meets and cheer her on. She always tried a little harder when he was there.

“Oh, I quit,” she says after swallowing the cookie, tucking her curly hair behind her ear.

“You did?” Steve’s eyes widen, in disbelief. Gina had been doing gymnastics since she was six years old. The Harrington’s paid for it until her parents could afford to. Barbara used to take her to the meets, Steve and Tommy in tow when her parents were too busy working. Gina was unbelievably competitive, she would cry if she came in second place. Gymnastics was her life for the longest time. She worked really hard to excel at it. When she wanted to quit, her parents were pissed.

She nods, reaching for her soda again, “I joined the cheerleading team. So I’ll be cheering you on during games.”

“You’ll be the best cheerleader with all that training,” Steve replies, stars in his eyes and it takes everything in Gina to not touch him. Her fingers tense, pressed firmly on her thigh.

“I’m a flyer,” she brags, “I’m not as tiny as Chrissy, but I can land just as good.”

“Probably better,” Steve compliments, “I remember going to all your meets. You always got first.”

“And when I didn’t, I’d throw a fit,” Gina reminisces, giggling in embarrassment.

Steve nods, chuckling with it, “You worked really hard.”

“So, maybe tomorrow we can hang out after school?” Gina offers, biting her lip.

“Yeah, my parents are in New York. For the month,” he explains, looking just a bit forlorn.

Steve used to brag about how he was always home alone, but Gina always figured he got lonely and that’s why he used to invite her, Tommy and Carol over everyday. She knew how reserved Nancy was, could only imagine that Steve spent more time alone than with her. For a good few months, Gina was over at the Harrington’s every day. She’d made out with Steve on practically every piece of furniture in his house and thinking about it now, she has to squeeze her thighs together. She recalls one time they’d made love on the piano displayed in the living room. It was a bit awkward, but nevertheless got her aroused to think of. She wonders if Nancy would let Steve take her anywhere or if she only let him have sex in bed. Gina wonders if her and Nancy are similar at all. She doubts it.

“Okay. I’ll come over after school,” Gina smiles, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Cool,” Steve nods, stealing a chip from Gina. She wants to ask Steve about Nancy but she doesn’t.

-

“Is that boy coming over?” Gina’s mom asks after Tommy and Gina walk through the door.

“Yeah,” Tommy says, “He’s gotta watch his sister until his parents get home, then he’ll be over.”

Gina completely missed that conversation and within the excitement of Steve finally acknowledging her again, she forgot Billy was supposed to come over for dinner.

“I’m gonna do my homework,” she mumbles, rushing to her room and shutting the door behind her. She drops her backpack on her bed and fishes through it for the note from Steve. Gina’s fingertips smooth over it, the butterflies in her stomach swirling around fast. It’s a little pathetic on her part, how easily she’s back wrapped around his finger. She throws herself on her bed and lets out a fit of giggles, holding the note close to her chest. She reads their conversation over and over as she begins imagine what they’ll do tomorrow. The mention of his parents being out of town gives you a slight indication, but she wonders if Steve will be different, now. Maybe Nancy sparked something in him and now he’s romantic. Gina hopes he asks her to be his girlfriend and she knows how foolish that is, because him and Nancy just broke up. But maybe Steve missed her. Maybe he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

After an hour or so of daydreaming, she lifts herself from the bed and files through her records. She pulls out Fire of Unknown Origin by Blue Öyster Cult and puts it on the record player, dropping the needle down and turning the volume up. She opens her closet up, delicately picking out her outfit tomorrow and lying it out on the chair in the corner of her room. She picks a turquoise shirt with white stripes and a white tennis skirt while imagining how she’ll style her hair and makeup. However, a particular blonde crosses her mind and she turns her eyes back to her closet. Just because she’s got the promise of Steve doesn’t mean she can’t look cute for Billy. She can’t help but wanting to catch his attention.

Settling on a pair of comfy, cheer shorts and leaving her Metallica shirt on, Gina sits at her vanity and begins touching up her makeup. It wasn’t too bad, but it did need to be freshened up. After, she reaches for a scrunchie and ties her hair up in a messy ponytail, making sure to pull a few pieces out to frame her face. The goal is to look effortless while actually putting the effort it. Gina grabs her bottle of cherry almond scented lotion and rubs it into her legs and arms. She glances at her alarm clock. It’s almost five thirty. Billy should be over soon. She grabs a copy of Cosmo and travels to read it in the living room.

An article about how to get your man’s attention is particularly enthralling. Gina takes notes mentally. Be mysterious, make lots of eye contact and laugh at their jokes. She hums, thinking about how Steve often makes her laugh. He’s very funny.

When she’s about halfway through the magazine, the doorbell rings. She remains calm, doesn’t jolt up from the couch to answer it like she desperately wants to. Besides, she can hear her mom answer the door and greet Billy.

“Billy, right?”

“That’s right. Nice to see you, Mrs. Hagan.”

“Please, call me Kathryn. Come on in.”

“Thank you, Kathryn.”

Billy walks into the living room, peeks over the couch at Gina and drawls out, “Cosmo, huh? Anything juicy?”

“Hi, Billy,” she says without looking up. Mysterious.

“Tommy’s in his bedroom,” her mom tells him before trailing back in the kitchen. “Dinner will be done soon.”

Billy reaches forward and grabs onto Gina’s ankle, jostling her playfully and then winks as he descends down the hall. Her breath catches her throat, flipping into her back as she stares up at the ceiling. Tries to ignore the tingling feeling where his fingers just were, closes her eyes and pictures Steve’s face. It works okay until she hears her brother’s obnoxious laugh, muffled by walls but loud enough to hear in the living room. She opens her eyes again and sighs, sitting up and wandering into the kitchen.

“Do you need help?” she asks her mom.

“Sure, sweetie,” Kathryn smiles warmly, “You can go ahead and set the table.

Gina nods, walking over to the cabinet and carefully grabs six plates. She carries them to the table and places them in their designated spots, realizing the usually empty seat is right across from her. She’ll be staring at Billy for the duration of their meal. Awesome. She tears off six squares of paper towels and lays them out. Next, Gina collects the silverware and places a fork next to each plate. She retrieves two wine glasses, sets them in front of her parents plates before grabbing three glasses and then Bridgette’s special plastic cup with cartoon characters decorating it. She fills Bridgette’s cup with milk and then fills the other glasses with juice.

Just then her dad walks into the kitchen, kissing her cheek and then her mothers.

“How was school today, sweetheart?” he asks.

“It was good. I’m going to stay late tomorrow to work on a project for science class,” she explains, chewing on her lower lip while she hopes it doesn’t sound like she’s lying.

“Alight, honey,” her dad smiles and turns to his wife, “Smells good. Almost ready?”

“All done,” Kathryn nods, “Gina, go grab your brother and his friend.”

Gina waits until she turns away to scrunch her face up, unsure why she’s suddenly so nervous. Once she gets close to Tommy’s bedroom, she hikes her shorts up just a smidge. Her knuckles wrap against the door, her stomach fills with butterflies as she opens it up and peeks in to see Billy and Tommy lying very still on their backs on his bed.

“What are you guys doing?” she asks, tilting her head.

Billy has his hands on his chest and Tommy’s are in fists by his sides. It looks weird. Even weirder when Tommy sits up and Gina sees his cheeks are flushed, hiding his freckles.

“Nothing,” Tommy says, “What do you want?”

Gina glances at Billy, as he remains on his back. She almost wishes she hadn’t knocked and just barged in to see what they were doing.

“Dinner’s done,” she narrows her eyes at Tommy. She’ll be sure to ask him once Billy leaves.

“Okay,” Tommy says, “We’ll be right out.”

Gina opens the door wider and leans against the frame, “You guys look suspicious. What are you hiding?”

Tommy reaches for a pillow and chucks it at her, “Get out. We’ll be out soon.”

“If you guys have grass and you’re holding out, I’m gonna be pissed,” she whispers, picking the pillow up and throws it back at him before retreating back. She heads to her sisters room, smiling at the small girl as she rearranges her stuffed animals on her bed.

“Bridgette, it’s time to eat,” Gina smiles and the little brunette hops up to her feet.

She slaps Gina’s leg as she runs passed her, “Tag, you’re it!”

Gina goes to chase her but Billy’s exiting Tommy’s room and she almost collides into him. He grabs her wrist and hip to catch her, chuckling softly as their eyes meet.

“Careful,” he says lowly, “Ya almost took me out.”

“Yeah, well…” Gina taps his chest and runs passed him, calling back, “Tag! Billy’s it!”

Billy walks into the dining room casually, eyebrows raised as he watches Gina round the table and hide behind her younger sister, the both of them giggling. He pouts at them, “No fair. I didn’t even know we were playing tag.”

“That’s what makes it fun,” Gina grins, using Bridgette as a human shield.

“What’s fun?” Tommy asks when he finally makes an appearance.

Billy pats his shoulder, “Tag— and you’re it.”

Tommy just rolls his eyes before sitting in his seat, reaching for his glass of juice and taking a big gulp. Gina notices his cheeks aren’t as flushed but his lips look swollen. Her stomach turns suddenly, wondering if her suspicion are true. Maybe Carol was right all along. She quickly pushes the thoughts aside, feeling sick at the thought of her brother kissing Billy.

“Tommy doesn’t play tag,” Bridgette complains as she sits in her chair, pushing her hair out of her face. Gina walks behind her, pulling her hair up and ties with the the hair-tie from her wrist. Then she sits in her seat, watching as Billy sits across from her.

“Thanks for dinner, Kathryn,” Billy smiles, “I appreciate it. Bless my step moms heart but she’s not the best cook.”

“Oh, well you’re welcome to join us whenever you’d like,” Kathryn smiles at the blonde.

“My mommy’s the best at cooking,” Bridgette beams, “She makes me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for school.”

“I bet,” Billy smiles, picking up his fork. “Do you guys say grace or?”

Their dad laughs, “Nope. We’re a godless house. Go ahead and dig in.”

“If you say grace, we can,” Kathryn says, always wanting her guests to feel at home.

“Oh, we do at my house but that’s my dad’s thing,” Billy explains, his cheeks a little pink suddenly. “I just didn’t want to be rude.”

The Hagan patriarchy chuckles again, “Rude? You’ve met my kids. Hard to surprise me anymore.”

“I’m not rude!” Bridgette whines.

“So, Gina,” Kathryn changes the subject, “Who are you working on this science project with?”

Gina swallows the lump in her throat. She was hoping they wouldn’t bring it up in front of her brother and Billy. Even though she was gonna repeat the same lie to them tomorrow. She shrugs, waving her hand, “Some kids from my class. We’re just gonna work in the library.”

“You’re gonna walk home then,” Tommy mumbles with his mouth full. His mom shoots him daggers across the table.

“The car came with the responsibility of driving your sister around, Tommy. You’ll pick her up,” their dad says, reaching for his glass of wine.

“I’ll get a ride from someone, it’s fine,” Gina insists, “I don’t know when we’ll be done anyways.”

“You know your curfew,” Kathryn says.

Gina nods, finally lifting her eyes to Billy and noticing he’s staring right at her. Her skin feels warm as she wills herself not to blush. His eyes are so intense but she likes them on her.

“Oh and I have cheer practice this week, but it’s the same time as basketball practice,” Gina adds, still looking up at Billy.

“I heard you joined the team, Billy. You play before?” their dad asks.

Billy turns to look at him, “Yeah. Back home, I played basketball and baseball.”

“We actually have a chance this year,” Tommy adds, beaming from ear to ear.

“You competitive, Billy?”

“Yeah, I don’t like to lose,” Billy says with a laugh.

“Gina’s like that. She was a gymnast for ten years,” Kathryn smiles at her daughter, “Placed at least second every meet, if she didn’t win.”

“Yeah,” Tommy snorts, “And she’d throw the biggest tantrum is she didn’t get first. Water works, stomping around, the whole nine yards.”

Gina rolls her eyes, “I did not.” She did.

“You were a gymnast?” Billy asks, an amused look on his face. “Why’d you stop?”

“I wanted to join cheer. The schedules conflicted,” she shrugs, “If I don’t like it, I’ll join gymnastics again.”

“Win any trophies?” he asks, and it feels like they’re the only two people at the table. Her heart flutters as she pushes her food around her plate with her fork.

“A couple,” she shrugs again.

“She has a whole bunch in her room!” Bridgette exclaims, bouncing in her seat.

Billy laughs, turning his attention to the younger girl, “Do you play any sports?”

“I’m in tumbling,” she says proudly, “That’s how Gina started. I’m gonna get a bunch of trophies like her.”

“Very cool,” Billy smiles at her.

“Do you have any trophies?” Bridgette asks.

“Mhm,” Billy hums as he chews his food, swallowing before answering her, “I have a couple for surfing.”

“Surfing?!” Bridgette squeals, eyes wide, “Like in the ocean?!”

“Yep,” Billy tells her, “I used to live right by the ocean.”

“I didn’t know you surfed,” Gina says, surprised.

Billy nods, “Can’t do it here. But yeah, I used to go out every morning at like four to surf before school and then during summers, couldn’t keep me away from the ocean. I started when I was eight years old.”

“The ocean scares me,” Kathryn admits, “So vast. So unexplored.”

Billy frowns, “Huh. Yeah, plus sharks and stuff. But in my experience sharks are pretty laid back.”

“You’ve seen a shark?” Bridgette gapes at the older boy.

Billy grins wide, “Yeah. I used to pet them.”

“And they don’t bite you?” she looks at him alarmed, almost like she can’t believe him.

“Nope. Well, not the ones I pet. But some of them bite,” he tells her. “I saw a lot of Leopard sharks. They’re harmless. But we had Great White sharks out there and those ones are mean. I didn’t see them often, though.”

“How do you not run away when you see them?” Bridgette wonders, her eyebrows knit together.

Billy tilts his head, “If you act calm, they don’t bother you. If I tried to get away really fast, they might come after me.”

“I’m not going to touch a shark,” she says, “I don’t want to get bit. Have you been stung by a jelly fish?”

Billy smiles at her. He’s got this sweet look on his face that makes Gina a little smitten, seeing this bad boy facade kind of fall while he talks to her baby sister is the cutest thing. She thinks Billy would be a good dad and then goes down this short spiral of daydreaming about having a baby with him. Clearly Tommy can read her face because her kicks her under the table.

“I have, actually. My friend had to pee on me,” Billy tells her while scrunching up his face.

“Ew! Why?”

“I don’t know. We heard you had to do that,” Billy says, “But I think it just made it worse.”

Bridgette giggles, “And it’s gross.”

“It was gross,” he agrees.

“I’ve never been to the ocean,” Gina admits.

Her mother sighs, “One day, you will. We’re due for a vacation soon. I’m thinking Disney world.”

Bridgette gets excited, starts begging her parents to go. Their dad sighs, “See what you’ve done, Kathryn.”

—

Gina’s cleaning up after dinner. Her parents are enjoying glasses of wine on the back patio and Bridgette is watching a movie in the living room. Billy wanders into the kitchen, leans against the counter.

“Need help?”

Gina smiles at him, “I’m just about done. I always have dish duty.”

“Me too, usually,” Billy admits, “Kind of weird not to.”

“Enjoy it while you can,” Gina tells him as she scrubs the last pan with the sudsy sponge.

“So, you’re pretty flexible, then?”

“Excuse me?” Gina turns to him as her face erupts in red.

“Well, being a gymnast and all… you’ve got to be flexible to do that,” Billy explains, smirking at the younger girl.

Gina gapes at him, his tone and eyes seem to indicate that he’s flirting yet she can’t bring herself to believe it to be true. So she doesn’t really know how to respond to him. If Tommy hadn’t told her to back off and if Billy wasn’t so goddamn handsome, she’d flirt back easily. But she just… can’t.

“Uh, yeah, I guess so. I was kind of gunning for the Olympics but well, I don’t know if I’m that good,” she explains a little sheepishly.

Billy bites his lip, nods at her slowly before he tells her, “You’ll have to show me sometime.”

Gina smiles awkwardly at him, “I think I’ll be doing some stuff for cheer. I’m a flyer, so they’re gonna be throwing me up in the air to do flips.”

“Guess I’ll see it then,” he muses, “Can I see your trophies?”

Her stomach flips, thinking about Billy being in her room.

“Uh, sure…” she sets down the last pan to dry and nods towards her room, “They’re just on a bookshelf in my room.”

She trails down the hallway until she gets to her bedroom, slowly opening the door and scanning her eyes across the room like it’s the first time she’s seeing it. Wonders what Billy will think of it. Her carpet is a dusty rose pink and her wallpaper is floral stripes, daisies and roses. She’s got a full size bed pushed up against the wall on the right side, a white frame with pink and white floral bedding. Her nightstand is white as well, has a pretty pink and blue dolphin lamp on it next to her alarm clock and the latest romance novel she’s picked up. Next to her nightstand is her matching vanity, where all her hair products, makeup and perfumes are displayed delicately. Her walls are decorated with posters, mostly bands she likes but a couple of framed prints her mother picked out as well. Across from her bed is her dresser, her record player on top of it and next to that is her bookshelf. The first two top shelves meticulously display her trophies, the middle one stores her books and the bottom two keep her records and cassettes.

“Interesting,” Billy says, sounding amused.

“What?” Gina asks, suddenly really nervous.

Billy shrugs, “It’s very pink. I thought it would be different.”

He’s thought about her room. Gina tries not to bounce on her feet in excitement.

“What did you think it’d be like?”

“Well, you listen to metal… so more… that,” he chuckles and Gina laughs with him.

“Oh… well, here’s my trophies,” she gestures to the bookshelf.

“I thought they said you threw fits if you got second,” Billy mumbles, fingertips grazing the pieces of plastic, “All of these are first place.”

“Well, I’m not gonna display that I lost,” she explains, her cheeks hearing up, “Those are in the garage.”

“Ha,” he scoffs as he squats down to look at her records, “but you’ll display this?” He pulls out an album, flipping it to show Gina. The Go-Go’s.

“I like that album,” she frowns, bending down next to him as he slides it back in.

“Don’t tell anyone,” Billy whispers, looking up at her with a glint in his eyes, “but I like it too.”

“You really do have good taste then,” she giggles.

Just then, her door swings open and Tommy bursts through.

“What’re you doing?” he asks, eyebrows furrowed.

“Billy wanted to see my trophies,” Gina explains, standing up as Billy does.

“Well, I better get back home,” he checks his watch, “Curfew.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Tommy insists.

“I’ll see you later,” Billy says on his way out, before Tommy follows him, he turns to Gina with narrowed eyes.

—

Steve’s house is quiet as the two of them walk in the door. He leads her up the stairs and to his very familiar bedroom. She drops her backpack on the floor and looks up at him, expectantly. Steve smiles, walks towards his bed and sits on it.

“Make yourself at home,” he says.

Gina smiles awkwardly back at him, walking towards the bed and sitting beside him. It’s kind of strange being so close to Steve again. Gina feels eager, has to keep her fingers busy fussing with her skirt so she doesn’t push him back down on the bed and straddle him.

“So,” Steve says, but doesn’t continue. Instead he just looks from Gina’s eyes to her lips.

“So,” she parrots.

Steve cracks a grin, moves his fingers forward and tucks Gina’s hair behind her ear. The shell of her ear tingles from the touch and she drops her eyes down to his lips. He bites his lower one, let’s his fingers ghost the supple skin of Gina’s cheeks.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, still smiling at her.

“Steve,” she whines, raising her hands to cover her face.

He grips her wrists as he laughs, pulling her hands down, “I mean it. I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” she admits shyly, looking back up to meet his big brown eyes.

“You don’t hate me?”

“I could never hate you,” she promises, her heart skips a beat as he links their fingers together.

“Yeah?” Steve whispers, scooting closer to her. Gina nods at him.

Then Steve leans in, ghosting his lips over Gina’s. He seems like he’s hesitant, like he thinks she’ll push him away. So she lets go of his hands and grips onto his shirt, pulls him close so their lips finally collide. Steve’s hands shoot up to hold Gina’s face, he makes the softest little moan against her plush lips and she can’t help but squirm at it. His tongue grazes her lower lip, Gina parts her lips instantly to allow him entrance. Her thighs tingle as their tongues meet. Kissing Steve was always her favorite. She found no other boy could kiss like him. The way it made her head swim was addictive.

He lays her back on the bed, situating himself between her thighs as he deepens the kiss. It’s urgent, desperate. Gina clings on to his polo like she’s scared he’s gonna float away. His nose bumps against hers, causing them both to smile into the open mouthed kiss. He lowers his hand down and starts feeling Gina up through her bra and shirt, squeezing softly. She hooks her leg over his waist, pulling him even closer.

Usually, Gina would be content to lay here for hours just kissing Steve but it’s been so long since she’s had him and she’s pretty eager for more. She pulls his shirt over his head, breaking the kiss for just a second and then smoothing her hands over his chest. While they continue kissing, Steve kicks off his Nike’s and they land to his floor with a dull thud. Gina takes that as her cue and does the same, but hooking her leg back over him when she finishes. Steve pushes her shirt up, exposing her bra to him and he lowers his head to place delicate kisses over the curve of her breast. Gina gasps out, hooking her fingers in his soft hair. Steve sucks a pretty sizable bruise into her cleavage before pulling her bra cup down enough to get his lips around her hardened nipple. Gina’s particularly sensitive there and her back involuntarily arches at the feeling.

“A-ah, Steve!” she moans out, eyes fluttering shut.

He swirls his tongue around it before sucking it back between his lips. She pulls on his hair, rolling her hips up against him. He grinds back, giving the tiniest bit of friction with his jeans. Gina gasps out as Steve flicks his tongue against her nipple before he’s pulling away. He pulls her shirt over her head and she sits up a bit so he can unclasp her bra and pull it down her arms. He cups her breasts in his hands, pushing them together and then jiggling them as he gazes down with hungry eyes. Gina giggles, her cheeks flushed while he plays with her tits. He used to compliment them a lot, tell her they were the biggest he’d seen.

“Can I fuck your tits?” he asks, his eyes going dark as he glances back up at her.

Gina nods frantically. She’d let Steve do anything he wanted, “Please.”

He grins, pulling away to shove his pants and briefs down his legs. He straddles her middle, hand wrapped firmly around his long cock. He strokes himself a few times, squeezing his tip and then pressing his slit to her perked nipple. The coolness of his precum smearing against her sensitive bud makes Gina squirm.

“Fuck, that’s hot,” she mumbles, watching the action with her eyebrows knit together.

“Mhm,” he grins, rubbing the head of his cock against her nipple a couple of times.

Then he spits in his hand, spreads the saliva over his cock and lays it between Gina’s breasts. She props herself up on her elbows, watching as Steve pushes her tits together. He rolls his hips slowly, the head of his cock appearing from the top of her cleavage. Gina giggles before sticking out her tongue, his tip meeting it with each thrust. Steve groans lowly, his hips snapping a bit harder each time.

“Jesus, Gina,” he whines, “You’re so hot.”

Eventually, Steve gets fed up and scoots up. He rubs the head of his cock against Gina’s lips so she sticks her tongue out again. He slaps the tip against her tongue and she wraps her lips around it, looking up at him with wide eyes.

“Such a good girl,” he coos in a dreamy voice, pushing her hair back while he slowly thrusts into her mouth.

Gina hums around him, relaxing her throat to take his length. He’s always gentle though, doesn’t shove it too far down. Steve likes her to focus on his tip, while he squeezes the base.

“Gina,” he whines, his lips bitten pink and shiny with the way he keeps licking them.

She loves the view, staring up at him with adoration. She thinks Steve might be the prettiest boy she’s seen. Gina absolutely loves his floppy hair, his big brown eyes and the slight hook of his nose. The moles too. The two on his cheek and the two on his neck.

He pulls back, gasping as he does so. Gina licks her lips, looking up at him all doe-eyed and Steve curses, squeezing his dick.

“Gina— Christ,” he pants.

“Need you,” she begs, rolling her hips up.

Steve lowers himself to the ground, forcing Gina to sit up right to watch him. He pulls her leg warmers and socks off, grazes his fingers against her calves before pulling her closer to the edge of the bed. He reaches up, pulling her underwear down her legs. She goes to pull her skirt down but his hand stops her.

“Keep it on,” he insists, bunching it up above her waist before pressing kisses to her freckled thighs.

Her breath catches in her throat, watching him closely as he spreads her legs further apart. Steve lips dip down, pressing a kiss against her soaking cunt. She hisses when he slides his tongue up her slit. Steve’s the only one who’s ate her out. And he’s still the only person who has made her cum. He’s done it with his mouth a number of times, but his dick has been the only one big enough to reach her g-spot. So she was kind of spoiled with him being her first sexual partner. Everyone after had been incredibly disappointing, the only thing she gained from them was a quick confidence boost.

“Oh, Stevie,” she hums, knotting her fingers in his hair while he licks through her folds. “Feels so good.”

She can feel him hum against her, vibrating in the best way that has her back arching at the sensation. The feeling almost has her eyes close but she needs to watch him. He looks up at her while he does it, mouth pressed flush against her pussy and the sight is absolutely delicious. She wants to tell him how pretty he is but she thinks men don’t like being called that.

He swirls his tongue around her clit, raising his eyebrows as he does so. She whimpers for him, pushing his hair off his forehead. Her shoulders tense up, mouth hanging open while soft moans tumble out. It’s like time stops with Steve’s mouth on her. All the bad blood and history falling away. It’s like he never ditched her for Nancy in the first place. It’s like Steve loves her.

“Steve,” she preens, her thighs tightening around his head as she feels her orgasm creeping up on her. “Need you. Need you now.”

He pulls back, Gina scoots up the bed and spreads her legs for him. Steve positions himself between her thighs, kissing her deeply as he does so. God. She’s still in love with him. Gina loves him.

She clings onto him tightly, gasping into his mouth as he sheathes himself inside her. She can’t believe it’s finally happening. It’s been so long, months and months of waiting. He gets his cock about half the way inside her before he stills, the two of them panting into the kiss. Steve does that a lot, stops for seconds at a time. Gina thinks it’s because he’s trying not to cum and for some reason, that’s really sweet. All the boys after Steve didn’t care about her pleasure. She felt used afterwards. And even if Steve drives her home right after this, she’ll still be madly in love with him.

“Steve,” she moans against his mouth, wrapping her legs around his waist as she pulls him the rest of the way inside.

He makes a strangled noise, moving to shove his face against her neck. It’s a stretch she’s missed dearly. A stretch her fingers or the handle of her hairbrush couldn’t replicate. Not to mention, the breath on her neck. The weight of him on top of her. She’s not sure she can go any time without this again.

Gina has to roll her hips up because Steve’s still not moving, panting into her neck and grabbing onto her elbows.

“Slow down, baby,” he grits out, “You feel so good.”

The pet name makes her walls flutter, clenching tightly onto him. He chokes out a laugh, pulling his head back as he grabs onto her jaw. Steve turns her face and plants a big, fat kiss on her cheek. It makes Gina giggle, wrapping her arms around his shoulder and squeezing him. All the desperation inside her subsides and is taken over by a warm, heavy feeling of love for Steve. She realizes she wants to take this slow, wants to savor the moment. She pushes his hair back, gazing into his eyes. He smiles down at her, she returns it.

“Missed you,” she mumbles softly, “Missed this.”

“Me too,” he admits, cupping her chin and stroking his thumb against her lips.

“You’re pretty,” she finally says.

Steve scrunches his face up before he laughs softly, “You are.”

He rolls his hips against her slowly, his tip brushing against the sensitive, spongy part deep inside her. Gina gapes, eyebrows furrowing while she whines out softly. Steve builds a languid rhythm, petting Gina’s hair with every slow thrust. They keep the eye contact, lips parted as soft moans slip out. Even Steve’s voice is pretty, almost melodic. She thinks he’s a good singer, used to tell him all the time, though that seems inappropriate now. Gina recalls a time when they got into his parents records. Steve had put on a Three Dog Night album and sang to her, trying to be silly with a cigarette between his fingers. As funny as Steve was being, he sounded good.

Suddenly, he jerks his hips abruptly against hers. Hammering against her g-spot in a mind numbing fashion. Every damn thought in her head dissolves and that neediness takes over again. Gina writhes against him, scratching down his back while squeezing her eyes shut. He builds up a quick pace, makes Gina’s eyes roll back as he cries out. Steve drags his hand down her stomach, presses the pad of his thumb against her clit. The sensation makes Gina jump, grabbing onto Steve’s shoulders when he rubs firm circles against it.

“Stevie,” she cries, moving her fingers into his hair again.

Steve pistons his hips quicker, little grunts and pants falling beautifully from his lips as he brings Gina to completion. The orgasm is almost violent, makes her yell out as it seizes through her body. Steve makes the prettiest sound, a cross between a whine and moan. Once she’s recovered enough, she presses her palms against Steve’s cheeks, looking into his eyes while he pumps his hips into her.

“Oh, Steve,” she moans, feeling the tears collecting at the corners of her eyes, “Cum for me, baby.”

Steve grunts, his face contorting in pleasure, “Where?”

Gina sticks her tongue out, meeting his intense gaze.

“Fuck,” he whines, pulling up and quickly shuffling up to straddle her chest.

Gina wraps her lips around his tip, sinks down as much as she can and hollows out her cheeks. She looks up at him with glassy, wide eyes. The brunette whines repeatedly, emptying in her mouth with his fists gripping her hair.

“Gina!” he grits out, “Fuck, fuck…”

She continues sucking, milking every bit of cum out of him. Steve collapses down beside her, breathing heavily while Gina swallows his spunk down. She giggles, turning to cuddle up against her. He pants, holding her loosely as he comes down from his high.

“God damn,” he exhales after a minute, turning to the freckled girl.

“Mmm,” she hums, leaning close to peck his lips. After a beat she bites her lip, “I need a cigarette, I think.”

“Fuck, me too,” Steve chuckles, sitting up slowly. He stands, reaching for Gina’s hands and pulling her up with him. They silently dress and then Gina grabs her pack of cigarettes and follows Steve out to the backyard. They sit in lounge chairs and light a smoke each. Gina closes her eyes as she inhales, feels like her body is vibrating.

“So… how mad is Tommy?”

“At you?” Gina replies, turning to look at Steve, “I think… I think he just feels like you chose Nancy.”

He seems to visibly deflate at the girls name, which doesn’t make Gina feel all that great. But she’s just telling the truth. It was like ten years of friendship down the drain because some girl didn’t like Tommy. Carol told Gina that Steve said they were all assholes, but Steve was too and used to be worse than Tommy.

“Yeah, I kind of did,” he says after a beat. Gina doesn’t mention how he chose Nancy over her, too. Because her and Steve never solidified their relationship. They had to hide they were sleeping together and Gina was always too nervous to ask him what they were.

“He’s pretty mad,” she offers slowly, “But I think more than anything, he’s hurt. Don’t worry though, he’s found someone else to follow around.”

“Oh, yeah… Billy. God, that guy is such a dick. Like royally.”

Gina bites her lip, takes a deep inhale from the cigarette and feels the heavy smoke fill her lungs. She turns to Steve, “He’s nice to me.”

Steve scoffs then, “Gee, wonder why.”

“I don’t know,” Gina replies, “I haven’t really seen him be mean to anyone.”

“Oh, come on,” Steve raises his eyebrows, “You’re a pretty girl. Why else would he be nice to you?”

Gina sits up at that, tosses her cigarette to the ground before standing up, “I’m gonna go home.”

“Wait— Gina, I didn’t mean it like that,” Steve stands, following her into the house.

She ignores him, trudging back up the stairs to Steve’s room to retrieve her school bag. He doesn’t let up, footsteps right behind her. When Gina turns to exit the room, he grabs her wrists.

“I know guys like that,” he mumbles, “I used to be one. I’m sure he’s gonna try to get you in bed and I think you’re better than that.”

“I’m a big girl, Steve,” she narrows her eyes at him, “I only sleep with people I like.”

He sighs, pushes his fingers through his hair and nods. “I know… I really just don’t like that guy. I don’t really like that you’re hanging around him.”

Gina scoffs, exaggeratedly looks around his room, “Well I don’t see him here. I came here to spend time with a guy I like.”

“You like me?” Steve asks, his cheeks reddening slightly while his lips curl up.

Gina’s jaw drops, “Is that news to you?”

“Kinda,” Steve replies, chuckling softly.

He places his hands on her hips, leaning down to catch her lips in a soft kiss. As mad as she was two minutes ago, the second he touches her it all melts away. Her arms wrap around his shoulders, standing up on her tip toes to meet his mouth. Steve deepens it and Gina gives in, kisses him for a while before she’s pulling away.

“I really should get home, though,” she whispers.

Steve pouts, wrapping his arms around Gina and squeezing her, “You can’t stay for longer?”

Gina sighs, resting her head on his chest, “Yeah, I gotta get my homework done at some point.”

“I’ll drive ya,” Steve kisses the top of her head.

The ride home is like old times. Steve’s cracking jokes and turning Gina into a puddle of giggles. However the air in the car turns awkward instantly when they’re up the street from Gina’s house and Billy’s pretty Camaro is parked out front. Steve pulls over a block away, nods down the street and asks, “He come over a lot?”

Gina shrugs, “Sometimes.”

Billy’s only been in town a week and he’s been over three times, maybe that is a lot but Gina’s not sure. Steve sighs and puts his BMW in park, he turns to her.

“I’ll see you on Monday. Maybe you can come over again,” he tells her, looking a little deflated.

“I’d like that,” Gina smiles, leans over the center console and gives Steve a quick kiss. “Bye.”

She grabs her backpack and opens the door, walking the short block to her house. She turns to see Steve make a u-turn and head back towards Loch Nora. Inside, her house is quiet. She can see Tommy, Billy and Carol sitting out on the back patio. Her parents must be at Bridgette’s tumbling class. Gina sets her backpack in her room and wanders out back to meet the other teens. Tommy and Carol are messing around in the grass, so Gina walks up next to Billy. He reaches in the cooler and hands her a beer.

“Who is he?” he asks, taking a swig from his own can.

“What do you mean?” she asks, knitting her eyebrows together.

“I can always tell when a woman’s just had an orgasm,” Billy quips, smirking at the small freckled girl.

Gina’s cheeks heat up and she can feel her eyes water in embarrassment, so she quickly opens the can of Miller Light and takes a long drink of it. She swallows hard, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure ya do,” he chuckles, turning to her. “You’ve got all the markers. Messy hair, swollen lips, glassy eyes, you’re walking kinda funny. Plus you seem happier than usual. So who is he?”

Gina’s been caught. She didn’t know it could look so obvious. She smiles softly, thinking about the sex with Steve, “I’m not telling you.”

Billy frowns, “That embarrassing?”

Gina gapes, quite the opposite. She’d love to scream from the rooftop that she was just in bed with Steve Harrington. But Tommy might actually murder her.

“No,” she huffs, “No one would believe it anyways.”

Billy raises an eyebrow, looks her up and down before he laughs, “The King?”

“No!” she denies, her eyes widening, “Absolutely not.”

“That’s fucking funny. Tommy would kill you, huh?” Billy retorts, chewing on his bottom lip.

“It’s not Steve,” she presses, bringing her drink back up to her lips.

Billy sucks his teeth before reaching for his pack of Marlboros, “Don’t worry. Secrets safe with me, darlin’.”

[716chr]

Chihiro Natsuyaki Novel - “Choose Me!”

Track 4 - Intermission

To get straight to the point.

I made it to the finals.

I thought I would for sure get eliminated. But despite the backlash online, my loyal fans, who called themselves “Chiitizens”, worked hard to make sure I’d be able to debut.

——Chii was just treating the task at hand seriously! With dance skills like that, it’s only natural he got picked!

Amid these comments, the member I tried to support, the one who had run out of the rehearsal room crying, didn’t get enough votes and was eliminated.

This news tanked my mood.

Somehow, I felt like it was my fault…..

In the end, only 22 contestants remained.

Out of them, 13 would be picked, and 9 would be dropped.

My roommate, Komu-kun, is one of the remaining contestants.

Unlike me, Komu-kun has been portrayed on the show as “a novice in both dance and singing, but thanks to his sincerity, has shown remarkable growth and a straightforward appeal.”

It’s like he’s the protagonist of the show.

But in truth, Komu-kun really is putting in the effort and is growing at an incredible speed. Even when we were in different groups he didn’t hesitate to ask me for advice about dancing when he was unsure.

I didn’t want to be mean, so no matter how often he came to ask for help I never refused him.

…….Of course, they never showed this side of me on TV.

I was secretly anxious about Komu-kun’s rapid progress.

Jealous too.

But in the end all I can do is focus on doing my best.

“Man~ I can’t wait to meet all the locals again~” Komu-kun says while packing.

Today the contestants were allowed to return home to visit their families. It isn’t exactly a break, since the purpose is to film supportive messages from our family members.

Incidentally, the video would be presented a few days later to the finalists as a surprise. We’d have to act shocked and touched as if we were seeing it for the first time. These reactions would also be subject to evaluation.

A sigh almost slips out, but I stop myself, conscious of the cameras around me.

An idol who has a bad relationship with his family…… isn’t exactly someone you want as your bias, right?

“When this is over, it’ll really be our final stage, huh? …..Chii, I…I’m really glad you’re my roommate.”

“Yeah, me too, Komu-pi.”

After replying, I could hear a voice from inside me.

Really? Is that really true? If you weren’t roommates, would you have taught him how to dance? Do you really not regret it?

It was tough when Komu-kun asked you for help even while you were in different groups, yet you still ended up helping him out of the sheer kindness of your heart. 

So why is only Komu-kun the only one being praised as being a good, hard working person? Aren’t you tired of being sidelined like this?

“We’ll debut together for sure!” Komu-kun said as he hugged me.

I hugged him back, worried about how it looked on camera and hoping I didn’t come off too mean.

The voice deep inside my heart whispered, “I truly hate myself the most.”

“If it isn’t the long-awaited return of the future star! I’ve been waiting for you, Chihiro!”

My mom, all dressed up for her night job and with a face full of makeup on, welcomed me at the front door.

This smile….. How many years has it been since I’ve seen it?

Her lively voice being directed at me was certainly a first.

Honestly, I was scared and confused.

My stomach twisted in pain.

When I told my mom that I was going to audition, she didn’t seem the slightest bit interested. The only ones who cheered me on were my sisters.

But I heard from my sister that my mom apparently started watching the show when I reached the semi-finals.

…..Is it because of the money? Yeah, it must be.

As I step inside, my little sisters clad in their school uniforms welcome me cheerfully from the back as they call out, “Chii-nii!”.

Big Sis, who usually lives separately from us, had also come, but her expression upon seeing me was filled with worry.

Only my mom seems unusually cheerful, asking me things like, “Chihiro, want a drink?”. Questions she’s never asked me before in my life.

“……I’m still not sure if I can debut. My last ranking was pretty iffy….”

With voting happening daily, contestants got their real-time rankings immediately from the staff. I was 15th when I left the dorm. It fluctuates; on some days my ranking would go as high as 10th place, but right now it was still unclear.

“What are you talking about? There’ll be fewer people getting eliminated next round, right?”

“……..”

It’s not just about the numbers. Even if I was in first place right now I still wouldn’t feel safe.

Especially considering the fact that the director hates me.

Would Mom be disappointed if I failed?

The thought crosses my mind, but I can’t bring myself to ask.

I wondered how Komu-kun would deal with something like this.

Once he gets home would he be able to tell his parents about his worries?

Of course he would. And they’d forgive him if he cried.

Komu-kun’s loving Papa and Mama would definitely pull him into a hug and comfort him.

I hate myself for imagining these things.

“Once you become an idol, I’ll have to brag to everyone. Even to the people at the bar….. Ah, and I’ll definitely rub it in the faces of those classmates who used to make fun of me.”

Seeing Mom talk like this so happily made my guts twist in pain again.

Sitting down in the living room, my two younger sisters came over to me.

“Chii-chan, don’t worry too much.”

“That’s right. Chii-nii has fans at our school too!”

I felt a bit relieved as I ruffled their hair affectionately.

——Once I’m able to make the money, I want to spoil them both rotten. Big Sis too of course.

Big Sis always sends money to me and our little sisters, so even though she’s an adult she still doesn’t have any accessories of her own.

I want to buy her the slightly pricier necklaces and rings she wanted before, and help my sister in high school pay for vocational school so she can follow her dream.

I also want to pay for my middle school sister’s high school tuition, and all the school trips Big Sis and I had to miss because we couldn’t afford it.

“I guess even that face can be useful for something after all. Well, that’s all that scum had going for him anyway.”

Out of nowhere, I hear my Mom’s voice.

Her words hurt as if they were clutching onto my heart.

“I didn’t think you had a single redeeming trait, but if you manage to become an idol I might be a little thankful. Chihiro, I’m glad you’ll be able to make a living even though you have your father’s face——”

“Stop it.”

Big Sis interjected.

“You should stop doing that.”

“Hah?”

Mom glared at Big Sis. She returned the glare, unyielding.

“Don’t you think you’re being really shitty right now? Constantly nagging about a man who’s already abandoned you….. How is any of that Chihiro’s fault?”

“Hah? You’ve never been dumped yourself, what the hell do you know, calling me shitty like that.”

“That’s why I’m saying your mindset is shitty.”

The tense atmosphere made my heart race, but even worse, my little sisters looked like they were about to burst into tears.

“You two! The camera crew’s coming any minute now!”

I quickly stood up and spread my arms wide. A stiff smile appeared on my face. But it's okay. I turned once and took a step.

“Look! This is the choreography I danced in the semi-finals! I can still do it perfectly!”

After making this declaration and dancing for a while, my little sisters burst out in cheers and laughter.

Mom and Big Sis also stopped arguing.

My heart is still pounding, gripped by tension and fear, impatience and anxiety.

…….Please, God. If you’re out there, please help me. Let me debut.

So if I can give my Mom kindness, Big sis peace of mind, and my little sisters a future, I’ll do whatever it takes.

But all I can do is dance……

God, please don’t take away this one thing I have.

——In the surprise video I received later on, my family looked like a tight-knit "perfect and happy family”.

A mother sharing fabricated memories, an older sister suppressing her irritation and putting on a forced smile, and two little sisters cheering me on wholeheartedly.

“Chihiro truly loves dancing, and when I watch him dance it feels like all those years of hard work have really paid off..."

In the video, Mom pretended to wipe away her tears.

I wonder if they'll introduce her on air as a single mother who raised four kids on her own?

In the corner of my mind, I briefly thought——this world is nothing but a bunch of lies. I felt despair—but still, I looked ahead.

Because I’m going to become the ultimate gyaru-minded idol.

Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 | Track 4 | Track 5

[talaok]

I’ve dreamed of this (pt. III)

Summary: You are a part of the BAU, and for the longest time you and Dr. Spencer Reid had been best of friends, even when it was clear to everyone else, and at times to you, that you should be more than that, and when something almost happens on a night out with the team, everything is destined to change. 

This is a double pov story (each chapter will be alternated between y/n's and spencer's pov)

Chapter summary: you sort things out with Spencer.

<if you want to be added to the tag-list comment or write to me>

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Y/n

He was avoiding you.

You could tell.

He didn't stay in the conference room for one more second than necessary before dashing through the door.

He was weirded out, it made sense.

He didn't know what to do, how to act, or what to say.

And it was all your fault.

one stupid moment of weakness and he was now avoiding you, him, the only one that couldn't.

But it was for the best.

You were gonna talk to him, and this moment, this feeling, was gonna pass in a heartbeat.

Because nothing happened, everything was just like it was before.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, had changed.

and that was good,

right?

_   _   _

"Hey, Spence" you knocked on his cubicle 

He was surprised to see you, it was clear on his face when he turned around.

"Can I ride with you to the jet?"

"Yeah" he tried speaking nonchalantly "sure" 

"Thanks" you smiled at him, and he stopped a moment, seemingly distracted, before grabbing his bag.

"all set?" you asked

"yep" he nodded "let's go"

You walked to the elevator, pretending not to feel Morgan's eyes on you.

_  _  _

You cleared your throat.

God, this was awkward.

"so" you turned towards him "About last night," you said shily.

He kept looking at the road, but you noticed him swallow nervously.

"y/n, it-it's fine" he shook his head.

"I know, I just wanted to make sure that" you took a deep breath "that everything was ok" you bit your bottom lip "you know, between us"

his mouth opened, and you could see his eyes struggling to stay put, but he said nothing for a moment.

"of course" he glanced at you " of course everything is ok" he forced a small laugh.

"alright" you smiled "I'm glad" you kept your eyes on him "I was scared for a moment when you ran out of the conference room"

"Yeah, sorry," he said " I-I just had a thing to do"

"oh no, don't worry" you waved him off "I'm just paranoid"

"You shouldn't be," he said with a firmness you didn't recognize coming from him.

You frowned, confused "mh?"

"I mean" he gripped the steering wheel "not when it's about us" he peeked at you again "Everything will always be ok between us" he smiled "anything could quite literally happen and I-I'd still want you by my side" he laughed softly, looking fully at you now "You-you're important to me y/n" 

You couldn't help but smile, and blush, and feel all squirmy inside.

it was a mess.

"I-" you grinned "you're important to me too, Spence" you put a hand on his arm "and I agree," you said truthfully "Everything will always be ok between us" you stared into his amber eyes "no matter what"

_  _  _

God you hated the jet, you weren't even on it yet, but your stomach was already starting to revolt.

You had tried everything, pills, bracelets, teas, and even meditation at one point, but there was nothing to do.

The moment the plane took off you panicked, and had to spend the next hours heavy breathing.

Hotch had at first suggested that you take a car, but you refused.

you didn't want to seem weak or in any way unsuitable for the job.

You had fought and worked so much to get there, you weren't about to risk it all for a few hours of excruciating terror.

And even though years had now passed, and you had definitely had your fair share of practice, it was still scary, you had gotten better, but not enough not to purposely walk slowly before walking on those stairs.

Spencer snorted once, turning around, he saw your panicked expression.

"shut up" you laughed.

"it never gets old" he laughed too now

"If I wasn't panicking right now I would punch you, doctor, I hope you know that" you joked, your legs feeling weak from all the anxiety.

"ok I'll shut up" he smiled "can I do something?" he said more seriously now.

"no it's fine" you shook your head "go ahead, I can do it" you nodded at Hotch and Rossi near the jet stairs.

"you sure?"

You laughed at the worry on his face "I'm a big girl Spence, I can do it"

"Alright," he smiled at you one last time before walking towards the men.

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

It was gonna be fine.

Just like it always was.

"hey"

you flinched, taking a step back "what the f-"

"hey hey hey" you finally recognized morgan's voice "it's just me y/l/n"

"you scared me," you said, bringing a hand to your poor heart.

"sorry" he smiled, as he put his hands in front of him in defense "I forgot about the whole plane thing"

"It's fine" you shook your head and started walking again, as he followed beside you.

"so uh" he cleared his throat "I wanted to ask you something"

He seemed uncomfortable, which was weird, Derek Morgan was always at ease.

"Sure, shoot" you shrugged.

"Did something happen with Spencer?"

You swore your heart stopped

"I just noticed him acting weird today" he scratched his neck "and yesterday you seemed close" he explained "so I was just wondering"

The fear of flying was long forgotten.

You had just solved the problem with Spencer, you couldn't handle another one with Derek.

"No," you said "nothing happened"

"ok" he nodded, and just when you hoped he had finished, he kept going "Because, I know I tease you a lot about him, but" he tilted his head "Spencer" he looked at him in the distance "he's sensitive" he sighed "he gets hurt and then pretends he isn't" you followed his line of sight to the tall man entering the jet "so just- be careful," he said "that's all I wanted to say"

you smiled sadly "I know Derek" you sighed "trust me I know" you turned to him "and I am, I am being careful"

_  _  _

"fuck me" you sighed, finally getting off that hellish aircraft.

the Wright brothers deserved their special place in the circles of hell, you were sure of it.

"Everything ok?" JJ asked, stoking your back 

"depends on your definition" you chuckled

"you should really take the car y/n" she scolded you "I don't get why you're so stubborn" 

"It's fine JJ" you reassured her "see" you stood up straight "I'm alive and well" you smiled, and she sighed disappointedly.

"You're unbelievable" she shook her head

You laughed "that I am"

She rolled her eyes jokingly at you before starting to head towards the car.

You looked around.

The sky was orange, with shades of pink infiltrating the canvas.

And you could see, after the airport's tarmac, the trees, so thick and small, you couldn't see anything behind them, just imagine, imagine what you wanted, what you wished.

anything at all.

it was beautiful, peaceful almost, and you soaked it in as you took a deep breath of fresh air.

God, each time you got off the jet you were reborn and had to have a little thankful moment for not having died.

It was routine at this point.

"Y/l/n, you coming?" hotch's voice startled you

"yes sir" you mumbled to yourself, as you followed him to the car.

_  _  _

"I've called the chief and he's got no new information for us, so we're just gonna go the station tomorrow and set up then," Hotch said, with that executive voice he used when giving orders.

"so now we're just gonna go to the hotel and try to get some rest" He walked through the hotel's automatic doors "everything clear?"

"where's Rossi?" Emily asked

Hotch blinked slowly, transmitting all his displeasure "he found a place for himself"

Emily laughed "This one wasn't good enough huh?"

You all chuckled 

"I guess not" a smile ghosted hotch's face, before he walked up to the front desk.

Something was wrong, 

you could see the receptionist's worry in her eyes.

"Guys, we have a problem" Hotch turned around

"what is it?" JJ asked, ready to help

"there are only 3 rooms left"

"I'm really sorry, we had an unexpected prolonged stay" the woman behind the desk explained.

You all looked at each other.

You either stayed here, or waited another hour to even get a glimpse of a  bed.

the choice seemed pretty easy to make.

"we can work it out" Emily said

"yeah, it's fine" you agreed.

There was a moment of silence, and you looked at each person surrounding you.

The problem was evident, just like the solution.

Everyone was thinking the same thing,

well,

everyone except maybe one person.

"I can stay with Spencer" you offered.

You saw his eyes slightly widen before he forced himself to get back to normal.

"Are you sure?" Hotch asked

you laughed softly "It's fine Hotch, don't worry"

"ok" he nodded, turning to Spencer "Reid, is it ok with you?"

He gulped loudly, and you had to bite your lip to not laugh.

"Y-Yes, It's ok" he struggled out.

"alright then" he clapped his hands "we'll meet here tomorrow at 7:30"

You looked at spencer, still visibly surprised, and smiled as he caught your eyes.

well, maybe you weren't that careful after all.

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[t-0ne25]

(5) kitchen counter

-

-

-

The kitchen counter it is. There’s no going back now anyway, Minho is almost done with counting down the numbers and will most definitely look in the kitchen for you. Of course, looking for you and the others but some insecurities inside you tell you he’s searching especially for you.

Once you’re behind the huge, modern furniture, the cookie scent lingers in your nose again due to the closeness to the oven. They look so delicious, different shapes and toppings are making them look even tastier and you would go in for a bite, if it didn’t make such a noise.

“Hungry?”

The sound startles you, making you look to your right. His freckles look so pretty in the dim moonlight that’s shining through the kitchen window and you want to count them, compare them to the sprinkles on the cookies.

Calm the fuck down, YN.

“Why didn’t you bake them with me, Lixie?”

Where’s this sudden outburst of jealousy coming from? You’re obviously not jealous of Minho but you would be lying if you didn’t say you felt a bit betrayed when your roommate decided to bake the cookies with your enemy by his side instead.

“I wanted to bake the cookies with you, you know?”

Oh.

“Yeah, just a small problem– Minho was there.”

“I know I know. He can be a lot. I’m sorry.”

His apology is sincere. But Felix has never been someone to pick sides, always wanting the group to live in harmony.

“It’s just,” you begin again, “I was hoping to spend more time with you which is ridiculous since we literally live together but since due to my job I wasn’t able to fit in the baking session we had planned and I still feel awful about it and–“

“Hey, hey, Y/N. Slow down,” your roommate stops your rambling now, “I understand. But we can always just do it another time? Maybe later when the others are asleep so we don’t disturb anyone?”

Is he asking to get some time with you alone or are you reading too much into it? It’s definitely the latter, you’re sure.

“Won’t you be tired around that time?”

Felix shakes his head, “I’m not tired, are you?”

“Me neither.”

A new noise startles you, revealing another face.

“Try talking a bit louder next time so I don’t find you,” Minho sarcastically says, waiting around the corner of the kitchen counter.

A few hours later, having some more wine swimming around in your veins and more sweets filling your tummy, you meet up with Felix, glad most of the other’s are either asleep or playing some video games in the living room.

“You declined an offer to play video games with the others?”

Felix is currently placing a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray, as you’re mixing together the ingredients. Since Seungmin’s kitchen doesn’t offer a rolling pin, you decide to use a wine bottle for spreading out the dough.

“I’d always choose you, Y/N,” your friend says, trying to keep eye contact with you but your gaze is fixated on the cookie cutters in your hand.

“I don’t believe you,” you half jokingly say, unsure if you really mean it. After all, he has known Minho and his other friends before you and Felix probably doesn’t see more in you than a roommate he happens to get along with.

“Why did you think I was cuddling with you when watching the movie?

Oh. The flashback. You’ve almost forgotten about that. He was dangerously close to you a few hours ago.

“Because you’re a touchy person?”

Once the cookie shapes are placed in the oven, Felix scoots a bit closer to you, taking your chin between his fingers and you wonder if you should start counting his freckles now.

“I am touchy but exclusively with people I like.”

Oh. The plot twist.

“Y-You like me?”

He nods, placing a strand of your hair behind your ear. “Hm, I have for a while. But you were with Hyunjin and all– I gave up after some time.”

It’s a bit overwhelming and surprising, though in retrospect you could have seen it coming.

“I don’t know what to say, Lixie. I like you too, though. I just don’t want to rush things.” You’re honest for once and you hope it doesn’t scare him away. You’re willing to give it a try, after all.

“We don’t have to rush things. Don’t worry about me. We can just see where things will lead to, in case you want to accept my offer.”

He approaches you even further now, cageing you between the counter and his body. You catch his gaze flickering down to your mouth from time to time.

“Which offer?”

“My offer to kiss you.”

And that’s when you’re the one to take initiative now, closing the distance between the both of you, when your lips are laying on Felix’s. It’s just a matter of time, when he places you on top of the furniture instead, his already grown bulge pressing against your soaking heat.

Even though Felix wants to take his time with you, you’re pretty much aware there’s a slight chance you could be caught by the others who are still busy in the living room. But that’s the last thing on your mind, especially when his hand wanders under your sweatshirt and starts groping your breasts.

“I have wanted this for so long,” he whispers into your mouth.

“Me too, Lixie.”

The kiss deepens further, by now evolving into a steamy make out session and in an instant you bring your fingers around his covered crotch, palming his firm erection through the material of his sweatpants.

“Do you…?” He asks, looking at you.

“Hm, Lixie. I want to. Do you want to, though?”

He kisses you once again, already tugging at the hem of his pants.

“God, yes. There’s nothing I want more than to fuck you, baby.”

The fact that your sunshine boy is able to use such rough words with you lets a tingling sensation run down your lower stomach, the eagerness of your body and soul growing with every second.

You slide your jeans down as well, letting them meet the floor as you spread your legs for him. One of your hands disappears between your wet folds, collecting some of your arousal, and you bring two fingers to his mouth.

“Taste,” you order. Felix would be a fool to decline. So, since one of his hands is already busy stroking his cock, he uses the other one to seize his tongue around your digits.

“Even sweeter than any of those cookies, baby.”

You chuckle at the compliment, getting in a comfortable decision as you watch Felix lean closer to you. One centimetre at a time, he pushes his length inside you, feeling you walls quivering around him at the sensation.

“Feels so good, Lix– filling me up so well,” you praise him again and that’s when he starts thrusting into you. Your roommate doesn’t bother starting with a slow pace since neither of you will be able to keep doing this for a long time. Especially, when you look at him with big doll eyes, sneaking your fingers between your legs again to help yourself a little.

They’re replaced by Felix’s in an instant, as he keeps massaging your clit so sensually, driving you over the edge of your orgasm a few minutes later.

“Fuck– just like that Lixie, right there,” you chant out as you cum all over him. Your roommate pulls his cock out of you, climaxing all over your thighs. Once you’ve come down from your highs, you help clean and dress each other.

The post-nut clarity hits you, when a stinging scent enters your nose. “Is it just me or does it smell burnt in here?”

“Shit– the cookies.”

-

© j-0ne25 2022 | copying, translating or stealing my work is prohibited

[myveryownfanfiction]

18+ MINORS AND THOSE WITHOUT AGE IN BIO DNI

chapter 4

tags: @illiana-mystery

warnings: warnings: swearing, divorce, suggestive jokes, Roman makes self deprecating jokes (mostly about his weight and money situation), smoking 

I changed out of the clothes I’d been wearing at work, trying to decide if I had enough time to shower before Roman took me to dinner. For some reason, I was more nervous for this than our first date or meeting his girls. Jumping into the shower, I quickly tried to follow my routine with shaking hands. I had just finished getting dressed when there was a knock on my door.

“hey.” Roman greeting, smile on his face and flowers in his hand. “Wow. You look great.” I smiled at him and took the flowers. Roman grimaced slightly. “Not that you don’t always look great but something about how you look tonight…” he trailed off as he followed me into my living room. “I’m shutting up now.” He rubbed the back of his neck as I put the flowers in a vase. My hands shook as I tried to fill it with water.

“Thanks.” I murmured. Roman noticed my hands shaking and came over, gently taking the flowers and vase from me. He put the flowers in the vase and set them on the counter before turning towards me and covering my hands. I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m nervous. I don’t know why. But I’m nervous.” I admitted, looking at him sadly.

“I am too.” He admitted. “We’ve already had a first date. You’ve met my kids. There’s no reason for either of us to be nervous.”

“I guess there’s something in the air.” I suggested. Roman chuckled, bringing my hands up to kiss my knuckles before pressing my hands against his chest, thumbs rubbing over the backs of them.

“maybe.” He agreed. “But I’m glad I’m not the only one nervous.” We both laughed and Roman held my hands out to our sides. “Seriously. Wow.” He said, looking down at what I was wearing. I laughed again and looked him over.

“not bad yourself Roman.” I said. Roman blushed slightly and looked away. “You look really good. I mean it.” Roman smiled softly at me as he wrapped one of my hands around his arm.

“Come on. Before we miss the reservation.” He said. I smiled at him as he led me out of my apartment and down the hall. He held the car door open for me and smiled at me as I got settled.

“So what did the girls think?” I asked, dying to kill the silence. Roman made a noise and glanced over at me. “About the exhibit. When you guys left, it sounded like they’d had a lot of fun.”

“oh they loved it.” Roman said, smile breaking out. “Especially the mummy. They had a bunch of questions. I didn’t have the answers so if it isn’t too much…” I laughed as Romans expression turned sheepish.

“I can answer them for you.” I said with a smile. “I’m glad they had fun and learned something. Makes me feel like I’m actually doing something over there.” Roman smiled.

“You are. Even if you don’t think it.” He said, reaching over and squeezing my leg. “You’re the first person they see when they walk in. When you’re excited about what they can see, they get excited about actually seeing it. You and Eric have something special that half those people don’t have over there. Actual love for the things you’re tasked with preserving and showing off. That’s rare. So never doubt that you aren’t doing something (Y/N) because I swear to god you are.” I felt my cheeks heat up and I ducked my head at the compliment. “Besides, if you can teach my kids something then you’re doing the best damn job ever.” I bit my lip to stop from smiling.

“thank you.” I murmured as Roman pulled in a parking lot. “Chez Paul?” I asked as I looked at the sign. My hands started to shake at the thought of how much this was going to cost. “It’s expensive.”

“yeah.” Roman nodded, staring at the sign too. “But I mean, I wanted to treat you. Anything you want. I’m paying.” I looked at Roman, taking in the slightly scared look on his face.

“Roman.” I said quietly. I reached over and squeezed his hand. “Can you even afford this? I thought you lost most of your money.” Roman nodded.

“I’ve had some saved up.” He said. “This is a good use for it.” I shook my head.

“save that money for the girls Roman.” I pleaded. “Don’t do this. We can go somewhere else." Roman looked over at me and frowned.

"They'll have enough money. I do split the money between things I want to do and things for the girls." He said. "We can do this." He waved out the windshield at the restaurant.

"Roman. I don't need a fancy dinner! We can go somewhere like Hard Rock Cafe or I don't know. Lou Malnati's." I said. “I just want to spend the night with you. Hell we could go get ice cream again if it meant I got to spend time with you!” Roman looked at me, chewing his bottom lip.

“you mean it?” He asked, eyes roaming my face. I nodded, settling against the seat again. I reached over and cupped his cheek.

“Roman I just need you.” I said softly. He nodded, taking my wrist and holding my hand in place as he kissed my palm.

“ok.” He whispered. “Ok. Hard rock is closer. Let’s go.” Roman squeezed my wrist before pulling out and driving down the street. “I’m sorry.”

“don’t be. We never said what we want to do or where we want to go.” I said. “You couldn’t know. I couldn’t know. But in the future…”

“no expensive places.” Roman laughed. "Got it." I rolled my eyes as we pulled into the parking lot at the Hard Rock Cafe. Roman got out of the car and ran around to get my door, offering me his arm when I got out. We walked in and Roman smiled at the way he had to tug me along since I was unable to tear my gaze off the walls. He pulled his arm away from me, making me look over at him confused. Instead, he grabbed my hand and gently pulled me behind him as we followed the waiter to a table. I smiled softly at him as I continued to look around. "Maybe this wasn't a great idea either." Roman teased as he gently pushed on my shoulder to get me to sit down at the table.

"Huh?" I asked, finally turning my attention back to him. Roman chuckled and shook his head. He sat down across from me and smiled.

"Too much?" He asked, gesturing to the walls. "Don't know where to look?" I nodded, a sheepish smile on my face. Roman nodded, reaching over to squeeze my hand. He winked at me before turning towards the menu. I noticed his expression fall a little bit before he smiled at me. “Remember. Anything you want.” I nodded, eyes narrowing slightly as he turned back towards the menu. The waiter came back and took our orders. I bit my lip when Roman ordered the cheapest thing he could get away with. But I kept my mouth shut. I ordered and looked around the restaurant again.

“if you want you can get up and look around.” The waiter said, noticing I kept looking around. “We just ask you don’t disturb the other tables. I can find you when your food is about to come out.” Roman smiled and nodded.

“thanks.” He said, standing up. The waiter headed off to put our order in and Roman offered me his hand. “Come on.” I took his hand and interlaced our fingers. “You seem to know more about this stuff than they do.” He said softly. I paused then nodded.

“I grew up with music. It was always playing. And I just…I’m naturally curious. So I just kept looking things up.” I said, pausing in front of the buddy guy guitar. “Some of these guys are legends. And everyone is forgetting them.” Roman followed my gaze to the blue guitar.

“who’s he?” I blinked over at him. “What?”

“buddy guy?” I asked. Roman nodded. “You don’t know who buddy guy is?” He shook his head.

“why? Should I?” He asked. I stared at him for a second before turning back to the guitar. When I turned back to Roman, I tilted my head at him.

“you…how…haven’t you lived in Chicago your whole life?” Roman nodded and I frowned at him. “He’s…what the hell roman? Buddy guy is like the most well known blues musician in the city. He’s got a blues club and he inspired Jimi Hendrix and countless others. Roman he’s a legend!” Roman shrugged. “Holy crap Roman! I dont…wow…” I trailed off, staring at him.

“guess you’re just gonna have to teach me then.” He said with a smile. I laughed and shook my head.

“yeah. I guess so.” I agreed. Roman gently tugged me along, heading back to our seats when he caught sight of the waiter heading over. “So what do you listen to then? If you have no idea who buddy guy is.” Roman chuckled.

“Bruce Springsteen. Alice cooper. People like that.” Roman shrugged, cutting his burger in half. I did the same and raised an eyebrow.

“heavy stuff.” I said. “Alright. Bon jovi?” Roman nodded. “The police?”

“not really.” He shook his head. “And if you know these bands, I’m guessing you listen to them too.” I nodded.

“I listen to a little bit of everything honestly.” I said, starting to eat. Roman nodded.

“that honestly fits.” He said. I smiled at him and shrugged. “Alright. What kind of movies do you watch?”

“Pretty much anything except romance. There’s only one or two romantic comedies I actually like.” I shrugged. “I really like those John Hughes movies though.”

“I do too. Kate laughed at me for it.” Roman said, sad smile on his face. “That kid uh with the car…” he trailed off, looking to the side trying to remember the name.

“the Ferrari?” I asked. Roman nodded. “Ferris bueller?”

“yeah.” He smiled. “My favorite one was always the detention one. Always like that chick in pink.” I rolled my eyes.

“I liked the guy in flannel.” I leaned back in my chair, taking a sip from my drink. Romans eyebrow went up. I nodded and laughed. “Anyway. What about the girls? What do you like watching with them?” Roman smiled and wiped his mouth. I put my silverware on my plate and pushed it away.

“Disney.” Roman shrugged. “I’m going to show them Star Wars soon. Uh we’ll watch reruns of the Addams family. Well Chet recorded them and we watch the recordings.” He chuckled. “Sometimes we watch old Saturday night live skits. Just…” he shook his head and smiled. “Just the appropriate ones.” I smiled and propped my chin on my hand.

“that sounds sweet.” I said. Roman blushed. “I bet they love that.” Roman nodded.

“there isn’t a hell of a lot I can do with them right now. Between Kate and just being short on money,” Roman looked at his plate. “If Kate isn’t telling me to lose weight cuz I’m fucking fat she’s telling me that I don’t deserve to be around the girls as much as I am. That I can’t give them anything. And she’s right. I don’t have much to give them. But those hours in front of the tv…” Roman shook his head. “They curl up on me and just lay there and watch with me. I…I can’t think of any way to spend my time with them.” He finally looked up at me and blushed even more when he saw me smiling softly at him.

“I couldn’t think of any better way either.” I said softly. “That actually sounds like a perfect night in if I’m being honest.” Roman smirked at me.

“you think so?” He asked. I nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

“just saying i enjoy that stuff too. I wouldn’t complain.” The waiter came by with the receipt and Roman got out his wallet to pay. I bit my lip as he left a generous tip and waved the waiter off. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you ordering the cheapest thing on the menu.” I said as Roman offered me his hand. His eyes went wide and he looked away. “Gift shop. Now.” Nodding, Roman let me lead him over to the small gift shop.

“(Y/N), you don’t have to…” I turned towards him.

“Roman, I am buying you something. And I’m buying something cute for the girls. You can argue. Or you can help me pick something out.” I said, letting go of his hand and crossing my arms over my chest. Roman gulped and looked away.

“Mara would probably love the drum sticks but I don’t think Kate would.” Roman said, chewing on his bottom lip. “And as much as I’d like to get her back for the comments…” he turned back towards me and shrugged.

“Alright.” I laughed. “That would probably give us away too so let’s not. What about something they can keep at yours?” I hugged his arm and rested my chin on his shoulder.

“Cara would love this bear.” Roman said, picking up the stuffed bear. It had the skyline with the Hard Rock Cafe logo on it. I smiled and nodded.

“Bear it is.” I agreed. “So drum sticks are a no…” Roman gave me a look. “Yeah I know it’s for your place but trust me. I gave my parents grief with a pair so it’s still a not great idea.”

“aren’t you full of surprises?” Roman teased.

“I have a guitar now so maybe maybe not.” I shot back with a wink. Roman gulped again and turned away from me. I giggled and walked around the shop. “What about the mini guitar?” I suggested. Roman joined me and nodded.

“yeah. She’d like that.” He found one with a nice design and then looked around the shop. “And you’re gonna ask what I want now.” I nodded.

“anything you want.” I said, squeezing his arm. The back of my hand brushed his side and Roman tensed for a second before relaxing.

“Anything?” Roman asked, smirking over at me. He snuck his hand around my waist and squeezed my hip. “Anything in the gift shop I want?” He leaned his head against mine and I laughed.

“Roman!” I put my hand on his chest and his eyes dropped to my lips. “Behave!” He pulled away after a second. I shook my head and turned back towards the counter. The girl behind the counter smiled at me.

“Looks like you got pretty lucky.” She said. I blushed. “I wish my boyfriend looked at me the way he looks at you.”

“new relationship.” I explained. “It’s our second date.” She nodded and turned to ring up someone else. My eyes roamed over the collection of pins before I headed over to the rack of hoodies. I looked over at Roman and saw him looking between the guitars and the amps. I furrowed my eyebrows before shaking my head and browsing the hoodies. I found one I liked and pulled it off the rack. Draping it over my arm, I headed over by Roman. “Thinking of getting into it?” I asked. Roman gulped and shook his head.

“no. I uh well.” He laughed and ducked his head. “It’s stupid. You live in the same building as me.” I put my hand on his arm and smiled.

“you were gonna get am amp for your apartment for me?” I asked. Roman nodded. “Oh Roman.” I hugged him and put my head on his shoulder. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever wanted to do for me.” Roman blushed as he hugged me back.

“I…well…I…” he stuttered, head on my shoulder. “It did seem kind of silly to ask you to buy me an amp that I was just going to turn around and give to you.” He chuckled. I pulled away and smiled at him.

“it is. But I still think it’s sweet.” I said. “You pick what you want yet? Seriously.” Roman shook his head.

“I have what I want.” He said, squeezing my waist. “Stuff for the girls and an amazing partner. I don’t need something physical from you.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “A…something…ah shut up.” Roman laughed. He kept his arm around my waist as we walked back to the register. As we passed the pin display, I grabbed a heart shaped pin. We put everything on the counter and I paid. Roman tried to peek at the total but I stepped in front of him to hide it. We kept laughing about it as we headed back to his car.

“I had a really good time.” I said, digging my hoodie out of the bag and discreetly pocketing the pin. “It was fun.” Roman nodded.

“so I take it a third date is on the table?” I nodded with a smile.

“it is.” I agreed. “How about I cook for you this time?” Roman blushed and nodded. “Tomorrow work for you?”

“I work the late shift at the diner. Next day?” He asked.

“I’m going to one of Eric’s gigs.” I frowned. “Wait. Unless you want to come with?”

“sure.” Roman said. “Give me a chance to actually meet your friends.” I smiled.

“great! So I’ll come get you at 5. We can grab something to eat and head to the gig.” Roman nodded.

“sounds like a plan to me.” He kissed my cheek and headed into his apartment. I rubbed my thumb over the pin and went to call Shelly to let her know I would bring Roman to the gig.

[frodo-with-glasses]

More Reading Thoughts: The Scouring of the Shire

YOOOOOO HECK YEAH LET’S GOOOOOOOOO

(Okay so I downloaded Phil Dragash’s reading of this and listened to it on the longest plane flight of my trip and may or may not have made a total fool of myself grinning at it throughout LOLOL)

(But I didn’t have time to write my reactions to it until now so here we go)

“On the further side of the river they could see that some new houses had been built…all very gloomy and un-Shirelike” Uh-oh.

BAHAHAHA the way Sam immediately goes OFF

“SCREW YOU AND YOUR STUPID SIGN TOO”

I love Merry trying to be a diplomat

Frodo like “oh goodness gracious, now what trouble has that Lotho gotten up to with MY house”

(Also that little bit of stealth sass like “well I’m GLAD he’s not calling himself a Baggins anymore, I can pretend I’m not associated with him”)

Merry be like “Fine, if you won’t open this gate, I’LL OPEN IT FOR MYSELF”

YO WHAAAAAT?? BILL FERNY?????

I mean I can’t say that I’m happy to see him but also it’s kinda fun to be this surprised. I’d forgotten all about him being here!

Haha the way he immediately runs away from Merry once he’s challenged tho

“Neat work, Bill!” HAHAHAHA

EAT PONY HOOF, LOSER

GOOD JOB BILL (the pony)

I love the fact that 50% of the hobbits’ intimidation factor comes from the fact that Merry and Pippin are so BigTM (and the other 50% is Swords)

Pippin listening to all this talking like “heck, I’m tired and wet and I don’t have time for this, just let me sleep in a shack if you want” is such a mood

Also Pippin tearing down the rule lists LOL

Sam has had it up to HERE with this nonsense

Me, at all the burning going on: “Uh-oh.”

“Looking both important and rather scared” Heehee X-D

“‘What’s all this?’ said Frodo, feeling inclined to laugh.” Me too, Frodo!

“Calling your Chief Names, Wishing to punch his Pimply Face, and Thinking you Shirriffs look a lot of Tom-fools.” OKAY SAM GO OFF LOLOL

OKAY SO at this point in the audiobook Mr. Dragash had the most BRILLIANT reading for this line:

“To the discomfiture of the Shirriffs Frodo and his companions all… [dramatic pause, then raucous laughter erupts in the background] …roared with laughter.”

I LOVE IT SO MUCH IT’S SO PERFECT AHAHAHA

He also had a great reading for this part:

The sheriff, shouting after them, insistent but nervous: “But don’t forget! I’ve arrested you!” Frodo, with the softest voice ever: “I won’t. Never. But I may forgive you.”

Sam has a friend! :-D

I mean I’m sorry that this is the way we find it out but he has!! A buddy!!

Now I’m sure “cock-robin” must have had a different meaning in Tolkien’s time…

“If I hear not allowed much oftener, I’m going to get angry.” Same, Sam.

Eeeew the table hasn’t been scrubbed for WEEKS?? I can only imagine it looking like the underside of a restaurant table, months-old crusty chewing gum stuck on it and all. Blergh 🤮

LOLOL “They would have started earlier, only the delay so plainly annoyed the sheriff-leader”

Our four hobbits have come back from their adventure so delightfully full of SassTM

My word, if I keep pointing out every funny thing that happens here I’ll be writing down the whole chapter. Look at the hobbits hustling the sheriffs who were supposed to be “arresting” them!

NOW WHO’S ARRESTED WHO INDEED 🤣🤣

For someone who’s supposed to be arrested, it sure looks like Merry is the one who’s in charge :-3

And all the sheriffs like “WE GIVE UP” and the hobbits like “okay :-D”

ROBIN WAS ONE OF THE SHERIFFS THAT THEY WERE MESSING WITH OH NO 🤣🤣

“We shall break a good many things yet, and not ask you to answer. Good luck to you!” OKAY PIPPIN GO OFF

(......This is getting very long so I’m gonna put the rest under a read-more)

Nooooo look what they’ve done to Hobbiton D-8

This whole conversation is so tense. I find myself wanting to cheer on the hobbits’ comebacks, but the ruffian here always gets the upper hand in the next line…

DON’T SNAP YOUR FINGERS IN FRODO’S FACE!! Heckin’ RUDE! Only the Sackville-Bagginses have ever done that, and that’s BEFORE Frodo saved the world! D-:<

HECK YES, PIPPIN!! TELL ‘EM!!

“Down on your knees in the road and ask pardon, or I will set this troll’s bane in you!” >8-D Friendly reminder that Pippin stabbed a troll in the gut to sAVE BEREGOND— *is slapped*

The fact that Pippin, Merry and Sam immediately jump to Frodo’s defense, but Frodo does not. That says so much about their friendship, and about Frodo, and how they all see themselves and their roles in this story…and it’s so sad that Frodo hangs back, not even willing to defend himself…

But also how bad*ss is that, letting your three armed friends charge to your defense while you just sit there impassively?? It’s like the “cool guys don’t look at explosions” trope.

Pippin has exactly the childish drive for revenge that you’d think he would, but Frodo sees the reality of the situation and knows Lotho has been played as a puppet and is now a prisoner to his own schemes. Good stuff.

Frodo: “Violence isn’t the answer.” Merry: “You’re right. It’s the question, and the answer is yes.”

MERRY’S SPEECH HERE YESSSS

(The way the music swelled here in Dragash’s audiobook was so good ahahaha)

“Come on! I am going to blow the horn of Rohan, and give them all some music they have never heard before.”

OH.

HECK.

YEEEEAAAHHH!!!!!!! >8-D

(And this was the part of the audiobook where I grinned like an idiot and clapped my hands and bounced a little in my seat and probably confused the guy in the seat next to me LOLOL)

Sam HIMSELF wants to turn back for the horn call!! And so does Bill! Aaaaahhh!!

AWAKE! AWAKE! FEAR, FIRE, FOES! AWAKE!!

This was so well foreshadowed by the Ringwraiths in Buckland at the beginning of the book I cannot bELIEVE—!!

TOLKIEN YOU GENIUS

(Writer Brain is just buzzing with this right now, sorry, LOL)

“And your face is no worse than it was, Sam.” Is Farmer Cotton calling Sam ugly?? 🤣🤣 He’s roasting his future son-in-law LOLOL I love him already

Even Farmer Cotton ships Sam and Rosie ROFL

Rosie just asked why you left Mister Frodo! What do you do??

>Tell her you love her

>Run away

Sam ran away! (What a mood)

I love that they built the fire just for fun and because it’s against the rules, LOL! A fire is exactly the thing that would cheer me up too!!

I assume Robin was one of the sheriffs that took off his feather and joined in the revolt :-D

Merry like, “See, Frodo?? Violence!!”

“Good for the Tooks!” HECK YEAH

“I’ll bring you an army of Tooks in the morning!” HECK YEAH!!

It’s so sweet of Frodo to be like “I still don’t want anyone to die” but also still turning the logistics over to Merry’ cause he’s The Plan Guy

What have I said all along?? Merry is the Smart One :-D

FARMER COTTON JUST SITTING BY THE FIRE

WAITING FOR THEM TO COME

Okay Sam’s father-in-law is heckin’ BAD*SS I LOVE HIM

This is literally “put down your weapons, I’ve got a sniper with a bead on you”

“He aimed a savage blow at Merry who stood in his way. He fell dead with four arrows in him.” YOOOOOOOOO!!

I like to think Merry didn’t even flinch. Just like…watched him keel over dead. HECK.

I love how bad*ss all the hobbits get to be in this chapter ahahaha

Aaaaand all the others give up. Nice >:-D

Aww, Farmer Cotton and the Gaffer are friends! And Cotton would have housed the Gaffer himself if he could have!! I love how sweet they all are to each other ^-^

HA! Okay, Lobelia, that’s pretty cool, I admit. Maybe you’re all right after all. ;-P

The Gaffer just telling Frodo off for leaving 🤣🤣 And Frodo politely apologizing!! Because even though the Gaffer’s problems are small in comparison to everything else happening in the world, they’re still important! I’m love

AAAAAHHHHH FRODO GASSING UP SAM IN FRONT OF HIS DAD AND ROSIE AND EVERYBODY 8-D 8-D 8-D

This is so stinkin’ cute. Lookit my silver-tongued Baggins using his Words of Affirmation again! It’s the least he can do to repay Sam for all he’s done, but I think it’s the thing that means the most to Sam.

Frodo: “Indeed, if you will believe it, he’s now one of the most famous people in all the lands, and they are making songs about his deeds from here to the Sea and beyond the Great River!” Sam: 😳😅☺️ Rosie: 😲😍🥰 The Gaffer: “Sounds fake but okay”

THE TOOKS ARE HEREEEEE

I frickin’ love the “lure them into a trap and surround them with hobbits” tactic. You never think hobbits can be scary until there are A LOT OF THEM VERY SUDDENLY

I also think this is a fun use of the hobbits’ canonical superpower of staying hidden in plain sight.

HECK YEAHHHHH MERRY LET’S GO

Seventy ruffians dead, and only nineteen hobbits on the other. As casualties go, that’s not bad! Sad that any hobbits died at all, of course, but it’s a relatively clean victory.

Also the book gets Very Historical for a moment and I think that’s Very Funny

Heck yeah Cottons!

HECK YEAH MERRY AND PIPPIN!!

And Frodo does his part by protecting the ruffians who surrendered! The pacifist has a role to play. :-D

Noooo, look what they’ve done to Bag End!! D-8

NOOOOOO THE PARTY TREEEEE 😭😭😭

ME TOO, SAM, UWAAAAAHHH—

(Ted Sandyman accidentally foreshadowing Sam going over the Sea??)

Frodo is very right. If more hobbits are like Ted, the Shire is in real trouble. Worse is the enemy within than the enemy from without. :-/

“Save your breath! I’ve a better.” HAHAHA YES MERRY LET’S GO

Oh but look what they’ve done to Bag Endddd 😭😭😭

“Yes, this is Mordor.” Thanks, I hate it :-C

“If I had known all the mischief he had caused, I should have stuffed my pouch down Saruman’s throat.” Dude Merry sounded so angry in Phil Dragash’s audiobook here. (Also can’t believe that Merry’s bag has become the running joke that it is LOLOL)

>8-O >8-O >8-O SARUMAN!!

Saruman: “Ah, yes, they called me Sharkey in Isengard! A sign of affection, possibly.” Tolkien, in a footnote: “It was not, in fact, a sign of affection.”

I….do not like….how Saruman casts such aspersions on Gandalf. Nor how his accusations almost seem to have some merit at the moment. “When his tools have done their task he drops them.” That is dangerously close to accurate, or at the moment it feels like it is. Gandalf did leave them, even knowing that things were going wrong in the Shire…

But at the same time, it’s not Gandalf’s job to fix everything himself! The hobbits got to participate in the saving of their world, and they got the honor and the renown and the incredible experiences and the personal growth that comes along with it. Same thing here; they get the opportunity to be the heroes and save their own home. It isn’t easy, but it is good, and it has its own rewards.

“Well, if that’s what you find pleasure in, I pity you.” Frodo couldn’t be more right. Anyone who takes pleasure and comfort in the pain and misery of others is a pitiable person.

Frodo still refuses to kill. His home was defiled…his last comfort stolen…and his honor insulted to his face…and he still refuses to kill Saruman. Holy cow that takes some major strength of character. What an absolute chad.

YO WHAT

SARUMAN TRIED TO STAB FRODO

(And Sam leads the charge to avenge Frodo because Of Course He Does)

AND FRODO STILL WILL NOT KILL

THE ABSOLUTELY CHADDERY OF THIS HOBBIT

Talk about heaping coals on your enemy’s head, bruh. Even Saruman has to respect it.

And Frodo extending the olive branch to Wormtongue. Truly the G.O.A.T.

>8-O

EYOOOO??

WORMTONGUE KILLED LOTHO??

AND MAYBE A T E HIM????

Holy COW this got dark 0_o

(Also Dragash made Wormtongue sound absolutely miserable on that “you told me to; you made me do it”)

Aaaand Saruman is dead

And Wormtongue is dead

Something something Saruman’s spirit looking to the West, from which he came, and where he can never return again, and then being blown away to nothingness…

It really is the saddest thing that the end of the war happens at the door of Bag End. Nowhere is safe. The movies have the hobbits return to an unchanged Shire, realizing that they’re the ones who’ve been changed by their experiences, and they’ll never be able to see home the same way again (which is, I think, analogous to the experience of American Vietnam vets)…..but here in the book, the war comes home, marring the very land that our heroes set out to protect, which is what Tolkien experienced at the end of the Great War. They’re different kinds of tragedy, and they both hurt, but I think this one is just an edge more bitter.

…..Anyway, I loved this chapter! It ends with on a downer note, but the rest of it was a lot of fun. X-P

[angel-ixily]

Two of The Same ~pt.2~

Pairings: Tim Drake//Red Robin x gn!Reader

Pronouns: I/They/Them/Me

Fandom: DC Universe

Warnings: Mentions of pain, use of language, mentions of blood and violence

Summary: Every night a masked vigilante comes into Y/N's bedroom, and to their knowledge, it's to "clean his wounds." But the visits go deeper than that when underneath that mask, unbeknownst to Y/N, is their classmate, Tim Drake, who has a huge crush on them.

-----

Two of the Same ~pt 1~

Two of the Same ~pt 3~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Tim’s 3rd person pov~

“And then I just kissed them, Dick! I kissed them! And they kissed me back! I cannot believe it! I can’t even fathom it! I’ve had a crush on Y/N for years, and it’s finally happening!” Tim laid back on the med chair, while Dick was stitching up the damage that Killer Croc had done to Tim’s chest.

“Honestly, dude! I’m proud of you! I’m glad that you’re finally making some progress with them! I told you that when you’d start gaining the confidence to talk to them, they’d fall for you immediately! You just have that kinda charm, man.” Dick smiled as he cut the last stitch, the wounds all taken care of. “They’re also one hell of a nurse too!” He added, patting Tim on the shoulder. Tim yelped.

“Dude! That’s my broken one!” He yelled, Dick winced, feeling bad immediately.

“Sorry dude. We still need to set it back into place. You broke it real good, which means that it’s going to hurt like hell when I fix it.” Dick walked over to the right side of the chair, holding Tim’s arm.

“If you think about it, I didn’t break my arm. It was actually the wall that Mad Hatter pushed me into that did it.” Tim replied, a sly smile on his face.

“You defeated Mad Hatter and then immediately fought and won against Killer Croc? In that state? Dude! That’s badass.” Dick let go of Tim’s arm, and got up to grab a cast to keep it in place once he sets it.

“Yeah. I’m just thankful that Y/N’s apartment was so close by. I don’t think that even if I contacted you guys, you would have been there in time. They really helped out a lot.” Tim’s eyes followed Dick as he grabbed the cast and a sling off of the counter.

“We would have been there in time, dude. But I’m glad you had some Y/N time before Dami got there. Sorry he disrupted you two, but we were really worried for you, ya know.” Dick walked back to Tim, placing the cast on the table near him.

“Sorry about that. I know I should have checked in, I guess I just really wanted to see Y/N before the end of patrol. It’s sorta something that makes my nights on patrol better.” Tim inhaled a deep breath of air as Dick lifted up his arm again, touching around for the spot that was broken out of place.

“Yeah well they really got to see you, huh? Guess they weren’t expecting to know that Tim Drake has all those muscles, right?” Tim was about to answer when Dick found the broken bone, Tim groaned. “Found it.” Dick laughed nervously. “Just keep talking. It’ll keep your mind occupied while I do this.” He stared at the arm, scared to hurt the boy in front of him, but he knew what he had to do.

“I mean. They don’t really know I’m Tim Drake yet. I haven’t really told them. Haven’t had the opportunity to yet.” Tim closed his eyes tightly, unsure of when his brother was going to pop his arm back into place. Dick nodded in agreement.

“Yeah that’s understandable, I’d probably keep it a secret too until-” He stopped mid sentence, shocked at what Tim had just said. Without thinking, he immediately snapped his arm back into place. Tim yelled in pain. “What!?” Dick asked loudly. Tim seethed in pain, rubbing his swollen arm.

“Ow, ow, ow…” Tim groaned. Dick just stared at Tim.

“Y/N doesn’t know that you’re Red Robin?” He asked, grabbing the cast off of the table.

“No! Of course they don’t.” Tim breathed out, trying to calm down the pain that was shooting from his arm down the rest of his body. He could feel his heart beating in the arm.

“Dude. I thought they knew who you were! This makes everything so much harder.” Dick started to attach the cast to Tim’s arm.

“How? Y/N kissed me back, didn’t they?” Tim asked, leaning up on the chair. Dick gave his brother a sympathetic look.

“Tim. Y/N kissed Red Robin, not Tim Drake.” Tim furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“Yeah, but I’m Red Robin…” Tim trailed off, understanding now what Dick was talking about. His heart shattered into a million pieces.

“You’re right. Y/N doesn’t know that I’m Red Robin. They only know that I’m Tim Drake, and they even said themselves that they aren’t that close to me.” Even though Tim had just kissed them earlier, this was no longer a victory.

Y/N had fallen for the heroic and extroverted Red Robin. Not the smart, ambiverted Tim Drake.

“I fucked up.”

~~~~~~~

~Y/N’s pov~

I had finished Tim’s essay weeks ago, and I hadn’t seen him at school once.

Not until today, that was.

He had come to school with his arm in a cast, and still had a bright smile on his face. I don’t think I had seen him this stress free since the beginning of the second term.

I don’t know how he was doing it, because if I had my arm in a sling, I’d personally be the most stressed I’d ever been. But Tim always wore it well for being one of Gotham’s busiest workaholic bachelors.

But I decided that I wouldn’t give him his assignments until our Chemistry class after lunch. We sat across from each other, so that was the perfect time to give them to him.

I walked with my friend Jackie after lunch since we both shared Chem together. However, she ditched me halfway through because she saw her boyfriend walking down the hallway, and excused herself to walk with him.

Traitor.

I walked directly into class, and as early as ever, was Tim. He sat in his chair on his phone, typing away. Probably something to do with Wayne Enterprises. As always.

“Hey, Tim.” I greeted, sitting down at my desk. He looked up at me.

“Uh. Hi Y/N.” He said after a second. I reached into my bag to get out the red folder in which I had kept his assignments from the weeks that he had been gone.

“I hope you don’t mind. I was going to mail the homework to your house, but I decided not to since I didn’t know if you were sick or something. But I did them for you.” I handed him the folder, brushing our fingers as we did so. I saw his face turn red.

“Oh. Thanks. You really didn’t have to do that. That was really nice of you.” He thanked, opening the folder.

“Nah! It’s alright! I haven’t had anything better to do. I kind of just sit in my room all night anyways.” I hide my smile as Red Robin comes to my mind.

I hadn’t seen him for about a week, though. But the thought of him made my heart flutter. True to his promise, he sent Nightwing up to my window, and he gave me a little update. He also gave me a cute little necklace with a bird on it. If it pressed the beak, then it would immediately send a signal to the nearest bat-person and they’d come to my side.

“Red Robin wanted to give this to you himself, but I told him I could handle it.” Nightwing said as he handed it to me.

I didn’t know that I was holding the necklace until Tim spoke.

“That’s a pretty necklace you have there. Is it new?” He asked. I nodded.

“Yeah. A close friend of mine gave it to me.” I paused for a moment, knowing that Nightwing and I weren’t that close. “Well he didn’t give it to me. His friend gave it to me because he couldn’t.” I sighed in defeat. Tim laughed.

“I know what you mean. That’s nice of him.” He continued to smile as he looked down at the completed work that I had handed him.

Jackie came in right after the bell rang. I stared at her as she took her seat next to me.

“Dude you better be glad we have a sub. MacFannan would have beat your ass if she saw you come in late.” I told her. Jackie smiled.

“Well what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Besides, I’m leaving in like 5 minutes anyway.” My jaw dropped.

“Dude, what? Be for real.” I whispered.

“I’m being for real! My dad is letting me out of school early so that we can start packing for our family vacation! You’d be let out early with me too, but you chose to stay in Gotham for a week. Lord knows why you’d choose to stay.” She explained, talking with her hands. I giggled.

“Well, no matter how much I love you, I love my bedroom more. And besides, we went to Florida with my family last year. I can skip out on one trip.” I reminded her. She sighed.

“You love your bedroom more than your best friend? How dare you.” I shrugged smugly.

“It’s what’s in my bedroom that counts.” Jackie probably thought I meant my bed, or my laptop, or my desk. But I really meant the boy that would come in every night.

That’s the real reason I stayed. I had no way of contacting him, and in case he came while I was gone, I didn’t want to go another week without seeing if he was okay.

The classroom phone started ringing while the sub was taking attendance, and Jackie turned towards me. “That’s me!” She said, enthusiastically. I smiled back to her.

“Jackie?” The sub looked around confused, and Jackie raised her hand. The sub nodded. “Yeah, I’ll send her down. Thanks, bye.” The sub gestured to Jackie, and she hugged me.

“I’ll text you when I get home. I’ll see you sometime next week!” And with that, she picked up her stuff, and walked out of the room.

Traitor.

I followed soon after her when the sub had finished taking attendance and needed someone to hand the attendance slip in to the office.

“Missed me already?” Jackie asked as I caught up with her down the hallway. I laughed.

“Totally. Who wouldn’t miss you?” I asked her.

“Awh how sweet of you.” She said as she opened the office door for me. “M’bestie.” She joked. I nodded to her.

“Thank you, you sweet soul. I could pinch your cheeks.” I joked as she closed the door behind me. She wasn’t going into the office, and instead had to go to the door across from where the office was located, as that was where one of the exits for the school was.

We waved to each other as she turned around and walked out of the school.

I smiled at our attendance secretary as I handed her the slip. I turned back around, and exited the door. I pulled out my phone, and pulled up instagram. I skimmed past a few pages until I came across Tim’s.

A photo of him sitting at a cafè in a signature brown sweater, chewing on a breakfast cake, with a dopey smile on his face.

It was kind of cute. I stared at it for a while, adoring the dorky smile. I liked the post before I entered the classroom, closing out of insta.

When I walked in, the sub was on her phone, scrolling through what I suppose was her exes instagram page.

I noticed that people around the classroom were in groups of 2-4, and I sat down at my desk, grabbing my laptop out of my bag, and looking around for a moment.

“Are we supposed to work in groups?” I asked myself aloud by accident.

“We don’t have to. But if you know MacFannan, she usually pushes us to.” Tim replied quietly. I looked over to him. Jackie wasn’t here, and I really didn’t feel like doing this assignment by myself after doing weeks worth of mine and Tims’.

“Would you want to be my partner than?” I asked him. His face flushed red.

“I-uh. Yeah. Sure. If you want me to be.” He grabbed his laptop, and got up to sit down next to me.

I opened my laptop, and went to the website with our class assignments.

“Which assignment is it?” I asked, leaning over to look at his laptop.

“The stoichiometry one.” He said, his breath shaky. I hadn’t even noticed that I was hovering over his broken arm. I quickly moved away.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you if I did.” I said worriedly. He shook his head.

“No, no you didn’t! You’re fine!” He insisted. I let a breath out in relief.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you break it?” I questioned, staring at the sling. He looked down at it.

“Oh! I was walking down some stairs at Wayne Tower, and tripped on my own feet. I can get kinda clumsy sometimes. But it’s alright. The fracture wasn’t too bad. I had a really good nurse. Setting it back into place was the worst part.” I smiled.

“Well I’m glad that you had some helpful hands to keep you in tact, and I hope that that arm heals soon. But if you need some help with anything, I’m here for you.” We smiled to each other as I looked into his eyes. A dark blue. His pupil was expanding by the second, covering most of the blue, which gave me a feeling of Deja vu. I bit my lip. “Actually. This will help.” I grabbed his laptop, and began to write on it. “I just wrote my number down. If you want to text me, you can. If you need anything at all, I’m here for you.” I reminded him. His face turned a deep crimson red.

“That’s um.. that’s really nice of you. I think I might keep that in mind.” He promised.

“You better.” I ordered him.

~~~~~~

It had been a few days since I had given Tim my number, and needless to say, we did not stop texting.

The more I got to know him, the more that I realized he was more than the smart son of the billionaire playboy prince of Gotham. He was kind, and funny. He was sarcastic, and something about him reminded me of someone. I just couldn’t put my finger on who it was.

Tim was sweet, and even though we just started becoming friends, I could tell that he really cared about me. I was right about his compassion.

And yet, he was good for a distraction. I had started to miss my masked crusader, and I wished that he was okay. He hadn’t come to visit me in a week and a half, and Tim helped keep my mind off of him.

Hell, I had even started to look forward to the boys’ texts, and my heart would race when I’d see his notification pop up.

But it was another late night, and Tim hadn’t texted me back for a few hours; Probably working on something with the newest Wayne Foundation project, when I heard a knock at my window. My heart raced and I opened it immediately.

There, and as happy as ever, was the boy I had been waiting to see for 2 weeks.

“Hey there!” Red Robin said, sliding into the window. He didn’t seem that beaten up tonight, and he seemed in much better condition than the last time I saw him. Except he wasn’t wearing a cast to protect his arm.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing a sling or something?” I asked. He smiled.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve fought under worse conditions! Besides, I couldn’t wait any longer to see you. I missed seeing your pretty face.” I smirked, crossing my arms.

“Is that the only thing you like about me?” I asked. He scoffed, offended.

“What? No, no, no! The prettiness is just something that comes with the whole package! That’s the least of my concerns.” I rolled my eyes at his words, but kept a smile on my face.

I started to walk to my closet. “Anyways, what is it tonight? A scratch on your arm? Your leg cut open?” I asked. I didn’t notice that he was right behind me, until I felt his hands wrap around my waist, his front against my back.

“Actually nothing for tonight. It was a boring patrol. I would have come sooner, but I had a last minute case file to turn in to Batman.” I blushed as his arms tightened around my waist. His head leaned down into the crook of my neck. I’m pretty sure my heart was going to fail right there and then.

“That’s a pretty necklace you have there, where’d you get it?” He teased. Ohp! There’s that Deja Vu again! I swear it’s been driving me crazy recently!

I grabbed his arms, holding them. I made sure to hold the broken one lightly. “I would have liked to receive it from you, but instead I had to get it from your accomplice, who wouldn’t stop making puns.” I informed. Red chuckled next to my ear.

“That’s Nightwing for you. It never gets old.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I wanted to give it to you myself, but they wouldn’t let me patrol at all until my stitches settled. That, and I wanted to know that you would be safe if I wasn’t around. That way, if something were to happen and I wasn’t there, I know one of the others would be able to keep you safe.” My heart fluttered again. How on earth did Gotham deserve this guy?

“Well I thank you for worrying about my safety.” I mumbled, laying my head back on his chest.

“Just doing what I can to protect you. I don’t want you getting hurt. You see how I get hurt every night. I don’t want that happening to you.” I turn around to face him. I reach a hand up to cup his cheek. He leans into it.

“I’ll be fine. I have someone like you that watches over me. And I always make sure to keep a taser or pocket knife on me at all times. Besides, someone has to patch you up, and I would prefer it to be me for as long as possible.” I tell him. He smirks.

“Why? Would you be jealous if I went to another person to get all healed up?” He asked, leaning in closer to me.

“Very.” I close the remaining space we have, interlocking our lips together. His kiss is still gentle. He’s intoxicating, and deep. It’s like the first time all over again.

We pull away, and he leans his forehead on mine. “God, you’re the only thing I’ve thought about for almost 2 years.” He whispers. I laugh.

“Tell me about it.”

[coleskingdom]

Mine Pt 7

The Match

The final chapter, no smut just a Forbidden Door face off the final chapter

Jay White x reader

The weeks leading up to forbidden door had been tense. The stipulations added to the match between Jay and Finlay were that there would be no ref stoppage and that if I threw in the towel Jay would lose Bullet Club Gold. I didn’t like the idea, I didn’t like any of it, it seemed too close to an organized shoot fight. Gabe and Adam decided on a Texas death match, and the Bucks put up their AEW titles against Drilla and Clark the event had been sold out for months.

Laying in bed with Jay the with match looming the next day, “it’s going to be fine, no matter how it goes it’s going to be fine.” I didn’t know if my words were for me or for him. “ I’m going to ask you to do one thing, and if you love me the way you say you’ll do this for me. Don’t throw in the towel, no matter what, you can’t throw it in.” His hands playing in my hair my head nestled into his chest I felt a tear come down my cheek. “Shhh… the boys will be down there with you, trust me, trust them. If I lose, it has to be an honorable loss. I have to have a way forward.” my single tear had turned into sobs, “Get it out sweetheart, get it out now. I need you to be strong tomorrow, we all do. I’m not going to lose bullet club, the only thing that means more to me than it is you. You’ve got to breathe and you’ve got to get some sleep.”He said gently, putting his arms around me.

The morning of the ppv came to early, I woke Jay up with a cup of coffee and a confident smile. “ Feeling better?” he asked eyeing me carefully, I could tell he was trying to assess how I was doing. “ I am, I’m sorry about last night. I guess it feels different now. I knew regardless I’d be emotional but not scared.” I said “ Hey now it’s okay, you don’t trust Finlay that’s what it is, just trust me. That’s all you’ve got to do today is trust me.” He squeezed my hand.

“ I don’t feel like doing glam today, give me an hour and I’ll be ready." heading into the bathroom. I emerged war ready, the heels had been traded for a pair of combat boots, the sexy tank in for a black t shirt, the over done make up gone and replaced with my traditional day to day make up and my hair slicked into a tight pony tail, and the diamonds changed to small gold studs. I took off my engagement ring and left just my wedding band and put the golden switchblade around my neck. “ There’s my girl” he said smiling, “You don’t miss the glammed up version.” I asked, “ Not one bit, she’s kind of a character that one, super kicking people, using a heel as a weapon.” He winked “Today I’m glad it’s you by my side. I love you.” Taking my hand . The car was already downstairs. The ride to the arena was quick, we walked into the Gold locker room, everyone had decided to share. I think it was for my benefit but they said it was what they wanted.

“ You okay?” Matt asked, “ Yeah I think so.” A half hearted smile crossing my face. “You switched up your look I like it. It’s more you anyway.” I smiled “Jay said the same thing to, I think he thought the other was a little unhinged.” That got a chuckle out of Matt. “ She was a monster that we designed and you executed. Don’t get me wrong we love her, but she could’ve over thrown Jay and we would’ve said yes ma’am .”

“ Who’s overthrowing me? “ Jay asked from across the room. “ Your beautiful wife, when she shows up in spike heels and an attitude.” Jay laughed a deep real laugh, his eyes crinkling. “ I’ll step down gracefully, if she wants to be leader. I know when I’m beat, I don’t need a shoe mark on my cheek.” Now laughing myself “Stop, I wasn’t that bad” I said “ That’s the problem you were that good, too good.” Matt said. “You were that bad” Jay said with a wink, my face turning pink.

“Okay, okay with all of that having been said , I need the four of you out there with her for the main. I need you to make sure she doesn’t throw in the towel. Matt , I’m trusting you with her, Page you’re his back up. No disrespect to either of you Cole and Nick, she will just listen to the other two better.” he said “Matt I’m going to go over the planned finish with you. You know Finlay though, he doesn’t always stick with it, just so someone out there knows. Alright boys, this is it, it’s time to put the dogs down once and for all.”

Page went out for his match with Gabe. I’d never seen Page have to go the level of violence he went to. On the monitors it showed the live feed, the punches started stiff and only got stiffer as the match went on. Page clearly having taken a page from Calihan pouring lemon juice in Gabe’s open cuts. We all gasped there was no way around that pain, “Where the hell did he get lemon juice?” Jay asked, I told him I did an Instacart order, and I thought it was for water. Page got Gabe to tap with the chain around his neck, reviving his hangman move. He came back into the locker room. “Lemon juice really? “ Matt asked , “Tony said I couldn’t do the everclear, so I had to get creative, it was either that or Jalapeno juice, but milk stops that burn.” he shrugged, blood staining his upper body. “Are you okay?” I asked putting him in a chair going over his cuts, “ This was nothing compared to Swerve, Kidd just thought he was a tough guy. I’m gonna go shower I’ll be ready for the main. “

Matt and Nick went out against Maloney and Connor’s, the bucks new harder hitting style surprised the war dogs , but just as they adapted, they switched to the fast paced, style they’re known for. I popped for the superkick party, and the EVP trigger. The match ended in a DQ when Coughlin got involved, hitting Nick with a chair. Matt and Nick came back through , both swearing they were fine and took the least amount of damage.

The rest of the matches clicked off the card, “ How are you doing?” Page asked, “I’m okay, I think. You’d let me know if it gets too bad out there, right? I know he told me no matter what not to throw in the towel but you’d tell me right? “ my voice pleading with him. He looked around before answering “Yes , because it’s you, yes I would. He knows I would tell you, as a way to protect you. It’s the reason he went over the finish with Matt. I’m okay with that, Matt’s slightly stronger when it comes to you but Jay knows he’d crack to.” He smiled “ Then I’m good, I trust you and Matt only second to Jay..”I hugged him.

“Ready?” Jay asked I nodded the most confident I’d felt in weeks. We all walked down together, I was so glad this was my last walk down, I got into the ring to take his jacket instead he slipped it on me. The ref handed me the white towel, and I stepped out of the ring. The war dogs were ringside as well, just jawing.

I stepped back beside Matt and Page. Jay slid out of the ring early his mind games messing with Finlay. He winked at me, Jay got back in and fell into his rhythm, his fluidity has always been a thing of beauty. The knife edge chops ringing through out the arena , out of the corner of my eye I saw Kidd start to move, “what’s Kidd up to?” I said , “On it “ Page said. Page went and pulled him off the apron, the others quickly backing him . Provided enough distraction for Finlay to get Jay in the corner, with chops of his own , switching to kicks has Jay slumped in the corner. Maloney grabbed Jays arm and cuffed it to the top rope. Kidd slid a chair into the ring. I’m looking at Matt “ Shit” he said, Finlay putting the chair in front of Jay saying something I couldn’t hear, but the pointing indicating it was about me. Jay spit on him, Finlay slapped him, Jay back on his feet landed a punch. “ Conners has the key around his neck” Page said, “ Fuck this shit” Cole said headed towards Conners, Nick followed Cole Matt chasing Nick,” Stay here “he barked I saw that Coughlin power slammed Cole, “Adam go help them I’m fine”. Once he was out of range I jumped up on the apron, making sure that the towel was out of grasp of Finlay. “ Finlay, You’re still a bitch.” That got his attention, “ Hi, Princess, how do you like my handy work?” he sneered, “ It’s a little uninspired kind of like your leadership.” My tone casual I saw Matt uncuff Jay , and I jumped down. Jay coming at Finlay with the chair. I saw the schlalee bent down and put it in the back of my pants covered by Jays Jacket.

“ He’s going to kill you” Matt said “ I’ll deal with it. I had to do something, besides I got the schlalee” I smiled. “ what are you going to do with that” he asked “ I’m going to give it to one of you to get it to him. He needs to beat the shit out of Finlay with it, it’s what started this whole fucking thing” I seethed “ Calm down, calm down” Page stepped in “they’re watching, act upset about the match.” The match had been going back and forth each man alternating having the upper hand. Just then Finlay hit a nasty version of the overkill. The dogs started to get in the ring and Finlay called them off, he went and put his foot on Jays back, and threw up the too sweet. The boos that rained down, Finlay picked Jay up and did the in to oblivion.

“ Is he out?” I asked page, “ hold on give him a minute. “ his eyes meeting Matt’s. “ Hey hey it’s okay, do you want to give me the towel, one of us can walk you to the back.” Matt said I shook my head no. Finlay started taking chair shots to Jays back. “ You’ve got to let him get back up, I know you want to yell, but I’m going to need you not to. You’re stronger than this , this is what Finlay wants you upset. It’s about you as much as it is the match. Now set your fucking jaw, and deal with it, bite your tongue, break my hand I don’t give a shit but don’t you fucking cry right now. You’re a damn member of this club and this family so man the fuck up.” Matt said I looked at him seeing red.

Matt left to go to the ring side , Jays hand moved and Matt nodded. Jay got up slowly, in a daze, but Finlay was in the corner and didn’t see Jay coming and drop kicked him from behind, Finlays face hit the turn buckle , and busted him open. He dragged David and got him into position for the blade runner, Jay pinned David 1-2-3 . It was over, Jay went to the corner and slumped down, his hands on his knees, “ Get him an ice pack and water.” Matt yelled at ring side, he threw both items at me.

“ Go on get in there. Ice on the back of his neck. “ I got into the ring and knelt down beside him, putting the ice on the back of his neck, reaching around for the damn schlaee that was poking me. I laid it in front of Jay, “ I’m not going to lie, you had the chance to make the biggest heel turn in history if you hit me with that thing.” he said a twinkle in his eye. “ How bad is it?” I asked watching him wince “ It’s not the worst that I’ve been but it’s not great. You’re gonna need that nurses outfit. Help me stand” he asked I helped him to his feet. The crowd waiting for his decision on what he was going to do.

“ By the order of the Bang Bang Gang, the War Dogs have been put to sleep. Your club is no more, House of Torture your Club is no more, G.O.D. You are reinstated, Owens, Kenta you are able to remain, the ABC you are recognized. Now what to do with these poor puppies, eyeing the remaining war dogs, do whatever the hell you want your just not Bullet Club material. Finlay I think I’ve got something you want.” Raising the Schlalee Jay threw the thing up the ramp, and Finlay knelt down to pick it up and from behind Ospreay hit Finlay with a hidden blade, Akira, Cobb TJP and Henare were on the rest of the dogs at ring side, once the dogs were down. The United Empire came in the ring and stood across from us, Will took the mic, “Pleasure Doing Business with you Bruv. However, as much fun as this was, I’ll be seeing you in AEW. Come on boys.” His music hit and they walked out of the ring. Then the Bullet Club Gold music hit, the guys all took their corners and hit the Gunns up.

“ I’m proud of you” Jay said once we were in the back. “ I’m gonna kill Matt, when I see him.” I said. “ Why? What happened? He told me I couldn’t cry and to man the fuck up.” I said still furious. Jay started laughing, “ He pissed you off on purpose, I told him to. I told him if you started to get worried to either let you come back here or to piss you off. It’d change your focus and you’d be fine. Come on Sweetheart it’s time to celebrate.” Kissing me on the side of the head. “ What’s next and what’s the thing with Will?” I asked “ Will , that’s an interesting one , I like the guy, it works in Kayfabe we share a history, there’s guys for Colton and Austin to work with it made the most sense. Finlay and Gedo are going to work for your dad. You are going to settle into your new job and retire Queen Switch. I’ll miss her I think. Then I believe you owe me the honeymoon of my dreams if I remember correctly.” He smiled as he lead me into the rest of the party.

[enniewritesathing]

memory management (🚪)

(Previous Stories)

(Months have passed since the door appeared. Months being tormented by it’s presence as he and John prepare to deal with whatever on the other side of it.)

(Anger and frustration flared up between them. Impatience, really. The Werewolf was all but ready to deal with it himself. Damn the consequences. It’s bad enough that he’s vulnerable like this. The perceiving, the acknowledging, the trust. But that’s how it should’ve been from the very start.)

(Feelings that he doesn’t care for.)

(His hand stops short of the handle and he can’t go further. It’s shaking. What’s stopping him? What’s behind this door that scares him so much?)

(No. This has to be done.)

John: “Hey. Is today the day?”

The Werewolf growls softly. “Don’t rush me.”

(John gives a supportive hand. The Werewolf’s gotten better at being receptive to touch; John keeps his touch light but there’s no question that The Werewolf is tense.)

John: “I’m not. I mean, it’s okay if you’re not ready. We can always try later.”

The Werewolf: (firmly) “No. This... this needs to happen. I can’t bear to look at this stupid door anymore.”

John: “And?”

(When The Werewolf doesn’t answer, John presses on.) “What did we talk about, Vinny?”

(His ear twitches. Still not used to that.) “Don’t force myself into something I don’t want to do for the sake of it. Not alone anyway.”

John: “Listen. I know... I know. We’re both stubborn; something has to give. I don’t know what’s behind that door. You don’t either other than you’ve seen it before. Confronting it alone seems... like a bad idea.”

“I’m glad that you asked me to help. ”

The Werewolf: “Really?”

John: “Yeah. I mean... we’ve been alone in all of this. Alone together. It’s not the way to go about things. Especially this.”

“We’ve struggled. We fought each other more times than I’d care to admit.”

“I don’t want you to feel like you’re alone, okay? Your problem is my problem. Vice versa. We’ll get through this however long it takes. That’s what I want for you. I want you to thrive.”

(No signs of insincerity. He wants this resolved too.)

John: “I’m gonna ask you again and I want you really think, yeah? Is today the day? Are you ready?”

(The Werewolf mulls John’s question. He’s certainly confident and self-assured. Maybe he’s putting up a front himself. A pretty good one. His words are sincere. Nothing in his body language that says otherwise. No mixed signals. That’s what he wants. That’s what he needs.)

The Werewolf: “Yes. I’m ready.”

(John smiles.) “Good.”

(They face the door.)

The Werewolf: “I remember this door was the one to keep me secure in my... room. I could never figure out the code because it was something called ‘rolling’. Either that or each person had their own. A few I’ve heard only once.”

(He punches in the combination, the numbers corresponding in pitch. 8-3-5-1-4-6-2-7.) “This one... was the only one I memorized.”

(The door buzzes and the heavy locks disengage. The Werewolf rests his hand on the handle.)

(This is it.)

(The Werewolf opens the door. They’re both greeted by greenery in all directions and the sounds of birds making their calls.)

(The air is crisp and cool as the wind blows through the grass and trees. This place... it’s familiar.)

(Granite Falls? No. No, this is something else.)

(John scans the horizon. Just what the hell is all of this? A IV pole with blood bags? A, what is that, a tank filled with water? What’s behind those doors in the distance?)

(Part of a hospital room...?)

(An exam table with a concerning amount of blood on the ground.)

(An uneasy feeling sinks John’s stomach as he tries to make sense of this.)

(The Werewolf knows exactly what this means.)

// Next ⏭️