#i went inside and who ever came up with that menu needs to go to jail

[jacuzziwaters]

They wanna gentrify our neighborhood so badly. Why did a smoothie bar open up in town? The cheapest item is 10 bucks. (These are 16 oz drinks btw.) Your business is down the street from one of the worst apartment complexes in town. The only food you have is salad. You will not make it through the Winter.

[freyito]

ᴅᴇʟʟɪɴɢʀꜝ ⨟ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪᴍ

✭ pairing(s): aventurine, dr ratio, boothill, gallagher, sunday, argenti sampo, jing yuan, blade, luocha, jiaoqiu, moze, dan heng, gepard, caelus, welt (seperate) x reader

✩ in which: you wake up next to them.

✧ a/n: for those who have read my works since i first started writing, i made a little masterpost on the mk(1) boys nightly rotuines... i figured id do one for hsr men since my mk hyperfixation died and is buried 6ft under... and i might do one for the hsr men nighttime routines but for now... wakey wakey

✦ taglist: @fffrost, @shinysora

🗒 cw: gn reader, just fluff, not proofread

✎ wc: 3.9k

⎯ Aventurine

Ever the gambler, AVENTURINE even takes a gamble on waking up in the morning. He can set as many alarms as he wants, but he always sleeps in. He finds any excuse to cuddle up next to you and enjoy your warmth for a minute, or even an hour more. He doesn’t mind coming into work late, he always finds a way to slip out of write-ups.

You’ve lost count of how many alarms went off by now, as annoying as it was. Still, despite how important Aventurine was, he’s cuddled up against your back, hands gripping your clothes tightly as if you’d dare to wiggle out of his arms. You could remind him, again and again, that he needs to go, that he has a meeting that day, or a certain deadline, and he’ll just groan and say that his superiors can handle him being gone for another hour or so.

When you do manage to convince him to get up and start the day, he does everything with such reluctance. Forget his rank, forget all of it, he’d much rather spend several more hours in bed with you, even when the sun dips low. He’s slow to put on his uniform, asking you the most mundane of questions, with answers he already knows. He skips out on breakfast at hope, douses himself in that expensive cologne that makes you have to distance yourself until he leaves, and wires you enough money to buy the entire menu from the cafe you mentioned you liked in passing.

⎯ Dr. Ratio

The early bird gets the worm, as they say, and VERITAS is no exception to the saying. Considering work has him busy, he’s thoughtful enough to leave you to sleep, if you are not accustomed to a sleep schedule like his. He tends to wake up early, to give himself enough time to prepare himself for the day. He likes to be thorough, check over his lesson plan for the day, make sure he made no mistakes the day before (although he rarely needs to revise it).

While on the outside, he seems cold and uncaring, on the inside he’s flustering himself with how much he worries about you. He knows he will see you later in the day, when you’ll bring him his lunch, or after his lectures, but some part of leaving just unsettles him. Not that he believes you’d be in danger if you were gone, but more so how you take care of yourself. Of course he knows you’re capable, but some part in him wants to make sure.

So, before he leaves, right when you wake up, he does his best to cook a filling breakfast. Most of the times, Ratio has to put it in some tupperware and save it for later at work, but there are very rare occasions that he gets to enjoy the meal with you. He always makes more– “it was an accident, nothing more,” he’ll say, shaking his head, stoic as ever. But you know it wasn’t– and shovel it onto your plate, it’s his own love language. 

⎯ Boothill

BOOTHILL is an early riser. It’s a habit that was ingrained in him since he was knee high. Granted, he doesn’t need much sleep, and he isn’t around as often as you’d like. He doesn’t stay in one place for long, and he really only swings by your apartment once or twice every month. But that doesn’t mean he’ll sleepover, if only for a night.

Despite the fact that he wakes up even hours before you, he decides to let you sleep. Sometimes he’ll stay in bed as long as you are, soaking in the peaceful sight, one that he’s never afforded himself until you came along. He reaches out ever so tentatively, as if he’ll feel your warm skin underneath his finger tips, but all it earns him is a shudder and your face scrunching. And when you wake up, he’s in such a hurry to pretend he wasn’t watching you sleep, mumbling apologies like he’s disturbed you.

When he’s not watching over you, Boothill enjoys cooking. He might’ve lost his taste and stomach a while ago, but he’s still an excellent chef. For all he can’t eat, he loves cooking. And he believes one of the best ways of waking up is to have a hearty breakfast. While you catch up on your sleep (most likely because he showed up at your apartment late into the night scuffed and bloody(?), acting like nothing happened), he’s making the most heavenly smelling pancakes ever, humming some old country tune to himself. If you dare get up to see what he’s cooking, he shoos you back to bed, tutting and claiming that you’re ruining the surprise, as if he doesn’t do this every time.

⎯ Gallagher

For such a busy man, GALLAGHER tends to sleep a lot. Or perhaps, too little. His schedule is always fluctuating, which means he’s up early and home late. It’s unfair, you think. Most of the time he’ll come home all quiet, settle on a snack, and then sneak into bed, and pull you up close. Half the time he doesn’t even care about his clothes, opting to take off his vest and shirt and throw them on the floor. He’ll worry about the laundry later.

That being said, it’s often a gamble if you’ll see him in the morning or not. He wakes up quite early, and as much as he’d love to spend time with you, cuddle up, and go straight back to sleep, he has to at least look presentable for the next time he’s called in. Most of the time, he accidentally wakes you up when he gets up to shower, but you settle back in quite comfortably. 

Most of the time, he’ll have to leave right after his shower. So he’ll do his best to be quiet as a mouse, sneak in, and press a kiss to your forehead, before starting his day. But on the days he can sleep in, or when he doesn’t have work… he climbs right back into bed. The scent of his body wash rolls over you, in the near-overpowering sandalwood haven it is. He’ll wrap his arm around your waist, pull you impossible closer, and nuzzle into your neck. If you are awake by that time, he urges you to go back to sleep. ‘5 more minutes’, he’ll grumble, and in possibly record speed, he’s out like light. His arm loosens ever so slightly, as he snores away until his thirteenth alarm goes off.

⎯ Sunday

As a stickler for schedules, it’s no surprise that SUNDAY has a strict morning routine. He wakes up at 7 AM system time, 6 AM being too early, and 8 AM being too late. Of course, he encourages you to do the same. You get used to it with time.

He likes to start with a shower, of course. Something intimate with you, yet so normal. He does not mind spending an hour in the shower, but with his station, he cannot. So unfortunately, he has to cut such time short. But he makes sure to soak in every single minute left in the morning with you. A nice breakfast and some tea, as he chats away about his ‘chores’ for the day, what matters he is attending to, whether or not it is a day in the office or out and about. 

Regardless of how busy his day is, Sunday makes sure you know that you are in every waking thought of his. A kiss and a hug at the door, and he’s on his way. You can see some flicker of sorrow as he leaves, as if it is something to grieve over, not being by your side for a minute longer. But alas, to achieve and infinite amount of sundays, he cannot afford to make room in his schedule for more down time. 

⎯ Argenti

ARGENTI never ceases to look as heavenly as ever, even in his sleep. However, he has quite a strict schedule he sticks to, something that manifested when his master started training him. He has quite the strict schedule: wake up early, shower, enjoy his breakfast, and start training, unless he has somewhere to be. 

However, he does allow him so rest days, where he sleeps just a little longer, and allows himself more spare time. Very rarely do you catch him asleep when you wake up, and most mornings when he does ‘sleep in’, you often wake up to him gazing down at you. His head propped up by his hand, hair cascading down his shoulders. He could even miss out on several hours of sleep or perhaps even the entire night, and still look angelic. He greets you with a soft smile and a huff, his fingers brushing against your cheeks, as he waits for you to properly wake up.

And once you’re ready to get up, he’s ready to start the day. Anything you do, he's practically following you around like a lost puppy. When you make breakfast, you're either watching over his shoulder, or he is. He never skips out on a chance to dance in the kitchen, making something that was normally a spectacle regulated, and yet, it still feels as intimate as it does the very first time he pulled you into his arms.

⎯Sampo Koski

SAMPO KOSKI needs his beauty sleep. Granted, his sleeping schedule varies based on his business. Sometimes he needs to rob someone blind in the early hours of the morning, or his clients want to meet way past his bedtime. He’ll huff and puff and complain about it, but he always makes time to curl up in your arms like a poor little stray kitten.

When he is finally free of his dreaded work (his path in life that HE chose), he sleeps in quite late. Most of the time, he wants to enjoy the time he has left with you, pout and complain about how hard his job is (again, a career HE CHOSE). He has a lot to say when he (or you) wake up, only because he’s missed talking casually, and most of all, he’s missed you. His jobs and clients have him acting all proper, putting on some other character than he truly is for his clients. While there are some acts he likes… sometimes he just wants to break character and get his clients to buy whatever piece of junk he’s stolen.

Despite all his yapping, he truly enjoys the time he gets with you, even if most of it is him keeping you in bed. He pulls you up close to his chest if you even dare to move, burying his face in the crook of your neck and muttering pathetic little ‘don’t leave’s and the like. When you look down at him he’s just so tired, his eyebags are somehow seven times darker and he’s lost all that luster in his eyes. But you know he’s putting on an act. When you get up, he’ll be crawling to your side in no time.

⎯ Jing Yuan

Ah, the Dozing General. Who better to wake up with? While JING YUAN has to be up early, he doesn’t skip out on any time that could be spent with you. When his first alarm goes off, he’s quick to snooze it, rolling over and throwing his arm over your waist, pulling you closer. He’s used to waking up this early, of course, but he doesn’t like to miss out on those precious 30 minutes where he’s holding you close, uninterrupted. You’re accustomed to this schedule, as well. Wake up; but not really, spend the next moments cuddling, and then start your day.

As the Divine Foresight, he doesn’t get as much leisure time as he’d like, or days off. He could spend all day in bed, really, spoiling himself (as he sees it) to high heavens. But unfortunately, there is work that needs to be done, and he needs to start his day. And (un)fortunately, he quite enjoys dragging you along. A nice walk in the garden before he truly starts the day is a sign of a peaceful day. With you by his side, half-awake or not.

That being said, he does so because he wishes to spend every possible moment he has with you. His station means his workload will be unpredictable, and while he wishes that all days would be mundane, that wish will never come true. So, spending the first thirty minutes to several hours of his morning with you is what he rewards himself with. A nice meal and a good bath sets him in the right mood, being simply a step away at most in the morning. 

⎯ Blade

BLADE doesn’t sleep well in general. Often times he’s woken up at all hours in the night by things he won’t share– “It’s childish.” is what he says, with a huff. Nightmares. It’s nightmares. He doesn’t have much of a reaction to them anymore, aside from grumbling and complaining quietly, which is normal. As much as he tries to go back to sleep, he simply can’t most of the time, opting to do something to keep his mind and hands busy, as sleep deprived as he is.

You tend to be met with his back when you wake up, tense as ever. When he can’t find something to do, he settles on meditation, which does nothing to calm the voices and ‘vengeance’ that addles his mind. It does too little for him, his mind always circling back to what could have been. The minute you shift in bed, he snaps out of it quickly, looking back at you with his unreadable gaze. 

Most of the time, if you ask him to lay down with you, he will, as long as he doesn’t have an assignment he needs to be on. For all his sharp edges, he’s quite… dull when it comes to you. Perhaps it’s the many years he’s faced that’s made him lose his luster, or simply his own undoing. Yet, somehow, when you pull him in close, he relaxes ever so slightly. Perhaps not all the way, but it’d take you a couple more years to break down his walls completely. You could sleep for another three hours and he’d at least get time to close his eyes and let his mind rest; something he desperately needs.

⎯ Luocha

While LUOCHA’s “work” has him up quite early, well into the AMs. Of course, with all the traveling he’s done, his sleep schedule varies, and it’s not like he gets to spend as much time as he’d like with you, but you tag along all the same. He could be awake at 3AM system time and you’d be sound asleep until 10AM, and somehow, he’d still look as handsome as ever. You’re starting to feel a little jealous.

Still, he makes time to greet you in the morning. Aside from being a merchant, he is, of course, a healer, and he wants to make sure you're sleeping right. And, perhaps to catch up, if he has been gone for a few days. After all, not only does physical health matter, but mental, as well. A quick little chat, maybe some tender touches, and a hearty meal that he’s brought from the markets is quite enough mental stimulation, yes?

Sometimes, it seems he disagrees, choosing to crawl in bed alongside you, even if you chose to wake up properly. He’ll play with your hair, whisper sweet nothings to you, or simply just stare and smile. He doesn’t get to be affectionate often, either, and often that need for human touch culminates, which leads to those impromptu cuddling sessions in the morning.

⎯ Jiaoqiu

As a healer, JIAOQIU wants to make sure you (and him) maintain a normal, healthy sleep schedule. Unless he’s on an emergency call, he tends to wake up at a mostly normal time, between 8-10 AM. Of course, he wakes you up with him, wanting to start his day off right with your pretty face.

He wakes you up oh so sweetly for a man with such a scheming smile. His fingers glide over your skin, pushing your hair behind your ear, using such a sweet voice, one so sweet that it makes your teeth ache. And when you're finally properly awake, he’s all too excited to rush off to the kitchen, like a giddy child. 

Of course, what’s a morning without Jiaoqiu without some breakfast? When you return from your shower, the kitchen is alive with his cooking, the sounds of sizzling and smells of spices (what else?) a delightful concoction. What is he cooking? Ji dan bing, a fulfilling breakfast. While you are the only person he cuts down the spice for, the food still has enough kick to make you make a face. Of course, his plate smells so spicy that it makes you recoil, which earns a chuckle from the Foxian.

⎯ Moze

Most of the time, MOZE sneaks into your shared bed by the morning, seeing as most of his work is carried out during the night. By the time he’s settled in bed, it’s around the time you wake up. It’s a peaceful sight, really. You’re so used to him scowling or simply not emoting, that when you wake up to his face, tranquil as ever, it makes your heart flutter.

Of course, that does not last. He is up within the first couple of seconds you stare too long, easily woken by any simple rustling. The feeling of someone’s eyes on him means one thing: danger. And he unfortunately hasn’t shaken that habit. However, he has grown used to the fact that it’s you staring at him in the morning hours, and thankfully you are spared a knife to your throat.

He jolts awake with a disgruntled groan, his eyes darting over your features, taking in as much information as he can in his hazy mind state, as if he hadn’t seen your face a thousand times over. Once he is satisfied with the fact that it’s you, he lays back down with a huff, before pulling you down with him. You may have the day to start, but he would like at least a couple more moments in bed with you, he’s stubborn that way.

⎯ Dan Heng

With his days off, DAN HENG tends to enjoy lounging. If not lounging, then reading, and if not reading, then cleaning. But most of the time, since you came back from the Xianzhou Loufu, he’s been sleeping in an awful lot. You're often the first to wake up, or at least, the first to get out of bed.

Most of the time, you sleep in with him, happy to get a couple extra minutes to a couple hours more of sleep. It’s a nice moment of peace and quiet after the amount of missions you two have been on, while March and the Trailblazer updates you on what’s happening wherever they are. Still, sometimes sleeping in gets kind of boring. So while Dan Heng catches on some much needed sleep (and alone time), you busy yourself with cleaning around the express, helping Pom-Pom with certain tasks, and even doing your best to cook up some breakfast.

When you bring your expert attempt at pancakes back to you and Dan Heng’s room, he perks up. He goes from sulking to practically beaming (or what you can consider beaming, you get a soft smile nonetheless), and digs in eagerly. It seems like enough to energize him for a couple of days, pushing away what had happened on the Loufu to the furthest reaches of his mind.

⎯ Gepard

GEPARD does not get much time in the mornings with you or himself. As captain of the guard, he has to be up early, and on call whenever the need arises. While it is very rare that he is called to dispatch an issue in the middle of the night, he is often reluctant to simply leave you in the morning. Of course, he won’t wake you for his own selfish reasons, he just simply wishes he could get more time to enjoy your presence in the morning.

As quietly as he tries to move, somehow he always wakes you up, or perhaps that's what your sleep cycle has gotten used to. Oftentimes, you wake up when he’s taking his shower, his soft humming rising over the sound of water. You know he only does this when he believes he is alone or heard, and every single time, you can’t help but think of it as cute. But you won’t tell him you heard it.

Most of the time you stay up so you can say goodbye to Gepard and tell him to have a good day, while he stumbles over excuses that he doesn’t need. He’s adorable in all his fluster, before he finally collects himself with a deep breath. He promises he’ll see you at the end of the day, and that he’ll bring some dinner home from one of your favorite restaurants.

⎯ Caelus

What adventure with CAELUS drag you on next? That’s a constant question that haunts your mind every time an adventure is done. The most sleep you get is on the Express, in between missions. In the morning’s, he wakes up with such determination, it’s almost impressive. He could have the worst sleep of his life and he wakes up raring to go.

Of course, he does his best not to wake you if you aren’t up. In fact, he’ll do his best to be as quiet as possible, sneaking out of the room, and even tip-toeing down the cabins. Like any little movement will wake his precious partner up. However, sometimes, when he’s feeling a little clingy, he’ll cuddle back in bed and pull you really close, refusing to let go unless you need to do something.

On the occasion you guys are out on a mission, he is the complete opposite. He could wake up well into the noon and groan and complain about not getting enough sleep, even if he slept like a baby. Of course, he wants to get on with his adventures, but at the same time, the hotel’s bed is soooo comfy, and he doesn’t want to leave. Which, he’ll keep you there too until he’s fully awake, spooning you and hiding his face in the crook of your neck.

⎯ Welt

On his days off, which seems to be most days now, WELT sleeps in only a little. Mornings with him are nothing short of intimate, simply laying there in each others arms, muttering sweet words. Truth be told, he enjoys these quiet moments, even if they push back the work he has to get done around the Express.

Still, no one's complaining, right? The work he has to get done will get done eventually, and he can spare a couple hours for his beloved. He cherishes every stolen second, as the hours tick away, his fingers trailing over your skin, before cupping your face. Framing his entire world in his palm.

However, you can’t stay in bed forever. Unfortunately, you do have to get up, and start your day. Welt won’t leave your side, though. Not if he can help it, at least. You two share a shower together, some more words, of course, and even cook together afterwards. Pom Pom huffs and puffs about not only Welt, but you being late and taking too long, and how the Express is founded on the structure of the schedule. It’s okay, however, because Pom Pom will be thanking you two for your hard work (sweeping the other cabins, cleaning the windows, and vacuuming the carpet) at the end of the day.

© freyito, 2024 | masterlist | queue | kofi | discord server (16+) | star header by roseschoices DO NOT REPOST AS YOUR OWN OR USE FOR AI/AI CHATBOTS.

[bunnys-kisses]

hii bunny!!! can I get a chocolate cake and whisky with seb or jenson???

bakery menu

want to order your own? take a look at the menu! there's a little something for everyone! i also write for fandoms outside of f1 so if that interests you let me know! i love getting orders! this one i chose jenson button, ever day i get seb from someone hahah, and i will write them. but thank you for the request!

chocolate cake ("do you feel that? that's what happens when i think about you all day.") + whisky (degrading language) served by jenson button (formula one)!

cw: smut/pwp, dirty talk/degrading language, age gap (20s/40s), mean!jenson, brat!reader, thigh riding, masturbation, non-penetrative sex, clothed man/nude woman, couch sex, nipple play, references to spanking

jenson liked good behaviour from a good girl. a good girl meant a good life, without any troubles. but, there was something a spitfire little thing that he could fold to his pleasure and fuck submission into.

you had been the hardest brat to break, and jenson lived for it. there was nothing like after a long day taking you and fucking any stress of the day out of his body. pushing his cock as deep as he could get it.

letting the messy tip kiss your cervix.

it was a rainy day in july and you had tracked your wet socks through the house after you came back inside. you were soaked from head to toe, but you should've waited for him to come get you from the front door with a towel.

now he had you naked with your wet clothes in a pile on the floor. the older man had his hands on your bare hips and his lips on your hard nipple. he was massaging it between his inscors.

your ass was burning from his earlier smacks, you were surprised you didn't get a spank for every drop of water you got on the hardwood floor. now your nipples were being bit up as you straddled his thigh.

he pulled away a little and rubbed both nipples between his pointer finger and thumb, even giving them a big tug. which made you squirm, "you have to behave, love. you can't be bringing your wet clothes into the house." his voice was firm, "you're such a silly little girl, aren't you? just making a huge mess for me to clean up." he shook his head with slight disappointment which made you whine.

you whined, "please ah! c'mon, you're being so mean!"

he looked at you, eyes went for for a moment. he laughed, "i'm being mean? you got an entire puddle right in the middle of my living room in the house i pay for." he put his lips back on the soft skin and tried his best to leave dark bruises on the skin.

you rubbed your slick pussy up against his thigh, the rough jean material he wore made the hairs on the back of your neck stand out. you were painfully hot like this, naked while he was clothed. a visible sign of submission.

he pulled away from you and relaxed against the couch. he took his cock out of his jeans and spit in his hand before he started to jerk himself off. he said, "come now, love. hop to it. if you want to get yourself off, i'm not helping you. brats have to do things for themselves." he was going to love the sight of this.

you started to move up against his thigh. you straddled it and rubbed your achy clit across it. shivers ran up your spine and made your bruised nipples hard. oh, you were just painfully adorable. look at the sight of you, the little brat he had trained so well.

you were capable of being good, you just needed reason to be. but, don't worry jenson would give you reason after reason to be on your best behaviour.

he continued to jerk himself off, occasionally spitting i his hand more. sadly his hand really wasn't like the sweet cunt that was being dragged across his clothed thigh. he eyed you up and down. from the blissed out expression on his face to the bounce of your bruised breasts.

"who owns this pussy, huh? who owns it because you can't be responsible for it. who owns it the way this house and your car are owned?" he panted heavily as he felt his heartbeat in his ears.

this was just too much and he knew his words were making you crumble.

you croaked as you continued to ride his thigh, "you own it. you own it, jenson." you swallowed roughly, "just like you own everything else." you whined as you felt the pleasure race up your body.

you clothed onto him tighter and continued to move your poor cunt up against his clothed thigh. it was almost pathetic, a woman much younger than him was getting her clit stimulated by the over priced denim he wore.

he cupped your ass with his free hand, the bruised cheek still felt hot under his broad hands. you swallowed and continued to move, he maintained eye contact with your body. you looked so painfully erotic, like a good proper whore.

"you're mine, got it?" he asked as he continued to fuck his hand. as much as he'd love for it to be your soft pussy or perfect throat. but, for now he just had to make due.

you couldn't deny it, it was a fact. you were his, he had sank his claws into you long ago and wasn't letting up. so you better be a good girl and continue to fuck yourself on his thigh.

"please, honey."

he landed a smack across your ass and goped the cheek once more. he felt the thrill of pleasure course through your system as he continued to thrust his cock. the pre-cum was all over his hand as you left a wet mark across his pant leg.

you looked like a horny little puppy. it was sickeningly disgusting and only riled him up further.

"you're such a bad girl." he said, "getting off like this." he grabbed your hand and made you touch his slick cock, "do you feel that? that's what happens when i think about you all day. and then you turn around and act like such a brat." his voice was laced with venom

it was all a little too much for you.

you dug your nails into his shoulders as you came, making a mess of the rough jean of his pants. it left a pretty stain as your wetness seeped into the fabric. a big dark spot from his baby girl.

you rested against him and panted heavily, pressing a lot of your weight into him. he relaxed further into the couch with his cock still in his hand. he said to you, "you're such a dirty little slut." he panted, "you always want more, more, more." he swallowed, "but i'll always give you what you want."

"jenson." you whimpered.

a few more jerks of his hand and he finished. ropes of cum got all over the front of his white t-shirt, but he didn't care. he got to see his naked little slut get herself off on his thigh.

he knew his jeans needed a good clean thanks to you. he let go of his cock and panted heavily. his cock twitched when he watched you lick at the cum on his hand. you did it on instinct and moan when the saltiness hit your tongue.

"you're going to be the death of me, honey.' he said as you cleaned him up. he knew he couldn't survive another round like that. so he whispered in your ear, "why don't you put all of our clothes in the wash and meet me in our bedroom. i'll take good care of you." then groped at your bruised ass cheek.

you knew how to behave, jenson ensured that over the time you have been dating. and while he loved your firecracker spirit, nothing got him harder than you dutifully getting up from his lap and going to wash the clothes like a good girl. <3

[enris]

CAN I HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?

synopsis after a year, jake finally earns your father’s blessing. (even if that meant breaking his bank account)

pairing sim jaeyun x f! reader

warnings this is not proofread! i apologize for any mistakes

word count 1.5k+

note first ever official post on tumblr 🥹 and i’m starting it with a slightly long one…bare with me 😔 i hope you enjoy reading, feedback is highly appreciated as i am still kind of new to writing! and of course, if it wasn’t obvious from the title, this is inspired by the song Rude by Magic!

“CAN I HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?” you watched as jake asked your father the same question, once again. you’ve already told him countless times to not worry about whether your father accepts him or not, but he just can’t seem to live without getting your father’s blessing. so now he made it his whole life mission to get his blessing.

you were watering your precious plants as you heard your dad rejecting him, again.

“my answer is still no.”

the expression left on your boyfriend’s face was just unbearable to see. it almost looked like he was about to cry any second now.

“dad, what’s so hard about accepting him? can’t you tell he’s a nice guy…” you say, trying to convince him yourself, but nothing was working.

“yn, you are way too young to be getting married right now, you hear me? this is unacceptable behavior. and you, young mister,” your father turned to jake who was already staring at him with puppy eyes, “you are not marrying my daughter, you get it? you have been asking me this same question for the past YEAR and it’s been bothering me ever since then. please, leave immediately.”

“what do you mean i’m too young? dad, i graduate from college in 2 months!” you say, but all you got in return was a head shake. you looked over to jake who shrugged back at you.

“yeah, and who’s the one who refused to dorm in? let alone going overseas, you threw a tantrum because you wanted to stay here for college!” your father argued back after a few moments.

you gasped as jake couldn’t hide his smile, “dad!”

“yn, come on, i wanna take you to this new restaurant that opened up.” jake smiled at you as he held his hand out, signaling for you to hold it.

“eh—? young boy, you better not do anything to my daughter, you hear me!? i’m not giving you my blessing for a reason! and you, young girl, you better be home before dark! i can’t stand it when you try to sneak back into the house at 1am…”

“what? you could hear me?” you ask, suddenly remembering all the times you’ve came back home late at night. i guess all the struggles for staying quiet doesn’t matter anymore.

before you could say anything else, your dad went back inside of the house, leaving you dumbfounded.

“i mean—how could he just say that and leave..?! this whole time i’ve been extra careful to not wake him…but he heard me this whole time?!” you couldn’t believe this whole situation, and turned back to your boyfriend.

“well, at least you don’t need to worry about being loud…?” he nervously smiled at you as you stared at him.

you took a deep breath in, “let’s just go to this restaurant. i’m starving.”

you and jake arrived at the recently opened restaurant and were shocked on how busy it was, despite being new. luckily, you guys got a table pretty fast.

“wow, even their menus are pretty.” you say as you scanned through all the foods that were available.

“yeah, they are.” jake responds, but he wasn’t looking at the menu. his eyes were on you as you were looking at what to order.

“hello! may i start off with your drinks for you today?” a waiter soon came over to your table and pulled out her pen and notepad.

“ah yeah, we’ll just take a water.” you say and watched as she wrote it down.

“awesome! are you guys ready to order?” she continues to ask, and you looked over at jake who nodded with a smile.

“uh, i’ll have this pasta please. what are you gonna order?” you turn to your boyfriend who was still scanning over the menu.

“i’ll take the same as her.” he says and the waiter writes down both of your guys’ orders before collecting the menus.

“alright, i’ll be back with your waters and your food will be our shortly after!”

as the waiter left your guys’ table, jake turned to you, his face more serious than before. but of course, what he said was not serious, at all.

“so, how should i suck up to your father?” he leaned in closer to you as he asked.

“what?” you were taken aback from the sudden question he had asked you, “what do you mean?”

jake’s eyes wandered off a bit as he leaned back into his seat again, “well it’s obvious he doesn’t want me to marry you…so i need to suck up to him, don’t i? what does he like? i need to buy him something don’t i? or do i need to show him im a good person…what do i do?”

“woah woah, calm down…what’s all this rush for? you’re acting like your gonna propose to me as soon as we graduate or something.” you say, and you can see the expression of jake’s face change immediately.

“ahaha, i just wanna make sure your father accepts me!” he chuckled nervously, though you can see the sweat dripping down forehead.

“calm down babe. if you are that desperate to get my father’s blessing then you do have to throw a little money around for him..”

“how much money are we talking? if it’s something expensive like gucci or…” jake paused as he noticed the expression on your face. even though you didn’t say anything, it was almost obvious you were telling him he needed to buy something expensive.

jake cleared his throat as he looked at the specific item, “wow…your father is an expensive guy isn’t he?” he scoffed, his hand covering his mouth out of pure shock.

“his birthday is coming up soon…if you buy this for him im almost completely sure his whole perspective on you would change.” you say, and he almost couldn’t even believe you.

“shit, i really gotta buy this specific rolex for him?”

“yeah, he’s been dying to have this specific one.”

all your boyfriend could do was nod continuously as he stared at the price of the watch.

he clapped his hands together, “all right, i’ll get this for him then!” he says with a forced smile. “my bank account will be crying tonight…” he mumbled before walking away to get a person for help.

you rushed over to him, “hey, you don’t have to do this you know? my fathers blessing surely doesn’t mean that much to you, does it? you can just get his favorite food instead.”

jake turned over to you, “baby. if i get him something expensive, especially if it’s something he’s always wanted, he would definitely give me his blessing. if i don’t have his blessing that means i can’t marry you, and i want you to be by my side forever.”

before you could even say anything else jake planed a soft kiss on your lips before calling over a worker.

“do you think he’ll say yes now?” jake asked you before he head inside of the house.

“i mean i sure hope he would…” you responded.

“how about this; if he doesn’t give me his blessing then i’ll kidnap you and after we graduate college we travel overseas and we can get married there!”

you scoffed, “you’re serious about this aren’t you?”

“of course, my girlfriend WILL become my wife and i’ll make sure of it!”

as soon as you guys were about to head inside of the house, your dad opened the door for you. you were shocked, but definitely not as much as your boyfriend who was beside you.

“everybody is getting ready to eat dinner now, what’s taking you so long?”

“uh—hello! yn’s father..” jake waved nervously at your dad who just stared at him. “happy birthday! i got you a gift.”

“oh? what is this?” your father dug his hand inside of the bag and was met with a rolex box. he gasped as he realized what it was.

“it may not be the right time to ask this question considering the special occasion so i apologize in advance. but, CAN I HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, please?”

you were scared looking at your father’s expression and noticed his grip on the rolex tightening. out of impulse you spatted out a few sentences.

“please dad, he’s really a nice guy. he treats me so well and i love him so much, you don’t understand how much i want him to stay in my life. if you don’t give him your blessing then i wi—”

“silly boy, is this your way of sucking up to me? huh? just because you bought me a rolex i’ve been wanting for ages you expect me to give my blessing to you just like that?” you and jake were both shocked at how your father responded.

“dad—”

“it definitely worked.”

jake’s eyes immediately widened, “wait, really?! i have your blessing?”

“i’ve been testing you all along to see how good of a guy you are and you definitely exceeded my expectations. treat my daughter well, sim jaeyun. im lending you my trust and hope you protect yn.”

you couldn’t hide your smile and so couldn’t jake. you guys both hugged each other before he thanked your father.

“thank you! i promise i will keep your daughter safe. as long as she’s with me only good things shall happen to her!”

© enris 2024. please do not copy, translate, or repost

xtra omg i’m sorry if this seemed messy 😭 again i’m new to doing things like these so feedback is appreciated!

[snake-bite-piercing]

Our world

You live alone in a small apartment in a not so small town. Trying to find a job after finishing college has been your main problem as of now.

Ever since monsters and humans started living side by side, people have been having a harder time finding jobs or keeping one. You just so happen to be one of them. Your best friend was able to get you a part time job as a waiter.

It's definitely not the job you wanted but you'll take what you can get. At least for now. You had to wear a white button up shirt with a tie, black pants, and your hair had to be in a bun at all times. The good thing about this job was that it was only a few blocks away.

You started at 2 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m. which was perfectly fine with you. When you got to the restaurant it was pretty fancy. You were given an apron that had your name on it at the bottom left side. The restaurant was a mix of monsters and humans. More monsters than humans. That didn't bother you though you were taught to treat anyone who bleeds blood with respect.

You were getting ready to serve your last table of the night. A group of werewolves. There were seven of them they all looked to be in their late twenties. You couldn't take your eyes off of one of them. He was incredibly tall and muscular. Once they were seated you brought them water. "Can I start you guys off with anything to drink?" You said as you got your notepad out. They had all ordered drinks and told you they needed some time to look over the menu.

Some of the other waiters went home since it was starting to get a bit emptier. You came over with their drinks asking again if they were ready to order. "We'll all have steaks. Medium-rare please." The man with the black suit said. "Ok, I'll get that out as soon as I can," you said as you smiled.

They had their meal but stayed and chatted. They still hadn't paid. You needed them to pay so I could leave, I had already hinted at it five times. After waiting some more, I decided to try again. "Hello, gentleman. I hope your dinner was wonderful. I just wanted to let you know there's one more piece of cake that hasn't been sold." you said while trying not to sound annoyed.

"We're fine we don't want anything else." The man that I was eyeing at the beginning said. "Oh, that's great! I'll just leave this here. you said as you slid the check to him. You stood there and smiled at him waiting for him to sign it. He put the cash inside never breaking eye contact with you. You quickly graded it and said, "Well I hope you gentlemen have a nice night."

While you were walking home you were stopped by a man. He had a gun pointed at you and was grabbing at your bag. You didn't want to let go of your bag, but you also didn't want to get shot. The man quickly ran away but didn't even make a block. A group of men had jumped him. One of them walks towards you with your bag. It was him.

"I think this is yours," he said holding your bag up. "Thank you," you said trying to catch your breath. He put his hand on your back and rubbed small circles on your back. "Let me walk you home," he said. You walked past his guys and caught a glimpse of the man who tried to rob you. He was bloody.

When you made it home you thanked him again for helping you. You wanted to give back the money for his dinner, but he refused. "Let me take you out to dinner," he said which caught you off guard. You were at a loss for words. "My apologies my name is Lorenzo." He quickly said when he noticed I didn't say anything.

"I guess one date wouldn't hurt," you said.

[reeeooohhheehee]

Pudding

| Anything for you.

Obey Me x japanese!gn!reader

tags : obey me , fluff , sfw , i honestly have no idea , xreader , i love purin omfg , im sobbing <3 , obeymemains , im back in this era again ig , scenarios , reyosanworks

The scenario > It's been cool in the Devildom. Winter is hell but manageable. But there was always something missing... Your homeland. The human realm. Ever since you were kidnapped, you've been missing the human realm. And the food there.

LUCIFER

Lucifer just happened to be there for business, as usual. He never really went anywhere without reason anyways. After his business, he stops by a store. It was a pastry store!

You always yapped about pastries in Japan that's being so tasty and that you missed it so much. He thinks for a bit and checked his wallet. Of course, there was more than needed in so he shrugged.

He was lucky to be there early. There a lot of customers in line but he was third to order. Once he did, he orders your favorite pastries, including purin.

Of course, there were others such as custard buns for you. It was really up to you if you wanted to share or not. But one thing's for certain, he'll just give you the pastries and get on with life (he just wants to see you smileee)

MAMMON

Honestly, he'll never buy anything for anyone. Maybe once in a while but every time he hears you talk about pastries from the human realm, the more he wants to buy it for you.

So for your birthday, he made it a habit to go up to the human realm and buy you tasty treats. However, it turns out your favorite store was closed.

He searched online for the best pastry shops and found an aesthetic one. He went in the store, and his bad luck gave him the fifty-second place in line. But no worries, he'll just wait and then order. He'll also brag to you about it afterwards. After all, The Great Mammon got your pudding for ya'.

LEVIATHAN

Originally, both of you came up to go to huge anime conventions! This time, you came down with the flu so you couldn't join. Levi was kinda sad you couldn't join.

So, he got you all kinds of merch you wanted. While he was going back, he looks at a nice pastry shop with cute pictures of purin. People who came out the shop were happy with the purin the bought so he decided to give it a go.

Going inside, he takes out his wallet and bought about four purin you can eat while he's playing! Of course, anything for you. And the pastries were cheap but decent looking. He just hopes when he comes back, you're all well to eat sweet things.

SATAN

He wanted this book that was only available in the human realm so he came up to buy it. Satan takes a look around the stores, then picks the book he wants.

Due to you being stacked with work with no end, he had to go by himself. Walking out the bookstore inside the mall, he found a place where people sell purin!

He always wondered what was the hype but before he was even able to leave, he remembers how much you love it. You usually talk about it a lot and eat Barbatos or Luke's puddings for a substitute. So, he walks in then out with purin in his hand to give it to you. He's already imagining the shower of thanks you'll give him.

ASMODEUS

Asmo found this really nice line of makeup products. This time, you were with him in the human world. You were both just shopping around and he bought lots of things.

While you were at the bathroom, Asmo was sitting inside an aesthetic café. He looks around and then saw the menu that offers lots of pastries. Asmo smiles as he got up to order a purin for you.

He believes that sugar's not good for your skin but a treat for you anytime is just fine with him. (pls shower this twink with kisses after)

BEEZLEBUB

Coming up, he decided to buy lots of food. You were in a terrible mood since you got late for class, and for that reason, you were put in detention. You didn't even eat lunch yet!

Beel's overly concerned for you so he finds a lot of your favorite foods. Finally, he arrived at a place which just sells milk tea and purin. He always remembered how you talked about your nostalgia with purin so he went inside.

He picks out the original, the strawberry flavored, everything! He tried so hard not to take even a nip, just for you. So when he gets back, please let him hug you as much as he wants to!! (ILOVEHIMSOMUCHOMFG)

BELPHAGOR

Belphie didn't wanna buy you anything at first. He was just walking around to check out a new pillow. There was this brand of pillow that was never added into Devildom's collection so he came up to just see and consider buying.

He just wandered around, eventually selecting to buy a pillow case. Belphie then saw a shop from afar, lots of people lined up. Going there, he saw the menu. Purin!

Honestly, he doesn't like eating super sweet things. It makes him feel disgustingly awake. However, he remembers how you and Beel ate the last batch of purin Barbatos made on your birthday.

So, he waited out the line to buy you and Beel lots of purin (he almost fell asleep waiting). He'll lose his usual allowance on the human realm, but it's for you and Beel, anyways.

made: 05/06/24

𝓻𝓮𝓸™ || ʀᴇᴏ© ᴄᴏᴘʏʀɪɢʜᴛ 2024- ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ᴀꜱ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ.

[oldh0llyw0od]

The Best Friends Wedding

Pairing: Zayn Malik x f! reader

Summary: You and Zayn have always been close, but your friendship is strained when Zayn's wedding quickly approaches. Feelings arise, or merely come out of hiding, and both of you don't know what you want. On top of that, You are given the opportunity of a lifetime and consider taking it because you don’t think that you could watch the man you love marry someone else.

Warnings: slow-burn, feelings, smut (18+ MDNI), unprotected sex, oral sex (f! receiving)

Series Masterlist

I sat in the car, my head on the steering wheel while I contemplated getting out and going into the restaurant, or not. A million things were whirling through my head, but one question kept replaying itself, one that I knew that I could never answer or ever have answered. Why do I feel this way?

You see, inside that restaurant held my best friend and his fiancée. Ugh, I hated that she was that to him, his fiancée. I didn't like the fact that he was engaged, or maybe it was the fact that he was engaged to her.

Don't get me wrong, I wanted him to happy. I wanted him to have everything and more, because I care about him. He's been the only person who has been there for me through everything. He's seen me at my worst and at my best, just like I had seen him. It's just that after his band blew up, I became more protective of the girls he got involved with. I didn't want him to get used, and for some odd reason I felt like she was using him.

It was kind of obvious that she was. Right?

got out of the car, slowly, and walked to the main entrance of the restaurant. There had been a crowd surrounding the entrance, as expected. I made my way around and headed in through the wooden double-doors. The loud sounds of voices and bustling workers filled my ears. I smiled as the receptionist as I gave her the name that the reservations were under.

She grabbed a menu and motioned for me to follow her. I searched through the crowd and I walked right behind her. I spotted his black, styled hair not too far from where we were. I smiled as I saw that he was alone. Thank god.

He got up once we approached the table, pulling me into a hug. "I missed you so much, y/n," he said, before pulling back and smiling at me.

"I missed you too, Zayn!" He pulled out my chair for me, allowing me to sit before he sat back in his rightful spot. The waitress handed me a menu and took my drink order before walking away.

We both spent some time looking over our menus, ordering when the waitress came back with my drink.

"Tell me all about tour! Are you happy to be home?" I asked, sending him a huge smile.

"It was amazing, as always. The crowds were amazing, the venues were huge, and the cities we went to were incredible," he said, emphasizing his words. I smiled at his enthusiasm. I loved that he was doing that he had always dreamt, and talked, about doing. Words cannot describe how happy I was for him.

"You should have come to visit. Perrie went a couple times, you could have come with her!" The sound of her name made me want to roll my eyes, but I didn't.

I kept all my feelings about her in, I didn't want to risk my relationship with him by mouthing off about the girl he loved.

"I wish I could have, but work and school just wouldn't allow it." I fake pouted, making him smile.

"I understand, but its summer now and you don't have school. No excuses are going to be heard about being too busy."

"Ah, but I still have work."

"But I need you there with me to finish off things for the wedding."

Ah, the dreaded wedding. He had asked her to marry him almost two years ago, only time dragged because they were both so busy. But somewhere between his busy schedule, and hers, they found the time to get things together.

"Right. The wedding," I said, sarcasm evident in my voice. I could feel his stare as I took a sip of my drink.

I didn't allow my eyes to meet his, knowing that he's would be questioning.

"Yes, the wedding. I need your help."

"That's what the bride is for. She can handle all of that," I said, luckily the waitress saved me. The food was placed in front of us before she asked if we needed anything else.

Once she was gone, we began to eat. I tried to keep something my mouth, not wanting to talk or say the wrong thing.

"So are you gonna help your best friend out with things?" he asked, sitting back against his chair and patting his food baby.

"Zayn," I said, trailing off. In some ways he knew that I disapproved of the wedding, but the words were never really spoken between the two of us.

"Please, you're the only sane person I can deal with right now."

"What do you mean?" I asked, curious to know what he meant.

"I mean, Perrie's driving me crazy, her family is driving me crazy, the boys and my family are driving me crazy. I can't handle the constant nagging and questioning, and even scolding, from all of them.

You're the only one who seems to have their head on straight at the moment."

"You know you can't just run away from it all, right?" I said, smirking at him. I mean he did get himself into this situation.

"Whatever, Zayn. I'll help you because I love you...

And I don't want you to get killed, because I'm sure your head will be ripped off at some point in the next month," I laughed, joking about how stressful things were going to get. The wedding wasn't for another few months, but soon enough he'll be getting in trouble.

"Thanks for the image. Are you ready to go?" he asked, standing from his chair.

I got up and the both us made our way to the doors, saying our goodbyes, and giving each other hugs. I promised him that I would answer when he needed me.

He left first, leaving me to stand alone and think.

What did I get myself into?

[sirianasims]

Chapter 32

Never Grow Up

Less than a year later, Samuel and I were married.

The wedding was everything I’d dreamed of. I’m sure our parents would happily have paid for an enormous wedding if we’d asked them to. But that wasn’t our style.

All I wanted was a small, intimate affair with our closest friends and family while I said ‘I do’ to the love of my life. We rented the Myshuno Observatory. It almost felt like my grandma Cora was with us in spirit.

Even Charlie showed up. I knew it meant a lot to Samuel, although his brother couldn’t stay for long.

At least he was there for the ceremony, and he came over to congratulate us afterwards.

He said he had a flight to catch, his band was on tour at the moment. I suspected that he was also trying to avoid talking to Colten and Kailani.

I wondered if Charlie actually preferred his solitude, or if he secretly wanted to be a bigger part of his family than he was.

I was grateful that I got along with my own family, especially my sister Grace. I couldn’t believe that she would be starting high school after the summer, it felt like yesterday that I’d taught her how to cross the monkey bars in our backyard.

By the time Grace and I headed inside for the reception, Charlie was gone and Kailani was talking to Jessica. Jessica had volunteered to do the decorations, beautiful blush-coloured roses everywhere, my favourite.

We kept the wedding alcohol-free for my dad, and Griffin and Daria had offered to do all the food for us as a wedding gift. It was impressive, the entire menu was vegan since Griffin had also stopped eating meat after his first visit to the cadaver lab during medical training. I didn’t blame him, it sounded horrific. Samuel hadn’t seemed as bothered.

Over by the cake, Conrad was making my dad and Cecilia crack up with outrageous anecdotes. It was strange to see my parents interact with each other. It had happened before, of course, they had celebrated my birthday together a few times when I was younger, but I couldn’t remember if they had been in the same room since my mom and Conrad moved to Del Sol Valley.

Looking at the four of them now, it was impossible to tell that things had ever been bad between my parents. Still, I couldn’t imagine two people less likely to work out. They both had a certain desperation to them, and they both needed someone to temper them, not stoke the flames.

Conrad, with his extravagant approach to life, gave my mother a safe outlet, a way to release all that intensity so she didn’t blow up.

Cecilia, kind but unwavering, calmed my father down and turned his particular brand of chaos into something less destructive.

But who was I?

Was I like my dad, prone to holding on in an attempt to do the right thing until I finally self-destructed?

Or was I more like my mother, desperately trying to make people love me until I gave up and left them in the dust?

I needed to do better than both of them. I wanted everything to work out. I shook my head lightly, trying to chase away the dark thoughts. This was my wedding day, why was I only thinking about disaster?

I went to find Samuel. He pulled me close and kissed me.

This was what I needed. My husband.

Samuel would temper me, like Conrad and Cecilia tempered my parents.

We would be fine.

By the time we were back in our bed that night, I was both exhausted and deliriously happy.

I took Samuel’s hand, marvelling at the ring on his finger.

“I can’t believe we’re actually married.”

He sent me a mischievous smile.

“Me neither. But you better let go of my hand. I need it for something.”

I was glad that we’d had some practice over the last year, otherwise I might have chickened out of my wedding night completely.

Samuel was gentle, always making sure that I was satisfied.

A small part of me wished he’d be a little less restrained, that he would lose himself in it, the same way he made me lose myself, but it was still good.

beginning / previous / next

[jordie-gvf]

Hiii if you’re still doing requests for blurbs do you think you can do one about danny and a reader who she’s really submissive and he’s surprised by it? 🤍

danny blurb #4

i am so sorry that this took me such a long time!

warnings : smut, p in v sex, teasing, nicknames, thigh fucking, oral f rec, spit kink, DADDY KINK

word count : 2.0k+

Whenever Danny had an off day, the two of you spent it together, at the house. You both got up, showered, and went out to breakfast. 

“You chose a good outfit,” he said to you, as you were seated at a table.

“It's a sweatshirt and sweatpants, I can't look that good.” you responded. 

“You make anything look good and you know it.” 

Once the two of you ordered breakfast and got your drinks, you started talking about what you would get done today. On Saturdays, you would go grocery shopping, but you had Danny with you. 

You two ate and paid, stopping for a coffee on the way home. He pulled into the driveway and turned the car off. 

You got out and walked inside the house. You were greeted by the fish, who were all sleeping. You walked over to the fuzzy loveseat and grabbed a blanket. You sat down and curled up into the blanket. 

“Weren't we supposed to go grocery shopping?” he came over and questioned.

“Mm, not now.” 

He grabbed your chin and pulled your head up to look at him. “Come on, Princess. If we do it now, when we come home we can have the nastiest sex ever.” he said to you in a low voice, coaxing you into getting up. 

Whenever he talked to you like that, you got very submissive. You would do anything he told you to do, whenever he said it.

You sat down in the chair next to him with a few pieces of paper and a pencil. You grabbed a fresh piece of paper and wrote “Whole Foods” at the top. 

Sam had told you about how good Whole Foods was, and now you don't shop anywhere else. 

“Do you need anything? Body wash? Deodorant?” you asked him. He shook his head but said, “ We need toothpaste!” 

You wrote toothpaste down and asked him what he wanted for dinner within the week. “Can you make that Birria? And Chicken Alfredo?” he asked you. You nodded and got the recipes out of your book. You wrote all the ingredients down and asked him what else he wanted for dinner. “You.” he said, seriously. You lightly hit his chest and said, “Behave, you can't do this in Whole Foods.” 

“Then let's do it now.”

“Daniel Robert.” 

“Fine, I promise I won't try to pull anything in Whole Foods.”

Once you finished the list and planned out the menu, you grabbed all your reusable bags and got in the car.

The entire time he drove, he had his hand on your thigh.. He knew this would make you melt and want to give in. You kept your head held high and wouldn't let him in. 

You grabbed your purse and all your bags and walked in. Your brother, Grayson, worked at Whole Foods, so you had texted him and asked if he was working. 

You saw him at the register, checking a customer out. You weren't going to bother him while he was working, so you continued on with your groceries. You grabbed your produce bags and got all your fruits and vegetables. 

You put everything in the cart and continued on. You felt Danny come up behind you while you were grabbing something and heard him say, “Please, Princess let me get that for you.” 

When he extended his arm upward, his shirt lifted. You could see the little patch of hair on his stomach. 

He put it in the cart and you continued getting everything you needed. You had walked away to go get your OLIPOP, when you found Danny getting flirted on by the employee. You made your way over to him and placed the drinks in the cart. 

He wrapped his arm around you as she turned around, ready to hand him the meat. “Thank you so much,” he said as he grabbed it from her. 

You had gotten everything on the list and went to check out. You purposely went to Grayson’s line so you could see your little brother.

“Y/N!” Grayson said and came around to hug you. “Hey Danny! How’ve you been, man?” He asked Danny. While you were paying, you overheard Grayson talking to Danny, “You better be taking care of her. She's the only sibling I've got, keep her happy.” 

You looked at Grayson and said, “I'm totally telling Mom that you said that.” He stuck his tongue out and said, “If you tell her, I'll tell Danny what I found in your drawer.” 

Your eyes widened and you shook your head. Danny turned his attention to you and said, “What did he find in your drawer? Grayson, what did you find in her drawer?” 

You quickly said, “Okay, it's time to go.” You put all the full bags into the cart and grabbed your keys out of your purse. You walked away and said, “Bye Grayson!” and went out to the car. 

He grabbed the keys and opened up the trunk. “Get in. I'll put them in,” Danny piped up. You shook your head and said, “No, let me help.” 

“Babygirl, I'm not gonna tell you again.” he said sternly, looking you in the eye. You grew wet at the gesture and did what he said. He returned the cart and got into the car, ready to go home. 

He didn't put his hand on your thigh this time, which made you a little upset. When you got home, you grabbed some bags from the trunk and brought them inside and sat them on the counter. 

He grabbed the rest and put them onto the counter as well. You both unpacked them and put them away in their spots. 

“We have time to kill, puzzle?” you asked him. He shook his head and laughed, “No Princess, I dont want to do a fucking puzzle. I want to do you.” You blushed and got warm in all the right places. “What's wrong? You like that idea?” he questioned and prodded. 

You leaned back on the counter as he came over and stood in front of you. He grabbed your chin and held it in his palm. “Let me take you upstairs, Princess?” 

You nodded and he lifted you up onto his hips. He held your ass in his hands as he carefully went up the stairs. He brought the both of you into the bedroom and kicked it closed with his foot. 

He sat you on the bed and stood between your legs. He held your jaw in his hand and you looked up at him. “Don't look at me with those eyes, Princess. You won't like the outcome.” 

“What if I want the outcome?” you said.

“You sure, Babydoll? You want me to destroy you?” he responded, eyes darkened.

You nodded and said, “Mhm. I want it real bad.” 

“I love how fucking sick you are.” he said, lowly. 

He leaned down and sloppily kissed you, the skin around your mouth now wet. He pulled away and said, “Open.” You followed his instructions and opened your mouth. He spit in your mouth and said, “Don't swallow until I say so.” You nodded and kept your mouth open. He spit in your mouth a few more times and said, “Close. Swallow.” 

You did as he said and opened your mouth to show him. “What a good fucking girl.” he said. You whined and he said, “Someone liked that, huh? Are you my good girl? My good babydoll?” 

You nodded and he gave you more instructions, “Lay down and do not make one sound.” You did as he said and laid down on the bed, legs hanging off the edge. He lifted your sweatshirt and pulled it off to get to your bra. He kissed your collarbone and said, “Lift up for me, I gotta take this off.” You lifted your back so he could unclamp your bra. Once he had it off and threw it to the side and said, “My two favorite girls.” 

He kissed each of your breasts a few times and started kissing down to your waist. “Can I take these off, Lovebug?” he asked you when he got down to your sweatpants. 

You nodded and he said, “Tell me, Princess.” 

You sat up on your elbows, laced your hands through his hair and said, “Yes Danny! Please, take them off. I want your mouth on me, Daddy.” He pulled down your sweats and tossed them behind him.

“Daddy huh? Am I your daddy? You want Daddy’s mouth on your pussy?” 

“Please, I need it so bad!” you said and shoved his head down closer to you. “Hey! In due time.” he said and swatted your thigh. 

He grabbed your panties and laid his head on the inside of your thigh. He inhaled deeply and said, “God, I love the way you smell.” 

He took of your panties and sniffed them. “So fucking sweet, like nectar.” he said, then stuck his tongue out. He lapped at your clit and savored you. He rubbed up and down your thighs and put your thighs on his shoulders. He threaded his arms under you, then onto your stomach. He felt up your body and placed his two hands on each of your breasts. 

He pinched your nipples, pulled away from you and said, “I love eating this fucking pussy. I could do it all day. Can Daddy eat your pussy all day?” 

You nodded and said, “Yes! I want your head between my legs all day long.” He put his head back between your thighs and you squeezed his head with your thighs. “Keep your legs right there, I want you to suffocate me with your fucking thighs. I love these thighs. Should let me fuck them.” he said. 

He removed his hands from your breasts and moved them to your thighs. He rubbed up and down the sides of them and hit them a few times, jiggling them around his head. 

He rubbed your clit with his thumb at a fast pace. He knew you were close by the way your legs were shaking. 

“You gonna cum on my face, Babydoll?” he uttered, tauntingly.

You nodded and pushed his head back down onto you. His face was so buried into you, that he couldn't possibly move his head any closer. 

Once you had came and he pulled his face away, he stood up and yanked his clothes off. He crawled up your body and got to your chest. He laid his head on you and said, “I'm gonna turn you on your side. I wanna fuck your thighs. Lay down and face the mirror, wanna see those pretty faces.” 

You laid on your side and felt him get behind you. He rested his cock on your ass, before slowly sliding through your closed thighs. From what you could tell in the mirror, he threw his head back and said. “God, why haven't I done this before. Almost tighter than your pussy.” He lifted his head to look at you in the mirror. 

He wrapped one of his arms around into the front of you and shoved his thumb in your mouth. “Suck.” he scolded you.

You did exactly as he said, not wanting to know the consequences. He pulled your head to the side to look at him, thumb still in your mouth. “You love your daddy, don't you? Always listening to me. Such a good baby.” 

He pulled out of your thighs and started fucking you. As soon as you felt his cock inside of you, your mouth opened and you threw your head back. “Look. Look in the mirror, baby. Look at that pretty face, all fucked out.” 

Danny was heavily breathing and pulled out after he came. “What happened today? You were very submissive.” he asked you. “Nothing happened. Just like serving you.” you told him. He kissed you and laid down with you. 

“I love you, Princess.” he said to you.

“I love you too, Lover.”

[chasseurdeloup]

Toss a Coin to Your Hunter

TIMING: Early March LOCATION: Another Castle PARTIES:  @eliaskahtri and @chasseurdeloup SUMMARY:  Elias runs into Kaden while he's on the job at the arcade and they both find themselves in unexpected territory. CONTENT WARNINGS: Nerdery, that's it.

It was a Friday night, and Elias was trying to make an effort to go out and do things instead of letting himself rot alone inside. He needed to branch out more if he wanted to make more friends. Another Castle was the arcade below his apartment in the downtown area, so he decided to stop by. He had made sure to wait until past seven so that it was a bit of an older crowd when he arrived. The last thing he needed was to be surrounded by a bunch of college kids while he was in his mid-thirties. 

A Mariokart tournament was going on, and Elias wanted to see what the scene was like. He wasn’t the best at the game, but some friendly competition with people who just wanted to have fun was always an option for getting out and meeting new people. He spotted a familiar face he hadn’t seen in a few months. 

“Kaden?” Elias called out, tilting his head to one side with a curious expression. “Didn’t expect to see you in a place like this. You a fan of arcade games?” The Pacman game to his right beeped, and he looked over, only to see it back on the menu screen. He shrugged, then turned his attention back to the man.

There was one reason and one reason only that would lead Kaden into a place like this: a monster. Or, well, a stray animal. Maybe a ghost. Or a shifter or something, perhaps a curse or– Alright, there were a few reasons why Kaden would walk into an arcade full of loud sounds and bright lights. The point was that none of those reasons were to play games. They didn’t appeal to him much. For one, he never got the chance to play them as a kid so he felt stupid and terrible at every single game he ever attempted. Even though he wasn’t as intense as his sister, he still hated losing. Anytime he tried to play, he was bad, felt bad, and then found himself frustrated. So, good for the people who liked that kind of thing, Kaden just wasn’t one of them.

Instead, he was here due to a call to animal control that Gary promptly wrote off. There were some weird “hamster-looking things with horns chewing through parts of the store,” apparently. Gary informed them that animal control was not pest control, and he wasn’t wrong. Animal control didn’t deal with rodent infestations, even if those rodents were supernatural in nature: snicker-snackers. Which was why Kaden wasn’t there as animal control. Not officially, at least. He told the kid working at the front he was there as animal control, that he was there to help. Best part about working off the job was he wouldn’t have to write up any fucking paperwork about this. 

Kaden crouched down to get a better look at the floor, the machines, the carpet, and anything he could get his eyes on, hunting for any signs of the creatures. A brick or two were wedged under the legs of one pinball machine to keep it balanced, tiny teeth marks etched into the edge of the wood. They were lucky it wasn’t worse. He was about to crawl towards the next machine, see if he could figure out where they might have gone, when he heard his name. 

The ranger jumped and went to stand. Only, he forgot he was underneath a pinball machine. His head thunked against the bottom of the table and he could here clicking and clacking and bells and whistles going off right above him. “Putain!” 

Kaden rubbed the back of his head as he slowly backed his way out from under the arcade game to get a better look at who he was talking to. Merde, that was going to be a bump. “Elias?” he said, raising a brow when he came face to face with the other man. “What are you doing here?” 

A pause. That was a stupid question. “Nevermind. I can guess.” This was very much his sort of scene. “Anyway, just here for a job. Animal control job. All that.”

Surprised by his name being called, Elias whirled his head around to see Kaden rubbing the back of his head with a curious gaze. “Oh, hey!” He replied with a smile. “I live above the place,” he explained with a shrug of his shoulder. “Thought I’d do my best to try and not rot away in my apartment like I want to.” He spoke, realizing maybe he was being a bit too honest with someone that was virtually a stranger. “On a job?” He asked. He knew very little of Kaden, but he knew enough to know that he wasn’t the type to play video games. 

Elias looked over to one of the TV setups, it was on the menu screen for one of the Witcher games. Elias smiled at the idea of the game. It was a compelling story, he’d read the books too. Something about it was drawing him in, though. Like he’d forgotten all about his conversation with Kaden, Elias began to slowly walk toward the machine like it had a siren song calling out to him, his eyes faraway as he slinked toward the machine. It was so entrancing, and in that moment, he felt like he was there. The sudden need to break out into poetry came over him, to flirt with everything that moved… what was happening? He blinked, trying to draw himself away. 

“I think there’s something weird about this game,” he said aloud, not sure if Kaden was still listening or if he’d gone back to what he was doing. “I can’t look away.” He then said, starting to feel as if something magical was afoot. “Hey, Kaden, you see this?” Elias felt his knees start to buckle, and suddenly, the man was passed out on the floor, but really, he was somewhere else entirely. 

Elias Kahtri was no longer a boring, human man. No, he was… a bard! Master Dandelion! Elias blinked and looked around, realizing he was in the center of the town of the game. Oh shit, he thought with wide eyes, looking down at his outfit to realize that he was the sidekick to Geralt. “I’m in the fucking game!” He shouted, drawing the stares of various NPCs.

Kaden’s face scrunched with concern. Rot away in his apartment? Didn’t sound great. Not that it mattered to the ranger one way or another what Elias did or didn’t do with his free time. Something about the statement, though, it was concerning. “Yeah, on a job. You know, animal control.”

Before Kaden had finished his sentence, the man was drifting away towards one of the glowing screens. “Hey, I didn’t think I was that boring,” he said as he craned his neck to get a look at what the hell was going on over there. What could possibly be so distracting about that screen to lose focus that fast? 

His brows narrowed, watching the pixels on the screen. Looked like a standard video game to him, but Elias was entranced, drawing ever closer. “I don’t,” he told the man, “and I think you should step away from the–” 

Elias was sucked up into the game itself before Kaden could say putain.

Merde. Kaden ran over to the screen and felt gravity falling away and the world shifting around him. In the blink of an eye, he was face down in the mud and wearing something strangely heavy. A lot heavier than his usual gear. 

He grumbled as he pushed himself up off the ground, wiping the mud on his pants. Which were leather. And just above the waistband was chainmail. Not to mention the gloves, also leather and something that looked like armor. “Putain?” he said, giving himself another one over before looking around.

They were definitely not inside the arcade anymore but somewhere outside. Somewhere he’d never seen. It looked almost medieval. And Elias was wearing some silly outfit with an even sillier hat and had a lute strapped to his back. “We’re what?!”  he said to the other man. No, that couldn’t be. They were in a game? “What the hell kind of game is this? Don’t fucking tell me I have to save a princess from a castle or some shit.” He muttered more curse words under his breath. “Any clue how the fuck we get out of here?” 

Swallowing, Elias looked over to Kaden to see that he was dressed in heavy leather armor and mud covered his face. “You’re a witcher.” Elias spoke with a grin, suddenly glad that his years of video games were finally paying off in the grand scheme of things. “They kill monsters, but only if they get paid. Which means there are monsters in this world too, except these ones are programmed to attack on sight.” Elias pulled a face at the idea, then shook his head. 

“Well if I know what’s going on correctly, I’m just your sidekick. I write prose and sing about your adventures and triumphs.” Elias pulled the lute off his back and strummed the strings, and it was obvious he had no idea how to play it. It was out of tune and the cacophony of strings made the man wince at his own attempt. “Okay, maybe I won’t sing. That’s… probably for the benefit of all.” He strapped the lute back onto his back, then shrugged his shoulders.

“I know this game. It’s the third Witcher game. It’s a roleplaying game where your decisions shape the game and you have a grand adventure and kill monsters and the big bad guys are this army that when it shows up, everything turns frozen. Elias waved his hands around animatedly as he spoke, beginning to walk through the old-fashioned village. “If I’m right, then this is the start of the game.” 

Elias suddenly snapped a finger, then pointed to Kaden. “Also everyone hates you because you’re a witcher. They call your kind mutants. So… we have to watch out for normal people as well as monsters. Don’t say anything weird and we should be fine. As for getting out, I don’t know. Maybe we have to complete the starting area? Which is by defeating a gryphon…” Elias trailed off, suddenly worried of how they were going to pull that off. “Or… maybe we can find something easier, like a fucking off button.”

Elias was saying a lot of damn words and they might have made sense to him, but they didn’t make any of it make any more sense to Kaden. The one thing he did catch was “kill monsters.” Putain de merde, even in another fucking reality he was hunting goddamn monsters. With a sword, apparently. There was a crossbow on him, too, but it sure as hell wasn’t as powerful as the compound one he had at home. Looked a little useless, if he was being honest. Sword it was, he supposed. While the other man was chattering on, Kaden was trying to figure out what other shit he was carrying on him. He wasn’t sure how the fuck all of it was in one little bag but he figured he should be grateful that the video game logic persisted in this case. There were bottles of strange substances, more weapons, books, some pieces of metal, gems, powder, full hides and… a broken oar? What the fuck?

His gaze shot back up to meet Elias at the word “gryphon.” Kaden blinked back at the man. He couldn’t be serious. And yet, nothing about his countenance suggested that was the case. “A fucking gryphon?” he repeated. “And wait, did you say mutants? I’m a goddamn mutant now?” Then again, he considered what he was normally: a guy with enhanced strength, hearing, tougher than normal skin, and the ability to sense werewolves. Alright, maybe not much had changed. Kaden sighed and wiped a gloved hand down his face. “Fine. Lead the way. I guess.” 

As they started to walk, he realized how goddamn slow he felt. And he couldn’t pick up the pace, not without running. Which sounded exhausting. He glanced around and saw there were horses. “Hey, do I get one of those?” he asked Elias, pointing to one of the horses hitched to a post. 

Elias watched as Kaden slowly came to terms with the reality they found themselves in. “Uh, yeah. You’re a mutant. And you’re judged for it. Instead of being praised for hunting monsters, you’re a mild inconvenience but also useful when needed.” He shrugged his shoulders then pulled the lute off of his back and began to strum it. Having no musical talent, it sounded cacophonous and wrong. “I…” He strummed a few more times, then gave up and put the lute away again. “Okay, maybe not.” He spoke, frowning. “Man, if I’m going to be stuck as a bard, at least give me magical musical talent.” He complained, kicking at the dirt under his foot. 

“Yeah, a gryphon! We’ll… totally get our asses kicked. I’m not a fighter.” He scratched at the back of his neck, the reality of their situation finally kicking in. As they walked along the path, Elias stopped in his tracks as Kaden pointed to a bay horse. “Actually…” He took a good look at the horse, then grinned. “That’s actually your horse!” He told Kaden with a bright smile. “Name’s Roach, isn’t she a beauty? Call her, she’ll probably come to you if the theory that you’re Geralt is to be believed…” He trailed off, lost in thought as he tried to remember the details of a game he hadn’t played in quite a long time. 

Elias took the other horse that was next to Roach, deciding that the person didn’t need it. It was a video game after all, he could do what he wanted, right? Only problem was, he had never ridden a horse in his entire life. He stared up at it, then frowned. “I… should probably walk.” He decided, nervous.

“Of fucking course they to,” Kaden grumbled. The reality of what that actually meant hit him a little slower. “Hold on, that means people know about the supernatural?” He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He’d be lying if he said he’d never wondered what life would be like if the supernatural were less of a secret, if he didn’t have to hide what he was or how he grew up. He wondered if life would be better, or at least easier. Sounded like he was fucked either way if this world he landed in was anything to go by. 

“Roach? The horse’s name is Roach? Putain de merde.” Who the fuck named their horse that? Nevermind, didn’t matter. “Uh, come here, Roach,” he called out to her. The mare looked at him questioningly (as much as a horse could), but trotted over all the same. He was thankful that his horseback riding skills have improved dramatically since he started dating Monty. It was easy to pull himself up into the saddle, even with the armor he was wearing. And Roach seemed agreeable enough. 

He raised a brow as he watched Elias approach the other horse. It was clear he was not as familiar with horses and that, despite being in this fucking video game, they didn’t have skills beyond their normal arsenal. Right. That was concerning. If the gryphon was anything like he was imagining, he was pretty sure he didn’t have the skills to take it down by his damn self. Especially since he was going to take a wild guess that he wasn’t getting his hands on a shotgun anytime soon. 

Kaden rolled his eyes at the man’s declaration that he’d walk. That was going to be too goddamn slow and left him even more vulnerable than he already was. “Come on,” he said as he reached down to grab Elias’s arm, pulling him up onto the back of the horse, seated just behind Kaden. “Probably a good idea to hold on.” 

He nudged the horse ahead and they began trotting down the path. For some goddamn reason, there were villagers just constantly in his way. Kaden did his best to steer past them, but Roach didn’t seem to be as dexterous or responsive as most horses he was used to. “Hey, watch it!” one man yelled out as he dodged out of the way. Another woman yelped. “Don’t walk in the fucking roads!” Kaden shouted back but it didn’t seem to deter them from their predetermined loops. “Who the fuck makes people walk in front of a goddamn horse?” he grumbled to himself.

It was then he realized he wasn’t even sure if they were headed the right way. He sort of just picked a direction. Kaden considered pausing to ask one of the people wandering around but the dirty looks they shot him didn’t make him want to strike up any conversation. He was going to assume he was headed down the right path since, well, it was a path in a video game after all. How hard could it be to navigate?

Roach started to get nervous and skittish as they neared a small patch of water along the road. “Is she scared of water or something?” he asked Elias as if there would be a simple explanation from the video game… rules or whatever it was. It wasn’t like it was deep, there was no reason the horse couldn’t cross it. They wouldn’t even have to jump to get to the other side. Hell, he was pretty sure it might go up as high as his ankles. Kaden urged the horse forward anyway and Roach listened, but was still uneasy. Whatever, it was probably nothing, some way to teach a player how to gallop or some shit. Either way, he was sticking to trotting while he had an extra passenger on the horse with him.

If he had looked to either side of the path as they reached the middle, he might have noticed the bubbling at the surface of the water. He might have reconsidered his decision to not go faster than a trot. Instead, inhuman screams rang out and the water splashed around them as three ghoulish creatures popped out of the water, bringing with them the stench of foul water and decay. They were blue, scaley, and Kaden sure didn’t miss the jagged teeth and sharp claws. “Putain de merde! What the fuck are those?!” he shouted while Roach did her best to keep calm while she was clearly freaking out. Shit, they didn’t have time to learn what those were. Fuck this.

”Hold on!” he shouted to Elias as he kicked Roach into a gallop. So much for not faster than a trot.

_____

“Not only do these people know about them but it’s a normal occurrence. Just another day as far as they’re concerned.” Elias shrugged a shoulder, looking at all the townspeople. “God, can you imagine living in a world like this?” He spoke, glad to have indoor plumbing and no cockatrices. “Yeah, the horse’s name is Roach. Appreciate her! Love her! Treat her with the respect she deserves!” Elias retorted with a frown. 

Before he could protest, Elias was on the back of a horse. God, this was wrong. He didn’t like it one bit. “Kaden, this is such a bad idea,” Elias spoke, his fear of the gentle beasts coming to the surface. Then, the horse started moving and Elias was quick to grab onto Kaden to keep himself from falling off. 

“Hey, the NPCs aren’t supposed to be smart,” Elias mentioned with a roll of his eyes as Kaden complained after nearly trampling a few people. He watched in partial fascination and partial horror as the landscape went by. “We’ve got to stop getting into things whenever we run into each other,” he remarked with a smirk. Then, the horse started to get freaked out. “Oh, those are drowners!” Elias spoke, pointing to the blue-colored things coming straight for them. 

Before he knew it, they were taking off down the path before the things could get their hands on them, and Elias felt his grip tighten for dear life. “Oh this is nuts!” Elias complained as the horse galloped along. “I mean, how are we going to get out of here? Are we stuck in the Witcher world forever? I can’t play the lute!” Elias felt himself spiraling at the concept of being stuck there. Not to mention Kaden didn’t really fit Geralt’s part either. 

“Man, I mean I could have been anyone in this game, and I’m Dandelion.” He continued. “He’s woman-obsessed and a genius with words. I’m neither of those things.” Elias frowned and shook his head at the idea of being someone like Dandelion.

It was in the midst of Elias’s complaining when a terrifying screech came from above them. Elias looked up, and there it was. Swooping right for them was the gryphon from the beginning of the game. “Oh, we’re done for!” Elias shouted, pointing up at the creature. “Run, Roach! Run!” He demanded, pulling out Geralt’s, no… Kaden’s sword and pointing it up at the creature. “Back off!” He demanded, knowing it would do little to deter the beast.

Roach kept running, but started to make scared whinnies and as the large bird creature swooped closer. “Oh, we’re going to die here!” Elias shouted, squeezing his eyes shut. This was it, goodbye world! The gryphon’s talons were pointed straight for them, and they made contact when– he opened his eyes and he was on the ground of the arcade next to Kaden, who was still unconscious. The game had been stopped. Elias blinked up at the worker who was staring down at him with wide eyes. 

Elias blinked a few times before forcing himself up onto his feet, disoriented. He was just holding Geralt’s sword and about to meet his end. Shit, was Kaden still in the game? Elias whirled back to look at Kaden, who was slowly coming to. “Oh thank god,” Elias muttered as he noticed the man blink a few times. “What happened?” He asked the worker, who just held their hands up. “I dunno man, you two just passed out.” The guy spoke, taking a step back. “It’s only my first day, I dunno.” Elias waved a hand, telling the kid that they’d be alright, and put his hand out to Kaden to help him up. “You alright?”

_____

A string of French curse words left Kaden’s mouth as they sprinted from the drowning monsters or whatever they were only to run into the aforementioned gryphon. At least that’s what he assumed was attached to big goddamn talons and horrendous shrieking.  “Hey!” he shouted when he noticed Elias had taken one of the swords for himself. “Do you know what you’re doing with that?!” He grumbled some more and then reached for the other sword that was on his back. Lucky there were two, he supposed. 

Kaden couldn’t say he had a plan of attack beyond just that: attack. He had faced bies and catoblepones, he could face a goddamn gryphon. He shouted back and thrust the sword up towards the beast’s talons as they swooped in towards them. 

Before the blade even made contact, the world went black around him and everything faded away. He groaned as he came back to life on the other side of the screen, pain shooting through his side as he lifted himself up off the floor. Putain de merde, whatever position he’d landed in wrecked hell on his spine. “Passed out you say?” Kaden felt his head to see if there were any bumps that would explain the hallucination from that game or whatever. It had to be that, right? If the kid was saying that they passed out. 

Only, Elias was there, too, and he looked just as startled. Fucking hell, had they really been sucked into that game? “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said with an added wince as he stood. “Back disagrees but I think it’ll get over it. Comparatively.” He looked over at the screen that they had been sucked into – black, empty, lifeless now that the console was turned off for the night. “That happened, right?” he said looking back at Elias. What the fuck kind of supernatural bullshit led to this, anyway? Maybe it was some fae bullshit or spellcasting gone awry. “Glad that’s over. I don’t think I’m going to become a gamer anytime soon.” Too much like real life. 

[androgynousblackbox]

Can't Remember To Forget You. 6 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

Alastor took care of preparing everything. It had been a too long while since he had a date with Lucifer. He couldn't just half assed it.

First, the menu that he was going to cook. That was easy enough to decide, knowing Lucifer's preferences outside of the cannibal dishes that they both enjoyed was an advantage. It took a surprisingly long amount of time to convince the man to let him do it in the first place, but he finally did it. He wasn't just going to order take out or something tacky like that.

Second, the place itself was still going to be just the Hotel, just as he promised, but the eating are would be their lobby. With just a few illusion spells and tables set up, it would look not that different than any other restaurant where they could go. All the other residents would have their own meals around them, but a little away to let them have as much privacy as they could want. His minions could occupy more space in order to truly sell the aesthetic he was going for.

They didn't need to get out anywhere to have as normal of an experience as everyone else had. He had proven to his husband that once by setting up a jazz club at the palace, after they had decided to have an actual relationship. In a way, it was fitting that after the unconventional way they started, they would keep the tradition alive by having their first date after already having a child together. Surely Lucifer would appreciate the humor in that when they shook hands.

As for the third final thing to take care of, Alastor thought he had taken care of that already. But apparently he was the only one who had that opinion when Angel came to his room, asking to see what he was going to wear. Alastor had no plan of showing him anything, but the spider demon unfortunately had eyes, was taller than him and he had already displayed his suits on his bed, going over which ones he was going to pick.

"You must be kidding me" Angel slipped under his arm holding the door despite his height and went inside, ignoring the growing static sound behind him. He moved around the bed, shaking his head despite the tentacles about to grab him to take him out. "Please, tell me that you are joking with this."

The tentacles stopped mid air.

"What is so funny about any of them?" asked Alastor, more than a little peeved.

Those were his best suits in his entire wardrove. He had to go to the palace itself for them. The one he used during his first official date with Lucifer was there and he was heavily inclined towards it, for nostalgia's sake at least.

"Okay, let me say it like this" Angel joined his four hands in front of him, as if asking patience from Heaven. Then he made a gesture towards all the suits. "Do you want to get hubby back? None of this is get hubby back clothing. He will see all this fancy shit and think why bother, this guy clearly has it all figured out, he is so proper and put together, he doesn't need me, I better keep my distance to avoid all of us the trouble and then good luck trying to get into his pants ever again."

"That is blatantly absurd" said Alastor, grabbing his black and red suit with a finished designed of skulls across the jacket that could only be seen under the movement of the light. "Lucifer has already seen me in all of them. This one I had it on when I proposed to him, he liked it already."

"Mmm-mmm" Angel nodded, bending forward as he put a hand under his chin, "and you don't think there is going to be any difference between that Lucifer that had already being with you for decades at that point and this new Lucifer who thinks is going to get on his first ever date, not only with you, but literally with anyone ever since who the fuck knows how long?"

Alastor put the suit back on the bed, calmly, fixing up any wrinkles that may or may not exist. He was not about to admit he did not consider that as a possible factor.

"Your point being?" asked, squeezing his jaw tight.

"If you want to attract this man, you have to be more obvious than this" Angel sighed, crossing his multiple arms. "Give him some eye candy. A reason to turn his brain off and fall for you all over again."

"You do realize this is merely one step to get him to make a deal, right?" Alastor could feel his smile twitching at the side of his nose. This whole conversation felt so stupid. "This is not about trying to rekindle his feelings for me. I just need him to trust me enough to give me his hand. Everything else will be back to how it was always meant to be after that."

Angel shook his head slightly, as if he wasn't seeing the obvious.

"What do you think the turning off his brain is supposed to accomplish in this scenario? Look, don't get me wrong, you did look hot on that one, but hot enough to the point I would trust you with a deal off the bat? Nah. I am just trying to teach you the cheat code to get a man to want to give you their life in one night."

"I don't need a cheat code" Alastor glared at him and finally grabbed the spider demon on his tentacles, elevating him on the air. "I don't need to cheat at all" The mere suggestion was offensive for him, like someone telling him how to simplify the job he did just well for years already. He huffed, barring his teeth. "Why do you even care? None of this is of any concern for you."

"Are you asking for real?" Angel stared at him upside down. Alastor could see that he was trying to frown, but wasn't managing the whole way through and a second later looked away. "Dude, you… you freed me. I know you did it because you think you owe it to Husk, but still. That fucking means something. So, maybe I don't know shit about how to make deals or whatever, but I know a thing or two about men in dates and if I can put it to good use, then why not, you know?"

"You think you owe me?" asked Alastor, rising an eyebrow. "Because you don't. My debt was with Husk and I paid it. If you want to thank anyone, thank him."

"Bitch, you have no fucking clue how any of this works, don't you?" Angel took a deep breath. "I told you, I don't care why you did it. This is not about debts or repaying or keeping it even or whatever bullshit you have going in your head. I want to do something nice for you because you did something nice for me. If after that I can still help you, I will do what I can even if you don't do anything else" He took another breath, blinking fast now. "I am never paying you back anyway. Nothing I ever do will be enough. So let me do this one thing just because. Okay?"

Alastor sneared. Angel did have quite a lot more experience than he did on romantic pursuits. When he was alive, all the dates he went to were just to weed out persistent suitors who didn't take the hint or out of curiosity, only to realize by the end he still did not care about them in that way. Lucifer was in another field that he was, no longer playing by the same rules that he knew worked the best on him. Back then, untying a bowtie was all he needed to do to get Lucifer's full attention. Maybe just listening what the spider could say could offer some fresh perspective. In the worse case escenario, he could just throw him out of a window anyway.

He turned away as he let his tentacles dissapeared at once, letting Angel to just hit the floor. Alastor stood closing his eyes. This was for the sake of Lucifer, for their family. He would do anything for either. Including this.

"What do you suggest?" asked, still tense.

"Fuck" Angel sighed as he stand up, rubbing his lower back. Only after he straighten up and shook his head, he regained his usual composure. "Okay. If we are doing this, we are doing it well. First, none of this" pointed at the bed. "Can I see into your closet now so I know with what are we working with?"

At least this time he did ask. Alastor rolled his eyes and gave a half hearted shrug as a response. Correctly reading it as a positive, Angel opened up the door and went over. For a few minutes he would see a piece and ponder about it, only to then shake his head and look something else. As he went deeper into it, Alastor's center was vibrating with barely contained static.

Finally, Angel perked up.

"Oh, now we are talking about! I was willing to borrow you something, but this baby could be it" Alastor almost shuddered to think wearing anything that had been on top of the spider's body. Who knew where that thing could have been before. When Angel came out his closet, holding what caught his attention from the hanger, Alastor tilted his head. That? "I didn't know you had it in you, Alastor! How come there is only one?"

He shrugged. What was so especial about that?

"Not my usual style. Lucifer gave it to me" commented and that detail made him consider it again. "For a date he had prepared."

"Perfect then! Then we know already he digs it!" Angel let the clothing hang in front of him, nodding enthusiastically. "Yep, yep, this is definitely the thing! He will follow you to the end of Hell wearing this."

He already was willing to do that before Heaven intervened. Alastor shouldn't be trying so hard to get what was rightfully his already. Alastor shook his head to shoo the thought. Later, when all of this was over, they could both rant about it.

"Well" said, taking the hanger himself, "I guess this will be enough then."

"Oh, no, Al, we are barely starting" Angel put two arms on his waist while he crossed the other. "That thing is cute, but we still need to make it justice. Do you still have the accesories? We may need to update those."

"Accesories?"

Angel rubbed his brow between two fingers.

"Oh, boy, we have work to do."

--

Charlie was checking box after box in her clipboard in her hands. Everything had to come out as perfect as it was possible. If her parents had a nice date, then Lucifer was going to trust in Alastor more and thus set the ground work for him to accept a deal. Granted, she had never made a deal before, less than anything with her papa, but that just made sense to her. She would have made a deal with Vaggie after their first official date if there was any need for it. Along with anything Vaggie asked of her. So working on setting up everything felt right for her.

A part of her, that usually she tried to ignore, couldn't helpt to wonder what was taking dad so long. Papa was the devil, so that had to mean something about how good he was at spotting bad or good deals, but dad's entire life in Hell had been making deal and this would be literal the best one any of them could do. Maybe she was missing some nuisances in the whole process. Something that had to be treated carefully and wasn't as easy as "hey, you agree to take my hand and I agree to give it to you, what else you need, pal." Dad had to know what he was doing. That is why he was the overlord in the family.

She just missed how things were. Not having to pretend that Alastor was not part of her family was harder than she expected. Pretend that everything was perfectly fine. Pretend she didn't know the exact reason why papa was more prone to succumb to his depression than he ever was before. He might not remember it himself, but somewhere on him knew that he was missing something important.

However, no matter how bad she wanted to change everything, dad had to go through it even worse. She might not have the shine ability of papa to see love, but she didn't need to either to see that Alastor was struggling. She could see it in the way that he second guessed himself when being around Lucifer. Where before there wouldn't be any hesitation on reaching out and enter in contact, more often than not Charlie saw her dad staying with his hand in the air or stopping himself from coming too close. The way that Alastor kept staring at Lucifer whenever they shared the same space, intensively, as if that alone somehow was going to break the spell, was just painful to witness. The fact that she had never seen that side of her own father was only all the more motivation to get everything in order, create the right atmosphere, do whatever it was needed.

All the tables were set, all the food was ready to given. Most dishes prepared by the cooks from the palace, but the ones destined for Lucifer and Alastor were made by the radio demon himself and set to a side before he went to prepare himself. It smelled all delicious, spicy, and comforting in the air. The rockola of Alastor was already set up in a corner to provide the music. Charlie looked down to her little assistant strapped to her chest and patted their head.

"Do not worry, little sibling. We are all going to be have our family back in no time" assured them, even though Artemis had no worries at all. But they still cooed softly in response to her words and Charlie took that as enough. As she let them grab her fingers to play with, she grabbed her hand with the other hand and put it against her face. "Everything is ready in our side!" said as soon her call pick up. "Waiting for further instructions! Over!"

"Charlie, we are using our phones, not walkie talkies" Emily chuckled at the other side. "No need for over."

"But it's fun to pretend! Artemis totally agrees with me! Right, little sib?" cooed, presenting the phone to Artemis, who jumped a bit while making a baby sound for her. "See? Over."

"Well, can't argue with that logic" Emily chuckled again. "Alright, if everything is done over there, then we only need the guests of honors. I will check on papa while you go get dad ready" After a beat she added: "Over."

"Roger that, sis! I am on my way to papa's room. Let's make this a great night. Over and out! That means we can hang now!"

"Oh, okay. See you later, you two! Over and out!"

"Love you!" Charlie said as her goodbye, closing the call.

Emily sighed, watching her phone. Falling from Heaven and into hell had truly installed a bunch of new abilities she quickly had to learn. Like just full faced lying to her sister to not add to the stress she was already carrying.

Because if she said that she had already gone to check on papa and he had locked up in his bathroom for the past 10 minutes, that could be somewhat demotivational and that wasn't the attitude they needed tonight. She could handle this. She totally could. Totally.

Taking a deep breath, Emily went over the thankfully small pile of duckies in the floor to knock on the bathroom's door.

"Papa?" called again. "I am sorry, but if you are not going to open, I going to have to come inside. Is that okay with you?"

For a second she though that he wouldn't respond, but then the soft voice of Lucifer reached her.

"Okay."

"Here I come" warned still, opening a small portal and landing inside of the bathroom. She easily found the top of Lucifer's head standing up over the edge of his empty bathtub. As she moved closer, the king curled himself on a tighter ball, burrying his face between the legs against his chest. He looked even smaller than usual. "Papa" said, gently. She doubted for a moment, but finally she did reach out to pet the blonde hair. "What is wrong?"

"Oh, nothing, sweetie" Lucifer sighed, without lifting his head. "I just suddenly realized this is going to be my very first date in more than a thousand years and maybe there is a good reason for it."

"But you never had a date with Alastor before" Emily tried to add some enthusiasm to her voice. Once she was convinced that it was to the sake of avoiding more harm, it was easy to lie. She had become so used to it since Lucifer returned from Heaven. "You never know. It could be fun."

"With the father of the child I didn't even know I had until a few days ago. A child he didn't know was mine either during the whole thing" Lucifer's shoulder agitated with a wheeze, a laugh that never completed itself. "No pressure at all."

"Don't say that" Emily sighed, getting in the tub to sit in front of him. "Alastor does not care about any of that anymore, papa. He understands you had no choice."

"I mean, that is not entirely true, isn't it? I could have chosen to not get blasted enough that I couldn't even remember wishing to have a child with a fallen I barely knew in the first place" Lucifer pressed his head harder against his knee, groaning. "You would think that I would know better than that by now."

"Okay, so you didn't plan for any of it, so what?" Emily came a little closer, placing a hand over the one Lucifer was using to hold his legs. "Alastor is happy now that Artemis has their father. Artemis is happy with you as their father, just like me and Charlie are. What does it matter now how it happened?"

Lucifer took a shaky breath in, tensing up.

"It matters because I don't know what I am doing" said finally. His body started to rock itself back and forth. "I should have never let any of you convince me into this. What I am supposed to do if everything goes wrong? What if Alastor decides he doesn't want Artemis to live here anymore? They are going to grow up hearing that their father was too much of a fuck up to bother with. They could reject my last name altogether and take Alastor's instead because why would you want to carry the name of a man that didn't raise you?"

"Or" suggested Emily softly. "Or everything turns out okay. You both have a good time, regardless of what you decide to do after that, and Artemis grows up just fine with two parents that get along most of the time, with us. A normal happy family in Hell where we all do our best and care for each other."

The rocking of Lucifer didn't stop, even though now his chuckle could be heard clearly.

"Yeah, right. That sounds realistic."

That hurt a little, or maybe more than a little, but Emily ignore it.

"It is. We have managed between ourselves, haven't we? We can add two more" Emily sighed. "Papa… Alastor won't ran away even if this date isn't perfect. He wants you to be there for Artemis too."

"A couple of weeks is not enough to decide to raise a kid with someone. He has no idea who I am."

"What is there to know?" Emily came closer, wrapping her arms around the figure of Lucifer. "That you sing while you cook? That you give the best hugs in all of Hell that I have ever had? That you saw a fallen angel you had no relation, no reason to help at all, and gave her a home? Is that supposed to be a deterrent?"

"Sweetie…"

"No" Emily sniffled, containing herself. "That is my papa you are talking. I won't have you talking badly about him. Maybe I didn't grow up with you like Charlie did, and I was never a baby in the first place, but if I did, I know you would have done a fantastic job raising me. Artemis is so lucky they will get to experience that" She moved her head slightly, hugging him tighter. "This is just a date. Just think of it like going out to eat with a friend, because that is what you are doing. Regardless of what happenes tonight, nobody is going away anywhere. If there are any problem, we handled it. I promise you, it will be okay."

It felt like a long time passed before Lucifer sighed and lifted his arms to hug her, locking hands in her back. He didn't say anything at first, so Emily just squeezed him just as much as he did. Finally, the tiny king swallowed up.

"You would have been the cutest baby ever" said, choked up, and Emily had to laugh, even as her eyes overflowed.

"Yeah? Well, you would be the expert here, I suppose" said, separating a little, just enough to whipe her cheeks with one hand. "I have only seen Artemis and pictures of Charlie as a reference."

"No doubt about it" Lucifer patted her hair. Emily finally had a chance to see his face, blushing gold, still avoiding her gaze. "I am sorry. You must think I am so stupid."

"Never" Emily kissed his cheek and wrapped his neck on her arms. "I told you, stop talking bad about my papa or I will… do something."

"Scary" Lucifer chuckled softly.

Emily tighten up her hug.

"You have every right to feel however you want to feel, papa. You are no stupid for that. But also remember to have a little faith, okay? You are here at home with all of us. There is nothing we can't all handle together. It will be fine. Dare I say, fun too?"

Lucifer sighed deeply.

"I guess it's too late to turn back now, huh?"

"Very much so late. Super late" Emily moved away, keeping her hands on the shoulders of the man. "Artemis was so looking forward to be your waiter."

"Oh, well. In that case" Lucifer inhaled, standing up on his bathtub. He came out there and offered a hand to help Emily do the same, that she accepted, "I better not make your little sibling wait for long."

--

"Dad?" called Charlie, knocking in the door of the room next to the nursery. She could hear some static coming from the inside. "Everything okay? Can I come in?"

"Everything is fine, dear" Alastor's voice reached her with a light groan. "If you must."

"I do, thank you" Charlie opened up and closed behind her before turning to see her dad, sitting on a chair in front of his desk. The desk that was filled with make up, brushes, sponges and other things that it wasn't difficult to see wasn't from the radio demon originally. But the thing that immediately caught her attention wasn't any of that. "Oh, dad!" squealed, coming over to where Angel was standing, bending over to see his work. She gasped, holding her cheeks. "You look beautiful!"

"Told you" said Angel, casually giving Alastor's cheek a little puff of his fluffy brush.

Alastor himself looked one second away from biting the spider demon, but did relax a little upon seeing his own fawn. Charlie already knew it wasn't the the outfit or even the make up that truly bothered him. It was the letting someone that wasn't a family member anywhere close to his face without being part of a meal.

"If you say so" respond Alastor with a shrug.

"I do say so! Come on, let me see you up!" Charlie took the hands of Alastor and cooed upon seeing his claws shiny, polished.

She kept pulling until Alastor finally stand up. As soon she let go, the man crossed his arms.

The red dress he was wearing was velvetty red, long enough to fall around his feet elevated with red heels with gold straps. The neck was a thin V that finished on the back of his neck, letting some of his chest fluff to stand out, but keeping the illusion of a filling chest. To finish the framming of Alastor's figure, the skirt had an opening that went up his thigh, constantly revealing the leg as it gathered at the waist. A thin gold bracelet matched with both the heel and the fake earrings attached to his ears, connected by a chain to each other like the suggestion of a crown.

"Turn around!"

Alastor rolled his eyes, but it was her asking, so he did just that, revealing a uncovered back, where the scars of his wings were clearly visible, before returning to his previous position. Charlie clapped.

"Oh, I remember now. You used this dress before, right?"

"Your father gave it to me" Alastor sighed, putting a hand on his waist. "Not my usual style of clothing, but he seemed to like it at least."

"I bet he will love it now! You look so pretty! Isn't he, Arty?"

Artemis cooed softly. Alastor bended over to caress their cheek cheek and earned himself a goofy smile in return.

"See? They totally agree!"

Alastor chuckled slightly.

"Clearly, you both would know better than me."

"You are welcome, by the way" said Angel, closing his compact, hiding it between the fluff of his chest. He started to gather all his supplies from the desk back into his bag. "Charlie, be honest, wouldn't you be dying to shake the hand of someone that looked like this? The hotter they are, the most trustworthy, of course. Nobody can resist a good contour. Not to toot my own horn, but if you end up with a new sibling after this, I am taking the credit."

The sound of a record being destroyed in real time ripped the air.

"Angel, this is my dad still so maybe don't" Charlie laughed nervously.

"I think you had enough participation in this already" Alastor snapped his fingers.

Angel just rolled his eyes, accepting his fate as the black tentacles emerged from the ground. From him losing contact with the floor and then carried outside the room, passed merely a few seconds before he was thrown out to the hallway.

"You know I am right, Al!" reached the voice of Angel to them before the tentacles closed the door.

Alastor groaned, rubbing his temple. He didn't had time to be irritated for long before Charlie hugged him by the side, as strong as she could.

"How are you doing, dad?" asked softly, looking up.

"Honestly, at this point I just want to have dinner" Alastor sighed, patting her head between the antlers. He understood the question was more for Charlie's benefit than his own. "Dear, I had plenty of dates with your father already. One more does not make much of a difference."

"But things are different now" Charlie sighed, nuzzling his side. "Papa is… different. I know he always had his issues, I understand, but now they seem worse. I only remember seeing him like that when you… well, you know."

When he got killed during the Extermination and they thought he was gone forever. Alastor rubbed her shoulder, giving her a firm squeeze.

"He is still Lucifer at the end of the day" assured her. "Regardless of what happened, I recognize the same man. I can handle it. It will be fine, my dear."

Charlie inhaled deeply and squeezed him back with one arm.

"Good luck, dad. Love you."

Alastor hummed and bended to kiss her forehead. Then another one for Artemis when he made a sound that demanded attention.

"You, little one, need to get prepared too" said gently, booping their nose. "The costumer service needs to be up to standard, doesn't it? What are the food critics going to say if one of the waiters is going around with just an bunny onesie?"

"I almost forgot!" Charlie clapped her hands together and ran to the door. "Everything else is ready, dad. We only need the two of you!"

With that, Alastor was left alone. He looked himself on his biggest mirror. His ears twitched slightly, making the golden chains to move. That was another way to call attention to them, one of the features already knew Lucifer was inclined to appreciate. Ever since Lucifer find out about Artemis, Alastor didn't saw any need to keep using his ilusion spell inside of the hotel when it wasn't needed, so the face looking back at him was slightly different than the one who first used that dress.

But it was always him, no matter how much he changed. Heaven could never take that away from him. Just like Lucifer was still the same man he came to know for decades at his side. One single deal, that was all he needed and then Lucifer would know him just as well.

He checked on his watch and then put it again on a hidden pocket inside the skirt. He didn't need it like when Lucifer originally made it for him, but it was comforting to know that it was there, to feel its weight against him. A reminder that this was all worth it, that it was real.

Nodding to himself, he came out his room. His tentacles made sure to take the skirt out of his way so there was no risk of stepping on it. Heels were never a comfortable wear, but it was going to be a cold day in Hell before Alastor walked with anything less than total confidence with them. As he came out to the entrance of the lobby, he saw the circular tables arranged across it and a small furniture like the true host of a restaurant would have.

Emily had already changed into a light blue busines suit, bending over as she spoke with Lucifer sitting on the first step of the stairs. From his position he couldn't see much besides the white jacket the king was wearing and that it wasn't the same jacket that he wore normally. As he grabbed to the bar at his side to descend, Alastor willed his tentacles to be ready if he happened to slip, while at the same time willing himself to not slip.

When he came closer, Emily finally lifted her eyes to him and straighten up.

"Papa" called softly, without lowering her head.

"Oh, shit" let out Lucifer, jumping out of the step and fixing up his suit quickly.

It was, just as Alastor imagined, one that he had only seen in very rare ocassions when Lucifer bothered with a social gathering. White pants on top of brown shoes, right under a white vest matching the jacket. The only points of a different colors being the embroidery details in gold on both the chest pocket and the lapel and the red tie on top of a soft lilac buttoned up. It all just complemented the figure of the king perfectly, making him look more imposing, more square. But of course the thing that completed the look was the face of the monarch as he lifted to him.

Alastor swallowed up at the rapid beating in his chest. Something that beautiful had no right to exist, none of at all, but since it did, he had no option to treat it like it didn't make him wish to get his hands all over the man. There would be time for that later. For now, he had to be patient. As he descended to their level, he casually flicked his hair back as he didn't feel the red eyes looking at him all over. The only thing he cared about was a note of recognition, the sign of a piece of a memory slipping through the cracks. For a singular second he thought he got that, only for Lucifer shake his head slightly and leave only the amazed look planted instead. It wasn't a bad look on him. But it wasn't either what he wanted the most.

"I hope I wasn't too late" commented casually, since nobody was saying anything.

Lucifer swallowed up and stand near him, offering his arms for him. The gesture was automatic, just a mere courtesy towards one's date.

"N-no. No. No, not at all" managed to say finally, clearing his throat. "Y-y-you…" he grunted, frustrated with himself, forcing to try again. "You look very nice. I… I wasn't expecting it, actually."

"Oh, this old rag?" Alastor chuckled lightly as he hold the arm of Lucifer as he made the last steps. "It's just a little something I happened to find in my closet and didn't wear in a while, so might as well. You yourself are not that bad, your Majesty. Sorry, I meant Lucifer" said with a teasing note.

Lucifer blushed more than a little and coughed into his head, looking away.

"Th-th-thank you" said, looking down and shaking his head again. "Uh… Host" As if suddenly remembering that Emily was standing just there, Lucifer made a gesture towards her. "Uhm… place, please?"

"Of course!" Emily perked up, smiling big as she guided them towards a table at the very end, almost covered in curtains so there were secluded. With her, the other residents of the hotel started to wait for their turn, dressed up just as elegantly to fit with the theme. "Please, have a seat you two. Our very adorable waiters will be with you in a bit!" She turned to leave, but then she bended over to squeeze Alastor's shoulder. "You look amazing, by the way."

"Thank you, dear" Alastor patted her hand and smiled at her for a moment before they both let go.

"Oh" commented Lucifer with a light chuckle. "I didn't know you and Emily got along that way. I don't… think I have ever seen you letting anyone touch you like that. Not saying that is a bad thing or anything, obviously, your space your rules, just… yeah."

"She has been a very kind young woman ever since I met her" Alastor shrugged slightly. "I don't mind such gestures coming from those I consider close."

"I-I see" Lucifer coughed against, resting his elbows in the air as he inclined forward. without meeting his eyes. "I-I am really sorry, I am so rusty at this I don't really know what to say."

"That is okay" Alastor put a napkin on his lap and supported his elbow in the table too, in order to rest his chin on his palm. "How about your latest creation? How is that going?" Getting Lucifer to talk about something he was already interested in was usually the way to get him to not think so much about his words, to just relax.

"I-uhm" Lucifer looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "I haven't actually done much of anything new lately."

"A lot of work?" suggested Alastor, snapping a fingers. His rockola started to play music on the background as the other tables were being filled in. Lucifer looked over at the other residents, a light flinch not escaping Alastor's eyes. "Being a king of an entire realm can't be easy" added to try to distract him.

"No. I mean, yes. But no, it's… I don't know, lack of motivation, I guess? I have ideas, but end up doing nothing with them. Just the same duckies of always, over and over."

"I am sure it's just temporary. Every creative person goes through that."

Lucifer sighed, finally looking up to him. The eyebags were still there, even if he knew for a fact that Lucifer had been sleeping better with a radio at his side. It seemed he wanted to say something when suddenly Charlie, carrying Artemis on her chest, stand at the side of their table.

"Good evening, gentlemen!" said with a pretend french accent, twisting her fake moustache. Lucifer's face light up at seeing her, but then melted at seeing that Artemis also had his own little waiter costume, a replica of their sister's in smaller scape, with another moustache to match. "We welcome you to the Hazbin Plaza and hope you are having a lovely time. These are your menus. We are the unstoppable duo of loyal waiters to come take your orders" she said very formally, giving them their options. "Right, Artemis?"

"Bah!" Artemis agreed, nomming their hand.

They ended up with a single piece of laminated paper painted and drawn by her, with one meal at the front of it all with only one whine under the drinks section.

"Oh, sheez, I don't know!" said Lucifer with a more comfortable chuckle, lifting a hand to play with the hooves of Artemis. "You seem like a smart and sophisticated kind of person to me if I ever saw one. What is your recommendation for tonight, buddy?"

"Let me check!" said Charlie, blowing raspberries on the blonde head of the baby, who immediately giggled happily. The fake french accent now completely forgotten. "Yes, yes, yes, you are so right. They say that you should totally have the pork chops with apple sauce. They are to die for. Then some red whine to accompany it and for dessert, well, ice cream never fails!"

"That sounds positively delightful. The chef who prepared that surely must have done an exceptional job to get a high recommendation from such a knowledgeable source" said Alastor, giving the menu back. "I will have just that then."

"Me too" Lucifer did as well, shaking slightly the other hand of Artemis, something that had the baby drooling with a happy smile. "See you later, buddy. I wouldn't want to retain you during your work."

"Two orders coming right up!" announced Charlie, unnecesarily saluting. "We will be back in no time. Have a very agreeable conversation until then!"

With that, she moved over to the kitchen. Lucifer followed them all the way, sending a little wave to them. His smile was bigger, sincere, and it makes him so much more handsome like that.

"Fuck, remind me to take a picture of them later" commented with a grin. "Wasn't that the cutest thing you have ever seen in your life? My poor heart almost can't take it" sighed, blisfully.

Alastor did not have the ability of high ranking angels to see when someone was feeling love in their heart. But he liked to imagine that Lucifer looking at their children could have illuminated the entire hotel by himself.

"I guess we have to thank the parents they come from for that" commented with a smirk and Lucifer seemed caught off guard for a moment, until the meaning of those words fully sink in and he blushed again, but trying to cover it up with a chuckle.

"Smooth" admitted after a beat. "You… are you sure you don't have a lot more experience on this?"

"Positive" Alastor saw the hand Lucifer left on the table and made a minimal movement towards it. Before he could reach him, though, Lucifer brought it back to his lap. "I am just used to make conversation anyway, I suppose. Radio is a living medium, after all. If you don't learn to keep talking, there is only silence for the other side and to hear nothing you wouldn't need a radio."

"I noticed that" Lucifer grabbed the napkin on the table and started twisting it on his hands. "You are good at improvising."

"Years of practice, dear" let out slip, waiting to see if Lucifer had a negative reaction to it. Seeing as Lucifer was still looking down, he took that as encouragement. "Someday you could come to the studio with me if you want."

That made Lucifer looked up.

"And talk about what? I don't think your audience wants to hear about my duckie collection."

"Oh, well, maybe not usually" Alastor smirked. "But when there is true passion behind it, any subject can become interesting just because it's interesting for the speaker."

Lucifer gave him a tiny smile and shrugged.

"I don't know."

"I will classify that as a maybe then."

"It's an I don't know" Lucifer smiled a little bigger. "I think I am a better listener anyway. That I do wonderfully, thank you."

"I could listen too sometimes. With a voice as yours, dear, I am sure any listener would appreciate no matter what you speak of."

Lucifer's whole face turned gold. Alastor bite the inside of his cheek to resist the urge to lick that cheek, sniff the wonderful smell of Lucifer's blood reacting just under his body. Before any of them could say another word, though, Charlie came rushing with a big tray on her hand.

"There we go!" She served both of them and then made a dramatic gesture as she opened up the bottle of wine, filling their cups. She the tip of her fingers and opened up her hands, just as Artemis clumsily attempted to imitate the gesture. "All just warmed up for your delight! Don't hesitate to call us again if you need anything!"

"We will, sweetie" Lucifer cooed, making kissy faces to Artemis. "You go be the cutest little waiter that has ever been, buddy. Papa is so proud of you. Yes, he is! Both of my babies" added, smiling up to Charlie.

Charlie bowed her head, the biggest smile spreading in her face.

"In a little bit we will prepare the dance zone for all our costumers. Please, enjoy!" finalized, now going to the next table and completely missing the way that Lucifer's face fell at that.

"I didn't know we were going to be dancing" said with a tiny voice that actually surprised Alastor.

"We don't have to, of course" clarified, regaining his composure. "It was just an option to make the night more lively, that is all. We can just stay in our table too."

Lucifer over his shoulder towards the rockola, still playing an old timey song, and then sighed.

"No, it's fine. We… we can do a song or two, it's fine" The king took a breath and finally looked at their plates, both eyebrows raising as if surprised himself. "This look really good. Smells amazing too. Did they hired a chef for this? They shouldn't have."

"Luckily for us, the chef is an extremely generous man that just so happened to already live in the hotel" Alastor grinned as Lucifer lifted his eyes.

"You? Oh, buddy, that is… great" It didn't sound like he thought it was great. Alastor took a sip of wine before tasting the food to avoid push him about it. "Well, thank you. Bon appetite!" added awkwardly, eating his first cut and instantly melting. "Okay, no, fuck that. That is amazing. What the fuck."

That was a better response.

"You sound shocked, Lucifer" Alastor smirked as he was having his own first bite.

"Oh, sorry, didn't mean it like that. I guess I am just… didn't expect it, that is all. I am usually the one cooking around here."

"More reason to change things up for once. I don't mind spending my time in the kitchen if it's for a good cause and for an audience I know will appreciate it."

After that, somehow, Lucifer started to relax a little. He spoke a little bit about his ideas for future stories to tell Artemis and Alastor, when asked, talked about the first radio shows he enjoyed as a kid. By the time both their plates were empty and Charlie passed to pick them up, Vaggie was already helping everyone else to move their table to leave the zone open.

Alastor looked over at Lucifer, willing to sit this one out at the slightest sign that it was too much for him to handle. It first seemed that was the case with how Lucifer was knocking the table with his index and bouncing of leg, but then he took a breath.

"Fuck it" said, standing up to take out his jacket, leaving it on the chair. Then he came to offer his hand to Alastor, a valiant attempt at an smile. "One song is not going to kill me."

"I would hope so" said Alastor, taking the hand as he stand up. "How dreadful it would be to have a king that gets down for something so simple" added with a light smirk and Lucifer scoffed.

"You know, I am starting to think you never knowing when to shut up is going to be a problem" commented the king, but a smile was fighting at the corner of his mouth and his voice didn't sound actually upset at all.

"Too early to tell, my dear" Alastor afianzed his grip on Lucifer's hand. It was so easy, like two slots that were always meant to fit together. "You might consider it a blessing in the long run."

"Doubt it" Lucifer smirked back. Until they reached the center of the dance zone, that was also the center of the whole lobby, the attention of the monarch was all on him and Alastor didn't need anything else. But as soon he snapped his fingers to change the music, placing his other hand in Lucifer's shoulder to let him lead, a sudden tension came by and stayed hanging from the muscles underneat the shirt. "Did you made the selection of music too?" asked, looking up.

"Obviously" said Alastor, not stopping to wonder why that fact seemed to make him so uncomfortable. "I am clearly the only one in this place with any acceptable taste in music, so might as well. It didn't cost me more than a few seconds, if that. I barely had to even think about it" added, just in case Lucifer was worrying about his time investment on this whole date. It looked like he was right, because at least somewhat of the tension faded away at his word. But only some. "Do you dislike it, Lucifer?"

"No" Lucifer rushed to say. His hand lifted to the lower part of his back, palm warm as he expanded. Alastor didn't know how he managed to not shiver because Lucifer was directly touching skin, right above where the dress started. "I mean, it's good music. That is all."

It was also a calm song, not necessarily one to slow dance to, but that left the possibility open anyway and don't stand out. As they swayed together, Alastor was starting to notice the way that Lucifer's eyes looked at the other residents with big eyes, aware of how many peaks they were making on their direction specifically. The moment his breathing started to agitate, going faster and faster, Alastor knew what was coming and he pushed the king closer to him to reach his ear.

"I can take us out of here, Lucifer. Do you want me to do that?" asked, hating having to do it at all. In another time he could just do it immediately without question.

It seemed an eternity passed until Lucifer, breathing heavy, gave him a tiny nod. That was all that Alastor needed to hug him closer as they were both consumed by the darkness.

His first idea was of course his room. But that could be read in any number of ways and he needed Lucifer to calm down first. When they came out to see an illuminated room again, they were surrounded by rows of books in shelf. The library in the second floor, where Charlie made sure the walls were sound proof to avoid disturbing anyone's reading.

Alastor lifted his hand just barely and Lucifer took a step back, grabbing his chest.

"It's okay" said, conjuring a paper bag and reaching it to him. "Breath inside of this. It helps."

Lucifer's eyebrows made a creace between them for a moment, as if asking if he really thought he didn't know that already, and only lasted one second before he grabbed the bag anyway and started using it.

"There" Alastor sighed and placed a hand between Lucifer's shoulder blade, gently moving him towards the couches at the end of the hallway they were in. Lucifer let himself fall on it, eyes closed, bag stuck to his face, and Alastor robbed his back up and down. "Just breath. Everything is fine. Just breath."

Eventually Lucifer started to calm down. When his chest could finally go at a more normal pace, only then he separated the bag from him, letting his head hang between his arms. Fingers ruffled his blonde hair as he let out a frustrated groan.

"I told you I am not good at this" came out of him, before he rubbed his palms against his eyes. "I suck at this. I am sorry."

"It's okay" repeated Alastor, still rubbing his back because that was all the comfort he felt he could give. "You did nothing wrong, my dear. I should have thought that was maybe too much for a first time."

"No, you shouldn't!" Lucifer groaned again and stand up. The look he gave to Alastor was one he didn't remember recieving before. "Why are you so nice to me? No, scratch that. Better yet, why are you here at all with me?"

"Because I want to" was the automatic response.

Lucifer wheezed, an ugly sound of a laught that Alastor did not like at all.

"Well, maybe you should want better things, buddy" said easily, a smile crossing his face as tiny tears swelled up in his face. "I mean, come on. A demon hot like you could have literally anyone he wants in all of Hell. Anyone. And you are going to waste your time with the nervous wreck who you just saw can't even handle a fucking dance in the lobby of his daughter? Why the fuck would you want to do that? You spend all of that time and dedication and for fucking what?" Another laughter that ended in a hight pitch tone as Lucifer covered his mouth. He took a few breath in before he pulled back. "I am sorry. This was a mistake. You did nothing wrong, but I can't."

As Lucifer turned away, Alastor could feel his teeth about to grind each other into dust. It was the cliche of a "it's not you, it's me" that almost offended him more than anything else.

Dark energy pulled around him as he static vibrated in the air. Lucifer was reaching the end of the shelf just as Alastor made himself solid in front of him, grabbing his vest.

"Do you want to know why I bothered to do any of this, Lucifer? Do you really want to hear?" hissed in front of his face. "Why I did this? Why did I have our baby? Do you want to know why I am, according to you, so nice to your ungrateful royal self?"

Lucifer started laughing.

"Oh, now we are talking! That is more what I would have expected from the radio demon everyone told me about. Please, tell me!"

Alastor lifted him up, the green dials on the black holes of his eyes almost vibrating with the screeching coming from inside.

"Because you were supposed to be mine, you little idiot" growled, pushing him against the shelf as he squeezed the sides of his face. His own strenght was never going to be enough to do serious damage to Lucifer, but it would be enough to make clear how serious he was about this. He wasn't just thinking anymore, he just needed to scream. Weeks of imposed silence, of restraining himself, poofed into the air as if they never happened. "Because you are mine! You told me as such more times I can even count! Because Artemis is not our first child that we have together, you imbecile! I raised our daughter right at your side the entire time! I was there when Emily fell and when you signed the papers to make her a Morningstar! I am Alastor Morningstar, and I will be until the day the universe implodes with us in it, so you don't fucking dare to stand there and start questioning me why the hell I am trying to get what is rightfully mine back!"

He didn't notice at first the way that Lucifer wasn't fighting him back was not normal. He didn't thought the lack of response was alarming. But by the moment he stopped talking, then he did saw the eyes of Lucifer turning inside his head until there was nothing but yellow spread with golde veins staring back. Then it came the nosebleed, golden spreading all over the suit.

Finally, the seizures. Alastor could only stare until his shadow took Lucifer with it, letting him on the ground as he hold his head on its lap. He contemplated the scene as it was part of a dream, every part of his body too heavy and slow to move.

"Darling?"

[slutforsfender]

Italy Trip - Sam Fender

Sam Fender x Reader

You woke up the light from the curtains next to the balcony in your hotel room in Italy. You were wrapped up in Sam's arms as his hand was placed on your hip and your head was on his chest.

You arrived last night in a little town in Rome in Italy. Sam had booked you and him a week away to explore Italy as he knew it was your dream to explore the country. You had spent most of the week in Venice and now were going to explore Rome. You had of course cried and not shut up about it since which he acted like drove him mad but deep down he adored.

"Mornin', my darling" He rasped out as he woke up himself.

"Good morning" You replied, rolling over to look at him which caused him to pick you up and put you over him in a straddling position.

You lay there admiring him for a few minutes. His messy hair tussled everywhere from his slumber. His blue eyes looked as bright and beautiful as ever. His beard had a few stray hairs on his face which made him look even more handsome. His lips looked soft and red causing you to place a kiss on his lips.

You were about to get up and start getting ready for the first day of exploring when Sam pulled you back down onto him.

"Sam we need to get ready, come on," You said as you attempted once again which failed.

"Five more minutes of cuddles then we can get up and get ready. Deal?" He asked with a smirk, knowing you would give in.

"Okay fine. Just five more minutes" You said, letting yourself relax into the cuddle with him.

You did lay there for in fact five more minutes, just cuddling and going over the plans for the day. However, Sam knew he couldn't control your excitement any longer and let you get up. You took in turns showering before you both got dressed and Sam found a café nearby while you did your makeup.

"There's a café about a ten-minute walk away from the hotel," He told you as he hugged you from behind while you finished your makeup.

"That sounds good my love," You said as you pressed a kiss to his cheek which left a lipstick mark causing him to roll his eyes and tickle you, making you let out a squeal.

You both grabbed the last few little things before leaving hand in hand. Once you got outside, you couldn't help but be memorised. The sky looked gorgeous above your head, a mixture of colours around you making a beautiful picture. The streets you walked down had cobbled stones beneath your feet. The shops and houses around had vines, flowers and just looked incredible.

You couldn't help but admire your life right now. You had an amazing boyfriend who loved and adored you and was exploring your favourite city with you. You were in this city which you loved and left you with an incredible admiration for.

You soon arrived at the café with Sam and went inside, ordering. It was a little café with tables and vines outside, leaving a rustic feel inside.

"What do you want love? I'm going to have a full English" Sam questioned as you gazed over the menu together.

"I might have the same, fill us up for exploring" You joked as Sam went to order.

Your meals soon came and you shared a lovely breakfast, talking over your plans for the day.

---

The first thing on your list to do was to look around the little shops around you both. You went in and out of nearby shops. You picked up a few things each for people back home like magnets, books, and cute little things.

"Want to go in there, smell the flowers for a little while?" Sam questioned as he noticed a flower shop in the corner of his eye.

"Aye of course I do. Do you even know me, Fender?" You said, rolling your eyes as you made your way toward the shop.

You spent like twenty minutes together, smelling all the different flowers. You spent even longer in the rose section of course and it almost killed you not to buy any.

"To the Colosseum" Sam spoke, grabbing your hand as you made your way to the building.

Your heart melted at the thought of him remembering how much you loved the ancient aspect of the city. You placed a kiss on his cheek, watching his lips turn into a smile at the action.

After a little walk to the place where you both pointed out things around you and admired the city, you arrived at the Colosseum. You stood near the thing, taking pictures and admiring the piece of history in front of you.

Before you knew it, you started spilling the little facts you had stored in your brain while walking around it. You looked up at Sam to see he was already staring down at you with love in his eyes.

"What?" You questioned as he pulled you towards him.

"Nothing, I just love you," He said, making you hide your face in his chest causing him to let out a little laugh.

You shared a kiss before continuing your mission of exploring. You made your way to the fountains and looked at anything else on the way.

You did the same play of actions at the fountains, except you stayed a little longer. You shared some ice cream next to the fountains as you admired the sunset happening around you while also doing some people-watching. You made little jokes here and there, involving you putting some ice cream on his cheek which ended in a tickling battle.

"I just want to say you two look absolutely adorable together, I hope you have a great life together" A lady spoke from the bench next to you both.

"Thank you" You both replied with a huge smile on your faces.

You made our way back to our hotel soon enough as tiredness hit you both from walking around all day.

As soon as you both got back you got into comfy clothes. Sam ordered room service while you took off your makeup.

"You okay?" Sam asked as you were quiet in the bathroom.

"I'm sorry for rambling all day, I bet it was annoying and I'm sorry" You rambled as he walked into the room.

"It was nowhere near annoying. This is the thing you have wanted to do for years and I loved walking around giving you that experience and learning things" Sam spoke as he stroked your hair while cuddling you.

"Really?" You questioned, looking up at him.

"Of course you idiot" He joked, making you smile before kissing you.

[beezusvreeland]

a very good idea - chapter 4

summary: After your boyfriend cheats on you at a party, you break up with him, who tells you nobody else is willing to be with you like him. You decide to prove him wrong, with a little help from a new friend.

ship: miguel o'hara x f!reader

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Chapter 4

You had more homework than the regular person and not just because you were taking some advanced classes. Before your side hustle, you would babysit kids in your neighborhood during the week and work as a waitress on events organized by your brother-in-law’s catering business on the weekends. 

You’ve had summer jobs before, but when high school came around, your mom got really sick and it took doctors a few months to come to the conclusion that she was exhausted. The burnout type of exhaustion. She started seeing a psychiatrist and, stubborn as always, went right back to her two jobs. You and your sister Jenna had to bargain a lot, but at last convinced her to quit at least one of them and let the two of you help her.

All the money from the babysitting and waitressing went to house and health bills, mostly your mom’s. You very quickly realized that, unless you got an all inclusive scholarship, your chances of going to college were zero to none. Attending college had been your dream since you were a kid, when you’d watch reruns of Felicity with Jenna, both of you fascinated with all the classes and drama the protagonist went through. Your mom didn’t have the opportunity to go to college and, when your sister’s time came, she chose to focus on working in restaurants, learning as much as she could so she could open her bakery someday. When she met her husband Mike, they united their toothbrushes and business aspirations. Now he would organize events and she would develop a menu for them. You’ve loved the way they were each other’s biggest fans. They were your idea of what a loving relationship should be. Mikes were really hard to find, though. 

The first time you hung out at Harry’s Manhattan penthouse, some of his friends were there. You thought maybe you and Harry could watch a movie and spend time with each other, but obviously that wouldn’t happen. 

Harry was different when his friends were around: louder, he would drink more and more arrogant, whatever it took for boys like Flash Thompson and Eddie Brock to laugh and agree with him.

Flash was complaining about how he had to turn in an essay about the Wall Street Crash of 1929. 

“It’s so fucking boring, who cares what happened literally a hundred years ago”, Flash said, like doing the paper was the worse thing could ever happen to someone. “The only interesting thing about Wall Street is the Wolf and Margot Robbie.”

It took a lot of effort for you not to roll your eyes. 

“Don’t turn that shit in, then”, Eddie said, making Harry laugh and shake his head.

“My dad said that if I don’t get at least a C, I can kiss the Dubai trip goodbye.”

“A C?”, you gasped, in spite of yourself. 

“I know right, it fucking sucks”, Flash looked at you, all serious.

That was a little too much for you. Forgetting to care how Harry and his friends perceived you for a moment, you said: “Gosh, I could write a C type of essay about anything in an hour”.

“Well, write mine, then.”

You finally gave into the need to roll your eyes, then looked at him. 

“For 200 dollars I just might”, you joked.

However, Flash took his wallet from his back pocket and gave the money to you. Just like that. Like it was nothing. It probably was nothing to him, but to you, that money was really valuable. That’s how you have justified your hustle since then: you would write reports and essays for some of the rich kids from school and earn enough to help out at home and save for college. It was a perfect scheme, unless someone found out, which you (and your clients, really) have been really careful to prevent.

***

After an hour inside the library, you still had to finish a book report of your own, so you took your things and decided to go to the basketball court. Miguel’s practice hadn’t even started yet, he and some other boys, including Miles, paid attention to what their coach was saying.

You climbed a few steps and sat at the bleachers. Before opening your copy of Hamlet , you observed your surroundings. Besides the basketball team, there were a few freshman kids ready to watch the practice, as well as some girls you recognized from the hallways. 

The coach whistled loudly and the boys clapped their hands, scattering through the court to start playing. Miles saw you and waved. Miguel turned to see who his friend was smiling at, his eyes finding yours. You gave him a shy wave, which he responded to with a nod, turning back to his teammates. 

You felt disappointed at that. Your mind was telling you to stop being stupid, that you had no business having any expectations at all. But you also remembered his smile a few hours before, at lunch. He had a really beautiful smile. You wished it wasn’t a rare occurrence. 

You tried to focus on the book, which you had already read, a pencil and a highlighter in hand. During your reading process, you used post-its to mark pages that had scenes and dialogues that could be useful remembering while writing the report. You always felt grateful to your past self. 

Sounds of sneakers gliding on the court’s shiny floor and the ball being thrown and caught filled your ears in an almost relaxing way. 

“Why is she even here?”, you heard a voice saying not so quietly on your right.

You pretended not to hear, struggling to read the same sentence for the third time. 

“Probably trying to find a rebound”, the two girls laughed at the pun. “It’s kind of desperate, if you ask me.”

Dealing with Harry was hard enough, but people you have never spoken to before? Who were they to say anything about you? Why did they even care? And, most of all, why did those stupid comments hurt you? 

“Hey!”

Looking up, your eyes meet Miguel’s again, but this time he climbs the steps, stopping one before where you were. He took his hoodie off, the white shirt underneath going up with it, before coming down all together. It was so quick, but you swore seeing a part of his six pack awakened something in you.

Miguel put his hand through his hair, trying to put it back in place. He proceeded to fold his hoodie and get on his knees, his long arms offering it to you.

“Can you hold this for me?”, Miguel asked, sounding so sweet, yet another thing you weren’t prepared for. He was so close to you, you could see a few of his sweat droplets in great detail. 

“Yeah”, you nodded, feeling his hand palm one of your cheeks, while his lips kissed the other. 

He went back to the court in what felt like too soon. You put your hand where his was just a moment before, you could feel the heat spread through your face. Back at the court, Miguel was smiling at himself and, next to you, the girls stood in absolute silence.

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a very good idea playlist

[jacksonroseroth]

~The Price~Chapter 8~

Moodboard made by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are ours

~

Finally, the car came to a stop after it pulled into a half roundabout off the street and the man in the passenger seat quickly got out, opening Taddie’s door. Thatcher nudged her over and they scooted out, Taddie waiting for Thatcher then letting him take her hand and lead her inside. She held a light, polite smile on her face as they walked into the very upscale restaurant. Thatcher walked up to the hostess podium and gave his name, then they were quickly seated. Plants hung overhead, the vines growing down toward the tables, and the walls were covered with shrubbery. Taddie looked around in awe and appreciation as Thatcher helped her out of her coat, draping it over the back of her chair before he held it out for her and scooted it in as she sat down. She gave him a sweet smile as he rounded the table and sat down, picking up her menu.

“Do you know what you want to eat?” Thatcher asked as he scanned the menu, then looked up at her as she wrinkled her nose for a moment before looking up at him with a polite smile. He smirked at her and her facade fell, knowing he had seen her grimace. She let out a soft chuckle and said, “I don’t have fancy taste. I don’t like runny eggs, avocado toast, all that bullshit…Gimmie some scrambled eggs, sausage, maybe some french toast or muffins? I’m good.”

Thatcher chuckled and shook his head at her as he said, “You can get some eggs and sausage. Do you like breakfast sandwiches? They have a lox bagel? It has eggs, sausage-”

“Lox…Isn’t that raw salmon? I love salmon, but I don’t do raw fish.” Taddie said with a chuckle, wrinkling her nose and shaking her head. He chuckled at her and slid his hand over hers as he said, “Well, at least you don’t have expensive taste…Do we need to cover seafood entirely? Sushi, lobster, crab?”

“Yes. No. Yessss. I love crab. And the only sushi I ever eat is a California roll. I’m kind of a picky eater? But I know what I like, so there’s at least that.” She said with a soft giggle, biting her lip as she slipped her fingers into his palm. He curled his fingers around hers, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it. She smiled at him, lifting her thumb to brush it across his jaw before he lowered their hands. “So…You really aren’t going to tell me what else we’re doing today?”

Thatcher pulled his hand back and quickly studied his menu, making Taddie laugh and kick at his foot, lightly, as he smirked. His gaze flickered up to her with a chuckle and said, “You’re not a patient woman, are you?”

“Not when it’s exciting and you take so damn long…You’ve bought me a whole ass outfit and taken me here. I don’t know what to expect and it’s making me a little anxious. Excited, but anxious.” Taddie said, laying her menu down and folding her hands over it with a sweet smile. Thatcher chuckled and shook his head before he said, “Sorry, kitten. It’s a surprise. But we’re going to have fun today. I promise, Taddie.”

As Taddie nodded and leaned closer, across the table to him, Thatcher meeting her for a quick kiss, a man dressed in a pinstripe suit and slicked back hair came up to the table, his hands clasped together. Taddie’s smile quickly fell as she looked up at the man, who was looking at Thatcher with a tight smile. Thatcher lifted a brow as he looked up at the man as he started to say, “My apologies, Mr. Price. But I am going to have to ask you and your friend to leave. We cannot serve you today, sir.”

Taddie blinked and her skin went prickly as she quickly swept her gaze around, seeing the nearby tables turning at the mention of Thatcher’s name. Thatcher furrowed his brow and sat a little straighter as he said, “Excuse me? I made this reservation last week. I gave my name then, why did you take my reservation?”

“I am deeply sorry, sir. The owner checked the reservations just now and is asking that you please leave or we will be forced to call the police.” The man said, not sounding even the least bit sorry. As Thatcher pushed away from the table and stood, Taddie quickly did the same, grabbing her coat and moving between the man and the table, making him take several steps back as she all but shoved him aside as went to Thatcher and she said, “It’s fine. We can go somewhere else.”

Thatcher raised a brow at her, surprised and caught off guard, but took her jacket from her and helped her into it, nonetheless. Taddie gave him a sultry, sweet smile as she turned, slipping each arm into the coat and letting Thatcher fix the front as he reached from behind her, then laid his hands on her hips. Turning from Thatcher to Mr. Snooty Pinstripe, she said, “Now we can go somewhere that I can get some goddamn french toast and sausage.”

Thatcher snickered with a proud smile as she took his hand, still staring the man down before she whipped her head around, spinning on a heel and striding off. He dragged his hand under his chin, flicking it at the man before he turned to follow Taddie out of the restaurant. When she stepped onto the street, she stopped with a light gasp, stunning herself with what she’d done, as Thatcher moved around her, pulling her along with him and making her skip a step to catch up. She giggled softly as he hurried them down the sidewalk then into a hidden alcove and spun her to press her against the wall. Before she could ask him what he was doing, his lips were on hers in a passionate kiss. Taddie kissed him back with a soft moan, gripping the edges of his jacket as she tugged him closer, then wrapped an arm around his neck.

Taddie broke the kiss with a light sigh, pushing her hand to the back of his head and arching against him as he peppered her neck. She giggled softly and nipped at his earlobe, gently before she said, “What-What w-was that for?”

“You have no idea how fucking hot that was, Taddie. God, I would have taken you right there in the middle of the fucking restaurant.” Thatcher growled into her neck, gently biting it before kissing and licking over it, lightly. She shivered and bit her lip as she giggled, then pushed at his shoulders, making him pull back and lift a hand to her cheek, cradling it in his palm. “That’s the spirit I want to see from you, Taddie. What I knew was in you…God, you’re fucking perfect.”

Shaking her head at him, Taddie giggled and let him steal another deep kiss before she pressed her hands to his chest and pushed him back a little more. Thatcher pulled her off the wall as one of his bodyguards appeared and he quickly glanced over his shoulder with a nod before he disappeared again. Turning back to Taddie, Thatcher lightly slid his thumb over her lower lip as she said, “You promised me breakfast.”

“I did. Let’s go, kitten.” Thatcher said with a chuckle before pressing a deep kiss to her lips again before taking her hand and leading her back to the street and to the SUV that had pulled forward and waited for them. Thatcher opened the door for her, helping her in before sliding in after her and closing the door. The car lurched forward as they began to move through traffic and Thatcher turned to her with a smirk and a soft chuckle as he pulled her closer. Taddie chuckled and allowed him one kiss before she pulled back and slid her hand over his cheek, brushing her thumb over his lips with a sweet smile. He kissed her thumb before he kissed her cheek then said, softly, “I’m sorry. I got a little excited…That-That really turned me on seeing you push him back like that, saying what you did…Fuck.”

Thatcher chuckled and wrapped an arm around her, holding her against him and kissing her temple. Taddie smirked and let him give her a tight squeeze as she slid her hand over his chest, then looked up at him as she said, “Well…I-I’m not gonna lie, I was pissed…You said it wouldn’t happen, then-”

“I know. I-I’m so sorry-”

“Thatcher. Shut. The fuck. Up.” Taddie said with a soft giggle. He lifted his brows at her, amused, then chuckled and nodded as she continued, “I was pissed at them. I’m pissed at how you’re treated that gets us kicked out of places before we even order or something can go wrong…And I’m pissed I don’t have my goddamn french toast and sausage!”

Thatcher threw his head back with a loud cackle as Taddie giggled madly and rested her chin on his chest, looking up at him. As his laughter died to chuckles as he brought his head back down to her, gripping her hip with a smirk. “I’ll get you french toast and sausage, kitten. There’s a diner near Central Park--The Caviar Star. It’s a little Swedish place. I know the owner, we’ll be served there.”

“Are you sure? And why didn’t you just bring me there to begin with? You don’t need to be all fancy, all the time. The outfit was enough and now I’m overdressed.” Taddie teased at him. He chuckled at her, calling up to his men in the front seat in Swedish, the man in the passenger seat pulling out his phone and making a quick call. Looking back at her, he said, “Climb into the back and change. No one can see you. I won’t look and neither will they.”

Her smile slowly fell and she chewed her lip, feeling her heart rate quicken at the thought. Thatcher raised a brow at her and slid his hand over her thigh. “What’s wrong? You can go back to the trunk even to block you more? Are you worried about not being buckled, or-?”

“I’ll change later.” Taddie said, quickly, shifting away from Thatcher a little more and pulling her hands back. He quickly did the same, drawing his brows together as she looked away and chewed her lip, crossing her arms over her chest, tightly. He lightly slid his hand over her back and when she didn’t immediately flinch or pull away, he flattened it and rubbed his fingers down over her lower back, then to her hip. She chewed her lip and lowered her gaze to the floor as they bounced around a rough stretch of the New York streets. Thatcher stayed quiet with her, watching her for a while longer before he pressed a light kiss to her temple and nuzzled his nose into her curls.

Slowly, Taddie’s anxiety about her scars faded, coming out of the flashbacks and blinking a few times before she looked up at Thatcher again. His piercing green eyes poured into hers as he drew his brows together in concern. Lifting his hand, he slid his fingers over her jaw, cupping it and brushing his thumb over her cheek. She gave him a light smile, but it quickly dropped and she leaned against him again. He buried his nose and mouth into her curls again as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, holding her in it as he felt her take a deep breath and hold it in. He released her when she exhaled and pulled back one arm to rest his hand on her thigh. She tucked her head under his chin, resting on his chest, and slid her fingers over the backs of his, admiring his tattoos across them.

The right hand on her thigh spelled out OMENS, leaving her to assume the other spelled out WRATH, though she wanted to see it for herself and made a note to inspect both hands that night. Taddie’s smile lifted as she traced the letters and asked, softly, “How come you only have one sleeve?”

“I got what I wanted. Deciding on the next one fully before I do it…Do you have any ink? I thought I saw something on your shoulder one night at the bar?” Thatcher asked with a soft chuckle. Taddie let out a light giggle and shifted to look up at him.

“I have a few. I-I just--I don’t like showing my skin off like that. I mean, for the tattoo, yeah. But…” She stopped and bit her lip, lightly, giving a light shrug. He shook his head at her and said, “You don’t need to explain to me, kitten. When you’re ready.”

As her smile grew a little more, Taddie nodded and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, then nuzzled into it. In the front seat, the man who’d made a call tucked his phone away, turning his head toward the back as he said, “It’s set, Mr. Price. Sven’s there today, he’ll seat you personally.”

“Thank you, Oscar. Everything is set for after as well?” Thatcher asked, earning him a raised brow and stern look from Taddie. One he returned with his own smirk and pressing his lips to hers in a quick peck. She giggled and pushed at his chest as Oscar said, “Yes, sir. And then we’re back on the jet by 12, home by 1.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Oscar.” Thatcher said, not taking his gaze from Taddie’s. Under his intense gaze, she began to squirm around and finally took his chin and turned it away with a giggle. Thatcher snickered and moved his face from hers to press a kiss to her cheek as they settled back in their seats as they turned onto a main street, Central Park to their left.

~

Thatcher, Oscar and the driver stood on the sidewalk outside the car as Taddie changed. When they stopped and Oscar got out to open the door for them, Thatcher ordered the driver, Lucas he called the man, out as well, more of her heart melting at the gesture. It was like it wasn’t even a second thought to him, as if it were something he’d done many times for her before. She was truly touched by the gesture and changed quickly, though she kept the boots on, tucking them under her jeans.

When the door opened, Thatcher quickly turned and went to the SUV to help Taddie down. She gave him a sweet smile as he took her hand, Lucas and Oscar getting back into the car, though they didn’t take off. As the couple approached the door, Taddie recognized the other two men she’d usually seen Thatcher with at the bar step up to the door and opened it for them. One walked in before them, the other held the door open then walked in after them. The two men went to each corner of the restaurant, facing the other, while Thatcher led Taddie up to a tall blonde man that was hunched over a podium, writing on something.

“Sven.” Thatcher called, cherrily and with a smile as they approached. The blonde man, Sven, shot his head up and a wide smile spread across his face as he laughed and moved from behind the podium and clapped hands with Thatcher before the men embraced, clapping each other on the back.

“Thatcher!-” Sven and Thatcher engaged in a focused conversation in Swedish, sounding like to Taddie was going something like ‘It’s been so long./Yes, I know.’ Which then launched into a brief catching up before Sven finally registered Taddie standing behind him. Clasping his hand on Thatcher’s shoulder, Sven talked toward her in Swedish, his tone turning a little more teasing and taunting, making Thatcher blush. It surprised Taddie, not knowing that was even possible for Thatcher, but gave a sweet smile and stepped up beside him as Sven turned to her with a bright smile and a new slew of Swedish as he took a step closer, taking her hand, then reaching for her curls. Taddie tried to suppress her flinch and bit her lip, but Thatcher quickly pressed a hand to Sven’s chest, giving it a pat as he gave a soft chuckle.

“English, Sven. She’s American, ja?” Thatcher said with a chuckle, patting his chest again before stepping back and putting an arm around Taddie, holding her close.

“Ah! Ah, of course. So sorry! My apologies, Miss--Your hair, it is so beautiful. Do you mind-?” Sven asked, lifting his hand again. Taddie shifted on her feet, keeping herself out of his reach as she gave him a polite smile and said, “I do, actually--It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

“Of course, of course. I am sorry--Please, follow me. Your table is ready.” Sven said, bowing quickly before sweeping his hand toward the rest of the restaurant, giving them both a wide smile. Thatcher urged Taddie forward as Sven began walking and spoke back to her, saying, “My name is Sven, I am the owner here. This establishment was my father’s dream and I made it come true for him in 1970 when we immigrated to the States. I created the menu myself, with my mother’s recipes that we still use today--Traditional Swedish dishes that the Americans have fallen in love with. Here is your table-”

Sven stepped aside after leading them to the back of the restaurant to a small nook in the window, that actually faced Central Park in a stunning snowy view. Taddie peered out, gazing at the park with a wide smile, and moved around the table to her seat, Sven quickly helping her out of her coat and pulling out her chair for her. Thatcher sat as she did, making her giggle softly, not used to being seated with Thatcher.

“I shall have your coat by the front, Miss-And can I get any drinks started for the both of you?” Sven asked, looking between them with a polite smile. Thatcher nodded at her to go first and Taddie looked up at the blonde Swede, giving him a sweet smile as she asked, “Do you, possibly, have hot cider or something? Tea is fine, if not.”

“Yes, yes. We have a housemade mulled cider. Would you like whipped cream as well, Miss?” Sven asked. Taddie blinked, surprised, exchanging a look with Thatcher as she chuckled and said, “Um, sure. Thank you.”

“Of course. Thatcher?” Sven asked, turning to him.

“Coffee, cream, 3 sugars. Tack, min vän.” Thatcher said, exchanging a knowing look with the man. Sven chuckled and nodded, taking a step back as he said, “I’ll be back with your drinks and your food will be out soon.”

“Thank--What did he say? Our food?” Taddie asked, her head snapping over to Thatcher, raising her brow. He chuckled at her and slid his arms across the table, palms up for hers. She narrowed her gaze at him, though her lips lifted in a small smirk, and slipped her fingers into his palms as he said, “You said french toast, eggs, and sausage. I added a bagel cause, why not? I got you plain cause I didn’t know what you liked?”

Taddie blinked at him, her face falling for a moment in surprise at the gesture, then lifted again as she let out a soft laugh and said, “Um, y-yeah. Yeah, plain is fine. I-I, um, I like plain and egg bagels. Egg bagel with strawberry cream cheese--That was my order at my local bagel shop in California. But, I like everything, too, if I’m in the mood for it.”

“Hmmm-Very picky indeed, aren’t you?” He teased, lifting a hand to kiss the backs of her fingers before he sat back, releasing her hands. Taddie stuck out her tongue at him, then chuckled, folding her arms under her as she leaned on the table.

“So, what are you getting then? Since they already have our order.” She teased back, wrinkling her nose at him with a smirk. Thatcher chuckled and shifted in his seat as he inhaled deeply, trying to see if he could smell it yet.

“Well, of course there’s sausage and eggs…I got porridge and a boiled egg sandwich. Sven makes sure it tastes like it’s being made in Sweden--It’s a very transporting dish. Every time I eat here and get anything, I’m back in Sweden as a kid, Saturday morning sitting by the water with Tommy and my parents.” Thatcher said, fondly, excited for the food. Taddie’s smile grew more genuine as she admired him, seeming to be opening up more to her about his family and his past. She had yet to be so forthcoming, but she was glad he hadn’t pushed her for it.

“Sounds fun. Very cozy, little family.” Taddie said, softly, lifting her arms to slide her hands under her chin, resting, lightly. Thatcher chuckled and nodded, opening his mouth as he looked at her to continue, then stopped as his excitement drained from his face. Taddie drew her brows together, lightly, confused, and Thatcher cleared his throat as he leaned his forearms on the table and nodded again. “What? What were you going to say?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing. I’m sorry, kitten.” Thatcher said, giving her a sympathetic smile. She raised a brow at him, still at a loss, as she said, “I-I don’t understand? Sorry for what?...Oh, my-Thatcher…”

Taddie finally connected what he had and dropped her hands as she sat back with an irritated sigh. Thatcher straightened a little more, furrowing his brows in concern as she looked away from him and shook her head.  Closing her eyes for a moment, she swung her head back to him and said, “Family isn’t a touchy subject for me. I don’t fucking have one. So what? I’ve come to terms with it and the fact I’ll probably never have one. You don’t need to tip toe 

around me-Don’t treat me like I’m fragile.”

“I’m sorry…I wasn’t sure. You had choked up so much--”

“Because I never talk about my parents or what happened. Ever. It-It was just a reaction. Just don’t…Don’t treat me like I’m fragile. Like I’m going to break at the wrong word or the wrong look. I’m a lot stronger than that.”

“I know that. I’m sorry, Taddie.” Thatcher said, reaching a hand across the table for hers. She pushed her hand into his palm and gave it a light squeeze as she smiled, lightly at him. “Forgive me?”

“Only if you tell me what you were going to say about being a kid in Sweden.” She said with a coy smirk. He chuckled at her and said, “I was just going to say that when we were kids, before we moved, me and Tommy would sit on the beach and eat, then go play in the water. We loved being outside and running around the land my father owned.”

“Wish I could have seen it. You two running around--I’m sure one of you was constantly naked being the rebel? I wonder who that could be?” Taddie teased with a smirk. Thatcher chuckled and smirked back at her, shaking his head as he said, “Actually, it was the twins. Moreso, Tristan than Theo, but they both had their phase.”

“Hmm…Too bad.” She mused at him as Sven approached with their drinks. Setting each mug in front of them, Sven said something to Thatcher in Swedish, that sounded far too casual to be something about her or anything that was meant to be hidden, so Taddie paid them no mind, sticking the straw through the whipped cream that sat at the top and carefully sipped. The hot liquid hit her tongue and there was an explosion of flavor. For one, she hadn’t realized that ‘traditional’ meant alcoholic, since the brandy was the first thing she tasted. Next came the brown sugar that melted into the apple and cinnamon taste that came next. Taddie wiggled in her seat and smiled, taking another sip. Her little dance had brought the men’s attention to her, and the corner of Thatcher’s lips lifted as he watched her take a finger, swiping it through the top of the whipped cream, then sticking her finger in her mouth to suck it off.

Taddie held her nail between her teeth as she swirled her straw around the cup, mixing the whipped cream with the hot cider. The silence between the men finally registered and her eyes shot up to Thatcher’s, seeing the arousal in his eyes, and dropped her hand as her lips curved into a sweet smile. Sven chuckled, muttering at Thatcher in Swedish again before he said to Taddie in English, “Do you like the cider, Miss?”

“Yes. It’s, um, it-it’s very strong. I-I wasn’t aware there was alcohol in it.” Taddie said with a soft chuckle. Sven laughed softly and said, “If you’d like a new one? I naturally assumed--Thatcher has taken his coffee with brandy or whiskey since he was 18. My apologies, I assumed his woman was the same.”

Taddie brightened a little, hearing Sven call her Thatcher’s woman, and tried to figure out why she felt such a strange sense of pride at it. Her cheeks turned pink as she shook her head and said, “Not usually this early. If it is, it’s mimosas. Little more socially accepted.”

“Well, if you would like a new one, I shall absolutely make you one. Please let me know. And here is your food.” Sven said as two waiters moved around him to set down two plates as well as a bowl of fruit on the table between them. Taddie’s eyes light up as well as her smile when she saw the four half pieces of french toast, drenched in syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, alongside scrambled eggs and four sausage links. She knew she couldn’t eat it all now, but she had a meal for later on. “Please let me know if you need anything else.”

Sven bowed his head before turning and following the waiters away, back to the front of the restaurant. Thatcher watched Taddie with a smile, as she picked up her fork and began cutting up her toast and sausage, breaking apart her eggs and stabbing at one piece each before taking a bite. Her happy dance was a little more prominent and her body wiggled from side to side as she chewed. Thatcher stifled his snickers as he turned his attention to his plate, picking up the spoon beside his bowl of porridge and stirring it around. Taddie glanced up at him as she pushed her food around, her lips lifting a little more as she swallowed.

“What are you laughing at?” She asked, giving him a look as he glanced up at her with a smirk of his own. He shook his head as he took a quick bite of his porridge, swallowing before he said, “You dance when you’re happy about food. It’s cute.”

“I wiggle when I eat good food, first of all. Thank you very much.” Taddie corrected him before taking another bite and intentionally wiggling a little more dramatically, making them both laugh out loud before continuing to eat their breakfast, swapping conversations between bites.

~

Let me know what you think! If you want to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message! <3

Taglist: @badwolf-in-the-impala @sweetwombatpizza

[chasingfictions]

tagged by @gaylonelybitch my beloved

rules: shuffle your ‘on repeat’ playlist and post the first 10 tracks, then tag 10 people to do the same thing

brando - lucy dacus. ksjfdksl when i saw this live the crowd went SO hard singing along to 'would it have killed you to call me pretty instead' and lemme tell u. LEMME TELL U!!! also shout out to "they play oldies in the afternoon for the elderly and me and you". anyway i relate too closely 2 being spoken 2 in a Certain Way by men

king - florence + the machine. this song. THIS SONG. beST SONG EVER WRITTEN BEST ONE. when it came out it CHANGED ME. i cant even talk about it. HER VOICE!! YOU NEED TO GO TO WAR TO FIND MATERIAL TO SING. Oh HDkklsjfjkhsfdsf IH!!! oH!!!!!

dancing in the dark - lucy dacus. listen i love bruce springsteen but she ate him up with this cover this is thee cover

the king - sarah kinsley. she is so beloved to me!!!!!!! one of maybe the only artists ive ever found whose songs feel in the same genre as florence.

moon song - phoebe bridgers. im a depressed bitch as much as the next person. LIKE A DOG WITH A BIRD AT YOUR DOOR

dvd menu - phoebe bridgers. this is one of my favorite songs on earth actually bitches who get it get it. if you dont get it pls climb inside my head last winter on the subway listening to this whole album on repeat and then. and then you will get it.

kind of girl - muna. EMPOWERMENT BOP muna are crazy bc theyre like we're gonna write self esteem queer songs and i said oh BOY!! i sure do need that.

ICU - phoebe bridgers. AND I GET THIS FEELING WHENEVER I FEEL GOOD IT'LL BE THE LAST TIME. ocd bop

kissing lessons - lucy dacus. the way i feel so Seen by the girlhood of this song. the way this song is precious and holy to me actually. the mv is a sacred text

lavender haze - taylor swift. i did not like this song at first and now it is stuck in my head once a week and what a treat it is. and that's taylor for you!!!!! she just keeps coming

tagging! @alittlebitmaybe @yoursummerfrost @smellingwormholes @dreadfulcalendarwoman @summrsbuffy @ho-tato

[datschaos]

definitely hasn’t been my experience at every place i’ve worked (yay for small businesses! Run by people who actually care about both their work AND the people they serve doing it / employing others!)

but DAMN was it my experience with one of my waitressing jobs. I was hands down, their best server the second year; which honestly is kind of terrifying because i only had one (1) year experience, and when the pub reopened come spring they had new management. New everything, actually, and that went downhill so fast.

i turned down an offer of a management position because I knew I did not have the training, they weren’t offering it, and I had enough to do just being a waitress and training everyone because I was the only person they hired who had ANY experience what-so-ever. That should have been my first clue but I was young and naive and had stars in my eyes.

They had already been advertising their big open date. The owners refused to change it. And so we opened a restaraunt suitable to sit…. Honestly, well over a hundred people easily, both the indoor seating AND the massive outwide patio. There were two bars, one inside, one out.

the food was amazing. I loved eating there, i truly did.

the staff i worked with? Oh. My. Gods. I am pretty sure to this day I was the only person who bothered to do any self studying on how to be a server / host / bartender. Training was advertised and we were supposed to get to sample everything on the menu so we could talk with clients about it from experience, but that never happened. I trained everyone on the absolute basics of serving (don’t pick up or serve glasses by the rim because germs, don’t get your elbow in your customers’ faces and think for a moment on how to approach the table at the best angle, etc etc)

i made cheat sheets for everyone; the questions we were supposed to ask, the details of our daily specials, our most common upsale questions, our daily specials, etc etc. i made sure everyone had the tools they need (i should have taken that manager job, it pribably came with a raise), and on top of it all I was doing as much work as I could just serving tables and bussing them. It was, more or less, miserable.

hard to feel proud of my work when my customers are angry their food takes so long, or the person who promised they’d spot my table for me while I took care of something unexpected, didn’t do the job they said they would and now my customer has beenw aiting for a drink or food for long enough they are Pissed.

after not quite a year of going from bad to absolute chaos (don’t even get me startedon the kitchen mess…. Their actual cooks didn’t show up until like three months AFTER we opened, so they were training some waiters as cooks until they got swapped out), i finally had enough.

What broke my loyalty and drive to earn an honest pay heck working for the pub?

Three things.

Theybhired a hostess who couldn’t do her job. Literally. She was supposed to assign tables to servers (this year, we organized who served who by pre arranged sections which I think is a TERRIBLE idea how they implemented it but i digress), and instead ended up mixing us all up, not communicating to the correct people, and I was constantly having my tables stolen by other people because she’d forget to assign me anyone when it was my turn. Tip money was the majority of my income, sooooo.

The owners set up the environment for high toxicity and non conductive competiton between staff; co-workers were fighting constantly over who served what tables because tips. I finally had enough the day i got accused to stealing someone’s table and his job, because I had the outdoor section no one wanted…. Because BEES. AND MY CLIENTS WERE ALLERGIC TO BEES. So i was already serving them, but they asked to move into the screenwd area. Cue me moving them, telling the hostess, and then ten minutes later every server coming over to be nasty to me because how could I steal Mr.Bartender’s table. This, after he himself bitched me out for going behind the bar to make a drink for my table. I had been waiting over eight minutes (this is an absolute horrific amount of time in a fast paced serving job, my table was pissed) and jnew how to do it, but we’d been told to use the bartender. Unfeotunately, he was not around. At ALL. I wasted those eiht minutes *looking* for his lazzy ass. When i finally did it myself, he shows up and takes over. Me: not fucking impressed. I don’t care who fucking does it, but my table needs their drinks.

No respect, and they knew exactly what a valuable worker i was. They did not respect my time (they kept scheduling me for days I literally told them before hiring me, I Cannot Ever Work These Days because…. Wow! I had a second job! Already spoken for idiots!), they did not respect my work (all that effort to make cheat sheets for the menu? Not even two weeks after i finished that and got everyone trained, the owners suddenly decided to overhaul the entire fucking menu) and they certainly did not reward it (inlived an hour away. My one request was to leave no later than eleven pm, an hour after close, because rain caused fog which turned my drive into a one and a half to two hour drive in non safe conditions, and also sleep is a thing i needed) and… wow! I found out I was being PAID THE LEAST AMOUNT OF ANY EMPLOYEE. I was their senior staff. I trained all their clueless chucklefucks. I showed up for extra hours of work to clean or fix things that were broken. And the brand new shiny bartender with zero experience was being paid almost two or three dollars more than me as a base wage….. because it’s what she out as a requested wage on sign-up.

i didn’t. I assumed i’d be paid for what my work was worth.

Who your employer is matters. Cripes.

and yeah, they knew i was their best. When i asked to leave early one day (the same day i turned in my two weeks of leave, which is a whole other story that’s kind of funny actually), they said “sure! You can go, if I can get X and Y to come in and replace you for the shift.”

he was a very dumb manager. He called in two employees to replace one, and he also let me do this right before the dinner rush. If he’d been smart he’d have said no, and kept his senior waitress for that busy hell show. I knew he’d think things were slow (i made sure to ask him after i finished cleaning up and prepping following the lunch rush) so i could leave without issue, but sure as shit, on my way out the door the crowds were coming and I did not look back :)

man

years later and waitressing memories can still light me up like a firework