#i would eat plain sliced bread

[greenfiredragonfly]

Really, I should have thought to bring food with me to my parents' place. :(

hungy...

oh well :(

[milkweedman]

forcing myself to "eat protein" and "be responsible" after once again encountering a week long period of all my muscles hurt so bad and are so weak despite doing the same thing they always do assuming without checking that it was probably because im eating mostly coffee and plain untoasted bread in small quantities. and its not even a whey bread or 100% whole wheat, ive been trying to use up my bread flour/whole wheat blend (i dumped them in the bucket together, maybe on accident ? unclear) so its just that with whatever else i threw in. spent $6 on the only yogurt in the store that had at least 5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup, which is still very little, only to get home and finally google what the symptoms of protein deficiency are. they are not that. those are the symptoms of Who Fucking Knows, As Always

[plushie-lovey]

Dameon and I are going to share some of my of favorite chips!

[incendiorum-arch]

basic ass homemade bread is the most delicious thing on earth I stg

[enwoso]

Lovie copying Leah by not wanting to eat her food anymore and only wanting plain boring food and less is so confused until at training she sees Lovie asking for exaclty what Leah is having

TO BE LIKE — alessia russo x child!reader

grumpy masterlist

"lovie, why are you not eating your dinner?" alessia asked as you were sat in your seat with a plate of creamy chicken pasta and some side vegetables all of which you would usually eat and not leave a scrap.

however today, you hadn't even attempted to eat your dinner.

this wasn't the first time this had happened over the past couple of days you'd been on england camp with mummy and the rest of the squad. you'd only been eating your food if you'd chosen what it was to eat.

now by any means you had never been a picky eater. alessia had made sure that you were adventurous with what you ate, always making sure to let you try new foods. but you of course had the odd thing you didn’t like.

"don't like it." you pouted pushing the plate away from you as your mums eyebrows furrowed, alessia couldn't understand why you were being difficult.

"what don't you like?" she asked as she pushed the plate back in front of you, but you moved your face away from it not wanting it to be in front of you, answering your mummy's question by pointing to each individual thing on the plate.

"but mummy makes that when we are at home and you usually love it?" alessia says referring back to the times as you shook your head mumbling a small no. alessia taking a big deep breath as she tried quickly to find a solution.

"what do you want to eat then?"

"chicken nuggs and bread!" you smiled as alessia nodded getting up and going to ask the chef at england if there was anyway he could make you a plate of chicken nuggets. alessia deciding to not bother arguing with you over not eating the pasta and instead hoping this was just a small phase you were in and that within a week you'd be back eating all your favourite foods.

"leah, can you watch lovie while i go change this?" alessia asked, she being the one that was the closest to you, the england captain in the middle of eating her own dinner but agreeing nevertheless.

it wasn't a small phase, and it didn't last a week. it had now been two weeks since the england camp and alessia was back at training with arsenal, you accompanying her on the days you weren’t at nursery.

today was one of them days and it was the time of the day alessia had been dreading each day for the past few weeks, meal time. she’d let you go up with leah and beth and choose your own food, meaning she was able to avoid the tussle to get you to pick what you now liked.

“what you got then lovie?” alessia asked as you slipped in the seat next to your mummy, sitting on your knees so you were high enough to reach the table. beth carrying your plate for you, putting it in front of you once you were seated.

“today we’ve got plain pasta and some bread!” beth smiled as she sat down on the same table as the you and your mummy. alessia mouthing to beth, ‘with butter?’ as beth shook her head.

a slight grimace on your mums face as beth described your lunch, as you reached for a fork digging into your very colourless and plain pasta.

“at least she’s not pushing it away” alessia sighed as beth nodded humming in agreement, it was the small wins that mattered.

“hey kleintje!” vic giggled ruffling your hair as she passed sitting next to beth. you frowning at the dutch for messing your hair up, a peice of pasta hanging from your mouth.

“i see we’ve got a very colourful plate again” vic joked as alessia rolled her eyes at the dutches attempt at a joke. “you do realised she’s just copying what leah’s having, don’t you?” vic pointed out the groups eyes wandering to the blonde who was sat across the canteen and funnily enough you had exactly what leah was having. plain pasta and a slice of bread.

“no way, she is aswell!” beth laughed out loud as alessia blinked once trying to wrap her head around the fact of why you would want to eat such plain and boring foods. but it also making the pieces fit together for the past few weeks.

“why though?” alessia whispered thinking out loud. beth and vic both sharing a look that told alessia they didn’t have an answer before they both shrugged.

“the only way your gonna get your answer is by asking tiny herself!” beth pointed to you, as you were in your own little bubble now being onto eating your plain bread happily as your ipad played out the sound of the show you were watching.

so alessia decided to take beth’s advice and after another battle to figure out what to make you for your dinner that night it settling on a plate of potato smiley’s.

“lovie, can mummy ask you a question?” your mummy was sat opposite you at the dinner table, as you hummed and nodding your head, not being able to talk as your mouth was filled with potato.

“why are you eating really plain foods at the moment” she asked softly, the blonde putting her fork down on the side of her plate.

“i like it!” you answered simply, shrugging your shoulders. thinking that would be the end of the discussion but mummy wasn’t convinced as her eyebrows raised at the response.

“it’s just, i’ve noticed when at arsenal and england camps when it’s lunch and dinner time your eating very similarly to leah ” mummy pointed out as your face was a little shocked, your shoulders not looking a little more tense. “your not in trouble for it, i just wanna know why?” your mummy added.

“to be like leah” you answered so innocently as mummy nodded a pout coming onto her face as your sweet reply.

“lovie, you don’t have to do everything leah does. you can still be like leah and still like all the foods you love” mummy told you as you nodded timidly as a small smile creeped upon your face.

“so i can have chicken pasta?”

[leahsgf]

FUSSY EATER - leah williamson

leah williamson x child!reader | bubba masterlist

"come on bubba. can you try some broccoli for mumma?" leah cooed, desperately trying to slip the little plastic spoon past your lips which had of course remained glued shut in refusal.

you simply turned your head away in response, like you had done every single other time she had tried - settling for staring at beth and alessia from across the canteen, a much more interesting option in your opinion.

you were leah's mini, in every single way - and always had been, but the older you got the more this had began to show, mimicking everything she did from simply kicking a ball, to her signature frown, and even babbling certain words in that dreaded roadman accent that sometimes slipped out of the blonde's mouth for no apparent reason. even when you wouldn’t stop referring to everyone as ‘darlin’ for weeks on end, your want to be just like her was something that your mother adored beyond words, usually.

your recent thing however? she wasn't such a fan of.

you were finally at the stage where you could confidently eat solid foods and start having meals like leah, and she hadn't put any thought into just how fussy she herself was until she had you mirroring everything she did - including devouring absolutely anything that was beige and not giving anything else as much as a look.

which is what had landed you both in this situation, you sat in a highchair and leah sat across from you, spoon still loaded with the dreaded green stuff that you had yet to be convinced to try.

you were quite content with the bits of bread and plain pasta that were sat on your tray, and were suspicious of the piece of broccoli held in front of you, not knowing why you were being expected to try it when you had never seen your mumma eat it.

"come on sweetheart. if you try this little bit for me i'll get you some chocolate, yeah? just one little bit. i know you love chocolate"

"bribing the baby now are we williamson?" tooney cackled, walking past with her own food - not before snapping a picture of the sight before her to update her very amused followers, who had over time become invested in leah’s ‘dead’ meals.

“shut up man, she’s so stubborn i can’t! i have so much more respect for my mum now but surely even i wasn’t this bad”

“of course you were lee! you still are, are you forgetting that you called chicken slices ‘white ham’ until we were 23 cause you were convinced you hated chicken!” keira giggled, joining in on the conversation and lightly shoving her best friend as she slipped into the seat next to her.

“oi! not helping!” leah grumbled, the frown lines on her forehead that may as well be permanent only deepening as your refusal continued.

“maybe you should eat some and show her, she copies everything you do.” georgia chimed in this time, grinning as she already know what the answer would be.

“but i hate broccoli”

-

just a small little thing i’ve had in my drafts that makes so much sense in my head, bubba is 100% a picky eater like leah is

[laurfilijames]

Breathe

Part 7

Pairing: Will 'Ironhead' Miller x female reader

Words: 6.9k

Warnings: Rated E, 18+. Swearing. Trauma/PTSD/nightmares/insomnia. Unprotected intercourse.

Summary: Unanswered questions amp up every emotion that time does nothing to lessen, and so much uncertainty raises the concern if everything will turn out okay or if moving on is the only answer.

A/N: Less hurt than the last chapter, I promise! Thank you to everyone who was so enthusiastic and responsive to it and made all that angst worth writing!

Photo by @avatarskingdom and edited by me. Please do not use without permission or credit. Headers by the wonderful @spaghettificationandpretzels!

Chapter Playlist

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

---

You felt numb as much as you felt angry, scared and heartbroken.

It was all still so surreal, having to remind yourself constantly that Will broke up with you and was gone, the persistent sick feeling in your stomach growing with every thought of his life being at risk and that even though he was no longer yours, you might never see him again.

You did everything you could to understand his side of things, but with that your frustration increased wildly, the fact that he hadn't even given you the chance to be there for him stinging almost as much as him abandoning what you knew, or thought, you had.

Did he really believe you wouldn’t support him, that you didn’t care enough about him to give him space and time while he dealt with all the things he needed to, that your love for him simply wasn’t enough for him to want to hold onto while he was deployed, that everything you thought you had been building was broken and false?

The toaster popped, shooting your slice of bread out, making you jump after forgetting you were even waiting for it.

You ate because you had to, but food tasted bleak and flavourless, and everything that landed in your stomach felt like it sat there and made your nausea even worse.

You had made a whole lasagna earlier just because, giving you something to do for the better part of an hour, but the thought of eating it was so unappealing and you had the idea that maybe you would drop it off for Benny. Taking a bite out of the plain piece of toast, you thought how awful it might feel to go over to the Miller’s house right now, and decided against it, opting to freeze the lasagna for another time instead.

Another bite and the toast was in the trash, and you stood in the middle of your kitchen unmoving, not sure what to do with yourself next.

You hadn’t slept, and whether it was fatigue or just your grief pummeling you, you broke down and sobbed, your body shaking as the memory of Will holding you in his arms in this very spot flooded you, dancing one night while in the middle of cleaning up dinner, pausing almost anything in favour of stealing a piece of each other.

Work was a welcomed distraction, forcing you to go through the motions and function like everything was normal, able to allow you to bury your emotions for the course of a shift and nearly forget about what had happened, only to have it all come back the moment you got in your car and started your drive home, knowing you had nothing to look forward to.

You hadn’t been back to the gym since the day you saw both brothers there all beat up from their brawl with each other, your body too exhausted and weak to even consider working out, but as you sat at your kitchen table with nothing else to do, you went and changed into your gym clothes and drove over.

It was busy enough, observing the evening crowd enough to keep you entertained as you walked on the Stair Master, each step automatic and absent-minded.

Through a few people and machines you spotted Benny, resting on a bench between sets of chest presses, his smile and slightly awkward wave making you feel equally so, and as he stood and started weaving his way over to you, you felt bad that he probably felt obligated to talk to you.

You stopped the machine and stepped down, grabbing your things in the assumption you would probably feel like leaving after this conversation, your water bottle shaking in your hand that trembled with nerves and adrenaline.

“Hey,” Benny said, somewhat hesitantly.

“Hey, Benny,” you answered, smoothing your hand over your sweaty hair.

“How’re you doing?”

You sighed, looking down at the floor as you shook your head. “Do you want the fake answer or the honest one?”

Benny huffed a laugh in understanding. “You look like shit.”

You laughed out of disbelief, bringing yourself to look at him as he scratched his head and tried to recover.

“I mean- fuck.”

“No, I look like shit. Feel like it too,” you confirmed, reassuring his observations.

“Are you looking after yourself?” he asked, his face full of concern.

You shrugged, “As much as I can, I guess.”

He nodded, sympathetic to your feelings. “Are you eating? Sleeping?”

“Here and there. Not much of both if I’m honest.”

“Yeah, I get it. Just do your best even though it’s hard.”

You hummed. “Does it get any easier?”

He tilted his head a bit. “Does what get easier?”

“The worry, the waiting…”

“Oh, uh…” he pulled his ball cap up off his head, smoothed his hair back and placed it back on again, this time backwards. “Yeah, I guess we all just get used to it in a way. But I’d be lying if I said that everyday you’re half expecting to get that phone call…”

He saw the tears in your eyes well to the surface, and unlike most times, Benny felt a bit speechless.

“I can’t stop thinking about him,” you admitted, your words not even directed at Benny, but rather said aloud simply because you couldn’t keep them in.

“Ugh, I’m sorry,” you went on, wiping your eyes and shaking your head like it would suddenly shake away your feelings. “I’m gonna get going, see you later.”

“Yeah, of course,” Benny responded, his voice soft. “Hey,” he called after you, making you pause and turn half-way to face him.

“Just don’t give up on him yet.”

You gave a weak smile. “I couldn’t if I wanted to.”

You made it to your car before you really fell apart, the tears coming down your face so hot and fast you could barely see to unlock the door, and when you flopped down into the seat, you rested your head against the steering wheel and wept.

The most overwhelming sense of panic came over you, taking control over everything and trapping you in it, your mind racing with every horrible thought imaginable, and before you could realize, your breathing had turned short and gasping, your mouth desperately trying to suck in air between sobs.

Your hands wrapped around yourself, squeezing you tighter than the grip of the anxiety attack was, feeling your whole body shaking and trembling and all you wanted to do was scream.

That was when Will’s soothing voice popped in your head, urging you to focus on your breaths and count each one, the sound of the numbers in his even tone allowing you to stop the panic, and you began counting out loud until your breathing eventually leveled out.

How could the same person who was the reason you were feeling this way manage to help calm you, you thought, exhaling slowly as everything around you started to come into focus again.

You ran your hands over your face, your body still shaking with each inhalation though they had become more regular, knowing that as much as you were hurt and betrayed, you still loved Will more than you could imagine loving anything.

Benny’s phone rang not thirty seconds after he’d just hung up, Will’s number lighting up his screen suspiciously close to him ending his conversation with Tom.

He pressed the green button to answer it, and before he could even get out a ‘hey’, Will’s voice stopped him.

“Are you checking up on me?”

“Uhh-”

“I heard Redfly talking to you, idiot.”

Benny scratched his head, trying to gauge which way this was about to go.

“If you’re wondering how I am, just ask me, Ben.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes that’s easier said than done,” he quipped, recalling how many forced conversations they’d had lately where Will gave short, vague answers to everything.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

Benny sighed, lifting his arm up in exasperation before letting it fall and hit his side, “I dunno, man, I just thought I’d get a truthful answer out of Redfly over you. He’s with you every day and can tell how you are.”

He heard Will sigh, and Benny took the pause as a chance to give his brother the opportunity to tell him for himself.

“So, how are you, then?”

Will sighed heavily again. “I don’t fucking know anymore. Okay, I guess?” he said, his uncertainty clear.

“Tom said things are going well with the op, and despite it all you seem like you’ve got your head in the game.”

“Yeah, that’s all fine,” Will explained, like his role as a Captain on this tour was the least of his worries. “It’s everything else…”

“Yeah…” Benny agreed, holding space for Will to continue.

“How’s she doing? Have you seen her?”

“Saw her at the gym yesterday,” Benny said carefully, trying to decide if it would be better or worse to tell him she wasn’t doing well, but ultimately knowing if he wanted Will to be honest, he would have to be too. “She’s not doing good, man.”

Will was silent, making Benny pull the phone away from his ear to check if the call had dropped or not.

“I can’t believe I did this to her,” he said quietly.

“Yeah, well,” Benny said flatly, “What’s done is done, now you just have to focus on finishing this job and getting back home so you can fix it.”

“Do you think there will be anything left to fix?”

Benny blew the air out of his mouth slowly. “That’s up to you two. If you both want it to work out…”

“That’s what I’m worried about. By the time I get back she’ll have moved on and learned to hate me.”

“You don’t know that,” Benny countered. Able to tell the expression that would be on Will’s face right now, he continued. “She still loves you man.”

“I wish she didn’t. She deserves better, not this shit…”

Benny’s heart ached for his brother, hating that he was going through this on top of being back in action, praying his stress didn’t get the better of him or be the cause of any fatal mistakes.

“Listen, man, I gotta go,” Will spoke, his voice weak and quiet.

“Yeah, okay. Be careful out there.”

“Always.”

The beep of the call ending sounded in Benny’s ear before there was even the chance to consider saying anything else, and he hoped Will would hang onto the thought that maybe it wasn’t all lost yet.

Days turned into weeks, but the amount of time that was passing didn’t help to make things feel any better, making you wonder every day if it would ever stop hurting.

Anger grew as you wracked your brain combing through every detail of every conversation and act that could've led to this, wondering where it was that you went wrong, but you still couldn’t pinpoint the moment Will gave up on loving you or what it was that made him peel away. It almost hurt just as much as him being gone did, unable to know what the cause was so you could try to rectify it and simply get closure as to why it ended, your heart like an open wound that would never heal.

You looked at yourself in the mirror one last time before exiting your room, on your way to meet two of your girlfriends for a quiet drink, your attempts to refuse unaccepted.

You couldn’t deny that it would possibly help get your mind off of Will, but you knew it was futile as everything you did and everywhere you went, he was there.

“That guy can’t stop looking over here at you,” Grace said through a grin as she nudged you with her elbow, and you twisted in your chair slightly to follow her gaze.

You took a sip of your wine as you assessed the man with dark brown hair and brown eyes staring directly at you, his smile bright and clean, his lips plump and inviting.

You said nothing as you turned back to your friends, raising your eyebrows as if that was a response that would appease anyone.

“Come on, he’s gorgeous!” Nicole urged, tilting her head indignantly.

“I never said he wasn’t!” you defended, but in your head all you could think was how he wasn’t Will.

“You need a rebound fuck,” Grace suggested, and the thought made your stomach flip.

“I’m not ready for any of that yet,” you admitted, hoping they would understand how raw everything still felt.

“We know,” Nicole sympathized, giving your hand a squeeze as she placed hers overtop, and you knew they would support you in anything whether it was continuing to miss Will with every part of your being or hooking up with the next man who walked by.

“Oh shit, he’s coming over,” Grace blurted, adjusting in her seat as a wide smile appeared on her face.

Your heart plummeted in your gut, and you sighed, praying this wouldn’t be as horribly awkward as you were expecting it to be, trying to find the energy to be kind and cordial despite not wanting to.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” a deep, smooth voice purred behind you, and you felt the demand of his presence as he stood beside your chair.

His eyes were even more alluring up close, and his crooked smirk was equally charming as it was sexy, the dark scruff around his mouth complimenting his olive complexion.

You swallowed, feeling unable to find words, and with a low chuckle, it prompted him to continue.

“I couldn’t help but want to come over to say hi and introduce myself.” He spoke with such confidence, his voice so seductive. “I’m Cam.”

He held out his hand for you to shake, and you did, feeling your hand tremble slightly before he took it in a firm grip and moved it up and down once on your behalf.

You introduced yourself as well as Nicole and Grace who you wanted to kick under the table for how they were gawking at him, but not as much as you wanted to crawl under it to hide away as he pulled out a chair from the empty table beside yours and took a seat.

“Can I get you ladies another round?”

“Oh, yes please!” the girls chimed, seeming completely enthusiastic about him joining you.

You assessed his hand for any ring as he waved the waitress over, requesting for the same drinks to be brought to the table, feeling relieved there was no band wrapped around his ring finger, but something about him still felt off to you.

He’s not Will, your mind reminded you, and you took a long drink of your wine to try to swallow the sour feeling stirring in your gut.

It was comfortable enough talking to him, even catching yourself laughing at some of the things he said and genuinely having a good time, but every time you felt yourself liking something about him, there was one thing you found you didn’t.

He’s not Will.

You found yourself lost in his chocolate eyes as he spoke to you, imagining instead they were clear blue and held a brightness that reflected the love you had learned to see shine through them, only to be reminded that that wasn’t something that existed for you anymore, and you blinked back to the reality you faced.

“Would it be too forward of me if I asked for your number?” Cam asked, his eyebrows raising on his forehead in a hopeful, but confident expression.

“Hm, yeah, sure,” you replied, picking his phone up from the table that he slid over to you and typed your number into a text message along with your name, sending it to yourself.

“I’ll call you,” he said, standing from his seat where he continued to smile at you.

Your eyes followed him as he walked over to the bar to pay his tab, feeling something stir in you as he looked back over his shoulder at you one last time before he sauntered out of the bar, everything about him charming and gorgeous.

But he wasn’t Will.

“Are you going to go out with him?” Nicole asked excitedly, the looks on both your friend’s faces confusing you like you missed something they hadn’t.

“Umm,” you pondered, trying to wrap your head around the situation, the three glasses of wine making your head feel fuzzy. “I- I don’t know.”

You felt like crying, feeling a sense of guilt and anxiety bubble up in you, like you were betraying Will and being unfaithful despite the reminder that he wasn’t yours slapping you in the face and twisting your heart in your chest.

A few days had passed since your night out with the girls, and as expected, a text from Cam had come through asking to take you for dinner, the invitation sitting ignored and unresponded to in your messages.

Every time you opened your phone to reply, you would see Will’s name a few spots down from Cam’s, the contrast between them and what was past and what was present making you wish more than ever that you could go back in time and try to mend whatever it was that took Will away from you.

You didn't recall ever being so irritable, your temper short and your patience gone, a toss up whether you would scream or cry at the drop of a hat becoming the daily gamble.

The gym didn’t even seem to allay these frustrations, and as you tried to adjust the height of the rack bracket and it got stuck, you felt that blanket of red creeping up through you.

Cursing under your breath, you wiggled the pin again and again, tugging and jostling it to try to get it to move, the clanking of the metal against metal drawing attention over to you by prying, judging eyes.

“Need help?”

You sighed with relief, hearing the familiar voice that belonged to Benny, closing your eyes and counting your breaths as he stepped in and adjusted it for you.

“Thank you,” you muttered, avoiding meeting his eyes as shame washed over you.

“You alright?”

You forced the air out of your lungs again, still not meeting his piercing gaze.

“I'm just so angry and there's nothing I can do about it,” you admitted, your tone defeated.

“I understand that,” Benny drawled, leaning against the squat rack.

You felt him studying you, almost as if he was debating saying something.

“He asks about you every time I talk to him…”

It felt like the wind was knocked right out of you, and somehow you managed to speak.

“He does?”

Your bewilderment seemed to confuse Benny, his face screwed up as he looked at you like it was the most obvious and normal thing.

“Yeah?”

You covered your face with your hands, letting out a growl that did nothing to signify your frustration at the situation.

“I still don’t know what I did wrong. He stopped staying the night and became more and more distant each time I saw him…” You paused briefly, trying to put your thoughts in order. “Then he just stopped altogether and the next time we spoke he ended it, and now you’re saying he asks about me?”

“He didn’t tell you about his nightmare?” Benny asked, his shock blatant.

You shook your head, your brows knitted tightly together. “No?”

Benny sighed and rolled his eyes, shifting on his feet as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Jesus Christ…okay,” he groaned, exasperated by his brother’s ability to consistently make things worse.

You stood there unmoving as Benny explained what had happened, going over all the details Will had told him of his nightmare and his reactions to it, and you felt cold despite having worked up a sweat from what you had done in your routine already.

“I told him he wouldn't actually hurt you but he was so messed up from it. I think it was days before he managed to sleep after that,” Benny said, his tone sad. “I've only seen him that distraught after a nightmare a couple times before.”

“Why wouldn’t he have said anything to me?” you asked, your voice a whisper.

Benny shrugged, “I think he was scared. And then knowing he was leaving on top of it…it was just too much for him.”

You nodded, rubbing your hands on your arms for some sort of comfort, feeling like your heart was breaking all over again, but this time for Will rather than because of him.

“I’m not making excuses for him,” Benny went on, leaning with his arms up on the barbell that hung across the rack. “I don’t agree with what he did, I just know how messy things can get in that head of his, and as his brother I kinda always have to have his back, but it doesn't mean I’m on his side.”

You nodded, at a loss for words as your mind tried to process everything.

It was a helpless feeling, having some sort of understanding now but unable to do anything about it, wondering if you should send Will a message or have Benny pass one along, but all you wanted to tell him was you loved him and that was probably something he didn’t need right now.

“Thanks for telling me,” you said softly, all of your anger replaced with sadness and worry, your heart aching in your chest.

Time continued to pass but did nothing to heal, each day marking another one gone without a word between you and Will, leaving you more unclear than ever at what to do, feeling that if he wanted anything to do with you, he would’ve reached out by now.

Not wanting to put Benny in the middle of it, you never once asked him to interfere or treated him as a messenger, only asking how his brother was doing when he hadn’t told you on his own and thankful that he usually would provide an update anyway knowing you were wondering.

The last time you saw the younger Miller you had dropped off a week’s worth of food, having prepped a variety of high fat and carb meals, helping to get him ready for his upcoming fights in a new weight class.

Cooking for Benny was just the type of distraction you needed, feeling useful and productive and able to put this latent energy into something good for someone else, offering to make his meals for him each week so he didn’t have to worry about his nutrition while focusing on his training.

He had told you as he helped unload all the food from your car that Will was due to return home soon, a matter of days or weeks but there was no exact date yet, and every time you went to the gym or to the grocery store, you braced yourself for a run-in with the man you couldn’t stop thinking about.

You finished washing your face and brushing your teeth, checking your phone one last time before leaving it on your dresser for the night, never getting used to the disappointment you felt at not seeing a sweet message from Will like you used to whenever he wasn’t with you, and still holding hope that whenever it did buzz with a text, it would be Benny saying Will was back.

Your anxiousness was getting the better of you, feeling like it was worsening each day to the point you were struggling to sleep even more than what had now become your normal, never resting for more than a couple of hours at a time if you were lucky.

So many things passed through your mind in those hours spent awake, some of which consisted of that outstanding offer for a date with Cam, not declining it yet despite knowing it was something you didn’t want anything to do with. Nicole and Grace would still bring it up whenever you talked but didn’t put any pressure on you, both of them knowing deep down you were happiest with Will, and you weren’t about to jeopardize any remaining chance with him until you knew for sure that there was an absolute finality to your relationship.

Not feeling tired but knowing you needed to try to sleep, you crawled into bed, nestling yourself under the covers on the side that Will used to occupy, closing your eyes in hopes your mind would drum up the memory of his arms wrapped around you.

You knew you shouldn't do it, knowing it wasn't helping you move on and that some might deem it unhealthy, but every time you laid in bed you imagined him with you and it was becoming the only thing that would get you to sleep.

It had been your haven; the warmth of his body and your limbs tired and wonderfully achy from sex providing all the comfort you needed to drift off, both of you usually able to sleep soundly with the exception of Will having the occasional nightmare until his mind plagued him with the one that he couldn’t get past.

How could it be so wrong to go back to a time when a version of you didn't haunt his dreams, when you had brought each other nothing but love and understanding and a sense of safety and security? You kept replaying what Benny had told you about his nightmare over and over, the sense of guilt you had over it working to torture you just as much as the dream tormented Will.

You sighed, squeezing your eyelids tight, doing everything in your power to recall the feel of his lips on your neck, his breath ghosting over your skin as he wished you goodnight, his beard scratching against you in the most addicting way as he tucked his face as close to yours as he could.

Tears started to spring from your eyes the harder you shut them, thinking how you would give it all up in a heartbeat so Will could be happy and live a life with all of his worries put at ease even if it meant you couldn’t be a part of it.

Will picked at the frayed laces on his boot as he listened to the dial tone, one leg bent to rest on his knee while waiting for Benny to pick up, excited to share the news that he was flying home tomorrow and to get an update on Benny’s training, knowing he had been working hard to put on the last few pounds needed to put him in the Light Heavyweight class.

“Sup, bro?” he finally answered, out of breath.

“Hey, Ben. You running?”

“Just in the middle of some light spars. Got my first fight tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, buddy!” he hollered, his excitement palpable through the phone.

“That’s awesome, Benny,” Will praised, proud of his brother for reaching his goal.

“How’re you doing?” Benny panted.

“I’m okay,” he paused, planting his foot down so both were on the ground and scratching his head. “Coming in tomorrow.”

“Fuck, seriously?”

“Yeah…”

“Shit. The fight is in Fort Myers, I can’t pick you up, man.”

Will tried his best to disguise his disappointment, his leg bouncing as he tried to level his voice.

“It’s fine, I’ll take a cab or get Redfly to drop me off,” he suggested, knowing he wouldn’t even ask his friend since Tom would be so eager to be reunited with his girls.

Benny sighed, “You sure?”

“Yeah, it’s not a big deal. I’m just sorry I’ll miss that fight.”

“There will be more, don’t worry,” he assured. “Safe flight home, eh?”

“Thanks Benny. Good luck tomorrow. Knock ‘em dead.”

Benny chuckled, “Yeah, I will. See you soon, bro.”

Will ended the call and sat for a minute, the bit of excitement he felt about coming home diminished, feeling a sense of dejection that he officially had no one there for him.

He considered all of his options, the thought of reaching out to you even crossing his mind, but knew that he couldn’t and he would just have to settle for whatever warm welcome the cab driver wouldn’t provide him.

He blew air out of his mouth slowly, starting to feel like he couldn't capture a proper breath, closing his eyes as the sense of self-inflicted and well-deserved dread he was now accustomed to consumed him.

One, two, three…he counted, the numbers switching from the sound of his own voice to yours, repeating them with each breath in and out until he secured a consistent pattern.

Tomorrow.

You knew what it meant without any other context, the single word appearing on your screen from Benny making your heart jump into your throat, and you grabbed the edge of the countertop behind you with shaky hands as you leaned against it.

He had promised to tell you when he knew for sure and here it was, the day you had hoped for for so long, but one you were also terrified for.

Will was coming home.

As a slew of emotions ran through you, it dawned on you that his arrival happened to be on the same day as Benny’s fight, and you wondered if that meant anyone would be there to welcome him home.

You picked up your phone to reply to Benny, thinking of asking him who was planning to pick Will up from base, but as soon as you started typing the message, you hit the arrow to delete it, putting your phone back down on the counter.

It wasn’t your business, you told yourself, fighting every urge to make it yours, the thought of Wil returning home from the hells he faced with no one there for him breaking your heart.

You figured you were the last person he would want to see anyway, and knowing you had the potential to send him even more over the edge made you feel sick, thinking of how much had changed from when you were the one who used to bring him peace.

The flight was long, and it felt like every muscle in Will’s body ached as he walked off the plane and waited to board the bus that would bring them to the base station, feeling so close but still so far from being home.

There was continuous chatter around him, the excitement of all the soldiers about reuniting with their loved ones making Will feel happy and sad at the same time, and he did his best to seem enthused when asked if he was looking forward to going home.

He checked his phone more times than he needed to, having sent Benny a text that he had landed to which he responded with a thumbs up emoji, part of him hoping that there would be something from you, only to remember he didn’t deserve any grace for his actions.

He was getting everything he deserved, he thought as he pressed his head back against the headrest after sitting down, sighing out slowly while closing his eyes, finding it amusing that being alone was something he was both looking forward to and completely dreading.

It wasn’t long before the bus arrived at base, and Will remained in his seat until everyone else had gotten off, not wanting his fellow troops who were so eager to hold their loved ones to be held up by him who was only going to wait for a fucking cab.

He slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way through people hugging, a weak smile forming on his lips in seeing one of his friends holding his newborn baby, and not far off did he watch Tom embrace both of his daughter’s in his arms, picking them up and swinging them around until they were screaming with delight.

After making his way to the doors, he pulled out his phone and looked up the number for a taxi, rubbing his other hand over his tired eyes roughly, praying it wouldn’t take long for one to show up.

The area he stood in was quiet with everyone else still lingering behind, but he glanced up when he noticed a couple walking past hand-in-hand, pausing to steal a kiss.

Will was about to hit the number to dial for Taxi Tampa when he looked up again, his eyes landing on a familiar face and one he couldn’t forget even if he tried.

You had just walked in and were stopped in your tracks as you noticed him at the same time, your face a mix of so many emotions that Will could hardly pick one out.

You gave a small shrug and shook your head, silently explaining that you didn’t really know what you were doing there, and Will all but choked as he tried to take a breath, his shock in seeing you completely overwhelming.

He dropped his bag and let his phone fall on top of it, stepping toward you in purposeful strides, his eyes welling up just the same as yours were.

“I wasn’t sure if I should even come but…I had to show up for you,” you shook out, Will’s hands reaching to cup your face, his thumbs smoothing your cheeks as tears started to fall down them.

He nodded in response, unable to say anything, his own tears breaking their threshold as you grabbed onto his forearms, rubbing them through his shirt as he continued to hold onto you.

He pulled you into a hug, relieved when you embraced him just as hard, feeling himself relax into you, his face nuzzling your head.

“I’m sorry,” he cried, alternating his remorse with ‘thank you’ between pressing kisses onto your forehead and hair, your sobs making your body lurch against his.

Your hands pawed at his back, clawing at his fatigues like you were trying to hold onto him for good, and Will prayed with everything he had that you never would let go.

He wasn’t sure how long you stayed like that for, but he eventually felt himself calm down, relishing in holding you and being in your presence again, knowing he would do everything in his power to make every bit of hurt up to you.

Will inhaled deeply, letting it go slowly out of his mouth, feeling like he could finally breathe properly again after all this time.

It was surreal to be in his arms, his warm embrace something you missed more than you imagined you could have, the feel of his body on yours and his scent surrounding you so familiar.

His heartbeat thrummed in your ear as you continued to rest your face on his chest, hearing his breathing having evened out and realizing yours had done the same.

You reluctantly pulled away to look at him, still keeping your arms locked around his middle. “Should we get you home?”

Will’s mouth turned up on one side, his crooked smirk making you melt.

“Yeah,” he nodded, his hand falling to land on your lower back as you both turned to where his bag was left on the floor.

You expected a moment like this to feel awkward, but it was anything but, like you were learning each other all over again, standing in Will’s room with your arms around each other’s waist, your faces so close and your lips inches from touching.

Finally, Will leaned into you, softly pressing his lips on yours, making you hold your breath as you let your eyes close and kissed him back, a broken moan transferring into his mouth as you forced yourself to try to take in air again.

His hand ran across your back, pulling you close to him as he took a step into you, your shirt slipping up so his palm splayed out on your skin, that sensation alone making you shiver in addition to how good it felt to have his lips on yours again.

Kisses grew more intense as each second ticked by, only pausing when he lifted your shirt over your head, and despite feeling so desperate, you both continued to keep every touch slow and careful.

His fingers pinched the clasp of your bra together to release it, moving the straps down your shoulders until it fell from your body, returning his hands to your arms where he trailed his fingertips up them to your neck and then down to your bare chest.

You found the buttons on his shirt, blindly unfastening each one until you were able to peel it open, feeling his smooth chest and the defined muscles of his torso, his warmth radiating out onto you.

Will reached up to take hold of your face, angling your head to press his tongue deeper in your mouth, stealing every bit of air from you in the process.

Breathe, your mind begged, but kissing him was better than breathing.

The rough material of his fatigues brushed against your nipples, making your breath hitch in your throat even more, your body moving to rub against him again to replicate the feeling.

You were rid of your pants and underwear next, leaving you naked while Will remained in his uniform, but the intoxicating feel of your skin on his bare chest let him know that he needed to have as much skin-on-skin contact as possible, and he tore the garment off his upper body quickly before moving to his pants.

Once you were bared to each other, you returned to your slow caresses, touching and exploring with light fingers and hands, your pleasure brought on purely by love.

You stopped kissing him for a moment, teasing your lips on his until you managed to whisper, your voice thick with lust.

“I need you, Will. I need you inside me.”

His nose nudged your cheek as he agreed with the nod of his head, his hands clasping your face again like he feared if he went too long without kissing you, you would vanish.

He took your hand and led you to the bed, sitting down on it and shifted back slightly where you followed, straddling his lap and wrapping your arms around his neck, looking into his vibrantly blue eyes as he gazed at you lovingly.

His hands slid all along your back, bringing you closer to his body before they landed on your legs, guiding you to put them straight so they were behind him and you were seated flush against his lap.

You breathed out slowly as your forehead rested against his, feeling his cock settle at your folds, and when you moved your hips ever so slightly, you gasped at the sensation.

Will kissed along your jawline, his hands massaging your hips, ready to assist as you lifted yourself enough to reach between your bodies and take hold of his cock, guiding him to your entrance where you slowly sank onto his length.

Short, shuddered breaths were exchanged between you before you found each other’s lips again, and you gradually began to move together, finding a tempo that sang to you and helped display the love that had been missing.

Will held onto every part of you that he could, grasping at you as you rocked and rode him, his hips jutting up into yours in slow, meticulous thrusts to give you everything you needed, feeling your desperation grow while his did too.

Your clit rubbed against the coarse hairs above his cock, grinding until you were at the edge, the way your wet walls clenched around and encased him driving him to the brink what felt like faster than ever.

Even though you were both quick to arrive at your climaxes, nothing about it was rushed, savouring each movement to get there and not taking a single second for granted, every emotion felt transferred through your bodies.

Will kissed you hard, groaning into your mouth as he came undone, coating your walls and filling you completely with his hot cum that started to leak out of you as you continued to move on his shaft, your orgasm lagging just seconds behind.

Your fingers clawed at the back of his neck, scratching and digging into his flesh as your body took every bit of pleasure from him, the seal of your mouths breaking as you both panted for air, his head falling into the hollow of your neck while yours rested on the side of his, his hair soft on your cheek.

His mouth smeared wet across your collarbone as he moved his face, pressing sloppy, lazy kisses onto your skin as he continued to hold you close, feeling his chest and back expand and contract with each heavy breath while you kept your arms secured around him.

Will brought you with him as he laid down on his sheets, your bodies still connected, his fingertips tracing your hairline before he leaned toward you and kissed your lips again.

After a few more minutes of kissing, you tucked your face into his neck, your legs entwining with his, Will rolling over onto his back where he held your hand and brought it to rest on his chest.

A silent agreement seemed to settle between you to leave the talking until tomorrow, right now needing to simply be with each other, and like nothing had ever gone wrong, Will closed his eyes and fell asleep, his mind and body finding a peace he didn’t think he would ever have again.

---

Part 8

Taglist:

@sotwk @dailydragon08 @sunnys-day @thedreadandthefugitivemind @glassgulls

@littlenosoul @glitterypirateduck @momia2910 @maggotzombie @rmwarn90

@paintlavillered @casa-boiardi @stealfromthedevil @kmc1989 @justreblogginfics

@spaghettificationandpretzels @whatever-lmaoo @steviebbboi @charethcutestory02

@christinhunnam @hp-hogwartsexpress

[sagesskies]

ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ ᴄᴇᴏ

✒ ᴍᴏɴᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʙᴜʏ ʏᴏᴜ

✉ - ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴀɴᴏɴʏᴍᴏᴜꜱ - ʜᴇʏ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ! ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ᴀ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱɪᴄᴋ ᴄᴇᴏ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀ ɢɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ᴀᴛ ᴀ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴘ ʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇQᴜᴇɴᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ? (ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ ʀɴ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ɪɢɴᴏʀᴇ, ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴅᴀʏ/ɴɪɢʜᴛ ♥)

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇꜱ: ꜱᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀɪꜱʜ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀꜱ, ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛɪᴇꜱ, ᴍɪʟᴀɴ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ʟᴀᴛᴇ 30ꜱ), ᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴅɪꜱᴏʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴍɪʟᴀɴ), ɪɴꜱᴏᴍɴɪᴀ (ᴍɪʟᴀɴ), ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ɢɪʀʟꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ᴜɴʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜʏ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀ (ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ), ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇɴᴇꜱꜱ, ɪᴍᴘʟɪᴇᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛꜰᴜʟ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ, ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ ɪꜰ ɪ ᴍɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴇʟꜱᴇ!

Yandere CEO who first met you at your job in your friend's family bakery. Young, bright, and full of life, wearing a baby blue apron. You eagerly greeted him with a smile, and asked how he was doing. There was nothing forced about your mannerisms, it was all genuinely, purely, you. 

Yandere CEO, despite knowing it'll all end up flushed down a toilet, comes in everyday ordering the different pastries you recommend. After his seventh visit, you jokingly ask him if he's got any cavities yet and he blushes. Not that you notice. 

Yandere CEO who gathers the courage to talk to you beyond simple good mornings, and responding to your questions of: “How are you Milan?” or “So that'll it be for today, eh?” and stammers out things like, “N- Nice weather today, huh?” and even, “Uh.. How- How long have you been working here for?” It's all simple, nearly no substance, but it's exceptional progress for somebody like him who barely even speaks to his secretaries beyond plain Yes's and No's. 

Yandere CEO whose fair face turns a furious red whenever you tease or compliment him, calling him things like adorable and cute. Never has he been called anything like that before. People see him, with his bodybuilder-esque physique and stoic face, with it's fierce features, and are too intimidated to treat him with anything other than with a  respect that is borne out of fear. 

Yandere CEO who knows this is wrong. He's 38 years old, and you're only what? 23? This is wrong, this is taboo, this is predatory. But his heart can't help but beat furiously for you each time he steps inside the quaint little bakery. Your bright smile, your gentle eyes, your warm voice. You are like the sun, and he is your ever-devoted Icarus, who will crash and burn if he tries to even fly an inch closer.

Yandere CEO who is unable to sleep at night. He's used to this, he's had insomnia since he was a teenager in highschool, but never like this before. Where previously it was paranoia and anxieties that kept sleep at bay now it was you, the scent of pastries and bread, and your warmth. 

Yandere CEO who unconsciously starts to act like a teenage girl. Doodling your name in the margins of his paperwork, writing (Name) x Milan over and over again in the empty pages of his journal, which was previously used exclusively for tracking his expenses but was now being used for more personal entries. 

July 17, 2009

Today [Name] remembered it was my birthday, and bought me a slice of chocolate cake using his own money. I tried to keep it down, but unfortunately my body is too used to emptying its stomach whenever I eat too much. 

September 7, 2009

[Name] asked me if I've been sleeping well recently, and even if I told him I was okay, he still gave me a box of teabags. He told me it helps him sleep at night, and hopes it'll be able to help me too. He's so kind, and too good to me. I can never tell him it's him who's the cause behind these sleepless nights. I think it'll devastate him. Sometimes, I hope it will.

February 13, 2010

[Name] asked me if I was going to buy somebody any pastries for Valentine's Day, and if there's anybody I'm hoping to receive any chocolates from. I wanted to tell him I hoped to receive chocolates from him, but that would be inappropriate. Then he told me he hoped his girlfriend would remember to give him some.

[Name] has a girlfriend. 

Yandere CEO who doesn't show up for multiple days after you reveal this to him. He goes back to old habits, the following days occupied by work, work, and work. He sleeps rarely, and wakes up late. He eats even less than he usually does, and forgets to go to the gym. 

The only thing that Yandere CEO does outside of that? Pay private investigators to learn as much as possible about you, no matter how dirty or well kept the secret is he will know. 

It's unethical, a violation of all your rights, but he thought you two were close. That you were friends. A kind of relationship he barely even knew. All he knows is distant families, cold business partners, and shallow imitations of friendship. He thought you were different, you were so real, but if he didn't even know you had a girlfriend, then what else was he unaware of?

Yandere CEO whose father calls him, and tells him his secretaries have told him about how he's been acting, and advises him to take a break. Perhaps he should try to hit the dating scene? He'll have to get married eventually, and he's not getting any younger. 

Yandere CEO who goes to the blind dates his mother arranges for him. Daughters of her friends, sometimes even granddaughters. Women who are sometimes a decade younger than him. Women who are his age. He never told his parents he was gay, and now he has to suffer through this. 

Yandere CEO who is thinking of canceling the date on the spot when she takes him to a familiar bakery, the familiar bell rings as the door swings open and you're still there, wearing your baby blue apron, and the polite smile you flashed his date immediately widens when you see him. 

Yandere CEO who freezes up, and then stammers out a greeting, face flushed. His date, who has so far only experienced the cold and stoic front he puts on, is surprised that what has broken down the stone walls he's put up is the cute, young, male baker, who has a bright grin on his face. 

“Milan!” You practically chirp, “It's been so long, where have you been man?” 

You were wondering where he was? You missed him? You missed him? Milan? He couldn't believe his ears, he felt like he could faint.

Milan clears his throat, averting his grey eyes away from you, and avoiding Carrie's burning gaze. 

“I have been preoccupied with work,” He explains, it's not a lie, he's just exaggerating how much work there was for him when it was basically just him doing paperwork and attending meetings every once in a while, “I apologize if my absence has bothered you…” 

You chuckle, “I'm just glad to see you again.” Milan can't help the small smile that forms on his face, but he restrains it from widening into a grin. He's in front of Carrie, a friend but at the same time a business partner, a marriage prospect, an unwelcome intruder into what could've been a moment between you two.

You glance at Carrie as if remembering that she was here, “Ah, sorry, you must've been confused on how I know him, but I'm a friend of Milan,” You smile kindly at her, “Name's [Name] [L/N], nice to meet you!” 

Carrie forces a polite smile on her face, “A pleasure,” Her eyes are filled with a cold fury, though Milan knows it's not directed to you, “My name is Carolyn, Carolyn Deveuraux. However, you may call me Carrie.” 

Milan fakes a cough, “Mhm, anyways.. I'd like to have the usual… and Carrie you'll have..?” 

She hums, “I'll have a cinnabon.” 

You glance between the two, noticing the obvious tension between them, “Oookay, I'll have that prepared for you two in a jiffy,” Milan hands you his card, and savors the slight brush of your fingers, before your warmth is teared away and you slide it back to him when you're done.

He glares at Carrie for scaring you away, but she doesn't even look at him, her eyes are fixed on you. Milan wants to gouge her eyes out, she doesn't even deserve to look at you. Not when she barely knows you. Not like him, who knows every single thing about you that his money can buy for him.

You head into the back to prepare the goods, and Carrie goes back outside where there are tables and chairs. She sits on one, and crosses her arms. Milan settles on the one across from her, posture straight, arms on the table, eyes… decidedly not looking at Carrie. 

“So, you and that man… [Name], was it?” Milan nods, she continues, “You know each other, do you?” She taps one carefully manicured nail against the arm of the chair. Tap, tap, tap. 

Milan does not simply know [Name], he practically lives underneath the younger man's skin, but instead of verbalizing this he nods once more, “We have known each other for two years.” 

“Hm,” Her eyes narrow, they are blue, like ice, “ And how old is [Name]?”

“Twenty-four years old,” Milan tells her, “He had just gotten out of college when we first met.” His eyes trail to the window into the bakery, you still haven't emerged. Why were you taking so long? 

“Does he know?” Carrie’s tone is sharp and frigid. Milan glances at her, if he is not careful then he could be caught up in an inescapable storm. 

“He does not,” Milan admits, “And I'd prefer to keep it that way.” You still have your girlfriend, and he's content with your secrets and the stolen pictures. 

Carrie glares at him, “Why him? Is it his mind? His personality? Or is he simply a pretty boy you like to ogle at?” She's angry, and Milan, for his lack of proper socialization, has been taught to read people, every single shift in expression or body language has a hidden meaning, can tell this fury stems from something personal. 

“That is none of your business,” Milan had known Carrie for a while now, since his 30th birthday party where his father invited all his associates, and Lewis Deveuraux had brought his 28 year old daughter Carolyn, but they were never friends so much as allies in the cutthroat world of capitalism, and she was crossing a line. 

“I can tell your father.” 

“Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘Snitches get stitches’, Carolyn?” Milan asks, “You tell him, and I'll be doing so much more than giving you stitches.” 

Carrie doesn't even flinch, “Not much you can do when stripped of your position at your father's company,” She doesn't get a chance to continue, not when you arrive with a tray carrying the warm pastries. You set the plates down, as well as the complementary coffee. 

“Here you go…” You glance between the two of them, “It's been nice seeing you again Milan,” You smile at Carrie, “Great to meet you too, Carrie, hope to see you around some more.” 

Milan digs a nail into the skin of his palm hard enough to draw blood, if only to stop himself from punching that smirk on Carrie's face off, “Thank you, [Name],” Her voice is pleasant, light and airy, “It was a pleasure to meet a… friend of Milan today.” 

“Same here,” You grin. You wave goodbye to the both of them, then head back into the bakery. 

Carrie's polite smile is gone as soon as you're out of the vicinity, “Let's talk about this later,” She reaches out and places a well-manicured hand on top of Milan's larger one, and her lips curl up, “For now, enjoy the treats your little crush has made for us.” 

Yandere CEO, who since that reunion has started coming back more often. Happy to finally be able to bask in your presence again, thoughts of your girlfriend are dashed from his mind when he saw your smile again after two months of being deprived of it. 

The only downside? Carrie is there as well. Chatting you up, using her charm to lower your guard down. She's a snake, or a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yandere CEO knows she's trying to break you two apart, but he won't let her. 

Yandere CEO who can't stand watching you smile at her, keeping up with her bright mind in ways he knew you could but had never seen before. He didn't know it was possible, but he's become even more enraptured. Handsome with not only a good personality, but also intelligent. God, you were perfect. 

Yandere CEO is able to himself with an endurance he didn't even know he possessed. He's not used to the rage that has been gathering inside him, but it's not that similar to managing his fear and paranoia. He can't do anything to Carrie, not when you two have practically become the best of friends.

Yandere CEO who decides that he can't let himself fall behind, he was here first you know. He's known you for two years while Carrie was only for a few weeks. He musters up the confidence he often uses in meeting rooms, trying to look suave and cool, but instead making you laugh.

“Haha… you're seriously so adorable Milan,” You tease, “What're you acting so serious for?” 

After that, Yandere CEO decides to just act how he did before, it's clearly more effective as you've even invited him to eat with you in the park near the bakery during your lunch hours. Something you haven't done in the two whole years you've known each other. 

He realizes that in a sense, you are like him. Despite his stoicness, and your expressive features, his assertive aura, with your laid back vibe, both of you have an appreciation for genuine people. It makes his heart beat faster, for some inexplicable reason.

Yandere CEO who listens to you attentively as you start opening up to him more about your life. Your struggles with paying off college debt, your inability to land a higher paying job, and how you don't have enough money to pay for your rent. He already knows about all of this, but is happy nonetheless to be able to give you a comforting hug or pat on the back. One time, you actually cried and he got to feel the warmth of your tears as they raced down your face, they soaked into the skin of his palm as he wiped them away and offered you words of comfort.

Yandere CEO who abides by the law of equivalent exchange, and opens up to you more as well.  He's heard before that the more imperfect you make yourself out to be, the more attractive you were for it was a sign of humanity. So what's more human than sharing his past as a bullied fat kid, and the whiplash he got once he had bulked up and attracted admirers like they were flies? Maybe it's the insomnia, the social anxiety, and the knowledge that he's surrounded by shallow people. Whatever it is, it works. 

Yandere CEO who has started to feel genuinely close to you. Where before, it was akin to a celebrity having to deal with an awkward yet starstruck fan, now it felt like you two were old friends having a good time together. This is the first time he's had a relationship like this and he'd rather have his company go bankrupt and end up homeless on the streets than lose it. 

September 12, 2010 

[Name] is not meant for me, he is young, full of potential, and with a girl that he loves. But he tempts me with his warm eyes, beautiful smile, and those kind words of his that has had me wrapped around his finger since the very first day I met him. 

It is wrong, it is dirty. I am too old, too broken, worn out like a hand me down toy. However I cannot help myself. He is like the sun, bright and comforting, yet he burns me so. 

[Name]

[Name]

[Name] 

Even just writing his name has me weak at the knees, it makes me feel alive. Like I can face the day without wanting to retreat back to my bed and refusing to get out till I am dragged by my feet. Just the idea of being able to catch a glimpse at him, gives me the energy to get up and do a marathon. 

[Name] is too charming for his own good. He’s such a sweet boy, not knowing how much he tempts me to do such despicable things every single time I see him talking to customers or laughing with Carrie. He doesn’t know, he doesn’t know, he doesn’t know. 

I should be leaving him alone, and never speaking to him again. He is fine, he is perfect, he is like God. But I am nothing but a filthy sinner who shouldn’t even be within his sights. Better kept away, far far away. But I want nothing more than to touch him, to hold his feet in my filthy hands and press my cold lips to it. His foot alone is worth more than my entire career. His life? Priceless. 

However if I were to distance myself from him again, I’d become a shell. No better than a living corpse. My father and mother would be concerned for the business, and they’d keep on trying to figure out why I’m in such a state, till they eventually trace it all back to [Name], and I can’t have that. I don’t want them knowing about him. It is bad enough Carrie knows. But my own parents? 

I cannot accept that. I will not share him. They would take him away from me like they took away everything else good that could’ve happened to me by being my parents and birthing into the life that I’ve led. His warmth would be engulfed in their cold gazes and harsh words, and soon he would be no better than I am, and that cannot happen. 

He may not be meant for me, but I will make sure nobody else can have him. 

Even that girlfriend of his.

☏ - ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇᴍᴀɪʟ: ᴍʀ. ꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴍɪɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴏᴘᴇɴ, ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ.

[peppermint-toads]

ghost dealing with his pregnant southern wife’s cravings (aka you introduce simon to tomato mayo sandwiches). tw: pregnancy, a little smut, eating/food, a little vomiting. i didn’t proof read this

ghost loved coming home to you after tedious days doing paperwork on base.

whatever you were going, he’d wrap his arms around you, resting his chin on the top of your head and sighing. he probably smelled like man. gross, sweaty man, but you never commented on it.

when you fell pregnant he loved holding you like that even more, seeing your belly start to poke out as he gazed downward.

one night, he came home to you standing in front of the kitchen counter, arm gently sawing back and forth as you sliced a tomato.

he took his normal position, humming and closing his eyes. when he opened them again, he took in the scene in front of him.

“what is this, love?”

never did he expect you to cook for him, especially when you became pregnant. but maybe every once in a while when he came home particularly starving, he’d steal a bite or two of whatever you were making.

but lately, your meals had gotten a bit strange.

and really, it was his own fault. as soon as you’d so much as hinted at wanting to have simon’s kid, he had you anchored down to the hilt of him as he stuffed you with his cum.

“it’s ummm, tomatoes and sourdough, and mayo.”

you tilted your head back to look at him.

“that’s it?”

you shook your head, hair going staticky on his t-shit.

“salt and pepper, too.”

you watched as his face pinched into a grimace.

“hey!” you scowled. “don’t look at me like that mister beans on toast.”

you turned fully, playfully shoving his chest.

“used to eat this all the time as a kid. everybody kinda did.”

simon cracked as he saw embarrassment creep onto your features, like he’d made you feel gross for craving it.

you were often victim of trying new british “delicacies,” so it was only fair that he return the favor.

“alright, i’ll try one.” he shrugged.

he offered to help, but as always you refuse it. he watched as you slathered a generous layer of mayo onto each side of the bread, setting thick slices of tomato on top, and finishing it with enough pepper to make simon sneeze.

he winced when you handed him his plate, and you were suddenly nervous.

“it might not be that good, tomatoes being out of season and all.”

you both tuck into your sandwiches once settled on the couch, your preferred spot these days.

simon was pleasantly surprised. maybe a little too much mayo, but he was delighted.

you on the other hand, were gagging after taking a bite. it had you making a haste exit for the bathroom, where you found a familiar place on the floor, heaving into the toilet.

when you returned to the living room, sheepish, simon had discarded any evidence of the sandwiches and had put a pot of water on the stove to boil for plain noodles, one of the only things you could stomach recently.

“sorry si, i didn’t mean for that to happen. it’s just—”

you began to choke, suddenly overcome by emotion. he pulled you in tight, your face pressing into his shirt.

“i know love, i know.”

his hand smoothed up and down your back steadily until he felt your breathing return to normal and heard your sniffling stop.

“why don’t you find a movie, and i’ll finish up in here.” he nodded towards the kitchen

you did, finding a movie both of you would like, even though simon never really watched the screen anymore. he was too focused on you, watching your little belly rise and fall with every breath.

[lucywritesagain]

My Silly Midgardian

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈﹕Loki masterlist ꒰ ᐢ｡- ༝ -｡ᐢ ꒱ Navigation ﹕┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

Please note that this story is a repost from my old blog @lucywrites02.

Summary: Loki’s friend/crush has the flu. Loki having no knowledge about midgardian diseases panics and tries his best to make her feel better.

Word count: 2.2k

You knew something was wrong the moment you’ve woken up. Trying to stretch your muscles a little bit you noticed how sore your body was. At first you blamed it on the training session you had with Natasha yesterday but realisation hit you as you started coughing uncontrollably. You felt incredibly warm. Way too warm for your liking. You looked at your face in the mirror and noticed the bags under your eyes. You groaned in frustration. A fracking flu? You were one of the best agents S.H.I.E.L.D had to offer. You have been working alongside THE Avengers for more than 2 years now, fighting aliens and terrorists and yet a simple flu defeated you. 

You splashed some water on your face and put your most comfortable clothes on. It was going to be a really long day after all. You wanted to crawl back under the covers but your tummy demanded breakfast. You weren't sure if food was what you needed right now. You didn’t want to upset your stomach after all but you also needed to eat something. After some thinking you decided on some plain toast and a cup of tea.

Walking into the kitchen you noticed Loki sitting at the table with a book in his hand. It was one of many you let him borrow to “become more familiar with midgardian culture”. He truly enjoyed some of them but would never admit that. You have seen him reading your favourite book more than once but decided to not make any comments about that. Upon noticing your arrival Loki put his book away and greeted you with a warm smile. 

“Good morning!” he said happily “How is my favourite midgardian doing!”

“She’s doing just fine, thank you,” you responded and pulled two slices of bread out of the bag. 

“I was wondering when you’ll wake up,” the god announced “I made you some tea, it’s still warm.” Your heart skipped a bit when he said he was waiting for you. The two of you talk about books Loki has read every morning and discuss them together. Loki didn’t want to tell you he had already read most of the books you have given him before in fear you would stop talking with him altogether. He was utterly smitten with you but he knew a woman like you would never be interested in him romantically. Several people had mistaken you two for a couple before and every time that happened you would immediately correct them and say you were just friends. The idea of you reciprocating his feelings sounded unrealistic to him. If he only knew you felt the same….

You gave him a tired smile and thanked for the tea. As the bread popped out the toaster you put it on your plate and sat down next to Loki. 

“I think there are some pancakes in the microwave if you want,” Loki stood up, wanting to give you some. “Romanoff made them before they head out.”

“Oh, no thank you! I’ll stick to the toasts today,” you reassured him and took a small bite of your food. “By the way where is everyone?” you asked upon noticing how quiet it was in the tower this morning. You knew Nat and Clint had a mission in Alaska because the redhead told you that during your training but you had no idea what happened with the rest of the team. 

“Thor left with Natasha and Barton, “ he explained” Tony is in Paris with Pepper. Captain and his squad are on a mission in Australia and Wanda joined them”

“So it’s just the two of us in here?”

“Banner is in his lab doing whatever he thinks will help him pass the time” Loki added

You winced in pain as you felt a throbbing in your head. You felt as if you took part in a marathon. Your muscles were aching and you were slightly dehydrated. Loki noticed your discomfort and turned to face you. 

“Are you ok?” he asked, concerned. The trickster only now noticed the bags under your eyes. He touched your hand and got even more worried when he felt how warm you were. 

“I’m great, Loki,” you announced and drank the rest of your tea.

“I’m not an expert but midgardians shouldn’t be so warm and-”

“Really, Loki I’m fine!” you said.

“You are not looking that fine to me.” he responded.

“Wow, rude. Not everyone can just wake up and look like a cover girl.” you tried to laugh but the constant throbbing in your head wouldn’t allow it. You stood up wanting to put your empty mug in the dishwasher. As you did that your vision went blank and the only sound you heard before passing out was the mug shattering on the floor

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You opened your eyes and yawned loudly. You were laying down on the couch with a warm blanket over your body. You tried to sit up but your muscles were too sore to allow any movement. Realising how drenched in sweat your clothes were you groaned.  You started to wonder how you got there when you noticed Loki with a glass of water and a sandwich.

“Norns! You are finally awake,” he said and put them down on the small coffee table. Loki quickly walked to you and kneeled. His hand gently touched your forehead and tucked your hair behind your ear. “You fainted, darling,” he announced and started stocking your cheek. 

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s really nothing bad, Loki,” you tried to reassure him but the god didn’t believe you. You wanted to explain to him that it was just a flu but you started coughing uncontrollably which made the trickster panic even more. He helped you sit up and gently caressed your back. 

“I’m calling Banner,” Loki said but you stopped him before he could do anything else.

“Seriously, Loki, I will be fine.” you hugged the covers even tighter to your body that was already drenched in sweat. “It’s just a flu.” Loki looked at you as if you were crazy.

“Just a-.... Y/N, you fainted!” you knew Loki cared for you but now he was definitely overreacting. “If I didn’t catch you you would hurt yourself!” you noticed the worry in his eyes. It looked like he was on the verge of tears but you blamed your brain for sending you such images. You felt something weird in your stomach and quickly kicked the blanket off of you. You stood up and ran out of the living room, Loki was right behind you. You opened the door to the bathroom. When the trickster entered the room you were  kneeling on the cold tales as you emptied your stomach. 

“Hey, it’s ok, everything’s all right,” Loki held your hair in right hand while his left one was on your back. “JARVIS! Call Banner and tell him to immediately come to my room!” you would argue with him but you didn’t have any energy left. “Can you stand up?” you nodded and flushed the toilet. Trying to take a step forward you winced in pain because your muscles were still too sore. 

Seeing your struggle Loki picked you up in wedding style and carried you to his room. You tried to protest but didn’t have the energy to do so. Instead you put your hands around his neck as your head rested on his shoulder. As he walked into the elevator and pushed the bottom to his floor he felt you shiver and hugged you closer to his body. Loki had no idea what was happening to you. Was it something you caught during the last mission? Is it deadly? Will you be ok? He was seriously panicking now but as long as he was able to feel your breathing on his neck it was ok.

“You’re going to be ok, my love” he whispered, gently kissing your head.

The elevator stopped and Loki quickly walked into the direction of  his room. He opened the door and carefully laid you on his bed. 

“Bruce should be here soon,” Loki announced “Is there something you need? Water? Something to eat? Another blanket? “ if you weren’t feeling like shit at that moment you would kiss for the way he was acting  “Or maybe not, you are already too warm, another blanket would just make it worse.” Loki was mumbling to himself and  it wasn the most adorable thing you have ever seen.

“One blanket would be just fine” you smiled at him softly “But if you could bring me some clean clothes I would be grateful. Those are drenched in sweat,” you asked shily, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

“Of course! That’s no problem” he replied quickly and opened his closet. “Do you need some pants or just a shirt?”

“Pants, too, please” you were sleepy again and ready to drift off any moment now “I mean, if it’s not a problem. I promise I will wash them afterwards”  A few seconds later Loki came back with a pair of black sweatpants and a green sweater.

“The pants are too big for you but I hope that won’t be a problem,” he gave them to you with a soft smile. You tried to stand up and go to the bathroom but winced in pain again. Loki must have figured out what was wrong and insisted that you stay in the bed. He said he would go to the bathroom and give you some privacy and that you should tell him when you’re decent again. 

“Such a gentleman,” you joked

“Everything for you, my lady” he winked at you and left to the bathroom

This man will be the death of you sooner or later.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After you put the clothes on you awkwardly called for him. Loki came back and ogled your body. You were significantly smaller than him but now that you were wearing his, way too big, clothes you look tiny. The god thought you looked adorable wearing his clothes, especially if they were green. He blushed when he realised what he was thinking about. The two of you were still looking at each other in silence until a knock on the door pulled you both out of that trance. Loki opened them and pulled Bruce inside. 

“What took you so long???” Loki asked, irritated. You wanted to greet Bruce but because your eyes were closing involuntary you decided to rest for a while.

“I was at the store!” Banner defended himself “I just came back and then JARVIS told me you wanted me to come ASAP” Normally the trickster would argue with him more but you were his number one priority right now. The scientist asked what was so important and Loki pointed at your exhausted body laying on his bed and explained what happened. 

“So let me get this straight,” Bruce said confused “You panicked and called ME because she’s sick”

“Yes! You are a doctor, you should help her!” Loki was getting more anxious with every passing second.

“I have some PHDs but that’s not the same” Banner explained

“But you are a midgardian, right?” the god continued “You know what’s happening to her so please help her!” the trickster begged. The scientist was taken aback by his words. It wasn’t a secret that Loki had feelings for you. Everyone in the tower could see it. Except you, of course. But no one would ever expect Loki to beg someone for help. You really meant a lot to him.

“Ok, I see what I can do” Banned patted his shoulder and headed towards you. He gently shook your body and you woke up again. “I heard you weren’t feeling well” you nodded your head as your friend touched your forehead.  “You have an awful fever. Loki, could you bring me a wet towel, please?” Bruce didn’t even blink and Loki was already in the bathroom. The scientist turned to you again “Do you need some pills? I have some painkillers in my room if you want”  you nodded and gave him a grateful smile. Loki came back with a wet towel and handed it to Banner. He then put it on your forehead and stood up. “I’m going to my room to get her some medicine. Give her some water and keep an eye on her. I will be right back”

And with that Bruce left the room. 

Loki sat at the edge of the bed right next to you and gently caressed your cheek. You put your hand on top of his and smiled. Loki’s heart was beating like crazy now. Did you have feelings for him or was it just because you were ill? He wished it was the first one. He could keep staring at your beautiful face for eternity if you allowed him. 

A few moments later Bruce came back with the painkiller he promised you. Loki handed you a glass of water and you swallowed the pill. 

“If you need anything else just call me” Banner said to Loki “Get better soon, Y/N!” you waved at him and the scientist was gone again.

“Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” the god asked

“Could you read something for me?” you hugged the pillow and moved closer to him “Please?” you added

“Anything for you, my love” he took a book from his nightstand and leaned on the wall. You raised the blanket silently inviting him to lay with you. The gesture made Loki’s heart flutter. He got under the covers, one hand was holding the book and another one was hugging you close to his body, You took the wet towel off of your head and threw it on the floor where your old clothes were. You put your head on his chest and listened to his heart beat. You noticed it was faster than it’s supposed to be but asked no questions. Asgardians were different from humans, right? You closed your eyes as Loki was reading but didn’t feel like sleeping anymore. You could listen to his voice forever. 

The trickster was a few chapters in when he noticed your closed eyes. Assuming you were asleep he closed the book and put it away. He decided that watching you was far more interesting than any story he could read. Not hearing his voice anymore you opened your eyes to check on him. Your eyes met with his and you could have sworn he was blushing. You smiled and he did the same. It was now or never, Loki thought. He leaned in slowly and rested his hands on your waist. You figured out what he was planning and you pushed his lips away with your index finger. 

“I must have misunderstood the situation” Loki took his hand off your waist and awkwardly cleaned his throat. He looked hurt, heartbroken even “Please forgive me”

“No Loki, it’s-” you started “you didn’t misunderstand anything. I’m sick and I don’t want YOU to be sick, too” you explained and gently stroked his cheek. 

“My silly midgardian,” Loki laughed and hugged you “I’m immune to your diseases so even if I wanted to, I couldn’t get sick”

“Well, if that’s the case-” you grinned and put your lips on his. Loki didn’t waste any more time and immediately reciprocated the kiss which quickly went from soft and gentle to passionate and rough

“That was way better than I have imagined” Loki whispered after you two broke the kiss to be able to breathe again. 

“What else did you imagine?” you gave him one more kiss and laid your head in the crook of his neck.

“I imagined going on a date with you” he interfered  his fingers with yours and continued “I imagined us holding hands whilst walking together. I imagined us falling asleep and then waking up together”  you kissed his neck and looked into his eyes.

“I’m feeling sleepy again so your last dream will probably come true” you said, smirking

“In my imagination we have fallen asleep after doing something different than reading but I guess this is ok, too” he added and you playfully smacked his chest. He laid on his side to be face to face with you and put one of your legs around his waist. You put your hands around his body and hummed in satisfaction. “You, my love, are the most beautiful and mesmerizing woman I have ever met” he kissed your head one more time and you both drifted off to sleep.

[thestoryden]

Tied Together

Aeron Bracken x Davos Blackwood

Word Count: 1.5k

HOTD MASTERLIST / Requests: Open

A/N: I started writing this last night after I saw this piece of fanart by @buben-ustal. I didn't get this ship at first but after seeing the lovely fanart people have made and rewatching the scene, I fell in love the Romeo & Juliet vibes.

Aeron turns over under the sheets. His sweaty skin makes them cling to him. He attempts to fluff his pillow before planting his face directly in to it.

“Seven Hells!” He grumbles, “This is no use.”

He rips the sheets off and gets up from his bed. His shoulder length hair is plastered all over his neck. He grabs a comb from his dresser and begins to pull it to one side. He separates it out in to pieces and then joins them together in a single braid. He can finally fell the breeze against his neck. He breathes a sigh of relief.

He pulls on a plain shirt and a pair of trousers and fastens his sword at his side. His cloak is left behind. He leaves the small castle without a thought only the notion that he must be free from his bed.

He finds himself walking through fields upon fields till he ends up at the boundary stones. In his exhaustion, Aeron sets down his sword next to the stones before collapsing in to the grass. The grass moves in front of him as he huffs.

“What you got there?”

The voice startles him. Aeron turns to see who is speaking to him. The sliver of moonlight does not illuminate much but a round face overshadowed by dark curls.

“It’s my sword.” He replies, “I wouldn’t get any closer. I could run you through you know.”

He is greeted by a deep laugh.

“I’d like to see you try. My name’s Davos, you must be one of the hedge knights that got hired to protect the boundaries.”

Aeron straightens up, “I am no hedge knight!”

“Gods, they sent out a mere squire.” Davos questions, “That’s awful. You’re lucky a Bracken didn’t find you. They would have struck you down with out so much as asking you who you were.”

The pieces start to fall in to place, “So you’re a Blackwood then?” Aeron asks hesitantly.

“Rightly speaking, yes I am,” Davos says as he plops down next to Aeron, “I haven’t won my knighthood quite yet, so we are in the same boat.”

Aeron freezes. Idiot, he thinks, You strolled your stupid self right in to the enemies arms.

Davos opens up his satchel and pulls out some bread and a wax wrapped cheese.

“Bet that knight of yours sent you off without so much as dinner.” He remarks.

Aeron had skipped dinner and his mouth waters as the sight of the loaf in Davos’ hand. He tries to stay silent unsure of what to do next, but his body betrays him. His stomach grumbles and his cheeks heat up at the sound. Davos can see his face turn pink.

“That’s all right.” Davos says as he tears the bread in to, “We can share this, and then head back to the kitchens if its not enough.”

He hands one half to Aeron and does the same with the cheese he sliced in half. Aeron lets the tension go from his body as he accepts the food. He sniffs it.

“Is it poisoned?” Aeron asks with suspicion.

 Davos looks at him and tilts his head, “Now why would I do that?”

“I have heard rumors…” Aeron trails off.

Davos laugh, “Wow. Those Brackens really will say anything about us. No, it isn’t poisoned.”

Aeron relents and finally begins to eat. He pauses at the first bite to see if anything will happen. Davos gives him a playful push.

“If you are that unsure you can swap pieces with me.”

Aeron shakes his head, “That’s quite all right. Thanks for the food, I’m Aeron by the way.”

He makes his way through his halves of the food before he realizes his thirst. He turns to Davos.

“Do you have anything to drink?”

Davos hands him a water skin. Aeron takes a long draft.

“Woah, slow down there.” Davos chides, “You’ll drown if you drink that fast.”

He laughs as he passes the water skin back to Davos.

“I will have you know Davos Blackwood, that I am an excellent swimmer.” Aeron boasts, “You need not worry yourself with my drowning.”

Davos smirks, “Prove it then, I’ll bet you my dagger that you can’t beat me in a race to the mill.”

“Upstream?” Aeron questions.

“What? Don’t think you can handle it, there’s barely any current.” Davos taunts.

Aeron grins, “Oh you’re on!”

They race together to the water’s edge and strip down to their undergarments. Aeron jumps in first the cool water washing over him.

“It’s freezing.” He squeals.

Davos comes in after him, “Gods! You were right it is cold.”

Aeron begins to undo his braid. He runs his fingers through his hair and moves it to the back of his head trying to tie it off. His grasp keeps slipping.

“Hey, Davos,” He asks, “Would you mind tying my hair back.”

Davos looks at him, “What, worried it will slow you down.”

“Whatever, I can beat you at any race.” Aeron snarks back.

Davos waves him off with a laugh, “Come over here I’ll fix it.”

Aeron turns his back to him. Davos brushes his fingers over Aeron’s neck and gently gathers up the hair in to one hand. He ties it off neatly.

“How’s that Aeron?” Davos asks softly.

He reaches back to feel if its secure and accidentally brushes his fingers over Davos hand. Aeron retracts his touch quickly.

“I-It-It will work fine.” He says shakily.

Aeron takes a step away from him. He turns to Davos. The lack of light makes Davos’ eyes black as pitch. Aeron can’t help but look. The way his dark curls frame his face. His lips look soft and they fit his face perfectly. Davos pauses when he catches Aeron’s look. His soft blonde hair reflecting the little moon light there is. Davos averts his gaze.

Davos breaks the silence, “Let’s get on with it, we haven’t got all night.”

Aeron comes back to reality.

“Okay on my mark,” Aeron says, “Ready, set, go!”

They cut through the water. Stoke after stroke getting closer to the windmill. The stream has little pull against them. Davos goes up for air, only to see Aeron a length ahead of him. He makes quick work of the distance between them. When Aeron surfaces, he can see the base of the mill clearly. He pushes himself harder trying to reach it. He resurfaces only to see Davos already at the mill just barely out of reach.

“I freaking did it!” Davos cheers.

Aeron swims up to him and playfully shoves him, “Alright, so you’re a better swimmer, so what.”

“So, I won! Which means…” He draws off, “I get to keep my dagger…Wait you didn’t even bet anything.”

“Well, I didn’t really have anything to bet. Besides my sword…would you perhaps want something else…” Aeron pauses.

“What about,” Davos breathes, “A kiss?”

Aeron stands shocked, “A kiss?”

“Yeah, it’s meaningful, and something you can give away.” Davos replies.

Aeron fumbles, “I mean, I guess it works…I just hadn’t thought about it.”

Davos approaches him and reaches out to pull him in. He sets his hands on Aeron’s waist. He closes his eyes. Aeron cups Davos’ face in his hands and brings him in closer. Aeron shuts his eyes and moves in pressing his lips to Davos’. He misses a little bit and only feels Davos top lip. With a small laugh Aeron works his way down till he can feel more of Davos’ mouth. He presses in and Davos parts his lips in response. He drags his tongue across Aeron’s sealed lips. Aeron pulls back flustered.

Davos flickers his eyes open, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t,” Aeron replies, “I just wasn’t expecting that.”

Davos tilts his head to the side, “You’ve never kissed anyone before?”

“Well, now I have!” Aeron pitches back, “And I don’t know what all the fuss what about!”

Davos sets his hand gently against Aeron’s burning cheek, “Close your eyes, and I’ll show you what all the fuss is about.”

“Okay, but I doubt it will change my mind.”

Aeron squeezes his eyes shut. Davos pulls him in close so that Aeron can feel his warmth. Davos gently places his lips to Aeron’s. He moves slowly. Pulling back before kissing Aeron’s jaw and then his neck before biting down gently on his collar bone. Davos comes back to Aeron’s lips and kisses them softly. Aeron parts his lip tasting Davos’ kiss. Davos pulls back.

“Does that change your mind?” Davos teases.

Aeron smiles, a bit dazed, “Something like that.”

Davos splashes him with water, “Come on sleepy head come back to the world of the living.”

“We should do this again sometime,” Aeron laughs, splashing him back.

The haul themselves out of the water to dry off. Aeron lays his head against Davos’ folded legs.

Aeron sighs, “I could do this all night.”

“Do what?” Davos asks with a half grin. “Be with you.” He replies softly.

[gowns]

these two seasonings are sooooo good... Thee Taste of August

chile and lime - dust all over watermelon, mango, corn, fish tacos, popcorn, jicama, cucumber; add to mashed avocado for no-effort sorta guacamole, add to diced tomato and onion for instant salsa (obv if you have them and have the effort, add jalepenos, peppers, cilantro, but i love that just this seasoning alone brings a lot of flavor).... yes this is basically tajin

aglio olio - pour it into olive oil and basalmic for GOAT mode dipping for bread. or even last minute seasoning for any basic no-energy plain pasta w/ tomato slices. would prob also be good for a variety of roasted vegetables; might try it with sauteed zucchini next. it has just the right amount of salt in it and i just want to keep eating it.....

[yazis]

I’M NOT INTERESTED!!

二 - love at first sight

wc: ~0.7k

note: not proofread!

“Y/N OPEN THE DAMN DOOR” a familiar voice screamed from outside.

you already knew who it was, glancing at the clock on your wall you saw it was only 8:59. school started at 9 and you only lived about 3 minutes away.

not that it mattered, your first lesson on monday was always english and your teacher never cared whether you were late or not. there was no need to be in a hurry

it clearly wasn’t the same for the person on the other side of the door. they were banging non-stop making you think your door would break at any second.

“Hold on a second Yoich-”

“WE DONT HAVE A FUCKING SECOND GET OUT HERE NOW BITCH” isagi impatiently yelled quite loudly making you jump a bit. you forgot how foul-mouthed he could be when mad.

eventually, the banging died down which most likely meant he was at his breaking point. either that or he had left you by now. you quickly grabbed your piece of toast and a plain piece of bread for isagi incase he was still there and headed for the door.

as you opened the door you were met with a murderous glare from your friend in which you gave an apologetic smile. this was about the 100th time you had been in this exact situation.

“sorry about the wait. bread?” you offered holding out the single slice of bread in your hand.

isagi scoffed and rolled his eyes, turned on his heel and walked away. it was clear he was furious. all you could do was trail behind and keep quiet, in hopes of not provoking him any further.

——————————

when the two of you arrived at school, it was 9:04. the whole walk there had been silent so you thought isagi would at least give you a ‘bye’ or ‘see you later’ as you parted ways to head to class like he usually does.

this time around though, he just stormed off.

it’s not like it was your first time making him late, so why was he so pissed this time? it was starting to scare you as isagi was a whole different man when he’d lost his temper.

oh well, i’ll give him a proper apology later

you sighed before making your way to your classroom, isagi’s uneaten bread flopping in your hand.

i can snack on this in class later

you thought to yourself smiling down at the slice. unbeknownst to you, you were turning the corner the end of the corridor and someone else just happened to be turning the corner the exact same time.

you bumped hard into this said person and your bread slice dropped on the floor. looking down at it, mouth slightly agape, you glared and looked back up to give this person a piece of your mind.

“well excuse me-” you were cut off when your eyes locked with his. his cerulean eyes bored into yours leaving you speechless. they were by far the prettiest eyes you had ever seen.

you went on to study his features. messy reddish-brown hair, sharp jawline, long lower lashes and a stoic expression displayed.

this guy is drop-dead gorgeous! how did i not notice someone so handsome going to this school earlier? is he new?

you gulped nervously as your eyes drifting back to his piercing ones. the both of you stared at each other, you tried hard not to blink not wanting to miss a single moment.

unfortunately though, after what seemed like eternity, he finally broke the eye contact as his eyes wandered to the bread slice on the floor. surely you weren’t going to eat that anymore.

he looked back at you one last time before coldly brushing past your shoulder and heading off, probably to his classroom.

you stood there stupidly. luckily no one else was around to see your flustered face. once you got back to your senses, you rushed to your classroom head hung low in embarrassment.

who was this guy to have got you’re heart racing by just a simple gaze? how dare he had your head feeling dizzy by doing the bare fucking minimum. it just wasn’t fair. god just looking at him had you mesmerised. there was no doubt about it:

you had fallen in love.

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SUMMARY: in which 2nd-year y/n l/n one day turns up at their high school and falls head over heels with a certain 3rd-year, one who has a strict ‘no-dating’ policy.

all right reserved © please do not copy any of my works!

[haveyoureadthisfanfic]

When I was like 3 or 4, I liked to pretend I could cook. I'd take a bowl, mix up ketchup, mustard, water, and milk, and then use it as a spread on plain white bread. Then, I would cut a couple of string cheeses in half and set the logs between the slices before serving it to my mother. I called it 'sandwich supreme,' and was very adamant that she eat every last bite. I never ate that shit though. I knew it was nasty lmaooo.

Me: Mom, you have to eat all of the food I made or you're mean >:( Also me: ew I'm not eating that its disgusting

[collidescopeeyes]

I love your recent swain hc! Can u pls write modern swain who would always receive handwritten notes thats always attached on his lunchbox from reader, but if reader is upset or mad at him there would be no notes or his lunchbox's food is just a plain bread

This is so fucking funny asdlkjskh

Modern!Swain misses his handmade lunches after a fight

- Swain always looks forward to your lunches, they're a highlight to his day. Not only are you a fantastic cook, but it's a little reminder that you care in the middle of what's usually a busy and high-stress day. He keeps every single note in a little box in the bottom of his desk, and if he ever needs a pick-me-up to get him through the day he reads a few at random.

- You don't fight often, but the absence of your little notes stings worse than anything you say in the heat of the moment. If he gets a lunch with no note he's spending the rest of the work day trying to figure out how to make it up to you.

- This time though, he fucked up. He's been busier than usual lately and you got into an argument about his awful work-life balance; you mentioned that it felt like he wasn't putting in much effort and he said maybe you should be putting in less effort. Instant regret but the damage was done, you storm off and he resigns himself to the doghouse. Still, his lunchbox is still on the counter when he wakes up (it's an expensive couch but it ain't built for sleeping on), so maybe you're not that mad at him? Still, he resolves to apologize as soon as you're ready to talk.

- Lowkey he's dreading lunch all work day. The upside is he gets plenty of work done; no one's dares to bother him considering the aura of death he's radiating. Rumors start circulating about who's gonna get fired but Darius tells them not to worry, he's just sulking cuz his wife's mad at him. That starts a whole other round of rumors–you’re so nice, wtf did he do to get you mad at him??

- How does Darius know this? Well. You ran into him in line at the coffee shop you both frequent and you ended up venting to him–it's obvious you're upset and he's a surprisingly good listener. You walk away feeling better and resolve to talk to Swain once he gets home–you were maybe being a bit petty with the lunch thing and you’re sure he'll apologize and you’ll work things out together if you give him a chance. Oh, but if Darius didn't have lunch for today already, did he want this? You prep everything the night before since Swain leaves so early, but you hate wasting food so you just took it with you. It's the least you could give him for hearing you out, plus it saves you trying to eat two lunches today.

- He accepts, obviously, partially cuz you're a great cook and partially cuz he doesn't want to turn you down. On his way into work though it occurs to him, if you're giving him Swain's lunch then wtf does Swain have? He has to know.

- Swain's pretty punctual, so Darius just shows up to his office at lunch time–he has some actual business matters he needs to talk to him about anyway, co-owner to co-owner. Definitely not because this is the most entertaining thing Darius has seen since Swain was stressing out over you introducing him to your parents. Nope. Swain actually welcomes the distraction at first–Darius rarely has lunch with him so it must be important.

- Picture this. Swain, opening his lunch box to a single slice of white bread. Unbuttered. He stares. He looks up. Darius, shit eating grin, unpacking his lunch. And Swain knows that's his fucking lunch, that's all the stuff you had in the kitchen and your cooking and Darius doesn't even like cheese.

- You know that meme where one kid gets the cute bear cutout bread and the other one gets crust with a bear shaped hole in the middle? Yeah.

- Neither of them says a word. You could cut the silence with a knife. Swain gets up and leaves without another word. He's taking a half-day and nobody dares stop him. Actually no, he's taking a long weekend, Darius can manage without him and if he can't, that's his personal problem. He's got a heartfelt apology to make.

- (He does in fact apologize, you sort it out and you go on a nice weekend trip together. Darius will insist this was part of his plan. Honestly the company couldn't handle it if you two fought for much longer, and employees everywhere offer up a thanks to your benevolence–being around Swain when he's in a bad mood is stressful.)

[mamamittens]

Weird thought, would modern cooking kill Thatch?

Like, I'm not saying he's a bad cook or anything! Clearly, he's very good at what he does and is, in fact, so good he appeared to be visibly keeping Whitebeard healthy past his prime with cooking alone. So like, health wise, he's gotta be top class shit.

But I mean... he's on a boat? All the time??? And there are just... some things that you can't keep for long at sea. Especially with so many people to feed. While I imagine they have a hella food budget, there's no way they have bales of herbs and spices laying about. I mean, look at this?!?

Doesn't look dry at least... but this is a lot of food that's just being eaten wholesale that's definitely not being spiced like we can expect/afford to today. Realistically, Ace just swallowed a whole hunk of plain bread, what seems to be a weird turkey leg, a slice of ham, and a hunk of roast. Not a speck of seasoning in sight.

I'm not even sure they could keep a steady supply of all the 'additional taste enchancing ingredients' for months at sea, even without Ace's black hole stomach hoovering it all up.

They're definitely not picky at least, so they've got that going for them I suppose. Can't be too bad but, honestly, Ace grew up eating spitroasted croc he hunted himself, so his standards aren't exactly sky high either.

So, what I was just having a silly little laugh to myself about my favorite pie, whip cream Oreo pudding pie (god it's so sugary, you cannot have more than a humble slice and this is from someone who unironically likes gallon sweet tea with almost four cups of sugar in it). And I realized that the amount of sugary decadence would like... send Thatch into a coma. They'd probably think it's fucking disgusting it's so fucking sweet.

And I'm not particularly crazy about spices--I'm actually a little bitch about them. So while Thatch probably has tasted and made some delicious ass dishes, there's no way most of them reach the casual level of 'overdone' modern food tends to be. Especially considering the double deep fried nonsense the southern USA is known for. You just can't reach that level of indulgence in a buffet style meal regularly for +1,000 people several times a day. It's literally only possible with modern convenience and insane cashflow to keep that up.

Kinda makes me wonder if canon Thatch would be horrified at the array of flavors we've made, the horrific food combinations, and culinary monstrosities. Both of the 'you can't eat at everybody's house~!' and 'holy shit this is actually amazing, may I please have more?!?' varieties.

He'd definitely be curious but like, there are so weird ass flavors. Had vinegar and sea salt chips once that tasted like I decided to deep throat Poseidon in his purest form, it was so aggressively salty. Novelty shit and genuine 'there are people who live and die by this particular brand of bat shit flavor'.

Idk, I guess it's just a funny thought.