#i’m too busy thinking about billy getting the help he deserves

[stranger-rants]

I’m not joking when I say that there are some people you should absolutely not attempt to fight. I can confidently say after watching so many high school fights that most teenagers can’t fight worth beans. I’ve gotten accidentally stuck between two teenagers fighting, and the punches they were throwing - some of which hit me - were weak as hell. That said, there are some teenagers you don’t fight because they will absolutely put you in the hospital.

I don’t care if you think that they’re a bully and you think you’re standing up for yourself. There’s a difference between the high school bully who needs a good humbling, and the teenager who takes beatings at home unleashing all of their anger and frustration on any fool who gets in their way. I have had students put other students in the hospital before. I’ve had students who went to jail. Don’t put your life at risk for a fight you will most likely lose. Again, I am not joking right now.

There’s too much senseless youth death and incarceration over this. It’s not worth it, and those people don’t need another punch to send them over the edge.

[littlemissmiller]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥

Pairing: billy the kid x fem!reader

Summary: you are a bartnder/saloon girl at a bar in town. when billy rides into town, he is absolutely in love with you, but takes it slow. one night you invite him home and he can’t resist you any longer

Warning: 21+ (drinking) fluff, smut, p in v, semi-rough sex (ass slapping), hickeys, oral (f receiving), aftercare, porn with a plot

Word count: 5.1k

A/N: hello friends :) first i just want to say thank you for the support! it has truly exceeded my expectations given i thought like three people were going to read my last two posts sooo thank you thank you thank you all! second, i was trying to get this out to y’all sooner, especially with season 2 being announced, but alas life be busy and i wanted to get this just right so here y’all go! a cute lil fluffy smutty billy moment. i hope to release more billy(and coryo) related content as well as other stuff soooo get excited ♥︎ ! p.s. there is a lil treat at the end ;)

Artwork

The moment you saw him ride into town, you knew you had to have him. You had seen a lot of cowboys come into town, handsome ones too. Something about Billy however, had you wondering about what the story was behind those mysterious eyes. His pretty blue eyes that pierced into your soul. He always looked at you so intently under the brim of his hat and would study you. Trying to figure you out just as much as you were with him. 

Billy became a regular at the saloon and would start to stay and wait for you to walk you home. It never went beyond that. He was such a gentleman, despite how easily you would have accepted him had he offered himself to you. Little did you know that he was being patient with you because he liked you so much. His last encounter with a woman ended up being a short and fast heartbreak, which pained him at the time and made himself feel like a fool in the long term. So he had swore to himself the next time he had the inclination to want someone he thought was good enough for love, he wouldn’t rush it. He didn’t want to scare you off like the precious creature you were to him. 

One morning you can’t stop thinking about him on the way to the market. Your sister was coming into town with her family and you had a big dinner to plan. As you arrived at the market, you were greeted by a familiar face. 

“Well good morning, darling” Billy stated tipping his hat “What brings you into town so early?” 

“Could ask you the same” you smiled “I need groceries”

“New rope for cattle ranching. Could I offer you any assistance sweetheart?”

Your heart fluttered at the pet names and your face went flush. You felt hot, your corset somehow becoming tighter, and your stomach nearly dropped. You nervously tucked your hair behind your ear. 

“Well if you insist” you quipped back

Billy held your basket for you as you shopped. He eventually obtained his rope and the pair bought their goods and were on their way. Of course, Billy offered you a ride home, despite the short distance. You rode on his horse as he rode with you behind him. You loved the feeling of being able to grip onto his waist like this. A seemingly innocent action that you reveled in. And with being this close to him, you happily took in the scent of gunpowder and fresh pine wood that wafted from his shirt. He would occasionally glance over his shoulder to sneak a look at you. He smiled to himself at how pretty your eyes looked as you held onto him tightly, your basket of groceries tucked in your elbow. They arrived soon enough at your home and Billy assisted you inside. 

“Well thank you Billy. Always willing to help me ain’t ya.” You smiled sweetly at him. The kind of smile that made Billy loose his thoughts. Your big doe eyes once again captured his attention. 

“Of course. A lady like yourself deserves all the help in the world.”

“Why are you sweeting me up like I’m hot tea William Bonney?” 

“Maybe because you are sweet. Like honey.” He smiled back, taking a step closer to you. This time, sensing your nerves, he pushed your hair back behind your  ear. 

“So what is all this food for anyways. Not that I would judge but it seems like a lot for a women who lives alone.”

“Got family coming in. They’ll be wanting a nice meal the first night at least.” You explained lightly gripping his bicep, rubbing his arm with your thumb. 

“And I reckon you’ll need some help cooking that. Don’t you think?” 

Normally you wouldn’t need the help. Especially since you enjoyed to cook and was very picky about who was in your kitchen. But with Billy asking, how could you say no.

“You don’t have somewhere better to be” she teased 

“Where else better to be than with you. Besides just so happens I’m free all day, sugar.” 

“Well then, I suppose I better keep ya busy. But I ain’t no nice cook. You’re going have to listen to me” you instructed 

“Yes ma’am” he agreed 

The two spent the whole day preparing the meal for later that evening. Billy practically danced around you all day. Using any excuse to get close to you. Whether it was reaching across you to grab a cutting knife or touching your lower back when he had a question about something, he was as bold as a man could be without crossing the line too much. Not that you didn’t want him to. His actions were more than welcomed and excited you each time he said “pardon me darling” or “I got another silly question for you dear”. 

With Billy’s help, preparations took half the time it usually would. You poured a glass of whiskey for you both, as they finished the last of the preparations. 

“Well I think this is well deserved. Thanks again for all the help.” 

“Anytime. Thanks for the drink.” He smiled

“It’s the least I could do Billy.” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair before your family shows up.” He announced, taking a sip of his drink

“Oh don’t feel rushed.” You reassured 

“I don’t want to overstay my welcome darling. Don’t worry about it.”  

He finished his drink and you insist on pouring him one more, just to keep him longer. He thanked you once again for the drink, tipped his hat to you, then was on his way. He gave you one last smile over his shoulder and was off back to the ranch. 

Once your sister arrived, you found it hard to concentrate on the joy of seeing your family. They were only in town for the weekend, on their way to visit your brother-in-law’s family two towns over. As excited as you were to see your sister, nephew and brother-in-law, your mind was elsewhere. And your sister noticed. 

“Hey, you seem distant. Is everything alright?” 

“Yes. Just lost in thought.” 

“Lost in thought about what pray tell?” Your sister asks

“A man” you whispered 

“You’re finally seeing someone?” Your sister, asked suspicious yet hopeful. 

“Not really. I’d like to. I sure do fancy him.” You admitted 

“Does he fancy you?” 

“Seems to.” You guessed “I tried to make him stay and dine with us but he was too polite”

“He was here?” Your sister perked up

“He helped prepare the meal.” 

“Did he now? A gentleman and a cook”

You rolled her eyes. “You know I didn’t let him get anywhere near the oven. He washed and chopped some vegetables. And helped season the beef cuts. 

“What a fine young man nonetheless” Your sister smiled

The rest of the evening went by. You’re sister, her husband and their son stayed until about 8 o’clock. After they left, you went upstairs and prepared yourself for bed. You changed into a white nightgown, and your long hair falls out of your neat, tight bun. As you brushed it out at your vanity, your attention wondered back to your favorite cowboy. You couldn’t help but wonder what he could be getting up to at the moment. You desperately wished that somehow he would want to find his way back to your doorstep and come stay the night with you. You didn’t care if that was too unbecoming of a proper lady. You wanted him. 

The next morning when you woke up, you headed off to see how your sister and their family were settling in for the weekend. They had rented a room at a boarding house at the end of town, you got ready and made it out the door. Once she arrived, her sister was already sat down at breakfast with her son and husband. They spotted her and invited her to join them. Another patron entered the bar and you turned to briefly look who it was. As he entered, Billy looked around for a seat and spotted you. He smiled, tipped his hat, and strode over to the bar where he took a seat. 

“Is that him?” She asked and you nodded

“My word ain’t he handsome.” You’re sister exclaimed 

“He looks familiar…” your sister’s husband noted as he peered at him 

“That’s just because a pretty face like his stands out.” You’re sister smiled at you 

The rest of the day you, along with your sister’s family, shopped for some new shirts for your nephew, some new dresses for herself, and you’re sister insisted on buying one for you to impress Billy. 

“Come on! What about this blue one?” She exclaimed

She held up the dress and you examined it. It was long, ruffled, and had a square neckline that was laced in white trim. It was pretty, but something else caught your eye. A purple dress, with a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were short, puffed out and the waist was made to look like a corset, tying snugly in the front. 

“If you’re gonna get me a dress to impress Billy, then this is the one I want” You declared, striding over to the dress and showing it off to your sister. 

Your sister bought you the dress and you accompanied her family back to the room they were staying in. You tried on the dress, which fit you perfectly. Your sister was practically gawking at you, in awe at how beautiful you looked in it. 

“You’re so beautiful” you’re sister exclaimed 

“As are you.” You rolled your eyes

“Not as beautiful as you look right now!” Your sister protested. “He’s going to love it” she whispered. 

Your sister and her family left the next morning to see her husband’s parents. You bid her a goodbye and watched as she rode out of town. You decided to head into the boarding house for a quick breakfast. You enjoyed a plate of eggs and ham alone, paid, and headed back home. 

“Family left this morning I see!”  Billy’s voice called out to you as you stepped out of the boarding house. You whipped your head around to look at him and smiled. He was hauling two jugs of water over his back with the intention of hooking them up to his horse to bring back to the ranch. You walked towards him and he set the jugs down next to his horse. He grabbed a torn up towel from his hip and wiped the sweat from his brow. From this distance, you could see that he had already spent a hard morning working. His face was dirty, his handsome features almost hidden. 

“They did. Thanks for all your help again the other day.”

“Of course. Anything for you darling.” He smiled 

“You know I was thinking I really wish you had joined us the other night for dinner. They would have loved your company I’m sure.” You smiled back 

“It’s fine. Don’t want to intrude.”

“Well I want to make it up to you regardless. Are you free tonight?” You asked tentatively 

“I can be. Why?” He asks, taking curious steps toward you

“Well I was thinking maybe tonight you could stop by and actually have dinner. Now that everyone is gone. I thought it could be just us?” You suggested 

“That’s sounds lovely darling. I get done at the ranch at sundown. I’ll swing by after. How does that sound?” He asked with a light grip under your chin. He rubbed it in between his thumb and forefinger, smiling at you  lovingly. 

You nodded, but Billy held his grip on you. He spoke up again. “That ok?”

“Yes. I’ll see you after sundown.” You spoke up 

You silently begged for him to kiss you. You wanted to taste his lips, his salty sweat, and his tongue dancing with your own. You decided to be somewhat bold and also get a taste of what you wanted. You kissed his cheek, savoring his soft, slightly dusty flesh against your lips. 

“Don’t be too late now.” You whispered into his ear. You pulled back before he had a chance to take any action. As much as you wanted to kiss him, you wanted to leave him wanting more. 

You rushed home enthusiastically. You spent the rest of the day cleaning your house and making cornbread for dinner. You had some extra cuts of steak from dinner the other night and decided it would pair nicely with some potatoes, and would make a steak and potato stew, which you knew how to season just right. You were nervous, wanting everything to be perfect for him. Thankfully, you prepared for his arrival with just enough time. After putting the cornbread in the oven, and keeping the stew on a low simmer, you went to take a bath. You bathed and shaved your body. Not that you were expecting anything to happen between you and Billy tonight, but you weren’t sure what type of man he really was. How badly did Billy desire you too? You supposed you’d find out tonight. 

After your bath, you adorned the purple dress you had bought with your sister. You admired yourself in the mirror and picked out a purple silk bow to match. You tied your hair half up with it and gave yourself one last look in the mirror. You were absolutely adorable and you knew it. Finally you heard a long awaited knock on your door and scurried over to answer it. 

Billy stood in your doorway, nervously straightening up his vest and looking down at the bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. 

“Mr. Bonney. Glad you didn’t keep a lady waiting too long. Please come in” You invited him, giving him a girlish smile

“Of course not. These are for you.” He replied handing you the flowers. You gladly took them and he watched your expression as you did, noting how cute you looked as your lips curled up into a wider smile.

“Always such a gentleman. Can I get you a drink?” You asked

“A whiskey would be great.” 

You poured him a glass of the brown liquor and he took it as he sat down on your couch. 

“You seem like you had a long day.” You remarked 

“I did. But glad that you invited me over. Makes it worthwhile.” 

“Then I should invite you over more often” 

“You should.” He agreed, taking a sip of his drink. 

You poured yourself your own glass and joined Billy on the couch. You scooted close to him, your knees barely grazing. 

“So…” he started pushing your hair behind your ears. “Tell me about your day.” 

“It wasn’t anything special. Just spent the whole day getting things ready for this handsome cowboy.” You whispered knowingly 

“Oh really? Sounds like you were working hard too hmm?” He remarks 

“Not too hard. As long as he likes my cornbread then it will all be worth it.” You smirked 

“I’m sure he will.” 

You sipped on your whiskey without taking your eyes away from the piercing blue ones in front of you. You batted your eyes at him and moved closer. Just as you felt as if you’re about to lose yourself in his eyes, the smell of cornbread fills the room, indicating that it was done. You excused yourself and took them out of the oven. You also take the opportunity, while you are up, to completely turn off the oven and blew out the flame under the stew so it doesn’t boil over. You walk back to him, sitting even closer. 

“Hungry?” You ask

“I-I hate to be rude but…” Billy started leaning in closer. “I just…Can I please kiss you darling?” 

You nodded and closed your eyes in anticipation, but Billy needed verbal permission from you. To hear it, to make sure that it’s what you wanted from him. He didn’t move in, but simply danced his thumb over your lower lip, waiting for you to speak. 

“Yes Billy, please kiss me.” You gasped 

He swooped in, capturing your mouth. He held your chin delicately in his hand, tilting your face up more. He kissed you deeply, not wanting to break away. He finally had you. Finally got to feel you in some way and he wanted more. Damned be any dinner, despite his hunger he felt, he was hungry for something else. He moved his lips with your own, hoping that his movements didn’t come off as too needy. Just before he pulled back entirely, he placed a few sweet, quick pecks to your lips then, he smiled at you. 

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for that.” He remarked 

“As have I” you breathed 

Billy dove back in. His soft lips danced with yours again. He cupped your face fully, eliciting a moan against his mouth that made him smirk in satisfaction. His thumbs caressed your cheeks, touching you as if you were made of glass. He was in awe of the moment he found himself in. Having you all to himself like this was exhilarating. You moved to straddle him, your dress pushing up against your thighs as you did. Billy splayed his hands over your newly exposed skin, inhaling sharply as he touched you. You were soft, legs freshly shaved during your bath, which Billy noticed. He snaked his fingers through your hair and admired you on his lap like this. It made his length twitch against your core. 

“Billy, ain’t you hungry?” You asked softly 

“I’m starving sweetheart, but I’m only hungry for one thing at the moment.” 

Billy recaptured your lips, pressing his firmly against your own. He continued to cup your face, holding you like he never wanted to let you go. You sighed into him and rolled your hips against his crotch. He moaned at your actions and sprung into action. Billy moved to stand, gripping your ass, hoisting you up. You gasped as he moved, clinging to him. He loved the way you held him and loved that he was strong enough to hold you like he was. It made his chest swell with pride. 

“Where is-“ Billy started 

“To the left” you huffed 

Billy carried you to your bedroom, kicking the door behind him and tossing you onto the bed. He stood at the edge of the bed, pulling his suspenders off his shoulders, all the while never breaking eye contact with the beautiful girl in front of him. He smirked as you stared up at him, gawking in awe. You slowly sat up until you were on your knees. You placed your hands around the sides of his neck as he snaked his own behind your back. He was quick to untie the thin string that held your dress up. It fell past your shoulders and you gasped at the cool sensation of the room. He brushed the rest of your dress down, revealing your bare breasts to him. He dove in, groping them and massaging them, while he pressed deliberate kisses to your chest. The soft mounds of skin fit perfectly in his hands. Both hands giving you the amount of attention and pleasure you deserved. 

You arched your back at the sensation, shoving your chest further into his face, which Billy very much enjoyed. He continued kissing your chest fervently. Feeling bold and drowning in lust, Billy started to leave marks all over your chest. He sucked and bit down on your flesh, causing you to mewl.

“Billy” you whispered 

Billy gave your chest a few quick kisses before pushing you back onto the bed. He undid the buttons of his shirt before tossing it off. He climbed back on top of you. He stroked the side of your face gently, admiring the pretty girl below him. He glanced down to your chest, equally admiring your bruises. He slipped the rest of your dress off, stripping you of everything. Bare before him, you felt timid and vulnerable. You had been with men before. A few men in town had fancied you, but also fancied other girls at the same time. As you laid under the handsome cowboy, you were utterly breathless and anticipatory.  Billy splayed  his hands over your stomach, grabbing the fat of your hips.  

“So gorgeous like this. More beautiful than I imagined.” 

“You imagined me like this?” 

“From time to time. I just couldn’t help myself darling.” 

You gasped with a small smirk at the confession. The feeling of being wanted in that way made your core throb. Billy had imagined you like this several times in fact. He would imagine you bare for him as you are now, begging for him to touch you, taste your sweetness, and the feeling of you around his cock. Billy found himself more and more thinking about you in such an intimate way. He couldn’t help but get off to the idea of you. And now he had you all to himself, caged in under him. He palmed his now hard, aching cock through his pants. 

“What else did you imagine…with me?” you whispered 

He cocked his head, his jaw going slack as he looked at you with amusement. He leaned back down and kissed your cheek. 

“Why don’t I just show you?” 

You bit your lip in anticipation. Billy began to kiss down your body, each kiss feather light and delicate. You were sensitive to his touch, flinching slightly as each kiss landed on you. When he reached your hip bone he sucked down to leave another scandalous mark. You shuttered at his actions, and slithered your fingers through his hair.  He finally made his way down, down, down, until he reached your thighs. He spread your legs apart, roughly and greedily groping the meaty flesh. He began to suck. The idea of marking you up so much drove him crazy. He liked leaving you with the small reminders of the pleasure he gave you. 

“Billy!” You gasped “why you leaving so many marks on me?” You raked your fingers through his chocolate brown waves and gave him a curious look. 

“You wanted to know what I was thinking about when I was getting off to you right?” 

She nodded her head. 

“I thought of you branded like this. I just want you to remember every spot I touched you at. So you know this ain’t no dream.” 

Lazily, you nodded your head. His lips trailed closer and closer to your core. He glances up at you for approval and you nod. Billy moves his mouth to capture your wetness. He lapped you up, his lips practically making out with your sweetness. Your hips moved in his face slightly. You couldn’t help it, the pleasure he brought you was overwhelming. Billy didn’t seem to mind too much however and you became aware of how much he was enjoying you. 

“Christ Billy, I’ve never been with a man who loved to taste a woman this much.” 

Billy pulls away with a gasp, looking up at you with the most dazed out look in his eyes. As he smirked, you noticed how wet his mouth is covered in your juices. 

“That’s cause they ain’t real men, sugar.” He gave the inside of your thigh a few sloppy kisses, resting his head against it. He groped the soft skin greedily. He trailed his fingers over your clit, rubbing gently on the sensitive bundle of nerves. You cooed at him, squirming slightly. He grinned against you. 

“You gonna let me keep tasting you then?” 

You nodded your head and he kissed your clit. His passion overtook him as he sucked and swirled his tongue on your core. You watched him, transfixed on the way his mouth moved against you. You let out a few shaky breaths, gripping his hair harder. Your head fell against your pillow and you let your body unwind. As he ate you out, all you could do was moan and grind against his face. Billy did truly love tasing a woman like this. Especially a woman such as yourself. The sweetness, how wet they got. How their thighs would quiver around his cheeks. He loved it. Which is exactly what he loved when he was pleasing you. Especially the way in which you fell apart under his tongue. Billy was satisfied watching you like this. But he craved more. As did you. He pressed a few more fervent kisses to your slit then pulled away. He crawled up on his knees. 

Billy worked feverishly to undo his belt, his hand trembling slightly. He quickly wriggled out of his pants, taking his boxers with him. Grabbing the base of his cock, Billy lined himself up with your slit. You moaned as he coated himself in your wetness, diving into your weeping entrance. Billy pressed in slowly, then bottoming out. He took a moment to feel you around him before he began to move his hips. 

Lust over took his sensibilities and all he wanted to do was keep you here, caged under him, inside you all night. Billy quickened his pace at the thought. His actions elicited beautiful moans that rolled off your lips. Billy reveled in the fact that he could play you like a guitar as you continued to let him know how good he felt. A devilish grin curled up in the corner of his lips and he scoffed in amusement.

“Oh my god you’re so beautiful.” he whispered gently 

 He looked down at you with curiosity and amazement. He wondered just what else he could do to you. What else he could coax out of you. He trailed his hand down your stomach until his thumb was pressed firmly on your needy clit. He rubbed tight circles, enjoying you as you writhed, once again, under his touch. He did his best to keep your back on the bed, pressing a hand to your pelvis. The movement of his thumb was almost overwhelming. You were completely under his control, despite the seemingly involuntary movements of your hips bucking up against his hand. 

“S-s-so good Billy. Please just like that.” You groaned as he sat up on his knees, readjusting his angle. 

He gripped your ankles and tossed them on his shoulder. He kissed down your ankle and along your calf. You decided to take some control and moved your hips with his rhythm as he pumped into you. He ducked his head down, squeezed his eyes and let out a groan. His jaw went slack and he glared down at you. He slowed down his movement and tossed your legs back down on the bed. You gasped in confusion. Billy let a knowing grin sit on his face as he maneuvered your hips and waist, flipping you on your stomach. He kissed your shoulder and down your back, each kiss sending an electric current up your spine and shoulder blade. Then, with one hand on your upper back, he lowered you down. 

Billy adjusted you so you were on perfect display for him. He admired your perfect, round little ass perked up for him. He slipped back into you, pulling your hips toward his. He gripped onto your waist with one hand and gave your ass a firm slap with the other. You yelped and Billy gave you another one. He wasted no time moving inside you at a quick, tempered pace. He knew he wasn’t going to last much longer, so he simply enjoyed the view and fucked you with a satisfied grin on his face. You squirmed and whined under him. You could feel yourself becoming undone. His free hand wandered down your spine, tracing your body to memory. His touch was toxic, his fingers felt like fire. He continued to rock into you. He loved the way you bounced against him, and he filled you up so good too. 

Your collective moans filled the room, and soon enough Billy was pulling out and readjusting you one last time. He made you stand up for a moment while he crawled under you. He rested his head against the headboard and patted his thighs. You nodded your head, swinging your legs around his waist. You slowly sank onto his cock, your ass landing down with a small plop. You bit your lip and watched Billy’s face melt into pure ecstasy as you rode him. He loved having your breasts bounce in his face like this. He groped them and sucked them as you continued taking him. You tried to steady yourself on him, cupping his face as you rocked your hips. You lean in and kiss him, his lips felt hot and dangerous now. His hands travel up your back, holding you close to him. 

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.” He panted “How long I’ve wanted you.” 

All you could do is nod. He smiled, and returned your lips back to his own. He held your hips and began to move them a bit faster. He was close and so were you. Your stomach began to tighten, your legs felt weak and before you knew it you were shaking around him. Billy pulls his face away to watch you. He gawked at your fucked out form on top of him. It nearly sent him over the edge. A few more hard bounces and he was spent. Billy spilled himself inside you, panting as you tamed your breathing. 

“Fuck.” He groaned sharply. 

You both settled down from your high, breathing in sync as you rested your sweaty forehead against his. He kissed your jaw and cheek, regaining his composure. You chanted his name like a prayer, whispering it into his ear. 

“Mmm yes baby?”

“Th-that was so good. You’re so good.”

He nodded in agreement and kissed you once again before he spoke. 

“Say darling, would it be too forward of me to ask to spend the night?” He asked

“I would want nothing more than to share my bed with you Mr. Bonney” you smirked

“You sure doll? I know how townsfolk like to gossip and peg beautiful women such as yourself with such nasty names. I just want to be sure-“ he started but you cut him off with a deep, passionate kiss

“Does that answer your question?” 

He nodded lazily, a goofy, boyish smile planted on his face. With that he stayed. You crawled off his lap and the pair settled under the sheets. He held you in his arms, playing with your hair until you fell asleep. He kissed your forehead occasionally as you slept, continuing to stroke your hair, until sleep found him as well and he rested his head against yours, holding you close all night long. 

꧁🝮❤︎︎🝮꧂

Artwork

[stormsplurge]

nobody's fool

warnings: none!

pairing(s): seth jarvis x fem! reader

1239 words

a/n: its not directly inspired by the song but i've been listening to shes always a woman by billy joel on repeat for the last 2 days which is where the title comes from. it's also not proofread at all so please ignore any typos or spelling errors. i hope you guys enjoy this one!

“oh my GOD!” you squealed as the last couple of seconds of the game ticked by on the jumbotron and the “canes win” rang out through the arena. 

the hurricanes had won their first game of their series against the rangers, and the entire building was buzzing.

you could feel nykki next to you screaming her lungs out as the two of you jumped up and down in your seats.

a couple of days ago, after returning from new york and losing to the rangers again, you saw a fire get lit under your boyfriend (and the entire teams) ass. they had come back to playoffs with something to prove, trying not to get swept for the second year in a row, and they’d pulled it off. 

as you walked with the other wags towards the locker room you felt a sudden jolt of energy run through your body. after the last game everyone had been down, seth especially. his tendency to place all the blame on himself was in full force, but this win was exactly what he needed to pull himself out of his head.

you were in the middle of making small talk with gracia when the boys began trailing out of the locker room. brady was one of the first ones out, wrapping his arms around his wife as soon as he was within arms reach of her.

“we’re all heading to the bar.” he said. “you and ton of fun should come.”

“thanks for the invite skjeisy.” you replied, before your boyfriend entered your eyeline. 

you shot out a quick “see you there!” before bouncing towards the entrance to the locker room, practically jumping into seths arms. 

“congratulations!” you giggled as he hooked his arm around your waist and began walking the two of you towards the parking lot. 

if you were enthusiastic about the win, seth was practically bursting at the seams with excitement. his trademark giddiness shining around him like a halo.

“oh my god!” he exclaimed as the two of you made it outside. “i have no idea how we pulled that off.”

“i know how.” you replied. “you guys are fucking awesome thats how.”

“you’re my good luck charm you know, we wouldnt have done it without you.”

“whatever you say jarvy.” you said as your cheeks begin to heat up. 

seth was always selfless, insisting that every win was because of anyone but him. doing everything to shine the spotlight on someone else. 

——

as the two of you drove towards the bar you reminisced on your first christmas in winnipeg together. 

it was a white christmas, something you weren’t used to seeing as you had never lived as far north as seth had, and kayden was telling you about how eager seth was to get on the ice with his brother and his friends. he was smaller than all the other guys but still itching to play with them, begging their mom to let him play for a couple more minutes everytime she insisted he get off the ice and take a break.

seth was too busy helping his mom with something to notice that his brother was telling you every embarrassing story he could possibly think of. blowing through the kitchen like a tornado helping as fast as possible so he could get back to his spot right next to you in front of the fireplace. 

kayden was in the middle of telling you about the first year seth was with the winterhawks, how he’d call their parents every night complaining about how much he missed home, when your boyfriend returned to his spot amidst the piles of wrapping paper littered around the living room. 

“kayden!” he exclaims as he sits down. “stop telling embarrassing stories about me you asshole.”

“i’m just telling her what she deserves to know.” kayden responds, throwing his hands up in mock surrender before a throw pillow lands in his face.

seth lets out a long groan before getting up and pulling you with him, slowly dragging you towards his room. the walls littered with duke memorabilia and hockey stuff. 

“he’s such a dick” he whines as he shuffles towards his desk. 

“i think its hilarious.” you reply, making yourself comfortable on your boyfriends bed, craning you neck to try and figure out what he’s trying to find as he rattles through the drawers. 

it isn’t long before he whirls around, a small turquoise box in his hands, and sits in front of you. 

“seth…” you question, “what is this.”

“okay.” he rambles, opening the box and revealing a small necklace within. “i got my mom a car the first year i played, and my dad a car last year, so this year i wanted to get you something nice.”

tears began welling up in the corners of you eyes as he continued his speech.

“… i wasn’t really sure what to get cause you already have a bunch of really nice stuff back home in raleigh, so i asked nykki for help cause she knows that type of stuff and we picked this out.”

the necklace was a simple circle attached to a chain, with one end of the circle wider than the other end. minimalistic, but beautiful.

“oh my god…” you responded. “i don’t even know what to say.”

the gesture alone was enough to bring you to tears. the drops of salty water streaming down your face and pooling at your chin. 

you were at a loss for words, so you opted for closing the gap between you and seth and pulling him into a deep kiss. 

“do you like it?” he asked after you broke the kiss, finally coming up for air.

“i love it seth it’s beautiful.” you replied and you turned and exposed the back of your neck. “do you want to help me put it on?”

“oh yeah yes totally yes please.” seth jumbled out, words falling out of his mouth like loose teeth.

“don’t act like you’ve never seen the back of my neck before.” you joked, turning to face him after he closed the clapse.

“it’s just, like, different this time i guess.”

“youre adorable when you’re flustered.” you remarked, placing your hands on the sides of his jaw and running your thumb over his cheek. “i guess that means i’ll have to get you to help me put on all my necklaces if i want to keep seeing you like this.”

“i would gladly help you put on every piece of jewelry, you don’t even have to say please.”

“careful mr jarvis, someone might hear you and think you’re in love.”

“i’ll shout it from the rooftops i dont care.” he exclaims, throwing his arms in the air and puffing up his chest. “i’m in love!”

“this is the best christmas gift ever” you giggle, falling back onto the bed in your fit of laughter. seth quickly flopping down next to you. 

as you finished reminiscing and found yourself back in the present, sitting in the passenger seat of seth’s beat up old volkswagon, playing with the tiffany necklace around your neck. 

“i love you.” you said as you brought your free hand over top of where seth’s right hand was positioned on top of your leg, tracing circles over the top of his hand. “i know i say it all the time but i’m so proud of you.”

“i love you too.”

[queen-haq]

Fic: Grudgingly Yours (Part 4)

Fic: Grudgingly Yours (Part 4)

Summary: You are a general surgeon, working in a hospital that’s slowly sucking the life out of you when one day you’re given the offer of a lifetime.

A.K.A  - An arranged marriage fic :)

Pairing: Billy Russo x You

Rating: R

Masterlist (contains links to my other stories and this one)

Chapter 4

You bit down on your bottom lip, looking at the project plan for the next few weeks. Ideally you would have loved to open a hospital but that was beyond your current means. As a compromise, you made the decision to go with an urgent care clinic in your childhood neighbourhood. There was a lot of administrative red tape to get through before you could even begin working on your plans and that’s why you’d engaged two of your closest friends for help. Jacintha was a marketing executive for a healthcare company, and Ritu was a financial analyst, and they were the perfect people to guide you towards your goals. The three of you had accomplished what needed to be done today, and were taking a break now.

 “Any more pizza left?” Ritu asked.

 You peeked through the boxes. “Nah, we finished it all. I can order more?”

 “No, I had too much already,” Ritu said, drinking her glass of wine.

 Jacintha was scrolling through her phone, her feet up on the couch. “There’s no one here that’s even remotely interesting,” she grumbled. “Everyone’s either ugly or a fuckboy.”

 You laughed. While Ritu was happily married, Jacintha was single and on the lookout for fun dates. Except her friend had very high expectations and there weren’t that many men that met her standards. “Maybe you should venture outside Manhattan,” you offered.

 “I’d rather shoot myself than date a guy from Jersey.”

 “My thoughts exactly.”

 Hearing Billy’s voice, you turned around to find him standing at the entrance to the room. Dressed casually in a maroon jumper, black jeans and signature leather jacket, he appeared amused as his eyes languidly took in your friends. When you’d seen him earlier today he was heading out with another woman – so why the fuck was he back and interrupting your night?

 Irritation surged through you. You’d made up an excuse about Billy being busy when Jacintha had inquired about his whereabouts, but now he was here and that meant you had to put on a show for your friends. “Thought you were gonna be gone all night, honey.”

 Both Ritu and Jacintha watched him curiously, with Jacintha taking the lead in approaching him. “Glad you made it home, Billy. Didn’t think we were going to meet you today but I’m glad you’re here.” She reached out to hug him, and you noted how Billy returned the hug with enthusiasm. “I’m Jacintha, Y/N’s would-be maid of honour –“

 Ritu scoffed.

 “- if you hadn’t gone off and eloped with her,” Jacintha continued, sticking out her tongue at Ritu.

 You rolled your eyes, watching as Ritu made her way towards Billy.

 “Only way Jas would’ve been maid of honour is if I turned it down.” Ritu extended her hand out to Billy. “Hi, I’m Ritu. And we need the complete story behind this whirlwind romance. Y/N’s being way too tight-lipped about the details.”

 His response was a gorgeous smile. “I don’t know what lies she told you, but eloping was her idea not mine.”

 What the fuck? Spotting the wicked glint in his eyes, you knew he’d thrown you under the bus on purpose. Asshole!

 “Come on, Billy. Don’t lie to my friends,” you teased, sauntering over to where he stood. “They’re gonna think I didn’t have a wedding on purpose.”

 Jas frowned. “Did you elope just to get out of picking a maid of honour?”

 You put on a fake smile. “Look what you did, sweetheart.”

 His voice was nauseatingly sweet. “Just being honest, love.”

 “So tell us about yourself, Billy,” Ritu prodded.

 “Like you guys didn’t google me?” Billy fired back.

 Jaz confronted him with a raised eyebrow. “We did. What we found wasn’t great. Definitely not the kind of guy who deserves Y/N.”

 “Okay. That’s enough.” You walked over to Billy and grabbed his hand. “Can we talk alone?”

 Dark eyes bore into your soul. “If you insist.”

 You dragged him away, leaving your perplexed friends watching after you.

 Once inside the spare office room, you closed the door behind. “Why are you here?”

 Billy cocked his eyebrow, smirking as he strut toward the couch. Sitting down, he regarded you with amusement. “Last time I checked this is my place.”

 “Wrong. It’s your grandfather’s and he gifted it to both of us. So you can shove that bullshit.” You glared at him with hostility. “We had a deal. You stay out of my way when I have people over.”

 He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t remember agreeing to that.”

 Exasperated, you crossed your arms. “Do I harass your dates when you bring them home?”

 “My dates don’t take over the entire place.”

 “Upstairs is your area, downstairs is mine. That was your rule!”

 “That Jacintha’s cute.”

 Irritation surged through you at the abrupt change in topic. “Don’t hit on my friends.”

 He cocked his eyebrow. “Figures you’re the jealous type.”

 “I’m not jealous, you moron. I just don’t want you creeping on them.”

 “Tell me something. That whole scene during dinner, standing up for me, bitching out the old man, that was all an act, right?”

 “What are you talking about?”

 He leaned forward. The smile from before was now replaced with a somber look, his dark steely gaze holding you hostage. “You planned it, didn’t you? Plotted with him so you’d look good to me?”

 “What makes you think I care enough to do that?” You held his stare, challenging him back. “Whatever issues you have with your family, it’s none of my business. I only stood up for you because I fucking hate bullies. I already told you that. But if you don’t believe me, I don’t give a shit.”

 His eyes remained on you, unwavering and hostile, staring at you intently. “Let me see your phone.”

 You scowled. “No.”

 “Why not?”

 “Why should I?”

 “Because I want to prove something to myself.”

 “How’s my phone gonna help with that?”

 “Let me worry about it.”

 “Go fuck yourself.”

 He smiled. “Show me your phone and I’ll keep my distance from your friends. That work for you?”

 “Fine.” Taking out your cell from your back pocket, you approached him. You unlocked the screen and handed it to him. “Here. Have your fill.”

 You regarded him cautiously while he scrolled through to look for any incriminating conversations between you and Alistair. There would be none, just a whole bunch of missed calls from the old man since the night of the dinner party. And a vague text message where he threatened you.

 “You’ve been ignoring his calls. Alistair won’t like that.”

 “He’ll get over it.”

 “He’s dangerous when he’s crossed. And you pissed him off by standing up for me.”

 “I can take care of myself,” you huffed, grabbing your phone back from him.

 “You have to be so flippant about everything?” Billy asked.

 The fake concern in his tone was infuriating, like he actually cared about you when it was the farthest thing from the truth. “Don’t pretend like you give a shit about me.”

 He cocked his eyebrow. “Is that what you think? At least with you I know what I have to deal with. If he takes you down, I have to worry about what he has planned next. That’s the only reason I’m warning you.”

 “Whatever.” You slipped your phone back into your pocket. “Now, please get the fuck out.”

 “Who’s Calvin?”

 You froze. Of course the fucker noticed all the text messages from him. “None of your business.”

 A cold smile curved Billy’s lips. “Boyfriend? He seems to be, texts you a lot.”

 “You jealous?”

 “Keep dreaming, sweetheart.” He leaned forward and picked up a random magazine that was on the coffee table. His voice was casual, deliberately calm when he spoke next. “Just curious about how your boyfriend feels you marrying me for money. Calvin okay with the golddigger lifestyle?”

 “He lets me make my own decisions.”

 Billy’s voice reeked of sarcasm. “Sounds like a real man.”

 “He is.”

 Billy scoffed.

 “Why are we even talking about this? I don’t butt into your business, do I?”

 “Oh, you didn’t tell Gwen we were married?”

 You rolled your eyes, remembering the blonde from a few weeks ago. “That was once. You’ve had other women here since then and I haven’t bothered them.”

 His intense, lingering stare remained affixed on you, making you feel unexpectedly self-conscious. You were in jeans, an oversized t-shirt, and wearing no make-up. It was supposed to be a casual night in and you’d dressed accordingly, but you weren’t prepared for Billy to give you the kind of look that speared right through to your soul. His stillness made you nervous, making you feel like he was plotting your death or something. You preferred it when he espoused hateful rhetoric instead. “Anything else?” you prodded. “Or can I go back to my friends?”

 “Do whatever you want.”

 Despite the insolence in his words, his voice was a husky, throaty drawl, smooth like whiskey, like he was trying to seduce.

 Or maybe you were just being an idiot.

 Without saying anything else, you turned around and walked out.

 ***

 Upon returning to your friends, they surrounded you immediately.

 “What’s going on?” Jas asked.

 “Nothing,” you replied, trying to maintain your calm exposure.

 “You’re lying to us,” Ritu piped up.

 You started stacking the empty pizza boxes. “What do you mean?”

 “That’s not how newlyweds act!” Jas accused.

 “Why? Just because I’m not all over him in front of you guys? That doesn’t prove anything!”

 “None of this makes sense. You elope with a guy none of us even knew you were dating, supposedly because the two of you are so madly in love, but that’s not what we saw just now. You guys looked like you hate each other!”

 You ran your fingers through your hair. Shit.

 “Tell us what’s going on. Are you in trouble?” Ritu asked.

 “Whatever it is, just tell us. We’ll help you.”

 Guilt surged through you as you stared back at your best friends. They were genuinely concerned and worried about something happening to you, and there you were lying to them. You sighed, taking a seat.

 Then you started telling the truth.

 ***

 A week later you walked into the penthouse suite, your feet aching in the stilettos you were wearing. Jas and you had gone out to dinner so she could give you notes on the prenup. Even though you’d reassured her multiple times that your lawyer had vetted it thoroughly and negotiated the best terms for you, she wasn’t convinced and insisted one of her contacts, a prominent divorce attorney, review the details. The lawyer did have some feedback but ultimately agreed it was a good deal. Finally Jas was convinced you hadn’t lost your mind with this deal, and the two of you went clubbing after. You were used to staying up all night from working at the hospital, but the whole heels thing was new to you.

 Sighing, you undid the straps and threw the shoes aside, groaning with relief when your feet hit the ground. As you started walking back to your room, you cut through the living room only to find Billy sound asleep. You stopped for a second, simply watching him. Not sure why he was even downstairs, but there he was on the couch, in a black razor tank and jeans, sleeping on his side. There were a couple of empty beer bottles on the coffee table. He was facing you, hair ruffled, eyes closed, one arm tucked under his head and the other splayed on his side. Watching him as he laid there, you had to admit he really was a beautiful man – as long as he kept his mouth shut. You usually liked them stocky and broad-shouldered, gym guys who you knew could lift you without much trouble, but Billy was lean and toned. Not that he wasn’t muscular, he definitely was, but you doubted he could pick you up. Or that he’d want to. You saw the women he slept with, you were definitely not his type. And you had no interest in being one of them.

 You sauntered past him and headed for your room.

 An hour later you were freshly showered and dressed in a silk robe, eating Greek yogurt in the kitchen to satisfy your late-night hunger cravings when you heard a crash coming from the living room. Worried, you quickly marched towards the noise. Upon entering the room, you found broken glass shards from the beer bottles atop the coffee table and Billy on his knees, one hand gripping the edge of the table while the other was clutching his chest.

 His skin was flushed, slick with sweat, eyes stricken with panic. He looked like he couldn’t breathe, as if he was dying.

 Immediately you switched to doctor mode. Rushing, you sat down next to him. “Are you hurt? Bleeding? What’s going on? Talk to me,” you ordered, keeping your voice normal and calm so as not to agitate him further. With an expert touch you examined his hands to make sure he didn’t cut himself - he didn’t - and swiped the beads of moisture from his forehead.

 His breathing was ragged, he didn’t speak, a wild expression on his face matching the far away look in his eyes, like he was somewhere else at the moment.

 You started rubbing his back, hoping the physical contact would tether him to reality. “Billy, you’re fine. You’re okay.” Repeating yourself over and over again, you soothed him, stroking his back, caressing the hair on the nape of his neck, your other hand covering his chest where his heart resided.

 It took a while for his heart to return to normal speed. The entire time he was locked in your embrace, pressing into you, squeezing you tightly like his life depended on it.

 After a short while, Billy finally spoke. “It’s hot. I’m hot.”

 Voice husky, body warm to the touch, you realized he needed some air. “Do you want some water?” You attempted to move away but he grabbed your hand that was on his chest and held it in place.

 “No. Just need to take this off.” In one quick gesture he pulled off his tank and threw it aside. You tried not to stare at the wounds on his chest, burn marks and lashings, like he’d been tortured. They were fully healed, a few years old from what you could tell, but the scars remained, forever haunting him. Your heart ached, realizing he must have gone through sheer hell to survive that.

 Your fingers caressed his chest. “You should get some sleep.”

 Billy finally met your gaze. The emotion in his eyes made your stomach clench with anxiety. There was no anger, no contempt, just raw, stark need for something you didn’t understand. His dark eyes were crystal clear, no cloudiness in them, like he was seeing you for the first time.

 And then suddenly he stood and lifted you up, carrying you over to the couch behind you both. He sat back on the cushion, you straddling him, one arm encircling your waist while the other hand fisted the back of your hair.

 Eyes locked on one another, breaths trembling, you swallowed audibly as you waited for him to say something, do anything. But he didn’t move, didn’t speak, only watching you.

 Minutes passed, every second feeling like an eternity.

 Your heart was pounding in your chest, so loud you worried he could hear it. Could he? Could he see how he was affecting you? That your nipples were hard and your pussy wet from grinding down on his jeans? That his heated skin pulsed through you like a vibrator and you felt every brush, every stroke, every touch of his fingers strumming you like a guitar?

 You didn’t know why you did it, why your fingers curved around his throat, why the other played with his earlobe. You were teasing him, taunting him, daring him to make a move. To take you.

 Electric jolts ran through your body when he unexpectedly moved in closer, the top of his head brushing against your mouth, his lips blowing soft air on your neck as he inhaled you in. “You smell so good.”  

 Wetness pooled between your legs, your body taut with tension. Your arms wrapped around his neck and shoulders, holding on tight. Did he know what he was doing to you? Was it a ploy? How could he sound so desperate and vulnerable and still be playing you?

You didn’t understand, because you couldn’t think. How were you supposed when his erection was nudging your thighs? There was no fucking escape from him, he’d ingrained himself in you completely. Wrapped around every inch of you, next to you, under you, all-consuming solid presence of his body overwhelming all of your senses.

 “Will you stay with me?” he whispered, soft, gentle, making your heart pulse the way your body did. “Help me sleep?”

 There was nothing else you could say. “Yes.”

 You couldn’t turn him down, not the part that was trained to heal patients, nor the woman in you that was utterly exposed to someone who was begging for help.

 And so when Billy cradled you in his arms and maneuvered you both to lay down on the couch, his hand squeezing yours as he pressed a warm kiss on your temple, you simply closed your eyes and let the warmth sweep over you.

A/N - Um, thoughts? 

[cerealboxlore]

hey so to add on to deaged billy, what if he as captain marvel often says “do good and good will follow” to the league, but as billy he ends up saying “no good deed goes unpunished”

i wanna see the league’s reaction to that

i also want him to have a super emotional scene where he saves someone despite the danger it puts him in and says with a breaking voice “sure no good deed goes unpunished, but it makes a difference. a small difference but a difference”

another thing i want is for when he turns back into marvel (assuming his identity isn’t discovered) that one of the leaguers (i’m imagining hal? idk tho) remarking on how feral he was as a child and marvel responding with the most feral grin to ever grin “who says i ever stopped?” and then switching back immediately to his normal marvellous self

I apologize for not getting to this ask soon enough, but wowie it has been dancing a real show stopping number in my brain cells for some time now.

First of all, I absolutely adore the "no good deed goes unpunished" motto for Billy as himself, seeing as when he is not Captain Marvel, he is more vulnerable to the truths and dangers of the world, and his experience in it has molded him into the pure of heart, yet bitter, child, he is today. Billy believes in the best in people and believes in doing good for others, but he doesn't believe in himself (to be worthy or deserving of anything good in return).

And I can totally see a scene happening where Billy continues to stand up against major threats and villains, despite only being in his mortal form with no magic or strength to him.

Maybe he's in Metropolis when a magical disturbance problem happens, and knowing Lex Luthor, he'd take advantage of a situation to take down superman with something he isn't good against. Lois Lane could be in danger while Superman is busy fighting a magical foe that Billy can't fight for once due to his inability to transform back into Captain Marvel, and seeing her about to get hurt pushes Billy to help her. He pushes her out of harms way but in doing so, leaves himself vulnerable to an attack and gets himself blasted across the room, injuring his tiny mortal self.

The pain is immense. It's worst than anything uncle Ebeneezer or muggers would make him feel. He knows that he's bleeding, he knows that his ribs cracked and heard his bones snap, but he refuses to lay down. Billy Batson may not have the powers of Captain Marvel at the moment, but Billy Batson, has the courage of Billy Batson.

He willingly stands up for what he believes in and is willing to fall for it, too. He doesn't care what others think, he just cares if they are safe.

Gosh, Imagine Billy Batson standing up to fist fight Lex Luthor. Small child gonna be roasting him for being bald and having an inferiority complex, haha. Or just kick him in the groin and run away 🏃‍♂️

As for the last thing you mentioned with Billy being a feral child, both in his mortal form and champion form, I love it. I am here for Billy being feral 24/7.

Superman: It's good to have you back as yourself, Captain. I have to say though, it was strange seeing you as the child you were. You were...how do I say this...

Hal: Feral. Rabid. An ungodly child who bit plastic man for stealing his doughnut.

Superman: Yes. What he said. If you don't mind me asking, what happened to you as a child that encouraged such good behavior and manners that we see in you in the present??

Hal: Pft, yeah, I think spooky wouldn't mind some advice on how to become a tame boy scout for his own herd of feral kids.

Captain Marvel, smirking: Well, hold on. You're assuming I stopped. I never said I did.

With the spirit of Billy in him, he gives them a wink with a cheeky smile, warning them of what was to come if he ever felt like it.

Feral Billy showing up in his Captain Marvel form reminded me of this fic on AO3, where Captain Marvel plays a prank on his coworkers about telling them his real age, then when they freaked out, said it was April Fool's. Cyborg knew though. Cyborg suffered in knowing the truth.

I'll reblog this with the link to the fic when I find it! I think you'd like it (if you haven't already read it).

[connoisseursdecomfort]

The Garden - is it political, personal or profitable

This post is inspired by @shinybluebirdwizard​‘s answer/theories about the Garden.

I think it’s interesting to see the Shopkeeper as a judge - I mean he sure sounds like one. But I also think he’s called the Shopkeeper for a reason. My theory is the Shopkeeper is first and foremost a businessman.

I’m not saying that means he doesn’t care about politics at all - on the contrary, war is not good for business as we all could probably see by now. And money IS politics. Even Donovan Desmond is a businessman.

*Manga spoilers alert*

It’s very easy to see why the Shopkeeper sounds like a judge - he picks the targets and tells the assassins why the target deserves to be punished.

Ostanian legal system must be a huge mess with the Red Circus or the bus arc being the direct result of it - there are just punishments without trials (to be honest, more like without law at this point) everywhere. It’s either the SSS or the Garden who decide which to punish, and it’s almost always about “to punish”. The tricky part about the Garden is that it seemingly also allows people to redeem their lives (aka Olka Gretchen). The SSS doesn’t.

We now have three "judges" in Ostania.

The SSS makes everything political, and goes extreme from there on.

The Red Circus is the flip side of the coin - it started as a political organisation, but things just get very personal at the end (i.e. you killed my friends and now I'm going to kill your children) and they just go extreme with that.

Everything is political AND personal at the same time, and at the end, extreme meets. In the bus arc we have Billy and Biddy Squire from the Red Circus, and we also have the two SSS agents - Yuri and that I-don't-wanna-be-a-lapdog asshat, mirroring each other as they hold the two ends. You can choose to make things to be more political or personal, and the outcome can be good AND bad.

It's easy to see the Garden as something purely political too, and that's why we are eager to see if any political party or organisation is backing the Garden up. However, I think the Garden is more than that. The Shopkeeper is a shopkeeper. The Shopkeeper is the leader of an assassin organisation who dresses like a gardener and talks about very vague but easy-to-sell ideas. His code name is not even the Gardener. He has a shop. It's about profit. 

We are looking at the Garden through the lens of Yor. And Yor is not that interested in politics and money. When the Shopkeeper talks to Yor, his ideas are often conveyed in a very vague but easy-to-grasp way with simple metaphors. 

He means it when he says he wants the world to remain a beautiful place - he just doesn’t bring up the price to Yor. He helps Olka because he admires how the Gretchen family operates, but it is also a payback. It’s never about going after the “evildoers” who almost wiped out the family; it’s about “personal debts” and “great favour(s)”. It is personal, it can be political, but ultimately it is a fair trade.

Endo has always been straightforward about characterisation right from the start. And the cruise arc directly points out the most common reason for people to become assassins is that they want money. You see, the Director was never against the idea of making money - it's about how.

And it's interesting how the three people in the Garden are the representatives of the three Ps. Yor's in it for personal reasons. The Director leans more to the political side - he is the Director of Policy in the City Hall. The Shopkeeper might be the businessman who has the "foresight".

Anyway, before I go crazy on these topics, here are my three p(ent)s on where the Garden stands.

[buckysgrace]

Five

The day was going slow for Billy. The minutes seemed like hours as they slowly dragged on and on. The more he thought about his actions from yesterday, the more he regretted acting so rashly. He knew Eddie would eventually say something, which meant that Addi would confront Kim about it. He exhaled as he finished writing down the orders that they needed for next week. 

“Hey, I’m here - fuck,” Billy’s eyes rose from the paper in front of him, a less than amused grin forming on his lips, “I don’t suppose there’s anyone else.” Steve replied dryly, looking less than happy to see Billy. Steve scratched his fingers across his nose and Billy hoped that he was remembering how badly it hurt when he’d been punched. He thought that he deserved to be punched again for looking at him in such a way with those big brown eyes. 

“It’s your lucky day Pretty Boy,” Billy replied just as dryly, “What do you need?” He asked more casually this time, remembering that Steve was a customer. He’d still like to beat in the other side of his face for lingering around Kim. Not to mention his creepy interest in Max and her friends. Steve looked less than enthused as he glanced around.

“I need my oil changed,” Steve mumbled as he pushed his hand through his long hair. Billy rolled his eyes, unable to help himself, “And new tires.” He glanced up towards Billy before he quickly looked away, like he was unable to hold his gaze. Billy sighed as he nodded his head, beginning to gain all of the information that he needed from Steve. He hoped that he could avoid working on Steve’s car. He had a worrying thought that he may end up destroying Steve’s seats. 

“Anything else?” Billy tried to keep the conversation pleasant, although he could tell that his tone was anything but friendly. He tapped his pencil against the desk, feeling like he needed to step outside for another cigarette before he could continue to play nice. Steve rested a hand on his hip as he thought for a moment. 

“How’s Kim been?” Steve asked softly after a moment, looking anywhere but at Billy. Billy felt his eyebrows raising onto his forehead as he felt a fresh wave of anger hit him. He began to wonder if Steve was asking him that question just to get a rise out of him. 

“Fine.” Billy shrugged his shoulders as he looked away from Steve’s brown eyes. He poked his tongue against the inside of his cheek, wishing he told Steve to fuck off instead. He knew that wasn’t what Billy meant when he questioned that. 

“I haven’t seen her for a few days,” Steve started slowly, “She seemed distracted.” Steve drew out slowly, looking genuinely concerned for a moment. Billy was confused for a second, not understanding why Steve would be so concerned. Kim was none of his business.

“What?” He asked, searching for some clarity in this situation. He wasn’t sure how Steve would have any idea how Kim was doing. They didn’t hang out, they weren’t friends. He felt a frown beginning to form on his lips, unable to help himself as jealousy pooled inside of him. 

“I gave her a ride on Friday,” Steve looked to be taken aback by Billy’s tone, even though he knew that Billy didn’t like Max or Kim being around him, “She didn’t say a whole lot.” He said as he furrowed his eyebrows together. He looked towards Billy, like he was searching for an answer. Billy nearly laughed, knowing that it wasn’t any of Steve’s business. 

“She talks when she’s comfortable,” Billy raised up from his elbows, “Do you want your car fixed or not?” Billy asked less vaguely this time, clearly not wanting to pretend that he was friends with Steve. Steve’s face irritated him in a way that he didn’t understand, nor did he want to think about too much. 

“No,” Steve paused for a moment, “I mean yes. I need my car fixed.” He mumbled as he passed his keys forward. Billy snatched them up quickly, hoping that it meant Steve would leave quicker. He spared the brown eyed boy another glance.

“They’ll call when it’s finished,” He replied dryly as he added his keys to the queue. He walked away from the desk, not caring if Steve stayed or not, “I’m going to take a fifteen.” He spoke towards one of the higher ups, hoping to relieve some of the stress that was bubbling inside of his body. He wasn’t sure why he felt so on edge, especially after his fight from yesterday. 

He stepped outside, enjoying how the sun and air felt as he leaned against the building. He took slow drags as he tried to will himself to relax, hoping that at least the rest of the day would go by faster. He didn’t like that Steve had given Kim a ride home but what really bothered him was that she had kept it from him. He'd ask about it later as he wondered if she'd been too worried that he'd get mad. He hoped that she didn't think that. The sound of the large door slamming open and then shutting again drew his attention away. He looked over surprised, noticing the familiar redhead joining him. He quickly glanced down at his watch, confirming that the time in his mind was correct. 

“What are you doing?” Billy asked her quickly. He paused for a second, realizing the way his tone sounded as her eyes widened in surprise, “I mean you should be in school. Did something happen?” He tried again, thinking that he sounded kinder this time around. Kim played with her hands, still looking unsure. She looked dainty as she pushed herself onto her tippy toes then back onto the flat part of her feet. 

“No,” She replied quickly, although she looked like there was something else bothering her. He watched her closely for a moment, watching the way she wrapped her curls around her finger, “It’s just study hall. It’s boring.” She shrugged her shoulders as she glanced around. He raised his eyebrow, knowing it wasn’t like her to leave school early at all. He was sure that she had never done such a thing before. 

“Okay,” He said softly, knowing he would pester her for more answers later. It was clear there was something wrong that she wasn’t saying, “Did you walk here?” He questioned, biting his tongue to snark off about her riding with Harrington. He knew it was dumb to be jealous, she obviously didn’t feel for him in that way. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be happier with someone like Steve. She nodded her head, her eyes glancing down as he stomped on his cigarette. 

“I got you something,” Kim mumbled as she approached him, “It’s nothing really.” She hesitated, looking as if she was regretting speaking up. He liked how bashful she grew, like she was trying to convince herself it was a bad idea.

“What have you got for me, Red?” Billy grinned, watching the way Kim took slow steps towards him. Her face burned as bright as a Christmas light as she slowly pulled the object from her bag. He had a sudden urge to cup her face and kiss her, wanting to devour all of the shyness that was hidden away. He watched as she began to unwrap the newspaper from the object. 

“It’s dumb,” She muttered shyly, sounding insecure as she held up the bulky object in her hands, “It’s just something I made in ceramics.” She brushed it off, as if it was no big deal. She kept her eyes trailed down towards the object, rather than looking towards him. She hesitated again but he reached for it, making sure that she couldn't hide it away from him. 

She hesitated before she held it out towards him and turned away quickly, like she was afraid of what his reaction would be. He took the object in his hands, noting that it was no longer than the length of his hand. It was in the shape of a surfboard, with the edges raised high with various slits. It was a pale yellow that faded into a darker green around the edges. He stared at it for a moment, feeling a strong sense of homesickness gripping deep inside of his stomach. 

“A surfboard ashtray?” He questioned her softly, making sure his guess was correct. He turned it over and brushed over where she had sketched her name and a heart into it. He felt a wide grin forming as he looked up towards her again. He wondered if she had any clue what she did to him. 

“It’s so bad,” She spit out quickly, “It’s not shaped how I wanted it to be, and I don’t like the way the blue came out. And it sort of chipped here. You can toss it.” Her face was still burning as she spoke, and she looked defeated as she glanced back towards the object in his hands. He could see the disappointment lingering in her eyes, but he couldn’t understand why she would feel such a way. He thought it looked beautiful and he was flattered that she thought enough of him to make him something. 

“Why would I toss it?” He asked her seriously, a little offended that she thought so little of one of the best presents he had ever received. No one had ever been so thoughtful to gift him something so special, much less hand make it for him. He loved it, even if there was a chip in it at the very top of the surfboard. 

“It’s ugly.” She said pitifully, bashfully as her eyes averted towards the floor. He cupped her small chin softly to make her look back towards him. He hated how unsure of herself that she could be. Her hazel eyes had a golden tint to them as the sun brushed against her features. He couldn't decide if that was his favorite part about her. He loved everything. Her pouty lips, expressive eyebrows and the freckles that decorated her skin. He felt his lips curling into a soft smirk as he thought of her perky tits and soft ass. He looked at her, admiring how pink her face had grown as she waited his answer. His eyes glanced over the curve of her cheek as he thought about how it had been bruised not too long ago. 

“I think it’s beautiful,” He told her honestly as he held eye contact with her, “Thank you. I love it.” He told her seriously, keeping a grip on her chin until she fully absorbed his words. He watched the way she exhaled softly, like she was fully accepting his compliment. She thought he was stubborn about accepting compliments, when he believed it to be the other way around. She had no idea how perfect she was, how crazy he was for her. 

“Really?” She smiled towards him, looking a bit brighter as she listened towards him. He felt his heart throbbing as he nodded his head in agreement. He really did think it was beautiful, but he would tell her anything if it meant she would always look at him this way. It made him feel better about himself. He didn't think he could really be that bad if someone like her looked at him in such a manner. 

“Really,” He liked how tall she was. It made it easy for him to lean forward and press his lips against her forehead. He lingered there for a moment as he finally realized how much he’d missed her the past two days. He felt like he hadn’t had nearly enough of her, “You know I used to have a surfboard like this when I was little, and my mom would take me to the beach.” He told her as he rotated the object in his fingertips again. He could easily tell how much time and effort she had put into it and part of him wondered why he was worth all of it. So far all he ever seemed to do was bring bad things into her life. 

“You did?” She perked up a bit more as she listened to his words. He licked his bottom lip as he nodded, knowing that she was waiting to devour more of his past. He breathed out slowly, feeling a burning inside of his chest as he thought of the memory. It was still so hard to think about, he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to talk about it without breaking down. 

“Yeah, it was similar colors,” He confirmed with a nod of his head, “Can I keep it in your bag until we get home?” The men in the garage were too reckless for his liking, he didn’t want his present to be destroyed. He was going to savor it, to forever keep it put up for only himself to use. 

“Sure,” She nodded as she pulled her backpack open again, “Do you have much longer?” She asked, sounding a bit hopeful. He didn’t mention that it was still fairly early, and he was sure that she was missing more than just study hall. She pulled her straps back over her shoulders and grinned at him, warming the deepest parts of him.

“Another hour or so,” He told her as he pulled the heavy door open again. He waited, letting her enter inside first, “Do we need to get Max?” He asked suddenly, unsure of the answer since Kim had left school early. She glanced back towards him. 

“No,” Kim shook her head, “Mom is picking her up.” She walked with him inside, shuffling a bit closer once some of Billy’s coworkers walked past them. She held her arms tightly in front of her chest, as if she could hide herself away. He bit his lip, still thinking about how cute she was when she got all shy. He'd tried to introduce her to his coworkers but all she could do was manage to squeak out a meek hello. Her face had been bright red, burning as brightly as a tomato. 

“Is Susan going to be mad once she realizes you skipped school to see me?” He asked her, his tone more serious this time around. He didn’t want Susan to be more upset with him than she already was. She kept her eyes drifting ahead, neglecting to look towards him. He exhaled quickly, already knowing her answer.

“She’s already mad,” Kim shrugged her shoulders, “I just want to be with you.” She replied quietly as the garage hummed to life around them. Billy wondered if he should send her back to school, but then figured that in the end she was right. Susan was already mad. There wasn’t anything they could do to change it. He hesitated before he nodded his head, thinking that there was little else he could do to intensify Susan’s hatred. 

“Alright,” He had an urge to kiss her but resisted doing so. He was fairly certain everyone here thought she was his girlfriend already, but he didn’t need anyone else finding out the truth. He wasn’t sure they were even considered a secret anymore, “I shouldn’t be too long.” He promised, wishing he still had his summer job with easy hours. He missed being able to see her all the time. 

He felt a lot more motivated to work with Kim waiting for him in the next room. It excited him, thinking about how lucky he was to have someone as sweet as her be interested in him. The rest of his shift passed a lot quicker, and he swore he even had a grin on his face as he worked. 

“Ready?” She asked eagerly as she waited for him by the door, her hands resting against the straps on her backpack. He bit back a grin, trying to keep from pinching her cheeks and telling her how cute she was. He nodded his head.

“Let’s go,” Billy nodded his head as he held the door open for her. She walked out first, smiling brightly as they walked towards his car. Billy quickly moved around her, moving so he could pull the passenger door open for her. She leaned against it for a moment, pausing as she smiled sweetly towards him. He pressed his finger against her nose again before she slid into the car, “Do you want anything before we go?” He asked, wondering if she wanted something to drink. She leaned forward against the console, sending him a look that he knew all too well. He was fairly convinced that she had no clue that she even sent him such looks. It seemed to be the only time her eyes weren't filled with complete sadness, rather with desire and want for him. 

“Yeah,” She breathed out shyly as her palm rested against his upper thigh. He bit his lip, raising an eyebrow as he pretended to be clueless. He liked when she spoke more, when she was able to tell him what she clearly wanted, “Can I suck you off?” She asked as she stumbled over her words, sounding unsure as her cheeks burned brightly. He couldn't ever imagine telling her no, but the cute way she asked him let him know that he was already hooked. He felt his cock beginning to throb inside of his pants, already begging to be touched by her. 

“Mhm,” He smiled as he leaned forward to peck her soft lips, “I wouldn’t ever say no to that.” He chuckled to himself as her hands began to search for the opening to his pants. He shifted his hips up off the seat for a moment, assisting her in tugging his pants down lower on his hips. He glanced around quickly, confirming that no one was around.

She exhaled as she slowly wrapped her hand around his soft dick. He winced for a moment as he felt her cold skin against his. She giggled softly as she glanced back up towards him, tucking her hair behind her ear as if she already knew what he was thinking. She slowly squeezed him, his cock already growing warm and beginning to harden from her simple touches. He grunted softly as she tugged on his cock, looking at it in full bliss.

“S’nice,” She complimented as she kissed the head of his cock. He grunted as she spit softly around his tip, slowly massaging her saliva down the length of his cock. He licked his bottom lip, enjoying how large he looked in her small hand, “Feels nice.” She mumbled as she flicked her eyes up towards him. She kept eye contact as she paused her movements to slowly lick up the base of his cock. He sighed roughly at the sensation of her tongue prodding against his balls. 

“Don’t tease me,” He told her softly as he tucked the strands of hair that had fallen loose behind her ear. She giggled softly as she glanced up towards him, looking more than eager to please him. He liked the way she was constantly observing him. He liked knowing that someone was just as intrigued with him as he was with her, “Wanna feel that pretty mouth.” He pressed his hips forward slowly, trying to encourage her. 

She tapped his tongue against her tongue, sticking it out far as she continued to tease him. He moved his hand down the curve of her back, squeezing her ass cheek in his hand. She moaned softly as she pressed his tip inside of her parted lips, stretching her jaw out as her saliva coated the length of his cock. 

He exhaled slowly as she slowly began to bob her head up and down, building a slow but steady rhythm. Her eyes stayed locked on his, constantly searching his expression as if she was doing it right. He groaned as he pushed more of her hair out of her eyes, delving into the feeling of being watched so intensely. He grunted as her hands cupped his balls, taking turns squeezing them as he continued to bob her head. 

“Fuck,” He pulled her hair back, not wanting to lose the sight of her eyes on his. He liked how she always stared back at him, like she was making sure that she was doing something right, “So pretty.” He mumbled truthfully, knowing that she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. She moaned from his words, and he fought the urge to snap his hips forward from how good the vibrations felt against his skin. 

He huffed in response to her movements, his cock feeling hot and heavy against her tongue as she lapped along the length of him. He squeezed her hair softly, enjoying the soft protest that left her lips. He liked how eager, how loud she was all the time. 

She gagged along his cock, his tip pressing against the back of her throat. He grunted, thinking about how pretty she looked as the drool slid out from the corner of her lips. He enjoyed how messy she got, how she wasn't afraid to drool over herself. It made him that much harder. He bit back his own whimper, thinking about how badly he needed to feel her cunt wrapped around him. 

“C’mere,” He begged as he slowly pulled her away from his cock. She pouted again but he ignored it as he tugged her small body onto his lap. She cautiously moved, looking up towards the roof of his car to make sure she didn’t hit her head. He worked quickly, beginning to undress her as he drank in the image of her naked body. He stared in bliss for a moment, admiring her perky breasts and soft curves. He rubbed his hands along her pale skin before he pinched her pale nipples, earning a squeal from her, “Sexy.” He complimented, knowing how easily those words drove her crazy. 

“Billy,” Kim giggled softly as she pushed her hair off of her shoulders. She moved her hands forward, quickly beginning to strip his shirt off of him. He laughed as he removed it, liking the way her eyes widened in anticipation. He squeezed her sides softly before he traveled the length of her arms. He roughly gripped her wrists as he held her arms back behind her back, liking the way she squirmed under his grasp, “Want you so bad.” She mumbled, her lips parting into a pout as she begged for him. He rubbed his tongue across his bottom lip, thinking that it was a shame to keep her waiting. 

He exhaled roughly, keeping her wrists tightly behind her back as he pushed himself inside of her wet cunt. He felt his eyelashes fluttering as the pleasure traveled up his body. Every time with her felt like the first. He stared at the way he slowly disappeared inside of her, her cunt squeezing him tightly as he filled out inside of her.

“Billy,” She whimpered, her pitchy voice sounding like heaven as she moaned for him. He licked his lips, enjoying how nice his name rolled off of her tongue, “It feels good.” She giggled softly, her lips parting in bliss as her cheeks grew warm. He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he slowly pressed his hips up forward, beginning to thrust into her.

“So pretty,” He mumbled out as he admired how tight her eyebrows were furrowed in pleasure and how her pink lips seemed to pout out as she moaned. She snapped her eyes open, looking as if she had to search for him. Her eyes wandered over his features as she slowly rocked her hips forward, beginning to search for her own pleasure, “So fucking pretty.” He repeated as he released her hands, finding the urge to touch more of her. 

He traced his hands up lazily across her hips as she began to move on top of his cock, breathy moans falling from her tongue as he continually moved his large hands up the curve of her body. He groaned as his hands cupped her perky boobs, squeezing them softly as she continued to build up a rhythm.

She was a wonder to him. He thought of how shy and sweet she had been at first, how she couldn’t bear to handle the thought of pushing his cock inside of her cunt. She was so much more confident now, even if she didn’t realize it. He knew the truth. He loved watching how eager and desperate she grew when his cock entered inside of her. 

She rolled her hips forward, grinding down against him as her hands moved across his biceps. He groaned as he pinched his fingers across her pink nipples. He grunted at the sensation of her squeezing roughly around his cock. He pushed his hips forward with her movements, loving how wet and warm she felt around him. 

He tilted his head upwards so his lips could meet hers in a rushed fury, wanting to taste the moans that were pouring from her lips. There was something so sensual about feeling her cry out in pleasure as he tasted her tongue against his own. He exhaled against her mouth as their moans mingled together in a similar way their tongues were lapping at one another. He pulled away slowly, a trail of spit connecting between their lips as he glanced back down at the way his cock was sliding in and out of her wet hole with ease. 

“Look at you,” He mumbled as a pleasure built in the pit of his chest as she looked towards him with furrowed eyebrows and pouty lips, “Such a whore for your big brother.” He felt his cock throb as her walls spasmed around him, her moans becoming louder from his dirty words. She watched him intensely as she rode him, her flush beginning to hide away the freckles on her body. 

“Oh god,” She breathed out roughly as he found his hands moving back to cup the curve of her ass. He squeezed her flesh in his hands, admiring the way her skin felt against his own. He pressed her down harder onto his lap, resisting the urge to snap his hips up harder. He felt such a carnal desire to devour her each time she was stuffed full of his cock, “Fuck me good big brother.” He was momentarily taken aback, still growing used to her pretty mouth that was becoming so filthy. He grinned as he squeezed her hips, his fingertips digging into her bony hips.

HIs rhythm became harder, faster as he snapped his hips forward in bliss. He grunted as he gripped her hips and rolled her hips down along the length of his cock. He exhaled roughly as her cunt gripped him tightly, trying to pull him further inside of her. He pressed his hand against her abdomen, grunting each time he felt a bulge pressing into his palm. 

His grip along her hips tightened as he rocked into her, desperately needing to feel more of her at once. He looked up at her in awe, a warmth spreading through him that he never felt unless he was with her. She made him feel alive in a way he would never understand. He was afraid if he let go, he’d lose that sensation entirely. 

“Billy,” Her nails were scratching at his skin as he bounced her along his cock, her walls clenching tightly as he rocked her forward. Her eyes crossed before they rolled back in her head. She was moaning loudly, her muscles beginning to constrict as he brought her to her high, “Right there. Oh god!” She cried out as she fell forward against him, her chin nestling into the crook of his neck as she shook around him. He felt his own eyes closing in pleasure as he gripped her lower back, urgently trying to keep her movements as he found himself growing nearer.

“Fuck,” He exhaled roughly, feeling as if she was milking his cock from how hard she was squeezing around him. Her thighs shook, bringing him even closer as he pressed down against her backside. His teeth raked against her shoulder, resisting the urge to bite down as he felt himself releasing inside of her, “Fuck, fuck.” He cursed harshly, his hips snapping up as he pressed her down just as hard. He groaned, rolling his hips as he painted the insides of her walls. 

Their chests rose and fell at the same time as they tried to collect themselves. He lazily drew patterns along her back as his heart thumped roughly inside of his chest. He felt a grin forming as she kissed along his neck, sucking softly as he rested his head against the seat again. He shivered when she licked below his right earlobe, a spasm of pleasure traveling down his neck and back. 

He exhaled harshly as she rolled her hips backwards, his softening cock pulling free from her drenched cunt. His dick bobbed up against her soft skin, pressing forward against her small tuft of dark red hair. He reached down between them, gently stroking it. He liked the color difference on her, how it matched her pink pussy. She blushed, looking a bit embarrassed from his actions. It made him grin again as he thought about how cute she looked. 

“Thank you for the surfboard,” He told her again gently. His eyes darted back down between her thighs, taking in the way his cum was coating her folds. He could feel his body growing warm, his heart beginning to race as he thought about her walking around with his cum coating her walls. She’d been the only one he’d ever wanted to bring that experience to life with. He liked how willing and open she was, how she was just as eager, “I’m going to put it in my room.” He told her honestly as he tilted his head up to kiss her.

Her giggle muffled against his lips as he moved against her with a new sense of urgency. His lips dragged along her own, licking and prodding against her swollen mouth. He could no longer taste her lip gloss but that didn’t stop him from trying to savor the taste of her. She always tasted sweet, like she had been eating too much candy. His tongue flicked against hers before she was pulling away, her hands gripping onto his jaw as she peered down at him.

She stared down at him, her eyebrows furrowed together like she was debating about something. He squeezed at her hips again, studying over her flushed cheeks and dilated eyes as he exhaled roughly. Her lips parted as she leaned forward, her fingers pressing his lips apart slowly. His insides curled as she moved closer to him, puckering her lips together before she was spitting into his mouth.

He groaned, his hips moving forward as he wished he was still hard enough to push himself back inside of her. He coated her saliva around his teeth, the roof and his mouth and his tongue before he swallowed it. He wasn’t sure how something so degrading and dirty had turned into something so sweet and sensual for them.

Her eyes were wide as she pulled away, still looking as if she was unsure about her actions. He wished she’d give herself more credit to fully realize just how crazy she made him. He tugged her closer to him, feeling like he was squeezing her too hard as a whimper left her lips.

“Ten minutes,” He begged as his hands traveled down towards her thighs and squeezed softly, “And we can go another round. Please.” He begged her, never tiring of having her body against his. He leaned forward, beginning to pepper kisses along her collarbone as she giggled in response. His hands moved up her thighs, beginning to crave the feeling of her wet cunt again. 

“We have to get back,” She reminded him, still sounding airy and full of life, “I can’t be too late.” She reminded him, although he was sure Susan would be upset no matter what time they got back. He prodded his fingers against her drenched entrance, beginning to push their mixture back inside of her fluttering walls. She gasped, glancing down between them as he kept his eyes trailed on her parted lips.

“You can’t just tease like that,” He grumbled underneath his breath as he easily slid two fingers inside of her. He grinned, watching the way her eyes fluttered shut as she began to rock against his movements, “Look how desperate you are. You just had my cock, was that not enough?” He mocked her, licking his lips as she began to grind against his knuckles. He huffed in bliss, watching the way her eyebrows furrowed together and her lips parted in pleasure. 

“It feels good,” She whimpered in defense, her cheeks already beginning to burn again. He groaned, his stomach twisting in pleasure as she squeezed tightly around his fingers. His eyes trickled down her neck, watching the way her boobs moved as she continued to roll her hips further along the length of his fingers. He groaned, leaning forward to bring one of her pink nipples into his mouth. He licked around it, sucking it softly as he felt it harden against his lips, “Oh, Billy.” She moaned out, sending chills up his spine. He loved when she moaned his name. It reminded him that they were real, that she was his. 

“Want you so bad,” He mumbled as he kissed along her perky skin. He dragged his tongue along her, glancing up at the way she had furrowed her eyebrows tightly together again. He could feel an ache growing in his abdomen, wishing he was shoving her full of his cock again. He dragged his teeth lightly against her nipple again as she gaped as he slid a third finger inside of her. He stretched her slowly as he pumped his fingers inside of her, wishing that he had prepped her enough to slide inside of her ass, “You’re so tight baby. Look at you fucking yourself on my fingers.” He encouraged as he squeezed her hip with his free hand. She slowly opened her eyes, pleasure overtaken inside of her pupils as she whined around him. She looked down between her legs, her hips becoming more frantic. 

He looked down from her features, enough to drink in the image of her slick coating his thick fingers as he pumped them inside of her. He exhaled roughly, enjoying the way she engulfed him so easily. It drove him crazy, thinking of how easily he could slide inside of her. He huffed as he pumped inside of her quicker, curling his fingers more urgently as he searched for the spot that made her breath hitch.

“Oh my god,” She moved her hands to his biceps, squeezing her skin in awe as she rocked against him. Her pitch became higher, her breathing more labored as the moans rolled off of her tongue. Her nails began to dig into his skin, piercing him as he thrusted into her rougher, “Right there. Oh god.” She was moaning louder, her sounds sweeter than any song or lullaby that he had heard. He kept the same pace, wanting to feel her coming undone around his fingers. He didn’t even care if he got his cock inside of her again, he just wanted to watch her cum around him. 

“So fucking hot,” He murmured as he felt his heart beating harshly inside of his chest. He groaned as her walls fluttered around his fingers, clenching tightly as her hips bucked forward as she cried out in bliss, “That’s it, baby. Wanna feel you.” He pleaded as he moved his lips closer towards hers. She cried out, digging her nails into his skin harder as her hips became more frantic. Their noses brushed against each other as she came undone around him. He continued to pump into her, enjoying the sounds that poured out from her lips.

“S’lot,” She whimpered, her nose dragging along the curve of his cheek as she moved closer to him. Her nipples brushed against his bare chest, sending a fresh wave of shivers up his back. He chuckled, still feeling her walls fluttering around his fingers as he slowly withdrew them. Her lips parted against his cheek, gasping as he did so. He chuckled, slowly dragging his messy hand up towards his lips as he swirled her sweet mixture from them. She watched with heavy eyes, her chest rising and falling, “You’re bad.” She giggled out at last as she gently squeezed his biceps. 

“Me?” He grinned as he withdrew his fingers from her mouth. He slid them around her waist, squeezing softly as he hugged her. She grinned as she nodded her head as her fingertips brushed against his back muscles. He tilted his head forward and pecked her lips, lingering against her mouth for a moment.

“Yeah,” She responded softly as she ran her nails across his skin gently, “Just in a teasing way.” She reasoned with him, looking like she was worried how he’d interpret it. He smiled softly, thinking it was cute how she was always looking out for him. He brushed his lips against hers again, trying to reassure her that he didn’t find anything wrong with her statement. He knew what she meant. 

“I know,” He told her after a second thought, remembering that she didn’t always pick up on his actions, “We better go.” He told her gently as he ran his hands across her sides again. She smiled, as she slowly began to clamber from his lap. He moved his hand on top of her head, carefully guiding her so she wouldn’t smack her head against the roof of his car. 

“Thank you.” She grinned brightly as she began to dress herself. He drank in the image of her for another moment before he followed her suit. He fumbled with his buttons for a moment as they settled into a comfortable silence. He thought for a moment, something still weighing heavy on his chest. 

“Hey,” He turned towards her, “Why are you skipping school?” He asked her seriously, making sure to hold her eye contact. She broke away first, shrugging her shoulders as she popped her knuckles. He winced at the sound as he lit up a cigarette. He was sure one day she’d break her fingers with as much as she did it. 

“It was just boring.” She said at last as she shimmied her panties back up over her slender legs. He thought about mentioning that she didn’t have to put them back on but lost the words in his mind over the serious look on her face. He blew out a puff of smoke.

“Kim,” He responded slowly as he reached over and squeezed her knee softly. She lurched at the sensation, “What’s going on?” He lowered his voice as he spoke, trying to be gentle as he approached the question. He rubbed her skin softly, hoping to relax her. 

“Will you answer one of my questions?” She continued to fumble with her fingers as she glanced towards him. He looked into her hazel eyes, watching the way the sadness mingled in with the colors. He was beginning to wonder if it was because she had been through so much at such a young age. Where his experiences had turned him cold and with hatred; hers had left her kind with her sadness swirling deep where she thought no one could see. He saw it. He always could see right through her. 

“Sure,” He considered her compromise for a moment as a bubble of anxiety rose within him. She had so many questions, so many unknowns that she was always trying to prod from him. It made him a bit nervous to fully commit. He inhaled sharply, deciding it was for the best, “What’s going on in school?” He asked her again, wanting to get down to the bottom of it. He felt his eyebrows furrowing together as anger rose inside of him. He knew how shy and awkward she could be, he hoped that no one was causing her issues. He’d make sure that they never did it again. 

“I have a few classes with Jason,” She twisted the ring around her chest as she spoke. He shot his eyes back up towards her at the mention of his name, “I know it’s stupid. He didn’t really do anything, but he just makes my chest feel so tight when I see him. It’s like I can’t breathe. He’s obviously angry and I don’t know, I don’t want to be confronted by him.” She rambled on as she spoke, beginning to talk with her hands as she made small gestures in the air. He absorbed her words for a moment as he tried to think of the best way to support her. 

“He shouldn’t be messing with you,” He told her hotly, his anger taking over without him realizing, “I’ll talk to him.” He said at last, already feeling the piping hot fury beginning to rise within his chest. He had no problem teaching the same lesson to Jason again. He would deserve it. Her eyes widened as she looked towards him. 

“No, Billy don’t do that,” She told him quickly as she held onto his bicep, “I don’t want to make the situation worse. He hasn’t spoken to me; I’m just freaking out over nothing.” She was speaking urgently as she squeezed his muscles in her hands. He looked over her worried features as he quickly took another drag in hopes that it would calm his nerves a bit. He rubbed his tongue along his teeth as he thought. 

“You’re sure?” He frowned softly, still feeling the anger in the pit of his stomach. He’d have no issue breaking Jason’s other arm and making sure he was out for the entire season this year. However, he didn’t want to go behind Kim’s back and do that without her knowledge. Not again. 

He gulped hard as he thought about telling her but was unable to form the words on his tongue. He watched as she traced her fingers down the curve of his bicep and his arm. He felt his skin prickling from the sensation, his anger momentarily contained. 

“Yeah,” She nodded her head as she tucked her hair behind her ears, “I’ve just been more on edge lately.” She tried to brush everything off with that claim again. He leaned forward to kiss her cheek, worrying that she was going to let everything bubble up at once. He wondered if she really knew what was happening inside of her. He didn’t want her to have another panic attack.

“You’ve been through a lot,” He reminded her softly. He turned for a moment to toss his cigarette out the window, “You are a badass.” He told her seriously as he faced her again. She giggled softly, her cheeks bubbling up into balls. He was sure she thought he was joking, but he was being completely serious. He had never had anyone stick up for him the way she had with Neil. He was appreciative of that. 

“Okay,” She glanced towards him before she looked back to his lap. She picked at her nails for a moment as she softly asked her question, “What’s your moms name?” Her question surprised him so badly that it nearly knocked the air from his lungs. He blinked hard before he gulped, trying to gain control of himself before he answered her question. 

“Oh,” He stared at her for a moment, “Rosemary. Her name was Rosemary.” The name rolled off of his tongue oddly, feeling alien. He couldn’t remember the last time he had thought of her first name or when he had heard it. Neil had stopped saying her name soon after she left, and Billy was sure that it only resided in the deepest part of his memory. He felt a lump forming in the back of his throat as he thought about how he couldn’t remember her last name or anything else about her. 

“That’s pretty.” Kim said softly as her eyes rose to meet his. She observed his features for a moment, but he didn’t feel like she sought for weakness within him. She was looking to make sure that he was alright, that he was comfortable speaking about his mother. He cracked a grin across his lips as he leaned forward.

“Not as pretty as Kimberly Rose,” He kissed her again, savoring how sweet she tasted against his lips. He kissed away any of his bitter memories, replacing them with the thought of her, “The prettiest name for the prettiest girl.” He teased her as he slowly pulled away, his lips dragging across her smooth ones. She giggled again, her cheeks heating up like it was the first time he’d ever complimented her. 

“You’re funny,” She exhaled roughly as she spoke, like she was too nervous to fully accept the compliment. He thought it was funny that she accused him of never accepting them, when she was just as guilty of it, “But very sweet.”  She promised him softly, her eyes flashing full of warmth as she spoke. Billy grinned in response, feeling as if she was the only person that had ever referred to him as sweet. 

The car ride was fairly lively as Kim flickered through the radio, singing loudly and rather badly to Dolly Parton’s Islands in the Stream. He shook his head, denying the fact that he knew lyrics from the many times he’d heard her listen to it. He had grown accustomed to her music the same way she had grown accustomed to his. He had even heard her listening to some of his tapes without him being around. 

“Home sweet home,” He teased her, knowing full well that neither of them viewed the trailer as home, “Do you need help?” He asked as she shimmied her backpack onto her shoulders again. She shook her head and he hoped that she remembered to give him his ashtray. 

“I’ve got it,” She smiled, nudging him gently with her arm. She walked up the creaky steps and he took a moment until she was walking inside the door, not wanting to cause the staircase to collapse underneath their combined weight, “Thank you though.” She added sweetly as she pushed the door open. Billy followed behind shortly, quickly noticing that something wasn’t right. The air in the room was cold, tense. 

“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Susan demanded as they entered the room. She set down her bottle of vodka, leaving Billy to wonder how much she had already drunk, “I didn’t know where you were!” She snapped at Kim, looking just as furious as Billy knew she would be. He blew air out from his lips roughly, knowing that this had been a bad idea. 

“I tried to call,” Kim mumbled as she held onto the straps on her bag, “You didn’t pick up.” She shrugged her shoulders as she looked down to the ground. He was honestly surprised with her reaction. She had always been terrified to get in trouble and now she was acting like it was no big deal. He didn’t understand the sudden switch that had happened.

“That doesn’t matter,” Susan looked at her in disbelief, “That doesn’t give you a right to skip school.” Susan glanced towards Billy as if he somehow had a say in what Kim did. He raised his hands innocently, although he didn’t believe Kim should be yelled at for it. 

“It was just study hall.” Kim mumbled as she sat her bag down gently. Billy thought of his gift but thought that this wasn’t the best moment to reach for it. He lingered awkwardly in the room, wondering if he should leave or not. He began to walk towards the room, feeling like it was best for him to not be involved in this. Susan shot him a look, making him stop his movements completely. He exhaled slowly, realizing he was in trouble too. 

“I don’t care,” Susan snapped, “What’s gotten into you? You’re skipping school, sleeping with your brother and drinking my alcohol.” Billy lurched at the mention of being referenced as her brother again. Susan and Neil barely acknowledged them as siblings before, unless they were proving a point to other families. He glanced towards Kim curiously, tilting his head at the mention of her drinking. She hadn’t passed that information along to him. He was sure that she was too scared to try anything again. Perhaps he was wrong, but it still bothered him. 

“He’s not my brother,” Kim’s face was burning again as she straightened her shoulders, looking towards Susan with more defiance, “And I didn’t drink any of it.” He rubbed his thumb across his bottom lip as he took in Susan’s accusation. He observed Kim cautiously, not reading any lies across her features. He looked towards Susan again, debating about pointing out how she’d drunk through his six packs more than once. 

“I was married to his dad,” Susan staggered closer, clearly already more drunk than what she probably realized, “He is your brother. You can’t do that.” Susan demanded, quickly not keen on listening to anything Kim had to say. Billy glanced around before he put his hands in his pocket. He wasn’t used to Susan being so angry. 

“We’re not related!” Kim shouted louder this time, looking frustrated as her cheeks were beginning to turn pink. Billy rubbed the back of his head, understanding that the two of them were both too frustrated to hold a casual conversation. 

“And what about Max?” Susan spit out harshly, “What about that whole situation? You’d be fine just sharing a sibling?” She gestured dramatically between Kim and Billy. He winced as he glanced around, knowing Susan wouldn’t be happy if she knew his thoughts about the situation. He could care less if Max was related to the both of them. Hell, he probably wouldn’t care if Kim and him shared the same blood. He was too far gone to care about any of that. 

“He loves me,” Kim mumbled pathetically, “And I love him. Nothing else matters. We’re adults, we can pick our own future.” She nodded her head, acting as if that would be the final word. He exhaled softly, glad that she was sticking up for herself. He just didn’t know if this was the best way to do it. 

“You think you’re grown?” Susan spoke harshly, her voice shaking. Billy slowly peeled back the layers as he recognized the anger, the hurt and the betrayal in her eyes. He thought he saw a bit of regret, perhaps even remorse. He felt sick suddenly, even though he wasn’t the one being yelled at, “Go see if the two of you can survive on your own then. Go. I won’t stop you.” She motioned towards the door widely. Billy exhaled, doing his best to keep his mouth shut. He knew it wasn’t the right time to speak up. Susan was bitter, she would be. He still didn’t think that she deserved to speak to Kim that way. Kim was grown beyond her years; it was forced upon her whether Susan meant to do so or not.

“Mom,” Kim’s bottom lip wobbled as she spoke, her eyes looking even more dejected than usual, “Just calm down. It was one class. I won’t do it again.” Billy fought the urge to reach out towards her, wanting to give her some comfort. At the same time, he feared that he would only make Susan more upset. 

“You think that’s what I’m upset about?” Susan asked in disbelief as she began to stagger again. She held a finger up towards Kim, scolding her, “You lied to me. How could you do that?” She looked at Kim for answers, searching for why Kim would hide something so serious from her.

“I didn’t mean to,” Kim was crying now, leaving an aching deep inside of Billy’s chest, “I was afraid you’d act like this.” Kim spit out quickly, looking a bit resentful towards Susan. Billy sighed, wishing he knew what to say. He worried that whatever came out of his mouth would only make Susan angrier. Susan raised her eyebrow, looking even more stunned by Kim’s choice of words. She was quiet for a moment like she was trying to find the correct thing to say. 

“Why would you think I’d be happy for you?” Susan said at last, her voice sounding raspy from how quiet she was speaking. Billy felt a frown forming on his lips, knowing that Kim deserved a lot more than what she had gotten in life. Susan didn’t have to be happy with their decision, but he felt that Susan should at least try and be happy for Kim. 

“Because I found someone that I’m really happy with. Someone that I love,” Kim was sniffling loudly as she wiped her eyes. Billy found himself moving closer but quickly stopped at the dirty look Susan sent him, “Just because your marriages never worked out doesn’t mean you can push that onto me.” Kim’s voice shook from how harsh she spoke. Billy exhaled sharply at Kim’s words, understanding that she was looking for a way to hurt Susan now. 

“Are you serious right now?” Susan asked, sounding very hurt as she took another staggering step forward, “I gave up everything for you.” She sounded broken as she spoke, like she wished Kim would realize the things that she had gone through on her own. 

“I’m sorry I don’t have a reward to give you,” Kim breathed out harshly as the tears began to pour from her cheeks. Billy found his fingers clenching together, worried that she may have another panic attack. He reminded herself that she was grown, that she could still handle herself, “He makes me happy. I just want to be happy.” She sounded frustrated as she finished her statement, like all of her worries and stress was coming forth. Susan’s eyes slowly dragged towards Billy, making his heart pound roughly in anticipation. He waited for her to begin screaming, to begin accusing him of all the horrible things he was sure she was thinking. It felt like the very fragile relationship they had slowly begun to build had crumbled within a matter of hours. He breathed in harshly, wishing she would just hit him rather than speak whatever cruel words she had to say into existence. 

“You two can be happy together,” Susan pushed off from the counter, nearly falling forward. Kim and Billy reached out at the same time but were quickly shoved away by Susan. She glared at Kim, still looking hurt, “I won’t be a part of it.” She said at last as she walked towards the room. Kim slumped her shoulders forward, looking crestfallen as Billy stepped towards her. He gently rested his hand against her back, thinking of all the times she’d comforted him.

They were quiet for a moment, neither of them knowing what to expect when Susan approached again holding an overfilled bag. Max was hot on her tail, tears already streaming down her cheeks as she looked just as crestfallen as Kim. Billy was suddenly reminded of how young she was, and he was suddenly furious, wondering what Susan was thinking with the way she was acting.

“What are you doing?” Kim asked quickly, her tears rushing forward harder as Susan tried to step aside. Kim gripped onto the bag, making Susan face her, “Where are you going?” Kim demanded, sounding sterner as she spoke. Billy felt as if a stone was sitting in his stomach as a nauseous feeling spread over him. Too many memories began to flash inside of his own mind as he tried to remember the last time, he had seen his own mom. 

“Kimberly,” Susan’s voice was cold even though she was crying just as hard as the other two. She yanked her bag back towards her chest, dismissing Kim’s protests, “Just let me go. I can’t deal with this right now. I don’t want to be here and be reminded of everything that I’ve done wrong.” She waved her hand dramatically as if she was going through something so terrible. Billy bit his lip hard, beginning to grow irritated that she was making the situation all about herself. 

“It’s nothing you did,” Kim was blubbering, “Just don’t go. I know we can work through this. Please.” She begged, sounding like she was a little kid. Billy felt sick, wondering how many times he had begged for his mom to come back too. He rested his weight against the counter, suddenly feeling weak in the knees. 

“Mom don’t go,” Max pleaded with her, “Everything is fine.” She tried to convince Susan as well, sounding just as desperate. Billy thought of how young she was again, how this would be the second parent to walk out on them in such a short amount of time. He was speaking before he fully recognized his thoughts. Nothing mattered as long as Susan stayed with them. 

“Susan, look,” Billy breathed out quickly, “I can stay somewhere else. It’s fine.” He ignored Kim’s look of protest, how her eyes widened in fear. He wasn’t sure how else he could reassure her that he’d always be around. He just didn’t want them to lose Susan. 

“No,” Susan brushed the two girls off slowly, looking like it pained her to do it, “I just need to clear my head. I’m suffocating. I just need a break.” She sounded like she was begging them now. Billy bit back the rising fury, thinking about how shitty it was to leave just because she needed a break. He supposed it would eventually be fine. She hadn’t paid the rent last month anyways, she’d be out of money before she knew it. Especially now that she was jobless. 

“That doesn’t mean you have to leave,” Kim was hiccupping from how hard she was sobbing, “We won’t do anything like that again. I won’t skip school or do anything bad.” He felt a somber feeling settling deep inside of his chest at the way she was speaking. He was sure that she had never missed a class before in her life. She was going through something rough, and he was sure Susan didn’t even see it. She was blinded by her own anger, her own hurt to even pay attention to her daughters. 

“Just a night away,” Susan pushed Kim’s hands back towards her chest, “Please.” She looked at Kim seriously, waiting for her to nod her head in agreement. Max exhaled harshly, her voice breaking as she turned away from Susan. Her blue eyes were filled with tears as she walked towards Billy, her arms around his waist before he could react. He was stiff for a moment before he relaxed, letting her cry into his chest as he thought about the first time, she’d ever hugged her. It had been a similar moment like this, full of tears. 

“Okay,” Kim sounded just as defeated as she spoke up, “You’ll be back in the morning?” She looked down at Susan pleadingly, looking like she couldn’t stand the idea of Susan being gone any longer. Susan hesitated before she nodded, and Billy was sure that she was already regretting her decision. He was sure she’d be back quicker than that. Susan had stuck through so much; he couldn’t see her just walking out on them now. Perhaps she really did need to clear her head for a bit. 

“In the morning,” Susan confirmed as her eyes scanned the room. Max’s arms grew tighter around his waist, nearly knocking the air from his lungs as she avoided Susan’s gaze. He squeezed her softly, hoping that she knew it would eventually be okay, “I’ll be back then.” She nodded her head, sounding like she was talking to herself more than to them. She turned quickly, taking all of the tension and anger with her as she left the trailer. Billy closed his eyes for a short period, wondering if he had ruined Kim’s life. 

////////////////

Billy was pacing in his room for what felt like hours until he couldn’t handle it anymore. He left the room, tired of constantly checking to see if Susan had arrived again. Max and Kim had been quiet, other than to come out to use the bathroom. They both looked awful, like something had run them over. He was sure they were thinking about a lot more than Susan leaving.

He hadn’t been able to rile either of them for dinner, instead he sat alone and thought about how he had ruined their relationship with Susan. He kept waiting for Max to come out and scream at him, to blame him. She never did. 

He walked down the dark hallways and pushed the door open, glancing inside to see where Kim and Max had cocooned themselves into the same bed. He walked forward slowly, his heart hammering pathetically in his chest from how awful he felt at the moment. He didn’t know how to help Kim, how to assure her that everything would be fine. Everything had changed in such a short amount of time and now Susan was gone. 

“You can join us,” Kim offered as she rolled over slowly. He felt more pity filling his chest, realizing that she wasn’t even sleeping in this state, “There’s lots of room.” She scooted over some more, inviting him in easily. He felt flattered but also knowing that he didn’t belong. 

“It’s okay,” His words fumbled around in his mouth as he spoke, “I just wanted to check on you two.” He shrugged off her suggestion, not wanting to be a bother. She looked at him softly, looking as if she had more to say. 

“Just get in the bed,” Max huffed as she scooted further towards the wall, “It’s not that big of a deal.” She told him seriously. He paused before he followed her commands, shifting in the bed next to Kim. He wanted to hold onto her but denied himself the chance while Max was awake. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. Kim shifted back onto her side, still holding onto Max tightly. 

The room was silent other than the occasional sniffle. Billy really wasn’t sure who the sound was coming from or how he should offer them any comfort. He laid on his back, his hands linked over his stomach as he stared up towards the glow in the dark stars that Kim had pinned up on the ceiling. He listened until he was sure that Max had fallen asleep. He slowly shifted, drawing his hands close around Kim’s waist and pulled her towards him.

She said nothing but melted against him easily, her breaths were still labored as her fingers wrapped around his own. She squeezed softly, her thumb rubbing on top of his knuckles as she relaxed against his touch. He nestled his chin against her shoulder, he wrinkled his nose as her hair tickled against his nostril. He quickly moved it out of the way before he settled against her again. She pressed her cheek up against his.

“You can’t leave me,” She turned her cheek, sitting up in the bed so she could look at him better, “I mean it. Where you go, I go.” She poked his chest softly, sounding very serious as she spoke. He sighed softly as he cupped her fingers against his hand. 

“I was trying to calm Susan down,” Billy told her honestly, “I’d never leave you. I would never hurt you like that.” He promised her, knowing just how deeply the hurt of being abandoned stuck around. He didn’t want to lose her, not ever. She was made for him as far as he was concerned. It didn’t matter what else happened or who came into their lives. 

“What if she doesn’t come back?” Kim asked after a moment, her bottom lip quivering as she spoke. Billy felt a frown forming on his lips as he leaned forward to press his lips against hers. She sniffled softly and he wondered how raw her cheeks must be from crying so much. 

“She will,” Billy encouraged her, “She’s just drunk. I bet she’ll be back in the morning, passed out on the couch.” Billy drew the image up in his mind, hoping that he would be correct in the morning. He didn’t want Kim to miss out on having a relationship with her mother. Especially when it would be his fault. 

“I don’t like the way she’s acting,” Kim admitted softly, “She’s acting how my dad used to.” She sounded like she was a small child as she spoke. He frowned softly as he played with their fingers together, gently squeezing them as he reassured her that he was here for her. He thought Susan was shitty for leaving for the night but hated the thought of Sam and everything he’d done to the girls. Kim deserved a better dad than that. 

“Did he threaten to leave?” He asked softly, hoping that it may help to talk about it. He didn’t like to ask about Sam too much, as it always left him angrier than he could explain. He still couldn’t understand how Sam could leave someone like Kim behind. He could understand why his mom eventually left, even if it didn’t make him happy. Clearly, she already knew that he’d end up just like Neil. Kim was different. She was pure and sweet and good. He didn’t know why anyone would want to leave her behind. 

“Not to us,” Kim was speaking softly, clearly afraid that she would wake Max up with her words, “He used to tell mom that a lot when they would fight. They really hated each other.” She said at last, her eyes looking distant as she thought about the memories. Billy felt like he had a million different things to ask her. He wanted to ask her about what Steve had said, about the alcohol and if Addi had mentioned anything about Eddie. However, he knew that this wasn’t the right time to discuss any of that. She was hurting. He just wanted to comfort her.

“We’re not like that,” He promised her as he cupped her cheeks gently, “We’re better than our parents were. We won’t make those mistakes. I promise."

[msfbgraves]

What did you think about the 6 trailer? I was totally and hugely disappointed.

Kreese’s arc is so cringe and stupid, his story was over in the season 3 finale. I especially hate how everyone is apparently buddy-buddy (Sam and Tory pullowfight?? Robby and Miggy beat buds??) and also Daniel and Johnny at odds YET AGAIN. I am so tired of their snippy “friendship”; the writers really have run out of ideas for them.

I’m also just dead sick of alcoholic, deadbeat, never wrong Johnny, he hasn’t been interesting and hasn’t developed since the beginning of season 3. And now he’s got a baby too! What about your biological son???

Also: where is best character Terry??? Chozen should be back in Okinawa wooing Kumiko but he’s in Cali with cutiepie Daniel san. Again! And Mike Barnes…did his wife forgive him? Did he get his life back?? Talk about dragging everyone into the mix. The season looks bad.

I’m so sorry Danny boy, you deserved much better!

I'm going to repeat what I've said before, Nonnie, and that is turn your brain off and enjoy Daniel and Johnny get karate married. I'm glad that Ralph, Billy and Marty did well out of it financially - they've shouldered this legacy for so long, they deserve it. Other than that... I hate the mystification of Miyagi. He was a kind fisherman turned handyman who was also a war hero sergeant and a surrogate father to a lost boy. That is enough. He doesn't need to be more. For the rest of it: the writers have fallen into the first pitfall of fanfic. Ooc ness. You can't treat characters as if prior characterisation doesn't matter. They're not yours. Johnny Lawrence isn't working class because you feel that's more sympathetic. He's the King of the country club! Daniel LaRusso isn't closed minded, I'm sorry if that upsets you. The Karate Kid was remarkably non-sexist for its time. Aly's friends were well enough drawn to stand up to Daniel, let alone Aly herself. Cobra Kai's treatment of its female characters makes no sense. Its refusal to let Johnny take any responsibility towards the son he abandoned... while cheering him having another baby (because HUR HUR, real men impregnate), is atrocious. That man, as written, is an a grade loser. He even abandons his business to Kreese. It doesn't matter that Billy Zabka is a better athlete than Ralph Macchio. All of these men, even Terry and Chozen, act as if they have no responsibilities. It's supposed to be a cool male fantasy but at its core, the way the writers glorify Johnny's immaturity is pathetic. I was promised the story of a man who never took responsibility, screwed up his whole life because of it, and now, late in life, through passion and love really tried to get his life together. The drinking and the random fighting not aspirational, but signs of someone in trouble. Him being enough of a free spirit that he can unstuck Daniel, who has become too set in his ways, and Daniel, through Robby, teaching Johnny what it means to be a father and an adult. By the end of S2 nobody should have been teaching karate in the Valley. I thought that it would have been about that. Whatever does Johnny even do for money? Mooch off of Carmen? Do any of these students pay? It's escapism but it's also ridiculous. I would have loved to cheer Johnny from deadbeat boy to adult man but we didn't get that. He's not grown at all! He still drinks, he still fights, he still neglects his son and he's sabotaged the relationship between Daniel and Robby. When Daniel needed help against Terry, Johnny wouldn't listen to him. It took Daniel nearly getting murdered and their great plan? Breaking and entering and massive vandalism. How is only Terry in jail? It's men playing at being boys and making taking responsibility into something unmanly. Do Carmen and Amanda get to play? No. Women take responsibility, not men. Men should be allowed to stay children forever on account of their somewhat larger genetic ability to cause internal bleeding. OK boomers!

[keepingupwiththecullensblog]

🌟🐺 Welcome back to “Keeping Up with the Cullens (and Apparently the Wolves Too)”—and oh boy, things have taken a turn. Mono? Seriously, Billy? That’s the best excuse you could come up with for why Jake disappeared? 🙄 I mean, I get it, parenting is hard, but come on! I think we can all agree that Bella deserves a better best friend at this point. First, Edward breaks her heart, and now Jake’s pulling the same vanishing act? It’s like Forks is just a black hole of ghosting. 😤💔

Let’s break this down: Jake promises Bella that he won’t hurt her—PROMISES. So naturally, he goes ahead and hurts her by completely ignoring her and pulling a full Edward. 🏃‍♂️💨 Like, what gives? Where’s the BFF manual that says “Step 1: When your friend is heartbroken, disappear for weeks without explanation”? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist! I’m seriously questioning Jake’s “good friend” credentials here. What happened to being her emotional support wolf? 🐺💔

And Billy… oh, Billy. Mono was the cover story? 🤦‍♀️ Like, really? Not only did you drop the ball with that one, but then you had the audacity to blame Bella for Jake’s issues. What?! Bella’s already dealing with enough: Edward ditching her, hallucinations of said vampire ex, and now her best friend is ghosting her too. At least Charlie, awkward dad as he may be, chews Billy out and stands up for Bella. 🙌 Go, Charlie! Finally! One Dad Point awarded. You can tell Charlie’s as done with the cryptic behavior in Forks as we are. 🍽️ Even if he still left Bella alone when she was sick (still bitter about that one, Charlie, but I digress 😒), at least he’s stepping up now. 👏

And then, when Bella finally confronts Jake? Oh, the drama! Jake finally shows his face after weeks of radio silence, and instead of apologizing like a decent human—err, wolf—he goes full jerk mode. 😡 It’s like Billy’s jerkiness rubbed off on him or something. Bella’s standing there like, “Hello? I thought we were friends, why are you ghosting me?” And Jake? He just brushes her off, giving lame excuses, leaving her standing in the rain (of course). 🌧️ For someone who was all about protecting Bella, Jake sure has a funny way of showing it. 🙄 Bella deserved better from Jake in that moment, but no, he’s too busy sulking about his transformation, which, let’s be real, doesn’t give him a free pass to be a jerk. I get that being part of a wolf pack is stressful, but you don’t treat your best friend like that! 🐺

Speaking of treating Bella poorly, let’s talk about Sam and his pack. How is ordering the wolves to stay quiet about their “big furry secret” supposed to help anything? Like, Bella already knows about the supernatural world! 🧛‍♂️ Vampires, werewolves, what’s next, mermen? At this point, she could write a book on it. What harm could telling her the truth do? It’s not like she’s going to freak out—she literally dated a vampire! 🐺 But nooo, Sam has to go all secretive, making everything ten times more complicated than it needs to be. I’m just saying, if someone sat Bella down and gave her the Werewolves 101 talk, a lot of this drama could be avoided. But drama’s what we’re here for, right? 😂

Oh, and how did Bella not figure out that Jacob was a werewolf during their encounter in the meadow? 🌳 When she looks into the reddish-brown wolf’s eyes, she literally thinks of Jacob, and yet it doesn’t click? Like, how, Bella? You figured out that Edward was a vampire in 3.5 seconds but can’t connect the dots when Jake basically gives you puppy-dog eyes while in wolf form? 🐶 Come on! It’s the most obvious thing ever! Maybe her brain was just tired from all the motorcycle crashes. 🏍️

Now let’s dive into Bella’s double standards. She trusted Edward, a literal vampire who drinks blood, but the second she finds out about the wolves, she’s convinced they’re out hunting people. 🩸 Bella, make it make sense! You’ve got more faith in a guy who could literally drain you dry in seconds than in the wolves who are out here trying to protect you from other vampires. It’s like, “Oh, Edward, you won’t hurt me even though you thirst for my blood,” but the wolves? Immediate suspicion. Bella, girl, be consistent! 🙃

And speaking of sketchy supernatural beings… What even happened with Laurent? 🧛‍♂️ One minute he’s living his best vegetarian vampire life in Alaska, and the next he’s back with Victoria, plotting Bella’s demise. Honestly, dude, Alaska seemed like a sweet gig. But apparently, Laurent couldn’t resist the allure of teaming up with a vampire out for revenge. So now we’re stuck with more drama, just in case Bella wasn’t dealing with enough already. 🙄

So yeah, this whole mess? It’s got me rolling my eyes more than Bella at a Forks High pep rally. Jake’s ghosting, Billy’s lame excuses, and Bella being totally oblivious—there’s just too much drama for one girl to handle. Bella seriously needs a therapist at this point. 🛋️ 🧠

[plus-size-reader]

Weird

Stu Macher x Plus size!reader

Word Count: 2755 words

Warnings: none

Summary: Stu developing a little bit of a thing for Randy’s coworker at the video store

Just a weird little thing my brain cooked up, with not too much intricate plot to speak of. 

—————————————————————————————————

He’d been staring at you for an hour.

If he didn’t knock it off soon, Stu was sure that it would start to get creepy but he couldn’t help himself. It wasn’t like he could just walk right up to you and start a conversation.

You probably wouldn’t even recognize him.

Besides, Stu wasn’t a super good conversationalist to begin with. He always got tongue tied and made inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times. There was no telling how it would go, especially with you.

Stu’d had his eye on you all this time, and while he had never had trouble making friends, it was different with you.

All he could do was walk around the aisles of the video store, doing his best to look busy as he browsed the video selection.

He had always liked movies, and wasted away plenty of  night watching tapes with his friends but as of late, the movies had little to nothing to do with his frequent visits to the Woodsboro rental, and everything to do with you.

At first, it was innocent.

One night while he and Billy were looking for a couple blockbusters to occupy their time, he noticed you behind the counter where he typically would have found Randy.

It should have ended there, but because Stu was Stu, of course it didn’t.

The next day at school, he had given his strangest friend the third degree about who the hottie in his place was and found out that you were new.

Randy didn’t know too much about you, other than the fact that you chewed gum the entire time you were on the floor and that your favorite movie was Frankenstein. 

It was hardly enough to get to know a person, but it seemed to appease the man enough to end the barrage of questions.

At least for a while.

It wasn’t until he came in six or seven times without his partner in crime that Randy started to get suspicious over just what Stu thought he was doing here. 

After all, he had a girlfriend, a very hot girlfriend, who he could be spending time with instead of stalking you at work.

Not that he actually went out of his way to ask the blonde right away.

While his being there so frequently definitely looked weird, there were plenty of explanations for what Stu could have been doing, and in all honesty, he kind of freaked Randy out.

Besides, if all he wanted to do was look through the VHS tapes, there wasn’t really anything he could do about it. Billy and Stu were both good customers and as long as they kept renting movies, it was all good.

If you just so happened to be there when he came in, that was just how it was.

After all, you worked there so you were bound to be there pretty often. That meant that, coupled with the amount of time Stu and Billy spent there looking for good stuff to watch, you were bound to run into them quite a bit.

There were a lot of regulars.

Woodsboro was a relatively small town and you got familiar with people’s faces, especially those you saw all the time, but that didn’t mean you really knew them. You had begun to recognize Randy’s friends, but they were little more than that to you.

Maybe that was why you seemed to be so oblivious to Stu’s constant attention on you. To you, he was just another customer, one that you were even less familiar with then most of the others because Randy handled all of their business.

You very rarely even interacted with them at all.

Not to mention that you were extra busy tonight with the murders and all that. The residents of this town had taken that terrible act as inspiration to have their own blood-soaked horror movie nights in the comfort of their own homes.

There were so many people here tonight that you weren't even sure you would have had time to notice any individual person at all.

You may not have had time, but Randy certainly did and he’d had enough.

Not only was what Stu was doing inappropriate because he had a girlfriend, but it just made Randy feel kind of weird. You were a really cool person, sometimes Stu would have known if he ever bothered to say hello to you, and you didn’t deserve to be gawked at while you were trying to work.

“You’ve been looking at that for a while, you need help deciding?” Randy asked, less than subtly catching Stu in the middle of his ogling, not that the latter seemed to care in the least. Randy worked with you all the time, surely he saw what Stu saw.

You were hot.

That wasn’t his fault.

All he did was notice.

“Nah man, I’m good” he hummed, even going as far as to wink at Randy, making it painfully obvious that he knew exactly what he knew. There was nothing wrong with checking out a cute girl, and if anything, he assumed that Randy was just jealous.

After all, Stu was sure that he hadn’t made a move on you yet.

“You know Y/N’s a person right? you could just go talk to her” Randy scoffed, snatching the tape from Stu before he could argue.

This whole thing had been going on for too long and it was starting to get ridiculous.

Stu didn’t say anything for a second as he thought over what Randy was proposing. It couldn’t have hurt to actually talk to you, even with as nice as just staring at you for the last hour or so had been.

There was a small chance Billy wouldn’t like it, with the threat it would pose to their long con it would pose, but when the blonde glanced over at his friend to find him chatting up a few girls of his own, he made up his mind.

It wasn’t like talking to you would be the end of the world or something. It was just a conversation and it was like Randy said, you were a person after all.

You had been stacking VHS tapes on the displays around the store for the last few hours, filling in gaps here and there, and by this point, it was like muscle memory. You didn’t really think about it as you put each case on the wall, hardly paying attention to your surroundings.

This was just supposed to be a job to help pass the time and give you a little bit more walking around money, and you didn’t get paid enough to cater to every customer's every need.

That kind of thing was much more up Randy’s alley, who treated this job like the greatest thing to ever happen to him. If someone had a question about a movie, you pointed them in his direction and kept on stacking.

...but that wasn’t always going to work.

Out of nowhere, you heard someone clear their throat behind you, too close to be directed at anyone that wasn’t you.

Naturally, having worked here for a while, you assumed that it was just someone with a question about where to find something and turned around. Helping people find the things they were looking for was literally your only job, after all.

What you could have never expected was Stu Macher, standing there with an almost expectant grin on his face.

“Can I help you find something?” you asked, practically reciting from the script you were given when you were hired here. He was probably looking for some movie full of Jamie Lee flashing her tits, just like every other guy around here was.

Whatever it was he needed though, he needed to get to it.

You had to restock all of these shelves with titles from the back, a task that would surely keep you here until midnight anyway. 

The longer he took to get to the point, the more behind you would be.

Besides, it wasn’t like he needed you specifically for that. He could have just as easily asked Randy for whatever horny horror fest he was searching for.

Not that such a simple idea had struck Stu in all the time he’d been here, doing whatever it was he was doing.

“I’m actually just looking,” he hummed, shrugging in a way that should have sent him back to where he had previously been browsing, if it hadn’t been for the fact that it was a complete and total lie. 

Stu was only here for one reason, and one reason alone.

He had to make a move.

If he didn’t, it was becoming clear that Randy was thinking about it and there was just no way the blonde was going to let that happen.

“You come here often?” he tried after a few seconds, letting himself lean a bit over you, consuming all the space that your height didn’t occupy.

It was quite the line, you had to give him that, not that it was anything other than awkward given his clumsy, goofy delivery and the dopey look on his face.

He wanted to be cool about this whole thing, and to come off mysterious and suave, like Billy always did, but it wasn’t working. Obviously, because as soon as he said it, you laughed.

You actually laughed.

It was hardly the reaction Stu had been expecting from you, or any guy could have expected under the circumstances, but he assumed it was better than you just shutting him down right off the bat.

At least if you were laughing, you weren’t walking away.

“What?” he laughed, an almost unsettled edge to his desperate attempt to salvage any part of this interaction. Given all the time that he’d had to prepare for what exactly it was he was going to say to you, it should have been much better than that.

...but you had to give him some credit.

As awkward as this was, he put himself out there in a way that took a lot of courage, courage that most guys around here didn’t have. Normally, they would just make some crude attempt at sexualizing you then call you fat when you rejected it.

Stu was already vastly ahead of the douchebags you were used to.

“Nothing, that's just much more of a line than I was expecting, Randy put you up to it?” you questioned, catching sight of the way the male in question was gawking over at the two of you, not even bothering to pretend he wasn’t snooping.

It wouldn’t have surprised you if he set it all up to be funny, but Stu didn’t seem to find the same understanding. In fact, he was almost insulted by the idea of what you were suggesting. Like he couldn't just hit on a pretty girl without a reason?

He’d done it plenty of times before without cause.

“Nah, I just wanted to get to know you a little better” he shrugged, continuing to talk even as you leaned down to gather a few of the movies from the storage boxes, headed to the rom com section to stock them on the shelves.

It was sweet, in a strange way.

He was really weird, you couldn’t act like he wasn’t, but there was also something about him that was almost endearing.

“Well, I’m a captive audience until six so ask away” you allowed, a small smile on your face as you tried to focus on doing your job while also maintaining a conversation with the man in front of you. You were trying really hard to keep it as professional as possible, but it wasn’t exactly easy.

After all, he was laying it on pretty thick, making it overly clear just how interested in you he was even though he was trying to convey an air of casualness.

“Okay, what’s your favorite movie?” came Stu’s voice again, accompanied by the tapping of his fingers on the shelf.

You thought over his question for a second or so, doing your best to figure out what he wanted you to say before you decided to just go with it. Talking to Stu wasn’t the worst thing you would have to do today, and based on how it was going, it might actually help pass the time.

At least he was entertaining.

“It depends on what genre you’re looking at, I guess. I like all kinds of stuff” you decided, standing up briefly to find him leaning over the shelf separating the two of you, his face in his hand.

If nothing else, he certainly seemed to be pretty enthralled with this conversation.

It was something you didn’t get super often, and it would be a lie to say that it didn’t feel nice to have someone so interested in every single word that fell from your lips.

It was no wonder he was so popular.

“I’ve always been a horror guy myself. Like any of those?” he asked, tapping his fingers gingerly on the shelf as he spoke, syncing up his words rather nicely as he grinned at you. He was hoping, not so secretly, that you did.

As much as he was clearly attracted to you, his obsession with gore was a big part of Stu’s life and he didn’t want to miss out on it in any way.

It would just be a huge bonus if you liked watching them with him, so that you could watch them together for date nights and stuff.

It would be a good time, not to mention the fact that he and Billy only ever really did that.

“Yeah, I do. That’s actually why I started working here” you informed, thinking about just how quickly you had applied for this job once you found out they were hiring. Of all the places you could work in this town, it just felt like the place.

It was perfect.

“That’s great, I was hoping you'd say that” Stu allowed, smiling at you as he thought about it. All in all, this was going a lot better than he could have ever assumed and now that he knew he could check the horror block with you too, he was thrilled.

You couldn't have been more perfect for him.

“Maybe we could watch some sometime, at my folks place?” he offered, a twinkle in his eye as he finally got to the point that he’d been waiting for all this time.

The two of you had never really had a conversation alone before now, because his friends were always tagging along. However, it wasn’t as if he’d made too bad a first impression, as strange as he was.

You were kind of lost as to what could have brought this on so suddenly but watching a movie or two at his house couldn’t have been the end of the world.

He was harmless, and besides, it could have been fun to get to know him better.

You stopped, straightening up to look him in the face, that same sly grin there that he hadn’t been able to wipe off his face in this entire time.

“Yeah, we can do that. You can just get my number from Randy and call sometime” you smiled, turning back away to finish up the last of the box from the back. The sooner you finished this up, the sooner you could start cleaning up from the rush.

For you, it was a simple enough suggestion. Randy and the rest of your coworkers all had your telephone number and seeing as they were pretty close, it would just be easier for him to get it there. 

If your manager found out you were flirting on the job, you would never hear the end of it.

Though, for Stu, it was far less innocent. He had only really just interacted with you in this new way but now that he had, he wasn’t exactly a huge fan of Randy already having your number.

Especially not knowing how much the male in question likes you.

“Cool, cool, I’ll talk to you later then” Stu nodded, turning around to find Randy still watching intently. He seemed to really think that he had a shot but now that Stu had made up his mind, there was no way he was ever going to let that happen.

You were too good for him to just let you go so easily.

[og-danny-dorito]

[ 𝕊𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕠 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕕 ]

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heyyy i'm back with more content :) also trying out different fonts n formats??

⚠𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤⚠️: mentions of sexual content but other than that none this shit wholesome

⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒ ⭒

𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕙𝕞𝕤: - forehead kisses are pretty regular before you meet him since it's mandatory to give him a goodnight kiss

- it's only when brahms starts demanding them AFTER he revealed himself that they probably get less frequent and thats because the forehead kisses get replaced with cheek and mouth kisses

- or sometimes full-on makeout sessions

- kissing him on his forehead is usually something he gets as a reward for doing something good like picking up after himself or helping you around the kitchen

- it becomes so normal to give him a forehead kiss after he does good that every time he completes a task he leans down/leans forward and taps his forehead so you can give him a kiss

- he just wants your love and approval don't @ him

- 10/10 needy boy

𝕄𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕖𝕝: - how tf did you get up there - no seriously he's almost taller than a door how did you...? - okay well, regardless of how you reached this bitch's head your forehead kiss is most likely going to earn you a rough grip on your arm if you don't warn him - the most likely situation that this would happen is late at night when you haven't fallen asleep yet with mikey curled up to your side with your head in his chest - if it weren't for the fact that he sleeps like someone's going to attack him in his sleep you might've been able to get away with it, but the rough hand on your shoulder preventing you from moving any closer is proof of being caught - he eventually lets go and lets you kiss him because he's too tired, but he isn't too cool with intimacy that he doesn't initiate - if you've been together for a while and you do it it's cool, but your best bet is to do it while patching him up form being hurt or when he's too tired to deny you

- 8/10 you might get your throat crushed but its cool 𝕁𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟:

- i don't know how you got up there but he is WRAPPED around your finger - like he already loved you more than his undead heart could manage but when you tenderly kiss him on the forehead so casually while ya'll are just laying around or doing normal tasks? yeah mans might shut down

- nonsexual intimacy just makes his heart explode PLEASE - if you pull this shit on him you're gonna ether get attacked with kisses in turn, forced into a bearhug, or all of the above - 100/10 do it all the time please he loves it 𝔹𝕦𝕓𝕓𝕒:

- P L E A SE GIVE HIM KISSES

- give him ALL kisses he gets so upset if you don't give him at least a thousand a day

- like it's started to become a game to him. where are you gonna kiss him next? the temple? the hand? the cheek? he gets so excited just thinking about it!!! - kissing him on the forehead while bringing down some food and sweet tea while he works will make him a blubbery and squealey mess - like you love him that much that you'll just kiss and love on him whenever?!?!

- he starts doing it in turn because it makes him so happy when you do it to him. that or he starts hugging you and babbling happily whenever you're within 5 feet of each other - 1000/10 loves all affection 𝔹𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕪 & 𝕊𝕥𝕦:

- billy pretends to hate when you do it because he's "not a fucking kid" but he starts to get upset when you give stu kisses and don't give him any like a jealous child

- stu will literally take any sort of positive contact with open arms but he makes it weird by saying "thanks mom/dad/parental figure" - billy's kinda hesitant with being affectionate since he's kinda traumatized but after a bit of warming up to it he actually kinda likes random acts of affection?

- like he has this mentality that if you're being affectionate you want sex but after he realizes that you can be intimate without getting down and dirty he ends up liking it more than he likes sexual intimacy since it means more to him

- stu will literally kiss both of you any chance he gets with no hesitations

- and he will kiss EVERYWHERE. like don't be surprised if this man just kisses the back of your neck out of nowhere okay he has no self control

- its good there are three of you because just one person wouldn't be able to handle all of the love stu has to offer

- 7/10 for billy since it needs progress but 8/10 for stu since he makes dumb jokes but means well

ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕪 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕟:

- he's so awkward forgive him

- no like he literally doesn't know what to do when you first do it so he just kinda stands there for a second before nodding a "thank you" and leaving the room to recuperate

- on the outside he's all but on the inside he's like - he likes it but like? doesn't know?? how to ask for more??? - you can usually tell that he wants more because he starts nudging his head into your shoulder and waiting for you to give him kisses - a better option is to give him kisses on his mask filter! it's kinda like a lip kiss but not quite, and it's wholesome enough to make him have a good mood for the rest of the day

- like he might let a few victims die faster just because you gave him mask kisses before he went out - 6/10 he's awkward as all hell

𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕤:

- bro,,, thomas is so sad bro

- like,,, he just doesn't feel like you really care about him a lot of the time and doesn't feel like you deserve him and it gets him down so PLEASE show him affection

- like on the outside he may seem scared of it and might push you away, just be patient with him

- thomas ESPECIALLY doesn't like his face so kissing his face and telling him he looks handsome kinda makes him want to break down in tears right there

- like bubba he loves affection, but he's more timid and nervous about asking for it

- you can usually tell that he wants your attention from his nervous glances at you across the room and his sudden close proximity when you're walking around, so just turn around and hug him every once in a while!! or give him some smooches

- he might not offer them back but he returns the sentiment by nuzzling into your neck and humming if you play with his hair

- 9/10 just because he's super hesitant but needs it regardless

𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕕𝕪: - y'all bacon bits cannot take one fucking thing seriously

- SKJDFN like if you give him a forehead kiss he'll try to lick your chin or push you away he's such an ass

- it's honestly just because genuine heartfelt affection brings up emotions he's not good at dealing with so he avoids it by counteracting with stupidity but whatever

- do not give him forehead kisses or you'll get your neck bitten i mean it

- 2/10 he's a dumbass

𝕍𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕊𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕣:

- this man is BUILT for forehead kisses. look at that forehead. look at that sittable lap. look at those hugging arms.

- vincent will literally accept any sort of positive contact as long as you warn/ask him beforehand

- asking to kiss his forehead will earn you a shy nod, and doing so will result in a very blushy and embarrassed wax man

- FR THO like he will still get flustered and loose track of what he's doing if he thinks about it for a month after

- the fact that you kissed his face really sells it considering (like thomas) he's never liked his face

- kissing his BARE face for the first time though? oh my god he's going to start crying

- NO BUT FR SKJDFNK

- 10/10 he just,,,, loves you so much PLEASE

𝔹𝕠 𝕊𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕣: - c'mon now y'all really think he's gonna let you do that

- as soon as you lean in to kiss his forehead he's gonna push you away like "what are you doing" and go back to his business okay this man doesn't do intimacy

- unless he's in the safety of his room though

- if y'all are 100% alone it's okay even though he's kinda hesitant, but he's awkward and doesn't know how to return it in a way that isn't sexual

- like everyone paints him to be smooth n shit but i know for a FACT he doesn't know how to deal with genuine intimacy and it's because he's never had a healthy relationship in his life

- so you presenting that is weird and foreign and will take a lot of time for him to get used to

- 4/10 don't do that unless you're like a few months in

𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕖! 𝕐𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕛𝕒:

- what are you doing

- why are you doing that

- wait no don't stop-

- yeah soft intimacy is something he's still kinda getting used to. he doesn't hate it, but it still catches him off guard since he doesn't?? really know??? what to do????

- kinda just coos affectionately into your chest and holds you there for a second before placing a kiss (or like the closest he can get to one with those tusks and lack of lips) on whatever exposed area of skin is the closest but he gets an A for effort

- 9/10 doesn't know what to do but still enthusiastic!!

ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕪𝕞𝕒𝕟:

- while he PREFERS hand kisses cause he's classy, he doesn't mind forehead kisses at all

- in fact, if he's taller than you they're really common for him to give!

- if you return them he's pleasantly surprised and can't help but get all soft because of it

- 11/10 not much else to say here just a wholesome man

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[ 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘! ℝ𝕖𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕. :) ]

[inkandpen22]

Dazed and Confused (S 1: 4/?)

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Female!Reader

Warnings: mild language and violence

Word Count: 3.1k

Part Summary: Steve and Y/N spend the weekend together and on Monday, Nancy can’t remember a thing... 

Masterlist

I woke up early with a headache and decided the best course of action is a hot shower. I let Steve stay in bed, after the tough night he had he deserves it. 

After hopping out of the shower, I turn down my radio and quietly bop to 

Culture Club. I wipe down the foggy mirror and start my hair routine. It takes a lot to get the voluminous hair of the decade. Once I'm done, I emerge back into my bedroom to grab a change of clothes, leaving my radio going. 

"Morning," Steve voices, staring up at the ceiling. 

I jump, squeezing my towel around me. "Oh uh, hi, sorry! I thought you were still asleep!" 

He lifts his head and realizes I'm in a towel. His eyes grow wide. "Oh shit! No, my bad! I uh... I'll go downstairs!" He rushes to climb out of bed. 

"No! No! It's okay! I'll go get ready in the bathroom! Let just me grab some stuff!" I hurry over to my dresser. 

Steve settles back down with a sigh, clearly happy to be able to rest after the night he had. 

"Have you been up long?" I ask. 

"Nah, just thinking about last night and what happened with Nancy..." he states solemnly. 

"Well, it's Saturday," I remind him of the perk. "My parents are gone to Chicago for a business trip for a few days, which means we can hang out here. A nice big chocolate chip pancake breakfast," I suggest, heading back toward my bathroom door. 

"Sounds nice," he grins. "And then we could go to the mall, maybe rent a movie?" 

"Splash?" I request. 

He nods, meeting my gaze again. "Deal." 

I move to head back into the bathroom to get ready with a content smile. 

"Hey Y/N?" He rushes out, flying up from his laid position.

I hum, turning over my shoulder. 

"Do you-" oddly, he stops himself, shaking his head. "Never mind," he laughs. 

"You sure?" 

He nods, "yeah. Don't worry about it." 

I shrug and head back into the bathroom. Weird. 

________________________________________________

Steve and I are curled up on my couch, watching Splash, one of my favorite movies. A bowl of popcorn and M&Ms shared between us, along with a blanket. 

I shake my head, immersed in the movie. "I love- 

"Tom Hanks," Steve chuckles, tossing some candy into his mouth. "How many times have you seen this movie?" 

"At least a dozen," I confess. 

He glances over at me. "You have a problem." 

"Tell me about it," I smirk proudly. 

Abruptly, the phone in the hall starts to ring. I huff, hopping up off the couch to get it. 

"Want me to pause it?" Steve checks. 

"Nah, I've seen it," I giggle and pick up the phone.  "Hello?" I greet. 

"I need you to come over, right now!" Dustin panics. 

I frown, glancing at Steve through the archway in confusion. "Now? Why? What's wrong?" 

"I've found a giant slug!" He rushes out. 

"A slug," I repeat in annoyance. "Seriously, Dustin." 

"I've named it Dart!" 

"I'll see it on Monday," I move to hang up. 

"No! You have to come over now!" He insists. 

"Kinda busy here," I grumble under my breath. 

"Busy? How are you busy? You're never busy." 

"I am too! I have company!" I tell him. 

"You don't have company, Steve is over," he argues. 

I hurry over to the window, the phone cord following behind me. Steve watches me in curiosity as I scan up the road at Dustin's house. "Are you watching my house again?" 

"That's not important!" He shouts, clearly guilty. "Why are you hanging out with Steve?" 

"Why do you have a giant pet slug?" I fire back. 

"Fine, just bring him too!" 

"We can't, we have plans." 

"Son of a bitch, you're really no help at all you know that?" 

I scoff. "Oh save it, I drive you to school every day. Bye!" I hang up the phone. 

Irritated, I walk back over to the couch and pull half the blanket back over me. Thankfully, I didn't miss anything good in the movie. 

Steve hands me the candy bowl. "What was that about?" 

"I don't have any biological siblings but I do have a little brother," I remark, making him snicker. 

_________________________________________

On Monday morning, I blast Night Ranger through my Walkman as I unload my bag into my locker. Dustin wouldn't shut up about his stupid slug all the way to school. He was pretty annoyed that I didn't come in and see it this morning. I assured him that I would stop in when I drive him home. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder and I spin around, removing my headphones. 

Nancy nervously rocks on her heels, gripping her books to her chest. "Hey, have you seen Steve?" 

I frown. "Not yet, why?" 

"Have you seen him since Tracy's?" 

"Yeah..." I reply hesitantly, wondering where this is going.

"Well, he hasn't answered my calls all weekend," she tells me in a hushed tone, glancing up and down the hall for eavesdroppers. "Whenever I left a message, his mom called back and said he was out. Do you know what's going on with him?" 

"I don't..." I drag out, debating on if I should tell her the whole truth. "After a certain point, all I remember is Billy hitting on me and Steve driving me home." I stick to what I know for sure happened. 

Her face changes from concern to confusion. "Wait, he drove you home? I thought he drove me home." 

"No, I mean unless he drove you home and came back."

She whines, glancing down the hall anxiously. "I better go talk him. I'll see you later!" 

I nod and mumble an 'okay.' I watch as she hurries down the hall toward the gym where Steve likely is hiding. I slip my headphones back on with a sigh. This won't be good. 

____________________________________

I walk out of Algebra with my friend Veronica, gushing about the newest Elton John album. Abruptly, a hand wraps around my wrist and I yanked away from her. 

"Woah! Jesus!" I blurt out and my eyes land on Steve as he hurries me down the hall. "Okay Harrington, where are we going?" I laugh nervously. 

He releases my wrist and presses his hand to my back. "McDonald's, a park, anywhere, I don't know! I just want to get out of here." 

"But I still have chem before lunch," I remind him. 

"You can afford to miss one class," he laughs. "Your GPA is what 3.9999-" 

I roll my eyes but comply nonetheless. "Well, there goes my perfect attendance." 

Steve and I run by McDonald's and enjoy our milkshake and fries in the parking lot. Steve has the radio quietly going in the background as he fills me in on the details of his talk with Nancy. In summary, it didn't go well. 

"So she doesn't remember any of it?" I clarify. 

"Appears not." He rolls his eyes, shoving some fries into his shake. 

I nod, processing it all. Then, I remember what happened Friday morning. "I forgot to tell you. Jonathan came up to me on Friday and accused us of sneaking around behind Nancy's back." 

Steve nearly chokes on a fry. "What?" He coughs. 

"He saw you climbing out of my window," I explain. 

"Well-" He starts to panic. "Well did you tell him we're just friends?" 

"No, I told him we're having a wild, passionate, affair," I sass. "Of course, I told him!" 

He releases a sigh of relief, holding his chest. 

Geez, he's so dramatic. 

"Maybe I should apologize to her," he determines. 

My brows scrunch together. "For what?" 

"Good point... Do you think he'll tell her?" 

I shrug, how am I supposed to know? "I don't know. Probably not," I remark a tad more annoyed than intended. "Have they talked lately?" 

"He drove her home that night. I told him to," he tells me. 

"Oh..." I mumble, allowing my focus to wander outside. 

Steve shifts in his seat to face me. "Do you think he knows I was at your place?" 

"I don't know..." 

He huffs, tossing his head back stressfully. "How did things get this fucked up?" 

I reach across the divider and place my hand over his gently. "It'll work out." 

He sighs, his eyes meet mine worriedly. "You really think so?" 

I hum to reassure him, but frankly, I have no idea. I just don't have the heart to tell him the truth. Plus, it hurts to watch him worry about Nancy when a piece of me is selfishly happy that they're over. 

__________________________________

Masterlist

[tooktheladdedgbtq]

....and the Oscar goes to.. | Tom Holland X Male!actor reader. 

A/N: this was just something I wrote because I got inspired I guess. Happy Pride everyone!

——————————————

You couldn’t decide whether time was slipping through your fingers too quickly or if this had been the longest night you’d ever experienced.

seconds slowed to a crawl while you tried to gather yourself before it was your turn to take the stage. You were nervous. Not about being at the oscars or presenting for the first time. Not even about being nominated for your leading role in the second installment of a critically acclaimed trilogy. No, you’d been used to these sorts of things, you’d been an actor since you were a very young kid. Starting on television before film, and you even got to hold the Emmy the show had won when you had just turned a teenager.

No, you were nervous about who exactly you’d be presenting to. Of the five nominees and potential winners, only one could cause such an intensive feeling in your chest. Only one could awaken a sense of dread that battled with a feeling of intensive happiness mixed with anticipation, and it was Tom.

You’d known each other for years and had come to fall in love. You’d met as young co-stars on set and eventually grew into an inseparable friendship that progressed into something far more. Neither of you were sure when the feelings started but it felt like they’d always been there and you weren’t exactly complaining.

Your blissfulness with Tom was beautiful but short lived. After almost a year of being official you both agreed to take a break from the relationship. Unbeknownst to Tom you were just agreeing to save face and hadn’t pried for an answer out of fear of being hurt. You just accepted that this was how things were now, and took a step back.

You’d still kept in contact with him. It was hard not to. He was still your best friend. But whether it was the business of work or something a little more awkward, distance grew between you both as the multi-hour long facetime calls and text threads became once-a-week check-ins to just make sure you were alive and okay.

Time had passed, and you didn’t have a clue what you could possibly say to him now. You certainly didn’t want to ruin his special night. But you’d missed him so much and felt like you would implode at the first sign that he’d be interested in getting back together with you. But you also didn’t want to seem desperate or needy if he’d moved on. You didn’t want to slip and say those three words again in the moment.

Father time showed you no mercy as the sand in his hourglass suddenly shifted from a slow-motion drip to a flood. The seconds you’d spent daydreaming of your past with Tom and pondering about the your potential future had passed and left you with little time to gather yourself before presenting. still you shook your hands, arms, and lastly shoulders, putting all your worries aside and waited for introduction from the host.

Before long you’d been counted in to walking on stage, and heard the host over the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, to present the award and introduce the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, please welcome one of this year’s nominees and one of our generation’s greatest talents: Y/F/N Y/L/N.”

The applause erupts from the audience like a revved up engine as you took center but it was nothing compared to the standing ovation you’d receive later on that night when receiving your own award for Best Actor.

You were stood promptly center staged with the towering Oscar statue reflecting onto the black stage floor beneath your feet. Your outfit was alluring and would surely be the next hot topic which is rare for male stars. You looked like a million bucks. Everyone knew it, most of all, Tom.

You smile and wave as you approach the microphone, your teeth shining a blinding white, and wait for a hush from the crowd.

You chuckle lightly as a few hoots and hollers sound out as the cheers subside.

You eye the monitor across the room and start to read, your nerves dying down as your jokes land and laughter echoes around the room.

As you finish the introduction, clips start to show behind you to accompany the names of the nominees as the cameras catch a glimpse of each of their reactions.

You couldn’t help but notice how tough the competition was as each actor was called. Steven Yuen playing a detective in a thrilling murder mystery. John David Washington in a fictional film playing the world’s first black astronaut aiding in the discovery of lovecraftian horrors. Andrew Garfield for his role as a psychotic narcissist and genius businessman. Oscar Issac acting in a sci fi space opera asking questions of existentialism.

Finally, you had to withhold your smile as you called out the last name. He had returned to his Billy Elliot roots being nominated for his role in a astonishing musical romance film. “Tom Holland.” You’d been ecstatic when he’d told you about it as you’d always recommend he tried it again since it made him so happy in his younger years.

You spot him a few rows from the stage, making eye contact with him and wondering if he was thinking about you the way you had done with him earlier. You couldn’t help but notice him squirming in his chair and fidgeting with his hands. Selfishly asking yourself if this wasn’t just about the award but about having you present it to him.

Seeing you here after what felt like an eternity apart and your reunion potentially being the greatest achievement of both your careers. Making it the greatest night of your lives, that is, if you were still together. But you were still best friends. That’s what mattered. So you push your self centered thoughts aside and shoot him a small wave that he returns with a smile and thumbs up. letting you know he was okay and that you could continue as the camera pans back to you capturing your not so hidden giddiness.

This awarded some small oos and aahs from the crowd as your relationship with him had been a wholly celebrated one. especially among your marvel peers.

You’re handed an envelope and statue as the music ends and the applause dies down and you take one final glare into the camera before beginning to open the envelope.

“....and the Oscar goes to,” you take a peek at the crowd and see some of the nominees holding hands with loved ones. others plainly

awaiting your next words with bated breath. The anticipation shone on everyone’s faces. Even those that weren’t nominated. Your not-so-hidden grin giving away the answer mere milliseconds before his name escaped your lips. “Tom Holland!”

Tom shot up with a shared expression of shock and happiness on his face. Pecking his mother on the cheek as she wipes the tears of pride from her eyes. His best mate Harrison gives him a quick embrace and a pat on the back before he moves on to shake hands with the director and smile at everyone cheering him on as he gradually moves toward the stage still completely baffled at the victory.

As he walks towards you in his pink pastel colored suit and brown leather dress shoes you can’t help but swell with an overwhelming feeling of joy having been here to share this career defining moment with him. You thought about how far you’d both come to get here and almost started tearing up remembering all you’d been through together.

He skipped up the miniature steps and blanketed you with both arms. You didn’t want it to end as you hadn’t felt it in a while. You threw your arms around his neck and he tightens his hold around your torso. Before you could even process them, your blunt thoughts spill out as whispers.

“I’m so incredibly proud of you. you deserve this and so much more.” you hear a small chuckle escape him as he responds. “I am trying not to cry y’know mate?” a wolf whistle comes from the crowd as you apologize for being so sappy and before he can tell you off for it you hand him his award and shove him off toward the microphone.

As he takes center stage you stand off to the side to watch him give his acceptance speech. He pauses and takes a second to gather himself before he starts talking straight from his heart with nothing prepared.

“Um, Wow. I really can’t believe this is really happening and I probably still won’t believe it happened tomorrow. Just.. wow.” his words were filled with that charmingly British accent you’d come to love so much.

“First I would like to thank my mother, without whom of course, I would not be here. I would like to thank the academy and everyone who worked on this movie from the producers and camera men, make-up and costumes, to our wonderful writers, composer, back up dancers and vocalists, and of course my friends, my co-star and the director Damien Chazelle.” whom he gestures to sitting in the second row. “I share this with all of you and I can’t thank you enough for awarding me with the opportunity to create something I love so much.”

He thanks the other nominees before turns towards you to end his speech. you felt your heart in your hands when you saw his big brown puppy eyes dart in your direction with an intensive glare of admiration.

“last but most importantly, I want to thank the inspiration for all of the love songs I sung in the film and the reason I decided to take the role. The person standing here on my right.”

Your jaw drops and your eyes widen when his words hit you like a speeding semi. you realize that he’d just called you his muse in so many words. the inspiration behind the love songs in the film no less. Meaning that with every lovestruck note his character sung he was reminded of you. All that time spent worrying if the distance between you two would cause him to forget about you, or if he’d maybe moved on and found somebody else. But no such thing had happened. He was relating his character’s longing in the film to his longing for you this entire time and that made your heart do a backflip.

You blush and cover your still ajar mouth with your fist whilst trying not to pay attention to the crowd who’s attention was fully focused on you.

He takes a deep sigh before continuing. “Y/N you’re not only the reason I took this role, but you’re the reason I was able to play it with such sincerity. You’ve been a unwavering beacon of support throughout my career in general but here you really gave me the inspiration for something special. He faces the audience again as the all follow his words with whispers of how adorable you both were. “from reading lines together in the middle of the night, to keeping me company when i’m on the brink of a meltdown.” It was all true and it only made you miss you relationship more and you found it difficult to hold back your tears.

“Y/N is the kind of best friend everybody needs, the kind of partner everybody deserves, and the person I’m so incredibly lucky to have known for so long. ..and I still can’t believe he never figured out the lyrics were all about him, It was kind of obvious-” the audience laughed you’re so close to swooning as he turns toward you again. “But, with all my heart, I love you, Y/N. Always will.” you feel as if you’re floating.

He shifts to the crowd one last time to say a final thank you before you both walk off stage one arm around one another’s shoulders. You have a short but sweet conversation backstage with him where reassures you that everything he said on stage was true and completely unscripted. He wants to talk more but knows your category is coming soon so he asks for a later opportunity and you agree before returning to your seat in the crowd.

The rest of the night flew by with you winning the award for best actor and receiving the biggest applause of the night. Tom joined in the standing ovation. You thanked everybody involved in making the film, the academy, and squeezed a little joke directed towards Tom that garnered a shared laugh from both him and the audience. You were the last award of the night and after the celebrations it was time to return to your place, where Tom was waiting for you. Wanting to talk about everything that had happened not just tonight but everything leading up to it. He also hoped you’d kept a spot open in your heart for him to return to.

[bounce-a-coin-off-your-witcher]

Take Me, I’m Yours

(the highest voted options on the poll were ‘Geralt rescues Jaskier from trouble’ and ‘Jaskier riles the Captain up in public’ so I teamed up with the ever-marvelous, stupendously talented @limrx to bring you this Swashbuckling AU oneshot/art piece featuring a horribly jealous Geralt and a frisky, flirty Jaskier)

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

“Do you think he likes me back?” Jaskier asked. He leaned over the ship’s railing to look more closely at the dolphin following behind them. Lambert didn’t think he’d fall overboard but it would be kind of funny if he did. The strange young nobleman did have a way of always landing on his feet, though. 

“I know he does.”

“Well how come he hasn’t told me anything about it, then?” 

“You’ve met the Captain, right? About this tall, long white hair, weird yellow eyes, emotionally incompetant?” 

“You have a good point. Should I just confront him about it?”

“Yeah, sure.” Lambert rolled his eyes before shooting Jaskier a pointed look. “If you want to send your ransom note back to Lettenhove the following morning.”

“Fuck. I just want to kiss him, Lambert. Regularly. I want to know if he snores or not. I want to lay on the deck beneath the stars and talk to him like we’re friends and not just pirate and pseudo-pirate-captive. I really want to see what his ass looks like under those godsforsaken trousers, Lambert, it’s killing me not knowing.”

“You’re more insatiable than a siren during the rainy season,” the second mate teased. “But with fewer teeth.”

“Shut up.”

“Are you going ashore when we lay anchor?”

“Am I allowed?”

“I assume you’ll be allowed. You’re practically part of the crew. You’ve been aboard for nearly two weeks and you’ve pulled your fair share of the weight, if not moreso.”

“Why thank you, Lambert. I appreciate you noticing.”

“Of course, Jaskier. You may be an utter fool and a fop to boot, but at least you’re a hard worker.”

“Asshole.”

“Mhm.”

They both watched the dolphins for a minute in silence before Jaskier’s face split into the most heinous and dastardly grin. It filled Lambert with an unmistakable sense of fear and worry. “I have a brilliant idea. I know how to get Geralt to admit his feelings.”

“No, absolutely not. I am not getting roped into this, you horrible little minx. Don’t give me that look! I won’t help you this time!”

“But Lamby-bert,” Jaskier whined. “If he has someone to take all his frustrations out on in bed then I’m sure it’ll be easier to negotiate for higher shares next time we take a vessel.”

Lambert did not miss the fact that Jaskier said ‘we’ when referring to the crew. The second mate knew the little nobleman was here to stay; it had been clear that Jaskier would be sticking around from the moment Geralt first laid eyes (and hands) on him. The Captain hadn’t stopped looking out for the lad since. Lambert wasn’t even going to think about that singular flirty kiss atop the mainmast nearly a week and a half ago. Geralt had been pining after the acrobatic little idiot ever since and making absolutely no move to flirt back. It was driving the crew absolutely crazy. “Alright, you devilish siren. I’m in.”

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

Jaskier cleaned up nice.

And he deserved to clean up nice. He’d worked hard to put this outfit together. Billy had lent him a pair of dark blue breeches in return for Jaskier’s help with mending the mainsail. The shirt he was wearing was half a size too big, which was exactly big enough for the neckline to plunge even lower than he usually wore it. This way it revealed more of his toned (and rather hirsute) chest. He’d borrowed it from Starkey, who was the same height as him but who had much broader shoulders.

The Captain was going to absolutely die when he saw Jaskier.

He whistled a rather naughty shanty as he exited the bunk room and made his way towards the gangplank where Starkey, Lambert, and Eskel were waiting for him. He spun in a quick circle, arms out to show off his clothes. Lambert and Starkey whistled appreciatively and Eskel hid his face in the palm of his hand. “Ready, boys?”

“Absolutely not,” Starkey smiled. The first mate standing next to him tilted his head back to look at the sky, sighing deeply.

“Are you sure about this? What if the Captain tries to kill Lambert?”

“He won’t be killing anyone. Hopefully. If he does run his sword through anyone, it will most likely be me,” Jaskier joked. “Now, this is my first time drinking with real pirates. Anything I should know?”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Eskel suggested. Lambert bit back a laugh and Starkey snorted.

“Impossible.”

“Well then, let’s go.”

The four men made their way down onto the docks and through the sparse crowd of sailors and merchants still mingling in the evening light. Starkey led them to a decent tavern and found a vacant corner table, which gave them an excellent view of the door.

Geralt and Starkey had spent the morning selling their stolen cargo to various merchants, shopkeepers, and artisans. The Captain had divided up the gold between his crew according to their various contracts and Jaskier, more as a jest than anything else, was given two crowns as well. “For not dying,” Geralt had intoned seriously. The men were amused but Jaskier’s face had gone bright red with embarrassment. The young noble had talked them out of trouble with the Skelligan patrols twice last week and Geralt was repaying him with public humiliation? Lambert knew that the Captain’s earlier actions were about to make this evening a lot more entertaining (if slightly uncomfortable) and he was ready to get this show on the road. He flung an arm around Jaskier’s waist and ordered them all a round of ales.

“So everyone knows what the general goal here is, right?” Jaskier clarified.

“Yes,” Eskel nodded. “You’re using Geralt’s jealous nature to make him act on his less than subtle feelings for you.”

“Correct. Wonderful.”

Lambert squeezed the noble’s hip through his borrowed pants and Jaskier huffed indignantly in reply. Starkey chuckled softly at their antics and winked at the barmaid when she brought them their drinks. “Can’t wait, really. It’s been so boring lately and the last two ships we took didn’t even fight back. This is drama. This is entertainment!”

“Shut up, Starkey,” Jaskier pouted. He leaned back into Lambert’s embrace and gulped down half his ale.

“Slow down, kid,” the first mate teased. “Or you will be drunk when he gets here and your plan won’t work.”

“I need to get the pink in my cheeks or I’ll look suspicious,” Jaskier argued. “One ale should do it without getting me tipsy. Maybe two if it’s weak.”

“Method actors,” Lambert rolled his eyes.

Jaskier was sipping slowly at his second ale and the other three pirates were on their fourth or fifth when Geralt finally came barreling through the tavern door. “There you are!” Eskel shouted, waving the Captain over. Nobody missed the barely-hidden glare Geralt aimed at Lambert’s arm where it rested against the nobleman’s lower back.

“Captain,” the second mate nodded.

“Lambert. Eskel. Starkey.” Geralt greeted them all in turn.

“Heyyyy,” Jaskier whined, leaning forward against the edge of the table and pouting. “What about me, sir?”

“You.”

“Rude,” the brunette huffed. Lambert ran a lazy hand up and down his spine and Jaskier watched as Geralt’s eyes narrowed into slits. He sighed sadly and melodramatically into his mug and nodded once in the second mate’s direction. “Thank you, darling. At least someone in this crew likes me.”

Starkey saw Geralt’s eyelid twitch and slid Eskel two crowns under the table to settle their bet. He thought the vein on their Captain’s throat would show up before the eyelid went, but it must have been the first mate’s lucky night this time around. “Hey Eskel, let’s see if any of the lovely ladies here want to dance with us, eh?”

“You coming, Captain?” Eskel asked. “Seems like Jaskier and Lambert are a bit busy.”

“Yes, Geralt,” Jaskier egged him on. The Captain had a white-knuckled grip on the handle of his mug. The noble took a long swig of ale and licked a bit of foam from his lip when he was finished, noting the way Geralt’s eyes locked onto his mouth. “Why not go dance with a pretty lady. Certainly nobody else has your attention.”

The pirate Captain finally snapped. He slammed his mug down and reached around the table to grab Jaskier around the waist. He hauled him out of the second mate’s grip and onto his feet. “Captain, what are yo-”

“Yer coming with me, siren,” Geralt snarled. Lambert relinquished the nobleman with very little fuss, winking at Jaskier as the pirate Captain swung him up and over his broad shoulder. The young man flashed all three of his co-conspirators a thumbs up as he was carried out of the tavern like a sack of potatoes.

“A little rude to Lambert, don’t you think, sir?” he asked, resting his elbow against Geralt’s shoulder blade and settling his chin onto his hand. He crossed his ankles to make it easier for the pirate to balance his weight comfortably. “But they’ll be happy to know that our little plan worked out.”

Geralt stopped in his tracks but did not set his captive down. “Your what?”

“Our plan,” Jaskier explained as if bored. “To get you to finally do something about all this sexual tension between us. I kissed you on the mouth for fuck’s sake.”

“I thought it was an accident.”

“Oh, and saving you from hanging at the hands of some Skelligan officers, was that an accident? Not sending a ransom note last time we stopped for water and not turning you in for the reward in Novigrad, were those accidents too? There is a hefty bounty on your head, White Wolf, and I could be living independently in a castle somewhere right now except that I happen to find you endlessly attractive and fascinating.”

“Hmm.” Geralt resumed walking. Jaskier noticed with a smirk that his pace had picked up quite a bit. As if he was suddenly in a hurry to be somewhere.

“Hum dismissively all you like, sir, but you’re still carrying me back to your cabin to ravish me senseless, are you not?”

“Ravish may be the wrong word for what I’d like to do to you, but you do look rather tempting.”

“Thank you. I put a lot of effort into this ensemble.”

“You’re a calculating little nymph, aren’t you?”

“No, of course not. I only managed to secure a bunk aboard the Kaer Morhen and wrap its infamous captain around my finger in less than a month. I am but a silly nobleman with excellent dexterity and a penchant for climbing.”

“Lambert was right to call you a minx.”

“He does love that nickname.”

“It’s not an endearment.”

“Whatever.” The ground shifted and Jaskier knew they were making their way up the gangplank and back onto the ship. This was the part he’d been waiting for! Geralt kicked in his cabin door and stepped inside, turning to close and lock it behind them. Jaskier wriggled impatiently. “Set me down!”

“Hmm, no. I rather like the view from here.”

“Excuse me?”

Geralt gave him a gentle smack on the ass, almost a pat really, and huffed out a laugh at Jaskier’s offended noise. “You’ve been an awful lot of trouble for a nobleman and a captive.”

“I’m barely a captive, Geralt. Give it up already.”

“You haven’t signed the book.” He set Jaskier back on his feet and looped his arms around the younger man’s waist to pull him close. “You’re still a captive until you swear on the book and sign your name next to the others. Then you’ll be part of my crew.”

“I have yet to negotiate for my shares,” the brunette stated. He tilted his chin back, baring his neck slightly and offering Geralt his ale-damp lips. “Ten crowns after every capture and I get to sleep in here with you. That sounds fair.”

“You’re a good worker. Seven crowns, you can sleep in here with me, and you can borrow my bandannas whenever you want.”

“Even the red one?”

“Especially the red one.”

Jaskier’s soft pink mouth brushed against the pirate’s as he murmured his answer: “Deal.”

Geralt’s lips crashed against Jaskier’s with the strength of a wave hitting the side of his ship in a maelstrom. The Captain’s mouth was so warm and his lips moved against the younger man’s with almost frightening determination. As if he was trying to prove himself. His arms were strong around the nobleman’s lower back and his white hair brushed deliciously against the skin of Jaskier’s neck.

“You’ve bewitched me, body and soul.”

“Oh, Geralt,” the younger man sighed, opening his mouth to let the other in. I never thought the word ‘plunder’ could apply to kissing but here I stand, corrected by experience yet again. The White Wolf of the Seven Seas pulled away, made breathless by a young and foolish nobleman in search of adventure.

“I’m not a siren, you know. Not even a little. My family’s estate is landlocked.”

Geralt’s fingers rose from his waist and brushed against his cheekbone reverently. Those amber eyes, so cold and focused when he shouted orders or intimidated a merchant captain, were looking down at Jaskier with such devoted tenderness. The ex-noble felt his heart fill anew and double in size. There wasn’t enough room in his body to hold all of this feeling.

“Kiss me again, Captain. Take me to bed.”

“You’re too good at tempting me. You must be evil.”

“I assure you,” Jaskier smirked, ripping Geralt’s shirt over his head in one smooth movement. “I am.”

[the-cult-of-russo]

Biggest regret (part 2)

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader

A/N: Quite a few of you guys wanted a part two to this one. Mixed angst and fluff kind of? So... I didn’t wanna rush this one and it kind of got away from me. I want to do a part three to it which will be where the main fluff begins if you guys are interested. 

Warnings: cursing, angst, sadness, fluff kinda 

-----------

Nervous didn't even begin to cover how Billy felt now he was back stateside. He was on his way home after a successful mission and his thoughts were consumed with you and the baby. He hadn't been able to think of much else. He didn't regret sending the letter but he was vulnerable now. He'd put himself out there and he hated how out of control he was with the situation. 

There was every chance you wouldn't even get the letter. You could have easily moved since the last time he spoke to you and you'd never know he'd tried to reach out. And of course he had the resources available to track you down if needed but it felt wrong to do that. Although if he got desperate enough he knew he was selfish enough to do it. 

He wasn't sure what would be worse; you never getting the letter or you getting the letter and ripping his heart out. Hypocritical, he knew, after what he'd done to you. But he wasn't sure how he'd handle it. There were too many variables for this whole thing and it set him on edge. Even if you got the letter it didn't mean you'd respond. And if you responded it didn't mean it would be anything he'd like to hear. You could be telling him to go fuck himself, which he'd wholeheartedly understand, but it would hurt nonetheless. 

He didn't dare get his hopes up. He knew that the very best he'd probably get was the bare minimum information about his kid. Name and age, if that. And while it may not be a lot, it would mean the world to him but he wasn't holding his breath for even that.

He felt like a string pulled taut ready to snap as he made his way to his apartment. He made a beeline to the mail room and unlocked his mailbox and grabbed the stack of letters. He knew it was stupid as he held his breath and flicked through the envelopes. He tried so hard not to get his hopes up yet he hadn't been able to help it. There was a bunch of junk mail and more formal business-like things. But then a handwritten envelope had his heart stopping completely. He'd know your handwriting anywhere. He stared at it for a long moment and all he could hear was the blood rushing to his head. So much hung on what you'd say in this letter and it left him open to complete and utter heartbreak. He felt sick. 

Deciding to open it upstairs so he'd be able to have a mental breakdown in peace, he all but ran to the elevator and made his way up to the top floor. It felt like it took a year to get there and he made quick work of getting inside his apartment. The other mail got tossed on the counter, forgotten and not important and he walked over to his sofa before sitting on it. He placed the letter on the coffee table, glaring at it as he wrung his hands. He was genuinely terrified of what was inside. He'd faced so much in his life, fought literal wars. Yet this was the most scared he'd ever been. 

He jumped off the sofa, going in the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of whisky before he went and sat back down, his leg bobbing up and down without even noticing. He didn't need a glass and instead just took a large gulp before he set the bottle down. He needed to stop being such a little bitch and open the damn thing. With shaking hands, he grabbed the letter and opened it. He pulled out the paper, unfolding it as his heart thumped wildly in his chest. The first thing he noticed were the few splotches of now dried wetness on the page that had the ink bleed slightly. You'd cried when writing this and his heart seized up.

Billy,

I was surprised to hear from you, I won't lie. At one time I expected it. When I was pregnant I kept expecting you to call or turn up here or something, but as the months went on I realised it wouldn't happen. Better late than never though, right?

Ouch. You weren't wrong but it stung all the same. He imagined you, scared and pregnant and alone and hoping he'd turn up and be the man you needed and it hurt him more than he felt comfortable with.

It kind of hurts that you think I'd withhold information about our baby from you. I thought you knew me better than that. I thought a lot of things though and I was wrong so I'm not surprised. You were the one that walked away from us, I'd never be petty enough to keep you away just because of what happened with us.

He did know you well enough but he hadn't been able to stop his mind going there. Because he knew deep down he didn't deserve you bothering with a reply for how he abandoned you. He knew he was asking for too much. He shouldn't have been surprised you'd reply since you always went above and beyond for him. He never deserved it. Not then and certainly not now. 

I won't sit here and lie to you. It crushed me when you walked away. I was terrified to tell you when I found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure how you'd react. A part of me thought it would end the way it did but… I really hoped it wouldn't. I held out too much hope and I see that now. 

You thought he was a better man than he was. Gave him too much credit. It stung like a bitch that he'd hurt you this much. He never wanted to hurt you. 

The pregnancy was tough. I was in and out of hospital and I was really sick. Then I had issues at the end with the placenta. I had to go through all of it alone and I stupidly wished you'd just magically turn up every time I ended up back at hospital.

His lower lip wobbled and he sneered at himself. He should have been there. He should have held your hand and told you it would be okay. You shouldn't have had to go through any of this alone. 

We have a little girl. I called her Delilah. I know you might not like the name but it was left down to me and I liked it. I think it suits her.

A girl. His chest ached and his hands trembled, eyes filling with tears and a sad smile spread on his face. He had a little girl. And he loved the name. You could have called her something ridiculous and it wouldn't have mattered to him. 

She came early. With all the issues with the pregnancy she ended up being a month premature. She was tiny. I was terrified she wouldn't be okay. I couldn't even hold her right away because she was in an incubator. I was so scared, Billy.

A choked noise left his lips and a few tears leaked down his cheeks. What had he done? He left you at your most vulnerable and his baby had been sick. And what had he been doing? Living his life like nothing had happened. He made himself sick. ‘I was so scared, Billy. I was so scared, Billy. I was so scared, Billy.’ He could practically hear your voice saying those words. Hear how it would waver like it did when you got upset. Hear the hurt and fear in your voice. He should have been there.

She's four months old now and she's doing amazing. She's such a happy baby. It's like all she does is smile. She has your eyes and my hair. She mostly looks like you though. 

He sniffled, wiping his eyes with one hand as he gave a watery smile. He tried to imagine what she looked like. A mix of you both. She'd be perfect. It eased him a little to know she was okay now, that she wasn't sick anymore. He hadn't expected you to give him so much information but it made his heart swell that you were. As always, it was way more than what he deserved.

When I got your letter, I think I didn't stop crying for hours. A mix of hurt and relief, I guess. I'd be a liar if I said there wasn't any bitterness. I went through everything alone and now you just turn up because you're ready. I didn't get that luxury, Billy. I didn't have a choice. It was either have my baby or not, there was no walking away until I felt ready for me. 

His chest felt even tighter and your disappointment only fueled his self hatred about the whole thing. You weren't exactly wrong and he'd been a coward. 

I won't hold it against you though. It might take time to fully forgive you but I won't make you suffer. You're still her dad and I'd never deny either you or her that right. The fact that you even want to be part of her life at all means alot to me. I never wanted to have that talk with her when she was older about why you walked away.

It was bittersweet. Knowing you were extending an olive branch and letting him in even after all this time. But the knowledge that you'd been worried about what to tell your daughter when she was older hurt him. It was exactly what he didn't want. He never wanted her to feel unloved by him. 

I sent you a few pictures and they're yours to keep. 

He set the letter down instantly and scooped up the envelope, he hadn't noticed anything else in there in his haste to read the letter. But he pulled out a few Polaroids and his heart squeezed painfully in his chest. 

The first was of you. You were in the mirror standing sideways with the Polaroid camera in one hand. You only had on leggings and a bra and your bump was pretty big, cradled by your other hand. You looked so beautiful and he couldn't believe he'd missed out on this. Couldn't believe he'd walked away from you. The writing at the bottom had '7 months inside' written on it and his thumb stroked your bump as he wished he had been able to do in the flesh. With a heaving sigh and heavy heart, he set the picture down to look at the next.

The second was of a tiny baby in an incubator. She had on a knitted pink hat and she looked so tiny and small. A sob left his lips then as he gazed at her. She was beautiful but so fragile and he hadn't been there. His job was to protect her and he hadn't been there. He could only imagine the pain you'd been in going through that alone. In your writing at the bottom in black ink was the date and her name. His breathing hitched as he read 'Delilah Russo'. You gave her his last name. He hadn't expected that at all and he found a rush of joy and pride flooding his system as he openly cried at the picture. She was so fucking tiny and he remembered you saying you hadn't been able to hold her right away. He knew it must have killed you. 

His hand set it down shakily as he looked at the next. His little girl was still small but you were holding her now. You looked tired and like you'd lost a lot of weight. It hurt him deeply. Yet despite that you had a look of pure love and happiness on your face as you stared down at the little bundle in your arms and it made him cry all over again. He idly wondered if his own mother had ever looked at him that way when he was born but he highly doubted it. It stirred something deep inside of him to see how much you adored her.

The last picture seemed more recent and was of Delilah all on her own. She was propped up by pillows and had a cheeky smile on her face, her grubby little hands holding a stuffed blackbird. Oh... He thought the tears were done but apparently not and he hated himself so fucking much. All these little things in his honor were killing him because it was clear that no matter what he'd done to you, you still tried to have him in your daughters life somehow and that shit hurt. The writing at the bottom said '3 months outside' and he smiled through his tears. 

She was so fucking beautiful and you hadn't lied that she had your hair and his eyes. Dark pools of almost black were staring back at him through the picture and it was a foreign sensation to see a mini version of him. The one difference being she was happy and well loved and he wanted nothing more for her than that. 

He stared at the picture for what felt like forever as he took in every little detail in her chubby little face, committing it all to memory. All of these pictures were special to him and way more than anything he thought he'd get in response to his piece of shit letter but he was grateful. He slipped the last one into his wallet before picking the letter back up to finish it. 

I'm glad you reached out now and not later. She's still only a baby, too young to really remember any of this. It would have been harder to have you in her life later and have her be too confused at who you are. It's gonna take time and patience, she's not used to you, but if you'd like then I'd like you to meet her.

He felt like he stopped breathing altogether for a moment. You want him to meet her. You'd let him… he broke down, sobs mixed with pure pain and guilt with the sheer relief that he'd actually get to meet his little girl. He never thought in his wildest dreams you'd gift him that and he felt so overwhelmed he didn't think he'd be able to stop crying. He was a far cry in that moment from the man he knew himself to be. 

I won't put pressure on you to meet her if it's too much but I will say this. You're either in or out with this. You can't decide to come into her life and then leave again, Billy. I won't let it happen. You broke my heart and there's no way in hell I'm letting you break hers. Really think about this before you contact me because you need to be fully ready for it. I won't have you half ass this, okay? If you're really ready to be her dad then call me. If not, I'll understand and I'll leave you with the pictures. It's your call, but don't fuck it up.

Y/N

He laughed, the sound watery and pained but he couldn't help it. Something about you being so protective over your baby made his whole chest bloom with warmth. And while it hurt him that you had to warn him at all, he knew he deserved it. He'd walked away once before and you wouldn't let it happen again. It killed him to read that he broke your heart even though he already knew. But you were protecting your kid. His kid. And it only made him love you harder at you not taking any shit. 

Your number was scrawled at the bottom of the letter and he wanted to call right away. He didn't though. He would respect your wishes and think about it, at least mull it over for tonight. He knew without a doubt he wasn't planning on walking away, no matter how hard it may be down the line. He had no intention of hurting his girl. But you asked him to think hard about it and he'd give you that. Just the notion that you'd allow him to meet her had his head spinning. 

It wouldn't be perfect by any means. He'd hurt you beyond repair and he wasn't stupid enough to think that being in his daughters life meant getting you back the way he wanted. But it was better than he ever thought he'd get. 

He sniffled again, grabbing his phone and pressing speed dial one without hesitation. He didn't give the person on the line a chance to speak once they answered.

"Frankie... I got a little girl," Billy beamed through his sobs. Frank made a choked noise on the other end.

"Shit, Bill. Congratulations," he replied, his own voice thick with emotion and wavering. 

Billy would never forget how badly Frank reacted to the news you were pregnant and he'd just walked away. It stuck with him for a long time and he knew Frank was hurt by what he did. Billy was his family which meant his kid was family. 

Billy didn't care as he openly sobbed down the phone to his best friend and he knew Frank wouldn't rib him for it, not this time. Once he mentioned he had pictures, Frank didn't hesitate to tell him he was on his way over. 

Despite the pain he was feeling and the self loathing, he felt a sense of completeness that he'd never felt before. And he knew no matter what he'd do right by you and his baby girl. He'd be the man you both deserve. You were both his family and he wouldn't abandon you. Not again. He wouldn't perpetuate the cycle of his own harsh upbringing. It would be different this time. He'd be a good dad. A good man for his girls.

[un2-verse]

BILLY — Kim Taehyung (3)

Synopsis: News of a Sadistic Serial Killer nicknamed “Jigsaw” is spreading around town like wildfire… the nickname stemming from the puzzle piece he cuts from every victim’s body. No one knows who he’ll trap next but in a town full of delinquents and criminals, it could never be you. Right?

Pairing: yandere!Taehyung x f!reader

genre: angst, horror, weirdly some fluff lol

Warnings: dark themes, yandere, stalking, manipulation, conditioning, mentions of abuse, suicidal ideations/attempts, self harm, murder, depictions of torture etc (basically its gorey and fucked up), angel trap, etc stabbing and guns. do not read if triggered!!!!

wordcount: 2.2k

taglist: @yes-sol-not-soul @yoongiofmine

a/n: pt 3 is here!! honestly i wasnt expecting this amount of support as i’ve never published my writing before so thank u sm ♡ i was inspired to write this one night and i had no idea where it’d go or anything but i’m happy with the way its turning out :D fun fact abt me, i’ve been obsessed w the franchise since i was little and i actually have 2 saw tattoos, one of billy and one above saying “cherish your life” since that’s pretty much the motto of saw :) and i have quite the collection of saw/billy items so why not turn my fav horror film into a fucked up love story! let me know if u would like to be added to the taglist and pls enjoy reading^^ feel free to send me asks abt the series or anything u want~ i love hearing from u guys!! :D ps— taehyung and the reader dont have much interaction in this part,, theyll definitely be more of them together in part 4 :) unedited so pls excuse any mistakes!! tysm <33 and remember these are fictional characters and do not represent bts personally in any way!!

series masterlist

part one part two

The headlines constantly named the Jigsaw Killer, Billy. The somewhat eerie little doll that had a face as white as a Calla Lily with spirals on it’s cheeks as red as the blood that was shed during the tests. Billy was always dressed in a little black suit with a red bowtie and he was (most of the time) situated on a squeaky battered tricycle. Attached was always a tape that read “play me” and when the subjects did, a chilling voice— one that could make even the world's worst predators shiver with terror— would echo around the room.

Everyone knew that a doll clearly wasn’t responsible, yet they gave it the name Billy in hopes to somewhat humanise the face that instilled panic— they did not want to live in fear.

It was the only face behind the killings.

But this time, there was a different subject stuck in the test and Billy had made sure there was no way for them to survive.

“How are you scared of heights? You’re practically a giant yourself!”

“Just because I’m tall doesn’t mean I can’t be scared of heights Y/Nie.”

You had no idea how long had passed since Taehyung had turned up at the garage, you were too busy chatting away squeezed into the kitchen while your Dad, Yoongi and Hobi worked on the cars in the shop. If anyone could hear you both, they would think you’d known eachother since childhood— the playful jokes and light touches exaggerated that.

You’d only known him for a few hours really, if you added the time spent with him on the first day and now. It hadn’t seemed like all those weeks ago that you first met, he had a familiar presence, as though you had known him for years compared to the hours.

“I just wouldn’t imagine you to be scared of anything Taehyung… you seem so confident and fearless.”

You saw the way Taehyung looked at you. His eyes flashed with understanding.

“I did have my fears back then, much like yours.”

“What do you mean?” you had a rough idea on what he meant but you needed him to voice it.

A deep inhale and the words flowed from his lips before he could stop it, “The fear of living. I had been through some stuff you know, growing up. My mum was working a lot and my dad was an alcoholic, he was so fucking possessive and wouldn’t let her go anywhere without kicking off. It was a fucking shitshow and so toxic. This one time though, I’d pretended that I’d gone to school and waited outside the front door. It didn’t take long before I heard shit getting smashed and my dad shouting.” Taehyung was telling the truth only, he left out the part where he was also as possessive, if not more, than his father. Well, let's say… obsessive. “I just ran in the house and saw my dad towering over my mum and I don’t remember what happened but, I do remember my mum crying and my dad disappeared.”

Now Taehyung was lying through his teeth. He remembered clearly, almost like it was yesterday. He smashed the nearest bottle, pulled his mother away from the monster that scared her and stabbed him. Not just once, not twice but thirty-seven times. Hence the thirty seven tattoo on the palm of his right hand (the one he’d actually killed his father with). There was only Taehyung who knew what it meant, he counted every single time the broken glass pierced his father’s body, he counted with a smile on his face and a chuckle in his throat.

You were at a loss for words. Your mouth gaped in shock, eyes wide and your brain scrambled for the right thing to say. You reached over and grabbed his hand, interlacing your fingers. His thumb running back and forth along your hand. “I’m sorry, I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like.” There was no way you could relate, your mother and father were happy and in love. They had the ideal relationship, one you wished for yourself. You could empathise though.

“You don’t need to be sorry baby, it’s in the past and I’ve moved on from it. I was like you though, poisoned by the roots that keep you on the ground even though you wanted nothing more than to break free and be no longer.” A silence fell over you both before Taehyung uttered, “I wasn’t successful with my attempt so now I’m here to help you.”

Warmth spread throughout your body, a smile graced your features as you no longer felt alone.

You had a completely different idea to what those words actually meant.

It was nearing the evening when Taehyung’s car had been fixed. Yoongi popped his head in the kitchen to tell him but stopped himself so as to not interrupt the scene before him. You were laughing along to whatever Taehyung was babbling about with your hand resting on his bicep, with that look in your eyes that he hadn’t seen for years. Yoongi felt himself smile as he saw you hanging onto Taehyung's every word.

For the first time in forever, you looked alive.

Yoongi cleared his throat which drew yours and Taehyung’s attention, “Sorry to interrupt guys. We’ve finished with your car so whenever you’re ready we’ll be outside.” The infamous gummy smile overtook his features, you felt yourself beam in return.

“Thanks man! I’ll be like, five minutes.���

Yoongi nodded his head in reply and swiftly left the room.

You’d taken Tae’s hand into yours, playing with the array of rings that occupied his fingers. Solemn thoughts overtook, am I not gonna see him again? Was this, whatever this is, over before it had even begun? Your eyes stayed on his hand as you turned it over and traced your finger over the inked ‘thirty seven’ on his palm. “What does this mean?”

Taehyung didn’t think twice before he practically beamed out, “It’s my lucky number.”

The difference was, it wasn’t really his lucky number… although he did see it that way. It was the number that had stayed with him. It was something he was proud of, whenever he looked at the hand that killed his father, his chest filled with pride and a joyous feeling overtook his senses. It was his first murder. Something he relished in and thus, created the onslaught of Jigsaw killings. He targeted a certain type— those whose sins would lock them up forever if they were ever found out. Racists, murderers, rapists, drug dealers, con-men. Authoritative figures who abused their power. He even went as far as subjecting suicidal people.

You see, things aren’t sequential. Good doesn’t lead to good, nor bad to bad. People who steal, don’t get caught, they live the good life. Others lie, cheat and get elected.

Some people would call it karma but Taehyung, he called it justice.

He’d started this with one thing on his mind— those that don’t appreciate life do not deserve it.

Whenever a serial killer was on the loose, the press did what they always did. They gave them a nickname. While the public had named the doll Billy. The actual killer was named ‘Jigsaw’.

This stemmed from the jigsaw piece that was cut from the victims skin, no one knew why he was doing it or what it even stood for.

It did have a meaning although unknown to the public.

The jigsaw piece that was cut from the subjects was only ever meant to be a symbol that that subject was missing something. A vital piece of the human puzzle. The survival instinct.

After all, until a person is faced with death, it’s impossible to tell whether they have what it takes to survive.

Across town an underground abandoned warehouse, was where the next subject had found themselves.

They were suspended in the air, their feet merely dangling above the ground. The putrid smell of death lingered in every crevice, the sound of rats scurrying along the concrete floor filled their ears just as they began to stir awake.

A pain in their ribs was the overwhelming factor to them finally coming around. When they groggily opened their eyes, they were paralised with fear due to the scene in front of them.

A doll sat a few feet ahead, perched upon a tricycle. Adorned with a black suit and a red bowtie. A slow red light flashed in his eyes.

Billy.

Before the subject could even register how, when or why they found themselves trapped in a test, footsteps echoed behind them. The subject called out, “Help! Please, somebody help! I shouldn’t be here!”

A tsk reached their ears, as a disembodied voice replied, “Trust me, no one can hear you. Scream all you like. You’d just be wasting your breath, you may as well cherish it before it's gone.”

With hairs stood on end, the subject stilled. “What do you want from me?”

“I don’t want anything from you.” The man's footsteps grew louder. “I’m here to serve justice, that’s all.”

The man rounded the subject, settling in their view with only his cloaked back visible while he tended to the little doll. He touched Billy delicately—like he was a little child that he loved dearly. He combed his gloved hand through the doll's black hair and eventually pulled his fingers from the tresses to pat his head gently.

“You fucking psycho! Let me go!”

He couldn’t help but laugh at that which only infuriated the subject more causing them to shake in anger, a movement they soon ceased when they realised something was penetrating their ribs.

“I’d be very careful if I was you, we wouldn’t want you hurting yourself now… would we?” The cloaked figure spun around. An angry glint to his eye.

“What the fuck, you’re fucking crazy. Let me out, this isn’t right!” The subject tried their hardest to swing their legs, to somehow kick the man who’d imprisoned them.

“I think you’ll find it is right. You’re unworthy of the body you possess.” He inched closer, “see, when someone purposely intends to harm others, they lose their right to life.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

The man arched a brow as he replied, “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He felt like it was a game of cat and mouse except, he was a tiger and his subject, was the tiniest prey to mankind. “But, let me remind you! Since you can’t get your thick fucking head to work. You’re a liar, a cheater and an abuser. That ring any bells?”

The subject's face dropped.

“Ah, I see by your expression you know exactly what I’m talking about! Glad to see we’re on the same page.” He shrugged his cloak off placing it to the side of the doll. “I want to play a game.”

“What game? This isn’t a fucking game! You’re sick in the head you fucking cunt!”

The atmosphere shifted, the man remained calm while the subject went ballistic.

“What is this? What fucking game?”

“You feel the machine that’s currently occupying your ribs? Well, in about ten minutes that’s going to rip you apart. I’m proud to say that trap is my baby. I’ve been working on it especially for you! How nice is that?” he reached out to tug at the subject’s legs, tormenting them like a cat would a mouse. “Anyway, as my beautiful angel trap will rip you apart, my darling little friend Billy over here,” the subject followed the direction the man's hand pointed, “is going to match your face with the ugliness of your soul.”

“Fuck, fuck this! How do I stop it? Tell me how I fucking stop it!”

A boxy grin overtook the man's face, laughter poured from his mouth as he leaned over and slapped the subject’s leg. “This is a special game.”

“Who are you? What do you mean by ‘special game’?”

He raised himself so he stood tall and grabbed a knife from his pocket, “I’m the man you call Jigsaw.” He traced the tip of the knife along the subject’s ankle, “and when I say a special game… I mean you can’t get out.” While the subject was screaming in realisation, Taehyung walked back for his cloak, hung it over his shoulder and stalked off back the way he came. He sent one last smile to the subject as he rounded them and within the blink of an eye, he gripped the knife and slashed the subject’s achilles.

A chilling scream pierced the eerie atmosphere, the subject couldn’t string words together. Abundances of anxiety, terror and pure panic took reign of their body. Taehyung grabbed the injured muscles and forced his gloved fingers in as he gripped and twisted them, “That’s for Y/N.”

Taehyung had pressed the timer before he cut the subject’s tendons. He grabbed the tape from his pocket and threw it on the ground and with a chuckle he shouted, “Game over!”

Before he reached the end of the hallway, he heard the gunshots pierce his subjects face followed by the sound of the angel trap, even this far away Taehyung heard every crack of the ribs and the noise of the body being tore apart.

Without looking back, Taehyung rounded the corner and slammed the door shut.

He’d chosen the Angel trap for the irony, the subject that was currently hanging from the ceiling was no angel. They were a fucked up, evil, waste of space. Taehyung had done the world a favour, he’d done you a favour.

That got him thinking, how much blood would you shed in order to stay alive?

[a/n: who do we think was in the trap???👀]