#i'm going to give it my best shot but CHRIST

[giantkillerjack]

Anytime a demon shows up in a movie, it's always "oh no! get a priest! get holy water! get some crosses!"

and never "hey guys what makes us think that the Catholic Church as an institution is prepared to fight evil? Particularly when it relies upon the existence of perceived evil in order to maintain its power??"

Or "Hey, why does every story about magic and the Catholic Church also tend to canonically validate Christianity as the one true religion??"

And Wendall & Wild is like, "don't worry, y'all. We got you covered."

--

Anyway, this is yet another reason I love the portrayal of the Church in this movie. This is the most thematically coherent animated American film I've seen in a thousand years.

[cosmal]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN 😘💋💋💋💋

cake 🍰 - sleepy kisses/cuddles with james <3

sleepy

summary you james makeout. whilst being a little tired.

content james potter x fem!reader

note thank u baby i love u

You still have your dress on when James tugs you into his bed. The silk rides up your thighs when he pulls you over his lap and lays back against the headboard. You really want to tug at his curls. You have all night.

"Never let Marlene convince me to do shots ever again," James mumbles as you work at his tie. He tilts his head up as you struggle with the knot. He yawns, smelling of fresh spearmint gum and alcohol. "They give me the hiccups." You know. He'd hiccuped the entire Uber ride home.

You finally get the tie off his head and mess his hair as you go. His top button has been undone since he left the pub. "If I remember," you run your fingers through his hair and listen to him sigh, "it was your idea," you say before you lean in to press your mouth to his neck.

You feel him shiver underneath you, the jump in his fingers as he pulls you closer by the hips. One day you expect your flesh to be moulded to fit his hands with the amount of time he keeps them there.

You tuck your face into his neck and keep it there, pleased with the sounds you pull from him. Lazy with your mouth, wet and hot kisses against his dark skin. Spending special time on the beauty marks you have memorised.

"It wasn't," he argues, voice light as air. You feel your ego swell. "It wasn't my idea- Christ, you're an angel."

You pull your lips from his reddening skin with a little pop, scraping your teeth until he breaks out into goosebumps. "I've wanted to do that all night," you admit, the last remnants of sheepishness gone now that you're alone with him in his bed. You expect James to use it against you eventually.

"Why didn't you?" he asks with another squeeze.

"In Sirius's front room?" The barest hint of your shy giggles has James smiling. All hooded eyes, a crush of eyelashes that you envy, and pretty teeth just peeking from his wet lips.

"It's never stopped him from getting it on with Remus," he says like it's a reasonable argument.

"It's his house," you sigh.

"So?"

You don't tell him it's mostly because the thought of kissing him like you are right now, around other people, makes your skin catch on fire. You can imagine it now - your face in his neck and his hands up the skirt of your dress until you can see the lace of your underwear. You much prefer it in the comfort of his flat. Without the wolf-whistling on Sirius's part.

You know James loves it like this too. Loves to get you all dizzy with it. Lazy hugs and even worse kisses. He's addicted to you like this.

You lean back in and James accepts it with a little too much tired giddiness. A low rumble of contentment deep from his chest. "Where did you learn that?'' he asks, breathing in through his nose deeply as your nose bumps the column of his throat.

"I have," you mumble, too busy under his jaw when he tilts his head upwards, "I have the best teacher."

"Fuck, baby," James stammers, voice all husky. You melt into a little puddle at the sound of it.

He scoots you both down the bed with you against his chest. "You keep kissing me like that, sweetheart, I'm gonna fall asleep."

You don't have time to argue. To tell him that's exactly what you were going for. He kisses you. Even worse than you were, and you mean that in the best way possible. Kisses that take away the little breath you have left, all shallow and desperate to keep yourself from passing out with your lips pressed to his.

You think he knows this. He whines and tries to keep your head up with his fingers under your jaw. It turns a little sloppy, his nose bumps yours and his hands turn soft at your sides.

It's not until your dress rides up some more do you remember you still haven't changed. "James," you pant. He hums. Too content with kissing your cheeks. "James, we need to get changed."

"Can't," he mumbles, ducking his head until it falls into your neck and his curls tickle your face, "can't, wanna keep kissing you. Until we fall asleep?"

"We can't baby," you giggle. All high-pitched and airy. "You're in your slacks. And a belt."

"I'll survive," he grumbles.

"Your hips won't, honey," you say and brush his hair behind his ear, scratching the skin there lightly. You realise you aren't helping. "C'mon, I'm in my nice dress. I need to put on my pyjamas."

James, extremely reluctantly, and without a few mumbled expletives, gets up from his bed. He drags you blindly with him over to the dresser.

"This is all Marlene's fault," he whines, hands in his boxer drawer, "I'm never shotting again."

"You gotta stay away from that sambuca, babe," you say with a hint of smartassery.

"I was gonna rock your world tonight," he says, stripping. You watch his muscles flex and try to keep yourself upright while putting your sleep shorts on. "But I think I'm gonna fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow."

You laugh animatedly, despite him being the funniest person you know, yawning into the back of your hand. "Rock my world in the morning, Jamie?"

"And the afternoon."

[harrygoeswest]

Love Aged Like Fine Wine

Harry is drunk and lost not too far from home, and there's only one person he wants to call to rescue him.

A/N: Hello everyone 👋🏼 it has been a loooong time since I posted anything on Tumblr, and I was admittedly reluctant to do so. However, I reblogged the lovely Sarah's (@harry-on-broadway) fic challenge the other day and it inspired me, and I would be doing a disservice to write the whole thing and never look at it again, especially since I quite like it. SO, I give you my first one shot in over a year. Bear with me, I'm a bit rusty... Special mention as always to Miss Liz (@all-things-fic) for reading and validating me.

I'm using prompts 14 & 19.

Trigger Warnings: Absolutely nothing (apart from the odd f word)

Word Count: 6533

~~~

“What do you want, Harry?”

An offended scoff was his initial response. “Not a very nice way t’greet y’best friend.”

He was right, it wasn’t. “You’re not my best friend.”

“Ouch. Though’ we were besties ‘n now y’makin’ me feel sad.”

Harry was slurring more than he usually did. I feared if he tried to say obviously, ‘overshly’ would turn into a soft, deep single syllable alike to the word ‘shush’. It wasn’t particularly late to warrant his level of drunkenness. Especially on a Tuesday evening. Chewsday, if you will.

“Harsh truths are easier to take when you’re drunk.” I said, shrugging as if he could see the action.

“Why’re y’bein’ so ‘orrible?” He whined.

“Why are you calling me pissed as a fart at 8:45 on a Tuesday night and ruining my bath time?”

“‘S there some space lef’ in the bathtub?”

“Don’t make it weird.” I grimaced. “What’s going on?”

He produced an incoherent mumble. I heard the rain get heavier, both on the phone call and outside my house.

“What was that?”

“M’st…”

“Aye?” I asked, my face surely a bewildered picture.

“I’m lost.” He huffed, agitated.

I sat up in the bath, water and suds sloshing around me. “Lost?”

“Yes.”

“W-,” words failed me, and I barked out a sharp laugh. “How are you lost?”

“How does anyone else get lost?” He said, stroppy.

“Wow, you really are drunk.”

He hummed, but it was a defeated noise. “C’ya come ‘n get me?”

“How am I supposed to come and get you if you don’t know where you are?”

“Well I was only at The Holly Bush.”

I laughed twice as hard that time. Put in perspective, The Holly Bush is no more than a ten minute walk from Harry’s house. “How long have you been walking?”

“‘Bout ‘alf an hour.” He muttered.

Now I was really howling, like a hyena on laughing gas. “Jesus Christ, Harry!”

“‘S not funny!”

“On the contrary, years of comedy begs to differ.”

He practically cried my name down the phone. “‘M really tired ‘n cold ‘n… weh,” I think he meant wet, “please come get me.”

I took a deep breath and mourned my premature bath. “Fine. But do not move from wherever you are.”

“Won’t.”

I stood up and watched water and soap suds cascade down my body with a pout. “What can you see?”

“Er…” a pause followed, I assumed for his vacant thoughts. “‘S like a lot of trees.”

I rolled my eyes. “That could literally be any part of the Heath, mate. Say more words.”

“I can’t see shit! It’s dark and it’s pissing it down!”

“Don’t get arsey or you can stay there and drown in rain water.” I warned him. “Find a road sign. Or a street name.”

He grunted. After no more than fifteen seconds he produced, “Platt’s Lane.”

“Alright, I know where that is. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“Thank you.” He said. At least I think that’s what he said.

I murmured a little, “Sure,” and then hung up. 

I dressed quickly in the easiest clothes I could find - a pair of tie-dye jogging bottoms, an old t-shirt and a crewneck over the top. I pulled on the first pair of trainers I could find and ran out to my car whilst fighting the rain. I also took a towel with me. My hair was still in the bun I’d put it up in for my bath.

It was really battering it down now - it was loud inside the car and the windows were steamed up. It was even louder when I turned the air conditioning on to defog the windows.

Once I could see outside the front and back windows I finally made my way to find Harry. I still mourned my bath as I drove - I missed how warm it was and how comfortable I had been. Now I was out in the cold and wet to rescue my drunken idiot friend.

It didn’t take me very long to find said drunken idiotic friend. He was sitting on a yellow grit box under some trees at the junction of Platt’s Lane and West Heath Road. He was soaking, shoulders slumped and looking at the floor. I pulled up as close to him as possible and leaned over to push the door open.

“Get in, you moron!” I called.

Harry looked up at the sound of my voice. He leapt to his feet almost immediately after, and staggered his way over to my little car. He nearly tripped over twice on his way, and he hit his head as he sat down.

“Fucking hell.” I muttered. “Look at the state of you.”

He grumbled, readjusting his sodden jacket, and then looked right at me. His hair was drenched, water dripping from his neck down his arms and chest, and his forehead down his nose and cheeks.

“Here,” I threw the towel at him. “You’re gonna make my car smell.”

“‘S tha’ the wors’ a’ya problems?” He asked, a snide tone laced in his mushy words.

“I wish it was.”

I pulled off again as Harry began to attempt to dry himself off, although I feared a towel would do very little to help him. Fortunately we were only a mere five minute drive from his house anyway. He probably could have walked home faster if he were sober. 

It was a relatively quiet drive since Harry spent most of it rubbing my towel over every available inch of his body. He did however sing along to the one song he heard playing, but he didn’t quite have the same masterful tone as usual. He even seemed quite timid.

I parked as close as possible to his front door and shut the engine off.

“Where are your keys, H?”

He gave me a dopey blink and then looked down at himself, double chin appearing accompanied with a pouty lower lip. “Dunno. On me somewhere.”

I sighed and unclipped my seatbelt, then reached over to him to feel through each of his pockets for his house keys. Of course I found them in the hardest one to reach on the inside of his jacket. He giggled while I did, like a child being tickled. I smacked him on the arm before I got out of the car.

I ran up to the front door and unlocked it, opening it so that my paralytic companion could be jettisoned inside his home as quickly as possible without getting more wet.

“Come on, then,” I said as I opened the passenger door, my shoulders hunched because the rain felt weird on my neck.

Harry practically fell out of the car at my instruction, so I lifted him up and placed his arm around my shoulder so I could manage his weight better. I kicked the car door shut behind us and walked him to the door. I realised on our little walk how unfit I was.

“‘M sorry.” He mumbled.

“It’s fine.” I said, my voice tight. It was only strained because he was heavy and I was weak.

“Didn’t even think I drank tha’ much, was only few whiskeys.”

Only a few could range anything between 3 and 30. I didn’t chide him for that. “It’s alright, Harry. I’m sure you’d do the same for me.” I meant that genuinely and not as a threat I’d be getting that level of drunk in the future just to call him to rescue me.

“Would.” He insisted.

I awkwardly held onto him as we got inside, twisting at an awkward angle to close the door and keep any more rain from getting in. Harry felt like dead weight against me.

“Ready to get upstairs?”

His affirming nod was the surest action I’d seen from him this far.

“Alright,” I took a deep breath, “let’s go.”

I made sure we navigated the stairs one at a time, because I had visions of him tripping up and cracking his head open if he tried to do anything by himself. And now, in the warmth of his massive home and up this close to him, the boy reeked of stale beer and sweat. I didn’t want to ask what he’d been doing in The Holly Bush for him to get that bad. I hadn’t seen him that wasted in a very long time.

“Meant it, y’know.” He slurred.

We were only halfway up the stairs and all I could hear was my own panting. Admittedly I was surprised he hadn’t passed out yet. 

“Meant what?” I heaved, and pushed him up the next step.

“I w’ do the same f’you.”

“I know you would.”

“Don’t even have t’ be drunk.”

“Right.”

We stopped for a minute, not at anyone’s request but Harry didn’t seem to want to move. I looked at him as he did me, and he produced this hazy-eyed, closed-lip smile. 

His woolly but content expression made me laugh. “I think it’s bed time for you, mate.”

He groaned. “Don’t call me ‘mate’.”

I frowned. “Alright. Sorry.”

When we finally reached the top of the stairs, Harry collapsed on me by way of a hug. We were standing in the middle of the hallway, his entire body somehow wrapped around mine. I was suffocating in the smell of a brewery.

“Don’t leave me.” He begged.

“I’m not… Need to get you to bed somehow.”

He pulled his head back to look at me, eyes heavy. “You can take me to bed.”

“That’s what I just said.”

He nodded repeatedly like a bobble-head figure. 

I made a face, perturbed, and nudged him in the direction of his bedroom. He nearly fell over as he turned around, and ended up palming the wall the rest of the way. I kept a hand on his back just in case.

As soon as he saw his bed he was climbing onto it, still fully clothed and in his muddy trainers.

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, reaching after him like he was a toddler, “Harry, take your shoes off.”

He laughed maniacally into his bed sheets, the muffled sound disturbing.

I huffed with a scowl and did it myself. His vans were dripping wet so I took them to the radiator and left them on top to dry. I made sure the radiator was turned on, too. The last thing Harry Styles needed was the flu again.

He was sitting up now, watching me with a warm expression. I ignored it.

“Need to take your clothes off or you’ll get a cold.”

“Yes, Miss.” He was beaming now.

The attempt at taking his t-shirt off was painful, and I ended up having to help him.

“Jeans too.”

I knew that would be more agonising to watch than the t-shirt, and I didn’t want to have to look at his bare chest for too long, so I went for a walk to the closest bathroom to get another towel. His jeans were still around his knees when I got back.

“Jesus Christ.” I said through gritted teeth, and freed his jeans from around his ankles. They were a heavy kind of damp and thudded when I put them on the floor.

“‘S cold.” He commented, staring up at me.

“I’ve just put the radiator on.” I told him, and handed him the towel. “I’ll find you some clean pants.”

I left him to dry his no doubt tacky chest and legs while I searched through his drawers for some clean underwear. I threw them at him once I’d located them.

“Where’s your laundry basket?”

“Wardrobe.” He said, voice getting gruff.

I collected his dirty clothes from off the floor again and wandered into the walk-in wardrobe attached to his bedroom. I stared at it for a while, not just because it was ginormous but also because I couldn’t believe the amount of crap in it. It was bulging with clothes - some I hadn’t seen him wear for years and others I hadn’t seen him wear at all. Ever. 

I dropped the clothes in my hand onto the overflowing basket in one of the cupboards, hating to do so because it was just adding to more chores. And then I realised that this was not my house and I would not be responsible for washing any of his clothes.

“Harry, do you want something to wear in bed if you’re cold?”

He never answered.

I peered into the bedroom to see he’d already tucked himself into bed.

“I guess not.” I muttered.

I stood next to his bed and watched him for a minute. His eyes were closed and he was breathing regularly but I couldn’t work out if he was actually asleep or just pretending to be. His eyelids looked shiny and delicate and his cheeks were dusted pink - a combination of his inebriation and being outside in the cold for so long. I could hear the radiator chugging and it was definitely warmer than it had been when we arrived.

Without thinking, still staring at him while possibly passed out like a lunatic creep, I wrapped my index finger around one of his curls and moved it out of his face.

He giggled suddenly, catching my wrist. “That tickled.”

I smacked his hand away. “I thought you were asleep, you absolute git!”

“Not yet.”

I rolled my eyes and scowled at him. “I’m goin’ home. Seeing you in bed is making me want mine.”

“Can always share mine.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I scoffed, and made a move to leave. “I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

“Aye, wait!” He shouted at me.

“What?”

“I don’t want you t’ leave yet.”

“Well, I’m exhausted, and you’re about to pass out on me anyway.”

He said something that was complete and utter incoherent nonsense.

“I don’t know what you just said but I’m not changing my mind.”

He whined my name again and reached for my hand. “Please stay bit longer? Like havin’ y’here, havin’ y’around.”

“Well, that’s nice of you to say, but I still want my own bed.”

“Please?”

“No.” I stood my ground, but I took a step closer and pinched his cheek. “But I’ll come back tomorrow after work if that makes you feel better.”

“Feel better if y’stayed wi’ me now.”

“Well that’s not going to happen. Just call me if you need anything.”

“Need y’now. Need y’all the time.”

“Stop being daft.”

“‘M not bein’ daft - I mean it.”

“You are being daft. Just go to sleep - I’ll come back tomorrow. I promise.”

He stressed my name and sat up. “Y’not listenin’ to me. ‘M bein’ proper serious - I want ya t’ stay wi’ me. I need y’here.”

“No, what you need is sleep.”

He scowled at me.

“I’m going to go and get you a pint of water and a paracetamol and then I’m going home. And that’s the last we’re gonna say on this, end of.”

I left the room and  found my way to the kitchen, though admittedly I did get lost on my way there since I’d only been here once before and it was a considerable amount of time ago. I did as promised and got him a pint of water and found some paracetamol in a drawer full of miscellaneous items close to the sink.

I couldn’t fathom why Harry was so needy, insobriety aside. We were friends, yes, and had been for some time, but we weren’t that close. Or perhaps we were and I just refused to admit it due to his increasing popularity and the fact that being perceived near him in the public eye terrified me. I was perfectly happy with my mundane job and my mundane life. I appreciated Harry for what he was - a friend -, and didn’t expect anything more or less from that level of our relationship. Nor had I ever, and it surprised me that he suddenly did.

Perhaps I was overthinking it all. That was likely.

I returned to Harry’s room to find him out of bed in just his pants.

“What are you doing?” I asked, putting the water and the tablets on his bedside table, trying to avoid looking at his chest.

“Need the loo.” He said without hesitation, and marched past me.

I sighed, watching after him until he was safely in the bathroom with the door closed, and then I perched on the edge of his bed with my head in my hands.

I was irritated, yes. I knew I shouldn’t be as irritated as I was, but I couldn’t help it. This was not the evening I had planned for myself. I was supposed to have an early night and go to work in the morning with a clear head and no bags under my eyes. Now I was going to look like the walking dead, and feel like it too.

I stood up again when Harry reappeared. I watched him stagger and sway across the corridor and it made me nervous. He tripped once and nearly smacked his face against the doorframe.

“Fucking hell, Harry.” I said, panicked, and reached forward to steady him.

He laughed, more a giggle of that from a small girl. “I’m so drunk.”

“I know you are. That’s why you need to get into bed.”

“I will, jus’ one more thing before I do,”

I thought he was going to start running riot around the house and I was going to have to chase after him, like a dog owner with a tyrannical pooch. But instead, he just wrapped his arms around my middle and shoved his face into the crook of my neck. His body was warm and it felt strange being this close to him when he had so little clothes on.

I let out a long breath, reciprocating it this time. “You’re a twat.”

He hummed when I stroked my hand over his damp hair. “Not very nice.”

“And yet still true.”

He grunted, but never moved a muscle. A moment of silence passed before he said anything else. “Thank you f’ comin’ to rescue me.”

“Sure, anytime.” I didn’t mean that. Or maybe I did, but I’d be bitter about it if it became a recurrence because I couldn’t stand to disappoint people who meant a lot to me.

He let me go, and I thought that was finally going to be the end of it. Instead, he took my face, quite harshly, between both of his hands until my cheeks squished. His gaze was dopey and warm again, but somehow different to last time. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Harry, that hurts.”

He ignored me. “I love you.” It sounded more like ‘ah luff you’ but that wasn’t relevant in the moment.

“Yeah, I love you too, now let go.” I was trying to pull his hands away but apparently he was still physically stronger than me even that drunk.

“No,” he shook his head at me and then brought what felt like my entire body against his chest. “I mean I really love you.”

I couldn’t see anything. I felt us begin to fall sideways, but with his strength I had absolutely no control over where we were going.

“Harry!” I screamed, still trying to fight him with no luck.

I think we hit the bed because the landing was softer than anticipated and Harry didn’t wince or flinch. That could also be attributed to the levels of alcohol in his body. He was probably majoritively quite numb.

“Y’like, my favourite person.” He said, voice much quieter now, and I could feel his nose in my hair. My face was pushed into his chest. “Want y’around all time. Rubbish a’ showin’ it but I miss y’when ‘m nor’ at home. ‘N I don’t mean everyone, I mean jus’ you.”

I was listening to him with baited breath. I’d never really been on the receiving end of ‘drunk words, sober thoughts’ - I was usually the one talking and making a fool of myself. Once I told my sister’s boyfriend (at the time) what I really thought of him in front of our entire family after keeping my mouth shut for so long. They broke up the next day and she came to live with me for a month. I felt almost paralysed now listening to Harry.

“Mus’ think ‘m nuts ‘cause I’ve never said anythin’ before, bur’m scared. You’re a scary woman.”

I tried not to take offence to that, even though it was likely true. I had tried for the longest time to give off a very ambiguous aura. I didn’t want anyone to know me, least not the real me. I liked the illusion of being dead inside even if I was far from it.

“Loved y’ for so long now I can’ ‘ide it anymore.” He was really slurring now and words were about to fail him. Somehow, he was still holding onto me. “‘M like tha’ 1975 song.” I wanted to ask which one, but I didn’t have to. He proceeded to sing the words, “I’m in love with you.”

Just once he sang them, maybe slightly off pitch but it still sounded good. Not sure it would hold up to any of his previous performances, but I’d take it.

I didn’t know what to say. I was in a state of shock to be honest and the thought of moving terrified me. But then his grip around me loosened, and he let out a singular loud snore.

I pulled back, horrified, to see his sleeping face - mouth wide open. Another snore was released. “You are fucking joking.”

I sat up, his limp body falling away from me. I smacked his arm in the hopes of waking him, but he never flinched. “Harry,” I said, hitting him again.

Still no movement.

“Oi.” Smack.

Nothing.

I didn’t know what to do. Who does that? Who makes an admission like that and then falls asleep? And why did it have to be this boy? I was speechless, and when I finally managed to clamber off the bed I was also useless.

I stared at him with a look of bewilderment, as he lay there passed out on his unmade bed, mouth agape and naked besides his white y-fronts. It was then that the reality of what he’d said hit me, and I started to cry.

I wasn’t angry or upset - I was overwhelmed. Drunkenly, Harry had just told me he loved me. Then immediately passed out. Now I was left with my own feelings and his and no one to talk to about it. What was I supposed to do?

I desperately wanted to leave and get some sleep, but I also couldn’t help but think that would be morally inappropriate. Leaving a friend alone while dangerously intoxicated was how 50% of all murder documentaries started. Not that Harry was likely to get killed by an intruder in his mansion complete with security fortress. But he might accidentally fall down the stairs or choke on his own vomit.

And yet, the idea of staying in this massive and unfamiliar house to process all those thoughts made me even more hysterical. The idea alone provoked a loud sob, and I quickly covered my mouth because it was such a horrendous sound.

I made my decision that instant. I put Harry properly into bed with all of my remaining strength, covered him with his duvet, and then I fled from his house like a bat out of hell. On my way out, I took his spare keys with me.

I barely slept that night. My head was swimming and even though I couldn’t keep my eyes open, my brain was in overdrive. That, and the cat was sleeping on my chest and purring right in my face. His whiskers tickled my nose.

I found myself thinking about the early stages of mine and Harry’s association. 

I couldn’t have called him a friend when we first met because I hated him. I don’t think that feeling was ever reciprocated on his part but I couldn’t ever stand to be in the same room as him. Why? Because I felt the need to constantly contradict societal comments and beliefs. The world - at least people in my world - deemed him a golden boy who never did any wrong. I was convinced it wasn’t the case. My downfall was my lack of determination to prove it.

We met through mutual friends, as these things always seemed to happen. I couldn’t even remember which friend it was - neither me nor Harry talked to them anymore. But one day he was just there, and periodically from then onward he continued to show up. I couldn’t even remember when it was, but it was before he cut all his hair off. One Direction’s last few remaining days, perhaps? Anyway, he was suddenly omnipresent and came with an abundance of attention and it infuriated me.

I remember once, Harry confronted me on my obvious dislike for him. That was our first encounter collectively with ‘drunk words, sober thoughts’. I can’t remember exactly what I said but I wasn’t very nice and I remember the Bambi look in his eyes when I walked away from him. After that he was notably absent for some time. If I asked him about it now I’m not sure how honest he’d be about it. He was lucky enough to be able to claim work absences for long periods of time - I imagined he’d use that excuse. How truthful that would be, I didn’t know.

Our reconciliation came after that. He saw me alone in the nearby shop and asked me to join him for a coffee. I couldn’t really say no - it was a Sunday afternoon and I was only going back home to vegetate for the rest of the day. I think it was spring - I probably would’ve just read a book and gone to bed early. We spent the next 3 hours in Ginger & White, and after we got kicked out of there we went up to The Holly Bush, ironically.

I saw a different side to Harry that night, and I always put it down to having him to myself. There was no one else there with us apart from the locals in the pub who wouldn’t bat an eyelid. It was just us, and he was unapologetically himself, as was I.  We suddenly had an entirely new perception of one another - a higher level of understanding. On that random Sunday evening alone, I came to appreciate Harry for just being Harry. I saw who he really was, and I liked him.

From then on, I enjoyed his company. It became a regular thing - an afternoon doing something random together, just the two of us. And it ranged from simple coffee shop talks to entire day trips out of London. I realised then that what we’d basically been doing was dating for about 5 years with no physical contact.

I laughed out loud, disturbing the cat. He ran off and left me alone. 

We’d had our own intimate relationships with other people outside of our friendship, which I guess is why I’d never thought about it that way before. He also seemed to do that with multiple other people - I wasn’t the only one. Was I?

I never had to apologise for the night I was rude to him. I always wondered why, and I always berated myself for not saying I was sorry. I’d admitted I was wrong about him a long time ago, but only to myself. It seemed a bit too late to do it now, but I assumed he’d forgiven me. I could’ve been wrong.

I think I finally fell asleep around 4am. My alarm for work went off just 3 hours later and I burst into tears as soon as I realised the situation I was in. I called into work sick and went straight back to sleep.

How much more sleep I had was uncertain. It felt like only 2 hours, but it could’ve been more. Since I wasn’t working, I decided to get a McDonald’s after showering. Mostly for Harry rather than me, although I’m sure he’d make a comment about it.

I used the key I’d stolen last night to let myself in and went straight up to his bedroom with the McDonald’s in my right hand. Except I didn’t make it to his bedroom, because I found him on the bathroom floor next to the toilet, on his front with his cheek pressed to the tile floor.

“Harry…?”

He moaned, limply raising his hand and dropping it again immediately.

I moved into the room, leaving the McDonald’s in the hall because the smell would not go well with the pre-existing one in the room. It seemed Harry had vomited since I left. I sat on my knees beside him and stroked a finger through his curls, similar to how I had done last night.

“Are you alright?”

“Not really.” He said, voice whiny.

“No, I’m not surprised. I brought you some breakfast.”

He managed to lift his head and look towards me. I pointed at the hallway and he followed where my finger suggested.

“What is it?”

“McDonald’s.”

He screwed his face up. “You know I don’t eat meat.”

“Yes, that’s why I got you a Fillet-O-Fish. And mozzarella sticks.”

“Not very healthy.”

“Well, boiled eggs and avocado doesn’t make for very exciting hangover food if you ask me.”

He blew a breath out so that his lips wobbled. “True.”

“You gonna sit up and eat it?”

He took a deep breath. “Yeah.”

“Come on, then,”

I took his arm and helped pull him to a sitting position. He sat against the bathtub and rolled his head back, mouth open and breathing heavy. I left his food in his lap and sat opposite him with my back against the wall.

“This is probably one of the worst hangovers I’ve had in a long time.” He said, grimacing into the paper bag. At least he could form complete words this morning.

“How much do you remember?”

He laughed once. “Not much. I remember calling you, and waiting for you to come get me. I remember when you turned up, but that’s about it. I don’t remember getting home.”

I swallowed thickly. That meant he probably didn’t remember telling me he was in love with me. Or rather, singing it.

“Next thing I’ve woke up in my pants about to vomit.”

“I think you were the most drunk I’ve ever seen you.”

He paused before he took a bite out of his fillet burger. “Really?”

“Hands down. You fell over nearly three times. And you wouldn’t let me go home.”

“Oh, I’m not surprised by that. I’m a very clingy drunk.”

“I was aware of that before last night.” I muttered. “Who were you with?”

“Tom and Tyler.”

“Ah, one of those evenings, was it?

“Yeah, didn’t expect it to be quite that bad, though. Was only going for one.”

“That’s how they all start.”

“Mm, I should know better.”

“Yes you should.”

He laughed around his mouthful and then swallowed it. “This was a good call, thank you.”

“No problem. Although I have to say I did not expect to watch you eat it on the bathroom floor.”

“I know. Feel like a uni student.”

“I don’t think uni students have bathrooms this big.”

He smiled, but didn’t say anything while his mouth was full. “Think I’m gonna have a shower, if you don’t mind?”

I shrugged. “Your house.”

“Right.” He rolled his eyes in jest. “Will you hang around a bit while I do?”

“Sure. I’ll put some coffee on.”

“Cool.” He grinned. 

He shoved the empty box into the paper bag and screwed it up. I took the rubbish off him once we were standing again and left him alone to shower.

I did as I said I would and made him a coffee, and then helped myself to a glass of water and an apple out of the fruit bowl on his counter. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen now. He seemed to be behaving normally, so I was certain he’d forgotten his admission, but that worried me because I was now going to have to admit that I knew. And I still wasn’t entirely sure how I felt.

When Harry did reappear he was fully clothed and looked a lot fresher than he had done before. His hair was damp but beginning to curl and his complexion had a bit more life to it.

“Feel better?”

“Loads better, thank you.”

“That’s good.” I said with a pressed smile. I pushed his coffee towards him.

“Cheers. Where’s yours?” He asked with a subtle frown as he took a sip out of his mug. He made an approving sound. “That’s good.”

“You know, I don’t actually like coffee.”

His frown deepened. “You have coffee all the time.”

“No, I have a mocha.”

“That’s still got coffee in it.”

“Yes, but the hot chocolate kind of makes it a fake coffee. A coffee for people who don’t like coffee.”

“Right.” He chuckled. “I had a thought upstairs just now… why aren’t you at work?”

“Because I barely slept.”

He looked concerned. “You better not have stayed really late because of me. Should’ve kicked me in the crotch and told me to get over myself.”

“Oh believe me, I tried to leave you here to go to bed, H. But I actually got back at an acceptable hour, that wasn’t the problem.”

“Just a bad night?”

I hummed. “No, I still blame you.”

“Why?” He asked, leaning his hip against the counter side.

I looked at the kitchen top and pursed my lips. “You… you told me something that gave me a lot to think about.”

“I didn’t give you some rubbish music samples, did I?”

I snorted. “I wish. Might’ve helped me sleep.”

“What then? I can’t remember anything.”

After a charged silence, I let out a long sigh. “You told me you love me. You said you love me, and then gave this little speech about missing me. And not just as friends - you said like The 1975’s song, I’m in love with you. But you sang that part, and then immediately fell asleep.”

When I met Harry’s gaze again he was staring at me, and biting his cheek. Neither of us said anything for a while. I was hoping he’d say something. Or perhaps me repeating what he said last night meant he felt like he didn’t need to say anymore.

I cocked my head. “Did you mean it?”

He stood taller, inhaling as his gaze became glassy. “Yeah. Yeah of course I did. Well, I didn’t mean to fall asleep, obviously. But I meant it, although I didn’t mean to tell you in that way… you know, while utterly shit faced.”

“You were completely shit faced.”

“Yeah… no, that’s not how I planned on telling you.”

“Was there a different plan?”

“Maybe…” He turned his nose up and scratched the back of his head. “If I told you what it was you’d hate it-,”

“You don’t know that.” I retorted.

He raised a judgemental brow at me. “Er, yes I do.”

I laughed and put my head on the table. “Whatever.”

“Anyway,” he huffed, but it had a lightheartedness to it, “of course I fucking meant it. Been living with it for ages - it’s all had time to brew. Aged like a fine wine.”

I started laughing, and then I felt his arms wrap around my chest. I was pulled up by him to stand straighter, and he rested his chin on my shoulder. His back was against my front and it felt quite nice. I don’t think we’d ever stood like that before.

“Your love has aged like a fine wine?”

“Sounds right cheap when you say it like that.” 

“You said it. That is literally what you said.” I was still laughing.

“I know.” He whimpered.

I twisted my head to look at him, but he’d hidden his face. “You’re gonna have to bear with me.”

“In what way?”

“Well, this is a lot for me. I’m still… processing it, and I don’t know how I feel. You’re my friend and I love you, of course I do. Just…”

“Not in love with me yet.” He concluded.

“Yet.” I sniggered.

“I’ll remain optimistic, obviously.”

“Obviously.”

He giggled, and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Take your time. Preferably not forever though, ‘cause… the biological clock is ticking.”

I snorted again. “Reel it in.”

“Sorry.” He hummed and squeezed my shoulders tightly. “I am going to have a movie day on the sofa. Do you want to stay?”

“For that I do, fuck yeah.”

“Sweet… go and make yourself comfy. I’ll get the snacks.”

He bumped my hip with his when I passed him so I kicked him back. He gave a childish laugh, and I shook my head at him, but I found as I wandered into his overcompensating living room that I had this giddy feeling in my stomach I’d never felt with him before.

What was I, the most stubborn woman on Earth, going to do?

~

“What d’you want, H?”

“Not a very charming greeting.” He groused.

I pouted. “You’re interrupting my bath time.”

“Is there some space left in the bathtub?”

I smirked and sank lower into the water. “For you? Never.”

“Hey!”

“Always,” I laughed around my correction, “I meant always.”

“That’s more like it.” He chuckled. “I was calling because I think it might be my turn to get dinner. So what do you fancy?”

“Well, you, obviously.”

“Obviously.” His matter-of-fact tone matched mine. I could imagine him nodding his head. “How about a chippy?”

“Oh, fuck yeah. My usual please.”

“Curry sauce too?”

“Wouldn’t be my usual without it.”

“Just checking. So, I will be knocking on your door within the next hour. Make the most of that bath ‘cause I’m coming.”

“Cool. See you in a bit.”

“Bye-bye.”

“Love you!” I shouted before he could put the phone down.

He was quiet for a minute. “Blimey. Don’t need to shout it, darlin’.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Just in case you forgot.”

“I could never. But I love you more. See you shortly.”

“Okay, bye-bye. Love you most.”

“No!” He shouted, but I cut him off before he could refute it more.

I felt smug. I let out a satisfied sigh and laid my head back against the edge of the tub. 

I had taken my time in coming around to Harry’s admission, but he was incredibly patient with me and I was always grateful for that. It had been little over a year since his little bender, and I felt really good about everything. We felt really good about everything.

Our relationship seemed to only be moving up at a pace we were both happy with, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. All we had to do was keep it that way, and I had every confidence we could.

~~~

If you read this far, thank you <3

Come Talk To Me

[havecourage-darling]

Firsts

AO3 | Part 1 of 12 (each chapter is a standalone)

>> Firsts: Panic Attack || masterlist

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Female Henderson!Reader

wc: 3.1K

warnings: none, some heavy kissing, drinking, cursing

A/N: Hi! It's me again, back on my bullshit, obsessed and inspired by your lovely messages. This follows the same eddie x henderson!reader from: Don't You (Forget About Me) and Object of My Desire. There are going to be 12 parts -- all detailing first time moments -- but they can all be read as standalones. Some intertwine with a later story idea I have (that I'm waiting for volume 2 to post!) this chapter has no S4 spoilers. Your comments, kudos, and messages give this adhd ridden hyperfixated weirdo life, tysm!

First Kiss

The first time you had kissed him, Eddie was almost sure he’d accidentally smoked a laced joint and had hallucinated the whole thing. Then, you’d snuck your hand into his hair and tugged his neck back. If that hadn’t been enough to turn him on, you had bit down on his neck – worrying the skin between your lips -- and Eddie was halfway in love.

His day had started normally. He’d spent all day in his mind-numbingly boring classes, eating lunch while terrorizing the cafeteria, sold some bud, and planned his next campaign. He didn’t think this was where he’d be by the end of it.

He promised Rick that he’d sell the rest of his stock to make room for some new stuff coming in next week. The best customers were none other than the seniors of Hawkins High. Fortunately for him, it was also the week of Halloween. While he normally wouldn’t be caught dead at any school dance, he knew it was his best bet. He’d hang around for an hour, sell out, and go home a happy guy. Maybe pick up some pizza and a movie for the night.

“Dude, I didn’t know you were here selling,” Jeff, his fellow Hellfire Club member, said just as he’d stepped into the gym.

“What are you dressed as?” Eddie asked, eyeing his outfit.

“Tommy Lee!” Jeff grinned at him, pulling out a pair of drumsticks. Eddie nodded, offering up his fist.

“That’s sick,” he said, glancing around the room. He caught a few odd stares, ignoring them, and a good amount of interested ones.

“Do me a favor dude,” Eddie, grabbed Jeff’s sleeve before his date could steal him away. “Spread the word that I’ve got some stuff to sell.”

Jeff shot the chaperone’s a look before nodding. “I got you man,” he slapped Eddie’s back before going off to the dance floor.

Eddie stationed himself at the edge of the bleachers, mostly hidden by some decorations. He grinned when a basketball player approached him after a few minutes. Typical.

“What are you supposed to be?” Eddie snorted, glancing at the pathetic costume.

“A cowboy,” the guy – Nick? Adam? – sneered. “You got any or what?”

“Or what,” Eddie muttered, handing him a small bag. “Same price.”

The cowboy handed him two pairs of freshly printed, crisp bills. “Pleasure doing business,” Eddie tilted his imaginary hat. Without a word, the cowboy turned on his heel and walked away. Oh the irony of being outcast by the top tier only to have them crawl to him for their needs.

Thirty minutes later, Eddie was all but sold out. He had two joints left but he knew he could smoke through them if he didn’t have any more buyers. Eddie ran a sweaty hand through his hair, why did the gym always feel like it was a thousand degrees, and caught sight of a teacher walking in his direction.

Without preamble, he ducked under the bleachers and waited her out.

“Munson?” A voice called out. Eddie whipped around, startled out of his fucking mind – who hell hides under the bleachers?

“Jesus fucking Christ Harrington, you’re going to give me a heart attack,” Eddie said, clutching at his heart dramatically. If he was going to be over the top, why stop because he was hiding?

Steve laughed, as if that was the most hilarious joke he’d ever heard. “Uh, Harrington?” Eddie called out, taking a few steps towards him. Steve was leaning against the wall, his legs sprawled and expression akin to someone who’d lost their puppy. As Eddie bent down, he wrinkled his nose. “Shit, Harrington, that’s some shitty tequila.”

“You want some?” He said, perking up. Eddie winced as his arm smacked into his side, the bottle sloshing. Eddie picked it out his hand before he could spill anymore. He sniffed it experimentally and shrugged, why not? He took a swig and fought the urge to spit it out. That, is why not, he thought to himself, gagging.

“This tastes like lighter fluid,” Eddie told him, “and I’m not exactly known for having refined taste.”

Steve grinned. “Good shit, right?”

“That was not a compliment,” Eddie told him, standing up. “Why are you piss drunk, dressed like Mario, at a school dance? Isn’t there somewhere, I don’t know, with less supervision that you could be doing this?”

“Nope,” Steve said, popping his lips obnoxiously. “Love sucks, man.”

Eddie fought the urge to roll his eyes. He’d heard that King Steve had broken up with the perfect Nancy Wheeler. He had a hard time believing that someone like Harrington couldn’t get another date, he drove around a BMW for shit’s sake.

“Hey, do you have any….” Steve trailed off, looking confused.

“Weed?”

Steve brightened, snapping his fingers and missing. “Yeah!”

“It’s your lucky day Harrington, I’ve got two joints left,” Eddie said, tossing one into his hands.

It took him a minute, but Steve handed him a few crumpled bills from the front pocket of his denim overalls. Eddie tried really hard not to contemplate his life.

“Steve Harrington!” A new, distinctly annoyed, voice cried out. “What the fuck is wrong with you? I turn around to dance for two seconds and you disappear.”

Eddie watched, a little awed, as you stomped over to them. Without hesitation, a pink heeled foot kicked Steve’s leg. “Get up you moping loser, you promised me dancing,” you said.

“I’m sad,” Steve whined, moving to stand regardless. Even Eddie rolled his eyes at that one. He should’ve known – Harrington seemed super glued to your side this year. Where you went, he usually followed.

“Go be sad on the dance floor!” You urged, hopping in one place, the pink dress around you moving fluidly with you.

Eddie tried his best not to let his eyes settle onto your chest but, he was only a mere mortal, and the more you bounced – the more your assets bounced with you.

A third voice joined the fray and Eddie ducked. You glanced at him, as if surprised he was there, and blinked. “Don’t worry,” you whispered, “Natasha’s not a narc.”

“Damn right I’m not,” the girl dressed like a skeleton said. She wrapped Steve’s arm around her shoulders and winced at his breath. “Jesus Harrington, can’t you hold your liquor?”

“Can you get him something to drink?” You asked her, your face wrinkling in worry. “He needs to sober up a little before we go home.”

“At this rate, Amelia’s the only one who hasn’t touched the stuff,” Natasha snorted, dragging Steve out from under the bleachers.

You turned to him and squinted. Eddie grinned, excited to have your attention. With a flourish, he bowed. “Pleasure to see you tonight, if you’re looking for some weed – you’re in luck. I’ve got one left,” he said.

“What are you dressed as?” You asked, completely ignoring his question. Eddie quirked his brow and realized that your eyes were also a little glazed over.

“As a demon cult leader, what do you think? Did I do okay?” Eddie turned in a circle, putting on his show. He turned back to you, expecting you to look annoyed or put off – like everyone in the popular crowd did when faced with himself. Eddie felt his whole-body freeze when he caught your heated stare. You dragged your gaze up his body and Eddie swore he felt it like a physical touch.

Well, that was new.

“I’d say you look good, but you usually do,” you said, stepping towards him. Eddie, instinctively, took a step back. Scared and turned on were a very weird, although not unheard of, combination for him.

“Back at you princess,” he said, trying not to sound breathless. What the fuck?

At that, you quirked your head. “Princess?”

Eddie smirked, letting his obvious gaze trail down your body. You were clearly dressed as Princess Peach, your yellow wig pulled back into a messy ponytail, although…

“From my recollection, Princess Peach never wore a dress that short,” he said, eyeing your legs. He braced himself for a scathing reply but found you laughing instead. What the hell was it about this holiday that made people go insane?

“Princess Peach never had to attend a dance in an old smelly gym,” you said matter-of-factly. “Short as it is, it still feels like it’s a thousand degrees in here.”

“It’s the testosterone and steroids from the basketball team,” Eddie quipped, raising his brow. “No offense to your boyfriend.”

“Steve Harrington is not my boyfriend,” you said, laughing like that was the funniest joke you’d ever heard. “He’s literally crying over his break up.”

“Weirder things have happened,” he said, leaning against the wall. “I’m pretty sure-”

“So, this might be the tequila,” you interrupted him, loudly, “but I really want to kiss you.”

Eddie would’ve been less surprised if you’d taken out a baseball bat and smacked him with it.

“Uh, how much tequila?” Eddie asked.

You shrugged, stepping closer to him, “enough to make me feel good, not enough to not know what I’m doing.”

“You know,” he said, pensive, “that is really good enough for me.”

“Great!” You said, throwing yourself at him.

Eddie winced as your foot collided with his ankle but quickly forgot about the pain when your lips pressed against his. He dropped his hands to your waist, the rough fabric bunching around his grip.

You tasted like tequila, fruit punch, and something else he couldn’t put his finger on. You were soft, so fucking soft, and pliant. Hands frantic, you fisted his collar as if assuring yourself he wasn’t going anywhere. Fucking zombies couldn’t pry him away with their cold dead hands.

Eddie felt you lean back for air, your eyes had a glint in them that he couldn’t describe and soon after, you’d pulled his head back by his hair. With his neck exposed, you latched on and Eddie desperately tried to remember that you’d both get in a lot of trouble if you were caught from the noises that were trying to claw out of him. Satisfied with the bruise you’d left, you beamed up at him and Eddie couldn’t help the fond smile he shot you back.

“Didn’t take you for a biter,” he said, thumb coming to swipe across your lower lip.

“I’m not usually, you’re just enjoyable,” you said nonchalantly and unaffected, like you weren’t just shaking up his entire world. Unable to help himself, he nipped at the crook of your neck and was rewarded with the most delicious sounding moan. He wanted to carve that noise into his memory.

You immediately pushed him back, eyes hooded, and lips swollen. The red bite he’d placed on your neck felt like a neon sign and he couldn’t help but feel turned on by it. Holy shit, he couldn’t believe this was actually happening.

Then, with a quick motion, you dropped to the floor. Eddie jerked forward, worried you’d tripped or something when he realized you were kneeling. He straightened and shot you a confused look.

“Come on,” you urged, placing a warm hand on his calf.

Come on what? He thought, still wildly confused. He watched your lips part and you looked up at him through your lashes. Eddie shifted, his dick trying to get in on the action as well. He froze. No…you couldn’t… Eddie dropped his gaze to you and you shifted your weight onto your heels, hands reaching for his belt.

“Don’t you want me to?” You asked, smiling sweetly up at him. Holy fucking shit, Eddie thought. Maybe he was hallucinating? There’s no way you – you of all people – were on your knees during a Halloween dance, under the bleachers, with him, dressed like goddamn wet dream, and offering him a blow job. He nodded absently, still dazed and trying to process this moment, and you beamed.

Your impatient hands fumbled with his studded belt and Eddie reached out to help you. He stepped back, needing the space to unbuckle his pants, and watched as you fell forward.

“Shit, are you okay?” Eddie asked, looking for what you tripped over.

“I may be drunker than I realized,” you said, giggling. Eddie felt his blood freeze. Fuck. Slowly, he untangled your hands from his waistband and lowered himself to the floor next to you. “Why’d you stop?”

Eddie sighed, leaning his forehead against yours. “I’m pretty sure, given your squeaky-clean reputation, you’re not the type to lightly offer up what you just did,” he bumped your nose with his and felt his stupid, idiotic, heart flip at the sight of your wide smile. “Definitely not sober at least.”

“I’ve only had one boyfriend before,” you whispered, falling over onto your butt. You blinked, as if shocked, and brought your gaze back to him. “We did stuff, I’m not some stumbling virgin.”

“I’m sure you’re an absolute minx,” Eddie said, biting back laughter at your serious nod.

“He said I was good,” you frowned, looking pensive. “Although, he was also a virgin when we met so maybe I wasn’t?”

Nothing like tequila to bring around an existential crisis and brutal honesty. He was sure this wasn’t something you’d be telling him if you were sober. Still, Eddie couldn’t handle your sad little frown. He placed a hand on your bare knee, flinching at how hot your skin was. Although he was the one who’d touched you, it felt like you had branded him.

In fact, he was pretty sure he’d be unable to forget about this interaction for a while. Now that you’d caught his attention, you weren’t likely to go anywhere. “I’m pretty sure you rocked his world and have no doubt you could rock mine too. Especially considering that that’s how you kiss when you’re drunk. Not sure if I can handle a sober one.”

You grinned, lighting up the entirety of this dirty dark corner – even a little piece of him. Fuck, how had he never noticed how pretty you were? He thought back on all the times he’d seen you around the school.  

“Come on, let’s get you back to your friends,” Eddie said, lifting you up. You laughed, your breath fanning over the darkening hickey on his neck.

He knew you floated from group to group, notorious for having friends in every clique, club, and class. Shit, even Billy Hargrove seemed to have an eye on you – not that you’d accepted any of his advances. Jeff had almost peed himself laughing when you’d kneed him in the balls for trying to cage you in by your locker before homeroom.

Anyone with eyes knew how hot you were, Gareth had even mentioned it a few times – especially in Physics, the only class you shared with them. You seemed to always have a sarcastic quip or friendly jab at the ready. Good grades, popular, sarcastic, and ready to throw a punch was exactly what he liked about you and exactly what put you so far out his league it was painful.

He emerged from the bleachers with a glance around the gym and tried to find your friends from earlier. One of your fingers trailed down his abdomen, your lips pressing an open mouthed kiss to his neck, and he groaned. Out of his league or not, you had been the one to come onto him. Because she’s drunk, Eddie’s stupidly moral mind reminded him. But what if she is interested? You obviously weren't wound as tight as Wheeler but was clearly not someone who offered without thought. Tequila did have a way of changing people though…

As he dropped you off next to a slumped Harrington, he caught the eye of the skeleton girl from earlier. She shot Eddie a thumbs up and started to make her way to the table.

“Hey,” he squatted down next to you.

“Hey handsome,” you said, giggling again.

Eddie really needed to get a fucking grip. He’d barely spared you much thought before tonight and in fifteen minutes you’d all but carved your name into his skin. What’s worse? He didn’t mind a bit. Shit, he really was a loser.

“I’m gonna go,” he said, “you gotta keep an eye on Harrington, okay? Your friend is on her way over to make sure you’re okay.”

“You don’t want to dance with me?” You asked, wide, beautiful eyes stabbing at his conscience.

“You’re a little too drunk for that right now, okay?” Eddie tugged a lock of your synthetic hair. “I’ll save you a dance at the next party.”

You nodded, trusting him entirely, and wobbled in your seat. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” You squinted.

Eddie huffed a laugh. “Tomorrow is Saturday princess. I’ll see you Monday,” he added quickly when you frowned sadly.

“Don’t forget about me,” you stumbled, hand still clenched around his, “promise?”

“Sweetheart, I’m absolutely positive that this night is branded into my memory for life,” he said, standing and pressing a kiss to your temple. Last one.

“Bye cult leader,” you whispered, laughing at your own joke. Skeleton girl dropped into the seat between them and exhaled.

“Thanks Munson, I owe you one,” she said.

Eddie waved away her gratitude and took one last look at his Princess Peach.

“See ya,” he said, forcing himself to walk away. He’d barely made it to the doors when Jeff all but jumped him.

“Dude, what the hell were you doing with Henderson?” Jeff asked.

Henderson? Aw shit, that was Dustin’s older sister. Eddie groaned; he’d completely forgotten. In his defense, most of his blood was firmly south of the border.  

Jeff blinked at him, waiting for an answer and Eddie…hesitated. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to keep tonight to himself. “Harrington was buying and Henderson followed. They’re drunk and I was just helping her back to her table.”

“Which is why you kissed her?”

“What?” Eddie froze.

Jeff eyed him. “I saw you; you kissed her forehead. I’m amazed she didn’t threaten to cut off your dick. Henderson’s cool but I wouldn’t fuck with her.”

Eddie exhaled, relieved. “Right. Uh, I don’t know. You know me man, I’m crazy.”

“Shit, I didn’t think you were that crazy,” Jeff said, shaking his head. “Respect man.”

“I’ll see you Monday,” Eddie said, “I’m out of here.”

“Later dude!”

Eddie took one last look at your table, where you were being force fed some food before disappearing out the doors. He brought his fingers up to his neck like he could still feel the ghost of your lips as you nipped him. Eddie hopped into his car and finally relaxed into his seat.

What a fucking night.

>> Firsts: Panic Attack, Part 2

A/N: guys, I also am very aware that I messed up the timeline for S3, S4 and when Don't You (Forget About Me) happens so we're just gonna smile and wave like that little mistake isn't there lol in my defense, I didn't think I was going to build a whole series around that one shot! muaha, I fixed it!

[sixofpomegranates]

All of them are Eddie Munson fics since I am going through some severe brain rot because of this spicy golden retriever.

The order is random and not indicative of how much I liked them. There is no ranking, just sharing some really good pieces of work so we can all enjoy it!

10 Recommendations || 🐇 = My opinion. || Pink Color = SMUT

As You Wish (series) by @corroded-hellfire

➢ Summary: When Eddie isn’t appreciated like he should be, his babysitter feels the need to step in and comfort him.

🐇: I am OBSESSED with the entire universe. Like, really, really obsessed. Older!Dad!Eddie has my whole heart. His boys too. Brittany can go to hell. Long story short: Highly Recommended! It rearranged my brain chemistry. Oh, and it's spicy. || Not sure if it's still ongoing, but the way I am stalking the author's page I’ll sure as hell find out.

Eddie Had A Little Lamb (one-shot) by @honey-flustered

➢ Summary: Eddie is trying to be good and with your help, he could be exactly that. But Kas, on the other hand, thrives in all that is unholy and he’ll stop at nothing to bring you and Eddie to the dark side.

🐇: This rearranged my brain chemistry. I want more like this. I love this. Send me recommendations with fics like this. Jesus H. Christ.

who’s to say [pt.2] by @quinnsbower

➢ Summary: your father, jason carver, promises you one thing and can’t deliver it to you. you decide to get back at him and it him where it really hurts: eddie munson.

🐇: This is responsible for getting me hooked on older!eddie. This is the reason I will be writing an older!eddie fic. This rearranged my brain chemistry. I liked this way too much. So good. Sweet, old guy Eddie.

Caught Me Slippin’ (one-shot) by @uglypastels

➢ Summary: [modern!au] feeling insecure about your skills in bed, you decide to find someone who could help you learn. Except, when the guy actually shows up, a mistake seems to have occurred. Fortunately, you're both quite adaptable (or, at least, you try to be), and the night quickly takes off into unexpected territories.

🐇: No, because YOU hurt my feelings. You gave me an amazing one-shot with banging smut and then broke my heart. I love you and this piece, and forgive you, but damn.

Honey, I'm Home! (series) by @trashmouth-richie

➢ Summary: you were desperate for a roommate after Nancy got married and moved out. An ad in the paper goes unanswered until someone comes knocking on the door.

🐇: Obsessed, but I’d kill this menace!Eddie. I do not have enough self-control to not go to prison for ending this feral raccoon’s existence. || It's still ongoing. Eventual smut.

The Soulmates (series) by @neonghostlights

➢ Summary: Eddie Munson never thought he would be one of the lucky ones. Him being the only one in his family to be given a soulmate mark was a miracle. What happens when his soulmate is not the one he wanted? Will he be able to give up his dream girl to be with the one he’s meant to be with? Or will he just have to learn to ignore the other half of his soul?

🐇: Like it a lot. I found it through a reblog and read all the existing parts in one go. It's a Soulmate AU, the first one I read. || It's still ongoing.

You Give Love A Bad Name [pt.2] by @cinemaquinn

➢ Summary: eddie munson was a world famous rockstar. and, apparently, an asshole. but you weren't one to believe rumours, so when eddie asks to meet you, who are you to say no?

Conviction (one-shot) by @tiannasfanfic

➢ Summary: Life takes an unexpected turn when a one time fling with your best friend leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Will years of friendship be enough to build a solid marriage off of...or are you destined for heartbreak due to a wandering eye like the town rumor mill predicts?

🐇: This was so cute. Especially the ending. Yes, this was spicy. Very good.

Destructive Solutions (one-shot) by @bimbobaggins69

➢ Summary: after becoming roommates with your high school crush and finally getting out of your crazy strict parents house, you get a little too close to him and his best friend (your coworker) —but they’re straight, right?

🐇: yes. I am Steddie x f!Reader trash. I love it when the chemistry is there. And it was there. I loved this so much that I am writing my thoughts on this for the 7th time now because tumblr is a bitch.

Show Me (one-shot) by @bimbobaggins69

➢ Summary: you accidentally stumble upon your best friend/roommates porn stash, you quickly learn he’s the main star. After seeing him in ways you never have, will your friendship ever be the same?

🐇: yes. yes. You may have noticed that that's the second fic from @bimbobaggins69 That's because I found her through reblogs and since then am sure that her fics don't miss, no matter what she posts.

Seriously.

Fuck Tumblr for always deleting the last couple of sentences.

[spnexploration]

Pack chapter 17

Pairing: Alpha!Dean Winchester x Omega!Reader, Alpha!Sam Winchester x Omega!Madison

Series summary: Omega!Reader is thrown into a world she's not expecting when her mate turns out to be a hunter, and she's not used to Alpha & Omega Pack dynamics.

Chapter summary: Dean calls a family meeting.

Chapter warnings: none

Word count: 2.1k

Series Masterlist | Supernatural writing masterlist

Part 16 <- -> Part 18

“-has to be me, obviously, but what about Mads?” I heard Sam saying as I walked down the corridor. I paused where I was, not wanting to interrupt the conversation.

“It’s too dangerous, she’s not going,” Dean replied firmly. “I wouldn’t have thought you’d have wanted her there.”

“I don’t, I agree it’s too dangerous. But Y/N is terrified of me currently-”

“She’s not terrified of you.”

“She is, Dean, and that’s ok. I get it. And we've been trying to stay out of your guys’ way, plus Madison feels guilty for suggesting Y/N comes to our room when she was upset-”

“Christ, this has to be the first time in history that I'm not irrationally blaming myself for things outside my control, and everyone else is.” There was a brief pause and then a sound like a hand slapping a thigh and Dean said, “RIGHT, we’re having a family meeting. Get the girls.”

I scampered away from the door, not wanting them to find me listening. My mind was reeling from hearing them, and I felt guilty and embarrassed.

I was luckily around the next corner of the corridor by the time Sam found me, so I could look like I was just walking through. “Dean wants to have a family meeting, can you go to the lounge please?”

“Umm, ok,” I said, trying not to look guilty. I am nonchalant, I told myself. I am unaware what this is about. This is a normal turn of events. I tried to force myself to act like I believed it

Sam turned and left, probably looking for Madison. I headed to the lounge, trying to calm my racing heart and not give myself away.

---

“Alright,” Dean said once we were all seated in the lounge. He looked relaxed, elbows on knees as he leant forward. I sat next to him, not touching, with Sam and Madison in the arm chairs that he'd moved to be opposite. “I think we need to address the elephant in the room.”

I pulled my knees to my chest. I couldn't help but feel that I was the elephant in the room.

“I chose to hunt the Rugaru,” Dean continued. “The Rugaru shot me. I probably ignored some symptoms that my wound was getting worse. My shoulder got infected. The stupid clinic has crap rules. Now, has anyone heard me say the words 'Madison’, 'Sam’ or ‘Y/N’ yet?”

He looked around expectantly until we all muttered variations of “no”. Madison was chewing her nails and even Sam looked a little uncomfortable.

“Right. Y/N went into shock because my shoulder got infected. We were separated because of a dumb clinic’s rules. My scent was wrong because I'm the idiot who got shot. So, tell me, who are we blaming?”

“It's not your fault you got shot!” Madison exclaimed.

“Thank you, Madi. I think I probably screwed up some things and you know, in hindsight, maybe we shouldn't have gone on that hunt. But the whole way along, we were doing the best we could with the information we had. And yeah, shit happened.”

He paused and looked around at us all, then sighed, “I'm not seeing a whole lot of believing me.”

“Sorry, Alpha,” Madison mumbled.

“Ok, Madi, before you were marked, do you remember the time Sam piked early and we stayed up late watching horror movies and you got scared? I remember it was the first time I’d had a girl in my lap who I wasn’t trying to sleep wi-” he suddenly glanced at me and cut himself off. Madi giggled behind her hand. “Anyway, you were so drunk I had to carry you to Sam's bed, and Sam grumped all the next day about having none of the fun and all of the clean up.”

“I remember, it was the worst hangover I’d ever had.”

Dean smirked, “Right. So, you were pretty cuddly with me, did it affect your bond with Sam?”

“No...”

“Right. Because your hormones didn't think Sam was dead.”

I sucked in a sharp breath before I could stop myself. Dean ran his hand down his face. I got the feeling he regretted that choice of words.

He looked back at Madi and said earnestly, “Mads, you did the right thing. You comforted your Pack mate, you did exactly what she needed in that moment. If you'd left her alone her body still might have done the exact thing, only she’d have gone through far more pain and suffering. And who knows, maybe even been worse. None of this is your fault.”

Tears were falling down Madi’s face. Dean opened his arms out wide and she quickly crossed to him, climbing into his lap to hug him. He held her for a moment before she got up, wiping away her tears. “Thank you, Alpha,” she said, heading back to her chair.

Dean turned to me and reached out to cup my face. “I'm going to get to you too because this isn't your fault either, but you're most important so you're going last, ok? I'm going to talk to Sam first, but you hang in there, sweetheart.”

I nodded slightly and he dropped his hand.

He looked to Sam, “Sammy, I think you're trying to organise everything and everyone to cover how uncomfortable you are with this situation and what you perceive to be your role in it. But dude, you did a great job. You saved my life, you got the monster killed, you protected two Omegas, you saved me again, and you saved my Omega. I'm probably shit at making it clear how much I appreciate you and your efforts in this Pack. So, you know, thanks man.”

Sam grinned at him, “That's gotta be the nicest thing you've ever said to me. You concussed or something?”

“Dude, I ain't communicated this much in my fucking life. I am having a fucking apoplexy on the inside.” Sam and Madison both laughed. 

Dean turned to me, “Alright, sweetheart. I'll be honest, I don't even know to convince you that this isn't your fault. I feel like I've been trying for days. I was hoping seeing that the others are similarly beating themselves up for no reason might help, but now I dunno...” he trailed off.

“Ok,” he said, clearly trying again, “Did you control the release of your hormones?” He looked at me expectantly until I shook my head. “Did you know what was happening to you?” I shook my head again. “Did you mean for any of this to happen?” I shook my head forcefully. “Right, so how the hell could this be your fault? It's a weird quirk of evolution to cater for scenarios where the mate really does die, and I'm unlucky enough to have accidentally triggered it. I'll be honest, I've died a few times, so it's probably karma or something for that-”

“You've DIED?!”

“Uhhh,” he looked sheepish, “Yeah. Angels were messing with us at one point. Fuck,” he ran his hand down his face, “This isn't the point, I am fucking this up.”

“You're cute when you're flustered,” I said quietly, a small smile on my face. “And you swear a lot more.” I was feeling less guilty, knowing that everyone else had been beating themselves up too even though it wasn't their fault. And Dean had made some good points.

“Has my adorableness convinced you?”

I smirked, “A little.”

“Ok, well, Sam is heading out soon to help out on a hunt-” Dean said, but was cut off by an anxious Madi.

“What? Where? By himself?!”

“He's going to help Claire with a hunt she found,” Dean answered as Sam reached out and took Madison's hand.

“I'm going with him,” Madi declared.

“No, you're not. It's too dangerous.”

“WHAT?! You'll happily let a literal child participate but not a grown ass woman who happens to be an Omega?!”

“Sam is going so that he can protect Claire, because we haven't managed to convince Claire not to go, and I'm not having her out there alone. If you're there too he won't necessarily be able to protect both of you.”

“It's not because you're an Omega, Mads,” Sam said earnestly. “We know you're a good hunter.”

“Fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms.

“So, as I was saying, Sam is heading off. Are we,” he gestured at himself, Madi and I, “going to be ok? Are we all going to stop tiptoeing around each other and feeling guilty all the time?”

Madi was still sulking from Sam leaving, so it probably wasn't the best time to try to ask her. But she still replied, if a little sullenly, “Yes, Alpha.”

He looked expectantly at me. “Yes, Alpha,” I muttered.

“Alright, if that's the best I'm going to get them I guess I'll take it,” Dean jokingly grumbled.

Sam reached out to Madi and she let herself be pulled to him, then he lifted her onto his lap. They started to snuggle and I looked away, trying to give them privacy.  Dean stood up and held out his hand to me. I took it and he led me out of the room.

---

The afternoon went fine, although Madi kept somewhat to herself. Dean cajoled her to come watch TV in the evening, sitting me on his lap and her in the recliner next to us. Every so often he reached out and stroked her hair, or squeezed her hand, or rubbed his wrist on her neck.

I felt weird being on his lap for so long and tried to get off, but he stopped me. “Are you not enjoying sitting here, or are you feeling like you should get off?” he whispered into my ear.

“It must be uncomfortable for you,” I whispered back.

He sighed, “Omega, for once, be selfish. You need my scent to feel better. So stay where you are, you are fine. I like having you here.”

I huffed a little but stayed put. He wrapped his arm around my waist and nuzzled my neck until I relaxed back into him.

“Having to spend time with me isn't so bad, is it?” he murmured. I laughed.

We kept watching, until a little while later Madi stood up and declared she was going to bed. “Ok, if you want to go get ready we’ll be there in a minute to all get settled,” Dean answered, reaching to turn off the TV.

“Umm, Alpha,” Madi mumbled, looking suddenly very unsure of herself, “I didn't think I would be sleeping with you.”

Dean frowned, “Madi, you hate sleeping alone.”

 She glanced nervously at me, then looked down. “I can stay in my normal room.”

Dean tapped my side lightly, “Can you stand up for me, sweetheart?” I did so, and he stood up behind me, reaching out for Madison.

“Madi,” he said gently but firmly, hands on her shoulders, “we talked about this. It's not your fault, and you're not in the way. Now just come with us to bed already.” He dropped his hands, sounding a little exasperated.

“It's ok, Madi,” I said tentatively. “You looked after me when Dean was gone. We can do the same for you.”

Madi gave me a tight smile, “Ok. Thanks.” I reached out and squeezed her hand.

We headed down the corridor, Madi splitting off to get ready in her own room, then heading to ours. I felt awkward, now that we came to actually go to bed all together. I crossed my arms in front of myself and hung back. Madi, who was normally incredibly confident and directing play, seemed to also be hanging back.

Dean looked between the two of us and sighed. “Anyone would think you two were about to broker a peace deal with North Korea, not sleep in a bed you've both been in multiple times before,” he half-muttered, a smirk on his face.

He lay in the centre of the bed and beckoned me over to one side and Madi to the other. I climbed into bed and he manoeuvred me up on to his chest, tucking my head in to the crook of his neck where I could scent him. “There you go, sweetheart,” he murmured.

He got Madison to lay next to him on the other side, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as she lay against him. I reached out and touched her hand. She took my hand and held it, which felt nice.

“Everyone ok?” Dean asked.

“Yes, Alpha. Thank you,” Madi replied, sounding more like herself.

Dean gently poked me until I answered. “Yes, Dean. It's all good now.”

.

.

.

Taglist:

@mrsjenniferwinchester

@lyarr24

@waynes-multiverse

@leigh70

@malindacath

@ellie-andthemachine

@iprobablyshipit91

@123passwort

@muhahaha303

@globetrotter28

@deans-spinster-witch

@kazsrm67

@foxyjwls007

@iamsapphine

@saranghaey

@yarafae

@sassy-pelican

[spookyspecterino]

You're So Cute When You're Jealous

Tangerine x GN! Reader x Platonic! Ladybug

Word Count: 2.6K

(I almost forgot how fun and rewarding it is to write short little one-shots lol)

Mild NSFW; Non-explicit sexual content, jealousy, possessiveness, language

Ladybug watches your back for an easy mission that isn't supposed to take more than 20 mins. When Tangerine shows up the plan goes out the window.

A/N: I interrupt your assassins hunting assassins/murder mystery series to give you this! Hope you enjoy, and there's more one-shots coming! <3 Also, I'm trying to get my NSFW writing skills back into shape for future fics… 👀💅 Let me know how I did!

----------

“Ladybug…”

“Hm?”

“Are you listening to me?”

“Mm, yeah.”

“What was the last thing I said?”

“Uhhh…”

“That’s what I thought.”

There was a good-natured laugh, easy and light over your comms piece. “You worry too much. This job is gonna be a piece of cake.”

It was, but you weren’t going to admit it. The task was straightforward—take the provided SSD card, which you had taped to the inside strap of your watch, and stick it into some yuppy senator’s laptop; wait until the files are uploaded, then take the card and get out. It was all being done at night too, so the office building was empty. Still, best not to get sloppy. Maintaining a reputation is important.

You hoped the sigh you made was loud enough for the mic to pick up.

It was.

“Oh comon’ don’t be like that.”

“Like what? Concerned over the job we’re currently on?”

“It’s ‘cause you miss your boyfriend, isn’t it?”

With a scoff, you attempted to make a rebuttal, but the best you came up with was, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

Ladybug was smiling, you could hear it in his voice. “Oh! Well, excuse me.”

“Just focus.”

“I am—you focus!”

“I’m already focused!”

As the elevator dinged open you peeked your head out and looked up and down the hallways. All clear.

Ladybug practically giggled, something crinkled on his end. “Why are you acting like this is Mission Impossible?” He was currently watching you on thermal imaging from the roof of the next building over.

You held back a loud scoff. “I’m being careful.” There was a crunch followed by loud chewing. “For Christ’s sake, Ladybug—are you eating?”

“We didn’t get dinner beforehand…so, yes.”

Hoping he could see it through the camera, you exasperatedly threw your hands up into the air as you made your way to the office. Rounding a few hallway corners, it came into view.

The door was a lacquered wood with the identifying number and senator’s name displayed in fancy, hand lettered script on the frosted glass window. You attempted to go in, but it was secured with a keypad and deadbolts.

“What’s the combination for the door, Ladybug.”

“…Combination?”

Your stomach sank. “Yes…for the office door. There’s a keypad.”

“Uh—standby.”

Pinching the bridge of your nose between your fingers you were running through ways of getting inside when Ladybug’s voice returned, it held more urgency than before. “Hey, yeah, listen. There’s bad news and there’s other not-so-bad news, but it’s still not very good.”

“Just tell me!”

“There’s someone coming out of the elevator—that’s the not-so-bad news.”

“You think they’re going for the senator’s office?”

“Looks like they’re making a beeline straight for it. Better move!”

You hiss, cursing between your teeth. The nearest place to hide is at the other end of the hallway and you sprint to it, trying not to make too much noise. Once behind the corner you peek out, feeling like a child trying not to get caught. “Great, what’s the bad-bad news?”

“I’ve got no idea what the combination is.” There was another crunch as he continued to eat.

You grumble under your breath. “God fucking damn it…”

“I’m looking through everything, they never gave us any combination—didn’t even mention it. I’m gonna chalk that up to an oversight on their part.” There were a few beats of silence save for the sound of Ladybug’s crunching. “Ok, here comes company, they’re coming down the hallway now.”

“What do they look like?”

“It’s a guy. Judging by his build, he’s probably in his early thirties. Struts as he walks—”

“Oh, motherfucker…”

“You sound like you’ve got a guess as to who it is.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a pretty good guess…”

Sure enough, the muscular outline of Tangerine—clad in his usual blue Italian suit, walked into view and up to the office door. The familiar gate of his walk and the slope of his shoulders sped up your heart rate.

“Who is it?”

Forgoing a reply, you positively simmered as Tangerine effortlessly entered the keycode and waltzed inside.

If you know Tangerine, which you do, he’ll shut the door behind himself—which only gives you a split second…

Ladybug’s voice was slightly obscured by the food in his mouth. “What are you doing?”

Without a second thought, you had dashed toward the door as it slowly closed. Pivoting with your shoulder, you bash into it—sending it flying open. Tangerine’s eyes are wide with surprise as you barrel into the office. There’s a flash of recognition, quickly replaced by confusion as his brows furrow and he takes a few steps back.

You’re breathless. You tell yourself it’s from sprinting and not the way he looks up close in that suit. “What are you doing here?”

He stammered a moment before he remembered how to speak. “Me? I should ask you the same thing, love.”

Ladybug chortled over comms. “Holy shit, what are the chances. Well, there goes our plan, I’ll start packing up.”

Turning your head to the side you hissed as quietly as you could. “Cut it out, the plan’s still on.”

There was a crunch. “Uh-huh, suree.”

“Just eat your dinner!”

You faced Tangerine again, who was watching closely. Somehow, his brows had pinched together even more.

He was opening his mouth to say something, but you beat him to it. “I was awarded the contract bid—this job is taken.”

The corner of his mustache raised as he took a step closer. “Oh, that was you who won? I thought I’d just nick it, honestly. Didn’t seem like a big deal.”

“What a charmer, and you’re in love with this guy?”

Ignoring Ladybug’s commentary, you stared down Tangerine, who was obviously fucking with you to get a reaction. Something he loved to do.

Well, maybe two could play at that game. “It’s a big deal to us…”

His eyes instantly narrowed. “Who’s us?”

It was just too easy.

“My partner for this job.”

“Please don’t bring me into this! He already wants to kill me!”

Tangerine stalked closer, eyes flickering over your ear. “Don’t fucking tell me…”

“Yes, don’t tell him.”

You simply nodded.

His jaw moved from side to side. “Are you fucking kidding me, love? You chose to go on a job with him?” He shook his head like he couldn’t believe it. “You chose to do it with him and not me?”

A tired sigh came through comms.

Between Ladybug’s annoyance and Tangerine’s reaction you couldn’t help the grin that spread across your face. Something about Tangerine’s jealous side really softened you up. Maybe it’s the way he seamlessly goes from angry to pouting every few seconds.

“I chose Ladybug for obvious reasons…”

He marched a few steps closer. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know.”

“No, love. I really don’t.”

“Would you please mute yourself for this, I might vomit.”

Tangerine’s eyes flashed to your ear and back to stare into your eyes. “What’s that prick sayin’?”

A quiet snort broke its way out of you. Covering your mouth with a hand at the sound of Ladybug scoffing and grumbling, you tried your best not to laugh. There was a click as he disconnected himself from the comms.

Tangerine’s eyes were practically bulging out of his head as you took a deep breath and looked back up to him. “Ok, we’re alone now.”

His mustache twitched. “What did you mean by obvious reasons?”

This was probably the easiest job you’ve had in a while, in and out, wasn’t supposed to take more than 20 minutes. And now Tangerine was here and everything got all muddled. How were you supposed to do your job correctly as he stands this close, with his lips looking like that.

His tone dropped low, husky sounding. “Are you gonna answer or just stare at my mouth all day?”

Oops, you’d been caught.

Raising your eyes slowly you grinned. “This is exactly what I mean.”

Tangerine’s eyebrows raised a fraction and his frown lessened, obviously pleased. “Oh.” He paused for a beat, eyes glancing at your lips in return. “So, I have to suffer because you get a little distracted?”

“Suffer? Why would you be suffering?”

He closes the short distance between you and him, his chest brushing against yours. “You know how much I love working with you, darling.” His eye twitched slightly. “And you also know how much I hate seeing you work with others, especially that fucking—”

“—Ladybug isn’t distracting. He lets me get the job done.”

That is when everything went smoothly and his bad luck wasn’t complicating things.

Tangerine’s head leans in a little, his eyes softening—warm breath fanning out against your lips. “I can let you get the job done, too.”

“As evidenced here, I don’t think you can, Tangerine.”

The silky caress of his name on your lips makes his eyelids flutter as his brain short circuits. One of his coarse hands, thick gold rings around his fingers, raises to trace along your jaw with a feather-light touch. The understanding that he can use those same hands to go from killing, to brushing your face in such a sensitive way has you swooning.

He’s so close to kissing you now, you can feel the ghosting touch of his lips against yours as he speaks. “Maybe we would be more focused if we took care of our little distractions before the job.”

Well, that was incredibly tempting, but a sneaking suspicion told you it wouldn’t make a difference. There was a fire between you two that couldn’t easily be put out.

Sighing, with the nagging feeling that you were still on the job creeping into your mind, you were about to poke holes in his theory. “I doubt it would—”

Tangerine’s lips molded to yours, smothering everything else that followed. One hand cupped your face while the other pulled you closer by the small of your back. You weren’t getting the rest of that sentence out no matter how hard you tried, so instead of fighting, you melted into it with a sigh.

There was a breathy chuckle as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss; mustache scratching your upper lip. Tangerine’s cologne invaded your nose, flooding each of your senses until it was all just him. You swallowed it up, wishing you could wrap yourself in it forever.

He seemed to be equally affected; his strong hand skating along your back, gripping and tugging as it explored the curves of your body. Desperate to touch all of you. The other held your face to his, pressing into your soft skin with a calloused, but warm palm.

Your arms had wrapped themselves around his neck without you even realizing it, and they brought you up on your toes closer to him. Messing up his slick-backed curls, you ran fingers through them. Tugging, and scratching at the roots rewarded you with a few soft moans.

Tangerine’s mouth pulled back into a slow spreading smile under the press of your own. God, he loved this—thought about it at night before he fell asleep, dreamt of it. Dreamt of other things too, things that had him waking up harder than steel with your name gasping from his lips. Just the reminder of those mornings had him swiping his tongue along the bottom of your lip with a groan.

While tempting, the SSD card poked into the skin under your watch as a reminder. You pulled back slightly, panting from the waves of heat between you two.

Pressing light kisses to his chasing lips, you mumbled. “I need—to do—my job—Tangerine…”

At the sound of his name again, he made a low moan. His hand left your face to wrap around the base of your head, pulling you back to him. He spoke between feverish kisses as his lips attacked yours, tongue occasionally swiping at your lower lip, begging for permission. “Alright, sweetheart. Let me—show you how well—we could work together.”

Never once breaking the kiss, his hands snake up to your wrist and grab the SSD card from under your watch strap.

Murmuring against your lips, he grins. “You should find a new place to hide things, you always stash them there.”

You scoff, going to pull away with a snarky retort but he bites and sucks on your lip, holding you in place. It pulls a light gasp out of you and he hums triumphantly, taking the chance to slip his tongue into your mouth, fed up with waiting for permission. It slides against yours and you return the movement twisting your tongues into a dance.

He broke the kiss and bent down lightning fast to place a strong arm under your thighs, picking you up as if you weighed nothing. Returning with a crash of his lips on yours, he walked you both over toward the desk. Your hands flew up to hold onto his face and neck, leaning into him for support. He didn’t seem to notice one bit as he kissed you like you were the only thing that mattered in the world.

The smooth motion was enough to leave you breathless already, but when Tangerine plopped you down to sit on the desk and pressed himself between your legs, you forgot what the concept of breathing even was.

He grumbled, the sound vibrating in his chest. “Mm, see? We’re getting the job done.”

You turned your head to see him roughly shoving the SSD into the laptop, the force he used scooted it further away, but that was all you saw as he turned your face back to look at him, thumb and forefinger holding your chin. His blue eyes looked at you with hunger.

Moving down he began to bite and suck at your neck as his fingers tilted your head up, exposing the entirety of your throat to him.

Finally free to speak, you couldn’t help yourself. Panting, your voice was breathy and halting, distracted by the sensation of his teeth on your skin. “You’re getting my job done. What happened to nicking it?”

There was an amused hum. His hands moved to your thighs, running up and down the length of them, gripping the muscle. They traced around to slide underneath your ass and he roughly scooted you closer to him, connecting his hips to yours. The feeling of his rock-hard length pressing into you stole the last of your breath away.

He pulled back from leaving bruising hickeys and bite marks on your neck to look into your eyes. “To be perfectly honest with you, love—I couldn’t give a rat’s arse about the fucking money right now. Have it.” A thumb moved up to caress your cheek. “But, promise—on the next job, you’ll work with me.”

You about rolled your eyes into the back of your skull. “Tangerine—”

A low growl ripped through him as his hips snapped forward against you and he devoured your lips. It pulled a moan out of you before you could even form a thought.

His breath was hot against your skin. “Fucking promise me.” His fingers traveled down and started working on your belt.

“Alright, I—I promise.”

Tangerine shoved his tongue into your mouth with a groan. As his hands expertly slid your pants down and thick fingers traveled past the elastic of your underwear, your mind drifted off into a blissful haze.

Working with Tangerine might actually be a fantastic idea.

🍊 Taglist: @felhomaly @whatiswrongwithpeople @marquisdefrenchfry @everythingisspokenfortbh @titaniusanglesmith @sjprongs @piechans @cherrygayness @queenofstarsanddarkness @idkwhattowritelol

If you'd like to be added off let me know!

[ccbb2222]

What a Woman Ted Lasso x Reader One Shot

Thanks to everyone who offered their opinion for which prompt I should write. I will try my best to tackle some of the other prompts soon! Summary: Reader sticks up for herself after a creepy dude keeps hitting on her at the club…and it’s the hottest thing Ted’s ever seen. (Reader/Ted Not yet dating) Warnings: Persistent creepy men, alcohol, SMUT...this might be the spiciest thing I've written yet!

Another Richmond win, another party to celebrate. You adjusted your black dress as you approached the club, the music pouring out onto the street as the bouncer opened the door for you. Immediately you were overwhelmed by the bass, the flashing lights and the crowd of sweaty bodies pressed up against each other.

You had butterflies in your stomach at the thought of interacting with Ted. The two of you had exchanged a few flirty conversations over the past month as you joined the Richmond squad as the new team dietician. Sure, you were 27 and he was in his early forties, but you had a thing for kind eyes and a warm smile. He had taken to you immediately after hearing your American accent, and used your common homeland as a way to form a bond.

You had also suspected he may feel a similar attraction to you, as he did tend to get flustered. You had caught him off guard one morning, when you showed up early to use the team gym before the work day started. Running on the treadmill, you worked up a sweat and, knowing it was earlier than anyone showed up to Nelson Road, you decided to take your shirt off. Running only in your leggings and sports bra, you hadn't noticed anyone greet you, since your headphones were on.

Slowing down to a walk, you startled when you saw Ted hovering by the doorway.

"Jesus!" You exclaimed, grabbing onto the side of the treadmill. "Oh, shoot! Sorry!" Ted said, quickly starting towards you, then taking in your half dressed state and halting in his tracks. "Didn't mean to startle ya, was just, uh, impressed by the pace you had goin'." He looks at you, then down to the ground, shoving his hands in his pockets.

You laugh, hands now on your hips to catch your breath, "Thank you. I uh," You motion to yourself, "Apologize this is unprofessional...I just needed to blow off some steam before work and thought I was the only one here." "Oh, please don't apologize on my account," Ted waves his hand with a 'forget about it' motion, "I'll leave ya to it, uh sorry again for startling you." You smile and brush some hair behind your ear, "All good. See you at practice, Coach." Now, as you weaved your way through the crowd, you spotted the Richmond team and staff occupying the VIP section on the top floor of the club. "HEY BABES!" Keeley shouts out, one arm around Roy and the other waving excitedly toward you. You laugh as you climb the stairs and make your way over towards them. "Don't mind her," Roy's gruff voice says, a hint of a smile on his face, "This one hit the cocktails a little too hard before we left." "Oh shut it!" Keeley smacks Roy's arm playfully and he lets out a hearty laugh.

"God, I wish I hit the cocktails," You said looking around, "This place is a mad house. I feel like a grandma." "Give me a break," Keeley rolls her eyes at you, "You're one of the youngest ones here. Look at Rebecca for Christ's sake!" You, Roy and Keeley all turn at the same time to witness Rebecca toss back a shot, "Well, shit, I've got no excuse." You say with a laugh, "I'm gonna go try to grab a drink." "Need me to come?" Keeley asks, picking up her full cocktail. "Nah, I'm good, plus you've got a full one right there!" You reassure her. She nods and turns back to Roy as you start to make your way toward the bar.

You start to push your way through the crowd and look up to see Ted across the room, watching you with a small smile. You wave at him, and he smiles bigger and waves back. You make a drinking motion and point to the bar, to which he nods with a wink.

That wink. It sent a heatwave down to your core. Jesus, you really did have it bad.

You approach the bar and find a spot to squeeze in, hoping you'll grab the attention of the bartender soon.

"I haven't seen you before," A voice says, close to your ear. You turn to see a man around your age, tall, and handsome enough. "Oh uh, yeah this is my first time here," You say, not wanting to be impolite.

"Oh an American," He smirks, "Heard you girls were fun." You grimace, immediately not liking where this is going. You are able to wave down the bartender and order your drink quickly, not bothering to ask the man next to you if he wanted anything.

"What brings you to the lovely UK?" He persists, a hand reaching to land on your lower back. Annoyance begins to bubble from deep inside you. "I work for a football club," You say, not wanting to elaborate further.

"Richmond?" He guesses, "Lots of the players are here tonight." You nod, waiting patiently for your drink, "Yup." "What do you do?" He presses, hand still on your back. "I'm the team dietician." You answer shortly, not wanting to elaborate further, and you try to move forward to detach his grip from your body. "Ah, that checks out. Considering you're so fit. Bet you're a right distraction for the fellas. I know I'd have a hard time concentrating around you."

"Well, they're professionals so," You say sharply, not liking at all what he was insinuating. The bartender hands you your drink and quickly swipes your credit card. "It was nice talking to you," Your try to make a quick exit but there's suddenly a hand grabbing at your arm, causing you to spill your drink slightly.

"Hey baby, don't be like that, we're just getting started here," He says, smirking down at you. Ted POV: Ted smiled as you made your way to the bar, offering a wink. You looked so beautiful in your short, black dress that Ted had a hard time looking anywhere but in your direction.

"Coach," Beard approached, tapping his beer against Ted's. "Evening Coach," He replied sipping his beer.

Beard watched as Ted tracked you across the bar, "She looks pretty," He comments eyeing Ted.

"Hmm?" Ted asks distracted, "Oh," He realizes he's been caught staring and nods, "Yeah, uh, I suppose so." Beard rolls his eyes. "You know, Coach, while it's entertaining to watch this little game you've got going on, I think you'd feel a lot better if you just asked her out." Ted chokes on his beer, "Excuse me?" He asks after recovering. "Hey Roy?" Beard waves him over.

"What?" Roy asks gruffly, taking a sip of his beer. "Ted and a certain dietician..." Beard starts.

"You got the bollocks to ask her out or what?" Roy looks Ted square in the eye.

"Fellas come on now," Ted tries to deflect.

"All I know is, that guy doesn't seem to have a problem chatting her up," Beard points, "Although she doesn't look too pleased about it." He notes.

The VIP section was elevated over the rest of the club, allowing those in the section to overlook the club. From his vantage, Ted saw the unwanted advance of the strange man's hand on your back. He watched as you squirmed involuntarily. "Should I...uh, go down there?" He checks with Beard and Roy, who shrug in response. "I don't want her to think I'm tryna be a knight in shining armor or anything. I think she's got this," He says, nervously taking another sip of his beer. Your POV: "Actually, no, we're not just getting started," You finally snap at him, transferring your drink to your other hand and ripping your arm out of his grasp. "Hey, there's no need to be a bitch," He says, losing all of his earlier charm. "And there's no need to touch me." You reply starting to move past him.

He reaches this time for your waist and you're spun around quickly to face him again. "We're not done here." He says through gritted teeth. "Actually, we are." You say, kneeing him swiftly in the crotch. He keels over quickly, falling to the floor with a thud and a loud anguished moan. Ted's POV.

Ted, Roy, and Beard all kept a vigilant eye on you from above, unbeknownst to you. Ted watched anxiously as the man reached out to grab your arm, "Fellas, I don't like where this is going," He said to Beard and Roy, who both nod in agreement.

"Yeah this prick is getting too handsy." Roy says with a scowl. "I may need to go down there," Ted says. As soon as he observes the man grabbing you and spinning you to face him he makes up his mind, "Yeah, no. I'm going down there, he can’t grab her like that." Turning to quickly place his beer down, Beard grabs his arm, "Coach," he says nodding toward you.

Ted watches with his mouth open as he sees you swiftly lift up your knee and aim it directly into the man's crotch.

Beard and Roy let out a stunned laugh, and Ted smirks, taking a proud sip of his beer, "What a woman," he says shaking his head.

He always knew you were independent. In fact, it was one of the things he liked most about you. But watching you knee a man where it counts was hands down the hottest thing he had ever seen. Second, only, to you in your sports bra covered in sweat. That was an image he replayed in his mind time and time again as he laid in bed, fist held tightly around his cock.

He watched as you confidently stepped over the man, sipping your drink nonchalantly as you made your way back towards the staircase that led up to the VIP section.

Your POV: Sipping your drink, you ascend the stairs where you're immediately greeted by Ted.

"Hi, Ted." You smile at him, taking your straw in your mouth to sip your drink. You watch his eyes flick down to your lips wrapped around your straw and then back to your eyes, "I saw you made a friend down there," He jokes one hand in his pocket, the other wrapped around his beer.

"Oh him?" You point over your shoulder, "Yeah, we didn't hit it off so well." Ted laughs, smiling down at you, "I gotta say..." he shakes his head and then seems to think better of it.

"What's that?" You ask, a teasing smile on your face. "Never mind," He smirks and takes a playful sip of his beer.

"Oh come on," You playfully hit his shoulder, "You can't do that, it's not fair." He smiles, a blush forming on his cheeks, "Hey after seeing what you did to that guy, I'm afraid to cross any lines." You laugh but look up at him to see a nervous expression on his face. You swallow down your own anxiety, feeling suddenly bold. "Cross the line, Ted." You say softly, but loud enough for him to hear over the thumping music. His eyebrows raise, "Well," he said, clearly shocked by your response, "I was gonna say that it's quite...attractive seeing a woman stand up for herself." Your ears turn bright red as you look down at the ground. Biting your lip, you offer him a shy smile, "So that's what does it for you?" You tease. He laughs, an unbelieving expression on his face, "Hey now," he tries to back-peddle, but you don't let him.

"Wanna get some air?" You ask, "It's kind of overwhelming in here."

He nods immediately, "Oh yes, sure, let me just —" he turns quickly to place his beer on a spare table.

Turning to walk down the stairs you smirk as Keeley and Rebecca notice Ted following you, and eye you with gleeful looks. You shrug and wink in silent response and they absolutely eat it up.

Weaving through the crowd, you reach for Ted's hand and instantly feel a shock of electricity shoot up your arm. You turn to look at him and the look in his eye tells you he feels the same.

You finally make it to the back exit, spilling out into a deserted alleyway.

"God I thought we'd never make it out of there," You joke as you face him.

He looks down at you, his mouth lifting up at the corners, "Desperate to get me alone, huh?" He jokes. You look down at your heels, and tap them together nervously.

"Whatcha doin' down there, Dorothy?" He says softly, a joking tone to his voice.

"Trying to work up the courage to kiss you, I guess," You say, looking back up at him.

He smiles softly, his eyes lighting up. He steps towards you and your back hits the brick wall of the club, one of his hands pressing into the wall next to your head, and the other playing with your fingers. "Feeling brave yet?" He asks, leaning toward you.

You nod, meeting his eyes once more, and move to wrap your arms around his neck, pulling his head down towards you. His lips meet yours urgently, and you're so enamored by this kiss that your knees start to get weak. You open your mouth, inviting his tongue in to tangle with yours, his hand moving to steady itself on your hip. With one hand still pressed against the wall, and the other holding you, you lean your hip forward to press against him.

He lets out a low moan at the action, and moves to kiss down your neck. "Baby," he whispers sucking lightly on your pulse point, "You tell me if this is too much, okay?" You nod against him, "It's not enough Ted," you whine reaching again for his face, and bringing your lips back to his. He pulls away after a few moments, leaning his head against yours, "As much as it pains me to say this," he laughs, "I think we should pause before we get arrested for indecency in an alleyway." You laugh and nod, "You know I'm a few blocks from here if you'd want to..." You trail off. "Absolutely." He nods, pushing off the wall and following your lead.

By the time you get to your apartment Ted is pressing you up against your door, kissing your neck as you fish around your clutch for your keys. "We'll never make it inside if you keep that up," You warn him.

He pulls away, nodding and lifting his hands in surrender “Fair enough." As soon as you unlock the door you're thrown inside by a very eager Ted who presses you back up against it on the other side. "You want this?" He checks, looking at you with sincerity.

"More than anything," You nod.

Ted's mouth raises at the corner and he kisses you once more before slowly removing the straps of your dress and pushing them down your shoulders. He pushes your dress down to the floor and you're left in your bra and panties, thankful as ever that you wore a matching lace set. He runs a hand through his hair, "Fuck, you're gorgeous." It's the first time you've heard him swear, and it stirred something in you. He notices the look in your eyes and returns to kissing your neck, moving down over your breasts and down your sternum. "Put your leg on my shoulder, darlin'," he says kneeling before you.

Seeing him on his knees was a sight you'd never get over. Carefully placing your leg over his shoulder, he moves forward, breathing over your center.

"I can't wait to taste you," He says, stroking your inner thigh, "Bet it's everything I've ever dreamed of." Your eyes roll back as you feel him move your panties to the side and slowly lick up your folds. "Fuck, Ted," You whine as he starts to suck on your clit. His other hand is running up and down the shaking leg you stand on.

"God, you taste so good," He mutters against your heat and you involuntarily buck against his mouth.

"S-sorry," you stutter bracing yourself against the door. "Go on, baby, I don't mind." He says reaching to move your hips over his mouth, "Do what makes you feel good,"

You begin to ride his face, feeling his mustache tickle your sensitive skin and his nose bump over your clit. "I'm so close," You say, moving your hips faster over him until you hit your peak. You’re not positive what you said as you came, but it was likely a mix of his name and expletives. He kisses up your thigh and then slowly lowers your leg off of his shoulder and on to the floor. He rises to stand and you see him discretely wipe his mouth on his rolled up sleeve. "You're so beautiful when you come," He says, brushing a strand of your hair off of your face, "Really lucky to be able to see you like that." Smiling, you reach for him, giving him a slow searing kiss, the taste of yourself now on your tongue. His words are cloaked in a certain shyness, and you’re absolutely taken by his humbled nature. Surely he had to know how good he was at that. “You’re the only one I want to see me like that,” you whisper. Unable to bring yourself to look at him after that confession, you guide him towards your bedroom, laying down on the bed then motioning for him to join you.

Ted wastes no time pulling off his sweater and quickly unbuttoning his shirt. "Let me help," You say, kneeling and scooting over to the edge of the bed, reaching for his belt buckle. You pull it loose, unlatching it from its notch and unbutton his pants. Once the button pops open, you reach in to pull his boxers down with his pants, looking up at him with a surprised but satisfied looked when you realize how big he really is. Looking down at you, Ted gives you a soft smile which slowly morphs into absolute bliss when you take him expertly in your mouth.

Moving your head up and down, you move your hands to massage his balls and you can see his hands twitching at his sides. "Fuck, baby," He says reaching to pull you off of him, "As much as you're killin' me, I wanna be inside you." You pull away and reach for him, pulling him down to your level and kissing him hard. Ted's hands reach to remove the clasp of your bra and you soon feel his mouth wrap around one of your nipples. You lean back, laying across your pillows as he continues sucking your other nipple. Reaching his hands down he removes your panties quickly, throwing them off the bed, and moving to straddle your legs. "I wanna make sure you still want this," He says once he's pulled away from your chest. "You don't owe me anything, we can stop right now if that's what you wanna do." He's so sincere, clearly turned on, yet still checking in with you.

"Please Ted," You reassure him, reaching up to touch his shoulder, "I want you so bad." He nods, wasting no time sinking into you as you both let out a relieved groan. You feel him slowly sink deeper into you, as you stretch to accommodate his size. "Move, Ted, please," You beg, wrapping your legs around his hips. Ted thrusts quickly, burying his head between your neck and shoulder. "Can't tell you how long I've thought about this," he confesses, kissing your neck. "I've wanted you for so long." His confession mixed with the way he was hitting deep inside you made you let out a strangled gasp. "Oh god, just like that," You praise him, lifting your hips to meet with his thrusts. "Please don't stop," you beg pulling his face from your neck to look into his eyes. "Ted," "What do you need, baby?" He asks, not slowing his pace, his hand coming to rest on your cheek. "I want you to take me from behind, please," You whisper. He nods, pulling out of you and waiting for you to turn over. Looking at him from over your shoulder you watch his eyes squeeze shut in pleasure as he pushes into you once more. His pace, combined with the sound of your thighs smacking against his was enough to make your stomach knot all over again. "I'm close, Ted, I'm going to come," "Come for me, let go baby," He says, head thrown back as he continues to thrust into you. You press your head into your pillow to mute your noises as you come, quite loudly, your muscles spasming around him.

In a matter of moments, Ted let out a loud groan, stilling after a few final thrusts and whispering your name. You roll over, laying on your back and looking over at him. He's still kneeling and letting out a breath. "You damn near killed me," He says with a smile, leaning over to kiss you once more before collapsing on his stomach next to you.

"I could say the same," You laugh, turning to face him and running a hand over his back. "I guess now would be the time to admit that I have a huge fucking crush on you..." "Is that so, darlin'?" He looks at you with a grin, "I'm shocked you find an old man like me so attractive." "Not old," You shake your head playfully, "Experienced." Ted lets out a loud laugh before rolling you over on your back once more. "You better watch it," he warns eyes warm and bright.

"Or what?" You taunt, lifting your chin up in a challenge.

"I won't share any of this experience with you," he says nuzzling into your neck.

You laugh as his mustache tickles the skin by your pulse point. "Fair enough," you concede.

"You gonna kick me out now?" He asks pulling away from your neck. You can tell he's half joking.

As the post orgasm bliss slowly faded away the two of you slowly realized the new reality of your dynamic.

"Hmmm," You pretend to think, "I think I'll let you stay...on one condition." "What's that now?" He smiles, hair falling into his eyes.

"We get to do that again."

[meeeeeeri]

Things that really ANNOYED THE FUCK OUTTA ME while watching OUTER BANKS SEASON 3:

First things first: Big John AKA big old crazy dude

Let's just say that besides being a shitty father figure he also is selfish as fuck. He only decides to appear in John B's life whenever he needs him to do something treasure related, like ok big John, you love your son so much *cough cough*

In other hand, he also is willing to do ANTHING to find el Dorado, and by ANYTHING I mean killing people, tell me that's not what a psychopath would do.

And all the fricking screen time dedicated to the relationship between John B and his father???? Like we get that they need to bond again but DO WE HAVE TO WATCH ALL THE PROCESS?

No thank you Netflix, do better next time

I saw a tik tok that went something like this: Who said Ward is a bad person? Big John? cause if we wanna talk about someone BAD let's talk about Big John...

And yeah, that tik tok literally summes up my opinion about this individual.

Me roasting Big John with this post:

2: Rafe and the girl named Sofia who came out of nowhere

Ok. Don't misunderstand me; the idea of introducing a new character who's gonna play the girlfriend or fuckbuddy of Rafe is super super interesting to me BUT

Can you elaborate more their relationship????? Give more CONTEXT????

They could even use her apparition and do a BOMB ASS side story like idk maybe her being more cruel than Rafe or her having some kind of business relationship with Singh and betraying him in the process... WHATEVER

But I'm just saying that that would have been more interesting than the parental issues between Big Dumbass John and John B

A video of me crying while scenes of John B and his dad appeared on my tv non stop:

LOOK AT HIM HE'S SO CUTE LOVE HIM

3: Sarah and Topper

Don't even get me started on this shit.

When I saw that Sarah went back to flirting with Topper I was like WHA- WHE- WHO

But I'm not gonna question her that much because they are supposed to be playing teenagers, and that's what teenagers and (also) some adults do:

STUPID SHIT

And Topper... I really don't know how to feel about him.

He's like a shark who's ready to attack if he sniffs some blood (Sarah and John B breaking up or having relationship turbulences), but I can't even blame him that much because I feel like he really loves Sarah besides everything, and he really demonstrated it this season by helping the pogues out.

What Topper was replaying in his head when Sarah promised him that she would stay:

4: Sarah's thoughts when she was left with no family, no money and nowhere to go (she was homeless for like a day and decided to cope with it by drinking beer from an abandoned beer tap, ok)

Um... When I say I was expecting her to say something philosophical and life changing and SHE DECIDED TO CONCLUDE HER SPEECH WITH: I really don't know if I'm a pogue or a kook...

SIDE EYE

Girl I KNOW you are 17 but GROW THE FUCK UP.

You've been betrayed by your OWN FATHER and SHOT and nearly KILLED by your BROTHER and that's what you're thinking about???

Jesus Christ have mercy on me

All the build up story around pogues and kooks is really interesting (even tho it's like another form of saying rich and poor people) but when characters say shit like that it really makes no sense.

You have no home, no family, you argued with your bf and he left, and your friends are not there at the moment and YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT THAT IRRELEVANT SHIT? Damn

Ok, I think I am done with most of the things I wanted to say. There are MORE for sure, but these are the most important ones.

I have to be honest with you, I still haven't watched the last episode bc I really got tired of their bullshit. I love the show and I really love the characters, but this season just wasn't it. I am gonna try and finish it today with hopes that they will end it in a decent way (I don't think so but whatever).

It's not a secret by the end of this post that I'm a spanish native speaker so, yeah, I tried my best to write down correctly the ideas that I had about the show, so PLEASE don't come at me.

I'm also writing a fanfiction about Rafe, but I'm doing it in spanish because I feel like if I wrote it in english I would fuck it up.

Maybe I will try and start uploading Rafe imagines or smth like that, bc they would be shorter and easier to write for me.

PLEASE if you have any thoughts or a comment that you wanna add after reading my rant, just do it, I'm for sure gonna be answering y'all because I love to talk about the show and the characters.

BYE P4L

[lovemesomeeddiemunson]

Hi! I'm kinda new on Tumblr and don't know a lot of how to ask about request but...

I was thinking about some party when Steve gives his jacket to reader because of cold evening (he's totally nice guy).

And then comes Eddie who is in love with her and super jealous right now

Later I'm thinking about boy's argument or grumpy Eddie who doesn't want to tell reader why he's so quiet

He just really wants to see her with his jacket 😔 And happy ending of course!

I hope it's at least a little bit inspiring

Jacket Envy

Summary: Eddie is in love with you. Seeing you in another man’s jacket just doesn’t sit right with him.

F! Reader Insert, 1234 Words

Warnings: Jealousy. Pet names.

Authors Note: Ah, jealous Eddie. My bread and butter. Thanks so much for this request hun, I hope you enjoy! Also, I am always looking for inspo, so I will absolutely take requests for one-shots, blurbs, and head canons. If you don’t have an idea and just wanna chat, that’s cool too! I promise I won't bite.

The party was still going strong by the time the sun had set, and the temperature had dropped.

You’re sitting outside, chatting with some of your friends, Steve Harrington among them.

He notices how you’re trying to be inconspicuous about your shivering, rubbing your hands slowly up and down your arms. Without even thinking about it, he shrugs out of his jacket, draping it over your shoulders.

You smile gratefully at him, and he offers you a kind one in return.

The sight of it - of the jacket currently keeping you warm, the smile between you and someone that was not him - causes Eddie Munson to freeze, rooting him to the spot. He feels like he’s been punched in the gut.

Jesus Christ, he had only stepped away for a second. Just a second to complete some shitty deal and now here was Steve, moving in on the only thing in this world he really cared about.

He was fuming.

One of your friends pulls you up, pulls you away, excitedly ushering you inside because this is your song! Leaving Steve behind.

Without you there to bear witness to his outburst, Eddie heads straight for Steve to ask what the hell he thinks he’s doing.

Not more than a few minutes go by before you catch wind of what’s going on.

You’d been seeking the metal head out, missing him to an embarrassing degree when you spotted him outside where you’d just come from, a scowl set on his face, having words with Steve.

That didn’t seem right.

You head towards them, interrupting their argument as they both look at you with guilty expressions on their faces.

“Hey guys, is everything okay here?” You ask in concern.

“Great.” Eddie snaps - which is so strange, because 1, things definitely were not great, and 2, he was not prone to snapping at you.

He got revved up a lot of the time, sure, and now could have easily been classified as one of those moments, but he was never short with you.

You narrow your eyes at him.

Steve makes an excuse to leave at that, clapping Eddie on the back harshly as he does so. Something unspoken passes between them. Eddie stiffening in response, his eyes darting back to the other boy warily.

Then it’s just him and you.

You look at him expectantly. “Do you want to try again, Ed’s?”

Did you have to look at him like that? He deflates a bit, hands running through his long hair.

“It’s…nothing.” He lies, not giving you any more than that despite your best efforts.

He tried to change the subject, distract you with the party that was still happening around you, but you weren’t having it.

You cling to his side, not wanting to let it go, and he sulks, not giving you answers. Not letting you in on whatever happened with Steve - why he’s been so quiet.

Eventually, you threaten to go to the source. That doesn’t help Eddie’s situation at all.

“You wouldn’t.” Eddie pouts.

“Try me.” You say.

He looks around nervously, but there’s no help in sight. “Fine.” He relents, gruffly. “But…not here.”

He reaches down and takes your hand in his, and though it surely can’t mean anything to him, your heart skips a beat anyways.

Eddie leads you away from the party, out to the driveway clustered with cars. There’s no one out here to overhear you two as he fumbles for a cigarette. Anything to calm his nerves.

You let him get the first few puffs in, feeling nervous yourself. Feeling like you have to fill the silence.

“Listen Eddie,” you begin, only for him to puff out a plume of smoke, eyes watering as he cuts you off.

“Could you just…take that off.” He groans. “Please, Y/N, it’s driving me crazy.”

“What?” You ask confusedly, looking down at the jacket that you had forgotten you were wearing. “Why?”

Then you look up at Eddie, his warm brown eyes avoiding yours, his lower lip jutting out a little bit. Hope kindled in your chest, warming you with every passing moment.

“Because it didn’t come from me.” He whispered. “And it should have.”

“…I’m not following.” You admit, clutching the jacket tighter around your shoulders as Eddie extinguishes the cigarette, this moment too big and too scary to be swept away in the habit.

“Sweetheart,” Eddie sighs. “I can’t stand it. Seeing you walk around in The Hair’s jacket like you're his. Not when I really want you to be mine.”

Eddie must see the confusion in your expression, because he keeps talking. “And I know a jacket isn’t a sign that you're anybody’s…it’s just that I-I’ve pictured you in mine. So. Many. Times. So often. Thinking about…what it would be like if it was...If it meant something, meant you were mine, I mean.”

Your voice is small. “Really?”

“Yes.” It’s fervent. “All the time…I…you mean everything to me, Y/N and I’ve never known how to tell you that.”

You feel like your heart is going to burst. “You’re everything to me too, Eddie. You have to know that. Steve is - he’s not even a factor for me.” Laughing nervously. “The truth is that I’ve thought about it too. Being yours. It’s practically all I ever think about but I - I didn’t know if you could see me that way.”

Eddie moves closer to you, taking your fidgety hands in his, smoothing his thumbs along them. It feels good…different from how he normally touched you when he was holding back, but still so comfortingly familiar.

Eddie lets out a slow exhale through his nose, so much fondness in his eyes as he eases your worries. “How could I not see you that way?…How could I not have fallen so, overtly, in love with every bit of you? Y/N…”

“Ed’s…” you say back. “You love me?”

“I do.” He nods, a hopeful smile on his face.

You promise it back without a doubt. “I love you too. So much, Eddie.”

He nearly sags in relief. “I have to kiss you. Please say I can kiss you.” He’s desperate, hands squeezing down on yours to remind you that he’s here - he’s here and this is real. He’s really asking.

You have your own measure of desperation in your tone when you breathe out, “Kiss me.”

Eddie doesn’t hesitate - doesn’t hold back. He kisses you like he’s been waiting for the chance to show you how much you mean to him.

You feel it - all of it, every ounce of his adoration, his frustrations, his longing. He leaves it there on your lips to consume you.

His arms are wrapped around your back, pulling you in close like he never wants to let you go.

In fact, only one thing could get him to relinquish you - he pulls back with a soft smile. Winking as he helps you to slip the offending jacket off, tossing it over his shoulder as he turns and heads back to the party.

“Where are you going?” You blurt, starting after him.

“To tell Steve where he can put his jacket!” He shouts, giddy at his victory as he picks up the pace.

“Eddie!” You protest, the words dying on your tongue in a fit of laughter.

“Y/N!” He mocks back, skirting out of your reach as you chase after him.

[pankowperfection]

Tease

Summary: JJ can't stand to watch you tease him anymore

Warnings: smut, oral (fem and male receiving)

A/N: something a little different, written from JJ's POV

I swear she's teasing me on purpose. Sitting on her beach towel, long legs crossed so the crotch of her tiny excuse of a bikini is barely covering anything. Tits nice and perky in the small piece of fabric covering them, bouncing every time she moves or laughs. My cock had been hard in my trunks ever since I saw her this morning, hot pink bikini making her somehow look more tan and even more beautiful. Then she goes and asks me to rub her sunscreen onto her back. "Can you help me J, please?" she rolls over onto her stomach, untying her top so the strings aren't in the way. Jesus Christ I'm gonna end up cumming in my fucking pants. "Yeah, sure y/n." I take the bottle from her, trying to think of anything else other than how her body feels beneath my hands. Then she goes and fucking moans as I'm rubbing the lotion into her shoulders. My dick twitched at the sound as I silently curse my lack of self control.

When I finish I quickly stand up, grabbing my board and heading to into the waves to cool off, praying that surfing will make my raging hard on go away. It works for a while, mind and body slipping into muscle memory as I ride wave after wave. When I start to get hungry I head back to the group, planning to down a beer and a sandwich while avoiding y/n. That's when I realize I'm in deep trouble. There she is, eating a popsicle as sexually as possible. Maybe my mind is playing with me, yeah that has to be it. Her eyes lock on mine before she slowly licks up the flavored ice, then sinks it into her mouth. When she pulls it back out she winks at me before swirling her tongue around the entire length. My dick is hard as steel AGAIN. She's definitely doing this on purpose. "That's it," I almost yell, startling our friends as I grab y/n's hand and pull her towards the Twinkie. "JJ what are you doing?" she struggles to keep up with me, looking back over her shoulder to see everyone staring at us.

As soon as we get to the van I spin her around, pressing her back into the door as I lean in. "Don't act like you don't want me. You've teased me all day. See what you caused?" I press my hips forward, cock rutting into her stomach as she lets out a gasp. Her tiny hands land on my chest, not pushing me away so I take that as a win. I lean down and kiss the hell out of her, tangling my hands in her hair as I push my tongue into her mouth. She moans against my lips and I swear I just got even harder. Her hand trails down over my abs, the feeling sending shot of pleasure through my veins. She wraps her pretty little fingers around my length and starts stroking me and I can't help but moan.

I manage to open the door, shoving her back onto the seat as I follow her down. The next thing she says almost does me in. "J, let me taste you. Please?" Literally music to my ears. "Sure sweetheart, how could I say no to that?" I give her my best grin before trading places, laying down as she kneels between my legs. She quickly unties by trunks, freeing my aching cock as I let out a sigh of relief. She gives me a few strokes before leaning down, lapping the tip with her hot little tongue and I'm already seeing stars. She sucks me down to the hilt, letting me slide down her throat as her nose hits my pelvis. My hands fist into her hair, holding it out of the way so I can watch her work. When she starts bobbing her head up and down, tongue teasing the underside of my shaft as she hollows out her cheeks, I know I won't last very long. "Shit princess, don't stop. Feels so good." She fucking moans with my dick in her mouth and its game over, vibrations making my balls tighten, hot ropes of cum shooting into her throat. She swallows it all, licking me clean before pulling back with a smile. "Fuck y/n, you'll be the death of me." She giggles before crawling up my body, pressing her lips to mine.

I quickly flip us over, trailing my mouth down her neck and stopping to suck a huge bruise into her sweet spot as she moans beneath me. I rip off her bikini top, lavishing each nipple with my tongue before continuing down her body. When I reach her bottoms she attempts to thrust her hips up into my face, desperate for some attention. "My needy girl," I chuckle before untying the sides, exposing her bare pussy to me. She's so wet her skin is glistening and God I can't wait to taste her. I blow some air out over her clit, making her moan and her hands tangle in my hair. I dive straight in, tongue sliding into her hole and groaning at the taste. "Fuck J," she yanks my hair particularly hard and I moan again, dick already stirring back to life. I lap at her clit, flicking it up and down with my tongue as I easily slide two fingers inside. Her back arches when I start to pump them in and out, matching the rhythm of my tongue. I suck on her clit, pulling back slightly before letting it go and she stifles a scream by biting her lip. I repeat the motion over and over until she's suffocating me with her thighs, soaking my face with her release as she grinds her pussy against my mouth. Her body shakes as I continue to lick her afterwards, pleasure too intense but I'm determined to lick her clean. She finally shoves my face away, so I kiss up her stomach and back to her face before our lips meet again. We both fix our swimsuits back into place, heading back to the beach hand in hand. Before we make it back to the group I pull her to a stop. "My place tonight for round two?" She winks and blows me a kiss before walking over to the cooler to grab a beer. God I love this girl.

Please let me know if you want to be added to my taglist

@adventuresinobx @starkeyobx @hoebx @ailee-celeste @pankowforlife @outerbankspov @houseofperfecttaste @vesperluvsbillie @smokingbeersdrinkingweed @my-baexht-ls

[thechaoscryptid]

"don't think I don't notice you yawning," Vashwood

(prompt me about sleepy people!)

(the mood music!)

Long days make Nicholas a shitty watchdog.

Sunset creeps along the sand, dragging itself by brittle claws toward the mouth of the cave he and Vash have hidden in. They're at least an hour out from any shred of humanity, but the knowledge does nothing to ease the tension that gnaws at his bones. Distance means little in the face of Vash's bounty; people only see him as an opportunity, a means to an end.

That fact means shit all to Vash, which leaves Nicholas to shoulder the burden of keeping him upright.

Today was difficult.

Nicholas doesn't know how the gunfight started, only that he finished it after Vash sprinted around the corner with red on his hands and a fresh hole in his shoulder. It was probably something stupid, because it always is: a stupid offer, a stupid question, a stupid fuck who thinks they stand a chance against a calamity who calls wrath to heel.

Christ above, he'd wanted to wring the bounty hunters' skinny little necks for ruining his chance at a good night's sleep, regardless of why they were after Vash this time.

It doesn't matter how many times Nicholas watches Vash's skin knit together in front of him, doesn't matter how many times Vash gives him a beatific smile and says he's okay - seeing Vash hurt rouses a beast inside of him, one shot through with rage and ruin and more bullets than he can count.

And that doesn't matter either, no matter how much Vash insists otherwise, because Vash the Stampede is fucking incapable of existing without attempting to atone for atrocities he thinks he's committed.

"Wolfwood," Vash says. His voice rasps as he passes Nicholas's cigarette back.

Nicholas takes a drag, but doesn't speak.

"Nick," Vash amends, and then, softer, "Nico."

Dropping his head between his hands, folded on his knees, Nicholas says, "I would like to go one day without losing a chance at sleeping somewhere with a mattress."

It's a hollow truth at best, and out of the corner of his eye, he watches Vash slump forward.

"I'm sorry," Vash says.

Then stop trying to make yourself a martyr, Nicholas wants to snap, but they've had that argument so many times that he can recite it in his sleep.

He sighs, offers the cigarette back to Vash. "Keeping up with you is exhausting," he says instead. "I will, for as long as I can, but God, Vash."

"Don't think I don't notice you yawning," Vash says, cracking a thin smile. He leans into Nicholas's side with a low, heavy sigh, and brushes their knuckles together until Nicholas unclenches his fist. Vash's skin is warm, a small burst of sunlight under the silver stars. "The bags under your eyes have bags of their own."

"I know."

"You should sleep here," Vash says. "It's safe."

"Nothing's ever safe these days. I can't."

"You can." Vash rubs small circles against the back of Nicholas's hand, and Nicholas can't stifle the shiver that trickles slowly down his spine. "I'll be good. I promise."

Nicholas groans softly. "Angel..."

"Cross my heart," Vash says. His lips brush against the hollow of Nicholas's throat once, twice before he rests his chin on Nicholas's shoulder. "You do too much."

Nicholas doesn't do enough. He can't, not where Vash is involved - he'll never be worth the trust Vash places in him, will never deserve to be loved the way Vash loves.

He doesn't say this either, because that is a minefield of potential arguments at best, and Vash is right. Exhaustion prickles at the base of his skull, howls in his marrow and drags blurry fingers across his vision as Vash guides his heavy head down.

Long days and Vash's touch and his own haunted heart will be his undoing; Nicholas never been more sure of anything. But the suns have faded into night, and Vash has promised mercy, and Nicholas's pulse thuds steadily, without the sharp edge of fear.

And so, after a kiss and mumbled thank you, love, Nicholas surrenders to the dark.

[refiwrites]

Oh my hi! I love your content so much and y’all are right there is not enough content for like any avatar character. I was wondering if I could get prompt #8 and #10 (just 8 if two is too much) with Grace? Maybe reader and Grace have a mother/child-like bond? Thank you so much! Have a beautiful day!

thank you! terribly sorry that the ending seems a bit rushed i suck at writing them </3 i hope you enjoy though!

Sa'nok

Pairing: Grace Augustine x GN! Reader (platonic!!)

Prompt used: #8 - "This is gonna hurt like a bitch, but I have to stitch up that wound.", #10 - "I know you're hurt, (name)."

Word count: 0.8k

Warning/s: guns, injury, wound mentions, blood (if i'm missing something please let me know!!)

GIF is not mine, credits to the owner!

“Grace, move!” You shout as bullets started heading towards you.

“I’m taking hits, hurry up!” Trudy ushers, turning the engine on as bullets made cracks on the glass on the Samson. You aid Jake in getting on the aircraft, trying to avoid bullets as best as you can.

Grace also helps in pulling up Jake, with Norm making space for all of you to fit in.

“Go, go, go!” You shout, stepping foot onto the aircraft, yet you stumble, but successfully grabbing ahold of the belt on the Samson, pulling yourself upright. You felt it levitate, then before you know it you were flying off towards somewhere.

“Hell yeah!” Jake shouts along with Norm and you. Trudy and Grace laughing at the three of you who looked like a bunch of children.

Then there was it.

You felt a harsh burning sensation just by your thigh, making you look down to see a patch of red. Then you stumble forward, holding tightly onto the belt before sitting down at one of the chairs. “Fuck’s sake.” You mutter, looking at your thigh, a bullet grazed it open, not too big but it was deep, and it hurt like hell.

“(Y/N)?” Jake turns to you then immediately spots your wound as his smile fades in a millisecond. “Shit, (Y/N)’s hit.”

Grace raised her chin to see you, your thigh bleeding out and you gritting your teeth. She was on your side in a flash. “(Y/N), hey, place this on here, okay? Keep the pressure on it.” Grace commands you.

You chuckle, “Grace, it’s not like I’m going to die—” You let out a shout as Grace pressed onto your wound with a cloth. “Christ—” You breath out, giving Grace a glare but you held the cloth onto your wound as Grace said. “See, doesn’t look like fine to me, I know you’re hurt, (Y/N).”

“We’re going to have to drop down on site 26, treat (Y/N) then we’re good to go.” Trudy says, moving towards the site’s location. You opened your mouth to retort but Grace already spoke, “We’re not taking no for an answer, this is serious (Y/N).”

After what felt like a long ride and admiring the Hallelujah mountains, you arrive at site 26. As Trudy lands, Norm helped Jake out then Trudy went over to you and Grace. You stared at the cloth that you tied to your thigh, it was already seeping out red and your vision was going hazy.

“Come on sweetie.” Grace says, wrapping your arm around her as you stepped on the ground, pain shooting through your leg as you limped towards the cabin.

Once everything was settled, Grace forced you to lay down on one of the beds as she took the action of disinfecting your wound. “That hurts.” You complain. “It better,” Grace says, before going back to dabbing your wound with an antiseptic.

“This is gonna hurt like a bitch, but I have to stitch up that wound."

You propped your elbows up and looked at your cleaned wound. “That worse?” “Yes, that worse. Now lay down and don’t move an inch.” She rolled her eyes, before pushing your shoulder down on the bed. “Give me a drink or something first, maybe?” You joked but she only rolled her eyes further. “I’ve already gave you a shot of anesthesia, pray it’ll work.”

After Grace started stitching up your wound, which still left a tingly feeling even on anesthesia, Grace spoke. “You’re really stupid for not going in first.”

You look at her and sigh “And have what? You or the others getting shot? No way. I’d rather take the bullet for any of you. All we’ve got left is each other in stopping Quaritch from reaching the home tree.”

Grace sighs as she continued stitching. “And you know we can’t lose you too (Y/N).”

You shrug, your eyes finding their way to the pictures on the wall, specifically the ones on the fridge that Norm just opened. It was a picture of the school that Grace built, in front of it was her avatar along with the Na’vi children, and a face you could recognize was Neytiri.

You smile, you knew how much this mattered to Grace, and having them reunite was one of the things you’d promise yourself.

Grace followed your gaze and looked at you. “You know, they never really left my mind.”

You turn to face her. You knew the school was no longer active, but you didn’t know the reason why.

“They used to call me sa’nok.” You could subtly hear her voice crack.

You knew what that word meant. “Mother.” You confirmed and she nods.

“They learn faster than I could teach.” She smiles at the memory. “Then one day, they stopped coming. They had set a bulldozer on fire, came to the school for shelter, hoping that I— could protect them. I did as best as I could, but it wasn’t enough.”

You frown. “Grace.” You reach up to touch her arm as her eyes became glassy.

“Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’ll see them again, pänutìng sa’nok leyn nga kar (promise, mother, you will teach again).” You then smile at her, then you gesture to your heart.

Grace looked up in shock, then she formed a tight-lipped smile. After all these years never had she thought she’ll have something like what she had then, now she had you with her.

All she could thought of was the kids she taught meeting you, the Na’vi she treated like her very own children, and now there was a new one, you.

[milkywaybottles]

The Way Things Were | Tommy Shelby x Reader

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Author's Note: Welcome to a new series of mine <3 This is my attempt at expanding the fandoms and audience I'm writing for. I've always wanted to do a Thomas Shelby piece so hopefully, you all enjoy it. I will be updating my other series soon, I promise. Much love xx

Chapter 1:

It had been a relief to see the Shelby boys back home safely in one piece. Though, perhaps something more disturbing than the horrors those boys faced while at war was that Thomas was now a hollow shell of his former self. Someone you had practically known your whole life had slipped out from under your grasp and had yet to be seen again. It was a disheartening sight, to be sure. In the months they had been back, they did their best to fall back into old business but ever since Polly, the rest of the women and even you had taken over the business, it was a tricky task bringing in the reigns again. A woman like Polly wasn't just going to give up what she had helped to create. But that didn't particularly matter at the moment.

You had roughly half an hour to burn before having to meet Ada for tea. Where else would you spend it other than the Garrison? The men knew not to touch you or really speak to you because if there was a chance you were unhappy with the encounter, one of the Shelbys would knock their teeth in. Nevertheless, you went despite the company.

The bar was filled with a cloud of cigarette smoke, escaping into the smoggy air as you pushed the door open. You grimaced a little, hoping not to slip into one of the many stains of amber liquid on the hardwood floors. It would have been a shame to get booze on your freshly tailored skirt. Moments upon your entry, eyes were always on you before dispersing elsewhere.

"(Y/N)!" Harry called, looking up from the beer tap at your presence.

"Harry" You smiled, taking a seat on one of the many wooden stools at the counter, "Just my usual, thank you". A swift nod was enough for him to get to work in pouring you a cider. Whiskey was for the hard days, and while you did want to get loose, you didn't want to show up to tea with Ada, drunk off your face.

"So..." Harry murmured, managing to pull a smile from his face while gliding the glass across the table to you. You caught it in your gloved hand. "What's the reason you want to drown your sorrows this early in the day, eh?"

"It's one standard glass of cider" You stated pessimistically. Harry tended to exaggerate, or at least John thought so. "But anyways, Ada wants me to come to her lunch..." after losing the word, you ended up throwing your hands in defeat, "Thing!". Harry had mumbled an 'ah' noise and his gaze was directed to the door.

"Incoming". Your attention snapped in the same direction to see the eldest Shelby with the reddish tint to his hair and his distinctive moustache. If you hadn't been in public, you would've groaned right then and there, feeling as though you were about to melt into the chair to escape him.

"(Y/N)" He pestered, walking to you stiffly with purpose, "Ya' busy?"

"A bit" You shot back, your finger teetering on the rim of your glass

"Christ, what're you drownin' your sorrows for?" He posed, peering over your shoulder at the glass in your hand. You shook your head defiantly, spinning around to face him in your chair.

"How come everyone thinks that? It's a fucking glass of cider. You, Tommy and John get wasted on whiskey before 9am in the morning and nobody bats an eyelid. That's sexism right there" You joked, taking another long and hard sip of your drink. The liquid was relief against your throat, which you had been using to shout at Finn for the better half of a week. The boy couldn't keep himself out of trouble and had even found John's gun in the house earlier on. Polly had promised to sort John out. "Seriously though, I have lunch with Ada soon. What d'ya need?"

Arthur's hands fell to his waist. "That explains it then.. but what? I can't check on my friend since childhood?". When you gave him a blank stare, knowing that wasn't the reason, because there was always a reason these days, he continued on. "Well... maybe. I just need someone to check 'ver the books. My numbers aren't great"

You sighed, "There isn't anyone else?"

"You know how they get, (Y/N). I don't need Tommy or Aunt Pol on my case. Please". Arthur wasn't one to get soft but when he needed to be, he was very kind to you. You and the Shelby family lived in neighbouring houses when you grew up. One day when you had scraped your knee on the road, Arthur came shooting out of his house to check if you were alright, his little damsel in distress out on the street. That's how you met the Shelbys, been quite inseparable since.

"Alright. I'll stop by the shop later. I have to go now though, so, I'll see you later, Arthur"

With a nod, you downed your glass and stepped off the stool. The location Ada had chosen wasn't far, a block or two around the corner. You internally cursed for high heels, which tended to be the bane of your existence, more often than not, especially on the gravel and dirt of the main roads. Life would have been easier if you could wear the uniform of the vest, pants and loafers like everyone else. Before you knew it, you were inside the tea shop, your pale friend sitting in a cushioned booth by the window.

"Ada" You chirped, taking her delicately gloved hands as you sat down across from her, "You have some blush in your cheeks today". Your harmful observations caused her to shift in her seat,

"You're late"

You glanced at the gold-plated watch on your wrist and flicked your gaze back up at her, "I'm not late. You are simply early. Besides, you can blame your eldest brother for that one. Got stuck talking at the Garrison". Ada slipped her mahogany gloves from her fingers, placing them on the table beside her. Then, she took the lacy kettle from the middle of the table and poured herself a drink, dropping two small, sugary cubes into the mixture. You didn't particularly feel like tea so you removed your lighter and a cigarette from your pocket. Placing the roll of sin between your lips, you took the lighter to it, the flame bursting from the casing before disappearing once you were satisfied.

"I thought you said you were quitting"

You took the cigarette in your hands, blowing out a weak cloud of smoke. Your exhale was mixed with another deep sigh. Truth be told, they brought you temporary relief. "I'm not addicted, just help calm the nerves. It's only once or so every couple of days. Your brothers and Aunt Pol go through a pack a day, it's not me you should be worried about, dear". A few thoughts had popped into your mind since arriving, the main one being why Ada was being so judgemental. "Maybe you should try one, considering how high-strung you're acting. The last time you got like this was when you were seeing that red..."

It all fell into place.

"Ada, my love, you're not seeing Freddie again are you?". Her surprised silence was an indication. You had known Ada Shelby long enough to know her tells. "What's Tommy going to say? You know better than anyone that he has a hateful vendetta against Freddie Thorne, and here you are, infiltrating the reds from the inside". Her face had turned pink at your words.

"He's different than how Tommy talks about him. He's kind and gentle, and I think he really loves me" She stated gently, placing her cup down. There had always been a sparkle in Ada's sea blue eyes. The genes ran in the family as far as Tommy was concerned. She saw the best in people, stayed sweet like a shortcake and remained out of our business for the most part. Still, allowed into the family meetings, unlike you, who Polly had been advocating for.

'Oh, Ada...". The two men were nemesis, you wouldn't have been surprised for Freddie to sleep with Ada because he could. Her face crumpled into a frown.

"When are you going to get out of Tommy's ass and start supporting what I'm doing?". You thanked the shop for being empty besides yourselves and the lady at the counter. You couldn't have this news getting out to anyone, especially not the rest of the Shelby crew, for Ada's sake.

"Frankly, Arthur and Tommy are my bosses, my friends... your brothers. I'm trying to look out for you and help you make wise decisions that don't involve getting them mad, which is an impossible task and I'm pretty damn good at it". Flattening your skirt with your hands, you slung your purse over your shoulder. Standing, you decided on leaving. You were a few metres from the door when you turned on your heel, back to face Ada,

"You're gonna get him or yourself killed"

-

Your entrance into the shop was welcomed by Finn, the youngest, sitting on the couch in front of the crackling fireplace. "You better not be up to anything sneaky, Finn" you playfully warned, putting the cigarette to your lips before placing it in a nearby ashtray. "No Ma'am" he shot back, grinning like a child. Finn had always liked you, who, on the occasion, was like his mother. You flicked your coat out and the air caught it as you walked into the main room.

You caught a glimpse of Polly sitting at one of the gambling tables, invested in a lodging book. Of course, Tommy was nowhere to be seen. He rarely ever was anymore, always out 'doing business'. You damned the man. He could be doing women and he would call it business. You knew exactly where Arthur’s office was. The door was half open so you slipped inside easily enough.

“You gotta keep an eye on Finn. He’s gonna grow up to be a real trouble maker, that one” you beamed. Arthur’s look rest upon your face as you stood in the door. He quickly gestured over his shoulder for you to come to his side. He didn’t raise his head from the books as he flipped through them.

“It should be correct but I can’t be sure. Wouldn’t be the first time” he mumbled, handing the pencil to me. You bent over the desk, capturing yourself in the rows and rows of numbers. Only a few mistakes had been made, crossing the numbers with pencil and writing what the tally should have been. But you weren’t done and didn’t want to put all your eggs in one basket yet.

“I know” Arthur replied to your previous statement, “he’s growing up quickly. Pol caught him playing with John’s gun just this morning”

“She told me” you remarked, taking a step back from the papers, Dusting your petite hands, you put the pencil back down. “Should be all good to go”

“Thank you”

Your lips curled into a smile as you stepped out of the room. That was before the creak of a floorboard directed the attention of the room elsewhere. Tommy was back. It had fascinated you for many years on how Tommy was able to command respect just from stepping into a room, causing it to go silent. It was as if everyone was intimidated by his broad shoulders and icy glare. But you knew better. You knew Tommy before any war or any sort of business, just as kids having pure and nonsensical fun. There was a kid in there somewhere. And while he did garner your respect, it wasn’t out of fear, more admiration than anything.

“Tommy” you greeted in passing.

“(Y/N)" Tommy was about to walk past you when he stopped, did a total spin on his heel and stared back at you with his head cocked to the side. 'Oh, shit' you thought, what had you done now? "Family meeting later. I want you there"

You squinted at him, unsure if you had heard him correctly the first time. "You want me at the meeting? I'm not blood-"

"-Even if you aren't blood, you've been part of the family for years. We trust you with our lives. I have a feeling some stuff is going to happen soon and we might need you" He explained, checking his pocket watch which hung from his vest. "I've got things to do for now". He began to walk away, not waiting for a response, "Don't be late" he called, disappearing into Arthur's office.

You stood there for a moment, playing with the tips of your gloves. You had previously felt confused and stuck as to your position in the business. Maybe you were moving up in the world after all.

-

Sitting at the emerald green table, you studied Arthur as he stood above you all. Tommy had cleared up any confusion about your presence to which there was no debate. "Right, I've called this family meeting because I've got some very important news. Scudboat and Lovelock got back from Belfast last night. They were buyin' a stallion to cover their mares. They were in a pub on Shank Hill Road yesterday and in that pub, there was a copper, handing out these". Arthur took one of the crinkled flyers and handed it to you, John and Lovelock, who gave the rest to the other family.

"If you're over five feet and can fight, come to Birmingham" John read out. You licked your lips apprehensively.

"They're recruiting Protestant Irishmen to come over here as specials" Arthur snapped, his arms across his chest. Arthur's face was always frustrated but his features felt especially set. Ada twisted her head to her brother,

"To do what?"

"To clean up the city, Ada. He's the chief inspector" Tommy informed, holding the flyer in the air. "The last four years he's been clearing the IRA out of Belfast". Arthur gaped at Thomas as if he had grown two heads, an unimpressed eyeroll threatening to come loose. "How do you know so bloody much?"

"'Cause I asked the coppers on our payroll"

"And why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm telling you". The eldest took a swig of his flask, and if looks could kill, you were sure that Tommy would be dead. The two boys had been in a pissing contest ever since they got home about who was taking over the Peaky Blinder business. Arthur was becoming more unhinged the more Tommy was deciding to take care of things himself. It didn't take a genius to detect the thick tension in the air between the pair.

"So why are they sending them to Birmingham?" Polly inquired. She held a magnifying glass in her right hand, observing the paper in detail with her eagle eyes.

"There's been all these bloody strikes at the BSA and the Austin works lately. Now the papers are talking about sedition and revolution. I reckon' it's Communists he's after". Yours and Ada's eyes met from across the table knowingly then breaking away before it became suspicious.

"So this copper is going to leave us alone, right?". We couldn't risk police sniffing around in places we couldn't explain. Business had been doing well, we didn't need it to take a step in the wrong direction.

"There are Irishmen in the Green Lanes who left Belfast to get away from him. Catholic men who crossed him used to disappear" Tommy explained in a deadpanned manner. "Yeah, but we aren't IRA" John rebutted, "We bloody fought for the King. Anyway, we're Peaky Blinders. We're not scared of coppers". You had noticed how the toothpick in his mouth had prompted John to develop a lisp. "If they come for us, we'll cut them a smile each"

"So, Arthur, is that it?" Tommy questioned. You could feel Ada's burning hot gaze on you from across the table. The weight on your shoulders was crushing but you decided to stay as silent as ever, practically gluing your mouth shut.

"What do you think, Aunt Pol?" Arthur asked, always needing to check in with the matriarch of the family. Polly's tired and heavyset eyes typically spoke for her.

"This family does everything open. You have nothing more to say to this meeting, Thomas?"

Her accusing tone caused Tommy to shake his head sideways. "No, nothing that's women's business". Tommy was so full of contradictions that sometimes it made your blood boil. You scrunched your hand from underneath the table.

"This whole bloody enterprise was women's business while you boys were away at war. What's changed?" Polly shot back, sourly positioning her cigarette in her middle and pointer finger.

"We came back"

The meeting had dispersed quickly after that. You were standing over one of the tables, looking over the books when a letter had been slipped to you by Polly. You could recognise the neat scribble of writing anywhere. It was from Elsie, your younger sister who lived in London with your mother. They lived in a beautifully quaint cottage outside the city, making just enough money from handmade things like baked goods to keep on their feet. Once a month, you would send them a slip with a percentage of your pay, even though at times, you were barely making it as it was. You wondered if the letter was asking for the monthly coverage early. But as your eyes drifted over the contents, you felt your heart drop.

"Love?"

You bit your lip back, bringing your empty hand to your face. "Mum has a tumour. Cancer in the lungs with not long left I'm afraid"

"Oh dear" She exclaimed gently, pulling you in for a hug, "I'm sorry to hear that"

"I am too" You smiled weakly.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[vanosslirious]

BBS Dialogue Prompts: #199

BBS Dialogue Prompts & Sentence Starter: [ 10 ]

VANOSSGAMING

You look terrible.

Why is it so good?

You still have to scream like an asshole.

Don't fucking break it!

Ever since I was a little child, I liked pressing buttons.

What the fuck are you breaking?

Why’s his eyes closed?

What do you mean it’s crashing?

What the hell are you doing—stop it!

It’s so fun though…end the map, end the map!

I’m invisible.

You don’t need my permission, you know that.

I recall I said no.

I can revive you, maybe that might help.

What could he possibly be doing to fix the issue?

How did I win that?

I’m fucking you up.

How did you kill me, I shot you so many times.

You can’t, that doesn’t even break.

What voice are you doing?

NOGLA

I changed my outfit here.

He’s going to slowly kill you, don’t let him do that.

Okay, I actually know what I'm doing here.

I think you’re allowed to die three times.

You got baited, bro.

He’s on his last one.

The joke went a little too far.

Oh wow, and he makes it as well.

I would laugh if I had any life left in me.

It’s best you don’t give a shit.

TERRORISER

I feel drunk.

This whole time?

You look like your from here.

Why would Mars attack North Carolina?

They’re trying to get rid of you.

Someone teach this man the fucking lyrics.

How the fuck do I get in there?

I think I found the safe room?

Alright, boys, into the safe room.

You gone and done it now.

SMII7Y

That's fucking scary and it's just a fucking chess piece.

Get up the stairs, asshole.

This one doesn't work, someone should get that fixed.

Who thinks of this, man?

Let me get my water, please.

Get up from behind there so I can pick you up.

Shit, I got fooled.

Stop lying to me.

Oh God, it's fucking bright in here.I'm just going to keep walking, alright.

I’m going backwards, I guess.

FOURZER0SEVEN

Fuck you, you’re going down.

No, I got the fuck out of there.

Wait, this elf does look like me, I’m upset about that.

Yes, no shit, dumb fuck.

Are you shitting me?

He’s busy shoving a fucking sandwich down his gullet.

Is that alright, thanks.

Spite him!

I’ve been ready.

He's singing the ABC's right now…

GRIZZY

Watch us still lose.

This is such a waste of fucking time, dude...

There's nothing I want...yet.

I hope I get pity points again.

Stop fucking thinking.

You know what, fuck it.

I got nothing to lose.

Dude, this is so hard to control.

Why is it pointing upward?

That was not worth it.

BLARG

Unrelated, but I think a race car just drove by.

They’re gonna stay under there.

You put a fucking hex on us.

I like that he’s hunting me, but I haven’t been hit by him.

Put it down, coward.

Wait, I can help.

I think we have to go up one difficulty.

No, you’re fine.

I’m joining the horde, fuck y’all.

Yeah, well, I’ll see you guys in heaven.

BASICALLYIDOWRK

I missed every shot.

I ran out of bullets.

I wanted to stab you, I heard you coming.

I missed every bullet.

I got a pistol now…

That recoil caught me off guard.

Oh, thank Christ, I got stabbed.

No, stop moving.

This guys invincible, bro!

I don’t know what happened right there.

WILDCAT

We should go on an adventure together.

What is our goal even, I don’t even know what our goal is.

We need food by the way.

Oh shit, I just said a couple of words and now everyone’s gathering around looking at me.

Motherfucker just went for it…I had to walk away.

Let’s all turn around and punch him.

We’re getting eaten, run.

We’re trying to hang onto our lives at the moment.

Just shoot all the decoys.

Take off the mask, bitch.

MOO

I think we should all stick together.

Aw, you just ignored me.

I'm just going to go ahead and close this.

Sorry, we got distracted again.

We're never getting through this.

No, I just want to get through this.

No, I knew you were chasing me...

Yep, we’re gone…

You should never have given him this power.

Now I'm in the closet!

[artificialqueens]

📬 We've Met in the Strangest of Circumstances (Adore/Katya) - Grinder

AN: Been a long time since I contributed to a fic challenge. I agreed to this when I was drunk and in need of my favourite rare pair. Seriously, we need more Adore (RPDR S6) / Katya (RPDR S7) Instead of going for letters or chatrooms, I thought how bizarre it would be for two people to find eachother on Pictochat for the OG Nintendo DS. Anyone else remember the good old days?

Also, a huge thank you to thecollectionsof of AO3 for beta'ing this one shot! I've taken on your advice, not just for this fic but my upcoming series (which I have no idea when it'll finally be posted lol), but I really appreciate all the help!

Major trigger warning: Mentions of online predators

Adore slammed the front door as soon as she got in. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t cry. It wasn’t allowed when you were seventeen. You just had to take whatever was thrown at you, take it in your stride, hold your head high…

Adore was a tough bitch but she was sensitive.

With her back pressed against the door, Adore stared at the floor, her bottom lip quivering.

Her mother, Bianca, poked her head out of the kitchen. “Why are you crying now?”

And this was all it took for Adore to start shouting. “I fucking hate Aja! I fucking. Hate. Her!”

Bianca rolled her eyes, making her way back into the kitchen, resuming work on spaghetti carbonara. “Girl, she was your best friend last week.” 

Adore appeared in the doorway, eyes glistening with tears and she huffily crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, I fucking mean it this time! I don’t get what the fuck her problem is. I’m not trying to get with her fucking man! Fuck, she’s one of the only people who know I like girls, Jesus Christ! So why the fuck does she think I’m trying to steal some guy from her?”

With her back to Adore, Bianca rolled her eyes, having no idea what the fuck any of this was about. She was just trying to listen to Absolute 80s and have a good time. From all the information just fired her way, all she could say was, “Language.”

“No, Mom! I’ve had it! I’m done with the bitch! I’m not fucking sitting with her on Monday!” Adore knew she sounded like a brat, but it made her feel better to vent out all these feelings.

“Adore, with all due respect, if you don’t sit with her then who will you sit with?” Bianca finally stopped chopping onions, turning to face her daughter with questioning hands. “I’m not saying it to be mean, but Aja’s the leader of your group. Think about it.”

“I don’t care, I don’t need any of those bitches.” Adore shrugged, pretending to give zero fucks, when in reality, she knew her Mom was right. The rest of the girls were loyal to Aja—Kim, Naomi, Farrah. 

All of them were so far up her ass.

"God, I can't wait for next week, when she's the greatest thing that's ever happened to you." Bianca spoke quietly, but not quietly enough. She knew, she just knew that Adore wasn't happy with that remark, just from how silent the moody teen was now. 

Bianca looked over her shoulder, trying to hold back her laughter as Adore stared daggers at her. She couldn't help it, not when she knew what it was like to be a teenager too.

She remembered all the arguments, all the bitchy fights she had with her own friend group, all the anxiety she felt knowing they could turn on each other within a second. Not like they ever needed a reason.

If teen girls wanted drama, they'd start it. 

"Okay, look, honey. I think it's about time you listened to me." Bianca stood with a hand on her hip. "I think it's about high time you realise that these bitches aren't going to be your friends forever. As soon as your school years end, oh, it's over."

Adore still wasn't amused.

"Don't give me that stanking upper lip. I'm only telling you the truth." Bianca shrugged.

"Well, what am I supposed to do with that information?" Adore huffed, going to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. And for the tiniest second, she debated slamming the door on her head repeatedly. Of course, Bianca wouldn't stop her. Fuck, she'd probably help out.

"With this information, I think you should go and find yourself a new friend. You know? Someone who shares my line of thinking preferably."

“Oh, cool, wow. And how am I going to do that, Mom?” Adore shut the door with her hip.

“You got a mouth, one that I must say you love to fuckin’ run. Use it,” Bianca smirked, scraping the onions into the frying pan.

“Yeah, but shit has changed since you were my age. You can’t just… go up to people and start talking to them. That’s weird.”

"Yeah," Bianca rolled her eyes, "to people like Aja. You need someone who will jump at the opportunity to make friends. Like, maybe the school loner."

"Mom, you're really not helping."

"Well," Bianca turned away from the sizzling onions, "You know what, Adore? I don't know what the fuck to tell you, and quite frankly, I'm tired of listening to you. Now, can I continue making dinner?"

"Whatever," Adore scoffed, leaving the room with her water bottle.

When she put her foot on the first step, Bianca called out to her once more. “It’s the weekend. Go do something fun for you and no one else.”

“You’re giving ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ vibes,” Adore whined further as she stormed up to her room.

When she closed the door behind her, she pressed her forehead to it. 

Chill out, Adore. Chill the fuck out. She knew her Mom was only trying to help. And fuck, she was right. Even when her older sister left school, her friends stopped coming around. Valentina stopped even trying with them when she finally realised school friendships were bullshit. And look at her now, studying in Chicago with a swarm of new friends.

That was all fine and dandy. Adore was happy with that. But it was only March. How could she ditch her friends when there was still so much schooling to do?

There was no way she would meet someone else, not now in her final year. In fact, if she were to drop her friend group this late into everything, then there was no hope of her making new friends. It would be the talk of the school: why was one of the popular girls no longer part of the popular clique?

Adore kicked her door before moving away from it, she heard Bianca shouting from downstairs for her to calm the fuck down and chose to ignore.

How would she quell this anger? What would be her distraction?

She looked around her bedroom—the emerald green walls, the floating bookshelves, the art case laying half opened beside her desk, the collection of records tucked in between the desk and wardrobe. 

She wasn’t feeling any of the activities that she now had plenty of time to pursue. She needed something to get all of this anger out, like beating the shit out of someone.

“Oh, shit.” Adore rushed to the bedroom door again. In the hall, she leaned over the bannister. “Mom! Do you know where my PlayStation 4 is?” When the words left her mouth, she realised how young at heart she still was. 

Bianca still cleaned her room for her. Maybe it was time to change that.

“You wanna play video games?”

“Yes! I wanna play Grand Theft Auto. Why?”

“Haha! Loser!” Her mother called from the kitchen.

Fuck you. Adore thought, wishing she could shout it right back at her mother. She stormed back to her room.

The only place that she could think Bianca would have put it was under her bed, so she got down on all fours and started her search.

There wasn’t a spec of dust—Bianca had obviously cleaned under there while she was still at school. But past all the boxes and containers, there was no sign of the PlayStation. Adore huffed, “Jesus Christ,” realising this really wasn’t her day. “Mom! I’m gonna take up smoking!”

She faintly heard her mother call back from the kitchen, “Good for you!”

Adore groaned as she pulled one of the boxes out, she knew she’d have to check inside, it was the only place that made sense to her of where the PS4 would be.

As soon as she opened it, she found that the console wasn’t in there either. Damn. She debated on whether or not she had sold or something in the last year. Surely not. She had it for less than a year.

Before she closed the box, something caught her eye.

Her very first Nintendo DS. Fuck, she hadn’t played that in years. More than 5, she was positive. She took the powder blue device into her hands, and holy fuck it was like a brick. In the port was The Sims 2. She never did defeat that robot, maybe now was the perfect time?

Adore didn’t need her friends when she had the townies of Strangetown.

She turned it on. And as if her day couldn’t get any worse, the game wasn’t reading. 

So she tried again. And… nothing.

She took the game out and blew moist air into the port, reloaded and tried again.

Nothing.

“Why. Why, God? Why do you hate me?” Adore whispered to herself.

After 5 minutes of trying again and again, and having to Google how to fix a game, Adore was done.

She knew she wasn’t supposed to, but she threw the game across the room before trying again. Of course, violence never solved anything, so that didn’t work.

Staring at the cursed home screen, she just wished The Sims 2 didn’t hate her. And that’s when her eyes landed on something else.

Pictochat.

Guilty memories flooded back to Adore, all those times she used the platform for shit that no child should have used it for. She remembered the last time she was on Pictochat, just 11 years old and drawing things she shouldn’t have even known of back then. 

She tried to tell herself not to feel bad—boys did it, she knew they did. And being a gay little 11 year old, she felt just as cool doing it too.

And now that she was 17, she still felt guilty, but at the same time…

10 minutes later, Adore was laid in bed, Pictochat open as she drew pictures in that small text box with her stylus. So many pictures of boobs. At first, it was for a laugh, finding her inner immature child absolutely hilarious. But now she was drawing all different sorts of boobs - small ones, big ones, two different sized ones.

And it wasn’t because she was being a horny teenager. She just liked drawing bodies. They were beautiful to her.

And everytime she finished a drawing, she’d hit send, just to keep a collection of them. Each time she tapped the ‘send button’, the sound that emitted from the DS’s speakers gave her goosebumps, so many memories flooding back to her.

Such as the memories of summers where she’d play hide and seek in the street with her friends, all of them using Pictochat to send out hints to hiding spots. She smiled, now missing that group of friends. How had it been so long since she last thought of them?

Okay, her mother was right. She’d get over Aja and her clique.he’d forget about them, and life would be fine.

“Nice wrack, girl,” Adore commented as she finished another masterpiece.

She moved the stylus to the ‘send’ button.

And before she hit it, there came another sound.

Someone arriving.

A notification.

Now entering A: Bright Red.

Adore’s eyes were wide. What? Who is this?

And then it hit her. She had sent the image just as this person entered.

“Fuck! Shit!” Adore yelled, sitting up straight in her bed. 

All she had to do was close the DS, turn it the fuck off and get the fuck out of there. But what would be the point? Her art was out there now, available for this new person to see.

Her hands shook as she waited for some sort of response.

Bright Red: Nice tits!

Adore’s eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat.

Her green eyes shot to her bedroom window, now so paranoid. Where was this person? Could they see her?

With shaking hands, she wrote in the text box, “what…are you…doing…here…pedo?”

Because that was what was happening here, right? Some pervert chancing their luck at talking to a minor on one of the oldest forms of chat she had ever known.

Thinking back over this thought, she realised how stupid that sounded. If anyone was going to search for victims, Pictochat was the last place they’d try.

If anyone was the pervert here, it was Adore herself. 

Bright Red: I could ask you the same thing…

AD0REG0MEZ: i dunno. bored i guess

Bright Red: I mean, I was coming to draw boobs too but guess you beat me to it lol

Adore didn’t know what to say to that. Not like she could judge the person now. She noted how they didn’t scribble their messages out, always taking time to type it out instead. And she didn’t know why, but it made her do the same. She tapped away on the keyboard, trying to work out what to say next. But she’d erase everyone.

Who are—

Are you sure ur not—

Whats ur na—

Before she could come up with anything…

Bright Red: What about you? Are you a pedo?

AD0REG0MEZ: Hell no!!

Bright Red: …You see how this looks though?

AD0REG0MEZ: who are you? fucking chris hansen??

Bright Red: You’re not helping your case :/

Adore huffed, biting her bottom lip, before furiously scribbling again.

AD0REG0MEZ: Look! I’ve had a really hard day! I came here to live nostalgically and forget that my friends are fucking assholes. Now can I just get back to that??

There was another moment of silence before Bright Red even replied. While she waited, Adore played with her bottom lip, cursing herself for getting so open with this person. Not because she sounded whiny. But, if this was really a pervert, wouldn’t they just use that against her in some way?

Just as she was about to close the DS down, the reply came.

Bright Red: Well… there are other rooms…

AD0REG0MEZ: I got here first.

Bright Red: Fair enough. I’ll move to B. Bye, boobie bitch! I’m going to draw porn in peace now!

AD0REG0MEZ: WAIT

She had no idea why she said it. Like, why did she care what this person said?

Bright Red: I’m waiting…

So was Adore. She waited for her brain to give herself a response. 

That’s when she heard Bianca calling.

“Hey, no-pals! Dinner!” She called.

“Shit,” Adore whispered. She scribbled in the text box once more.

AD0REG0MEZ: Dinner. I’ll be on in 20 probs

Bright Red: Is that an invite to stay online?

AD0REG0MEZ: I dunno. If you want. Sure.

Bright Red: I wonder how many cigarettes I’ll get through before you come back… 5…? 10…? The world will never know. Ah well, I’m drawing big titty hot women in chainmail underwear with navel piercings, holding knives and flipping the camera off. Very threatening. Very sexy. Thanks for listening.

Again, Adore had no idea of what to say to that. Oddly specific… kind of creepy. But she typed her goodbye and closed the screen.

“Adore! Dinner!” Bianca called again.

“I’m coming!” Adore yelled with the same amount of anger. She launched herself out of the bed. As she was walking by the window, she glanced out.

And she paused.

What was in the air that told her to stop and look? Fate, maybe.

Because there, sitting outside the house across the street, chilling out on the fence was a teenage girl.

In her mouth, a half-smoked cigarette.

In her hands, a red DS Lite.

Adore’s eyes widened, mouth hanging open.

Bright Red was no pervert, just another bored teenager like her. She had short blonde hair and bangs, bright red lipstick on her lips (maybe the source of the username), and, totally inappropriate for this climate, a black and grey turtleneck dress.

Of course she lived close by. How could Adore forget that Pictochat only worked when in close vicinity of someone else?

Adore stared, totally mesmerised by the girl as she puffed away on her cigarette, the stylus in her hand scribbling away at the screen. She found herself tempted to back on and see if the girl had sent anything yet. But there was something about just watching her, how Bright Red took the cigarette from her mouth, breathing a cloud of smoke out, how she stuck her tongue out through her lips, as if in deep concentration. 

Adore was hypnotised.

“Katya! Can you help me unpack these plates?” A voice called from the same direction.

Katya. Her name is Katya. That brought a smile to Adore’s face.

The girl broke her focus, rolling her eyes as she climbed down from the fence and threw the cigarette out onto the road. “Okay! Give me 5, Mom! I’m drawing erotic art again!”

Adore giggled. Katya had the same bond with her mother that she had with Bianca. Like they were best friends rather than parent and child.

Speaking of parent—

“ADORE!”

The girl came out of her trance, rolling her eyes, “Mom! This is why Dad fucking left you!”

She rushed downstairs, already seeing Bianca tucking into the meal.

“No! Your Dad left ‘cause I made him leave.” She blew on the hot pasta before shoving it in her mouth.

“Fuck yeah, Mom,” Adore sat at the table, tucking into the creamy heaven that was Spaghetti Carbonara. No one made it like Bianca did. It was a fact.

“How's the smoking going?” Bianca asked, dabbing away a bit of sauce at the corner of her mouth.

Adore smiled, “Excellent.” Just at the mention of the jokey remark, she was reminded of the girl she had just seen outside. Katya.

“Okay, for real, you know me, honey. I’m pretty easy going with you. But if I ever find out you’ve smoked, I’ll happily buy you a pack—”

“Okay, and the catch…?”

“And you’ll stand there,” Bianca pointed beside the table, “and smoke the whole thing, one after the other. I don’t care if you throw up; you’ll not stop until it’s done.”

“Mom,” Adore looked away from the pasta, smiling sweetly, “I promise you I will never touch a cigarette.” …Ever again.

“That’s my girl,” Bianca returned the smile. “Anyway, find the PS4?”

“Nope. But, I’ve been talking to someone.” Adore took another bite of her dinner. Fuck, it was outstanding.

“Great, honey! Who?”

Adore was ready to say the name. But she stopped herself, deciding to bother her Mother instead. “I don’t know. Someone online. I don’t know who they are, but they said I have nice boobs.”

“Adore.” Bianca almost dropped her fork.

“I’m kidding,” she met her mother’s worried gaze, a smirk on the corner of her lips.

“Again, I’m easy going with you. But don’t go talking to strangers online.” 

“Yeah, it was a joke.”

“You remember that time Valentina had that boyfriend?” Bianca pointed her fork at her daughter. “I mean, it could have been worse. At least he was just a scammer and not a pervert. Fuck, you remember how much money I almost lost?”

Adore laughed, knowing she shouldn’t have said it that way. But, fuck, how she loved to tease her mom. “I know. I know. I was just fucking with you—”

“Language.”

“It’s the fucking girl across the street. We’re talking on Pictochat.” Even saying that out loud, Adore knew how far-fetched it sounded.

Bianca had no idea what the fuck a Pictochat was, but she nodded. “Are you sure?” Her brows furrowed.

“Positive.”

“Oh! Well, that’s good then!” Bianca went back to twirling pasta around her fork. “They just moved in the other day too. Maybe you can be her first friend. Or, even better! What if she goes to your school?”

Adore shrugged. “Maybe. I mean, we haven’t talked a lot yet. I guess we just gotta see where it goes.”

The rest of dinner time, Bianca rambled about things like work, how her manager kept hinting that she was possibly in line for a promotion. And then about Valentina, what she did this week in the beautiful city of Chicago.

But all Adore could think about was Katya. What were the chances that Pictochat of all the platforms introduced them? Did Pictochat even count as a platform? This would certainly be a story for the kids.

Girl… it’s a bit early to be thinking about shit like that. Actually, why are you even thinking about it in the first place?

After eating, Adore kissed Bianca on the head, thanking her for the fantastic dinner. Once again, she proved she could defeat Gordon Ramsay in a cook-off. 

She rushed through the dishes, anticipation coursing through her in the hopes Katya was still online.

“How do you know it’s the girl across the street anyway?” Bianca asked, joining her as she picked up a plate to dry.

“I saw her.” Adore scrubbed at the frying pan.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. She looks like she’s my age. She’s… kinda pretty,” Adore shrugged as if it was nothing.

“Pretty, you say?” Bianca raised a brow.

“Yeah. Not like… pretty like Farrah. She’s,” Adore paused, trying to think of how to phrase it. “She’s art pretty.”

Yeah… art pretty.

Katya was art pretty.

-_-_-_-

As soon as Adore hit her room, she looked out the window. Katya was still inside, and that made her stomach twist.

She hopped on her bed, flipping up the screen of her DS and logging into Pictochat faster than she ever had.

And her nerves settled instantly.

Chat Room A: 1/16.

Someone was in there. And it had to be Katya.

And entering the chat, she was right.

Bright Red: Oh, you’re back!

AD0REG0MEZ: fuck yeah!

Bright Red: Alright Mr Pervert. Are you ready to prove to me you’re not a perv?

AD0REG0MEZ: You live across the street from me. I saw you

Bright Red: …well that’s unnerving…

AD0REG0MEZ: you have blonde hair, you’re wearing red lipstick, and fuck, for warm weather, you’re wearing a fucking turtle neck. Why??

Bright Red: OK…what next? What color underwear am I wearing??

Adore’s belly fluttered, just thinking about it. Stop being a fucking perv’, bitch.

AD0REG0MEZ: I don’t know what colour undies you got. But I saw you outside earlier. You have a red DS. You were smoking. How does your Mom let you smoke? My Mom just threatened to make me smoke a whole pack!

Bright Red: Ah, I see. Your Mother has sense. Mine used to worry about me a lot… But, you know… I just kept breaking the rules… So she’s kinda given up. I feel bad ‘cause she does love me… and I love her… But I’ve been a brat, I’ll admit it.

Bright Red: Oh, wow. Sorry that was alot. Like, Motherrrr…I’ve been venting to strangers I’ve never ever met before agaaaaaiiin.

Adore giggled, biting her lip.

AD0REG0MEZ: It’s fine. I don’t mind.

Bright Red: Serious question though. I’m guessing ‘Gomez’ actually isn’t your surname…

AD0REG0MEZ: No. How’d you know?

Bright Red: Well, your user…

User? Adore’s brows furrowed for a moment before it all came back to her. She clicked on her name, which popped up a window.

xoxox Selena Gomez has my heart xoxox

The girl immediately cringed. How the fuck do you even change your bio?

Clicking out of it, she typed.

AD0REG0MEZ: Ah, I see

And curiosity took over. She clicked into Katya’s.

You may say that I’m a dreamer…but I’m not the only whore in this world with an obsession for Kate Bush and babooshkas…is this a problem? ~ John Lennon

There was a smile on Adore’s face, just for a moment, before Katya’s next message popped up.

Bright Red: But I must ask… if you could see me… then, maybe I can see you?

And the smile disappeared. Fuck.

AD0REG0MEZ: As in you wanna see me? Right now?

Bright Red: Yes. Just so I know you’re not some dirty old man. 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Adore was already on her feet, the DS still in her hands. One part of her was apprehensive, the other excited. Her green eyes met her full length mirror, taking in her reflection. Fuck, she looked rough—her makeup was expired from the long school day, her hair was scruffed up at the top, and a heavy hoodie hid her body.

“Okay,” Adore spoke in a shaking voice. She pulled the hoodie up over her head and tossed it to the other side of the room. Her hands attacked her black hair, combing her fingers through the tangled locks, getting caught in knots. “Fuck sake!” She cursed. Where was that damn hair brush?

Ah yes, across the room, on her desk, past the window.

Her half assed attempt at fixing her appearance would have to do. All she could do was hope her makeup wouldn’t look that bad from afar.

Breathing out a puff of air, she took a brave step towards the window. And then another. And another.

And when she was standing before the glass panel, she looked across the road.

There was Katya, in one of the top windows, DS also in hand. She looked right back, a smile appearing on her face.

This relaxed Adore, especially as the blonde lifted a hand and waved. 

She waved back with her free hand, completely at ease now.

Katya lowered to the ground, but her head was still level with the window.

Oh, shit we’re doing this now. Adore reciprocated, sitting on her floor, making sure she could still see Katya.

The girl across the way looked down.

That familiar ping came through the game console, and Adore looked down at the screen.

Bright Red: Cute! Muse material!

AD0REG0MEZ: Oh! An artist too?

Bright Red: Honey, I’ve been drawing porn on here. Of course, I’m an artist

AD0REG0MEZ: Haha

AD0REG0MEZ: Well, I’d happily be your muse anyday

Bright Red: Does that mean you’re willing to hang out someday?

The dark haired girl’s stomach flipped. In all her gay years, she had never dated anyone, and the thought of that changing now made her nervous. Like, what if she wasn’t enough? What if she wasn’t what Katya expected?

Then again, who said anything about dating?

Ignoring her panicked thoughts, she typed.

AD0REG0MEZ: Sure! Sounds fun!

Bright Red: Excellent. Coffee date tomorrow?

Date? Date? “Jesus Christ,” Adore’s stomach fluttered as her panic returned. “It’s Okay, calm down. It’s normal to feel this way. She’s pretty, and she’s cool. Just say yes.” Her words still made all the nerves inside her go crazy. 

She lifted her gaze to see Katya looking back over, holding up a record. Kate Bush.

Then, another pinging.

Bright Red: Or we can hang out here, listen to music and draw. I’d love to draw you. Not naked though.

It brought a smile to Adore’s face, some of the nervous energy simmering away. “Katya, you are a weirdo.”

And she typed.

AD0REG0MEZ: Sure. 

And then…

AD0REG0MEZ: It’s a date

And she hit send.

No turning back now.