#i've been waiting for her and ellie to meet - this is everything to me !

[executon]

✮        \        ₁₀.        [ 𝐓̲ ]𝗁𝖾   ‚̲　\       LAST      OF      US        ﹞       :        𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚇       ¿        ...        ₂₀₃₃.       [ 𝐒̲ ]𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀  ‚̲        \       WYOMING         ﹞        :         𝗌𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍        ¿.

jackson afforded her a domesticity so rare that even her life pre-outbreak could not have anticipated.        no longer does she have an iron grip on the trigger of her gun,        — - NO LONGER DOES CASSANDRA HAUNT HER WAKING NIGHTMARES.        no longer is her face plastered on every person she kills.        now,        she wakes to the sounds of birds chirping and spends her mornings tending to the earth        — -        for this,        𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.        [       a yearning to make more life than she took       — -       a desperate inclination for growth and renewal.       ]

with all the years that have passed,        there was no expectation to once again cross paths with joel.        it was a thought that crossed her mind,       of course,        but she never let it linger long enough.        THERE IS PAIN IN MEMORY.        to see him now,        after all she’s been through without him,        after how much she’s grown...        a trickle of indignation runs down her throat.        a remembrance of the unyielding fortress surrounding his tired heart,        the very same one she tried to break down years ago.        (       a begging to be understood        — -        a begging to be loved       ). 

✮        \        [ 𝐈̲ ]       NEED   ‚̲　A       FATHER         ﹞       :        𝙸 𝙽𝙴𝙴𝙳       ¿        ...        ᴬ ᴹᴼᵀᴴᴱᴿ   ‚̲       𝗶       need   ‚̲         𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝗅𝖽𝖾𝗋        ᴬᴺᴰ        WISER BEING        𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑜   ‚̲         𝙸    𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙺    𝚃𝙾    𝙶𝙾𝙳    𝙱𝚄𝚃    𝚃𝙷𝙴    𝚂𝙺𝚈    𝙸𝚂    𝙴𝙼𝙿𝚃𝚈.         ¿.

their reunion was bittersweet.        filled with anecdotes of time long past and moments almost forgotten.        joel stood in the city center to what almost seemed like his downfall,        𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑎𝘩 𝘩𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑤?        an exhale,        IT WAS ALLIE.        they talk.        she jests on the alarming presence of wrinkles on his face,        (       𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝖺𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎       ).        he retorts by commenting on the length of her hair,        (       why do you insist on taking care of others,        but not yourself?       ).        it is the simple pleasantries,        nowhere yet prepared to address all the words said in boston        — -        all the pain they’ve carried. 

...        ₀₀.       [ 𝑊̲ ]𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇  ‚̲　\       @imunities         ﹞        :         𝗉𝗅𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝖽        ¿.   

𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗺,        and it doesn’t take a genius to see what they’ve built        — -        what trust and familial pattern forms their bond.        this girl is what allie wanted to be for joel eighteen years ago.        she observes them,        for a while.        magnetic blue crescents gaze back and forth,        from father to daughter.        an unfamiliar constriction on her jaw suddenly present.        however,        just as the greens began to grow once more,        TIME HAS HEALED HER WOUNDS.        perhaps not completely,        but enough to edge her close to the girl        — -        a hand extended offering freshly dried persimmons from her garden.        (       a gesture of warmth in an otherwise winter storm       ).        ❛        TRY THESE,        not to brag but these are the best persimmon's you'll ever taste in your life.        ❜

[elliezato]

𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙴𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚎₊˚⊹♡

Pairing: ellie x reader

Summary: You're not a huge fan of valentines day but your girlfriend has other ideas.

Warnings: MDNI!! NSFW!! edging, sex, strap-on, fingering, eating out, cussing

a/n: Sorry this is a little lateeee. I've been so busy today but I just HAD to write a fic for valentines day!! It's a bit rushed but I wanted to get something out before the day ended. I'll probably put out some loser!ellie valentines headcanons later tonight as well<3 I hope you all had a good day and enjoy this little date fic with ellie!!

❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

Valentine's Day has never been something you cared about. It's tacky with all the cheap chocolate and stupid cards. You told your girlfriend you didn't want to do anything for Valentine's this year. All you really wanted was to snuggle up with her on the couch after work and maybe have a drink to celebrate.

You open the door to your shared apartment and set your shoes to the side. All the lights are off and everything is quiet. You call for Ellie but there's no answer. As you set your bag down on the counter you see a white envelope closed with a red heart. You pick it up to look at it and slowly open it. Inside is a letter and it reads...

"Meet me at ______ restaurant tonight at 9. There's a little something for you in the bedroom." - Love els ᥫ᭡

You close the letter and place it on the table. As you walk into the bedroom you see a red gift bag. You pick it up and pull out a black lacy dress with a small heart cutout in the chest. You have been eyeing this dress for a while and were surprised that Ellie even remembered. The dress isn't anything super sexy but it's something you've been wanting for a while. Ellie was never the type to buy you lingerie or anything like that but sometimes you'd surprise her with a little something every now and then.

You have about 2 hours until you have to be at the restaurant so you decide to take your time to get ready. Your hair is wet from the shower as you wash your face and throw it up in a towel to do your makeup. The sun is setting and you finish getting ready. Your hair is curled and your makeup is done. You grab the dress from the bed and put it on.

As you walk out the door to meet your girlfriend, you decide to call her to let her know you leaving, but to your surprise, she doesn't answer. You call her again but no answer. At this point, you're just ready to get to the date so you can see her.

You arrive at the restaurant and walk up to the host stand. Before you can even speak you see Ellie walking up to you. She's dressed in a large white button-up and some dress pants. You've never really seen her dressed up like this before. She walks up to you and hands you a rose before taking your hand.

"Hi baby" She smiles at you. "You look very pretty" She pushes a strand of hair behind your ear.

"This is so stupid els" You laugh and squeeze her hand as you walk to your table.

The table is set with candles and roses and there are already two glasses of champagne waiting for you. The restaurant is quiet with other people enjoying their evening. Soft music is playing as you take a seat. Ellie reserved a table in an isolated part of the restaurant, in front of two large windows that look out to a view of the city.

"Ellie, why did you do all this?" You look up at her as you take a sip of your drink.

"Because you deserve a day. You've refused to let me do anything special for you on valentines day every year and this year I wanted to do something nice." She smiles at you from across the table.

As the evening goes on you two laugh and talk while enjoying a nice dinner. The minutes pass fast and the restaurant slowly empties. Eventually, you two get up to head back to your apartment. The air is cold as you step outside waiting for a taxi. You look up at Ellie's face which is now lit up by the city lights.

"I really enjoyed this. thank you Ellie." You give her a sappy smile

She wraps her arm around your waist "Just wait until we get back home" She looks at you with a grin smeared across her face.

The ride home is quiet. It's late and you rest your head on Ellie's shoulder. Her hand on your thigh, waiting to get back to the apartment.

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

Ellie holds your hand as you walk into your apartment, rubbing her thumb on the back of your hand. Walking into your room, you sigh out of tiredness as you fall onto your bed. The cool sheets feel good on your skin.

"Stay here baby, I'll be right back" Ellie grabs something and walks out of the room.

You get undressed as you wait and throw on one of Ellie's oversized tees. The room is dark but the lights of the city gently add a soft lighting to the small room. As you lay down on your back right as Ellie walks into the room with a lighter. She places a candle on each nightstand and lights them, setting the mood. She's dressed in nothing but her boxers and a white tank top.

"Lay on your back" Ellie walks over and places kisses up your neck, leading to your lips.

As she meets your mouth, her hands hold your face and she presses her lips against yours. Fingers crawling up your shirt, reaching your chest. She grabs your breast and draws circles around your nipple.

"Ellie-" You softly moan into the kiss.

"Shhhh, baby I got you." She lets her tongue slip into your mouth as her hands help lift up your shirt.

She adjusts her body so her legs are now straddling your thighs. Her lips move back from yours, down to your neck. Your arms slide under her tank as you pull her closer to your body. She gently sucks on your neck, working her way down to your chest.

Her tongue reaches your nipples, slowly circling around them. Her hands move down your waist, finding your lace underwear. A finger slips past the waistband, pressing against your wet folds as she sucks your boob. You grab Ellie's shirt as you throw your head back. She moves her tongue to your other nipples while she starts to pull off your underwear, throwing it across the room. She kisses down your waist, meeting your clit.

"mmph- els" You squirm at her touch, looking down at her taking you in.

Her eyes meet yours while her tongue slides down your folds. Her fingers slowly slipping into you. Your fingers run through her hair, pulling as she pleasures you. She moans as she begins to suck at your clit. The vibrations against your skin cause a loud whimper to escape your lips. Her fingers slipping deeper into you as she moves faster.

You can feel the knot in your stomach start to unfold. She holds your waist down with her hand as her fingers cause your body to squirm under her body. Suddenly, she releases her mouth from your throbbing clit and removes her fingers from the inside of you.

"Ellie! please, I'm so close, don't stop" You're practically begging at this point, squeezing your thighs together.

"I know" She lifts from your waist and sits up. "Turn over for me"

You listen and lay on your stomach. She grabs your waist pulling it up as she slips a pillow under you. Her fingers are cold against your bare skin, causing shivers to run down your body. She pulls her strap out of her boxers, keeping them on. You feel yourself becoming antsy as your fingers find your clit.

"Be patient for me pretty girl" She grabs your wrist and pulls it away, pinning it above your head.

Her fingers slip between your folds, preparing you for her length. You grasp the pillow above you as she slowly pushes into you. She finds your waist, pulling your body towards her. Her pace fastens, causing your body to slam against her. Your arms shake from holding up your upper body. You fall into the bed as she fucks you.

"mmm- you feel so good, doing so well for me baby" She moans as her strap slams into you.

Your body now taking in the full length. Her fingers find your clit again, rubbing circles around it. The familiar warmth returns to your stomach. A tear falls from your eyes as you whimper her name"

"Fuck Ellie, s'close, I'm gonna cum-" Your voice is muted by the pillow your face is smashed into.

She doesn't stop. You can feel her hitting all the right spots. Your body is trembling beneath her. She grunts and cusses under her breath, you know she's close too. Finally, you feel yourself become undone as she thrusts harder into you.

"Almost there baby" She pants, not slowing down. Her movements are becoming sloppy as she tries to cum.

"Fuck!" She reaches her climax shortly after you, causing her to fall onto the bed next to you.

You turn over and lay on your back. She's trying to catch her breath as her arm falls across her face. She looks over and smiles at you, placing a kiss on your swollen lips. She pulls your body close to you, wrapping her arms around your bare skin. The kiss is sloppy but passionate. Both of you breathing heavily between the kisses trying to catch your breath.

After a few minutes resting in the comfort of each other, she gets up to get a damp cloth. She lifts your waist, cleaning you up before getting up to blow out the candles. She lays back down next to you and pulls the covers over your bodies. You wrap your legs around her as you head rests on her chest.

"Happy valentines day my girl, I love you" She places a soft kiss on your forehead.

"I love you too els" You close your eyes and feel yourself falling asleep in the arms of your girlfriend.

[starry-bi-sky]

more clone^2

snippet 21: Danny is Bruce Wayne's Clone and--

Star, with the rest of the A-List girls: alright ladies! it's time for our quarterly 'cutest boys' list! Now I'll get straight to the point, in our number one spot is--

All girls, in unison: Danny Fenton

Star, writing it down on a whiteboard: and for our number two spot--

---------- Snippet 22: clone meet clone

Ellie, dramatically: Danny!

Danny, equally dramatic: Ellie!

Ellie, pushing past him and looking around: where is he! i wanna see the little guy!

Damian, with a sword, brandishing it dangerously: *in arabic* don't come any closer, stay back!

Danny, wrapping an arm around Ellie's waist and pulling her back: woah, woah - he's still adjusting to everything

Danny, turning towards Damian with his google translate open: [please don't stab her. this is Ellie my clone.]

Damian, lowering his sword in disbelief: 'there's MORE of you?

-------------- Snippet 23: Ellie has the same epiphany as Danny

Ellie:...hey Danny

Danny, pouring over his arabic book: hm

Ellie: since I'm your clone, and you're a clone of Bruce Wayne, and Damian is a clone of Damian Wayne, does that technically mean I'm his mom - uh. dad-mom?

Danny:

Ellie:...its a fair question

Danny: .....*deep sigh* you're his cousin until further notice.

------------ Snippet 24: wait for me ii (hadestown, live vers.)

(i'm not sure of the context, but i've been thinking of Danny saying this to Damian during a serious moment for days. the snippet title is the song that the dialogue below is from)

Danny, fixing up Damian's wraith suit: the meanest dog you'll ever meet

Danny, zipping up damian's jacket: it ain't the hound dog in the street. he bares some teeth and tears some skin, but brother,

Danny, adjusting Damian's gloves, pausing to look him in the eye: that's the worst of him.

Danny, he holds a finger up to Damian's eyes and points it at him: the dog you really got to dread, is the one that howls inside your head

Danny, grabbing damian's mask and smoothing it over his eyes: it's him whose howling drives men mad, and a mind to its undoing

------------ Snippet 25: Danny is Bruce Wayne's clone-- (Battinson Vers*)

Ember, in the middle of a fight with Phantom + Wraith:

Ember, knocks off Phantom's mask for the first time: lets see what ugly mug you're really hiding under there, Phantom--

Phantom: *the wettest, most pathetic looking pretty boy on the planet*

Ember:

Phantom, dryly: what, did your mic die out or something? all that caterwauling finally make you lose your voice

Wraith, unsheathing his sword: *vibrating with baby brother rage bc he knows EXACTLy why Ember is silent*

----------- Snippet 26: Damian is finally starting to play nice :)

Dany: hey... guys.... whatcha doing

Damian, hanging out with Sam: Me and Manson are plotting ways to crush the Mayor's plan to cut budget funding for the city parks and cut down the native trees

Danny: oh, i see.... is this safe?

Sam: probably

Danny: hm.

------------- Snippet 27: digging up cold case

Danny: ....if Damian is out with Sam tonight with their plot against the mayor....

Danny, turning towards his desk: then that means I can work some more on Mrs. Witherbury's murder case that she asked me to solve without Dames guilt-tripping me into bed :)

Danny, settling down at his desk with a thermos full of coffee: i'm glad sam and damian are finally getting along

--------- Snippet 28: sparring

Damian, frowning: your reflexes are incredible but your combat is downright awful, brother. it's truly a miracle i didn't skewer you upon our first meeting

Danny, got his ass kicked by his 7yo brother: *groaning in pain* not everyone has super secret assassin training, Damian. And I don't really have time to actually practice anything.

Damian: Mrs. Fenton knows martial arts and her form is proficient enough, I'm sure she would be delighted to teach you if you asked. I will join since I need to keep my skills sharp and my training was unfinished when I arrived here.

-------- Snippet 29: daytime surprise

Phantom, fighting Skulker in broad daylight: *under his breath* at least Lancer's english test will get canceled for this...

Phantom, dodging a blast from Skulker: *in ASL, furious* don't you have anything better to do, you fuck!?

Skulker: foolish ghost child, speak! I know you're capable of it - speak before you lose the ability to

Phantom: *flips him off instead*

Wraith, sending back a ecto-blast with his sword: please pay attention, phantom

Phantom, doubletaking: *in a hissed whisper* what are you doing here!? it's a school day, you should be at school!

Wraith: Tt. If the boot fits.

------------ Snippet 30: guilt

Danny with his head on his desk, his elbows propped up as he massages his hands: hn

Damian, lurking to the side with a guilty look on his face:

Damian: can i....

Danny, silently holding his hand out to Damian: hrm

Damian, immediately taking it and doing the massages + finger exercises: ...im sorry

Danny: hm... I forgive you

[sevscig]

fucking loser -loser!ellie <3

HI GUYS!? I wanted to write, (which I havent in a long time) but I wanted to write my take on loser!ellie, i feel like shes such me tbh, soooo yeahh. Srry if this is shit yall.

Ellie was a fucking loser. She had a helpless crush on you, always finding herself staring at your pretty face for too long when you guys were out on patrol or when you finally asked for her to hang out with you, dina, and jesse. She stuttered like a child. It was pathetic, to say the least, but it was cute. well, you thought it was cute. She always got red and flustered when you were around; you thought it was adorable, ellie being ellie thought it was a weakness. It wasn't like she could stop herself anyway.

Yesterday, Ellie finally mustered up the courage to ask you if you wanted to hang out—a date? No, no, she wasn't that brave, but you being you, teased her anyway :( "oh, so a date stargazing? You're so cute, els" you teased the poor girl as her cheeks blazed with excitement.That's how you guys ended up walking to a small field outside of Jackson, the moonlight casting a cool aura across your faces.

As you guys settled down on the grass, the field was damp with the spring rain that morning. A comfortable silence settled between you two, watching the stars above, but ellie couldn't stop staring at you as you guys shared headphones, listening to your playlist through each of the wires. She just couldn't keep her eyes off of you. You could feel her face on you, studying you like a piece of art. Scanning every freckle, scar just everything on your pretty face. "enjoy the view?" You taunted with that stupid, stupid fucking smile.

You turned your head to meet her eyes, she was smiling like a child in a candy store, it was such adorable, She had a piece of grass on her face; she clearly didn't notice, and, well, you just wanted to be sweet. right? You leaned in close to her, so close that she could feel your fucking breath on her face. She could feel the heat starting to work its way up her neck. She closed her eyes, waiting for your lips to meet hers. "Got it." You said cheerfully, plucking the price of grass off her face, and she released a deep breath of...disappointment?

Stupid, She was so fucking stupid, she thought, Why would you wanna ki- she got cut off by the feeling of your soft lips on hers, your hands gently holding her face in place. It felt like bliss; everything she imagined about kissing you and more, she felt warm and fuzzy, something Ellie hasn't felt in so long. You slowly pulled back with a smile on your face as you let a giggle rise out of your throat at how red ellie's face was. "was that okay?" You asked softly, and she could only let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of her neck and nodding her head like the fool she was.

such a loser.

HIIII!? Idk if that was good; I haven't written anything in so long. I really wanted this to be good; it's been sitting in my drafts for months. I've been contemplating posting it or not. Please let me know what you think!!!

[neo-nomatrix]

Heart to Heart

Joel Miller x f!reader

Summary: You’ve been traveling with Henry and Sam for over a year now. Once you meet Joel and Ellie your entire world changes.

Warnings: Age gap (joel is 56 reader is 26) Spoilers for TLOU episode 5!! Angst bro.

a/n: this episode tore me apart. Italics is ASL. Bold and italics is not.

word count: 998

4 months. It had been 4 months since you laughed. Not the kind of laugh just to convince Sam that everything was gonna be okay. But an actual laugh. The kind you gasp for air, your eyes shut and your stomach and face hurt after. At some point you wish to feel that again. The unexplainable happiness that stays with you forever.

You met Joel and Ellie only a day ago. Ellie was sweet, she was innocent. Ellie was the perfect friend for Sam, she made him laugh in a way you couldn’t. It made you happy, so so happy. Joel was different. He has a deep rugged voice with a Texan accent, you remember after hearing it looking over at Henry and saying “He’s strong. He can protect us. Plus, he’s pretty hot,” earning a laugh from Henry.

_

You’ve finally gotten away from Kathleen; well less gotten away and more she got infected. You’ve been in an abandoned Motel for only an hour when Joel sat next to you.

“So…he’s your what? Your boyfriend?” Joel asked, his voice not sounding confident at all.

“Who? Henry? No. Wait, Sam or Henry?” You ask quickly with a slight smile.

You see Joel roll his eyes and look the other way. You also hear a laugh, his laugh.

“I got you motherfucker! I made you laugh!” You hit his arm lightly laughing with him.

“Whatever,” he tells you.

“I don’t mean to get all sappy but it’s been a while since I laughed. Like actually laughed,” You admit to Joel.

“Yeah, Yeah me too.”

“There’s a uhm, amusement park not too far from here. It’s kind of a reminder to me that it’s not all that bad here,” you mention to him, smiling to yourself.

“You’re old enough to remember amusement parks?” He asks skeptically.

“Kind of, I was 6 when the outbreak happened. Mainly remember stuff like that from movies or whatever.” You look down at your feet while saying this.

Joel stays silent but his eyes keep on you.

“Hey Joel. Look I don't care if you like us or not but please promise me you’ll keep us safe? I can’t lose anyone else.”

He leans closer to you, taking your head in his hand and placing it on his shoulder.

“You don’t have to worry anymore, okay? I’m gonna protect you.”

You both pause for a minute before Joel speaks up again.

“Me and Ellie, we’re going down to Wyoming to find my brother. If you wanted to go with us, you’re uhm, more than welcome to,” he says hesitantly.

“I would like that. I’d really like that. I’ll ask them about it tomorrow,” you respond smiling wildly

_

“Y’know, Sam really likes you. It’s been a while since I've seen him this happy,” You tell Ellie while you get them situated for bed.

“Yeah, and Joel likes you,” She says back.

“Oh, I don’t know about that.”

“It’s true! You really don’t see the way he looks at you?” She says back, causing you to smile.

_

You spent the whole night snuggled up next to Joel, feeling his warm breath on your neck. He kept a steady grip on your waist almost as if he was scared you’d run while he was asleep.

You woke up to a scream. Ellie’s scream. Sun is peeking out of the window. The door beside you slams open with Sam lunging at Ellie. Ellie is trying to kick Sam off of her but it’s useless. Joel reaches for the gun but Henry is quicker. Henry points it at Joel as Ellie screams.

“Joel! Help!”

As Joel tries to reach out to Ellie Henry shoots the gun next to his foot.

You’re still in shock trying to not shake. You slowly back up onto the wall as Henry holds the gun to Joel. In an Instant Henry Moves the gun to Ellie and Sam.

BANG

The gun goes off and a splatter of blood decorates the dirty wall. Sams blood. Everyone is silent until Henry moves the gun back to Joel.

“Henry, give me the gun,” Joel commands slowly.

“What did I do?” Henry speaks up softly.

“What did I do? What did I do?,” he repeats over and over again.

He faces Sams cold, still body. The only thing moving being the pool of blood.

Your fully sat against the wall, your hand cupping your mouth holding back sobs.

You’re silent until Henry points the gun to his temple and it goes off.

BANG

For the second time in this room. For the second time in the last minute. For the second time the same gun goes off. Killing the last people you had.

A loud croaky scream, almost shriek, rips out of your mouth. You fall forward to your knees, tears now streaming down your face as you sob

NO, NO, NO. PLEASE

This can’t be happening. One minute ago both of them were alive. One minute ago you dreamt of traveling with the four of them. All of it. Gone.

_

Joel shovels dirt over the two bodies as you sit next to the “graves.” Tears still run down your face as Ellie places Sams writing board on the ground.

I’M SORRY

The words etched into the plastic lay there.

“C’mon,” Joel says as he reaches a hand out to you. It takes all the strength you have at the moment to get you away from the dirt, from the bodies. Joel's hand stays on your back guiding you to catch up with Ellie. You don’t look back. You’re afraid that if you look back you won’t want to look forward ever again.

It had been four months since laughing made your chest hurt. Four months since laughing made your face hurt. It wasn’t laughing that caused you this unexplainable feeling, it was the very much explainable feeling of guilt and death. And you wish you never have to feel like this ever again.

[blakeswritingimagines]

From Friends To Forevers

Summary: You and Eloise have always been best friends, having shared everything from secrets to late-night snacks. However, when a sudden twist of fate puts you in a situation where the unexpected happens, your friendship takes an unexpected turn. As you navigate the challenges and joys, you both start to realize that the friendship might have been hiding more than either of you ever knew.

Word count: 11k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Bridgerton's characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Once upon a time, in a small town steeped in history and tradition, two young children became inseparable. Eloise Bridgerton, with her unruly brunette hair and sparkling eyes, found a kindred spirit in you. Your shared love for adventure and mischievous antics turned you into the best of friends. From climbing trees to exploring hidden corners of their town, Eloise and your friendship were as colorful as the seasons. Eloise and Blake's childhood was filled with giggles and scraped knees. You'd race through the cobblestone streets, your laughter filling the air. Eloise couldn't wait to share her latest book with her friend, while you always had a new tale of imaginary creatures to tell. The town square saw you chasing ducks, your faces flushed with excitement and bright smiles. As the years passed, Eloise and your friendship evolved into a deeper connection. You were teenagers, navigating the tumultuous world of high society. Eloise's sharp mind and unwavering spirit continued to shape your adventures, while your quiet strength anchored you both.

As you and Eloise entered your teenage years, your friendship was put to the test. You became the center of attention, with many admirers swooning over your looks and wit. You became the talk of the town. On the other hand, Eloise, although possessing her own charm, found herself overshadowed by her best friend's success. Despite the popularity gap, your friendship remained steadfast. You both would still escape into the old library, sharing dreams, fears, and whispered secrets. However, a subtle change occurred, as you both began to navigate the complexities of adolescence. As you and Eloise grew into teenagers, the world around you shifted. The townsfolk whispered about your growing allure, admiring your charm and wit. While Eloise took pride in your accomplishments, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Her own dreams often paled in comparison to the attention you received. But despite this, your friendship remained unconquerable. Together, you'd retreat to the old library, hidden amongst towering bookshelves. There, amid the dust-speckled rays of sunlight, you still shared your hopes and fears, whispered secrets no one else could fathom.

As you and Eloise sat amongst the leather-bound tomes, she noticed a hint of melancholy in your eyes. "Hey," she began, her voice soft, "can I ask you something?" As you looked up at Eloise, your eyes meeting hers, you noticed the hint of concern and curiosity in her gaze. You knew that there was something on her mind, something that she had been wanting to ask for a while. You smiled weakly, silently inviting her to voice her question. "Of course, Ellie," you replied, using her childhood nickname. "You know you can ask me anything." The familiar nickname brought a gentle flutter to Eloise's heart. She took a deep breath before speaking, her gaze never leaving yours. "I…I've noticed," she began, "how much attention everyone…pays to you lately. It's like the whole town can't stop talking about you. And while I'm happy for you…" Her voice trailed off. You nodded slowly, understanding the subtle hint of envy beneath her words. You knew that this change in social status hadn't been easy for her. You reached out, placing a hand on hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know, Ellie," you replied, your voice laced with a hint of comfort. "It's been a little overwhelming. Everyone's attention is a mixed blessing."

Eloise's eyes flickered as you squeezed her hand, her fingers curling instinctively around yours. She sighed, her gaze dropping to your intertwined fingers before lifting back to meet yours. "But you handle it with such grace," she admitted, her voice filled with a touch of admiration. "It's like you're made for this kind of attention. And…me, I just feel…" She trailed off, struggling to find the right words. Your eyes softened as you noticed the conflict etched on her face. You could sense the turmoil within her, the comparison she was unconsciously making between you and herself. You leaned closer, your eyes never leaving hers. "You just feel…different," you finished her sentence, your voice quieter now. "But Ellie, different isn't a bad thing. It's what makes you, well, you, and you're one of the most brilliant people I know." A soft gasp escaped Eloise's lips as your words reached her ears. She hadn't expected such sincere reassurance, and her heart felt a little lighter. She squeezed your hand again, needing the physical connection for a moment. "But what if different isn't… enough," she whispered, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Your heart ached as you heard the vulnerability in her voice, and you held her hand tighter. You knew that she was battling her own insecurities, comparing herself to you and others. "Eloise," you began, your voice soft but firm, "being different is not about fitting into someone else's mold. It's about embracing who you are. Your wit, your intelligence, your passion – those make you more than enough, and if anything the world should fear that if you don't use your power for good." Eloise's breath caught in her throat as you spoke. She had heard compliments before, but coming from you, they felt different - more genuine. It was like you had a way of seeing through all the layers and reaching that part of her that sometimes she forgot existed. Her gaze lowered, and she swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. "You always know the right things to say, don't you?" she quipped, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice.

The grand ballroom was alive with the hum of conversation and the lilting strains of a waltz. Ladies twirled in their flowing gowns, jewels sparkling under the soft glow of chandeliers. Gentlemen, wearing tailored coats and crisp ties, escorted their dance partners with practiced ease. You and Eloise entered the ballroom, your presence turning a few heads. She was dressed in a simple yet sophisticated gown, her hair styled in an elegant updo. You, on the other hand, turned heads with your effortless charm and the way you carried yourself. As you walked into the grand ballroom, arm in arm with Eloise, you could feel the gaze of the other attendees fall upon you. Heads turned, and whispers of admiration filled the air. You were used to the attention, but tonight, something felt different. Perhaps it was the way you felt Eloise's arm beneath yours, or the soft music playing in the background, but there was an air of anticipation in the room.

As you and Eloise circulated the ballroom, you could see the intrigued glances and whispered conversations directed towards you. The air was tinged with both curiosity and a hint of something else that you couldn't quite put your finger on. Some young men tried to catch your eye, their gazes lingering too long. Yet, despite all the attention, your focus remained on your best friend. Eloise couldn't help but notice the numerous pairs of eyes following you around the room. Everyone's gazes seemed to fix on you, their attention unwavering. It stirred a complex mix of emotions within her – annoyance, pride, and just a touch of jealousy. Yet, amidst the chaos, she found herself stealing glances at you, studying your every move. There was something new, something different about you tonight. And she couldn't quite put her finger on it. You navigated through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and smiling politely. But there was a change in you tonight, an undercurrent of confidence that hadn't been there before. Your eyes met Eloise's occasionally, and she couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in your demeanor. Your responses were slightly more aloof, your laughter more calculated. It both intrigued and unnerved her.

Eloise watched from the sidelines as you gracefully glided through the crowd, engaging in polite conversation and offering charming smiles. Something was different about you, a confidence that seemed to radiate from within. Every laugh, every polite response, felt almost rehearsed as if you were playing a role for the audience. It both fascinated and unsettled her. She tried to pinpoint what felt 'off,' why her best friend's behavior seemed so different tonight. As the night wore on, Eloise finally found a moment alone with you. Pulling you aside to a secluded corner, she crossed her arms and fixed you with a penetrating gaze. "What's going on with you tonight?" she asked bluntly, her voice laced with curiosity and concern. You arched an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "What are you talking about?" you replied, the corners of your lips tugging into a small smirk. You knew exactly what she was hinting at, but you reveled in teasing her.

Eloise rolled her eyes, clearly not buying your act. She could see through your feigned ignorance like it was transparent. "Oh, spare me the innocent act," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. You're acting different tonight. What's with all the aloofness and those calculated laughs?" Your smirk widened, clearly enjoying the effect you were having on her. You leaned against the wall, crossing your arms, mirroring her pose. "Perhaps I'm just having a good night," you replied, your voice nonchalant. "I don't recall doing anything out of the ordinary." Eloise's eyes narrowed, her annoyance growing. "Don't give me that," she countered, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "You may fool everyone else, but not me. I know you, remember? And this…this aloof act? It's not like you. You're playing a role, putting on a show. And I want to know why." Despite your best efforts to maintain your nonchalant facade, Eloise's unwavering gaze and perceptive questioning were getting to you. You glanced away for a brief moment, trying to gather your thoughts. She knew you too well, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up this charade.

Your momentary glance away didn't escape Eloise's notice. She could see the slight falter in your composure, the brief crack in your facade. Taking a step closer, she searched your eyes, trying to decipher the emotions you were trying so hard to hide. "See? You just did it again," she pointed out, her voice softer now but tinged with concern. "You can't even look me in the eye. What's really going on?" You sighed, the weight of her words and the concern in her eyes finally cracking your act. You met her gaze, and that familiar pang of guilt hit you. "Ellie…" you began, your voice low. "It's… complicated." Eloise's eyes softened as she heard the vulnerability in your voice. She could tell that there was more to your behavior than mere whimsy. "Complicated?" she repeated, taking another step closer. "That's not an answer, and you know it. So, uncomplicate it for me. Tell me why you're acting like this." Your shoulders slumped, the weight of your inner turmoil becoming too heavy to bear alone. You ran a hand through your hair, looking away from her again, trying to find the right words. "It's… It's not just tonight," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "I've been feeling… different for a while now."

Eloise's eyes widened at your confession. She had sensed something amiss, but the extent of your inner turmoil was beyond what she had imagined. She inched closer, her gaze never leaving your face. "Different how?" she pressed gently, her voice soft as if coaxing a wounded animal to trust her. You closed your eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. When you opened them again, there was a hint of sadness in your gaze. "It's… it's hard to explain," you confessed, your voice quieter now. "I just… I feel like I'm not quite the same person people think I am. Like there's this…this version of me that they see, and then there's the real me. And the real me isn't… realistic." Eloise's heart ached at the sadness in your eyes. She could see the struggle within you, the battle between who you were and who people expected you to be. "Why not realistic?" she prodded gently, her voice laden with empathy. "Why do you think people can't accept the real you?"

You let out a bitter chuckle, leaning your head back against the wall. "Because the real me is not nearly as charming, not nearly as poised," you confessed, a hint of self-deprecation in your voice. "The real me is… messy. Imperfect. Vulnerable. And let's face it, that's not exactly the stuff of legends, is it?" Eloise frowned, her heart clenching at the self-deprecating tone in your voice. She had never heard you sound so down on yourself. The confident, carefree image you usually projected had crumbled, and the real you was laid bare in front of her. "Blake," she began, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and anger, "that's a load of nonsense and you know it. The real you… the messy, imperfect, vulnerable part… that's what makes you human. That's what makes you real." As Eloise spoke, her words seemed to strike a chord deep within you. You knew she was right - you had been hiding behind a mask, a persona designed to please others, for so long that you had almost forgotten who you really were. But hearing it spoken out loud, hearing her defend your true self, was a stark reminder of the disconnect between your public and private selves. You met her gaze again, a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability in your eyes. "Maybe you're right," you conceded, your voice quieter. "Maybe… maybe I've been fooling myself just as much as everyone else."

Eloise's expression softened as she saw the conflict and vulnerability in your eyes. Her heart went out to you, seeing how deeply you had been affected by societal expectations and the need to live up to them. She reached out, gently resting a hand on your arm. "You're not fooling yourself," she said softly. "You're just… adapting. Trying to fit into a mold that society has created. But that doesn't mean you're less real because of it." Your gaze dropped to her hand on your arm, her touch soothing the turmoil within you. Her understanding and gentle reassurance filled you with a sense of comfort. You sighed, the tension in your shoulders easing slightly. "You always know what to say, Ellie," you murmured, a weak smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Even when I'm drowning in my own mess and attempting to find a match." Eloise chuckled softly at your words, her hand giving your arm a gentle squeeze. "It's a talent, what can I say?" she replied a hint of her usual sarcasm lacing her voice. Her expression softened as she looked at you, seeing the vulnerability beneath the facade. "And as for finding a match… well, don't tell anyone, but I think you're going about it all wrong."

Your eyebrows lifted slightly at her comment, a hint of curiosity in your eyes. You pushed yourself away from the wall, facing her fully. "Oh, really?" you responded, crossing your arms. "And how, pray tell, should I be going about it?" Eloise mirrored your stance, crossing her arms and looking up at you with a knowing grin. "Well, for starters," she began, her voice dripping with mock seriousness, "you might want to stop pretending to be someone you're not. Authenticity, darling, it's the key." A huff of laughter escaped your lips, a genuine smile gracing your features for the first time in a while. "Easier said than done," you retorted good-naturedly, rolling your eyes playfully. "Everyone here has this image of me, this…this persona. If I start being 'authentic,' they'll start sharpening their pitchforks." Eloise laughed at your retort, enjoying the return of your playful demeanor. She rolled her eyes back at you, a smirk playing on her lips. "Pitchforks, really? You give them too much credit." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "But I suppose there's some truth in your words. People are always reluctant to embrace change, especially when it challenges their preconceptions."

You relaxed slightly, a hint of your old carefree self peeking through. Her ability to make light of even the most serious situations never failed to amuse you. "Exactly," you responded, a wry grin tugging at the corners of your mouth. "Can you imagine the shock on their faces when the 'perfect person' suddenly starts acting like a normal person with flaws and all?" Eloise chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, the horror. It would be a scandal for the ages. I can already see the whispered gossip and the horrified gasps." She shook her head in feigned dismay, a sly smile playing on her lips. "How dare you, the perfect person, have flaws and a real personality? Unspeakable." You burst into laughter at her exaggerated reaction, the tension that had been weighing down on you evaporating in an instant. Her ability to lighten the mood and make you see the humor in even the most stressful situations was truly remarkable. "I know, the audacity," you replied, clutching your chest in mock horror. "How dare I not conform to society's ideals of perfection?" Eloise couldn't help but join in your laughter, her giggles blending with yours in a symphony of mirth. "Oh, the scandal of it all," she replied, playing along with your jest. "It's practically treason. You're disrupting the very foundations of society by daring to be human."

You leaned against the wall, chuckling at her dramatic declarations. "I should be thrown in the stocks for such transgressions," you joked, a playful glint in your eyes. "Or maybe paraded through the town square so everyone can witness my flawed, human existence." You leaned against the wall, chuckling at her dramatic declarations. "I should be thrown in the stocks for such transgressions," you joked, a playful glint in your eyes. "Or maybe paraded through the town square so everyone can witness my flawed, human existence." Taking a deep breath, you decided to throw caution to the wind. With a playful smirk, you held out your hand towards Eloise. "Care to dance with this imperfect, human version of me?" you asked, your voice holding a hint of both vulnerability and charm. Eloise feigned indecision, a sly grin on her face as she pretended to mull over your offer. "Hmm…" she hummed, stroking her chin in exaggerated contemplation. "Dancing with an imperfect, human version of you? It's a risk, but I think I'll take it." She placed her hand in yours, her slender fingers intertwining with yours. "Just don't step on my toes, alright? I like my toes uninjured, thank you very much."

You chuckled at her playful hesitation, secretly amused by her antics. As her hand landed in yours, a jolt of electricity shot up your arm, a sensation you weren't expecting. You suppressed the feeling and focused on your facade, grinning at her warning. "I make no promises," you replied, a hint of mischief in your voice. "But I'll do my best to avoid any catastrophic toe-stomping incidents." Eloise tossed her head back in mock indignation, feigning a gasp of horror. "Oh no, no promises? I should have known I was dealing with a true menace on the dance floor," she retorted, unable to keep a straight face as a sly grin tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'll hold you to your best effort, and if my toes are even slightly stubbed, I won't hesitate to unleash hell upon you."

As the days turned into weeks, the realization that your feelings were changing slowly dawned on you. The moments spent with Eloise began to take on a new meaning, your heart skipping a beat whenever she smiled or laughed. But despite the growing awareness of your changing emotions, you said nothing. You tried to rationalize it, telling yourself it was just a passing feeling or that it was merely a result of your friendship deepening. For weeks, you kept silent about the growing realization that you felt more than friendship for Eloise. The change in your feelings was subtle at first, manifesting in small moments where your touch lingered a second longer than usual or your gaze held her gaze a bit too intently. You noticed the way your heart skipped a beat when she laughed, or how a simple brush of her hand against yours sent a shiver down your spine. However, you wrestled with your emotions, afraid that expressing them might jeopardize the close bond you had always shared.

The inner turmoil of your conflicting emotions weighed heavily on you. Part of you longed to confess, to lay bare your heart and tell her about the transformation taking place inside you. But another part was hesitant, afraid of ruining the precious bond you had built with her over the years. So you kept silent, bottling up your feelings and struggling to maintain the facade. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the leaves crunching beneath your feet as you walked alongside Eloise and Penelope through the scenic surroundings. The air was filled with the scent of decaying leaves and earthy musk, and the sunlight filtering through the trees danced on the pathway, creating a natural spotlight. As you walked with Eloise and Penelope, your conversation was lighthearted and playful, the sound of your laughter blending with the soft crunch of leaves beneath your feet. The sunlight filtering through the trees casts a warm glow on your surroundings, and the crisp air fills your lungs, rejuvenating and invigorating. The peaceful ambiance of the countryside contrasted with the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a refreshing escape from the constraints of society.

Eloise's hands clutched a worn leather-bound book tightly, her fingers tracing the edge of the pages lovingly. She kept pace with you, Penelope a step behind, as you meandered down the winding pathway. The cool autumn breeze gently tousled her hair, and she squinted up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves above. "I love this time of year," she mused aloud, the crunch of leaves following each step. "There's something so peaceful about it." You looked over at her, taking in the peaceful expression on her face and the way the light caught the golden flecks in her hazel eyes. Her words echoed your own sentiments about the season; there was an undeniable tranquility to autumn that seemed to soothe the soul. "You're right," you agreed, a soft smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "It's a time of change, but there's also this quiet beauty in it, that's my favorite." Eloise smiled back at you, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, exactly," she replied, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

"There's an elegiac quality to autumn, an acceptance of the passage of time. It's melancholic, but also peaceful." Eloise smiled, sensing that your agreement went deeper than just the aesthetics of the season. "Change is never easy," she replied softly, her eyes glinting with a touch of melancholy. "Fall is beautiful, but it also signifies endings. The loss of the warmth and vibrancy of summer." As she spoke, she paused, her gaze drifting toward the colorful foliage that surrounded them. "And there's something…comforting, I guess, about the change, knowing that everything is in a constant state of metamorphosis." Your breath hitched in your chest as you absorbed her words. There was something profoundly moving in the way she spoke about change and transformation. It mirrored your own inner turmoil, your own struggle with the reality of your changing emotions towards her. "Yes," you managed to reply, your voice coming out quicker than you had intended, "it's like… it's like nature is telling us that endings are often beginnings in disguise."

As you and Eloise continued walking, chatting about the wonders around you, Penelope observed your interaction with a perceptive eye. Sensing that there was something more behind the easy banter, she waited for a moment when Eloise's attention was diverted elsewhere, perhaps admiring a particularly colorful tree. With a gentle nudge to your arm, Penelope drew you aside. "Excuse me," she said quietly, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity. "May I have a moment of your time?" You were caught off guard by Penelope's interruption, but you managed to mask your surprise with a nonchalant smile. Turning to her, you took in her concerned expression and nodded slightly. "Of course, Penelope," you replied, trying to keep your voice casual. "What is it?" Penelope noted the casual veneer on your face, recognizing the familiar mask you wore to hide your true emotions. She took a step closer, lowering her voice further to ensure that her words remained private. "It's about you and Eloise," she began, her voice soft but firm. "I can't help but notice that there's something different between you two lately."

Your heart skipped a beat, a wave of panic washing over you. Could Penelope see through your carefully constructed facade? You kept your composure, meeting her gaze with a neutral expression. "Different?" you repeated, forcing a casual tone into your voice. "What do you mean?" Penelope's eyes searched your face, her intuition telling her that there was more to your response than met the eye. She didn't quite believe your casual facade, sensing that there was turbulence beneath the surface. "You know exactly what I mean," she replied calmly, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "There's a tenseness between you two lately, a subtle change in your interactions. I'm not blind, and I dare say, neither is Eloise." Your heart pounded in your chest, the truth of her words hitting you like a ton of bricks. You had been trying so hard to keep your feelings concealed, to maintain the illusion of normalcy, but it seemed that your efforts were in vain. Penelope's perceptiveness was a double-edged sword; while it was admirable, it posed a threat to your carefully crafted facade. "It's… it's nothing," you managed to croak out, your voice betraying a hint of defensiveness. "We're both just a bit stressed lately, that's all."

Penelope arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by your explanation. She had known you long enough to recognize the defensiveness in your voice, the subtle cracks in your armor. She began, her tone gentle yet firm, "You and I both know that's not true. You can try to fool yourself, but you can't fool me. Or Eloise, for that matter." Your shoulders sagged in defeat as Penelope saw right through your flimsy excuse. She had always been perceptive, and now her intuition was working against you. Your eyes flickered toward Eloise, who was still preoccupied with admiring the words in her book, blissfully unaware of the conversation taking place. "Alright," you admitted, your voice soft but laced with resignation. "It's not just stress. But I can't… I can't talk about it, at least not here." Penelope gave you an understanding nod, recognizing the frustration and vulnerability in your voice. She knew how difficult it was for you to open up, to reveal the turmoil beneath your composed veneer. "I understand," she replied, her tone empathetic. "But you can't keep bottling everything up inside indefinitely. It's not healthy, and eventually, it will catch up to you."

Your shoulders sagged further under the weight of her words. She was right, of course. The strain of concealing your inner turmoil was beginning to take its toll on you. "I know, I know," you replied resignedly. "But it's… complicated. There are factors at play that you don't understand." Penelope's expression softened further, her gaze filled with sympathy. She recognized the turmoil you were going through, the myriad of conflicting emotions that were eating away at you from within. "I don't pretend to understand all the complexities of your situation," she said gently, her voice softening as she took your hand in her own to give you comfort. "But I want you to know that you can always come to me if you need someone to talk to. You shouldn't have to carry this burden alone." Your fingers instinctively closed around hers, finding solace in her warm and reassuring grip. You met her gaze, and for a moment, the carefully constructed facade faltered. The vulnerability and pain that you had been trying so hard to hide shone through. "I appreciate that, Penelope," you said softly, forcing a small, tremulous smile. "It means a lot."

Violet Bridgerton, Eloise's mother, had always been a loving and supportive presence in her daughter's life. But as the years passed and Eloise reached an age where marriage was expected of a young lady of her station, Violet began to turn her attention towards finding a suitable match for her spirited daughter. As the days passed, a certain tension began to settle over the estate. Word had reached you that Eloise's mother, Violet, had recently taken it upon herself to expedite her daughter's marriage prospects. Rumors whispered that Lady Violet had started making discreet arrangements, attempting to arrange potential matches for Eloise. The rumors swirled about the estate, and you caught whispers of Lady Violet's endeavors to find suitors for Eloise. A sinking feeling settled in your stomach as you imagined Eloise being paraded around like a prized mare, being inspected and evaluated by a parade of eligible bachelors. As the murmurs of her mother's scheming persisted, Eloise found herself yearning for a familiar presence, someone who could offer solace and understanding in the midst of the chaos. She made her way through the lavish halls of the estate, her steps leading her to the room she knew you often secluded yourself in. Approaching your door, she paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability as she called your name.

Your heart skipped a beat as you heard her voice, a mixture of surprise and anticipation coursing through you. You closed the book you had been immersed in, quickly composing yourself before responding to her knock. "Come in," you called out, your voice attempting to sound nonchalant despite the multitude of emotions swirling within you. Eloise pushed open the door and stepped into the room, her eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on you. Her gaze lingered on your face, studying the subtle expressions that flickered across your features as if searching for a glimpse of the conflicted emotions that you always attempted to conceal. Closing the door behind her, she took a few tentative steps further into the room and approached you, her voice softly breaking the silence. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Your heartbeat quickened as she entered the room, her presence filling the space and making your pulse race. You set the book aside, trying to maintain a composed demeanor. "No, you're not interrupting," you assured her, a small smile on your lips despite the turmoil raging within. "I was just reading."

"Just reading, huh?" Eloise said, a flicker of amusement crossing her face as she settled down onto a nearby chair, her skirts billowing around her. "Is that what you always do when you sequester yourself in here?" There was a hint of playfulness in her tone, but her eyes betrayed a subtle note of concern as she looked at you. You chuckled softly at her playful jab, appreciating the attempt to lighten the mood, albeit momentarily. As she settled into the chair, you couldn't help but notice the way her skirt cascaded around her, emphasizing her slender figure. "Not always," you replied, your voice maintaining a casual tone. "Sometimes I count the number of cobwebs on the ceiling." A melodic laugh escaped Eloise's lips as she leaned back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Counting cobwebs, eh? A truly thrilling and productive hobby," she teased, her tone laced with sarcasm. "I'm sure that's how all the most interesting people pass their time."

Your own laughter joined hers, the sound blending seamlessly as you appreciated her playful banter. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was something comfortingly familiar about these moments of lighthearted banter. "You'd be surprised," you retorted, a smirk tugging at the corner of your lips. "Counting cobwebs is a great way to meditate on the existential absurdities of life. I'm told it's all the rage among the most fascinating individuals. The highlight of every social gathering." Eloise lifted an eyebrow in mock surprise, a playful smirk on her face. "The highlight, you say?" she said, her voice dripping with feigned awe. "Well, I must have missed the memo. I've been going to the wrong gatherings, it seems. Here I was, under the impression that actual conversations and witty banter were supposed to be the highlight, not counting cobwebs on the ceiling." You couldn't help but smile at her sarcasm, enjoying the banter as it distracted you, if only momentarily, from the weight of your conflicting emotions. "Ah, I understand the confusion. Conversations and banter are for plebeians," you rebutted, your tone playful. "But counting cobwebs, that's where true intellectuals thrive. Now what can I do for you, Elosie?"

Eloise chuckled at your reply, her eyes gleaming with mirth. "Ah, of course, I see now. Only the creme de la creme of intellectual society engage in cobweb counting," she quipped. Her expression then softened slightly, her tone growing more serious. "As for why I'm here… There's something I wanted to talk to you about." Your heart skipped a beat at the change in her tone, the shift from playful banter to something more serious sending a bolt of anticipation through you. You schooled your features, masking any sign of trepidation, and gave her a nod. "Of course," you replied, your voice betraying only the slightest hint of wariness. "What is it?" Eloise fidgeted with the lace trim of her sleeve, a nervous habit she displayed whenever she was about to say something she found difficult to articulate. She took a deep breath before continuing, her gaze fixed on her hands in her lap. "You know how my mother has been quite… determined in her efforts to find me a suitable match?" she began, her voice laced with a touch of resigned irritation.

Your heart sank slightly at the mention of her mother's relentless matchmaking. The topic inevitably brought a pang of jealousy and protectiveness within you. You swallowed silently, keeping your expression carefully neutral. "Yes, I've heard," you replied, your voice strained with the effort of maintaining a nonchalant tone. Eloise's eyes met yours, reading the subtle undercurrents in your voice, the hint of tension that betrayed your true feelings. She knew you well enough to recognize the possessiveness behind your words, even if you tried to mask it with a façade of indifference. She paused for a moment, debating whether to press further or let things lie. "She's been making some discreet arrangements, meeting with potential suitors and their families," she continued, her voice quieting. Your hands clenched into fists at the mention of her mother's actions, jealousy welling up within you at the thought of her meeting with other potential suitors. You took a deep breath, trying to push down the irrational possessive streak that threatened to surface. "Discreet arrangements, huh?" you replied, your voice betraying a hint of bitterness despite your efforts to maintain a neutral tone. Your knuckles turned white as you clenched your fists tighter, struggling to maintain control over your emotions. The thought of her mother arranging meetings with potential suitors stirred an irrational anger within you. The jealousy was almost overwhelming, and you had to force yourself to take a deep breath and respond calmly. "I see," you managed to say, your voice strained, "and what do you think of all this?"

Eloise's perceptive eyes observed the subtle signs of your struggle to maintain composure. The clenched fists, the strained voice, the flicker of jealousy in your gaze – she could see them all. She was keenly aware of the emotions raging within you, the possessiveness and protectiveness you felt toward her. She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully, acknowledging your tumultuous feelings while offering her own perspective. "It's complicated," she admitted, her voice soft. "I understand why she feels the need to find me a husband, but that doesn't mean I'm entirely comfortable with it." Reluctantly, you loosened the grip of your clenched fists, releasing a deep breath you hadn't realized you were holding. The tension in your shoulders lessened slightly, the intensity of your emotions easing into a more manageable simmer. "I can imagine," you replied, your voice betraying a hint of understanding. While your inner turmoil still seethed beneath the surface, her admission had provided a momentary distraction. "But why are you telling me this?" Eloise's gaze met yours, her eyes laced with a mixture of resignation and vulnerability.

"Because," she began, her voice softening, "I trust you. You're one of my closest friends, maybe even my closest. And I value your opinion more than anyone else's." She paused for a moment, her eyes searching yours as if trying to gauge your reaction. "And I guess I hoped that, by sharing this with you, you might understand what I'm going through and offer some insight." Your heart swelled with both affection and trepidation at her words. As much as a part of you relished the idea of her trusting and confiding in you, another part dreaded the impact it would have on your delicate emotional balance. "Of course, Eloise," you responded, your voice quiet. "You know I'm always here for you. But insight? Into the inner workings of a mother's match-making mind, or into the… potential suitors?" Eloise chuckled softly at your question, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Well, I wouldn't dare ask for insight into a mother's matchmaking mind. That's a mystery even the wisest among us can't hope to crack," she replied with a smirk. Her expression then grew more thoughtful. "No, I suppose I'm seeking insight into… well, myself, I suppose. How I feel about all this. How to navigate this entire situation without losing myself in the process."

Your lips twitched into a half-smile at her comment about her mother, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood, however briefly. As she then shifted to a more serious tone, you leaned forward, giving her your undivided attention. "I understand," you murmured. "Navigating the intricate dance of societal expectations and familial pressures can indeed be… challenging." You paused for a moment, contemplating your next words carefully. "But ultimately, it all comes down to one question: What do you want, Eloise?" Eloise sighed softly, her shoulders sagging as she leaned back in the chair, her eyes studying a nearby bookshelf. "That's the million-pound question, isn't it?" she mused, her voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "What do I want? I want freedom, independence, to forge my own path…" Her words trailed off, and she shifted her attention back to you, her gaze locking with yours. "But I also want my family's acceptance, their love and approval. It's not as simple as just choosing what I want when there are so many other factors at play."

Your heart ached as you listened to her, feeling the weight of her conflicted desires and the impossible decisions that lay ahead. Your gut churned with a mixture of empathy and jealousy, and you had to force yourself to keep it in check, your expression remaining composed. "It's never simple," you agreed softly, your voice barely a whisper. "The pull of familial bonds and societal expectations is a double-edged sword. Wanting to be true to yourself while craving acceptance is a difficult balance to strike." As you spoke, your voice gentle and filled with empathy, a pang of appreciation washed over Eloise. She recognized the effort it took for you to maintain composure; she knew you well enough to understand the turmoil that raged beneath your calm exterior. "Yes, exactly," she replied, her tone laced with both resignation and vulnerability. "It's like being caught between two equally compelling forces – the desire for personal freedom and independence on one side, and the longing for family approval and acceptance on the other. It's a tightrope I've been walking for what feels like forever." Your eyes searched hers, taking in the mixture of resignation and vulnerability etched on her face. Your heart constricted with both sympathy and a hint of possessiveness. You longed to reach out to her, to offer comfort and reassurance, but you knew you couldn't afford to show your true feelings. Instead, you managed a small, sympathetic smile. "It's a difficult tightrope to walk, indeed," you replied, your voice a soft murmur. "But you're strong, Eloise. Stronger than you realize."

You took a deep breath, mustering up every ounce of self-restraint and courage you possessed. Looking into her eyes, you put on a mask of feigned indifference, disguising the true depth of your feelings. "If… if you want," you said slowly, trying to sound nonchalant, "I could help you navigate this process. Maybe help you… understand your own desires better. I volunteer to aid you in this predicament. As your friend, of course. I'll support you in whatever way I can, offering my insight and assistance to navigate this treacherous world of suitors and matchmaking." Eloise's heart skipped a beat at your offer, her eyes widening momentarily at the unexpected proposal. She studied your face, searching for any hint of deeper emotions, but you had managed to mask them with admirable skill. She saw only a casual indifference in your expression, masking the deeper waters beneath. A small chuckle escaped her lips, and she leaned back in her chair. "My dearest friend," she began, her voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and teasing, "always there to assist me in navigating the treacherous waters of the marriage market. How very selfless of you."

Your heart ached at her words, a mixture of affection and resignation stirring within you. You fought to keep your composure, a flicker of a smirk playing on your lips as you offered a nonchalant shrug. "Selflessness is my middle name," you replied, feigning nonchalance. "I'm practically an expert in navigating other people's relationships and romantic entanglements. Why not extend my services to a dear friend in need?" A smirk tugged at the corners of Eloise's lips as she chuckled at your response. Your nonchalance was almost too good to be true, but she didn't dare delve too closely into the reasons behind it. "Ah, yes, how could I forget? The renowned relationship therapist and matchmaker extraordinaire. Truly, how fortunate I am to have such an expert at my disposal." A chuckle escaped your lips, half-joking and half-genuine, as you attempted to keep the conversation lighthearted. "Well, if all else fails," you quipped, "you could always just marry me. We'd make quite the power couple, taking the aristocratic world by storm."

A surprised giggle escaped Eloise's lips as she playfully swatted your arm. Her eyes sparkled with both amusement and a hint of flustered annoyance. "Oh, how utterly charming of you," she replied, sarcasm dripping from her tone. "Because clearly, the only solution to our current predicament is an ill-advised, whirlwind romance between us." A surprised laugh escaped Eloise's lips at the proposal, her eyes widening momentarily before she schooled her features into a smirk. "Marry you, eh? That's quite the backup plan," she replied, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. "A backup plan and a half, I must say. Can you imagine the scandal? Me, marrying my witty, self-proclaimed selfless friend, the talk of the aristocracy for sure." Your heart ached at her words, the realization that your proposal was nothing more than a jest in her eyes, but you forced a nonchalant smile. "Oh, it would be the scandal of the century," you agreed, feigning nonchalant confidence. "We'd be the talk of the town, the subject of endless gossip and speculation. And yes, we'd be a power couple. A match made in sarcastic heaven. It would be like a plot straight out of one of those frivolous novels you love but pretend to hate."

Despite her own conflicting emotions, Eloise couldn't help but laugh at your words. The image of you and her as a scandalous power couple was both ludicrous and oddly appealing, like a story straight out of one of those novels. "A 'match made in sarcastic heaven,'" she repeated, mimicking your tone with a grin. "How poetic. I can already see it now: the whispered gossip, the scandalized gasps, the endless speculation. It would be glorious." Your eyes softened as you listened to her laughter, momentarily forgetting the complexities of your emotions in the momentary lightheartedness. A smirk tugged at the corners of your lips, her mimicking your tone only adding to the amusement. "Oh, it would be glorious," you agreed, playing along with her banter. "And let's not forget the benefits. We'd be immune to the constant matchmaking attempts. Plus, we'd have the pleasure of each other's charming company, day in and day out," you added, your tone light and playful. Eloise raised an eyebrow, a cheeky grin creeping across her face. "Immunity to matchmaking attempts? That does sound like a tempting perk," she mused, tilting her head to the side in mock contemplation. "And I suppose having your delightful company on a daily basis wouldn't be too terrible either," she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Not to mention the endless sarcastic banter and witty repartee. It's a wonder you haven't proposed already."

Your smirk widened as you observed her reaction, your heart fluttering at her playful banter. A flicker of possessiveness stirred within you, though you did your best to suppress it. "Oh, but of course," you replied, feigning indifference as best you could. "Why settle for just any old suitor when I can have the privilege of arguing with you every day?" The words were playful, but there was a hint of truth in them that you hid behind sarcasm. Eloise's grin mirrored yours, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Exactly," she replied, her voice laced with mock agreement. "Who needs romance and love when you can have endless banter and heated debates every single day? Truly, what could be more fulfilling?" She feigned a dreamy sigh before continuing, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And just think of the countless hours we could spend rolling our eyes at each other. Oh, the joys of wedded bliss." Your heart swelled with affection as you listened to her banter. The lightheartedness of the conversation momentarily chased away the complexities of your emotions. "Oh, the eye-rolling," you replied, mock dreamily. "It's the foundation of any healthy relationship. And let's not forget the endless hours spent trying to outwit each other in every conversation, or the pleasure of constantly correcting each other's grammar."

Eloise chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement at your response. "Ah yes, the eye-rolling and the petty grammar corrections, the very essence of wedded bliss," she replied, feigning a dreamy expression. "And let's not forget the endless debates over the most trivial of topics, like whether a muffin is technically a cake or a cupcake. Oh, the joys of spending a lifetime with someone whose sarcasm matches your own." As the conversation continued in jest, an underlying tension lingered in the air. The playful banter couldn't completely disguise the emotional turmoil brewing beneath. With each exchange of sarcastic remarks, you struggled to keep the possessiveness you felt for her hidden beneath the surface. Every witty remark and playful jab was laced with the ache of unfulfilled desires and suppressed feelings. Eloise, too, noticed the hidden undercurrents in your words, the subtle hints of vulnerability and possessiveness masked by your sarcastic facade. As the banter escalated, you fought to maintain your carefree facade. Yet, your heart aches with the weight of your suppressed emotions.

Every playful comment was tinged with a hint of possessiveness and longing, though you tried to bury it beneath the surface. Eloise could sense the unspoken tension in your words, the underlying pain seeping through your sarcastic remarks. Her eyes softened, and for a moment, she paused, studying your face closely. She knew you well enough to recognize the turmoil beneath your composed demeanor. "So… I'll help you look, yes?" Eloise's eyes softened as she observed the flicker of emotions in your expression, the mixture of hope and anxiety that played across your face. She knew you well enough to recognize the turmoil beneath your composed demeanor, even as you spoke once again. The weight of your words sank into her heart as she sensed the complex emotions that you struggled to keep in check. With a resigned sigh, she nodded slowly. "If you're sure you don't mind," she began, her voice was quieter than before. "Your insight and witty commentary might actually be quite helpful in this situation." Your heart leaped at her words, hope and relief flooding your mind. Despite the pain of unrequited feelings, your desire to help her prevailed. A small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you responded: "Of course, Eloise. I'm here for you, no matter what." A part of you relished the opportunity to be closer to her, even if it was just in a platonic capacity. To offer her support and guidance, even if it shattered your heart in the process.

As the weeks passed, you found yourself immersed in a whirlwind of social gatherings and soirées alongside Eloise, diligently fulfilling your self-proclaimed role as her wingman and sounding board. The task proved to be more challenging than you anticipated, as you watched her engaging in conversations with an array of potential suitors. Each interaction felt like a dagger to your heart, a cruel reminder of what seemed like unrequited feelings you harbored for her. But you pushed through, masking your pain beneath a facade of sarcastic remarks and playful banter. It was a delicate dance of emotions as you played the role of wingman, offering witty commentary while silently nursing a broken heart. Each suitor came with their own set of merits and flaws. Some were charming but lacked substance, and others were too arrogant for Eloise's taste. You observed her closely, gauging her reactions and offering advice when necessary, never allowing your true feelings to surface.

As the nights passed, Eloise found herself growing increasingly frustrated with the endless parade of suitors her mother had arranged. Despite their charms and accomplishments, not a single one of them captured her interest. They were either too dull, too arrogant, or simply too… boring. One evening, after a particularly tedious event, she sought you out in the quiet solitude of the gardens, away from the prying eyes of the ton. She found you sitting on a secluded bench, staring off into the night sky, and approached you with a weary sigh. As you sat in the gardens, lost in your thoughts and the starry night sky above, you heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching. You turned your gaze to see Eloise walking towards you, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and determination. A pang of sympathy and protectiveness stirred within you, and you silently beckoned her to take a seat next to you. As she settled beside you, you spoke quietly: "Another failed attempt, I presume?" Eloise let out a frustrated sigh as she sank onto the bench beside you. "Another disastrous evening," she confirmed, her voice tinged with irritation. "Yet another suitor who was neither charming nor interesting. I swear, if I have to endure one more insipid conversation about the weather or the latest political scandal, I might just scream."

A flicker of sympathy flashed in your eyes as you listened to her complaints. The frustration and irritation in her voice mirrored the turmoil of her emotions. "Judging from your tone," you remarked, your voice soft but laced with mild amusement, "I take it that this suitor was as exciting as a potted plant." A sharp chuckle escaped Eloise's lips as she nodded in agreement. "That's an insult to potted plants," she retorted, feigning offense. "At least potted plants have some use. This suitor was more like a piece of tasteless porcelain – pretty to look at but ultimately void of any real substance." A smirk tugged at the corner of your lips as she compared the suitor to a tasteless porcelain. Your eyes danced with a mix of amusement and sympathy. "Ah, a human equivalent of decorative china," you retorted, a hint of mirth in your voice. "A pretty face with no depth. How utterly riveting." Eloise's laughter filled the quiet garden, her irritation momentarily replaced by amusement. "Precisely," she agreed, her voice filled with sarcastic amusement. "The epitome of shallow charisma. A pretty package with no real content. I could barely keep myself from yawning or rolling my eyes every time he opened his mouth. It's baffling, really," Eloise continued, her frustration returning to the surface. "Is it too much to ask to find a suitor who has some intelligence, wit, and a decent sense of humor? Someone who can hold an interesting conversation and doesn't think the height of excitement is a discussion about the price of tea in China?"

You chuckled softly, her frustration echoing your own wishes. "Oh, but isn't the price of tea in China just oh so fascinating?" you replied sarcastically, a smirk playing on your lips. "I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought." Your tone softened as you grew more serious. "But seriously, you deserve better than these lackluster suitors. Someone who can keep up with your wit and challenge you in both conversation and thought." Eloise rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Oh, you jest, but the tea market is the pinnacle of excitement," she replied dryly, her own sarcasm mirroring yours. "I don't know how you're restraining yourself from jumping out of your seat in excitement." Her expression softened as you spoke, her irritation giving way to vulnerability. "I know I deserve better," she admitted, her voice quiet. "But sometimes it feels like I'm grasping at straws. These suitors are more predictable than a badly written novel." She sighed, her exasperated expression returning as she leaned back against the bench. "And you're right, these suitors are a complete disappointment. They're like empty shells, hollow and shallow. I want someone who can actually stimulate my intellect and challenge me in every way."

Your heart clenched as she revealed her vulnerability, the weight of her frustration and disappointment clear in her voice. Suppressing the urge to reach out and touch her, to soothe her, you simply sat closer, offering your silent support. "They're not worthy of you," you said firmly, a hint of protectiveness in your voice. "They can't appreciate your intellect, your wit, or the fire within you. They're not capable of seeing the incredible person you are. They're blind, Eloise. Blind to your worth and your beauty, both inside and out." You took a deep breath, gathering your courage before posing the question. "If you could design the perfect suitor," you began, your voice soft, "someone who embodies everything you desire in a partner, who would you envision? Who comes to mind first?" Eloise's gaze lingered on you for a moment, touched by the sincerity and protectiveness in your voice. She paused, considering your question and picturing the ideal suitor in her mind. "If I could design the perfect suitor," she started slowly, her voice quieter, "they would be witty, smart, and unapologetically themself. They would challenge me in every conversation, make me laugh until my sides ache." She paused, her gaze drifting back to the night sky. "They wouldn't be afraid to disagree with me, but he would understand me like no one else."

Your heart skipped a beat as she described her ideal suitor, your hope and despair warring within you. As she continued, the description of her ideal partner grew increasingly close to your own qualities. You clenched your hands in your lap, desperately trying to keep your feelings hidden beneath a facade of nonchalance. "So," you replied, managing to keep your voice steady, "intelligence, humor, and the ability to challenge you? Sounds like a rather high standard." Eloise chuckled softly, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Is it really a high standard, or merely the bare minimum?" she teased. "Intelligence, humor, and the ability to challenge me - those should be mandatory qualities for anyone who hopes to catch my attention." Her eyes wandered back to you, studying your features in the dim garden light. "But there's more, of course," she added, her voice softening. "They would be kind, loyal, and fiercely protective."

Your heart constricted at her words, each quality she listed further hammering the final nail into the coffin of your dreams. The description of her ideal partner lined up almost perfectly with your own character, which only amplified the ache in your heart. You swallowed the lump in your throat, attempting to maintain a composed facade. "And what about physical attributes?" you inquired softly. "Cute? Mysterious? Something else?" Eloise hummed in thought, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Physical attributes," she mused, her voice low. "I suppose it doesn't hurt if they were easy on the eyes. Cute, handsome, or even ruggedly attractive. A charming smile and a twinkle in their eyes wouldn't be amiss either." She glanced at you, her gaze lingering for a moment. "But physical appearance isn't everything. It's the qualities, the little things, the inside that truly matter most." Your heart ached as she described her ideal suitor's physical attributes, each word painting a picture that felt all too familiar. But you swallowed your pain and nodded in agreement, hoping your voice wouldn't betray the turmoil within you. "You're right," you replied quietly, your voice a little rougher than usual. "Looks are fleeting, and they don't define a person's character. It's the inner qualities and the way someone treats others that truly matters."

Eloise nodded in agreement, her eyes softening as she observed the slight strain in your voice. There was a brief flicker of something—concern, curiosity, or perhaps something more—in her gaze, but it was gone in an instant, replaced by a familiar glint. "Precisely," she replied with a hint of a smile, her voice soft. "I want someone who makes me laugh, who shares my interests, who challenges me in all the right ways. Physical appearance pales in comparison to all that." Your heart ached further, even as a part of you relished in her words. Her description was becoming increasingly familiar to you, and it was difficult not to hope that she would realize who she was truly describing. Yet, the rational part of you knew it was unlikely. "Well," you managed to force out, attempting to maintain a nonchalant tone, "it seems you have quite the specific criteria for your ideal suitor. Someone who fits that description might be harder to come by than you think."

Your heart ached further, even as a part of you relished in her words. Her description was becoming increasingly familiar to you, and it was difficult not to hope that she would realize who she was truly describing. Yet, the rational part of you knew it was unlikely. "Well," you managed to force out, attempting to maintain a nonchalant tone, "it seems you have quite the specific criteria for your ideal suitor. Someone who fits that description might be harder to come by than you think." As the conversation continued, a sudden, impulsive thought crossed your mind. A crazy, reckless idea that could either solve your problem or make it infinitely worse. But the ache in your heart, the desperation to be close to her, drove you to speak before you could fully consider the implications. "Eloise," you began slowly, hesitation in your voice. "May I make a suggestion? It's a bit… unconventional." Eloise's playful expression faded momentarily, replaced by a mix of curiosity and confusion. She observed you with a raised eyebrow, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "A suggestion?" she repeated, her voice laced with intrigue. "Unconventional, you say? Well, you know I'm always open to unconventional ideas."

A pang of nervousness gripped you as you prepared to make your suggestion. The rational part of you warned that it could destroy your friendship, but the irrational, desperate part urged you on. Taking a deep breath, you continued, your voice steady. "I was thinking… What if we considered an unconventional arrangement?" Eloise's eyes widened slightly in surprise, her curiosity piqued at your words. She couldn't imagine what kind of unconventional arrangement you had in mind, but the glimmer of excitement in her gaze betrayed her interest. "An unconventional arrangement?" she repeated, her voice a mix of intrigue and caution. "What do you mean, exactly?" Your heart hammered against your chest as you prepared to lay your proposal on the table. The words felt both exhilarating and terrifying to even utter aloud. "I'm suggesting," you began slowly, your voice wavering slightly, "a… marriage of convenience." Eloise's breath caught in her throat as she processed your words. A marriage of convenience? The idea was certainly unconventional, and unexpected. She sat there, speechless, for a moment, completely taken aback by your proposal. "A marriage of convenience?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you… are you being serious right now?"

You held your breath as you watched her reaction, your heart pounding in your chest. There was no going back now. "I'm completely serious," you replied, your voice a little unsteady. "It's a practical solution to your current dilemma. And…" You hesitated for a moment, your voice growing quieter. A part of you wanted to snatch back the words, to pretend it was all a joke. But the hope and desperation within you outweighed your fears. "Yes," you replied firmly, meeting her gaze. "I mean it. A marriage to appease our parents, to keep their meddling suitors at bay. We would be married in name only, of course. No real expectation of a romantic attachment." Eloise's eyes widened even further at your further explanation, her mind processing your words. A marriage in name only? It was both unconventional and… intriguing, in a way. Though she had dreamt of finding love, the idea of going through the charade of marriage merely for appearances didn't necessarily seem unappealing. "A marriage in name only…" she echoed, her voice thoughtful. "It could provide an escape from the constant parade of suitors. But what about the future? Wouldn't it be difficult to maintain the pretense forever?"

You nodded, acknowledging the validity of her concern. "Yes, it might be difficult," you admitted. "But we'd have to be convincing enough to keep up appearances. I'm sure with our combined acting skills, we'd manage to fool even the most observant of society." Deep down, you knew the hardest part would be keeping your own feelings in check, pretending that the marriage was strictly for convenience. That thought alone sent a pang of longing through your heart. Eloise let out a soft laugh, her eyes still wide with surprise. "Our combined acting skills?" she repeated, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Bold of you to assume we have any acting abilities to begin with." She paused, her expression turning more serious as she considered the implications. "But even if we do succeed, what about the future? What happens if one of us does find love? It would ruin everything we've built." You chuckled softly, acknowledging her skepticism about your acting skills. "You have a point there," you conceded. "Perhaps we'll have to do some practicing. But as for the future… but that… that won't be a problem for me." You paused, swallowing the lump in your throat. "It would indeed complicate matters. But if that day comes, we will have to discuss it and figure out the best course of action. For now, it's purely hypothetical."

Eloise scrutinized your face for a moment, searching for any signs of hesitation or doubt. Though she was taken aback by your proposal, the idea had piqued her curiosity. "Purely hypothetical," she echoed, her voice slightly more relaxed. "It's certainly a unique solution, I'll give you that." A playful glint appeared in her eyes as she leaned closer. "But if we're entertaining hypothetical scenarios, I do have one question for you." Your heart skipped a beat as she leaned closer, the playful glint in her eyes igniting a mixture of nervousness and anticipation within you. "Alright," you replied, your voice a little hoarse. "What's your question?" A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she observed your nervousness, finding it both adorable and intriguing. She paused for a moment, prolonging the anticipation just a bit more. "If we were to embark on this hypothetical marriage of convenience," she began slowly, tilting her head to the side, "would you expect me to play the part of the dutiful, obedient wife?" Your breath caught in your throat at her question, your heart skipping another beat.

The idea of her playing the role of the dutiful, obedient wife sent a mix of excitement and guilt through you. On one hand, the thought was immensely appealing, but on the other hand, it went against everything she stood for. "No," you replied, your voice a little strained. "Absolutely not. You are far too independent and spirited to play that role convincingly. It would be a complete farce." A smirk tugged at the corners of Eloise's lips at your response. She appreciated the fact that you understood her well enough to know that she would never be content with such a role. "A complete farce indeed," she agreed, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I'd rather be struck by lightning than play the submissive wife." She leaned back slightly, still observing you intently. "But I do have another question for you. If our parents agree and we go through with this arrangement, how would we handle the actual ceremony? The vows, the rings, the public display…" Your heart skipped another beat as she mentioned the actual ceremony. The thought of standing beside her, exchanging vows and rings, both thrilled and terrified you. But you knew it was all part of the charade. "The ceremony would be for show," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "We would recite the vows, exchange the rings, and put on a performance for everyone's benefit." You paused a pang of sadness in your chest. "It wouldn't be real. Just a theatrical performance."

Eloise's smile faded slightly as she observed the hint of sadness in your voice. It mirrored her own mixed feelings about the situation. "Just a theatrical performance," she repeated softly, her voice lacking its usual sharpness. A moment of silence hung between you, both of you lost in your thoughts as you tried to process the implications of this arrangement. Eventually, Eloise spoke up again, her voice quieter this time. "Okay." Eloise took a moment to consider your words, the gears in her mind spinning. The idea of marrying solely for convenience was still unconventional, but something about it felt strangely right. She could escape the parade of suitors and still maintain her independence, all while pleasing her parents and appeasing society's expectations. She looked up at you, her eyes meeting yours. Though there was still a hint of hesitation, she found herself nodding slowly. "I suppose… I suppose I could agree to your proposal." Relief and elation coursed through you as she nodded her agreement. Yet beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of guilt. Guilt for deceiving her, for using her predicament to fulfill your own desires. But you quickly squashed those thoughts, rationalizing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. "You… You're certain?" you asked, your voice still a whisper. "You're absolutely sure you want to go through with this?"

Eloise chuckled softly, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Certain? I don't think 'certain' is the right word. More like reluctantly willing to give it a shot." As she met your gaze, her expression turned more sincere. "But yes, I'm willing to go along with this… arrangement. But on one condition." Your heart skipped a beat as she declared her condition, a mix of curiosity and worry filling your chest. "What is it?" you asked cautiously. "What's your condition?" Eloise smiled, her gaze softening as she looked at you intently. "My condition is that we keep this arrangement strictly on paper," she stated firmly. "We will go through the motions, attend the wedding, play our roles, and all that, but we will maintain our freedom in every other aspect of our lives. This marriage is in name only, and our personal lives will remain separate." "In addition," she continued firmness in her voice, "our personal lives will remain separate. While we will appear publicly as husband and wife, we will still maintain our own friends, our own interests, and our own spaces. And we will still be best friends, as we are now. Nothing changes between us, except the name on the marriage certificate."

A pang of disappointment shot through you as she laid out her condition. Deep down, a part of you had secretly hoped that this arrangement would somehow evolve into something more, that she would eventually see you as more than just a best friend. But her condition firmly squashed that hope. However, you understood her reasons and respected her boundaries, so you nodded, forcing a half-hearted smile. "I agree," you said, managing to keep your voice steady. "Our personal lives will remain separate. We will remain friends, and nothing more." Eloise observed your reaction, a subtle pang of guilt tugging at her heart. She knew you probably secretly hoped for something more, but she had to be firm in her boundaries. She wouldn't compromise her freedom or their friendship for anything. "Good," she replied, her voice slightly more gentle. "I'm glad we're on the same page. This arrangement is for convenience, not for… emotional attachments. We have to remember that." You clenched your jaw, trying to suppress the pang of disappointment that still lingered. You knew she was right, that this arrangement was purely transactional. But it was a difficult truth to accept, especially when you had harbored secret feelings for her for so long. "Right," you agreed, your voice strained. "It's just business. Convenience, nothing more."

[sapphichotmess]

All I Do Is Dream of You

Ellie Williams x plus size!f!reader (not really specified, but that’s what I write)

Name inspired by Dodie’s song All I Do Is Dream of You

Even though this is not 18+, I am an 18+ blog, mdni

continuation of this

Warnings/Tags: horrendous writing with very little dialogue (bc idk how to human), fluff, reader wears makeup, reader is able-bodied, reader is right-handed

PLS COMMENT & RB FOR ME PLS

thanks for reading this for me babe @les4elliewilliams u deserve to be fucked so good <3

It has been several days since you were literally knocked off of your feet by one Ellie Williams. And every day since then has been better than the last. You two have been texting non-stop, giddily giggling into your phones with warm cheeks at all hours of the day. 

All it took was one meeting, and you were utterly captivated by the adorably dog-like auburn-haired woman, her presence—even if only by phone—filling your heart with a warmth you couldn't explain. 

You can’t get the woman out of your head, always seeing her pale green eyes piercing into you when you close yours. And don’t get you started on her adorable smile, her lips quirking up and parting, showcasing a slight bit of white teeth. You groan, staring into the mirror on your desk, right hand holding eyeliner up though doing nothing to put any on. All you can think of is the way her cheeks flushed adorably, highlighting the smattering of freckles on her face. You want to trace them—learn the pattern to a T. Learn everything about her, really. 

Your daydreaming is disrupted by the buzzing of your phone which is sat face-down on your bedspread, music blaring from it’s tiny-but-mighty speakers. You drop the eyeliner you were using to make the wing on your eye, drawing a black line down your cheek in your haste. Socked feet making gentle thudding on the hardwood floor, you reach your bed in record time. With your heart racing, you swiftly pick up your phone and flip it over to see the notification. It's another message from Ellie; the sight of her name sends a wave of excitement through you, your heart dropping from your chest out of your ass and a warm flush tickling your cheeks. With trembling fingers, you open the message, eager to see what she has to say. 

Ellie's message pops up on your screen, and you can't help but grin as you read her words:

heyyy you! just wanted to say hi and see how your day is going. i've been thinking about you bunches today. craving one of those bomb cupcakes you whip up... you know, those red ones with the fucking insane frosting? the one i had the other day?

Not bothering to wait more than a few seconds, you quickly type out a response, unable to hide your own excitement:

hi ellie! literally made my day hearing from you fr ❤️ 

you send one text, instantly starting on another:

oh, the red velvet ones? i won’t be making those in the shop for a bit… BUT i can totally open the bakery on an off day and make a batch for you?

Happy with your words, you go to sit down your phone again, butterflies swooping around aggressively in your stomach, but before you do, it’s vibrating in your hand. 

It was Ellie reacting to your first message with a heart. She must have been waiting for your reply—or you were being a horrible loser and texting back too fast. Shaking your head at that thought, you watch as the texting bubble appears, heart racing as you wait for her reply. 

You can't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of Ellie's response. Was she as eager to continue the conversation as you were? Or perhaps she had something else in mind? With bated breath, you wait for her message to come through, the seconds feeling like an eternity as your mind races with all the possibilities of what she might say. The anticipation only adds to the butterflies swirling in your stomach, but you wouldn't have it any other way. Finally, Ellie's response comes through, and you eagerly read her message:

DUDE, no way! opening the bakery just for us? that's fucking awesome! i'm so down to hang out with you, especially if it means i get to devour those bomb-ass cupcakes. hit me up whenever you're free!

A grin spreads across your face as you read her words, your heart soaring with happiness. It seems Ellie is just as excited about the idea as you are, and the thought of spending time together fills you with warmth. It would be the first time you guys would meet face-to-face since your first encounter. 

Fuck you couldn't wait to bask in the magnificence of her; her being in your space, filling her lungs with the very same air you breathe. 

You are in trouble if these thoughts are an indication of anything. 

Quickly typing out your reply, you suggest a few possible dates and times for your cupcake date, hoping that one of them will work for both of you. Positively beaming, eyes glimmering with youthful mirth, you finally set down your phone and turn on your sock-clad heels to head back toward your vanity. You make it halfway before you remember what day it is.

The bakery is closed. 

You could see Ellie today. 

Then, you’re slipping against the hardwood, trying to get back to the bed as quick as possible. You finally get your footing after sliding around and almost ending up on your ass, practically flying toward your bed and divebombing onto the soft mattress. Your phone bounces with the impact as you scramble to get to your knees and grab it from mid-air. Somehow, you end up on your back with your phone smashed onto your nose. 

Ouch. That's definitely going to leave a mark.

You grab your phone, scrubbing a hand at your sore nose. After the shock of the hit has left, you regain your urgentness, unlocking your phone, bringing up the messages app, and clicking on your and Ellie’s chat. 

Your fingers move at what seems like the speed of light as you type out a new message: 

so, um, funny thing... i was thinking, and why wait for your cupcakes when you could have them today? how about you swing by the bakery this afternoon?

Thinking for a second, you quickly send a second text:

we can even bake them together! how does that sound?

Nausea creeps up on you as you wait, heart racing and dry eyes staring at your messages to Ellie for several minutes without a text bubble. 

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, a bubble appears on the screen, only to disappear just as quickly. This pattern repeats a few times, leaving you on edge.

But then, finally, Ellie's response lights up your screen:

i'm so down for a baking session at the bakery. what time should i be there? 

A wave of relief washes over you as you read Ellie's enthusiastic reply—though you are confused as to why it took her so long to come up with this response. With a wide grin, you quickly type back the details, feeling excitement building in the pit of your stomach. 

Finally having that done, you put your phone back on the bed—hopefully for the last time for a while. Then, you finally sit back down at your vanity, ready to finish your makeup for the day. When you look in the mirror, your smile falters and your mouth hangs open in disbelief. 

There is a long, thick black line running across your cheek. 

“Fuck.” 

***

You’re just setting up everything you need for red velvet cupcakes when you hear the front doorbell ring. Your head snaps up so fast you’re surprised you don’t break your neck. However, any pain is worth seeing Ellie walk into your bakery looking so damn fine. 

The olive-skinned girl is wearing a pair of blue jeans that fit her ass nicely, a grey t-shirt, and a burnt-red flannel that looks well-loved with tearing seams and fading colors. Her shoulder-length auburn hair is pulled into a half-up, half-down look, with some stray hairs framing her face. Your hands itch to push them behind her ears, even standing at the distance you are. 

Shaking yourself out of your reverie, you set the pan you had in your hands onto the counter with a clatter, causing Ellie to start. Making your way towards the front of the store where Ellie stands with hands in her pockets, you call out her name.  

"Ellie!" You greet her with a wide grin, unable to contain your excitement at seeing her—even if it was planned just short of an hour ago. 

“Ah, uh… Hey!” the freckled girl stutters out. “I… it’s good to see you?” 

“Was that a question?” you ask, hiding your smile behind your hand. 

“Uh, no?” Ellie says before realizing that she phrased her response as a question, too. “I mean, no. No, it wasn’t a question. I, um, I am excited to see you.” 

You can't help but find Ellie's nervousness adorable as she stumbles over her words. Suppressing a giggle, you offer her a reassuring smile, eyes crinkling on the edges. "Well, I'm excited to see you too," you reply warmly, noting the faint blush creeping up on her cheeks.

As Ellie's gaze drifts somewhere behind you and she nervously swipes her hand over her nose, you realize just how nervous she must be feeling. Wanting to ease her discomfort, you gently reach out and place a hand on her arm—holy shit, you didn’t realize she was strong, but you can feel her muscles under her flannel. "Hey, it's okay. No need to be nervous," you say softly, trying to ignore your thoughts about what she could do with that strength. "We're just here to have fun and bake some delicious cupcakes together."

Ellie’s green eyes finally meet yours again, though a crease forms between her eyebrows as she does. “I just, ah… you’re, like, stupidly pretty. And, you know, it’s really distracting.” Ellie's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red as she confesses, her final words coming out in a rush.

Your heart skips a beat at Ellie's unexpected compliment, and a warm flush of pleasure spreads through you. "Wow, thank you," you reply. "You're not so bad yourself, you know."

Ellie’s eyes widen in surprise at your compliment, her right hand coming back up to shuffle across her nose. “Ah, thank you?” 

Giggling at her utter lack of words or charm, you grab her hand as it falls from in front of her face. “C’mon! We have so much to do. I’m so excited to teach you how to bake!” you say in a high-pitched voice, obviously excited. 

Pulling her by the—fucking giant—hand to the back of the bakery where you do all the… well, baking, you continue, “I’m almost done setting up everything for us. There are a few ingredients I have to pull out since I wasn’t gonna be using them, but it shouldn’t be too long until we can start.” 

“I—oh,” Ellie lets out a strangled breath as she is suddenly dragged by you into the back room. “That’s okay. I’m just, uh, really excited for the cupcakes.” 

As you lead Ellie towards the back of the bakery, you can't help but chuckle at her adorable awkwardness. "Don't worry, I promise it'll be fun," you reassure her, looking behind you with a warm smile. "And don't worry about being nervous. Baking is all about having a good time and enjoying the process."

Ellie nods once, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm sure it'll be great," she says, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Reaching the back room, you release Ellie's hand and gesture towards the kitchen area. "Here we are," you say, motioning for her to take a seat on one of the chairs you pulled back here from the dining room. "Make yourself comfortable while I grab the rest of the ingredients."

As you rummage through the cabinets and pull out the remaining ingredients needed for the cupcakes, you can't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of teaching Ellie how to bake. Getting to spend any time with the adorably awkward, puppy-like freckle-faced girl was a blessing, but getting to do your favorite thing with her? It’s a dream come true. 

Returning to the counter with an armful of ingredients, you grin at Ellie. "Alright, let's get started," you say eagerly. “First up, we have to… turn on the oven,” you stumble in the middle of your sentence as you get lost looking at Ellie’s tanned face, trying to memorize the placement of her paint-splattered freckles so that you could imagine her going do—that isn’t what today is about.

Ellie nods once, standing to her feet. “Sounds easy enough.” 

As Ellie stands up, hands on her knees to help her get up, you can't help but admire the way her eyes sparkle with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she looks at you. Holy shit, she’s looking at you. "Great!" you exclaim, shaking off your momentary distraction—for the hundredth time—and focusing on the task at hand. "Let's get this show on the road."

Together, you and the freckle-faced girl move towards the oven, your hands brushing against each other as you reach for the knob. Heat crawling up your neck and over the apples of your cheeks, you quickly move your hand and turn the knob to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the soft hum of the oven heating up filling the air.

Still hot in the face, you turn toward Ellie, "Okay, next step, cupcake pans," you say, gesturing toward the neatly lined trays on the counter. With Ellie by your side, arms brushing, you grab the pans and place them on the counter, ready to put the liners in. 

As you work, you steal glances at Ellie, admiring her focused expression as she carefully places each cupcake liner in its designated spot like it’s some kind of science experiment that could go wrong. Her tongue slightly sticking out of her plump lips in concentration is definitely cuter than it should be. 

What you weren’t ready for was to have the auburn-haired girl turn her head and look at you as you distractedly stared at her, unable to shake the image of her soft, freckled cheeks, long, slender fingers, and strong arms from your mind. 

Caught off guard by Ellie's piercing green gaze, you feel your heart skip a beat as you quickly avert your eyes. Clearing your throat, you focus on the task at hand, determined to maintain composure.

"Um, so, uh, yeah," you stammer, trying to regain your train of thought. "Looks like we're all set with the cupcake pans." You can practically feel the heat radiating from your cheeks as you turn back to the task, hoping to distract yourself from the intensity of Ellie's gaze.

With a shaky hand, you reach for the extra cupcake liners, trying to steady your nerves as you carefully place them back in a stack, ready for you to put away later. 

When you're done—and your hands aren’t shaking anymore—you finally drag your gaze back to Ellie. Your breath catches in your throat as you realize she is still looking at you. Her green gaze—what you can only describe as a moss-covered forest bathed in warm, sparkling sunlight—feels like taking a knife to the heart, her head tilt—so dog-like—a sucker punch to the gut. You want her eyes on you forever—to bask in the warmth of her eyes and bathe in the depths of her soul—you realize as your heart tries to beat out of your chest. 

Somehow, you find it within yourself to tear your eyes away from Ellie’s; it’s one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, and you run a bakery by yourself. Clearing your throat and staring at the prepped pans, you say, “Ah, um, we can start making the batter now, I guess.” 

Ellie doesn’t hold in her laugh at your obvious discomfort, her melodic laughter filling the room with a warmth that soothes your frayed nerves. Despite the embarrassment of being caught in a moment of vulnerability, you can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over you at the sound of her laughter.

"Yeah, let's get started on that batter," Ellie says, her voice laced with amusement as she reaches for the ingredients on the counter. “What do we start with, pretty girl?”

“I–uh, holy shit…”

The freckled girl laughs even harder at your stunned expression, mouth hanging open and eyebrows raised. “Close your mouth, or you’ll catch flies,” she says, lips quirked up as she nudges your chin with her hand. 

Her hand on you gets your mind racing in all different directions before you remember where you are. Snapping your gaping mouth shut, teeth clacking together, you gather yourself. “Uh yeah… we have to, ah… start with the dry ingredients.” 

Ellie hums a “Mhmm” out, mouth still curved in a cocky smile as she tilts her head again—her stupidly pretty auburn hair catching the midday light filtering in from the window—leaning her hip against the counter. 

“We have to shift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda together into… this large bowl.” you point at every ingredient when you name them, picking up the stainless steel bowl when you find it.

“Sounds easy enough.” 

This time, it’s you who hums an answer as you put the bowl down and grab the ingredients to start measuring. “If I measure, would you shift, Ellie?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” she gives you a little salute. 

So, as you hand over every measured dry ingredient, Ellie shifts it into the bowl. Her tongue makes another appearance as she focuses on getting every ingredient into the bowl with no spillage, causing you to overfill the ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. You quickly get the right amount into the teaspoon and clean up your mess, wiping your hands on your apron. 

“Okay, now that’s done, we have to add the salt and whisk everything together.” 

Ellie reaches for the salt, adding it to the bowl as you grab the whisk. She slides the bowl over to you, watching intently as you whisk. It’s one of the most mundane, boring parts of the baking process, yet she looks so entranced by the whisk circling the bowl, mixing the ingredients together. 

Once everything is thoroughly mixed, you tap the whisk on the bowl and set it aside, putting your hands on your hips and turning towards the girl leaning casually on your counter. “Can I trust you with a knife?” 

“Wh–I–Yes!” She splutters, eyebrows raised. 

Giggling quietly to yourself, hand over your mouth, you shake your head. Dropping your hand, you say, “Sorry, I just had to ask. I need you to cut the butter if you could, please.”

“How could I say no to those puppy dog eyes, hmm?” 

This time, it’s you who splutters, caught off guard. Instead of deigning the tease with a response, you turn your back to Ellie, hiding your burning face and grabbing the stand mixer you equipped with a paddle attachment. When that’s set up, and you can feel the burning embarrassment leave your face, you turn to Ellie, who is wielding a knife, cutting the room-temperature butter into uneven pieces. 

“Babe, it’s gotta be more uniform than that.”

Ellie’s head snaps up, eyebrows furrowed, pupils blown wide, and knife almost cutting into her fingers. “Wh–what did you just call me?”

Caught in a moment of panic, you freeze, your heart pounding in your chest as you try to come up with a plausible explanation. The air feels thick with tension, every second stretching out into an eternity as you search for the right words to say. You hadn’t even realized you said it; it came so naturally, calling the auburn-haired girl babe. “I… nothing, nothing at all,” you spit out quickly, eyes going wide. 

“Nah-uh, you called me ‘babe.’” A loud clattering sound makes you startle, your eyes moving from Ellie’s piercing greens to the knife that just hit the countertop. 

"I… I didn't mean to," you stammer, your voice barely above a whisper. "It just… slipped out."

Ellie's gaze remains fixed on you, you can feel it like a weight on your skin, pinning you in place as you struggle to regain your composure.

“Look at me,” she demands. You follow her directions immediately, your gaze taking in her expression. She looked almost dazed with a quizzical brow as she scratched her head.

"I'm sorry," you continue, your words tumbling out in a rush. "It was just a slip of the tongue. I didn't mean anything by it, I swear."

For a moment, the silence hangs heavy between you, broken only by the sound of your own rapid breathing. And then, without warning, Ellie's features soften, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"It's okay," she says softly, her voice like a soothing balm to your frayed nerves. 

As Ellie's soft smile spreads across her face, her pearly whites making an appearance, a sense of relief washes over you like a warm embrace. Your shoulders drop from where they had taken a place beside your ears, and tension leaks out of you like butter in a baking croissant. The weight that had been pressing down on you lifted away like a heavy fog dispersing in the morning sun.

"Thanks," you murmur, gratitude lacing your words as you meet Ellie's gaze once more. Her eyes hold a warmth that makes your heart flutter, a silent reassurance that everything is okay between you.

With a playful glint in her eye, Ellie leans closer, her voice a soft whisper falling from her plump lips that sends shivers down your spine. "You know," she says, her tone teasing, "I don't mind being called babe."

Your heart skips a beat at her words.

A soft chuckle escapes your lips as you lean in, unable to resist the magnetic pull of Ellie's presence. "Good to know," you reply, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "I'll try to remember that for next time."

As the last of the tension melts away like butter as it’s baked into the delicious treats you make, you and Ellie dive into the joyful task of baking red velvet cupcakes together. With each step of the recipe, you find yourselves falling into a comfortable rhythm, working seamlessly together as if you've been doing this for years.

The scent of cocoa and vanilla fills the air as you and Ellie chat and laugh, exchanging stories and getting to know each other on a deeper level. From childhood memories to dreams for the future, you two open your hearts and minds to each other. 

As the cupcakes bake in the oven, you steal glances at Ellie, admiring the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passions and the infectious laughter that bubbles up from within her. 

And when the cupcakes are finally cooled and ready, their red tops gleaming with perfection, you and Ellie decorate the cupcakes with swirls of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs together, playfully bumping shoulders and laughing at Ellie’s attempts at decorating. 

As you sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring each bite of the moist, decadent cupcakes, you realize that this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship—and perhaps something more. 

[cutecurly-hair]

Hearts Unleashed (Part 5)

Pairing: Nick Nelson x Black!fem!reader

Warning: Fluff, Smut, Body Shaming

Words: 5,738

The weekend flew by, and before I knew it, Monday had arrived with its usual speed. I found myself back in the same classroom, at the same place and time, but something felt a little different. Nick and I had been texting non-stop over the weekend. It was just casual conversation, nothing special, but for some reason, it made me inexplicably happy.

I noticed a bunch of curly black hair in front of me. Charlie and I hadn't talked since that day. I sent him a bunch of texts, but he didn't reply. I checked with Ellie and Tao, and they hadn't heard from him either. It wasn't just me he was avoiding; it seemed like he was avoiding everyone.

Interrupting my thoughts, Nick said, "This is Nellie," showing me a picture of his dog, and she was the cutest thing in the world.

"Oh, my god, she's so cute! I've always wanted to have a pet, but ever since our cat died when I was little, we just never got a new one," I said, a tinge of sadness in my voice.

Nick's brows furrowed in concern, a cute little habit that I couldn't help but notice when he was puzzled or concerned about something. "You know, maybe you should come round to my house and meet her. Plus, my mom has been bugging me to invite you over" he suggested. I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face, I don't know if it was because of Nick's mom has been asking about me or Nick inviting me to his house.

"Are you free on Saturday?" he asked hopefully, his brown eyes searching mine.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied, feeling a flutter in my stomach.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

"Charlie! Charlie! Wait up!" I yelled across the bustling school hallway, dodging through students those rugby drills are finally proving some use.

Finally catching up to him, I took a moment to catch my breath. "What happened with you? I've been calling and texting you. I was even this close to coming to your house to make sure you were alive," I said, demonstrating the minuscule gap between my thumb and forefinger to prove my point.

Charlie turned to me, his face a mix of surprise and sheepishness. "Sorry, I've been dealing with some stuff, and I needed a bit of space. Didn't mean to worry you."

I crossed my arms, trying to hide my concern behind a facade of annoyance. "A simple 'I need space' text would have sufficed, you know."

He scratched his head, a nervous grin appearing on his face. "Yeah, I know. I'll keep you in the loop next time. Promise."

As we walked, the tension melted away, and our usual banter resumed. Charlie might not be telling me everything, but our friendship stayed solid, thankfully.

"Ugh, I've got a ton to catch you up on," I exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. His laughter filled the air. "Do I detect some juicy gossip?" he teased, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. Even though I haven't talked with him for a couple of days, I still couldn't help but miss him. I had every right to be mad, but I knew deep down Charlie was keeping something from me, but it was within his right to tell me when he is ready.

"Oh, you have no idea," I replied, joining in the laughter.

"You look fine, sweetheart," my mother remarked as she emerged from the archway. She must have noticed my tenth attempt at fixing my hair and the frustrated sigh that accompanied it. Admittedly, I may or may not have put on a little makeup. Sensing my mom's curious gaze, I decided to address it before she could.

"I'm going to a friend's house. I'll be back around 5," I informed her, trying to keep it casual.

"Are you heading over to Charlie's?"

I hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Um, no, his name is Nick," hoping my response would slip past without her catching the name. My mother, sensing something, walked over to me and handed me my coat and gloves, well aware of my tendency to get cold easily. I was honestly not made for cold weather.

"Is this a boy from school? You know how I feel about you going to somebody's house," she probed, hinting at her concerns. I knew I had to choose my words carefully to navigate this conversation if I wanted to be allowed to leave the house.

"He's my classmate in English. I want him to look over my paper that's due next week," I lied, maintaining a calm tone and hoping she wouldn't see through the deception.

"You've never needed help with your papers before. You're really good at writing," she remarked, clearly skeptical of my story.

"This paper is 50% of my grade. I have to do well on it," I asserted, emphasizing the importance of the assignment and knowing that grades were a language my mother understood well. Having dealt with her expectations back home, I knew I had to convince her to let me go.

She looked pleasantly surprised. "Yes, you're right. Grades are important. I'm surprised I didn't have to remind you," she smiled, genuinely pleased to see me showing concern for my academic performance. Seizing the moment, I quickly put on my coat and gloves, ready to head out the door.

"Come back in time for dinner!" she yelled as I walked away. I gave a quick nod to show I heard and hurried off before she could ask more questions.

My hands were practically freezing, despite the gloves doing a lousy job of keeping the cold out. I stubbornly kept them on, pulled my coat tighter, and power-walked down the street. The bone-chilling London winter seemed to pierce right through me, making me pick up the pace even more.

I stood there for a moment, torn between knocking and ringing the doorbell. My indecisiveness was playing its usual tricks on me. But before I could finally decide, the door swung open. There was Nick, giving me a gentle smile.

"Hey," he greeted. It was kinda unexpected to see him so chill and casual, a side of him I hadn't really seen beyond the school environment.

"Hey," I smiled back, deciding to ditch my gloves that weren't doing much to fight off the cold anyway.

Nick made a gesture towards a delightful chocolate and white mix Border Collie. "Uh... this is Nellie."

"Hey, Nellie. You're so adorable," Reaching down to pet the dog behind its ears. The warmth of Nellie's fur against my hand brought an unexpected comfort, making the chilly weather outside seem momentarily forgotten.

"Did you do something with your hair?" he asked, his eyes locked onto my puff ponytail that had consumed a good chunk of my morning. Lately, I'd been experimenting with new hairstyles, breaking away from my usual braids.

I immediately reached up to touch my hair, a hint of worry crossing my face. "Wait, is it bad?"

He shook his head without hesitation, offering a reassuring grin. "No, you look… it looks great." His compliment made me feel like the effort I put into styling my hair that morning was totally worth it.

"Okay, you better come in before Nellie thinks we're going for a walk," he said, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary.

"Okay"

Walking into his house, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly homey it was. The place just radiated coziness, making it clear that it wasn't just a house; it was a warm and welcoming home. Definitely nothing compared to mine, my house was just cold and empty still filled with boxes. I noticed a few portraits on the wall, nowhere really of his dad. Which I have nothing to brag since my parents have been divorce.

He led me upstairs to his bedroom, which I couldn't help but feel uneasy, like it was way to personal...like I shouldn't be here. But as soon as I saw his room it was very clean...? Definitely not what I was expecting.

Nick saw the look on my face "What? What's wrong?" he asked looking around confused. I couldn't help but chuckle, breaking a smile "It's so clean in here...it's weird," But overall, it suits him with the rugby poster littered all over the walls with a cute little light hanging over his bed. There it was again, that small hint of vanilla, smoke and a mix of musk but the musk was a lot stronger.

Dramatically, he placed his hand over his chest, gasping, "Are you seriously thinking that I am weird because I know how to clean,"

"I just never expected something like this," I said, gesturing to the room. Walking around, I noticed a few books on the shelf. "Especially for a rugby player. I mean, aren't you guys supposed to be dirty, by default?" I picked a book off the shelf, the title reading "Le Petit Prince (French Edition)."

A French Novel?

Sensing my curiosity, Nick blushed, swiftly taking the book from my hand and putting it back on the shelf. "My dad gifted it to me, but I barely read it," he admitted, a touch of embarrassment in his expression.

Sensenig that his dad was a sour subject I decided to drop it. Still observing his room, noticing the little trinkets of action figure and posters, until my eyes landing on the little snacks on the TV stand plus Mario Kart next to the Nintendo, excitement bubbled up within me as I took in the familiar sight.

"You have Mario Kart!" I exclaimed, my eyes lighting up at the sight of the game. Memories of playing it flooded back.

Nick's eyes beamed. "You like Mario Kart? Do you know how to play?" he asked, a playful smile on his face.

I nodded. "Me and my Dad used to play all the time when I was little. I still do, just never really picked it back up," I said, shrugging.

"Do you want to play?" he asked, holding the Nintendo playfully.

I smiled. "You don't even have to ask."

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

"Come on, Come on I'm in the lead! Can you just let me win" Nick yelled, he was particularly begging at the point.

"It doesn't matter cause you're not going to win," I smirked. He's literally the King of Rugby and practically wins at everything. This is one thing I'm really good at, so I am definitely not going to let him win.

"Can you let me win one time? You've won five or six games."

"I am literary going easy one you,"

"No!" he groaned at the screen when he saw my Princess Peach cross the finish line. I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction.

"You need more practice, Nick. Maybe I can give you some tips," I teased, reveling in the playful banter. It was one area where I knew I could outshine the rugby star.

He pouted, "I don't need tips. I just need a fair chance." The adorable pout he sported was enough to make anyone's heart melt.

"I think this is just Karma kicking you in the ass; you can't be good at everything," I said sarcastically, while grabbing a little popcorn.

He nodded in agreement, "No, you're exactly right. You're just good at everything," he admitted.

"No, I'm not," I chuckled. But there was something in the way he looked at me, and it's been happening a lot lately. I can't quite figure out why he has this knack for making me feel this way. It's as if a single glance from him is all it takes to turn me into a bundle of nerves.

"You are. You're a proper little nerd. And you don't even know it."

"I am not!" I protested, playfully nudging him.

"Let's see. You're good at video games. Literally all school subjects, but especially math's. Amazing at photography. Befriending dogs, and you are good a sports manager. Like I have never seen our gear so clean before-"

"Shut up!" I interrupted in a playful groan, feeling warm flush spread across my cheeks. Covering his mouth, while pushing him onto the bed. It seems this was the only way of shutting him up.

"You know it's true," he mumbled from beneath my hand, a blush coloring his cheeks. "Get off me. Seriously, get off," he added with a laugh, the room filled with our shared laughter.

The laughter quickly faded, leaving a lingering warmth between us. I don’t understand this feeling, I have never felt this way before. Our eyes were saying one thing, but our bodies were saying another. In that stillness, I became aware of the soft sound of snow falling outside.

"Oh, my god" I was star-stuck looking out the window.

His eyes followed mine, and as he turned to the window, a quiet gasp escaped his lips.

"It's snowing."

We just look at each other we didn't have to say anything, we jumped up from the bed, rushing down the stairs putting our coats on. The air was charged with anticipation, I was on the brink of witnessing snow for the very first time in my fifteen years. Nick handing me a hoodie in the process.

I shook my head refusing the offer, but he only shoved it back in my face,

"You were freezing when I first saw you this morning," he chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. But he wasn't taking no for an answer.

I couldn't help but laugh, realizing he had a point. Gratefully accepting the hoodie, I slipped it on, feeling the warmth envelop me trying to ignore his overwhelming scent.

"It's a bit big," you said, glancing at the blue fabric draping down to my knees.

"It looks good on you," he said breathlessly, he was looking directly at me. Two compliments in one day, that was definitely something.

It was absolutely beautiful outside, the cold didn't bother me as much as before, it may or may not have something to do with the hoodie I was wearing.

Nick wasted no time sticking his tongue out to catch the tiny snowflakes. His cheeks had a rosy flush, and there was something about the way the light hit his hair, making it look a bit browner. He looked marvelous.

Caught staring, I locked eyes with him, and there was a fleeting smile on his face. Before I could fully process it, he playfully threw a whole snowball at me, leaving me in disbelief. I hurriedly made a makeshift snowball. It instantly became a snowball fight.

For a moment, just a moment everything seemed perfect, the way he laughed when Nellie was eating the snow. To when he brushed the snow off my hair. The way he took pictures of me when I made snow angles. When he laid beside me all I did was listen to him talk any and everything.

It was just perfect.

I couldn't shake the knot in my stomach, and suddenly, those stolen glances and shared moments held a new weight. When he looks at me, it's like he's seeing something beyond the surface. There's this intensity in his gaze, and I can't help but admire the way he looks at me. The way his eyes light up when he smiles, the little expressions that make him uniquely him. The realization hit me -

I have a crush on Nick Nelson

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

"Are you even listening to what I'm saying?" Ellie snapped her fingers in front of my face, trying to grab my attention. My eyes, however, were glued to the three little bubbles dancing across my screen, eagerly awaiting Nick's response.

Ellie couldn't resist taking a peek at my screen, and a knowing smirk crept onto her face as she shook her head. "Oh, I see what's got you all distracted now."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm listening," I mumbled, tearing my eyes away from the screen to meet Ellie's amused gaze.

She chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Nick, huh? The mystery guy who's got you glued to your phone?"

Blushing, I tried to downplay it. "We're just chatting, you know, about random stuff."

"Random stuff, right," Ellie teased, wiggling her eyebrows. "I've seen that look before. You've got the 'crush glow' all over your face."

Rolling my eyes, I shrugged. "Oh, come on. It's not like that. We're just friends."

Eyebrow raised; Ellie smirked. "Friends who text 24/7, interesting definition of friendship."

I sighed, realizing she saw through my attempt at nonchalance. "Okay, fine. Maybe there's a tiny crush. But seriously, don't make it a big deal."

Glancing out the window, I spotted Nick chatting with a pretty girl that I always seen around school. They were standing so close, and her laughter reached my ears even through the closed window. My heart sank as I watched them share a moment. She was effortlessly charming and ever so pretty, and the way Nick's eyes lit up in response made my stomach churn. It felt like they were in their own bubble, leaving me on the outside looking in.

Ellie looked at me and she frowned and nudged me gently. "Y/N, what's going on? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

I forced a weak smile, attempting to mask the turmoil inside. "Oh, nothing. Just caught up in my thoughts, you know?"

But Ellie wasn't buying it. She followed my gaze, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene outside. "Oh...that's Imogen. That's one of Nick's close friends,"

"Oh, really?" I tried to sound casual, but I could feel a knot forming in my stomach. "Just a friend, huh?"

Ellie shot me a knowing look, her eyebrows raised. "Y/N, are you getting jealous?"

"What? No!" I protested a bit too quickly, my cheeks heating up. "I mean, why would I be jealous? We're just friends, like I said."

Ellie chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. "Sure, just friends. a friend who you have a crush on."

I rolled my eyes, attempting to change the subject. "Let's focus on something else. What were you saying before about our plans for the weekend?"

Ellie raised an eyebrow, clearly not letting me off the hook that easily. "Smooth transition, but we'll get back to this later. Anyway, I was thinking we could do a little movie night at Tao's. We can bring some snacks, binge-watch our favorite films, and just unwind."

"Yeah, that sounds great," I replied, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. "Movies and snacks sound like the perfect distraction."

As we continued discussing our weekend plans, my mind kept drifting back to Nick and Imogen. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between them. Were they just friends, or was there a deeper connection? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I found myself absentmindedly scrolling through our previous texts.

The guys were practicing for an upcoming match, and I was just here cleaning the Rugby they have already gotten so dirty after a couple of throws. Occasionally, Nick would glance over in my direction, offering a reassuring smile or a quick wave.

"I can't believe they have cleaning rugby balls. Doing the dirty work while we get all the glory?" Charlie teased, nudging me with his elbow.

I chuckled, playfully swatting at him. "Someone's got to keep these in top-notch condition. Can't have you all playing with muddy balls, can we?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of action, I noticed I haven't been seeing you lately. Any particular reason?"

I hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. Finally, I decided to open up to Charlie, knowing he'd always knows what to do. "Well, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You know, get some 'guy advice.'"

"I think I am the worse person to give 'guy advice'. especially now" Charlie looked down the ground.

Noticing the sadness in his eyes, I joked around with him "Oh come on, Charlie, don't be so hard on yourself. You're my go-to guy for advice, whether you like it or not."

He managed a small grin, "Alright, shoot. What do you need from my services this time?"

I sighed, glancing back at Nick on the field, his focused demeanor contrasting with the playful banter of the other players. "It's just... things have been different lately. We've been hanging out more, texting, you know, normal friend stuff. But I can't help but feel there's something more."

Charlie looked worried as soon as I brought up Nick's name, "Of course this is about Nick Nelson,"

I nodded, "Yeah, it is. I mean, we're friends, but there are these moments, these looks, and it makes me wonder if there's something more. And then today- I don't know... it just hit me differently."

Charlie glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before he spoke. "Look, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but there's something I think you should know."

My heart sank a little, and I furrowed my brows in concern. "What is it, Charlie? You're making me nervous."

He took a deep breath before continuing "Okay so Tao told me to tell you that-

"Wait why couldn't Tao just tell me himself?"

Charlie looked a little uneasy "Because Tao is Tao"

Great he still doesn't like me.

I shook my head, urging Charlie to continue. "Tell me what Tao said."

He took a deep breath before continuing, "Tao found out from a friend who is also friends with Nick, and he said that Nick is single. But he is super interested in this girl that was originally from the all-girls school."

I swallowed the lead in my throat "What girl,"

Charlie sighed looking out onto the field "Her name's Tara Jones,"

My heart sank as Charlie dropped the bomb about Nick's interest in Tara Jones. Her name replayed in my mind like an annoying song on repeat. I couldn't shake off the blame creeping in why did I let myself get attached? Was I just too naive, thinking there could be more between us?

Nick's wave from the field added salt to the wound. I managed a feeble smile and a wave back, but inside, it felt like a whirlwind of emotions. Watching him, I questioned every shared laugh and conversation we had. Were they all just leading up to this moment where he'd be drawn to someone else?

The game raged on in the background, but my world stood still in that painful moment of realization. The cheers from the crowd turned into distant echoes, drowned out by the pounding of my heart, echoing the rhythm of disappointment.

How can I be so stupid.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

She was so beautiful, and I could see why Nick might be into her. Browsing through her social media, her confidence and elegance just stood out. It's something I feel like I lack. Her dark skin had this warm, rich tone that glowed in every photo. The more I looked, the more I found myself comparing. It made me question if I could ever match up to someone like her in Nick's eyes. The more I scrolled, the more I felt like an outsider peeking into a world that seemed so different from mine.

"See, I told you," Tao said, peering over my shoulder. Charlie shot him an annoyed look.

"Tao, come on, give it a rest. This doesn't necessarily mean anything," Charlie snapped.

"Like hell it doesn't," Tao retorted. I deeply sighed; their bickering wasn't making the situation any better. Isaac looked at me with a hint of concern.

"We don't even know if she actually likes Nick back," Isaac chimed in, attempting to offer some comfort.

Charlie scoffed, "I'm the one stuck seeing them in class every day, and trust me, it's nauseating. Believe me, he's into you," he added, shooting me a look.

Tao, fixing his gaze on Isaac, cautioned, "I've warned you about fueling romantic fantasies that just won't happen. Life isn't a romance novel, you know." ignoring Charlie reassurance.

"But I want to believe in romance." Isaac wined still looking hopeful. Our heads turned to the door when Ellie came in, Isaac immediately jumped at the chance "Ellie! So, there's this girl at school who Nick's got a crush on?"

"We've heard from multiple sources" Tao cut in, but Isaac completed ignored him "We don't know if they're a thing. Can you talk to her? Since she is in your year"

Isaac's hopeful gaze shifted to Ellie, who raised an eyebrow at his enthusiasm. "Whoa, slow down. First, spill the tea. Who's this mystery girl Nick's into?" Ellie said, playing dumb while glancing at me to check if it was Imogen we were talking about. I just quietly shook my head no

Tao chimed in, "Her name's Tara Jones. She was originally from the all-girls school."

Ellie crossed her arms, processing the information definitely wasn't expecting that. "Tara Jones? She's a sweetheart, I don't know Tara that well. I can just go up to her and ask who she fancies. And I'm, too busy being the cool, mysterious new girl, who everyone wants to hang out with."

Isaac quickly jumped back into the conversation, seizing the opportunity. "We just want to know if there's something going on between her and Nick. You know, for Y/N's peace of mind."

"I'm fine. It's honestly fine. I'm just being an idiot and overthinking things," This whole thing has been stressing me out, more than I realize. It's probably best if I cut my losses now before I get more attached.

Ellie gave me a sympathetic glance rolling her eyes while she sighed "Well, I can try to find out, but no promises, only if I get a chance I'll ask her,"

I flashed her a thankful smile, and Isaac promptly leaped into Ellie's arms. Sometimes, I forget how much of a hopeless romantic he is. Charlie joined in, gesturing for me to join them. Gratefully, I embraced the warmth of the hug. I realized I wouldn't know where I'd be without them.

Tao sat there, glaring, watching the scene.

The next school day rolled around, and I made a quick stop at the boys' locker room to check on inventory, making sure to steer clear of any awkward encounters, especially with Nick Nelson. Luckily, I managed to avoid any unexpected run-ins. However, as I strolled to my next class, it hit me that I'd be sharing a class with him soon. The knot in my stomach tightened, and a sense of unease settled in, a reminder of the events from the day before.

Waving at Charlie as I eased into my seat, a jumble of nerves hit me hard. Concentrating seemed like an impossible task, with my thoughts entirely hijacked by the looming encounter with Nick. What in the world was I even going to say to him, if I mustered the courage to say anything at all? The classroom blurred as my mind grappled with racing thoughts.

"Y/N?" he said, staring right at me with worried eyes.

Finally returning back to earth, I mumbled, "What?"

"You just spaced out," he observed.

Not knowing what to say, I managed a simple "Oh," fiddling with my blue pen, which oddly seemed to help with my nerves. Nick, sensing the habit, scooted closer to me. I swear I could feel his body warmth.

"What's up?" he said, looking directly at me. "I can tell when something's on your mind," he added in a hush, leaning even more closely.

Gosh, I hate the way he makes me feel. The way I act around him is ridiculous. I hate that every time he gets close, my heart races, every touch, every feeling. I hate all of it!

Why does he make me feel this way?

"Do you...Do you want to come to my house later?" I blurted out, causing for Charlie to peek over at me with panic eyes screaming What the hell are you doing!

He looked surprised, but all he can do is smile.

Mom is not going to be here until super late, so I can have the house all to myself. I cleaned from top to bottom of house, throwing all the boxes away and tightening up everything was squared away.

Hearing a knock at the door, it was him standing at my door smiling from ear to ear.

"Hey"

Opening the door for him, "Hey,"

"So, how does this work?" he asked hesitantly, glancing around the room as if unsure of what to capture with my old Canon. The way he held the camera was so awkward, it brought a smile to my face.

Figuring it was a fair trade after all the rugby lessons, I decided to teach Nick a thing or two about photography.

"You can take a picture of anything you like, really. It could be something beautiful, something that grabs your attention, or simply anything that intrigues you," I explained, observing him furrow his brows while peering through the viewfinder.

"Anything?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

I nodded, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up my eyes. "Exactly! That's the beauty of it. Photography allows you to freeze a moment in time, to capture something you love, like, or find amusing. It's incredible how a single image can encapsulate so much emotion, tell a story, or even memories."

Nick listened attentively, his curiosity evident. I continued, "You see, every photo has a story behind it. It's a way of preserving feelings, experiences, and moments that might otherwise fade away. You get to share your perspective with others through the lens, allowing them to see the world through your eyes."

As I spoke, I could see Nick growing more intrigued, absorbing the idea of photography beyond just pressing a button. "Give it a try," I encouraged, "Capture something that stands out to you, something you'd want to remember."

Right as I looked back at Nick, I noticed that fuck, he was looking directly at me. His eyes looked into mine and there it was again, that knot in my stomach. I didn't know what to do, I had completely froze. His eyes seemed different though-

Feeling a buzz in my pocket, I checked my phone. It was a message from my mom, letting me know she wouldn't be home until midnight and that there was lasagna in the fridge. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, knowing I wouldn't have to explain having a boy in my room when she returned.

Hearing a click, I turned to Nick, curious about what had caught his attention through the lens of my camera. "What did you take a picture of?" I asked.

"Just something that I thought was beautiful," Nick replied with a soft smile, his eyes lingering on mine. Raising my eyebrows confused but also curious. He didn't say anything at all, other than putting the camera down.

"Want to watch a movie?" he suggested,

"Already one step ahead of you," I grinned, pulling out one of my favorite Marvel movies.

We settled into the living room couch, time passes by, and my eyelids begin to grow heavy. Waking up to see the credits rolling I quickly sat up. I completely sleep through the whole entire movie.

Looking out the window, it was dark outside, looking at Nick he seemed to be tensed.

"I feel asleep, didn't I?" I chuckled.

Nick's lips curved into a gentle smile, "Yeah, you did. Must have been a comfortable couch."

I stretched my arms, attempting to shake off the drowsiness. "Sorry about that. I guess I needed the nap."

Nick shrugged, "No problem. You looked peaceful."

We sat quietly, the feel of the movie night still in the air. Even with the unexpected nap, the evening felt calm.

"I should probably head home," Nick said, glancing at the time. "It's getting late."

As he stood up, I walked him to the door. Opening it without caring about the cold air seeping in, the night possessed a certain calmness, and the air held a subtle tension, like the moment before something shifts.

"Thanks for inviting me over," Nick said, and for a moment, our eyes met in a way that spoke volumes, yet said nothing at all.

"I wish that you didn't have to go," I admitted, feeling the weight of the night settling in.

"I wish I didn't either," Nick confessed, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"You look so cuddly like that," he added, his gaze lingering on my knitted sweater.

My eyes softened, and a playful grin tugged at the corners of my lips. "You think so?"

He nodded, smiling back at me. "Yeah, like a giant teddy bear."

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the sweater. "Well, I guess I'll take that as a compliment."

Nick's cheeks turned a shade of pink, and he scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin on his face "It's meant to be one," he replied, and we stood there for a moment, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, if I didn't have early morning practice, I might consider staying longer."

I felt a subtle warmth spreading through me. The casual banter, the shared laughter it all felt so easy and right. Yet, there was an unspoken tension, a magnetic pull that lingered between us.

"I guess I'll see you around," Nick said, but he didn't make a move to the open door; it looked like he wanted to say something else he just couldn't find the words.

As he stepped closer, the air between us seemed to shift, and before I knew it, he pulled me into a gentle hug.

Vanilla. Smoke. and Musk

I slowly wrapped my arms around, wanting to not let go, but he quickly pulled away, backing towards the door.

"Um… catch you on Monday," he mumbled, clearing his throat, his gaze fixed anywhere but on me. He melted into the night, leaving me standing there, gaping at the door, with a whirlwind of thoughts spinning through my mind.

Charlie casually peeked around the side of the door, and from the look on his face, it was clear he caught the whole thing.

"Still questioning if he's into you?" Charlie asked, shooting me a knowing look.

Part 6 Link Here: https://www.tumblr.com/cutecurly-hair/759302465187414016/hearts-unleashed-part-6

[st4rluvrr]

Her

 ☆ “we can do whatever you want. you can fuck me in the back of your car"

synopsis: you meet ellie in a bar and have sex with her in her car. based on 'her' by chase atlantic.

wordcount: 3.6k

warnings: 18+, daddy issues, mentions of alcohol, sub!top ellie, dom!bottom reader, fingering (r!receiving), thigh riding (ellie!receiving) strap-on-sex (r!receiving), nipple play, tit sucking, hickeys, very little after care, little angst, ellie begging, let me know if i've missed anything

author note: okay so this if my first time writing smut so I hope it's good. i rushed the ending and there was meant ot be a scene where reader eats out ellie but i got too tired. so maybe next time. i'm not sure if there is a part 2 to this, if i think of something i'll write it. hope you like it :)

“I’m gonna get another drink. Want anything?” You asked your friend, and she waves you off, too engrossed with the man next to her. It was part of the reason you had finished your drink so quickly. The other was that you wanted to get drunk. You needed to after the week you had.

Your dad had tried to contact you, spilling some rubbish apology on why he left when you were young. And you didn’t plan to forgive him after everything he did while in your life. But that didn’t stop him from leaving you like hundred voicemails. You had no idea how he even got your number in the first place, but you couldn’t block him either. He always kept his number private, making it impossible to make the calls stop.

You weaved around the bar, swimming between the bodies. The bar was packed with people standing in each corner of the bar. The heat was suffocating, surrounding you from each angle. It was making your hair stick slightly to your neck. You ran a hand along your neck, pulling the hair from it.

You push through the crowds until you are at the front of the bar, and people knock into the back of you, pushing you against the wood. You stand on the top of your toes to try and get the bartender's attention, rocking back and forth on your heels while waiting for someone to notice you.

“What do you want?” A voice comes from your left. It’s smooth and runs along your ears like caramel.

“What?” You ask, hardly hearing your voice of the music.

“What drink do you want?” They ask again, patiently waiting for your answer.

You finally look over at them. Her hair was short, barely reaching her shoulders. She had half of it tied in a knot, small pieces falling and framing her face. Her face was littered with freckles, and you wanted to join them to see what constellations they would make. She was wearing a plaid shirt over a white wifebeater. She has the sleeves rolled up, showing off her tattoo that wrapped around her forearm. You wanted to trace the leaves with your finger.

You look back up at her face quickly, not wanting to be caught checking her out. The smirk on her lips tells you you have been caught, her green eyes scanning up and down your body.

“Tequila,” You say, staring into her eyes. You seemed to be caught in a trance, the words stuck on your tongue.

“Two tequila shots, please?” She gets the bartender's attention quickly, giving your order, and the bartender places two shot glasses in front of you as well as salt and lime.

She pushes one shot over to you, looking you in the eye while she licks the back of her hand. You can only imagine what that would feel like somewhere else. You could feel the heat pooling in your stomach.

You grab a pinch of salt, sprinkling it over the wet stop on her hand. She licks her lips as she watches you lick the back of your hand. You lick the salt off the back of your hand and down the shot, feeling the liquid burn the back of your throat. You watch her throat bob as she swallows the liquid.

You can feel the alcohol warm your stomach, making the blood rush to your cheek. You can see the red colour spreading on her own cheeks as she pushes the sleeves of her shirt further up her arms.

“I’m Ellie,” She says, and you return with your name.

Whether it is the alcohol finally hitting your system or the need for something good, you nod your head toward the exit, “Wanna go somewhere cooler?”

“Yeah,” She says, slightly breathless like she is shocked by your question. As if she didn’t expect you to be that forward. You grab her hand, pulling her through the array of bodies. Her skin feels warm under your hand as her finger interlock with hers.

The cool breeze hits you immediately, blowing back your hair slightly. The sound of the overbearing music dampens the second the door shuts behind her. You feel clearer out in the air and you can finally think, your thought no longer lost in the music.

And you hate it. You came here to lose yourself for a moment, to forget everything and just breathe. You don’t let yourself dwell on it for too long cause you can feel her behind you, waiting for your next move.

You fall against the brick wall, your head tilted back, looking at the night sky. She stands next to you, your arms plastered against hers. Your hands are no longer intertwined, but she plays with the rings on your fingers, spinning them around, lightly brushing over your fingertips.

“You see thoses stars,” She points to a spot on the left and looks over to you, “The ones that kinda make a right angle.” You nod your head. You can barely see through your blurred eyes, but you can kinda see the shape she is drawing in the sky.

“That collection of stars right over there is called the coma Berenices. It’s named after a queen in Egypt. When her husband went to war, she was so desperate for him to return home. So she cut off all her hair as a sacrifice for Aphrodite.” She looks over to you to make sure you are following her story. You had been watching her the whole time. The words she was speaking blurred in the back of your mind as you stared at her side profile. Her nose just looked so perfect, and the way her lips curled as they retold this story was making it hard to focus.

Her eyes softened at the sight of you listening to her every word, waiting on her every breath. She has never had anyone listen so intently to her stories before and it makes her want to tell you a thousand more.

“Aphrodite was moved by her sacrifice and made sure that her husband returned home safely. She uses the hair to decorate the sky in a tribute to their love” She has leaned in closer to you now. Ellie's hand was now playing with both of your hands, the top of her shoes bumping against yours. And as she finishes the story, her breath fans lightly over your lips, making your own catch.

You want to reply to the story she just told, but she is so close it makes your brain stop. You can smell the strong scent of a woody cologne mixed with her natural musk, and it’s making the pool in your stomach deepen. You can see the sweat glistening off her collarbones, and you want to nibble at the skin, tasting it on your tongue.

You look back up into her eyes and you can see that she waiting. Waiting for you to answer or to kiss her, you don’t know but you decide to go for the latter. Pushing off of the wall, you connect your lips to hers.

Ellie presses them gently into yours. Her lips are soft and slightly chapped against yours. She kisses you harder, lightly biting on your bottom lip. Your mouth opens as a quiet moan slips out, and she uses this as an invitation to deepen the kiss. Her tongue runs against your lip, and the kiss becomes messier as you become more desperate.

Your head falls against the brick wall, where her hand rest to protect you, as she starts trailing small pecks along your jaw. You can’t help the moan as she bites the skin along your jaw, licking it to soothe the pain. Your hips buck into her when she finds the spot along your collarbone. She pushes your hips down, pinning them again the wall. Her other hand comes up to cup your jaw, scraping your hair back.

“What do you want?” Her thumb rubs gently along the skin showing above your jeans. It sends a shiver through you as your mind goes blank for a second.

“We can do whatever you want,” You don’t want her to stop touching you but don’t want to be caught with her hands down your pants. You put your hand on her chest as you push her back. You say as you feel your head coming back up for air. You weren’t looking for a commitment right now. You just needed someone to submerge yourself in. “Just don’t go falling in love,”

“You think you that good, do you?”

“Oh, I know I am,” You start to walk away from her, only looking over your shoulder to let her lead you to her car. She smiles at your cockiness, excited at the anticipation of finding out.

You follow her over to her car. It is parked in the back of the parking lot, out of sight. Half of it is shielded by trees, and the parking space next is empty. The parking lot isn’t big, so the walk to her car is short.

Once you are there, she opens the back seat. You are starting to feel desperate for her. You want her hands back on you now. You drag her into the car with you so your back is against the seats, and she is laying on top of you. She just has enough time to shut the door before your lips are back on hers and you lose touch with the world.

This time you start to kiss down her neck, and the noises she makes are so pretty. You want to do everything to keep the noises coming. She moans when you suck roughly on the side of her neck, and the noise goes straight to your cunt, dampening the material.

You feel her hands start to rub up your thigh until she is cupping your sex over your jeans. You whine at the feeling and buck your hips when she doesn’t move. The seam of your jeans is being pushed directly into your clit, and you only want more. You continue to lift your hips, and she pushes the palm of her hand harder.

“You like that?” She asks as she sucks on the top of your breast, revealed by the low cut of your top.

You can only moan in response, the feeling of her starting to be too much and not enough, you need to feel her touch every part of your body.

She moves her hand off of your jeans and you whine, wanting to have her hand back. She tries to undo your jean button, struggling with the angle she is in.

“Need help?” You ask, slightly laughing as you watch her struggle. She only glares in response, determined to do it by herself. She finally manages to pull the button and pulls the jeans past your hips and leaves them to rest at the top of your thighs.

You push her short hair behind her ear and grab the back of her neck to pull her into another kiss. This one is bruising and rough, all tongues and teeth. It’s rushed and messy. You can’t kiss her enough, and you never want to stop feeling her lips of yours. But your head tilts back in a moan when you feel the top of her finger slip beneath the lace of your panties. She brushes her hand through the course hair and moves further down.

“Jesus,” Ellie moans, her head falling against your shoulder, pressing sloppy kisses onto the skin. Her fingers dip down and circle your hole, feeling the wetness gathering. “You’re so wet.”

She pulls her finger out and sucks them into her mouth. You feel her moan from where she is sitting against your legs. The sounds she makes after only tasting you are almost pornographic, and you want to commit the image to memory.

“God, you’re so hot,” You say, unable to stop yourself. She flushes under your words and diverts her gaze from your eyes. Your hands are pulling up her shirt and slipping beneath the band of her sports bra. You lightly squeeze the flesh, thumb running over her erect nipple. Her hips jerk against your legs at the feeling. You gently pinch her nipple, wanting to see her reaction. When she keens at your touch, you pinch harder, rolling the hard nub between your fingers.

Her own hands start to wander back down, and her fingers hook into the side of your underwear and pull them down to your jeans. She presses a finger against your clit and makes slow, small circles.

The pressure is torturous, and you moan as she lightly brushes over the bud. She runs her finger further down and teases your entrance, pushing just the tip of her middle finger into you. Your back arches as she pushes her fingers deeper into you.

The palm of her hand bumps against your clit as she curls her fingers up and strokes the rough spot along your walls. She pulls her fingers out before slowly pushing them back in, listening to the wet sound as your clench around her fingers.

“Fucking hell,” She whispers under her breath. She leans forward, pulling your top down to access your boobs. She kneads the skin under her hand and twists your nipple. You hiss at the sensation and feel the pressure in your stomach tightening as she moves her fingers faster. She adds another finger, and you moan loudly at the stretch. Each time Ellie's fingers pump in and out of you, she brushes over that spongy spot that makes your mind go blank.

You hear her moan and open your eyes to watch as she bucks her own hips along your leg. Her own jeans are rubbing against her clothed cunt. She grinds her hips as she uses her other hand to circle your clit again.

The coil in your stomach tightens as she moans in her own pleasure. You lift your own hips to feel her fingers deeper inside of you. Your vision goes white as you feel yourself start to tip over the edge. Her fingers never slow down as she helps you ride out the high. Her hips speed up their movements as she watches you moan and whimper around her fingers, clenching tightly as your juices flow down and stain the backseat of her car.

She pulls her finger out and sucks them clean before grabbing onto the back of the car seat for support. You place your hands on her hips, guiding her movement. She leans forward to catch your lips into a kiss, moaning into your mouth when she feels her own pleasure starts to overtake her. Your grip on her strengthens, and her hips begin to stutter, moving rapidly as she reaches her own orgasm.

Ellie collapses against you and places a searing kiss against your lips. She places her head against your shoulder to try and catch her breath, the thin layer of sweat making your skin feel sticky.

She mumbles something into your collarbone as you watch the condensation drip down the window while you try to reduce your beating heart.

“What?” You ask, craning your neck to try and look down at her. She pulls her head off your shoulder before she talks again.

“Let me fuck you,” She asks, cheeks flushed. Her hair is messy and you run your fingers through it to tame it before cupping her jaw and running your thumb against her cheek.

“You wanna fuck me, baby?” The name slips off your tongue before you can stop it. She seems to like it, her eyes fluttering shut under your touch.

“Yes.” She nods franticly, her blush spreading down her neck the longer you stare at her. “Yes please,”

“Beg for it,”

“What?”

“You really want it? Prove it.”

“Please,” Ellie whines, quickly dissolving to your command. Her pupils are blown wide in desire as her doe eyes look up at you. “I’ll make you feel so good. I need to make you feel good,”

She kisses your neck again, sucking marks into the skin. You don’t think it’s going to take much before you agree, but she’s just so pretty when she begs.

“Please,” She whispers one more time, “I’ll be so good,”

“Okay, baby,”

-

Her apartment is small but you do really have time to look around. Her hands were groping every part of your body, squeezing hard, as she drags you into her room. Her hands work to pull your top off, breaking the heated kiss for a second before her lips are back on yours. Your hands and working on her jeans, pulling them off her legs before tossing them randomly behind you. You push her down onto the bed, taking off your own jeans before straddling her. You pull off her top, and both of you are left in your underwear.

“Can I?” She asks as her hands wrap around your back to undo the clip of your bra. She tugs at the material as she waits for your answer.

“Yes,” You whine, and she unclips your bra before throwing aside. Your nipples harden in the cold air. She takes your nipple into her mouth, sucking at the bud. You moan as she flicks her tongue.

“God, I love your tits,” She bit lightly on the skin, leaving bruises that are bound to show tomorrow.

Your hips buck onto her as you try to find some friction. Your leg slots hers and feels her dampness seeping through her boxers as she moans when you push her knee against her cunt.

You lean your head down to kiss her, moving your lips slowly against hers. Her tongue brushes lightly against your bottom lip. You ground down onto her thigh the longer you two kiss. You start to become impatient, and your arousal becomes too much to ignore.

“Thought you wanted to fuck me?” She pulls back from the kiss, panting. She can only nod, her mind foggy as she stands up to walk over to her closet. She walks back over to you, strap hanging low on her hips.

She pulls you down to the edge of the bed, pulling your underwear off in one smooth movement and spreading your legs. Your pussy glistens in the light, and she runs her thumb through your lips, spreading them apart. She bends down to lick a strip along your folds, barely brushing your clit before aligning her hips with yours.

She runs her cock up and down your folds, bumping into your clit, before she carefully pushes the tip into you. You can feel the stretch, but you are wet enough that she could just slip in. She keeps pressing forward until her hips her pushed flushed against yours. She slowly pulls outs, thrusting her hips faster the second time.

You flipped the two of you over, and her short hair spread out around her head like a halo. You placed your hand on her chest, using her to help push yourself up. You dropped down slowly, feeling every inch of her cock slid inside of your pussy. The tip of her cock brushed your spongy spot on each thrust. Her hands came to the rest of your hips, helping to guide you as your movement became rushed and shaky.

You ground your hips onto hers, pushing the harness into both of your clits deliciously. You could feel that band inside tightening again. She watches as your moans get louder, and you throw your head back in pleasure, your hair hanging down your back.

You curve forward, kissing her shoulder and biting hard as your orgasm overtakes you, the pleasure blinding your senses as your mind quietens. Ellie helps you through, lifting her own hips to meet yours, and you collapse, muscles useless in keeping you up.

As you come back to your senses, you feel Ellie’s hand rub up and down your back, coaxing you back to down. You roll onto your back, carefully sliding off her cock as you feel your cum start to dry against your thighs. You feel the bed dip next to you and look down to see her cleaning your legs with a towel.

“Are you ok?” She asks when she sees you looking.

“Yeah. God, yeah.” You say, out of breath. “You really were good,”

She smirks at your comment and comes to lie next to you. You roll your eyes when she says, told you so.

You yawn and sit up to put your clothes back on before you fall asleep on your bed. You really do want to stay, but you also want to be back in your own bed and don’t want to deal with sneaking out later.

“You don’t want to stay?” She asks as you finish buttoning up your jeans. She sat up in bed, the covers low on her hips. She looks so hot with her hair a mess, and her lips swollen red. You want to crawl under the covers with her, but you shouldn’t. You don’t plan on seeing her again and the sooner you leave, the better it will be for both of you.

“No, I really should go home,” You say in a rush, mind blank of excuses.

“Okay,”

And you leave before you can see her face, but she is disappointed. She would have loved it if you stayed, would have made breakfast the next morning and seen if you wanted to get coffee sometime. And she guesses she can’t be that disappointed. She doesn't even know you, but deep down she knows she would cut her hair off for you in a heartbeat.

[bingbongsupremacy]

Happy Anniversary

Pairing: Ellie Williams x Reader

Warnings: Creep, pet names, use of y/n

Summary: An anger filled fight doesn't stop Ellie from Standing up for you.

*Not Proof Read* TLOU Masterlist

*****

" -god, how many times do I have to tell you, I'm fucking sorry, okay? I completely forgot about our date. It's been a long week. " Ellie groans, running a hand through her messy hair.

" Our date? " I narrow my eyes in disbelief. " It's our anniversary, you absolute ass. I've been reminding you about it for the past fucking five days. I planned everything, Ellie. All you had to do was fucking show up and you couldn't even do that. "

Ellie's jaw clenches in frustration. Her eyes darken. Annoyance seeps through her tone. " It's one fucking day. I get it, we've been dating for an entire year, whoopie. " Ellie mocks. " We don't need to plan something on a stupid fucking day to remind ourselves how long we've been together. "

Sadness fills my already rage filled heart. Did she really not give a shit? " That's not the point, Ellie. I barely see you anymore. You're always on patrol...I just wanted to spend time with you. And-and you can't even spare an hour for me anymore! "

Ellie's eyes narrow. She stands up, finally meeting my gaze. " Don't even. You spend all your time in that stupid bakery. Doing what? Baking fucking cakes. At least I'm trying to protect us-keep the fucking bad shit outside so you can keep on baking pastries. I'm on patrol for us. "

Rage seeps out of Ellie's every pore. Her face is lit up from the fire place, casting a dark shadow across her tired features.

My heart shatters. Stupid pastries? Does she think that little of my job? " I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself. " I spit. " I've survived without you for years, Ellie. I can do it again. I don't need you. "

For a moment Ellie's angry expression seems to break. Sadness flashes through her eyes, leaving just as fast as it came. Could it be the lighting?

" You don't need me? Fucking fine. " Ellie snatches her worn coat from the floor. " I'll see you around. " Ellie snaps towards the door.

Regret floods my body. " Ellie-Wait! I didn't mean it. " I chase after her. " Ellie! "

Ellie doesn't respond. Instead she slams my front door, stopping me from continuing after her. The loud sound bounces off my dark walls, mocking my hurting heart.

All I wanted was to spend time with her.

---------

Ellie doesn't need me either.

For weeks I've thought back the our argument, where everything went wrong. I doubt Ellie has. She's spent the last 3 weeks partying with Cat.

It's not like I'm unfamiliar with the quietness filling my house. I spend most of my nights alone, only having another person there when Ellie sneaks in after patrol. This time, the silence is haunting.

Ellie's still pissed. She hasn't bothered to pick up anything of hers. Whenever we're in the same area, she finds a way to get out of there fast.

Honestly, I'm still pissed at her. The one time in 2 weeks I ask for her to make time for me, and she still can't find the fucking find a way to.

I make my way out of the bar, flinching at the freezing temperature outside. The streets are quiet. Only the flickering lights from nearby street lights break the darkness. Everyone's home.

I make my way down the street, taking my time look at the night sky.

A shiver runs down my spine when the sound of crunching snow fills my ears. Not from my shoes. From someone else.

" H-hey, baby. Where're you heading off to all alone? " A slurred voice asks.

I turn the face the owner. It's one of the newer people Tommy brought in today. " That's none of your business. "

I shove my freezing hands into my pockets.

The mans' eyes narrow. His grinning expression fading into a more frustrated one. " That's no way to talk to your new neighbor, sweet cheeks. Especially when he's being so nice to you. "

Disgust and fear fill my stomach. This guy can't be serious.

The tart smell of booze oozes off of his clothes. He certainly didn't wait long to find the bar.

" Why don't you leave me alone, neighbor. " I try to stand up straight, make myself look intimidating. Inside, my heart pounds quickly.

The man steps closer to me, causing me to take a step back. My heels makes contact with the snow covered curb. My body falls backwards, my arms stretching back to catch my fall.

A stinging pain fills my left hand. The white snow underneath quickly turns a cherry shade of red. The icy dust enrages my cut hand, making the injury hurt so much more.

" You just saved me a whole lotta time, baby. " The man chuckles, stepping towards me, grabbing ahold of the back of my head.

" Hey you, ugly motherfucker, back the fuck off. " Ellie's familiar voice cuts through the bitter air. She steps out of the shadows from behind the man, carrying a blade in hand. " Now. "

The man chuckles. " What? Is this your little bitch? Shoulda known, they look like a- " The man doesn't have time to finish his sentence.

Ellie lunges at the man, taking him off guard as she loops behind him, holding the shiny blade to his neck. " Unless you have a death wish, I suggest you shut the fuck up. "

His hand lets go of my head, obviously surprised by the sudden movement. The mans eyes widen in confusion and shock. " Hey- "

Ellie presses the blade in the mans throat. Not hard enough to kill him, but hard enough to draw a few beads of blood.

" Please! " The man begs, obviously not expecting this outcome.

Ellie pushes the man away. " Get the fuck out of here, you fucking coward. "

The man scrambles away from us. He hurries back in the direction of the bar, clutching his veiny neck with his large hand.

" Thank you. " I let out a breath of relief. " I had no idea- "

Ellie turns her eyes towards me once she's sure the man has gone away. " What the hell are you doing out here this late? Are you fucking crazy? What the fuck is wrong with you! " Ellie steps towards me. " You could've been hurt! God, do you even think? "

As much as want to fight back, I know she's right. I should've left with Jesse and Dina. So many new people have been brought into Jackson, too many to meet them all. There's bound to be some shady characters in the mix.

" I didn't think anything would happen. " Tears sting the back of my eyes. I tear my gaze away, not wanting Ellie to see me weak.

Ellie scoffs. " You're not a fucking ghost, y/n. People can see you walking out here alone and the fucked up ones will want to hurt you. "

" I know. " I whisper, trying to cover up the shaky sound of my voice.

Ellie's eyes soften. " Y/N..." She sighs. " I didn't mean-Is that blood? " Ellie rushes towards me, snatching my hand from the ground. " Oh my god, why didn't you say anything? "

I try to pull my hand away. " It's just a scrape. "

" Your hand looks like a fucking Saw movie - " Ellie holds my wrist tightly, not allowing me to break away.

" Ellie! What the fuck. " My stomach churns at the sight of my hand. I didn't realize it was bleeding this bad.

Ellie puts her other hand on the side of my waist. " Come on, we need to get this fixed before you get an infection. Who knows what that fucker was carrying and if it spreads. "

I stand up and I'm quickly ushered towards Ellie's garage. " You're not funny. "

" I'm not trying to be. Did you see the crust on his eyes? I don't think that's natural. Not to mention his dirty fingers. " Ellie mutters.

We walk the rest of the way in silence, Ellie not moving her hand from my waist.

Light cuts through the darkness of Ellie's garage as she flicks on the switch. A pile of clothes sits in the corner next to her bed, obviously dirty from patrol. Various things liter the floor, just the way it was before I met her.

" It's a bit of a mess...I wasn't expecting company. " Ellie rubs the back of her neck, obviously a little embarrassed by the sight of her room. " I've been pretty busy. "

I roll my eyes. " With Cat, I know. "

Ellie's eyes widen. " What? Cat? "

" I know you've been hanging out with her. " I don't meet her gaze. I don't care if she hangs out with Cat. It's just the fact she didn't tell me about it. I guess we were on a break...She didn't need to tell me anything.

Ellie grabs a small bag from on top of her desk. She gently pushes me onto the bed before pulling open the bag. " It's not like that...We didn't do anything. " She dabs the cut with a little towel.

" Yeah, for sure. Look Ellie, I don't give a shit who you fuck. " I say through clenched teeth. Obviously I'm lying. " Just don't pretend you having been with someone else. "

Ellie's eyes meet mine, confusion filling her expression. " Y/N, it's not like that. Cat and I...we aren't anything. I met with her 2 times to talk to her about...fuck about how to make everything up to you. I didn't fuck Cat. I would never do that to you. "

My eyes widen. " What? "

Ellie continues to bandage my hand. " I told Cat what happened. She thought it was pretty shitty of me to stand you up on our anniversary. " Ellie sighs and lets go of my hand. " Look, I've never done this before. I've never been in a relationship this long. I-I'm fucking terrified. What am I supposed to do? " Ellie admits.

I've never seen her this...vulnerable before. She tends to keep things bottled up, something I've tried to get her to stop doing for her own sake, but it's never worked.

" I don't want to ruin you, y/n. I've ruined everything else in my fucking life. No one I love ever fucking gets a happy ending. I mean, look at Joel and Riley...I don't want you to end up like them. " Ellie's voice cracks.

" Ellie...I had no ideas..." I put my hand on her arm.

" How would you? I've been ignoring you for months. I just...I didn't want something to happen to you. I know that's a shitty excuse, but it's true. You mean so fucking much to me, Y/N. I don't know what I'd do without you. " I scan Ellie's face for any signs of dishonesty. She's sincere.

" Nothing is going to happen to me. Ellie, you can't do this to yourself, blame yourself for everything that happened. You had no idea what was going on. You have to stop torturing yourself with this. You aren't going to be able to live a full life if you're living in fear. " I try to reason with the woman.

Ellie swallows. " I just don't want you to get hurt. "

" Ellie, if something were to happen to me, I know you'd be right there to help me. I mean, look at what happened a little while ago. I'm going to be okay. Just please...don't ignore me. I want to be here for you. I want to spend time with you. " I pull the girl towards me. " I love you, Ellie Williams. I fucking love you so much. "

I feel Ellie tense at the words. We've never said I love you before.

Ellie shifts so her face is next to mine. Her hot breath fans over my cold lips. " I love you too. " She whispers.

I kiss her, pulling her body towards me. " You owe me a date. " I pant once we pull away.

" I owe you a lot of things. " Ellie sets her head on the crook of my shoulder. " I'll start with another kiss. "

[amiserableseriesofevents]

breaking down mid-hug because they just needed this so much please 🥹🫶🏻

Months later, here I finally am 😅

Thank you Ali for this ask, I hope you'll like this little thing 🥰🥰

Such stuff-verse, post fic, set during the months following the last chapter

The phone rings. One, two, three, four, five rings.

A click. Voicemail.

Sigh.

“Hi dad, it's me. How are you? Mum told me you're ok but I'm, ah, just checking in. So, the show went well! Very well actually, you can read all of it in the paper if you want, they're saying great things about us. About me, specifically! So, yeah, maybe this has been the right time! Pity you missed it, uh? I'll let you know the next dates, maybe you'll catch it. Well, call me when you get the message. Goodbye dad, see ya.”

—

Four rings, voicemail.

“Hi dad, it's me. I had a ticket saved up for you on Friday but they told me no one showed up to collect it. I knew it was a long shot but I really hoped you could finish working a little sooner that night to see the show. I know it's something you don't really like but I think you should give it a chance. It would mean the world to me. I have to go now, talk to you soon. Goodbye.”

—

Straight to voicemail.

“Hey dad! Ellie just told me you went visiting her at Uni last week. I live just two hours away from her now, and on the road back to Wisconsin. I guess you didn't know if I was at home though, with all the touring and stuff; next time I'll tell Ellie to let you know if I'm around so you can come say hi, ok? Love you, talk soon!”

—

“Hi dad, it's John. Long time no see, uh? I don't know if mum told ya but we've just finished touring with the show and I'm going to say hi to Ellie at Uni. I was thinking maybe I could come visit you and mum for a day or two? There's a few things I'd like to talk to you about, if that's ok with you. Call back when you get the message, will you? Ok, bye.”

—

Gale's doing the closing round at the Abbotts when John arrives, sneaking in through the exiting crowd. He finds him waiting in the lobby, his face strangely devoid of feeling, eyes vacant as if he's thinking hard about something; Gale smiles when he sees him, the weight of the few days spent apart lifting from his shoulders. “Hey, stranger,” he calls with a fond smile, half expecting John to run up to him and crush him in a hug, or squeeze his cheeks and kiss him; he does neither of these things though, he just snaps his attention to him and offers a tight smile.

“Hey Buck. Need a hand with something?”

Perplexed but trying not to show it too much, Gale leans in to peck his boyfriend on the lips. “Nah, I've already done everything. I was just about to close up and meet the others at the pub, would you like that?”

A night out with friends and a beer always lifts up John's morale, even if he's tired; this time though, he grimaces a little at the offer. “I was just thinking maybe we could stay here for a while? You know, just like old times; I've really missed you, and this place, I'll admit it.”

There's definitely something really wrong, but before alarm bells can start going off inside his brain Gale nods, reaching out tentatively to move an unruly comb away from John's forehead and exhaling softly in relief when he leans into the touch. “Yeah, sure. I've been missing you too,” he says trying to steal something more than a tense smile from John. “Let me just close the front door and then I'm all yours.”

They go sit on the couch in the dressing rooms, all the lights in the building out except a small one in the corner; John looks awfully pale in its dull halo, with shadows under his eyes and that same, void expression that scares Gale a little. He racks his brain trying to figure out what's wrong: John went to visit his sister at Uni, and him and Ellie have a good relationship as far as Gale knows.

He sits next to John on the couch, puts a hand on his knee as gently as he can — I'm here if you need me, please tell me what's wrong, he means. Communication isn't their strongest suit, sure, but he hopes John will understand anyway.

“I saw my dad while I was there,” John says after a while, still staring ahead and not looking at Gale. His hand on John's knee twitches slightly in surprise but that's all the reaction he allows himself, waiting for John to go on.

“I've been trying to reach him for months, since The Tempest opened but he would never pick up, only send me straight to voicemail without ever calling back. This time he did, he called back and took me out for dinner; I was so excited about it, I though my mum had finally talked him through and he wanted to know more about the show, or the next one, whatever,” John continues. His brow is twitching like it often does when he's angry but his voice is still and cold as ice, scarily so. Gale hums softly, to let him know he's listening.

“But that wasn't it. The dinner was just an excuse to tell me that he'd been pulling some strings and he'd found me a job, a proper job, in one of his pals' companies. He said since I'm not a kid anymore I have to stop with these stupid ideas and find something that actually allows me to earn some money and be a normal, independent adult. I tried to explain to him that things are going well now, that we've been making money with the company, I even mentioned how we've invested in the Abbotts but he just- he just wouldn't listen. He didn't care. He said it's stupid and that I'll never become one of the greats because I'm not good enough for that, and stage actors don't make as much as movie actors anyway so it's been the wrong choice from the beginning. And when I told him I wouldn't accept his offer he told me to stop calling him every time I have a show, whining and begging him to come, because he'll never set foot in a theatre to watch me making a fool of myself.”

John's breath is coming harsher and faster now and Gale can't do anything but squeeze the hand on his knee, his insides boiling with rage towards John's father; how dare he make John feel like this, like nothing?

Gale knows the full extent of the effort John puts in his craft, how much he studies, how hard he works for it. He knows all the sacrifices he's made in the past year and what he achieved, how brave he's been even if he was terrified of failing, how happy he is now that everything paid off, how good he is. And his father dared make him feel like all that he's done means nothing?

He wonders how it's possible for a man like this, so mean and close minded, to have brought into the world someone like John — John who is kind, John who loves with all his heart, John who believed in Gale's dream even when he didn't have it in himself to do so.

“Oh darlin',” he says when it becomes clear that the story's over, that John has no more words to spare for it. “I am so sorry he told you all that. You know it isn't true, right?”

John still doesn't answer.

“John, darlin', he doesn't deserve to have you feeling like this. He doesn't want to come see you? Screw him, his loss. There's no seat here or in all the theaters in the world for someone who doesn't support you, it's not worth it,” Gale continues. It's easy for him to say, he's given up on his family years ago, suffered at the hands of his father's hatred many times and he likes to think he's mostly over it. But he still remembers the first times, the fear of having made a mistake leaving them behind, the sadness he felt every time he couldn't call them to celebrate a good grade or to seek comfort during rough times; it breaks his heart to know that now John will have to feel this way too, even if he still has his mom and sisters, because he believed his father could change his mind.

John exhales, shakily. “I just didn't think he could be this mean,” he says. Gale takes it as his cue to snake his arms around John and hug him as tight as he can, rubbing a comforting palm up and down his back

John holds him back, ever tighter, and buries his head in the curve of Gale's neck; it's something he always does when he's upset and can't face the outside world, Gale's smell and his soft skin a source of comfort better than any other. It's grounding, usually, but this time the scent of home is the thing that breaks the dam and he starts crying, softly at first and then louder, hands gripping at Gale like at a lifeline. Anger, frustration, and disappointment shake him, the sting of tears itself irritating because it's not fair that he has to feel like this because of something he loves so much, it's not fair.

Gale keeps holding him, murmuring kisses and sweet words in his wild curls, uncaring that John's tears are soaking his t-shirt. When the crying subsides he gently lifts John's face to take a proper look at him, then wipes the tears away from his cheeks.

“'M sorry,” John croaks out. Gale leans in to kiss the salty traces off his skin, red and irritated and hot.

“There's no need to,” he speaks, softly. “You can cry if you need to, I'm here for you. Even if your father will refuse to, we're not gonna stop believing in you. I'm not gonna stop encouraging you to do theatre, and I'll always be there by your side. Ok? I love you.”

John's eyes swell up again at his words, and he goes back hiding himself in the comfort of Gale's embrace; there's no safer place for him to be, Gale has made sure of that. He'll use his love to shield him, however possible, from the pain and the grief of mourning someone who's still very much alive.

For tonight, he'll hold him there however long John needs. Even until the end of the world, if that's what it takes.

[mxqdii]

make it better - ellie williams 18+

pairings: ellie williams x innocent reader

summary: while coming home from a party, ellie's a little too loud in the next room, leaving y/n curious.

warning(s): innocent!reader, inexperienced!reader dom!ellie, pet names, oral, r receiving, teasing, sub!reader, multiple orgasms.

(18+ MINORS DNI!!)

i sit on the couch watching tv waiting for my roommate ellie to get back, she's at some party dealing.

minutes pass, then 30 then hours, still no ellie.

i let out a sigh, turning the tv off and heading to my room, ready for bed, as i lie down, i hear the door unlock.

ellie and some other girl? giggling and kissing noises from the living room, marking my skin with anger?

i hear them head to ellies room and minutes later theres sounds of whining, moans, the bed creeking.

i try to block the sound out but can't, feeling a heat in between my legs, a heat i've never felt before.

i groan in uncomfort, putting the pillow over my ears and eventually falling asleep.

i wake up late the next day, 3pm.

usually i wake up earlier but i was up until 6 last night waiting for els to come home.

then her noises kept me up.

i walk out to the kitchen to see no sign of ellie, searching the whole dorm but just scoffing it off.

i decide to work on a project to pass the time, as i'm unusually way behind in some classes.

hours go by and still no sign of ellie, meaning she must be with jesse and dina, or at another party.

suddenly i check the clock seeing the time hitting 11pm, and the doorknob unlocking.. again.

i turn around seeing ellie, alone.

"els you're back" i say, standing up to hug her.

"hey, yeah sorry- i was going to ask you to hangout but you were still sleeping." she says with a chuckle, sitting on the couch.

i sit next to her and we start talking about everything, her day, my day, her dealing, my project, and even though we've been talking about these various things, my mind is stuck on her last night, what i heard.

suddenly i feel that heat again.

i shift in positions, multiple times, trying to end my visible uncomfort.

"els, what were you doing last night in your room..?" i ask and she scoffs

"you need me to spell it out for you sweetheart?" she asks, leaning in closer, teasingly.

"well i just- i heard- stuff.." i say shyly and she grins

"what type of stuff hon?" she asks and my cheeks flush.

"ellie" i say in annoyance and she laughs as i shift positions again.

she leans into my ear, whispering

"y'know, if you wanted me to show you what you heard instead of you trying to make that uncomfort go away, id be happy to help."

her words make my eyes widen and i nod

"please els, it hurts." i whine and she coos

"i know baby, i'll make it all better okay?" she says and i nod again

leading me to her bedroom, she lies me down placing soft kisses on my neck, moving her way up to my lips.

"can i kiss you baby?" she asks and i nod, feeling her soft lips meet mine.

her fingers play with the hem of my shirt and i pull away from the kiss for air, "take- it off" i say breathily and her eyes widen

"mm you want me to touch you that bad? to feel my hands on your bare skin?" she teases and i whine in agreement

"if that's what you need baby..." she says, taking my shirt off palming my tits.

"els please, please i need you" i say beggingly.

"okay baby i'm sorry, just taking my time okay? it'll all be better, i'll make it better." she says unbuttoning my jeans, revealing my lace undergarments.

"fuck these are so pretty, can i take them off?" she says, fingers trailing the hem of the lace.

"yes els, please" i whine.

she pulls them down painfully slow and i wince when i feel how exposed i am, how vulnerable.

she leaves soft kisses in between my thighs, making my squirm.

"stay still." she says in demand and i let out a shakey breath.

"els please just-" i start but feel her slick tongue collecting all my wetness.

i cry out in pleasure, never wanting to leave this moment.

she starts sucking, licking, eating me like i'm her last meal and she's been starved.

i don't know how i'll ever go without this.

"fuck! don't stop" i yell, back arching as i feel an unfamiliar knot form in my stomach.

my breathing starts to pick up as her pace gets faster, feeling 2 fingers plunge into me.

the noises coming out of me sound pornographic, and i start to feel bad for the people next door.

nonetheless, too fucked out by pleasure, all that's really on my mind is chasing this everlasting high, feeling the build up.

"ellie i-" i stutter, feeling everything get higher and higher,

"let it happen baby, i got you" she reassures as i let out a choked gasp

my eyes roll into the back of my head, being pushed over by the feeling of ellies fingers curling.

the coil in my stomach snaps, i clamp around ellies fingers and let out a loud cry, gripping onto the sheets.

ellie doesn't stop though, determined to get another one out of me.

"els- it's- too much-" i choke out, her being completely unphased.

"you wanted to be fucked? you're getting fucked." she says and i let out another whine, feeling everything quickly build up again

my hips rock, everything being too much but still my body craving more, needing more.

i'm led to another orgasm, and then another... and another.

the sun is now up, and me and ellie are far past the original plan, we're now on round 12 or 13? i lost count.

my legs feel completely numb and ellie lets out one final sigh of contentment.

she cleans me up and kisses me, laying next to me.

"rest up baby, you'll need it for tomorrow" she says and my eyebrow quirks

"what about tomorrow?" i ask

"oh you thought this was a one time thing?"

[lincolndjarin]

my sister lives in the attic.

main masterlist

joel miller x reader

warnings : angst, death, child loss, grieving, denial

a/n : i've never written something like this but i'm in a weird place and this idea has been following me for quite some time now so i decided to take a few minutes and write it, i'd love some feedback on it since this style is kinda new to me !!

He didn’t like to talk about his children. 

“Do you have kids?”

“Two daughters.” Was all he said.

That’s what he had told you on your first date. He was so abrupt about it that you didn’t ask about them again, instead opting to wait until he told you on his own terms. 

On your fifth date he told you that Ellie got in trouble for cursing in gym class that day. 

On your seventh date he told you Sarah was away at college, and that he missed her terribly and wished she would visit. 

On your eighth date he told you that Ellie made him a card for his birthday. He even brought it over to your house to show you. It was a drawing of the two of them floating through space. The inside said:

i love our family to the moon and back!

You didn’t ask why Sarah wasn’t included in the crayon family portrait. 

On your ninth date he showed you the photos in his wallet. A baby girl with her curly dark hair up in two little buns sitting in the sand. The one below it was a girl who looked to be about five, giving the camera a toothy grin, standing next to Joel in a courthouse, holding up her adoption papers. 

On your twelfth date he finally invited you over for dinner, you happily accepted. 

Joel introduced you to an extremely energetic seven year old. He gave you a tour of the house (only the first floor.) and you smiled at every family photo hung on the walls.

“I invited Sarah but she couldn’t make it, she’s got midterms but I’m sure you’ll meet her soon.” He tells you before leaving you with Ellie, going to pick up a pizza for the three of you. 

Ellie tells you about school, about her best friend Riley, and about playing soccer in the backyard with her father. 

And then she says the strangest thing. 

“My sister lives in the attic.”

“Excuse me?” You had given her a confused smile but she carried on as if it was the most normal thing in the world. 

“My sister, Sarah, lives in the attic.” She said it so plainly. Taking your hand and dragging you up the stairs, pointing up at a staircase on the second story that led to a singular door, pink paint peeling from it with little wooden letters spelling out SARAH, the sight of it put you on edge. 

“We shouldn’t go up there honey, let’s wait until your father gets back.” You had put up a bit of resistance but she ran ahead of you, you watched helplessly from the bottom of the stairs as Ellie pushed open the door and ran inside. 

“It’s okay, dad says I can talk to Sarah whenever I want as long as I don’t touch her stuff.” She had shouted, already inside. Despite every nerve in your body singing for you to go back downstairs and wait, you knew better than to leave a child alone so you climbed the steps and entered the room. 

Nothing strange, nothing frightening, no secret nightmare. 

When you look around all you see is a room, albeit a child's room but a room nonetheless. 

Ellie sits in a love seat, suddenly repeating everything she told you about her day to seemingly no one as she stares at Sarah’s bookshelf. You walk around, trying to recall when Joel said she left for college. Everything is covered in a thick layer of dust but strangest of all this is clearly not a teenager's room. 

This is a childs room, for a girl about Ellie’s age. Every photo on her desk doesn’t show her older than what looks to be twelve. 

“Ellie, honey, when you said your sister lived in the atti-'' She doesn’t stop talking from behind you, ignoring you entirely but her words stop you dead in your tracks. 

“Dad keeps saying you’re coming home for Christmas but he also said you’d be home for his birthday, he keeps telling me how much we’re gonna get along but I just tell him we already get along fine.” 

It sends a chill up your spine, you aren’t superstitious but in a moment of weakness when you turn a part of you almost expects to see a ghost.

Of course that isn’t the case.  

When you look Ellie remains in the loveseat, seemingly the only thing that isn’t covered in dust up here. Her eyes trained on the highest shelf, when you follow her line of sight all of it starts to make sense. The shelf is covered in books and toys and trinkets, all of which are showing signs of age and disuse but the top shelf is neat and tidy, it even looks recently dusted. 

Only two things are on the top shelf. 

A beer bottle with the label ripped off, a lilac sits within it, a few stray petals lay in a halo around the makeshift vase. 

And a dark purple urn. 

You struggle to swallow the lump in your throat, unable to tear your eyes from it. 

“One time Uncle Tommy told me she was an angel.” She whispers when you stare in silence for far too long. “Dad got so mad we didn’t see Tommy for like a month after that and when we did see him again everything went back to normal.”

“What happened to her?” You can’t stop yourself from asking, she only shrugs in response.

“It was before I lived here, I never ask, I’m worried he’ll send me to live with Uncle Tommy if I do.” 

“Oh, honey.” You crouch down beside her, she hugs her knees to her chest. “He wouldn’t do that.” 

“I’m still not gonna ask. He doesn’t talk about her that much, only when someone else brings it up or if I ask to come up here to see her.” You nod slowly before holding your arms out to her, she wraps herself around you and you carry her to the door, eager to leave the tomb you’ve stumbled upon. “Bye Sarah.” She mumbled against your shoulder as you closed the door, the sentiment sent shivers down your spine. 

When Joel returns with the food it’s as if you never were in the attic at all.

Ellie runs to him, wrapping herself around his leg as he laughs, trying to kick her loose. 

When the three of you sit down for dinner she never says a thing to him about any of it. 

She asks if she can go to her friends house after dinner, their mom is going to take them to the arcade, Joel grins at you, asking if she was good while he was gone and you put on a smile, nodding. 

“Then you can go.” He ruffled her hair before she ran off to get her backpack. When it was just the two of you he took your hand, mentioning something about catching a movie while she’s gone, you nodded absentmindedly when he gave your hand a gentle squeeze you finally looked him in the eye. 

You’d never noticed it before but there is a permanent sorrow behind the dark expanse of his irises, as if he’s never really happy, he’s sometimes just less sad. “Everything okay?” He asked. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” 

You don’t bring up the attic at the dinner table.

Or in the car.

Or at the movies. 

He just needs time, you tell yourself. Maybe he’ll tell you on your thirteenth date, maybe it won’t be until your hundredth date. Until then you won’t tell him that you know who lives in the attic and you’ll nod with faux disappointment when he says that his eldest won’t be home for the holidays this year. 

And you’ll take extra care of him on days when he comes home with fresh lilacs.

a/n : yeah so uhhhhhhhhhh tell me how y'all liked this haha idk if i'll write anything like this again it was just sort of something for me to vent with, hope everyones having a good day and thank y'all for reading <3

[ellieluvr420]

We meet again, darling pt.18 (detective Abby Anderson x criminal reader x detective Ellie Williams)

Synopsis: Abby Anderson is a skilled detective that's never let a criminal escape her grasp, until you. You've infiltrated every part of her life and she still can't get you. As she grows more and more intrigued by you she finds herself descending further into darkness until there's no way back. She takes your hand and follows you as if your presence is the only thing giving her life knowing that you are the most dangerous thing for her. Her life will never be hers again and she will stop at nothing to keep following you down your path of corruption.

Violence (shit is kind of heavy ibr) and mentions of abuse btw!

“YOU FUCKING BITCH WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU PLAYING AT?” Your brother screeched as he storms into your penthouse, you can’t see him yet but you imagine the beetroot colour of his face that he always suffered from growing up.

“What’s got you so riled up?” You’re standing at your island drinking a coffee and going over some last minute details for your travel plans. He storms over and immediately grabs you by the throat, slamming you back into your fridge behind you.

“Don’t give me that shit you little cunt. What the fuck are you doing?” You move carefully to remove your knife from its holster that’s hidden by your blazer, once it’s firmly in your grip you rapidly bring it up and slash the outside of your brother’s wrist. He growls at the pain and back hands you once hard with his other hand, it sends you stumbling to the corner of the counter where you grip on to steady yourself.

“I can’t even tell you how much you look like Dad right now.”

“Oh you are so fucking predictable.”

“Same to you.”

“The fuck do you mean by that?”

“God if mum was here she’d wash your mouth out with soap.” He comes at you with a psychotic look on his face but you’re prepared so you wait for him to get closer and knee him directly in the crotch and then elbow him hard in the nose. He goes down onto his knees and you kick so he falls on his back as he coughs and groans. “You look pathetic right now. That’s what you’ve always been, pathetic. That’s why I had to run shit, because you’re a pathetic, incompetent pussy that can’t do what’s necessary. If you wanted me out of the way, you should’ve just killed me. I would’ve respected you more for that than this bullshit.”

Your voice is raised but you aren’t yelling, he looks at you as you speak and you notice his difficulty focusing but you just stand and stare at the last bit of family you had left, the thought of killing him saddened you for a second but as you watched him writhing around on the floor before he struggles to stand again the sadness morphs into something more energising.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh now who’s feigning ignorance? Ricky Matthews, Johnny. Did you seriously think I wouldn’t find out? How stupid are you?”

“I was hoping that they’d catch you before you could, figured your little girlfriend would lead them right to you.”

“I guess you underestimated their loyalty.”

“Their? You sick freak, you're with both of them? I should've fucking known, never could resist what you couldn't have could you?"

"Think I've proved I can have them actually, I've proved over and over again that I can have them, I've had them a lot." A sinister grin grows on your face and his twists into a face of disgust, he honestly looked like he was seconds away from heaving.

"You know I could get over you being a dyke but this, you're not fucking normal! I never believed anyone when they would tell me you're unholy, I always defended you when people said you were Satan's gift to Earth. I've gone along with your story of our parents since you killed them. I was wrong and you were born wrong, there are bad people and then there's you. You trapped me in this shit and I'm done, I need to be rid of you."

You weren't hurt at his words, you didn't feel anything, but your body felt lighter as everything inside you felt like it darkened. You had always had a soft spot for your brother and it always weighed on you, kept you grounded but as you feel its weight dissipating you feel a new sense of warmth as your hatred of him burns a fire deep inside you.

"My story of our parents? What the story of our parents? Are you actually trying to tell me I'm lying about them?"

"We didn't kill them, YOU DID."

"Fine fine, yes okay I killed them but I've protected their AND your honour all these years, I've never told anyone what went on in our white picket fence house. Typical suburban family right? I'm lying when I say we weren't that Johnny, am I?" He huffs and looks down at the floor avoiding your crazed eyes. "You gutless weasel, look at me when I'm speaking to you. Am I lying Johnny?"

He looks up and there are tears in his eyes and it only makes the fire of your hatred for him burn hotter, everything in you was ready to boil over as you held back your rage with every ounce of strength you had.

"I'm sorry okay. I'm sorry for how they treated you. It never even seemed like it affected you, you were the most popular girl in school, I was known as your brother even before you went there, every boy wanted you, every girl wanted to be your friend, you did well in school, you did clubs, you seemed happy so I thought you were okay."

"Oh I was fine. That's the point Johnny, I don't feel anything right? I'm psychotic, sociopathic, narcissistic, what else is there? Let's go through the list hm, bet I fit the criteria for more disorders than I don't. That's why I was numb to it, but do you not think maybe you could've tried to intervene when our dad tried to strangle me with his fucking belt? Yeah I don't feel things but I fucking felt that. But I looked happy so it was okay to just let him continue breaking my ribs when he had had a bad day right?"

"I'm sorry, I was scared."

"Exactly, you were a fucking coward, never once had he ever even raised his voice at you or his fucking wife but you're scared that he's gonna give you the same licks I was getting daily if you step in. Better me than you, you were a fucking coward then and you're a fucking coward now."

"God if you despised me so much why didn't you kill me with them?"

"Because I needed you, do you think I could've got this far if I hadn't had you as my posterboy?"

"So you've put me through hell so you could use me?"

"Yeah."

"See! This is what I fucking mean, can't you see it?"

"What? That I'm a bad person? Of course I fucking see it. But I kill and I hurt and I abuse when it serves a purpose to me, not because my ego is so fragile I need to pick on someone I know can't fight back."

"And that makes it okay?"

"No obviously not but that's the point, I don't care. I don't care that it isn't okay to kill your parents and I don't care that it isn't okay to kill your brother. I don't concern myself with justifying my actions I just do it." You spit your words at him as you pull your gun from its holster and aim it directly at his heart.

"Why couldn't you have been normal?" He pleads and your hand with the gun waivers as you actually feel a pain in your chest, its a foreign feeling and you clutch at it with your free hand as you focus on your brothers hunched form.

"Do you know what? I wouldn't have been able to blackmail you into all of this if you hadn't killed that fucking girl? Remember who you called to come help you? Remember who was the reason you didn't get thrown in jail? You act like I was born all dark but you aren't sunshine and rainbows either. Why'd you kill her again Johnny?"

"Shut. Up."

"Oh yeah, because you got her pregnant and you were too much of a coward to tell our fucking parents because god forbid they see that you aren't their perfect little angel boy. You killed a pregnant girl John, I think it's time you face the fact that we are just a fucked up family, Dad, me, you, Mum was a poor victim in it all but her ability to brush everything under the rug to keep up appearances is what got her six feet under."

"I killed someone and now you make any new employee kill someone to prove themselves. You don't see how we're different?"

"You killed an innocent pregnant 18 year old and I kill bad people with bad intentions. You don't see how that's different?"

He goes silent as you both just stand there, there's blood splatters on the floor and countertops from the various wounds you had inflicted on him. The atmosphere was heavy and you realise you're glad you sent Ellie and Abby home before he came over because the thought of them hearing some of the things that have been said causes a shiver to run down your spine.

"You ruined me. I was going to be an engineer, I had potential and now I can never live a normal life again."

"You ruined yourself, I just capitalised on it. Don't see you crying about losing your normal life when you're lounging about in your massive fucking mansion. Or your collection of supercars, or what about that summer house in Aspen. Never had a problem with all the things I've given you because of the shit I do."

"I let myself be bought."

"You did. I hope you enjoyed it because you've stopped being of use to me now. Sorry your funeral isn't going to be as good as your last one, do you remember how many more flowers my grave got than yours? I knew it was a good idea to wait and watch the aftermath."

"I don't even care anymore. Just kill me." His acceptance of his fate pissed you off and you find yourself smashing his face down into the countertop with every bit of your strength, his nose makes a distinctive cracking sound and he cries out although it comes out strangled. As he falls down to the floor once again struggling to breathe, you pin him down to stop his wriggling, you looked at your gun in your hand and it didn't feel right so you swapped it for your knife and dragged it down his bloody face as you took in his features one last time.

This was it, the last thing grounding you to your humanity, the last weight you had to shed and the moment had come, the world could burn and you'd just lay in the fire, the darkness that had enveloped you in its embrace all your life was no longer externally guiding you, it infected every cell in your body, the darkness became you and directed the knife straight into John's heart, again and again. By the time you were done you were kneeling in a pool of his blood and there was a cavity in his chest, you look at his dull, lifeless eyes and you stand to look over him before crouching again diving your knife into his face until he is unrecognisable, you sit back and admire your work as you recount all the things he said to you.

As you walked away to go get cleaned up you pulled out your phone to message on the group chat you have with Ellie and Abby. Ellie had made it saying it would be easier but you still felt silly using a group chat.

'How's packing going?' You message once you've showered and redressed. Ellie begins typing almost immediately.

'yeah it's okay, I don't actually have that much stuff so it's a breeze' You notice yourself smiling at her message which only grows as Abby starts typing, you couldn't describe what it is you feel for them, because like Richter said, you don't feel anything.

'Yeah I'm realising half of my wardrobe is stuff you've bought me.' You chuckle a little and send the kiss mark emoji that you had taken to using as it reminds you of all the lipstick stains you've left in the shape of a pout on them. You put your phone away and prepare yourself to leave your penthouse for one of the last times. You walk past what is left of Richter and message Jeremy that he's ready for collection and call the elevator to your floor.

"I was wondering when you would show."

"Happy to hear you've been expecting me." You were stood in front of the boss of the Met, he was a heavy set man with dark hair that had streaks of grey running through it as its all gelled backwards to sit smoothly against his head and a large moustache with the same grey speckles on the dark background covering most of his top lip. He sat in a nice suit smoking a cigar, you roll your eyes at the cliché and he chuckles a little.

"Well I wasn't expecting you. You're telling me a little girl took down my empire?"

"Empire is generous don't you think? I thought we should have a chat."

"I'd love to." He gestures at the chair in front of his desk and you sit slowly while fixed on his dark eyes. as they examine your every move.

psa: I know she's a bad girl but my heart broke a little for reader while writing this. She's just different okay :') Goodness the end is getting closer, sorry there wasnt much of abby or ellie in this chapter but i really wanted to focus on reader and richter

[cowgurrrl]

Wonderfully Bizarre

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Author’s note: DID YALL REALLY THINK I WAS JUST GONNA LEAVE YOU WITH THAT (i also don’t love how this turned out but I couldn’t leave y’all with all that heartbreak)

Summary: You and Joel try again [1.2k]

Warnings: fluff (finally)

You end up staying in Ireland for a year and some change. Fifteen months if you're being exact. The Beginning of the End is flawless. It's raw and real and one of the hardest things you've ever done, but it's done. You've been home for about a month. Elizabeth was ecstatic to see and show you all her new toys and make fun of Carolina for being too pregnant to bend down and pick her up. She's having another girl any day now. You thought your heart would burst when they told you on FaceTime, and you immediately went into overprotective aunt mode, asking what they needed, the due date, everything. You were gonna be back in the States around this time anyways, but being home permanently makes you feel better.

You did a lot of growing in Ireland. You had to in order to tell the story you were trying to tell. You feel like a completely new person, and you're still trying to figure out if you like it. You think you do. You want to. This version of yourself is slower and takes more time for little things. She sees there's more to life than work, but it's okay to be dedicated to your career. It took you half a decade in the industry to find a healthy work-life balance, but you finally did. Better late than never, right?

The sun is shining, and the ocean air is blowing through your hair, and it feels beautiful. Your sunglasses are big enough to obscure your face so people don't stop you whenever they walk past you on the boardwalk. An email from your manager, Sierra, pops up on your phone, but you don't jump to answer it. She knows the press is not your only priority right now. She knows she can wait. You smile when a familiar twang calls your name, and you stand to hug him.

"Hey, how are you?" Joel asks as he rubs your back, and you smile as you lean back to look at him. He's got a little more salt and pepper in his hair than the last time you saw him, but it suits him. Getting older looks good on him.

"I'm good. How are you?" You ask. You sit across from each other, and he takes a big breath.

"I'm good. Busy."

"I've heard. Congratulations on your Grammy."

"Congratulations on your Golden Globe nomination," he says, and you bow your head just a little in gratitude. He smiles and gets quiet as he just stares at you. You wonder what he thinks about how you've changed. Your hair is shorter, but not as short as when you shaved your head for the movie. It's growing back in slowly but surely, but it's taking longer than you thought it would. "It's really good to see your face." He says. Heat rises to your cheeks, and you have to fight a smile at his words.

"Yours too. How are the girls?"

"They're great. Sarah just started classes at UCLA." He says, and you gasp.

"I remember her telling me about that! What's she studying again?"

"Psychology."

"Smart girl. And Ellie?"

"Ellie's starting high school in a week. She's just… thriving. She's in the art club at school and even won a few prizes."

"Wow." You breathe, and he nods.

"Yeah," he says. "How are you? How was Ireland?"

"It was good! Very rainy and cold but good. I think it might be my best performance to date." You say, not modest about it at all, but he doesn't care.

"I've no doubt."

"Oh, and I got a dog."

"Really? What kind?"

"Big old mean one," you say as you slide your phone open to show him the picture of your big-headed gray pit bull with a flower tucked in her collar. "Her name is Daisy."

"She's beautiful. Rescue?"

"Showed up on my doorstep one day without a collar on. She's been with me ever since."

"I'll have to meet her one day." He says.

"I'd like that," you smile. "How's Angela?" You ask, and he sighs.

"I don't know. She left about a week after you did. Left Sarah a note sayin' she was sorry, but she couldn't do this, blah blah blah."

"That's awful. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me too," he shrugs. "Anyways. Now that you're done with Beginning of the End, what's next? I'm sure you've already got somethin' lined up."

"I'm, uh... I'm actually taking a little break. At least, until the movie comes out." You say, and his eyes widen. You feel a little shy about admitting that you're pretty much nothing, but you have Daisy now and your little family.

"That's a big deal."

"Yeah, it's weird to not be working, but this role really took a lot out of me. I think I deserve a break."

"You do," he says, smiling. "'M proud of you."

"Thank you." You say as you stare at him.

You talk about anything and everything. He tells you about Sarah's experiences at UCLA and how the tour went. From what you saw, it was sold out night after night, and he kept getting bigger. He looked so happy. You tell him that Carolina's pregnant and give him the few details about the movie you are legally allowed to share. It's easy and fun and so perfect. You can't get over the fact that he's right here in front of you after so long, and things aren't super awkward or weird. It feels like you're picking up right where you left off. Well, before everything went to shit. You're laughing at his jokes and smiling, and he's maybe flirting with you? His boyish smile and stupid jokes always did it for you.

"Are you," he clears his throat like the words won't come out otherwise. "Are you seein' anybody?" He finally asks after about two hours of conversation.

"Joel Miller," you say. "Are you trying to ask me out?"

"If I was, would you say yes?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"If I've gotta sign a contract or not." You say, and he laughs. The sound of his joy fills a hole in your chest you weren't even sure was still there.

"No contract this time. Just us."

"Promise?"

"On my life."

Years down the line, you'll tell your son, Samuel, about this moment. The moment you decided to give his dad a second chance and the moment that would, unknowingly, change everything. You'll tell him that sometimes people come into our lives at the wrong time, but if they're the right person, then they'll come back when they're supposed to. He'll grow up hearing that story and seeing you and Joel be completely and utterly in love like nothing ever happened. But you don't know that yet. Sam is years and a few heartbreaks away.

What you know right now is that Joel is looking at you the same way he used to, and you're smiling at him, and everything feels right. In this moment and in moments of reflection, you won't be able to explain why you say what you do, but you know it's okay. You don't have to have all the answers. So, you look at Joel and say, "Okay."

And that was it.

[tlouxobsessed]

Abby Anderson oneshot —>

“High spirited”

You and your girlfriend Abby Anderson, have some fun after not seeing each other for a long weekend ;)

contains - daddy kink, switch behavior, smut, sex in general, BDSM, squirting and or creaming, tit play, ass play, vagina play (obvi) , shower sex, strapping, details of sexual behaviors.

I scrammed to take off my apron tossing it to the side, I was exhausted, I had been at the bakery all day, since five am. It was now '4:43' There was cake batter under my finger nails, frosting in my hair and crushed cake bites stuck in the creases of my converse.

"yuck"

I walked out to the front area shutting the glass door flipping the "WE'RE OPEN!" sign to the "closed :(" I swept, wiped windows, cleaned counters. I was done with this place for the weekend. It was Saturday night, holy fuck. Abby comes home today, once the realization hit me; I starting putting a little pep into my step with cleaning.

I've owned the bakery for well over two years now, the first time I met Abby was early Summer of 18' she was young, I was too. We played around a little, makeouts and sleepovers. Never sex. That was until my girlfriend of six years, Ellie Williams, left me to move to California. She was an amazing artist so I tried not to blame her until two weeks later, a post with her new GIRLFRIEND. I was devastated.

Abby hopped into my dms soon after that day, she asked to go get coffee. I explained I had a bakery so we agreed to meet here. She came here which one thing led to another and we fucked in the back room. It was one of the best days of my life...after that we smoked then ate an unhealthy amount of cupcakes, she ended up spending almost everyday with me at that bakery since. Or at least that was until last month....

“Baby…I’m so sorry but I got called down for some meetings next week back in Seattle ): I love you so much and once I get back I’ll take you on an amazing date.”

I wanted to die, genuinely. What if she leaves me like Ellie did? I wanted to vomit. I felt like I was going to when I had heard the news. But she texted me all day long; checking on me, sexting; I needed her so badly when she’d do that, and she knew I did. I had a plan for when she was coming back. I bought some lingerie, I was going to surprise her in the shower once she got home.

I arrived home, cleaning up, opening up a bottle of wine and plopping down on our sofa. I pulled out my phone checking messages….

Abby<3 - at the airport waiting…so bored and i’m missin’ you princess )):

y/n - ugh my baby, maybe i could help with that?

Abby<3 - oh god y/n…. don’t do this to me right now baby

y/n - I cannot wait to taste that pretty pussy of yours

Abby<3 - baby…..

y/n - making you feel good, rubbing my fingers down your slit. Rubbing your clit until you cum all over me.

I pulled down my pants and began rubbing my clit, videotaping it.

“fuck yeah- oh my god i’m gonna cum” I rubbed faster and faster until I felt my stomach churn, I released all over my hands licking them clean while recording. I pressed send and took a long sip of the wine. Tonight was going to be great.

Abby<3 - oh my god princess, I’m going to fuck the life out of you after. i’m getting in my taxi now, im fucking soaked. you have such a hold over me.

I smirked at the phone, I had to get everything ready now. She was forty minutes away, I had made some cookies and brownies; a charcoochie board and some pasta. I was beyond excited to fuck then eat.

I settled back down on the couch, it eating me up. I heard the door twisting to be unlocked, I quickly sipped my wine running to the door to welcome my girlfriend home.

“Y/N!!!” She screamed, I jumped up wrapping my arms tightly around her neck nuzzling. I began sucking on her neck, she pushed me away…

“y/n…” I leaned in kissing her not letting her finish that sentence, I could feel her face heating up. She needed me in her.

“baby- let me go shower first okay?” I nodded. All part of my plan. I pretended to go back and sit on the couch. Once I heard the water turn on, I made my way back into the bedroom. I took off all my clothes, the cold air made my nipples harden. I slipped on our pink strap-on, all eight inches, thick and girthy. God I couldn't wait.

~ Third person ~

Y/N slowly creppted into the bathroom, the glass door too fogged up to be seen through. You smirk as you slide the door open inviting yourself in. You wrap your arms around Abby kissing her neck, you taste her pine soap on her neck, the sweetness from it makes you even wetter.

"Fuck y/n" Abby let's out a choked moan while you rub the strap in between her folds. Pushing her over so she's holding onto the bench in the shower. You spit into your hand, she's already wet enough but you needed more.

You begin stroking the strap, slowly starting to push the tip into her.

"Holy fuck- oh my god..."

You smirk at her moans, she's so sexy when she's submissive. You begin grinding, reaching a hand up to cup one of her breasts. Your finger goes over her nipple immediately hardening it. You speed up, your stroking becomes faster as do her moans. The hot water hitting your back like shards of glass, the sweat pouring down your face. It was all so hot.

"babe...I'm gonna cum"

Abby let out her thick juices which proceeds to drip down the faux cock. You smile at her pleasure knowing you made her feel this way. "Princess...why don't you let mommy shower then I'll take care of you, okay?" You hurried out making your way into the bedroom, the strap falls from your waist. Drying yourself then slipping on your, sexy black and red lingerie.

Your feet smack against the ground, plopping onto the couch waiting for your lover to return. Abby walks out from the bathroom, steam spreading throughout the house, a fluffy white towel wrapped around her waist. Her black sports bra held her figure nicely. You were soaked just at her standing there.

Abby walks over to you flinging you over her shoulder like a rag-doll, you weigh nothing to her based on her muscular physique. She tosses you onto the bed, the comfortable material warming you.

"fuck you're so sexy y/n" Abby says staring you down like a hungry wolf. She begins to pull you up, motioning for you to lift your arms. Once the shirt is off, Abby stares at you, analyzing your body.

Each and every inch of you is perfect, she never fails to make you feel beautiful. "Let me have my way with you pretty girl" Abby says flipping you over and palming your ass cheeks.

You moan out when you felt the friction between the two. She slips her two thick fingers in between your slits from behind, your ass still facing up. Laying on your stomach, she rubs your clit in circular motions.

"Fuck Ab-"

"call me daddy" Abby demands cutting you off.

"Fuck daddy- oh my god" You moan out as Abby begins slipping her fingers inside touching the spongy part of your pussy. You feel yourself building up slowly, as she fastens her pace.

"you like that you little fucking slut" the muscular girl says going faster and faster. You can't even reply, suddenly she stops flipping you over once again.

"I'm going to tie you up like the little animal you are" Abby begins to take out the faux rope you guys had purchased from a sex shop. She ties your legs and hands up. Hands behind the backboard and feet down at the bottom of the bed.

You looked up at Abby with doe eyes, her towel drops. You lick your slips staring at her soaking wet slit. She pounces on you like a wild animal, smacking her tongue onto your pussy. Unable to contain yourself, your moans get louder and louder. Her slow circles around your clit releasing a smacking sound.

"holy fuck-"

"Take it" Abby says shoving her two fingers inside, your tight walls wrap around them. You feel yourself stretching, the pain is bearable but the feeling isn't. Your stomach begins to bubble, her pace quickens inside you.

"Oh my god daddy- I'm gonna cum"

"Hold it princess" Abby says.

You try and try, as hard as you can until you release, Abby's hand quickly pushes on your lower stomach. You release all over the bed, a solid stream of liquid. Before you could relax Abby straps up, slipping on the leather harness. Once again pouncing on you, kissing on your neck and sucking on your ears.

"jesus-" Was all you could make out until she shoves her fingers in your mouth gagging you, scooping some spit to use as lube. She strokes the cock, then slowly rubbing it up and down against your hot cunt.

The tip, then the mid section went in. She went in and out ensuring not to hurt you. Once the cock was in, she began sucking on your tits, leaving small purple and red marks on them. You moan in pleasure as she gets closer to your right ear once again.

"You're so hot when you're vulnerable for mommy" The girl says looking into your eyes, leaning in for a kiss. Meanwhile her stroking was getting faster, and faster. "Abby- babe please I'm gonna-" You don't get to finish, she covers your mouth.

"Shut up slut and let me do as I please" she speeds up once again.

You feel yourself getting wetter and wetter, she lazily rubs your clit until finally pulling out. She plops next to you, staring deeply into your eyes.

"we're gonna have to shower again babe" Chuckling you look back at her, then down. Her pussy is dripping and red. You knew what you wanted to do.

You just had to figure out when.