#if I had realized I lied girls like a year earlier and if she didn't plan on moving away after high school and if if if

[darkacademiaarchivist]

i should get a shirt that says "I survived a homoerotic teenage girl friendship and all I got was this lousy t-shirt '

[ddejavvu]

Doctor's Note - Sodapop Curtis x Reader

summary: you stand soda up, accidentally

contents/warnings: soda is somewhere around 18-19, mentions of his failed relationship w sandy, distrust/miscommunication, angst -> fluff. based on my very painful experience this morning with crippling back pain

send me requests for the outsiders!

Selfishly, sometimes you wonder what it would have been like to date Sodapop before he'd met Sandy. When he was more carefree, when he wasn't glancing at any man you talked to just a second too long. He's not possessive- and even if he is, he doesn't enforce it. But you know he's wary, and you know it's her fault.

Darrel had warned Soda to stay away from girls for a while, to give himself a break. And he had. Two long years later his hiatus was broken when you'd come into the DX fiending for a coke, and when you'd asked, 'Do you know where I could find a soda 'round here?' his eyes had glimmered with opportunity, and he'd pointed proudly to his nametag.

"Right here, ma'am. No caffeine in me but I could keep 'ya up all night if you want me to."

It had been so wildly crass, so insanely audacious that you'd burst out laughing, both from the absurdity of his name and the brashness of his comment. He'd apologized for it, too, twenty minutes into your conversation that lasted an hour.

"I didn't mean what I said earlier. I mean- I don't usually come on strong like that. Couldn't stop myself- prolly got it from my friend Two-Bit, he's always crackin' jokes like that. Hope you didn't think it was greasy."

"I think it was very greasy," You'd laughed, tilting your chin towards the tin of hair grease abandoned at the other end of the counter, "I thought that was the whole point."

"That's my buddy Steve's", Soda had told you, light dancing in his eyes as he readjusted his elbows on the counter to lean further towards you, "He does these real fancy swirls in his hair, and I've been able to do 'em a few times, but mainly I just slick mine back, and half the time I don't even grease it anyways because I'm just bummin' round the house so there's no need. My other friend-"

He was a natural-born talker, and you'd been just as caught up with talking yourself as you were with listening to him. It had taken the reappearance of his aforementioned coworker, Steve, for you to glance at the clock, and realize that you were 40 minutes past the time you should have been back at work from your lunch break.

You're surprised you hadn't scared Sodapop off with your swearing alone, but you'd managed to scribble your number onto his hand before you'd left. You hadn't even remembered to buy a drink, but he'd brought you one when he showed up for your first date.

Now, three weeks later, you're getting ready to show up to his house. This is a big thing: you're meeting his brothers. He's told you so much about them you feel like you know them, and he's also given you your fair share of warnings, too. Darry's too stern sometimes, and it might take a while for him to warm up to you. Ponyboy's an awkward teen, and on top of it, he'd trusted Sandy- they all had. You know you've gotta prove yourself better than her, and you're starting with some sweet perfume and a bundle of flowers for their dining table.

--

"Get your bum ass off the couch and vacuum," Soda's hands shove roughly at Ponyboy's thighs, "She's gonna be here in thirty minutes!"

"Jeez, Soda, she's not my girlfriend," Ponyboy grumbles, but he stands and heads for the closet where the vacuum lies all the same, "Don't understand why I have to be the one cleanin'."

"'Cause Darry's the one cookin'." Soda glares at him, "And I'm cleaning too. I've been cleaning for days."

"Bathroom looks good, little man." Darry voices his approval from the kitchen, "Thought I was gonna die of shock when I realized you'd scrubbed down the toilet."

Not much conversation is heard over Ponyboy's aggressive vacuuming, but Soda calls the cleaning at five minutes to your arrival time.

"Okay. Rules again?" He looks expectantly at his brothers, and Darry looks irritated that he's being grilled this time.

"No judging." Ponyboy grumbles, but he doesn't think it's fair, because Sandy had seemed so nice and sweet, and she'd run right out on Sodapop. So he feels like he has to judge, because maybe Soda's gonna get hurt again. He doesn't want that.

"No grilling." Darry continues, equally put-out by Soda's request. He wants what's best for his brother. Sodapop's two-year long relationship drought was refreshing, and he's seen the boy blossom into a wonderful man. Still, he can't help feeling some lingering resentment towards Sandy, and he knows it's not fair to attach it to you, but he doesn't know what else to do with it.

"And no arguing at the table." He glances between Darry and Pony both warily, "I mean it, this isn't the night to discuss grades or curfew or chores. Just- be nice to her. Treat her like a real guest."

"Alright, little buddy." Darry secedes, squeezing Soda's flannel-clad shoulder slightly, "Now, you gonna go wait by the door for her?"

"No! I'm not that desperate." Soda scoffs, but Darry notices the way he flops down into his eldest brother's armchair, the only seat in the house with a view of the front walkway. Ponyboy settles himself awkwardly on the couch, watching cartoons even though there's an anxious tension in his skinny shoulders.

You're set to arrive in two minutes, and Soda's practically vibrating out of his seat. There's no sign of the cute little sundress you said you'd wear today, but that's okay, because he thinks it's so considerate of you to show up punctually versus early. if you'd come fifteen minutes earlier you would have seen him near-tears over the spot of chocolate that wouldn't rub out of the wall behind the television. Ponyboy had pointed out that there's no way you would have seen it unless you'd been wedged between their tv and the wall, but Soda was not going to invite you into a messy home.

One minute goes by, and Soda's cuticles hurt from where his nails tear at them. He tries to stop himself- after all, you wouldn't want to hold his hand if his was bleeding. But his next nervous habit becomes fiddling with the hem of his shirt, which isn't nearly as satisfying for his fingers.

He waits for what he's sure is more than a minute, which means you're due to flounce up the stairs in seconds. But he doesn't see you, and he knows Pony's watching him crane his neck every three seconds to look for you. So he tones it down- after all, he's got a 10-minute grace period at the DX for his shifts. If he can clock in at 8:10 and still be 'on time', you can show up a few minutes late.

"Any sign of her?" Darry pokes his head out of the kitchen, seeing the front door still shut. Soda shakes his head- then he catches a glimpse of your hair color outside the window. Upon further inspection, it's a stray cat. Ponyboy snorts at him, and Soda sinks back into the recliner.

Okay, so you've used up your grace period. But Soda gets it- you probably sang one too many love songs about him in the shower, and now you're tripping over your own feet trying to run to his house. Or the bus was late, or you missed it entirely, and you'll show up before the food goes cold.

Fifteen minutes go by, and Darry hovers over the finished meal, wondering whether he should plate it or not.

Twenty minutes go by, and Darry considers removing one plate from the table.

Thirty minutes go by, and Darry turns off the stove.

An hour goes by, and Pony retreats to his room for some homework time. Darry's meticulously cleaning the kitchen, but Sodapop thinks it's more because he doesn't know what to say than because he thinks you'll judge them for a grease stain on the wall.

When Darry's scrubbed the kitchen raw nearly an hour later, he pads softly over to Soda where he still rests in his armchair.

"Soda, I- listen, I don't think she's comin' tonight."

"I told her today." Soda's got his fingernail pinched between his teeth, his leg having long-since stopped its nervous bouncing, "I- I know I told her tonight, and she said she'd be here, but I-"

Darry's hand squeezes his shoulder again, this time tighter, and something awfully familiar resurges in Soda's chest where it's laid dormant for two years.

"C'mon, little buddy." Darry urges him up out of the chair, "Let's turn in early tonight."

--

Soda's not doing his best work despite having gotten eleven hours of sleep the night prior. He's sluggish and mopey, and Steve sticks him on the register so that no one risks a foolish mistake to their car. Soda stares at a knot in the wood grain, chewing on the inside of his cheek, and doesn't look up even when the entrance bell dings.

"Soda-" He hears a voice, one that he'd been waiting since last evening to hear, one that exacerbates that sickly feeling in his chest. He hasn't been able to shake it, and your face had blended with Sandy's in his nightmares last night.

"Soda, I'm- I'm so sorry."

"Why didn't you show?" He barely has the courage to look up at you, but he does, because last time he'd groveled. He'd begged, pleaded, bargained with her to stay with him, and he wasn't going to do that this time. He was going to be the man Darry wanted him to be.

"I'm sorry." You repeat, clutching a paper in your hands, brows permanently furrowed, "It was an emergency. I was getting ready, and- and all of a sudden my back started hurtin'. Real bad, Soda, I- I had to lie down on the ground."

Soda watches, interest piqued, as you stagger towards the counter, clearly limping. Sickness is replaced with worry in his chest, and he watches as you brace yourself against the register.

"My folks didn't get home for hours. I was just laying there, I- I couldn't reach the phone, I couldn't move my legs, I was just stranded there." Your voice thickens at the memory, and you sniffle absentmindedly, "Soda, I would have called you, I just- I couldn't move. I swear. I tried, Soda, I swear I tried to get to the phone, but it was so painful. And then when my parents got home they had to carry me to the car 'n all, and the emergency room took forever, and- and we didn't get home until three in the morning, and I knew you'd be sleepin' so I didn't call, and I felt so bad because I knew you'd be waiting on me, and- and I'm so sorry, Sodapop."

All at once yours and Sandy's faces come undone in his mind, and hers is cast aside as he studies yours. There's tears, big shiny ones lining your eyes, and your chin trembles slightly. You're still clutching the paper, and when you realize he's glancing at it, you gasp.

"Oh! I- um, I got you a doctor's note. I didn't want you to think I was lyin'."

You push the page towards him on the counter, and he takes it with trembling hands.

'Patient Y/N Y/L/N admitted to emergency services at 8:49 PM Wednesday, 30th July. Diagnosed with severe lumbar muscle strain. This patient is placed off of work from 7/30/1968 through 8/05/1968.

Patient would like to add that she did not intend to stand up her date with one Sodapop Patrick Curtis on Wednesday, 30th July. Patient would like to reschedule for another night. Doctor prescribes a calm, laid-back dinner date until patient recovers.'

"Had one hell of a time trying to get him to put that in there." Your sheepish voice pipes up from where Soda's reading the last words on the page, "But I told him you were a nice boy and he said there's not many of those around here. I'm sorry, again. I'm so sorry."

Lumbar muscle strain rings a bell in Soda's head. It's something Darry's definitely mentioned before, the few times they've bullied him into seeking medical attention for all of his blue collar aches and pains. He's sure if you're hurting the way Darry does sometimes, that you weren't lying about not being able to move.

You're staring at him like you're worried he'll send you away, and the piece of paper in his hands is the only thing stopping him from doing just that. But he glances down at it again, and takes a deep breath.

"It's okay. I believe you. My brother Darry, he- he pulls muscles sometimes. Don't usually see him cry, but I do when that happens. Are you okay?'

You visibly relax at his words, but something in your back must have protested the movement, because your face pinches up again.

"Um- yeah. Mostly. It hurts when I move too much." You admit, "But I had to make it down here to see you. I'm so sorry. Were you- were you angry at me?"

He doesn't think so- he was offended, he was disappointed, but most of all, he's pretty sure he was beating up on himself more than he was beating up on you. It felt like it did the first time, and he was the common denominator in both.

"No." He answers honestly, "But- uh, I think Darry probably is."

You wince, and he doesn't blame you. But he holds the note a little tighter, "But I'll tell him what happened. Like I said, he knows what that feels like. Don't worry about it, honey. You- uh, did you want to still meet them?"

"Of course! Of course," You nod eagerly, bracing your weight against the counter, "Do you still... want me to meet them?"

"Of course." He echoes, finally breaking his stoicism with a grin, a shy one as he reaches for your hand over the counter, still clutching the note in his other hand, "Can't argue with the doctor's orders."

[ang3lofdivinity]

❝𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐧❞

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Relationship(s): Yan!Andy (Andrew) Graves x Fem!reader

Format: Headcanons + stories.

Genre: IMPLIED Smut + fluff + some angst(?)

Warnings: Consent mf, intimidation, SA from one of the wardens to the reader, masturbation (reader and Andy), Leyley isn't super overprotective, Reader is very naïve and too kind (they consider all friends), kidnapping, stalking, Andy is kinda turned on by the readers constant praise and nicknames for him, smoking, swearing, smut has been removed because.. the more I realize it I want this account to be decently fluff.

Andy is a very reserved person.

He's an introvert as per what his sister calls him.

And she's right.

He doesn't like being around others, he's pretty logical, he's also very calm.

But, what he doesn't know is how charming he is to others.

Hell, bunches of girls try and get with him, while Leyley obnoxiously tries to get rid of them all.

So, he's never really had a long term relationship with anyone aside his sister.

And over the years, he's managed to craft, a meticulously created one, a façade.

A mask he's worked on for years.

One that he knows will never crack.

But perhaps he got too confident.

Because when you came along, he was restraining himself practically from getting excited after the first time he saw you.

He saw you, being the new kid in class back when he was still in school at a young age before being trapped in that hellscape he called his home.

You were an extrovert it seemed, turning out to be the opposite. But, you still cared a lot about everything and everyone, you introduced yourself sweetly with something along the lines of..

"Good morning, I'm (____) (_____). If you need anything, I'll always be right here."

You were so calm, so pretty.. how could someone be so pretty?

You joined a bunch of after school activities, student council and such.

Although, you seemed a bit worried over something always every time he saw you.

He felt something within his stomach churn whenever he saw you though, not managing to gather enough courage to talk to you.

So, you had to initiate the contact.

You saw him, being all lonely..

That made you feel incredibly horrible, you were in that position yourself once too.

So, you approached him.

And his heart fluttered.

"Good evening.. you're Andrew Graves, right?" You inquired as you sat beside him at his lunch table as your friends immediately started whispering to each other.

"Oh- I- I'm Andrew Graves, yes.." he cringed at his own stuttering, but you didn't seem to mind.

"Why don't you come and sit at my table with my friends?" You invited him with a warm smile.

He felt butterflies in his stomach, a feeling he never had in a while..

"Are- you sure? They won't make fun of me?.." he asked, obviously worried.

"Of course not! If they do, we can have lunch together alone if you want!"

"..alright."

That was the day he became so clingy to you.

Usually, he's very cynical. But, for some reason with you.. he could feel that your actions were very genuine.

And that's what got him attached.

Along with your humor.

"I swear to fucking goddess if Miss Alta keeps telling me to not draw, I will—"

"Good morning, Miss Alta!" You exclaimed happily the moment your communications teacher stepped foot into the room.

He almost wheezed, letting out a giggle at his failed attempt to restrain himself. His expression turned into one filled with guilt and embarrassment, but before Miss Alta or any of the students spoke, you blurted out.

"Ah, Miss Alta, there's something wrong with the air conditioning. It keeps moving a bit and making that scraping noise." You semi-lied as you turned to Andrew and gave a more sincere smile before paying attention once more.

..you would just, lie for him like that..

Your smile could make him go crazy, it couldn't be compared to anything!! The way you cried, your tears streaming down your cheeks as you ran to him when you got hurt on the playground earlier- blue diamonds couldn't even compare to the richness of them, and the way you were very touchy..

You always held onto his hand, holding onto his shirt as you walked behind him anxiously, anytime when you got older and watched any horror movie and clang onto him.

That's when it all went to shit.

You had to leave the state.

THE STATE.

After you had just got settled after the last time where you moved here as a child!

He almost broke down, wanting to pour out all of his feelings as if it would change anything.

But it was official, and Leyley had him all to herself. It was like that for years.

He was all alone.

He felt empty.

He felt empty without you.

Like a part of his soul was torn from him.

And that stuck with him forever.

Some sort of dark, black tar over his heart made it feel disgusting and filthy.

But for the lonely part..

It wasn't like that for long.

When they grew older, he started dating someone after so long.

His (ex) girlfriend, Julia.

But eventually, that all ended when he got put into that quarantined building with Leyley.

She broke it off with him on one of those nights.

He sobbed about it, and Leyley didn't help.

But, that's when he got a strange phone call when Leyley was asleep and he was still up.

He was hesitant, but his gut told him to pick it up.

And that he did.

And that was one of the best decisions of his life.

"..Hello?" He spoke, his voice raspy. He was unsure of what telemarketer would be calling at this hour, and it couldn't possibly be someone he knew.

"Andrew?.. is this really you?!.."

That voice.. that voice instead changed his mind of this being some sort of telemarketer.. how? Because that’s your voice. After so many years, you had called him!

"..(____)?!" He yelped out, almost loud enough to wake LeyLey.

"Oh dear— I'm so glad I can hear your sweet voice again!!" You exclaimed, sounding like you were on the brink of tears.

All of those previous feelings he had for you back when you were still around, they all came back in a flurry, overwhelming him.

"(____), I'm.. how did you get this number?.." he wanted to ask you so much more, but that's all that came out at the moment.

"I heard about the quarantine you got into with your sister.. I'm so sorry. One of the wardens was kind enough to give me your number! I didn't have much time previously due to my work.. but, now I have and I'm so thankful!"

"..Good god it's so nice hearing your voice again, (____)" he mumbled, smiling as tears prickled at his eyes. There were so many words that wanted to spill out of his mouth, but nothing came out due to his own self restraint.

"I'm going to get you out of there! I promise! You and your sister!" You yelped out, happiness laced into your voice. You were zeal about this, you were going to get him and his sister out of here. Or at least try.

"Wait- aren't you worried about the wardens??? They've been keeping us here!" He responded back, biting on his thumb.

"Eh?? Nah! I'm sure! The warden seemed to like me, I'm sure I can persuade him somehow." For some reason, this didn't sit right with him..

"..." He went radio silent, this feeling akin to foreboding surging through him with the sense of anger as well. But, he swallowed down his frustration and took some deep breaths.

"Andy- Andrew?.. you there?" You tried to fix your mistake. You heard his sister call him by that nickname once- so you know it's at least somewhat gotta be sentimental for him.

"..you can call me Andy" he slowly spoke up.

"Are you sure?.."

"I'm.. sure. Call me Andy." It almost sounded like a demand..

"..Alright, Andy."

He doesn't even let his own sister call him that anymore, but he lets you do it with free reign.. strange.

"Now, would you like to talk for a bit?.. or should I get straight to work with the pla-"

"Talk!.. please. I just.. I missed you. I missed listening to your voice, I missed just being with you.." he blurted out, cutting you off. He put a hand over his mouth in response, his eyes wide and filled with shame.

"..."

"..."

"...."

"I'm sorry- that probably sounded weird.." he spoke up after a long moment of silence.

"Nono! Don't apologize, I missed hearing your voice too, hun." You spoke sweetly to him, a smile he couldn't see plastered on your face.

"..Hun?" Saying the word made him feel this warm, bubbling sensation within his chest. It made him want to indulge in it more..

"I'm not gonna use Andy all the time, darling!" You giggled happily, and that just made something within his stomach churn and twist.. something that has been dormant for years finally stir.

It made his knees go weak, his mouth go slightly agape as he failed to make any words come out of his mouth for a while until you spoke.

"..Andy? Honey?"

"Oh- sorry just.. deep in thought.”

"Ah, I get that.. well anyways, what would you like to talk about?"

You two talked until the sun finally rose and you got sleepy.

"Night Andy, Hun!" He could hear you yawn.

"Night, (____).."

He then placed the phone back down, hanging up shortly after you did as he found himself already yearning and missing your voice.

But, he knows.. better.

He just can’t help it though.

..No matter, he’ll hopefully be able to see you soon as you said.

That would be wrong though.

Because guess what? That warden that was so kind to you was only there for your looks. He wanted you to have some.. “personal time” with you if you get my gist.

“No fucking way you creep!!” You yelped out, this man was about twice your age and asking you to have some personal time with you.

“C’mon, sweetheart!.. I promise I’ll make it worth your while” The warden spoke, a sickening smile on his face.

“No means no, pervert!! Now, let me see my friends, let me get them out of here!” The warden groaned at your response.

“Alright, look here sweet-cheeks. You aren’t gonna be able to save your friends and I shouldn’t even be helping you. So, you either let me have you and you can take your friends, or I kill you right here and now” the man gave you an ultimatum, causing your eyes to widen.

“I..” You almost bursted out into tears when the man moved his hands to your shoulders, lowering your shirt.

“Lemme take care of ya.” he hummed, pushing you against the table within the break room, tears pooling down your cheeks.

You then tried focusing on something else, noticing the fact he had a ring of keys on his belt..

The warden had a hand glide up your thigh, massaging the bundle of nerves there. You tensed, straining back any noises that would come out of your mouth.

“No need to hold back, sweetheart..” he pressed himself closer to you, this was your time to strike!

You punched the man in the face, causing him to stumble back. You fixed your clothes, jumping off the table, you stared at the man who was waddling around like an idiot. A huff escaped past your lips as grabbed the nearest blunt object and flung it at the man. It was a simple lamp, but it hit him real good in the head. Honestly, you felt powerful in that moment, finding the courage to continuously punching the man, letting out every last string of anger that you felt. It was basically free therapy! And, when you were done, he was no longer moving. You grabbed the keys before you marched off, now off to find Andy and his sister, Ashley!

It took you a bit, but after knocking on a few doors, you heard nothing but some shuffling.

“Andy!! Its me! (____)!!” You yelped out, taking out the ring of keys as you fumbled with them in your hands.

“..(____)!? You actually came!?!” He spoke up after hearing your voice, immediately rushed over to the door as he heard you unlock it, opening it for you, taking you by surprise.

“Of course, hun! I never break a promise.” You spoke more dulcetly, a smile upon your face as you looked up at him.

He’s.. grown taller than you.

He spent no time dawdling as he hugged you, pressing you close to him as he twirled you around.

“I’m proud of you for waiting this long. So proud.” You praised, causing Andrew to become flustered as he desperately tried hiding it.

You paused for a moment before you started giggling a bit.

“What.. whats so funny??” He asked

“Nothing. Just reminiscing of the old times.”

“..you’re talking like a grandma.”

You bursted out laughing, patting his back.

“Oh— really now? ‘Just be a good boy and be quiet!’ Is that better??” You were giggling, since you knew your words made any sense for some Grandma to say, but he wasn’t taking this as a joke. The way you called him a good boy..

It.. turned something on for him, craving for more practically.

“Okay I think thats enough mushy reunion stuff, mm?” You smiled sweetly at the boy as he pulled away from the hug, his face still slightly flushed.

“Yeah..” he internally cursed himself for almost stuttering.

“Where’s Ashley?..” you quietly asked.

From that moment, everything happened like some sort of descending spiral of madness. The thing with the demon and Ashley… killing the second warden, all of that fancy stuff. (being horribly mortified in the end.)

You had the both of them stay in the motel for a while until you could bring them into your home as you got them necessities; paying for them to continue staying, getting them new clothes, food, entertainment and others (not even knowing about their little hobby together.)

You’d visit once a week, much to Andrews begging for you to come more often, constant thanks as well from him.

“..I don’t think we can repay you ever for this.”

You always said it was fine, and his sister did too. She seemed more laid backed about the entire situation.

And, when you rushed in the middle of the night to their motel in your car to tell them the news that you finished up your work for their rooms and such, only throwing on a long overcoat, keeping on your nightclothes and throwing one some slippers.

..but they weren’t in there.

“PSSSTTT” the sound almost made you scream, but you turned to the cause of the noise.

“Ashley!” You smiled, not speaking above a whisper.

“Get over here!!!” You immediately rushed over to her without another question, taking her into an embrace.

“Woah- calm down, goody-two-shoes!” She grumbled, trying to get you to let go or at least loosen your arms that were tightly wrapped around her.

“You and Andrew can finally come over!!” You practically cried out, a bright smile on your face.

“..Where is Andrew..?” You questioned after surveying around, letting go of the embrace you tightly held Ashley in.

“Went to go and check on something.. don’t worry about it.”

“..Alright. I’ll wait here if you don’t mind.” You quietly spoke, standing beside Ashley as your hand subconsciously grabbed hers, intertwining them.

And Ashley didn’t say anything about it. Just to see how her brother would react, of course.

That didn’t go well, let me tell you.

He came back, noticing you, he was so excited like a puppy seeing their owner once more, but noticing that you were holding Ashleys hand..

..For some reason it made him pissed off.

“..(____), why don’t you hold my hand instead?”

You were already starting in his direction to tackle him into a hug, but Ashley pulled you back.

“Nah.. I think she’ll stay right here, holding my hand.”

“Ashley.”

“Yes, dear Andyyyy?”

“Let her go. Right now.”

“Mm, nah.” She chuckled seeing him get so riled up.

He flat up walked on over to you two, grabbed you by the waist, swiftly pulling you away from Ashley.

“Oh you jackass!!!”

But he didn’t care.

And then, you all heard another car..

Thats when everything else unfolded.

They killed that man..

And you witnessed it.

Then again though, he was a murderer as well..

..but why??

You were shaking like a leaf, catching Andy’s attention.

“Shh shh.. its okay. Theres no need to cry or worry, alright? It was in self-defense. I promise this won’t happen again.” He consoled you, hugging you closely as you nodded.

Ashley looked baffled though, one of her eyes slightly twitching.

..guess they’ll just have to not kill in front of you from now on.

Well, moving on from this..

You had made some fake ID’s for them (made by another friend of yours, of course) along with some birth certificates, you just wanted to help them get on their feet again.

That would.. slightly backfire.

No matter what, he became so obsessed with you, he started stalking you, watching you do anything around the house. When you’d turn to see if anyone was watching, no-one was there..

You brushed it off multiple times, but even when you were in the shower, or changing, you felt the same feeling. It was all.. unnerving. You hated it. You wanted it to stop.

But, it continued and continued, and it got to the point where you started asking Andrew if you could sleep with him for the night, to which he immediately accepted; surprising you.

You got into his bed, him pulling the covers over you despite the fact you already had a blanket with you.. but that was fine. You rested your head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around your lower back, pressing you closer to him.

And strangely, it seemed like all of the eyes that were previously watching you were gone. You could finally drift off to sleep, where Ashley would make fun of you both each time, but stopped suddenly after a bit..

But you shrugged it off as she was just bored of the joke now that you have cuddled with Andrew so many times now just for you to feel safer within your own home!

Little did you know that the person you were cuddling with was the one watching you all along..

His fingers threaded through your hair, humming ever so softly. He kissed the crown of your head, your forehead, your cheeks, and then eventually, your lips. You tasted sweet to him, sweet like nothing he’d ever tasted before in contrast to his usual taste of mint and cigarettes within his mouth.

He wanted more of it..

He then continued kissing your lips, now making out with your unconscious body, taking breaks in between to undress you from your nightclothes, underwear, and so forth.

In your sleep, you felt something.. swishing within your mouth. It was warm, tasting everything within your mouth almost, like it was trying to claim it!

You slowly awoke very sadly since you couldn’t get your beauty rest, trying to find the cause, just to see it was Andy. The person you were so close with. You instinctively pushed him away, or tried.

As much as you wanted to- you couldn’t hurt him. What would be everything you went for then? What would Ashley do?? You’d have to live with the guilt of possibly hurting one of your friends.

..is he even your friend anymore?

He took notice of that, opening his eyes instantaneously as he felt your touch. He pulled away for a moment, examining your expression.

The room was silent, the atmosphere was palpable as he turned to an emotionless face. He moved you closer to him.

“Andy!?” You yelped out as your body became tense.

“..Shit— shit, no, fuck, i’m so sorry. This is wrong-“ Andrew pushed himself away, getting up and threading his hands through his hair. His eyes were wide as he realized what he’d done.

“..Andrew, why??..”

“I’m sorry- that was disgusting- I’m sorry!..”

Your facial expression was bewildered, but you eventually just frowned and grabbed his arm (which was shaking.)

“Andrew, you should��ve asked me first so I could’ve consented. Especially if you have some sort of som—“

“Wait!.. how are you so calm?!” You really aren’t.

“..I’m not. But I would’ve just want some more information- some sort of talk about this entire situation before we could do anything.” Caressing his hand, you smiled softly, and he simply just stared at you for at least 5 seconds straight.

Consent talk?

Consent talk!!

He gave a long ass apology for his actions, immediately about to just get up and leave.

But you stopped him to talk further talked about the situation. You talked about what you really wanted.

And if you both were ready.

Even though all of this didn’t happen throughout one entire night, you planned everything out. What you two were going to do.

If you wanted a relationship.

Or just a situationship.

You both decided to test the waters first before deciding that.

You need to get out. Leave.

What are you doing?

Please, go.

He’ll kill you too.

You couldn’t fall asleep after everything that happened, so he ran a bath for you and him, washing you both.

After that though, he dressed you in some more comfortable clothes for the afternoon it seemed despite being early morning now.

He had you sit in his lap, smoking (trying to get you to smoke as well), tending to your wounds.

And that’s when Ashley came to you both later within the morning, groaning.

“Why was there so much noise in the night?.. could barely sleep..”

Safe to say, you gave a.. believable excuse

Wow- theres a lot here! But, I hope you all enjoyed!!

[mahs-dumpster]

Confession time

a/n: why was this hard to make. I feel like Leona and Isabelle stayed so long in their "will they won't they" stage that it's hard to get them outta there... But either way🚶🏻‍♀️🚶🏻‍♀️

cw: oc x canon (Isabelle x Leona)

words: around 2k

It has been exactly a month and a half since Isabelle and Leona had their first kiss. Not that she was counting, of course she wasn't, but when the guy you’ve fallen in love with kisses you and pretends as if nothing ever happened you can't help but notice.

That's right, you can go all ‘I told you so' now, Isabelle is for the first time ever admitting to herself that she has fallen in love with her arranged fiancé, the man she has told herself was the worst possible choice for a husband, but who she was willing to tolerate because of her duties as a princess. Him.

Leona Kingscholar.

Honestly? Isabelle didn't mean to kiss him. But they were on such good terms, one could even say they had finally become friends after four years of knowing each other, and not only that but he was so close, he was holding her with such care, she got caught up in the moment. Now, she hates herself for letting her emotions take over her body, she shouldn't had turned off her brain, she should’ve been rational and realized it was a bad idea! 

Why was it a bad idea, you ask? Well, because the lion beastman didn't mention the kiss ever since, he didn't even acknowledge it. After it happened, they were quickly pushed into royal affairs and meetings about their engagement, and after it Leona started acting as if the kiss simply didn't happen. It was as if it was a mistake, or as if it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. 

She would’ve lied if she said it didn't hurt.

It was then that she realized she was in love with him. Why else would she kiss him? She didn't kiss just anyone, no matter how attractive he was it wasn't something she did, not only that but if she didn't love him why would she be bothered by him ignoring the kiss? It wasn't logical.

The worst part? Today they have joint school activities, so at any moment she could run into Leona. 

Just great.

“Hey.” Isabelle shivered at the familiar voice of her fiancé. She realized she had been found by him earlier than she hoped… she held her book tighter to her chest. He glanced at it. “You seriously brought a book? Aren't you supposed to be a housewarden and lead instead of having your head in the clouds?”

“I could say the same thing to you. I know you were about to run off somewhere to take a nap…” Leona smirked, lifting his hands in mock defeat. She rolled her eyes. “I just want some time alone, I... need to think.”

“Great timing.” The beastman said, walking towards her and pointing his head towards a certain direction. “Let's go to the botanical gardens. If they see you're with me they won't bother me.”

“You seriously wanna use our engagement to help you take a nap?”

“May I remind you, you will also not be bothered, mouse.”

She stared at him for a moment, until his gaze was too much for her to handle, so she sighed, her cheeks red, and nodded along to his proposal.

As they walked towards the place, Isabelle stared at him by the corner of her eye, realizing how tiny she was compared to him. She glanced at his hands, long fingers with long nails, – claws would be a better term – callouses due to Spelldrive practices, but mostly smooth from his position as a prince.

Isabelle's reached forward, her fingers almost touching his, but she stopped. What would he think of her if she held his hand? Would he intertwine their fingers? Would he flinch and back away? Would he call her out?

"Isabelle." The girl immediately brought her hand back to holding her book against her chest, her face burning in embarrassment. He glanced at it for a moment, but didn't seem to realize what she wanted to do. "You're awful quiet. You ok?"

It felt... Strange, to have him care for her, but in a good way. His words warmed her heart and made an unconscious smile come to her face.

"Yes, I... Like I said, I just want some alone time to think."

"Of?"

She shifted her gaze to the ground.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it." With that, he went quiet again, and Isabelle mentally thanked him for that.

Once they got to the botanical gardens, Leona opened the door, and she got in first. It was an instinct, almost rehearsed, Leona didn't think much of it, and if she wasn't in her current predicament she probably wouldn't either… but she was. 

It gave her butterflies.

He immediately laid under the shade of a big three, stretching his muscles, arms beneath his head, and Isabelle sat right next to him, opening her book. She watched as he got comfortable, then Leona raised an eyebrow, realizing her stare.

“What?”

“Nothing.” She lied, and started reading her book, ignoring her beating heart. Leona stared at her for a few seconds, until ultimately giving up and deciding to sleep.

It was then Isabelle had found some sort of peace. Reading the story in her book, one she had read thousands of times, about far away lands, daring sword fights, spells and a prince in disguise… she got immersed in the story, in her favorite story… for a moment she forgot who was beside her, and forgot about her inner turmoil.

It had always been like this. Her and her books. They were her comfort, they were her refuge when she felt so utterly confused... Sometimes she wished things were as simple as the story of a book, with written plotlines where the character didn't need to worry, because the author would make a way to give them a happy ending.

She was so into her reading she didn't realize steps walking closer and closer to them.

“Ah, miss Isabelle…” a low, powerful but respectful voice spoke, and Isabelle got out of her trance almost immediately. She blinked, looking up at the face of a Savanaclaw student, a wolf beastman. “Sorry, I was just wondering where my housewarden was. I wasn't aware he was with you.”

“It's alright, uh…”

“Jack Howl.”

“Jack. We've met before at VDC, am I correct? Don't you worry.” Isabelle smiled softly at the boy. She quickly glanced at Leona, softly sleeping beside her, his expression so calm, it hardly looked like the Leona she knew and loved. She sighed. “We’re not really interacting anyway.”

“Still, you guys are engaged, right?” Jack scratched his neck, a bit embarrassed. “I wouldn't wanna bother you two…”

“Jack.” Isabelle strictly said, looking up at him. “Leona doesn't love me. Our engagement is arranged.” She fought the feeling of her heart sinking as she uttered those words. “You're not bothering anyone.” 

An awkward silence laid there, and for a moment Isabelle felt like she went a bit overboard… but truly she was tired of indulging people in their supposed ‘love’ for one another. She was tired of letting people believe they were in love when clearly the only person who cared about the relationship was herself. She was tired of forcing Leona into this whole mess.

Maybe she should try and persuade her dad to break the engagement.

“Sorry. I just dumped all of that on you without thinking.” She sighed, forcing a smile. “If you want me to, I could always give him a message–”

“I think he really does care about you.” The white haired boy interrupted her, her eyes widening a bit. “At least, that's what it looks like to me. But it's really none of my business.” He quickly bowed to the princess, and started walking away, saying ‘see you around’ and ‘thank you’ before leaving.

Isabelle could do nothing but sit there, eyes stinging as she bit her bottom lip, refusing to cry over this. It was stupid. Why would she cry? Jack was an outsider, he didn't know what he was talking about.

Jack didn't know about the amount of times they argued, at how many offensive words they threw at each other, at how much Isabelle's actions and words probably added into his already broken mind and spirit, leading to his overblot.

He didn't know just how awful she had been to him.

“You were supposed to pretend so people wouldn't bother us."

Isabelle hurried to dry the few tears that had fallen, realizing Leona's voice was once again present, that he was awake, and staring at her with those tired eyes. 

The lion beastman rubbed his eyes and yawned, deciding to sit down and rest on the tree providing them with shade. He looked at Isabelle curiously.

“Why are you crying? Because of what Jack said?”

“Why didn't you say you were awake?” Isabelle faked anger, though she was certain she didn't sound convincing, as her voice was slightly shaky and she couldn't help but stare at the pages of her book on her lap. “It's not polite to listen to other people's conversations.” He stayed silent, just looking at the girl sitting beside him, until she got fed up and finally looked at him. “What?”

He just continued to stare at her for a while more, then, he suddenly said, his face as serious as ever:

“Would you say yes if I asked you to date me?

Isabelle choked on her spit, making Leona flinch in surprise, a hand slowly moving to her back to try and help her calm down. Once she regained her composure, she cleared her throat, widening her eyes as she looked at him in shock.

“What are you talking about?” Was what she managed to say, hand on her chest. She was clearly anxious. “A-after staying silent ever since kissing me you're suddenly asking me to go out with you?” 

“Yeah?” He shrugged, and Isabelle glared at him, making his ears go down and him sigh. “You seemed like you didn't care so I thought you wanted to act as if nothing happened. What use would it be for me to comment on it if you didn't want to acknowledge it.”

“What? You were the one acting as if you didn't care!” She pointed her finger at his chest, her frown getting deeper as she looked at him in disbelief. “This whole time I've been waiting for you to talk to me about that, do you have any idea how I felt all this time with your silence?"

“Well, maybe, if you at least asked me, I would’ve told you I liked it.” He retaliated, the usual frown making his way to his face.

With that, they both went silent. Isabelle felt her cheeks warming up, so she decided to break eye contact. She played with the pages of her book as she frowned at it. She couldn't believe they were arguing again over this, it was absurd, almost as if their natural state was fighting. 

“And maybe, if you showed any interest in me, I would’ve asked!” 

But at least... He said he liked it, didn't he? He asked to date her so... It meant something.

Isabelle watched as Leona's hand moved towards hers, grabbing her left hand into his own as he held it gently, his thumb making a few circular motions on her palm. She stared at them and refused to look him in the eyes.

“I’m interested in you.” He said, and Isabelle felt like her heart would explode. “I’ve been interested in you for a while now. I just didn't think it was worth trying anything.”

“You give up too easily on things…” she mumbled, squeezing his hand lightly. “Like I said, if you had shown any interest in me, I would’ve asked about the kiss. You didn't, so I just assumed you still hated me and that was just... A moment, or something."

“After everything, really?” He chuckled, a smirk on his face and Isabelle sighed, still not looking at him. 

“Listen, we said many awful things to each other, ok?"

Leona was quiet for a few seconds, until he pulled her hand, telling her to look at him. Once she did, he tilted his head, a faint smile on his face, a rare sight that Isabelle felt privileged to see. 

“If it serves as any consolation…” he began, a smirk replacing his smile almost immediately. “I think you're hot when you're angry.”

Isabelle used her book to smack him, getting up right after that. She wasn't there to play jokes anymore, she needed him to be serious, so if he wasn't then–

“Alright, alright, sorry.” His hand grabbed her wrist before she could walk away, and when she looked at him her face was as red as an apple. 

“I need you to be serious, Leona.” She urged, looking at him with a frown. Leona sighed, getting up as well, his other hand tilting her chin upwards to look at him. She was still frowning. “What is it now? You're gonna joke about my height?”

He moved forward, his hand moving to her waist as he lowered towards her height, stealing yet another kiss from her. Isabelle froze, she didn't move, at least not at first, she was too anxious to do anything. Slowly though, she got over it, and her hands moved to his neck, as her book was still awkwardly being held. 

After, Leona hugged her tight, his face nuzzled in her neck as he let out a happy purr, and Isabelle chuckled.

“You seem like you're in a good mood now.” He said. “If I knew all it took to get you in a better mood was to kiss you then I would’ve done it a long time ago.” 

“Oh shut up.” She tightened her grip on him, her fingers playing with his hair as she smiled like an idiot. “You're ruining the moment.”

“So that's a yes?”

“Hm?"

“You're going out with me, right?” 

“If you insist.”

At that, Isabelle laughed, separating herself from him and finally staring at his green eyes, not caring how stupid she looked at the moment. 

[scarlettscribbles]

the 26th hunger games

PART OF neither the angels in heaven above, nor the demons by the sea DRABBLE SERIES ↠ masterlist

- Lucy Gray Baird & Daughter!OC, endgame Lucy Gray Baird x Coriolanus Snow

Summary: 1.5k words - Annie gets reaped as District 12's female tribute.

a/n: those who read annie's original name...no you didn't. i just realized that Covey names include a color as their second name lol

"And for our final tribute from District 12…" Flickerman squinted at his card, confusion overtaking his features. "Annabel Rose Baird."

Annie's blood froze in her veins. The sounds of gasps and general unease of her classmates were drowned by the high-pitched noise of panic in her ears. Her full name was something she’d not heard often, only spoken by her mother when she’s feeling particularly irate with her, and by Annie herself in the mirror every morning, trying to remind herself that she was still her mother’s daughter, despite having to hide the fact from virtually everyone she knew.

Her Ma, oh god. Annie hoped she and Tigris were together watching so they might find some semblance of comfort in each other. After all the hardships she faced just to keep her alive, only to see her daughter put on the chopping block for the same twisted games that still gave her nightmares, it was too much for one to bear.

Flickerman looked around fretfully, nervously tapping his ear piece. "It seems the feed won't come from District 12, folks but from our own…academy."

The big screen was suddenly filled with Annie's pale face. Compared to the other transmissions, this one was more grainy, likely coming from a security camera. It would be a huge giveaway otherwise.

On it, the balm she applied on her lips earlier looked almost blood red on the canvas of her skin. The words "Annabel Rose Baird" were shining in bright letters. She could feel her heart rate pick up. Her right hand twitched, wanting to follow the soothing motion she typically does over her chest, but her limbs were locked.

"Well, that was certainly a surprise. But the Capitol has confirmed that the Academy's district scholars are not discounted from the reaping. This is certainly a step up from last year’s Quarter Quell. It seems our gamemakers are very hard at work to keep us on our toes!" Flickerman laughed awkwardly.

Lies, thought Annie. She and her Ma read that contract top to bottom, ensuring nothing in it would endanger her. Besides, Tigris was the one who offered the opportunity to her and she would never have agreed to be her scholarship sponsor if this was included in the conditions.

Annie tuned out the Flickerman’s parting words. The silence after the broadcast had ended only served to highlight the drumbeat of her heart. She only snapped to attention when two Peacekeepers seemed to have come out of nowhere, guns at hand and ready to escort her.

Cassius was the first to block them, then followed the rest of her friends and the other district scholars. Annie felt more grounded as she watched her classmates form a wall around her. She surveyed their faces. Annie didn’t know most of them but she had observed over the years how the district scholars became friends with the Capitol students, softening their perception and treatment of people coming from the districts compared to the generations before them. Did the Capitol expect this, she wondered, when they first accepted twenty-four district scholars in the hallowed halls of their Academy?

She looked up to the stands where President Snow stood. He had a glazed look to his eyes, as if seeing a ghost. Did he know, then? Was he starting to figure out?

A thrum of nervousness went through Annie, that part of her that always sought out his approval rearing up. What would he think of her now, the girl who he’d promised to take under his wing after graduating at the Academy? Was he looking back at their every interaction over the years, looking for the signs that led to this moment?

“Stand down.” The Peacekeepers cocked their guns, making her classmates flinch. Despite the bravado, they were just children, and some of them never had any reason their whole life to fear the Capitol’s military arm.

Cassius had the gall to step in front of one of the Peacekeepers, the muzzle pressing to his chest. Annie wanted to scream at the brave, stupid boy. Wasn’t it only last year that this same boy was antagonizing her, calling her a Snow bastard child and Capitol-wannabe? He wasn’t wrong on the former, but he had been thinking about the wrong person as her parent.

“Back off!” Cassius shouted. “Annabel Rose is not going to be a tribute!”

Shouts of agreement rose up in the crowd. “The reaping policy is bullshit, they never said that when they sent out the acceptance letters for district scholars!”

From the stands, Crane stood up, looking annoyed at the proceedings. “And you district bastards wouldn’t have had any opportunities if the Capitol hadn’t picked up you up,” he said. “You would be starving still, and illiterate, dying in the slums you call home. Stop being so ungrateful. The least you could do is provide entertainment.”

The sound of a fist smashing against his cheek echoed in the auditorium. After the first punch was thrown, it was utter pandemonium. Annie ducked, narrowly missing getting a black eye. She had to get out of here fast. If the chaos went on for long enough maybe she could slip through the gates and run to Tigris’ house. If she knew her mother, she would be packing their things already. They would just need a mode of transportation so they could get out of this—

Annie startled when someone grabbed her arm, almost kicking the person until she realized it was President Snow. Damn, she hadn’t even made it to the door.

“I—" I need to go, please let me go, was what she wanted to say. Annie knew he was not indifferent to her. By virtue of being a talented student who was also close to Tigris, he treated her more warmly and gave her more privileges compared to any other student from the Academy, Capitol or not. Annie might not be the Dean’s golden student but, in her opinion, President Snow’s attention was far more worth than any praise from Dr. Gaul.

Annie didn’t know how far his regard went, if he appreciated her for her use or for her as a person. It was difficult to read him no matter how hard she tried.

President Snow seemed like he wanted to say something when the Peacekeepers began firing. They both jumped. Annie wanted to break away from him to run but he was quick to pull her behind him.

“What in Panem’s name do they think they’re doing?” he muttered angrily. Annie peeked around his side and, to her relief, nobody seemed to be gravely injured. The Peacekeepers had fired into the air as some sort of warning. There was no damage besides the holes on the ceiling of the auditorium.

A bark of laughter broke through the ensuing silence. Dr. Volumnia Gaul clapped slowly. Annie couldn’t tell if her piercing stare was directed at her or the president.

“Well that was some spectacle!” she said. “You’ve all provided such a good performance, but alas, the matter has been decided.” Well, that answered the question of who was responsible for the sudden change. But the question was why? Annie never antagonized Dr. Gaul nor given her any reason to suspect her identity. Why now?

“It hasn’t been.” President Snow’s clear voice answered. “Decided, that is. How come, Dean Gaul, that it is only now that I hear of this change? It certainly wasn’t detailed in the proposal you sent to me.”

Neither of them seemed concerned about the well-being of the Academy students, engrossed in what looked like a power play that stemmed from an ongoing argument. Meanwhile, Annie’s classmates were congregating together, assisting the injured ones onto chairs. The few brave ones skirted past the Peacekeepers to retrieve first-aid kits from the clinic.

“After the success of last year’s Quarter Quell, I thought I would create another twist of my own making, seeing how much our audiences loved it. And isn’t that our purpose, President Snow? To entertain?” Dean Gaul smiled toothily, teeth stark white against her blood-red lips. “Besides, Mr. Crane had the right idea of it— somewhat. What would the people think of us, President Snow, if we started treating fodder as our equals?”

The crowd stood divided. It was a strange sight. Stranger yet, perhaps, that the president was on theirs (hers?).

“Or perhaps your outlook has changed since Sejanus Plinth?” President Snow stiffened. Dean Gaul caught his reaction, looking like the cat that got the cream.

“Sejanus was my friend,” he answered. “It is partly in his honor that our Academy’s district scholars are given the opportunity here in the Capitol, under my express approval, to be given the privilege of knowledge and a good future. To share what the common Capitol citizen has.”

“I will not be criticizing your…initiative, esteemed president,” she said in a tone that definitely meant she was criticizing heavily. “In fact, I’ll give her that. A privilege to be the first from the District 12 tributes to enjoy the mentorship program like how it was intended to be.”

No—

Two Peacekeepers came in, marching forward a woman who was, for all intents and purposes, forgotten by the Capitol.

“Ma!”

[jerzwriter]

All in the Past 2/3

This started as a request from @angelasscribbles for ONE scene. Three parts later... I decided to make this a follow-up and alternate ending to one of my favorite short, angsty AUs, Unblemished, because we needed more angst. All three parts will be posted today.

Series Summary: Tobias & Casey were friends turned lovers whose different dreams led them to become friends once again. Two years after their painful breakup, Casey has moved on. Tobias is in town to attend his friend and one-time love's wedding, with his new girlfriend on his arm. It's just the wedding of an old friend, or, is it?

Part 2 Summary: Tobias's girlfriend, Meghan, has some questions for him, and he answers honestly - or so he thinks. Sienna attempts to get displeased Casey to see the truth. Tobias finally runs into Craig, the groom-to-be, and then it all falls apart.

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Characters/Pairings: Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x M!OC, Tobias Carrick x F!OC, Sienna Trinh

Rating: Teen

Words: 3,100

Series Masterlist

Tobias x Casey Masterlist | OH Masterlist | Full Masterlist

His eyes were wide open. Every microscopic crack and spec of dust on the ceiling above had been committed to memory. Tobias accepted that sleep wasn't going to happen about an hour ago. No, tonight, it was him, the humming sound of the air conditioner and his latest girlfriend blissfully sleeping at his side. Without waking, she snuggled closer to him, and he ran his fingers through her long, auburn hair as guilt consumed him. He genuinely liked Meghan; he cared for her. She was witty and kind. So beautiful that every head turned her way when she entered a room. He enjoyed her company, and she was good to him. Perhaps too good. He knew she deserved better than the half-truths he fed her early tonight. But were they lies if he was struggling to understand the truth himself? Any other fool would recognize what they had in Meghan. Then again, any other fool would never have let Casey go.

~~~~~

(Earlier that day)

Returning to his hotel room usually meant only one thing for him, but that's not where this was headed. Meghan, bless her, didn't seem upset. Still, Tobias couldn't shake the uneasiness that began creeping up on him during yesterday's flight and hadn't seemed to let down since. This wasn't the weekend he planned. A quick getaway to a luxury resort, a little pampering for him and his girl, some laughs with old friends, then wishing them well as they embarked on their new life together. It was supposed to be easy. Simple. But the human heart and mind can act in peculiar ways. Denial isn't always intentional, nor is it meant to be cruel. Sometimes, it's a mechanism designed to protect the individual at all costs. But there is a downside. We never know when the façade will begin to crumble, and even then, the truth isn't easy to accept. Tobias was about to learn a harsh lesson. We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.

Meghan sat on the edge of the bed with a gentle smile. Removing her new sandals and gently rubbing her sore feet, breaking in new shoes hadn't been on her agenda. Tobias dutifully sat at her side, taking over the task so she could rest. Her head tilted back as her eyes closed, and a soothing sigh escaped her. This was nice. So nice that Meghan considered putting the rest aside. But she wasn't about to let a little comfort win over her practical mind. 

"Tobias..." she began, gently touching his cheek. "I'm not mad, but I do want some answers."

"Sure. Ask away..."

"Why haven't you been upfront with me about you and Casey?"

"What do you mean? You know she's my ex, and we were friends before that. We decided being friends worked better for us, and that's what we've been for years. Where haven't I been upfront?" 

"Maybe it wasn't your intention, and maybe I read it wrong, but I was under the impression she was a friend that became a brief romance until you both realized you should have never taken that step. But since we left Boston yesterday, I feel like there's more."

"Meg, Casey wasn't a fling, if that's what you're asking. We cared for each other greatly but wanted different things and decided we'd be better apart. And she's getting married tomorrow... so it's worked out well for her."

"Perhaps.  But how it worked out for Casey isn’t my concern... but you... I know we're relatively new... so this isn't a life or death issue... but I don't want to invest my heart anymore if you're still in love with someone else."

"In love with!" He blurted. "Meghan, we've been over for two years. Do I love her as a friend? Yeah... but I'm not in love with her anymore."

"But you were..."

"Yes, was... past tense. Are you telling me you don't have anyone you've loved in your past?"

"Of course I do. At our age, most do. But... I feel like she's the one who got away, which is fine. Many of us have that person in our past, but most don't attend their weddings."

"You’re right. And I wouldn’t attend her wedding if that’s who she was.”

“Tell me why you broke up, the real reason.”

Tobias stood and paced the floor. “Her residency ended, and she was deciding what offer to accept. Duke was a great fit, but... that led to the where are we headed discussion. She wanted to get married, have kids, a dog, and a backyard... I wanted Boston or at least another city. I don’t like grass. I wasn’t too sure about a pet. I didn’t mind a partner, for life even... but marriage, kids... that always sounded like a trap to me, one I didn’t want to fall into. We talked, and when we couldn’t find a compromise, we decided to go our separate ways.”

“Was it hard?”

“The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

“Then you see my point... it wasn’t easy, and she’s still one of your best friends.”

He returned to Meghan’s side, gently touching her knee. “I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear about the extent of our relationship. But it’s irrelevant... because we’re in the present. Casey and Craig are my friends... I haven’t been sitting around pining for her.”

“What if she wasn’t with Craig?”

“Meg, that’s unfair. We can’t sit in a pile of what ifs; we can only go with what is.” 

“You’re right,” she sighed. “I just don’t want my heart trampled on. I care about you, Tobias, and I think we’re building something good... I just want to make sure you’re all in, too. Are you?”

“I am,” he swallowed. “I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t believe that.”

“OK,” she smiled. “Then there’s nothing more to discuss.”

“Look, I’ve had enough wedding events to last me a lifetime. Why don’t we go do some sightseeing, just the two of us? We can go wherever you want. No one will miss us until the ceremony tomorrow.”

“I’d love that,” she smiled. “But let me change into something that matches the shoes I had on during the flight. I don’t want to break anything else in until the wedding.”

“You do that,” he smiled. 

He grabbed a beer from the mini-fridge, waiting for the sense of relief that washes over you after a discussion like the one they just had, but it never arrived. He mindlessly pulled the curtains aside to take in the view. The upgraded room was worth every cent; the view was magnificent. Then he shook his head. Of all the things his eyes could have landed on... it had to be her. She sat poolside, eyes glued on the book in her hands, and he chuckled. He never could get her out of a bookstore. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. I’m not in love with Casey anymore. He insisted. I’m absolutely not. So why did his heart ache as much as it had on that Boston night? After all this time, why did he feel like it had never healed at all?

~~~~~

Sienna was the vision of a Northern tourist, happy to be enjoying a balmier climate as she walked alongside the pool in a bright floral swimsuit with a matching sarong, Jackie O! sunglasses, and a floppy straw hat. The look was completed with the two frosty tropical drinks in her hands. Her smile was as bright as the afternoon sun as she approached Casey.

“I know you’re supposed to be relaxing for the big day,” she grinned. “But I would be remiss in my maid-of-honor duties if I wasn’t checking to ensure you’re not getting sunburned.”

“That’s what this lovely umbrella is for,” Casey smiled.

“Yeah, but it helps if it’s opened,” Sienna chuckled as she twisted the lever.

Casey accepted the strawberry daiquiri, humming with delight as the sweet sensation enveloped her. “This is so good. You’re a lifesaver.”

“That’s what best friends are for! Now, relaxation is nice, but is there anything I can do for tomorrow?”

“Nope,” Casey replied confidently. “All under control.”

“OK, what about for the rehearsal tonight?”

“Under control, too.”

“Casey, I’ll admit, I don’t have much experience with weddings, but I’ve never seen a bride this relaxed the day before her wedding!”

“It’s just a wedding,” Casey shrugged. “Our mothers are happy driving themselves crazy over the details. I just have to show up for hair and makeup, put on my white dress, and smile. It’ll work out.”  

She turned back to her book, unaware of the concerned look her friend had fixed on her. Finally, Sienna had to speak.

“Casey, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Are you... happy?”

“Happy? Yeah... I’m happy.”

“Forgive me if I say that response isn’t terribly convincing.”

“Well, one doesn’t have to be gushing and oozing with delight to be happy, Si.”

“No, but it’s the day before your wedding, and maybe everyone isn’t a gushing, oozy kind of happy person, but... you always were.”

Casey closed her book and leaned back in the lounge chair. “If you have something to say, say it.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t be your best friend if I didn’t. Do you want to get married?”

“Of course I do. Craig is a wonderful man, and he’s so good to me. We’re happy!”

“Happy... but not gushy and oozy happy.”

Casey removed her sunglasses and sat up to face her friend. “Who’s to say that’s for the best? I had gushing and over-the-top happiness. I know what it’s like. But what did it get me? It got me a broken heart. That amazing high dropped me into the lowest lows of my life. Days, months when I didn’t want to get out of bed...When I didn’t leave my house if not for work. And who got me out of that? Craig. He helped put me back together. And we are happy. No, it’s not all fireworks and rainbows, but those things aren’t real life. I’d rather live with reality.”

“Forgive me for saying this, Casey. But... I hope you’re not selling yourself short. I like Craig, I like him a lot, and I know he’s good to you, but you deserve the fireworks kind of love. And so does he. Settling isn’t going to do anyone....”

“I’m not settling! I love Craig; he loves me, and I’m not settling!”

“But are you in love with him?”

Casey looked directly at the pool without saying a word. She knew Sienna could see right through her when she lied, so she felt it wiser to say nothing. But Sienna wasn’t letting her off the hook.

“More importantly... are you in love with someone else?”

Casey’s neck flipped in Sienna’s direction with fire in her eyes.

“What are you insinuating?”

“I’m not insinuating. I’m asking. I’m not letting you say I do if your real answer is I’m not sure!”

“But I am sure!” Casey looked around to ensure no one could hear, then leaned closer to Sienna. “Fine! I’ll address the 800-pound gorilla in the room! Is my relationship the stuff of fairytales? Do I have moments when my heart practically stops beating because I love him so much? No. But real life isn’t a fairy tale. I had that kind of love, and I know how it feels. I was naïve enough to believe that if you find that, you would both do everything you can to never let it go. But you know what? I was wrong. Because I had it in my power to save it, and Tobias had it in his power, too. And guess what? Neither of us did. So what does that tell you?”

“It tells me you admitted you still love Tobias... but you’re not marrying him tomorrow.”

“You’re right. I’m not marrying him tomorrow, and I never would be.”

“So you’re settling.”

“NO! I’m not settling; I’m marrying someone I love and who loves me in return. Someone who wants the same things in life. Someone that I can build with and grow with, and that’s not a bad thing!”

“It’s not, but I feel like you’re selling me an insurance policy, not a reason to get married.”

Casey began to gather her belongings with a huff.

“You know what, if you disapprove of me marrying Craig and don’t want to stand up for me tomorrow, then don’t. But I’m marrying Craig tomorrow, and I wish it would be with my best friend by my side.”

“Hey, hey, hey...” Sienna grabbed Casey by the shoulders. “I’m not backing out. I’ll always stand beside you, no matter what. I just... I want to make sure you’re following your heart.”

“I’m following my head, Si. It’s always served me much better. I’m following my head, and my heart will follow. Now, please, can you try to be happy for me.”

“Sure,” Sienna said, pulling her into a hug. “I’ll try.”

~~~~~

Sightseeing on a scorching hot day was slightly more strenuous than Tobias & Meghan bargained for, and she had the splitting headache to prove it. As she lay in the room with a cool facecloth on her forehead,  Tobias headed to the hotel’s gift shop to pick up some more ibuprofen. He had just taken his wallet out to pay when he felt a clap on his back.

“I was wondering when I’d finally run into you.”

“Craig,” Tobias blurted as he greeted the groom-to-be. “I was wondering where you’ve been. Is the hospital going to let you attend your own wedding?”

“They are now,” the handsome, dirty blonde man smiled. “As of this afternoon, I told them to pretend I was already on my honeymoon in Bali because I’m not answering my phone.”

“Yeah, I know that feeling.”

Tobias liked Craig. At least he liked him as much as he could like the next man in Casey’s life. He didn’t want to. In fact, at first, he decided he wouldn’t. The first time he met him, he spent his entire drive to Raleigh listing all the reasons he wouldn’t like him. But Craig was so polite, friendly, welcoming... and he was good to Casey. What choice did he have?

He’d never forget the day he learned of existence. Casey called with the words he wasn’t prepared to hear. “...I didn’t want you to find out from someone else.” Tobias was sure his heart had stopped. He knew the day would come... someone like Casey wouldn’t remain single forever, but... this soon? Barely six months had passed... and he wasn’t prepared for how profound the pain would be. He tried convincing himself it was for the best, even when his visceral reaction was to book a flight to North Carolina and beg her for a second chance, to tell her he had made a horrible mistake.

He made a horrible mistake.

For the first time since they broke up, Tobias had been honest with himself. Now, he had to let her know. As Casey kept talking, he was thinking of the best way to tell her, but then, he heard the smile in her voice. It had been gone for so long. The end of their relationship had been punctuated with painful, tear-filled conversations; then abject heartbreak followed their choice. He almost forgot what it was like to hear her... happy. It killed him that another man was the cause, but who was he to take that from her? He hurt her enough already.

He tried to console himself. It’s just a boyfriend, a transitional one, at that. When they inevitably break up, I’ll be on the first flight to Raleigh to set this right. But a year later, Craig was on one knee, Casey was saying yes, and Tobias decided he’d have to learn to live with his heart cracked in two. He knew it would never heal, but he had to find a way to let go. 

“Casey mentioned you wanted to shoot some hoops,” Craig's voice pulled Tobias from his thoughts. “The only time I’d have is tomorrow after breakfast...and it would be cutting it close.”

“You know what. Let’s do it next time we get together. My luck, you’d end up breaking something, and Casey would never forgive me.”

“What a notion!” Craig laughed.

“What?” Tobias laughed with a raised brow. “You breaking something?”

“No. Casey not forgiving you. In what world? You have to know my fiance would forgive you anything. But, I appreciate sparing me the broken bones.”

“Yeah, uh..” Tobias sputtered. “It’s your wedding day... hoops with me shouldn’t be on the schedule.”

“Nope, far more important things to tend.”

“You’re so right,” Tobias smiled wistfully. “I’m happy for you guys.”

“Thank you,” Craig said, extending his hand. “That means a lot.”

“Casey is a wonderful woman. Be good to her.”

“You can count on it,” Craig smiled.

To Tobias’s relief, a gaggle of groomsmen appeared out of nowhere and pulled Craig away. Tobias slipped into a waiting elevator, never so grateful to be alone, because one by one, the boulders in his wall of self-denial began to fall. He loved her, he loved her with all his heart... and he lost her... at this time tomorrow... she’d be another man’s wife. Life is full of mistakes; everyone makes them, but the most painful mistakes of all require us to live with a lifetime of regret. He felt the elevator walls closing in on him as his life sentence became clear; panic filled his chest, and he couldn’t breathe. His legs unable to sustain him, he fell to his knees, and for the first time in a long while, he couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.

And that’s how he ended up here. Lying in bed with the ceiling, his only friend. He couldn’t take anymore. He had to get out of the room, or he was sure he’d lose his mind. So he slipped out of bed and left a note for Meghan so she wouldn’t worry if she woke. The hotel’s bar closed hours ago, but the 24-hour liquor store was delivering a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue. That and a lounge chair in the gardens would need to get him through the night.

He was a quarter bottle in with no idea how much time had passed. He had already bargained with God three times. Couldn’t He just turn time back a couple years? Was that asking too much? Apparently, it was, and he was still sober enough to know asking a fourth time wouldn’t change the outcome. Downing the rest of the bottle and sleeping for a week sounded ideal. Still, sanity won, reminding him alcohol poisoning wouldn’t help. His best bet was to return to his hotel room and try to get some sleep. He stood up with a curse on his lips; he turned around and gasped when he found her standing there. He rubbed his eyes to make sure this wasn’t a dream.

“Hello, Tobias...” Casey whispered. “I’m glad I found you here.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @choicesjuly2023challenge - Sleepless Night

More Tags in Reblog.

[medeafive]

For @wntrsnat - prompt: "How long have you been sleeping with him?" Turned it into a Cop AU.

Chapter 2 on AO3

He should have come earlier. But he didn't want to ask and she didn't ask herself and there was Barney and everything at work and all he's been doing is texting her every few weeks How are you and she always texted back okay. Nothing more. Coulson had to press on him pretty hard before he realized he really should go visit his former colleague, his former partner. After two years.

"How is your new one?" Natasha asks, arms crossed, feet on the table, coffee mug clutched to her chest. She took well to New York. Well, she also took well to Chicago, before everything went to hell.

"Wanda?" Clint shrugs, playing with a pen. "Dunno. She's, like, 20 at best. Talks about her true crime podcasts all day."

Natasha's lips curl into a smile. "Sounds fun."

He snorts. "She did a tarot reading for me last week."

Natasha tilts her head. "What did it say?"

"Just the usual bullshit," he lies. He's not going to tell her he came here because of some stupid cards. "Can mean everything and its opposite, too."

"Mhm." Natasha puts her mug down and pulls her feet off the table, still wincing slightly. "Hold on, I have to read that."

It almost felt like the old days until she winced. Now it's all flooding back in, the pain, the fear, the guilt. She's frowning at some mail or the other, scrolling through quickly, efficient as always. She looks older. "I should have looked after you better," Clint says.

Natasha rubs the scar on her abdomen absent-mindedly. "Nothing you could have done, really."

It feels like there should have been something. He should have been able to prevent his partner from being abducted, from being shot, from bleeding out within an inch of her life. Should have been with her, should have found her sooner, should have - It's too late for all of that. "Fury misses you."

She grins, clicking on something. "Did he say that?"

"No. Of course not."

She nods absent-mindedly. "I miss you, too. All of you."

She could have come back. After the hospital, rehab, therapy - But she didn't want to, understandably. Too many memories. Instead, she chose New York. Not a quiet small town posting, New York. She was always a big city girl. "You can visit sometime."

She rubs her nose, as always when she's scared but doesn't want to show it. "Yeah. Might just do that."

He sighs. "I think she has potential. Wanda. She sees things other people don't see."

"Let me guess," Natasha remarks. "She's also terrible at filling out forms?"

"Horrible."

She smiles, satisfied with her guess. "Sounds like you fit together perfectly."

Not like with Natasha. It was never the same, the work, the late evenings, the horrible lunch choices, coming in in the morning and seeing this other girl at her desk - He swallows. "I finally got a place for Barney. Assisted living."

She looks up. "Really? That's great."

"Yeah, it's in Ohio, but whatever, I guess." He rubs his old wrist injury. "Moved him last week. He seemed happier without me, too."

"I'm sure that's not true, Clint," she chides.

He breathes out. They were never on good terms, him and his brother, and then that idiot had to wrap his car around a tree, couldn't even die in the crash, too, the only living relative - "It's for the best, in any case."

"Yeah," she agrees. "Happy for you."

He breathes in. "You know, I -"

The door opens without warning and in walks the guy at whose desk Clint's sitting, Barnes, Natasha's new partner. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes. Broody type. "I sent you the witness statements from the 26th. Don't think there's anything helpful in there."

"Thanks, I saw it," she replies. "I didn't notice anything either but we can go over it later in more detail."

Barnes nods, fishing some menu from his desk. "Sounds good. I'll go get Chinese, you want anything?"

"The usual," she replies, folding her forearms on the desk. "Sesame noodles with chicken for Clint."

"I'll see whether they have that," Barnes says, already pulling the door shut behind him. "Okay. See you."

He doesn't know when the uneasy feeling in his stomach started but it gets so much worse when he sees how she looks after Barnes. "He seems alright."

"Yeah," Natasha agrees absentmindedly. "He is."

Better rip the bandaid off. "How long have you been sleeping with him?"

She sighs. "Clint -"

"It's fine," he replies. "You can just tell me."

She bites her lip stubbornly, some older trauma coming through. "I'm not."

"Tasha. Come on."

She sighs again, pushing some file to the side. "Three months."

Three months. If he had just gotten over himself five, four months ago - Too late for that. "Well, I'm happy for you."

"Not telling anyone," she mutters, plucking invisible lint off her desk. "Or they won't let him take the Sergeant's exam."

Of course he's taking the Sergeant's exam. "Don't worry, I don't even work here."

She smiles weakly. "Sorry."

This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't gotten shot. Who knows what they would have become if she had stayed in Chicago, where people assumed they were either siblings or married for a decade, where everything was perfect until everything went wrong - Too late. "Nothing to be sorry for."

She swallows. "You wanted to say something, right?"

He's not going to tell her now, not about the request to be transferred that he has at home all filled out, just waiting for an envelope and a stamp, New York - Too late. "Oh, don't remember. Can't have been important."

Her eyes narrow, exactly like the old Tasha, the one who always saw through his crap. "If you're sure about that."

"You should visit sometime," he says instead. "Coulson asked. If you're ready for that, of course."

"Mhm." She shakes her head. "You know what, I think I might be. You still do the Thanksgiving party?"

He snorts, ignoring the cold hand squeezing his heart. "Of course we still do the Thanksgiving party."

Chapter 2 on AO3

[valkyrieandstrangeridingaragorn]

episode 2-

Mobius: Because if you think too hard about where any of us came from, who we truly are, it sounds kind of ridiculous. Existence is chaos. Nothing makes any sense, so we try to make some sense of it. And I’m just lucky that the chaos I emerged into gave me all this. My own glorious purpose. Because the TVA is my life. And it’s real because I believe it’s real. Loki: So everything is written. Past, present, future. There’s no such thing as free will. Mobius: Well, I mean, you know, it’s an oversimplification. Loki: So in fact, in a way, you and I, here at the TVA, we’re the only ones who are actually free. Mobius: Where are you going with this, Loki? Loki: How does it all end? Mobius: That’s a work in progress.

episode 5-

Mobius: All that time, I really believed we were the good guys. Sylvie: Annihilating entire realities, orphaning little girls, classic hero stuff. Mobius: Well, I guess when you think the ends justify the means, there’s not much you won’t do. By the way, you did some annihilating too. Sylvie: I did what I had to do. Mobius: Yeah, so did I. Sylvie: You hunted me like a dog. Mobius: I’m sorry about that.

episode 6-

Mobius: I think people are ready to hear a little truth now. You know, like the TVA is a lie. Ravonna Renslayer: But what if it’s a necessary one? Someone created the Time Keepers. They created this whole place. They gave us all purpose. I have to believe they had a reason. Mobius: No, because I’ve seen the horror waiting for people when they get pruned, and there’s nothing necessary about that. Ravonna Renslayer: You know what would happen if we didn’t prune the Timeline? Mobius: What? Ravonna Renslayer: Chaos. Death. Mobius: Free will?

I wanted to line these three conversations up because it becomes clear just how much Mobius refuses to take any kind of moral responsibility. He honestly tries to play moral high ground against Ravonna when earlier that day he had Loki continuously beaten because he was angry he ran away. What was so necessary about that? He really is great at lying to himself.

You know, when you put it like that it almost feels like it could have worked with Mobius falling victim to the propaganda to realizing the truth and turning his back on the TVA... that's what Mikey wanted to do but it doesn't work if he doesn't take any responsibility for his actions.

It makes no sense to have a character who has spent years or decades (if not more) working for the TVA and believing their lies, finally finding out the truth and instead of having an existential crisis he blames everyone around him but himself. That's not a logical reaction at all!

He should hate himself, he should be devastated from all the pain and death he has caused, he should be apologizing profusely to Loki - hell, even to Sylvie - and aching to make amends. But he shows no signs of any of that, if anything he's delighted about that "free will" he despised just a few hours earlier.

Mikey imbued him with all that shallow morality when he speaks to Ravonna but his words fall flat precisely because he feels no responsibility for any of it. The time loop was Mobius' call, not hers - what, he doesn't feel bad about that? Isn't he supposed to be oh so morally responsible now?

She didn't do it on her own, in fact she ordered the missions but he is the one who carried them out. Renslayer's reaction is far more believable than Mobius'.

[scalamore]

[Novel details] S1 Rupert thought Lari was a fake, two-faced liar, no redeemable features

hahhaha While re-reading the earlier chapters, I always laugh at how much Rupert has developed. 13-15-year-old Rupert really looked down on, and considered Lari an idiot. it was THAT obvious she was a two-faced liar that wanted something from him. It was especially obvious how much she hated him. That bias of hers against him was unreal, considering he didn't do anything to her ever. (Vol 5) She was so annoying, like a fly that kept on buzzing around him but always came back. The first few times of using the obsidian, he wanted to stop observing her because she wouldn't stop talking to him, even when he never replied. She would always say stupid stuff like "isn't this nice? look at this! hey what do you think of this? i think it's great e" which really got on his nerves because he was trying to use her to spy on others and get information, but she kept on getting distracted with seemingly random things. He liked peace and quiet, and she was definitely not quiet, always trying to get to know him. (Novel equivalent of chapter 44-45) He thought her fake smile was absolutely annoying and infuriating, but her natural smile was nice. (Ch 51) He didn't miss when she pretended to be dumb in front of him, but she could feel when looking away, how anxious she was to be in front of him - she was clearly hiding her fear of him. (Vol 5) He thought she ate like a pig, 3 meals a day, while he didn't have much of an appetite ever. (Ch 27?) He hated how much she talked about her family, and all the good memories she had with them, considering his family situation was so terrible (she didn't know, and he didn't bother sharing anything either). (Ch 45) He knew her family was lying to her this whole time, but wow she was so dumb and didn't realize she was being lied to. (Ch 45/vol 5) He just needs to take one look at her, then he naturally starts thinking of how stupid she is automatically like a reflex. (Ch 55)

He knows she's a fake, and a liar that lies all the time (mentioned quite a few times in the series that he knows she's lying) He really just thought of her as a completely normal, dumb girl. Absolutely no threat to him. No special talents. For some reason has a secret that she refuses to tell him even when threatened, and lies to cover it up. She's cute though lol.

aaaand he somehow completely reverses all this thinking and really grows to love lari during the series.

Love it ;w; <3

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Code Blue - Ch. 14 "Skeletons in the Closet"

Summary: Lee feels his only friend now is the bottle. He gets a call and explains the damage he caused and accidentally reveals something. Josie has a tantalizing dream. Orlando shocks the hell out of her and she lets him know how much. Lee sees an angelic vision, a real one this time. Another moment is shared. Josie meets a potential new landlord as she searches for her own place, but a secret lies beneath. Josie asks Lee out. A secret is revealed to the readers.

*Warnings* language, smut, angst, alcohol use, drug injection, drug mentions, mentions of death

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Amy, Orlando, Megan, Craig, Mystery Person

Salem, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

Dash had went home just after midnight when his mom got off her shift at the hospital and Lee wasted no time finishing off the bottle of whiskey that you had been drinking earlier that evening. He had hoped you would at least text him to let him know you made it home alright but you didn't, so he reached out to Amy to find out since you wouldn't reply to him. Amy told him that you wouldn't respond to her either so she called Margaret who then confirmed you had came home and been in your room all night. This relieved Lee but made him hurt even more for you. When he told Amy about his father, she immediately called him.

"Hey Ames."

She heard it in his voice. The emotional pain and the slurring due to his drinking.

"Lee…honey I am so sorry about your dad! I had no idea. Are you alright? You don't sound so hot."

"Well now, that's because I'm not. I have lost everything…my son, my brother, my dad, my job, my best friend and now Jo."

"Jo? What happened Lee? That girl is crazy about you. I was there when she read your letter."

"Well if that were true, she certainly isn't anymore because I ruined it. I pushed her too hard and too fast and she couldn't get away from me fast enough. Everything was going so good this afternoon and then it just wasn't. I don't know what set her off, possibly my neighbor that I slept with one lousy drunken time years ago after Jacob died and I don't think Jo liked her very well when she came over."

"Wait what? This girl came over and Josie met her? and…you told Josie about that??"

"I needed to. I could tell she wanted to know and suspected it. Angel isn't exactly inconspicuous about how she feels....and then she asked me to watch her kid...I should have said no."

"She asked you that after you had just lost your father? Wow...bold isn't she. I know who Angel is Lee, I work here too remember? Sometimes, you're just too nice you know that?"

"Apparently, cause look where it's gotten me. Maybe I should just be an asshole and finish off alienating everyone and become a fucking hermit."

"Or maybe stop drinking Lee."

"Ok, I don't need this shit from you too Amy. I have a mother...I mean had."

"Lee...stop wallowing and feeling sorry for yourself and try to fix whatever happened. I know Josie very well, and the girl has got it bad for you. Go to her tomorrow when you're cleaned up and tell her how you feel."

"And what, push her even further away? I have caused irreparable damage already. Like that time with Jess that Jo saw...she made it known that it still hurts her...and now Jo knows that my sculpture was of her...and we were watching sappy love story movies and that upset her too, saying she don't believe in love like that and I asked her why and she said it's all fiction which is why she writes about it and then she was drinking and..."

"Lee, slow down, you're rambling. Now wait, you sculpted Josie?"

He paused for a minute and closed his eyes, picturing your face.

"Yeah....she is so beautiful Amy. I couldn't help myself. I have never sculpted anyone before....but Jo broke it that night when she, and I quote, saw me devouring Jess' mouth. I thought it was she realized it was of herself but found out tonight she didn't know, so I am sure that freaked her the hell out too. I've scared her off Amy. Plain and simple. One minute we were dancing, and I was singing to her and then she started crying and told me I needed to slow down...and I don't know how to...I have never been in love before and I..."

All Lee could hear was Amy squeal in delight, so loud he had to hold the phone away from his ear.

"EEEEEE!! Oh my god Lee, you love her?"

"Now that I'm deaf, I suggest you become deaf too and pretend you didn't hear what I stupidly just said. You CANNOT tell her I said that. She cannot know, that would put the nail in the coffin, if it already isn't. I already I told her I wished for on 11:11 which she told me once before not to reveal what I wished for or it wouldn't come true, so I fucked that up too."

"Of course I am not going to tell her. That's not my place, it's yours...but I am willing to bet money that she feels the same way about you....give her some time and space...she'll come around. I guarantee she won't be able to stay away from you."

Amy knew that you loved him too because you admitted it after you read his letter, but as she had said, it's not her place to tell.

"I'm not strong enough to stay away from her either Amy. How can I try and make this better if you say to give her space and time? What if she decides she don't want this...or me? I can't deal with this right now...Amy I need to go..."

"Lee just wait and....Lee?"

He hung up and cranked up his music, then poured another shot of whiskey. It was now 1:15 and he about choked on his drink when a song played. I Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. Lee never used to believe in signs but after everything he had seen with his own eyes in the past three weeks, he was now a believer.

He began looking through your Facebook photos while listening to the song, fighting off every urge to call you. Staring at the front door, he imagined you walking in like you did that morning...but this time it was into his arms, telling him you loved him so much and kissing him. He then came across a public post you made an hour ago.

"One moment...can change who we are, what we see, how we think and feel forever. One moment...when a definitive line can be drawn between everything in our lives which came before it and after it....He was my moment..."

Lee must have read it a dozen times until his vision was too impaired by booze and tears to see the words anymore, so instead, he stared at your profile picture.

"And you were mine.....still are." he whispered and then soon after, he laid his head down and fell asleep on the kitchen table.

You had tossed and turned all nights with dreams of Lee and had a very erotic one just before waking up. He was lying beside you in your bed, naked with the blanket covering his lower half. His fingertips were gliding up your leg just like you had imagined him doing while you were at his house as he fondled your ankle. He then moved himself between your legs and gazed into your eyes as you held his face. He glanced down between your spread legs, then brought his eyes back to yours.

"What would you like me to do?" he asked in a deep sensuous tone.

Your thumb traced over his pouty perspired lips.

"This. I want to feel your breath, your warmth inside me."

He formed an alluring smile and began to kiss your inner thigh. As his mouth almost made it to your aching entrance, you gasped and pulled his head up, making him look at you as you panted.

"Lee....I....I love you."

His pupils reacted and widened, so much so that you could see your reflection in them.

He resumed his trail down your thigh with his supple lips as you ran your fingers through his feathery hair.

"My Jo...let me show you how much I love you too my sweet girl."

His voice was so deep, so loving and filled with desperation to pleasure you.

You whimpered loudly as he kissed your protruding bud and then ran his hot tongue up through your slick folds and back down to your entrance. Without warning, he plunged his tongue inside of you and swirled it about, sending you head flinging backwards and your hips pushing into him.

Beep beep beep beep beep. 7 am. Your alarm went off, startling you awake as you were intensely orgasming. You grabbed your pillow and buried your face into it moaning and gasping, rocking your hips through the insane pulsating pleasure....and then you just laid there and cried, wishing it had been real. You could still smell him on your hands from the night before.

You immediately sat up and checked your phone to see if Lee had texted or called, but he hadn't....but there was a notification on your Facebook icon. Upon clicking on it, it went to the status you made last night, which was public so anyone could comment....and someone did...Lee. It simply said "And you were mine. Still are."

You dropped your phone and threw your hands over your face, bawling as his name whimpered out of your mouth. You got up, dried your eyes and went downstairs to eat some breakfast so you had some energy for your skating class. As you galloped down the stairs, you came to a dead halt as you saw two pairs of shoes by the front door....and couldn't believe your eyes as to whom you saw in the living room, sleeping on the couch.

Megan...laying on Orlando's lap.

"What in thee fuck!?" you blurted out, scaring them both awake.

Megan laughed. "Oh no, it's not what it looks like..."

"It never is.." you snarked with an astonished smirk upon your face as you walked towards them both.

"We just went out and had a few drinks last night and he was too drunk to drive so I let him stay here. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is you went after yet another man who WAS important to me." you reeled as you glared at Orlando.

"Josie, please let me explain.." Orlando finally chimed in.

"There is nothing to explain. Both of you get out of my house right now! before my mother comes down and has a heart attack at this disgusting sight!"

"It's not just your house Josie. I'm moving back in. Mom said I could."

"Oh, well how fucking lovely. I will be finding my own place then, but for now, get out before I kick both of your ass's!"

Megan ran out the back way and Orlando tried to go to the front door where his shoes were.

"No! You are not going out the front door at 7 in the fucking morning for all the world to see of my sister's half naked screw of the week!"

"Josie, I just need to get my shoes and then I'll go out the back." he said as he gently pushed his way to the doorway.

"How dare you...how dare you come into MY HOUSE and fornicate with my slut of a sister on my mother's couch!"

"You have got it all wrong Josie, if you would just listen instead of acting like a crazy person for one minute!"

Slap...the hit he had worried about receiving the other night, he finally unexpectedly got as you smacked him right across the face.

"What, listen to more of your lies??! How could you do this with her of all people after what she did?!"

"Jesus Josie, will you calm the fuck down and listen to me?"

"You cannot be serious right now? Listen to you about what Orlando? It don't even matter if you screwed her or not, it's the fact that you're even associating with the little witch! I'm sure she got your number out of my phone that night...and you just happily accepted to go out with her for some kind of sick and twisted revenge on me when I did nothing to you...tell me, am I getting hot?"

"Ok...fine...yeah, that's what happened....well except for fucking her... SO? You don't get to tell me who I can and cannot see....and why do you even care?"

"Yeah you're right, I don't care...but I do when it's in my own house. You got a lot of fucking nerve Dr. Bloom. Speaking of doctors, did you even know your so called best friend's father died yesterday??"

"W..what?"

"Yeah...Lee...remember him? The guy you've been friends with since high school but now won't speak to over something YOU did? The guy who's been going through nothing but pure hell lately? You're a real piece of work. I actually had believed you were a good guy and that you cared about him. Boy did you have us both fooled. I don't want to hear any more from your repulsive mouth. Get the hell out of my house now before I call the cops."

"Jo? What's going on down there?" your mom called from upstairs.

"Get out of here now!" you whispered through clenched teeth.

"Josie...I'm sorr..."

"Get out!" you cried.

Orlando's eyes teared up as he grabbed his shoes and took off out the back.

"Nothing mom, it was absolutely nothing." you called back to her as you watched Orlando from the window get in his car and leave.

Now you were just too fumed to eat, so you went upstairs, took your shower and headed out.

All the way to the skating rink, you cried. You wanted out of that house now if Megan was going to be staying there indefinitely. You just wanted to go to Lee's instead, but you knew you couldn't right now.

You got inside and put on your skates to do your warm up on the ice before the kids got there and let some steam off. You chose a song that seemed fitting to work your frustrations out too and off you went.

Little did you know that Lee was watching you. When the song ended, you saw him. You skated over to him and did a snowplow stop at the entrance way he stood in.

"What are you doing here?" you asked in complete shock.

"I...wanted to see you skate....and to my amazement, the girl that falls over a divot in my yard, glides and twirls like an angel on the ice."

"Well...I told you I could skate better than I could walk." you lightly smiled and went to sit down.

"Do you mind if I sit with you for a minute? I promise, I won't stay long. I have to go handle dad's arrangements soon."

"Sure."

"Great song choice by the way. Adam Lambert is a very underrated singer."

"Yeah..I always choose a song I can relate to. It helps me focus."

Lee knew that was a pun towards him. "Jo...I...I just wanted to apologize for freaking you out or whatever it was that I did and.."

"No...Lee..." you sighed. "You know the saying, it's me not you? Well...it's true. You did nothing wrong and...I'm the one who's sorry. I acted like such a petulant child. I was actually going to call you this morning, but I woke up to quite the surprise."

Of course you instantly thought of your dream of him, but there was no way in hell you were going to tell him about that.

"Oh...you mean...my comment on your post that I saw this morning but don't remember doing. Jo...I'm sorry. I was drinking...and I know I shouldn't have been...I.."

"Lee...you don't owe me any explanations about your choices. Who am I to judge you? I drink sometimes too, and over indulge a lot at times just as you do....I actually was not referring to that though...I found...you're never gonna believe this...Orlando and my freaking sister asleep on the couch from going out drinking the night before."

"Ummm what??"

"Yeah, I know right?"

"Needless to say, I was ready to kill them both and Orlando took the bunt of my wrath on his face."

"Ohhh ouch. You didn't?" he chuckled.

"I did. I would have given Megan one too but she scurried off like the coward she is. I'll deal with her later. Can you believe the nerve of them both? To come to my house and do whatever is they did on my mother's couch?

"Yeah I...uh..got a text from him this morning sending his condolences about my dad."

"Yeah...well he didn't even know until I told him and I tore him a new asshole for being a shitty fake ass friend to you."

"You...did that for me?"

"Of course I did, because it's true. You know, I thought he was so great, the way he took care of you and stayed by your side...until I found out his hidden agenda...and then, to get back at me, he frolics around with the town tramp that's unfortunately related to me. They both claim they didn't sleep together but whatever. He shouldn't even have been around her after what she did to you."

"To us...and yeah, you're right. that's pretty fucked up. He failed to mention all of that when he texted."

"Of course he did. Can we not talk about him anymore? It makes my skin crawl picturing the two of them on the couch like that....How are you doing? Are you ok Lee?"

"Yeah Jo...I am now........I wanted to ask you something. Jo...when the funeral date is set...would...you be willing to go with me? I mean, I totally understand if you don't want..."

"Yes."

"Y..yes? You will? Really?"

"Of course I will Lee. I wanna be there for you. I know how much you're hurting and I would never want you to go through that alone. Thank you...for asking me...after the way I treated you last night. I'm so ashamed."

"Jo..no. Don't be. You're going through things too and I...I pushed you too hard. I swear, it won't happen again. Just please...don't disappear. I'm so afraid that you will."

"I told you once that I wouldn't leave you, and I know that I broke that promise last night...and your heart....but...god I'm so sorry Lee. I just get in my head sometimes, over such mundane things."

"Jo...if something hurts you, it hurts you. There's nothing mundane about it....and if it hurts you...it hurts me."

There it was again...another moment between you both where you just stared at each other.

Another interruption occurred as kids could be heard in the other room.

"Well, I guess that's your que."

"Yes, I think so." you laughed.

"Hey...do you mind if I stay and watch for a bit before I have to go? I promise I'll be quiet and not shout out cheers for you and stuff."

"Ha ha. Sure. Suit yourself. You won't see much but the kids practicing. I'll see you later, ok?"

"Oh and hey. You're amazing, you know." he shouted and laughed.

"Yeah well so are you I guess!" you laughed back and walked out.

Lee was so smitten with you in that moment, just as he was in any other one, but just a little bit more this time.

He stayed for about thirty minutes just watching you talk and laugh with the young girls, stealing glances from you from time to time as you both smiled at each other. He could have sat there all day and taken your beauty in, but he needed to get going. He stood up and waved to you, then blew a kiss. You acted as if you caught it and laughed, then he smiled sweetly and left.

After you left the rink, you spent the day looking for an apartment. There was no way you were going to stay in a house with Megan long term. It would be nice to have a place of your own anyways, so maybe Lee could spend time with you there instead of always at his place....that is...if things came to that....and you very much wanted it to regardless of your fears and insecurities. Now that you had met him, you couldn't imagine a world without him.

You ended up calling a number that was posted outside of a nice lake front loft in a complex that you unintentionally found close to Lee's lake house. A man answered and said he had time for you to come look at it, so you did.

Up the stairs you went to the number he told you. You knocked and the same man's voice shouted over the music to come in. This certainly could not be the place, you thought as you entered to see a loft full of art and paint all over the room...and a man with short dark hair and glasses sitting at a desk deep in thought as a paint brush stroked about in his paint stained hand that was full of silver rings. The classic rock music was so loud, you had no idea how he had heard you at the door.

"Uhh...Hi?" you said but now he strangely didn't hear you.

"Hello!" you shouted.

The scraggly haired man with striking blue eyes and a scruffy short beard looked up over the top of his glasses as if he had never seen a woman before or possibly had even recognized you, yet you had never seen him before in your life.

He then stood up and went to turn the music down, poured himself a glass of wine and came over to you.

"Umm..Josie right? We just spoke on the phone?"

Dear god, this man reminded you of Jason, tall, muscular and wearing a black tee shirt. Even his hair was similar...and his bright blue eyes were almost a match as well. The only difference was his beard, jewelry and....accent. New Zealand maybe? You had to giggle inside that he wore black leather pants that were covered in paint. Overall though, he was a gorgeous man who had good taste in music.

"Hold on a minute sweetheart, let me change my shirt."

He went into the restroom and then came out with a black long sleeved knit and combed hair. You giggled again that he was worried about his shirt when it was his pants that were corroded in chemicals.

"Hi...Sorry bout that. I wasn't expecting you to show up so quickly. I promise, I don't always look like the canvas itself." he smiled as he pointed to one of his pieces that leaned against the wall. "My name is Craig...and youuuu are miss...March?"

'Ohh. That's fine...and yes...Josie March...but just Josie is fine."

"Alright then just Josie. So you are interested in the loft I have for rent?"

"Umm, yes but...this...isn't it...is it?"

The man chuckled and took a sip of his wine. "No my dear, this is my art studio and I have my own personal loft behind it. The one you would like to see is down the hall. Follow me."

He politely opened the door for you and then led you to a door about 25 feet away.

'After you."

He opened the door and followed you inside. It was perfect. Like a studio apartment but much bigger. Everything was in one room except for the bathroom. A kitchen and dining area, living room and a bedroom.

After a few minutes of looking everything over, you made your decision.

"I'll take it....that is if you want to rent it to me. I have references and all that stuff."

"Not necessary. I get the feeling you're good for payment and you don't look like the type that's going to rob me blind and trash the place. I've had too many of those to easily recognize the good, the bad and the ugly. It's yours if you want it."

"Really? O..ok. Thank you...so much."

"Alright then, come with me."

You followed him back to his man cave and went over the payment details and then handed him a check.

"Alright just Josie. When the check clears, I'll give you a call and you can come move in any time after that. Just stop by here and I'll give you the keys."

"Sounds good. Thank you Mr.....?"

"Parker...but you can call me Craig."

"Ok. Um..Thank you...Craig. Hope to hear from you soon."

"You're very welcome just Josie."

He stood holding your check and smiled as you left.

"Jo March....what are the odds of you showing up here? Just what is it that you know....." he muttered to himself.

You were so excited and the only person you wanted to tell was Lee, so you stopped by his place on your way home to start packing, and to break the news to your mother. It's not like you would be far, and you would come visit her all the time....but you needed this. To be on your own and although it wasn't planned, you got the shove you needed to do it.

You went racing up to his door and then stopped to take a breath because every time you knew you would be near him, the butterflies made you dizzy. Slowly, you walked in. He was sitting in the dining room and the look on his face told you he was beyond elated to see you.

"Sorry for just barging in, I just really needed to see you and thought maybe we could go do that lunch, well it would be dinner now, or if it's not a good time, I can go..." you rambled in your nervous state that he always put you in.

He said nothing and came right to you and did what his face said he was dying to do...took you in his arms.

You both stood quietly for a minute as he laid his mouth on top of your head. His warm breath circulated through your hair and his heartbeat raced against your ear.

"Lee...what's wrong, are you alright?" you asked as he held you so tight.

"I...I saw him Jo...I saw my dad."

You arched your head back quickly. "You saw him? Here?"

"Oh...no...I meant at the funeral home today. I went there to make his arrangements after I had stopped at the home to wrap up the financial stuff and gather his things.....He..looked so peaceful. I talked to him for a little while and held his hand...and then I came here and have just been sitting at that train set ever since. The locomotive I gave him for his birthday, I brought back and put it back on the Jacob's set, wanting to turn it on...but I...I just couldn't....Jo...I'm so glad you're here."

You squeezed him extra tight and now both of your hearts were pounding against each others.

"Me too...I am so sorry Lee. I hate it that you're hurting so much. We don't have to go out tonight."

"No, nonsense. I would love to go out with you, and get the hell out of here for awhile. Fixing this place up is dragging on and dragging me down...besides...you said you needed to see me so there must be a reason unless you just couldn't stay away from me." he grinned as he peered down at you.

You giggled shyly. "Both....annnnd...." You smiled and began lightly jumping up and down in his arms. "I got my own place today!"

"Oh my god Jo, that's great. I'm so happy for you. Well then there's a reason to go out after all, to celebrate....you can tell me all about the place then."

"Really? Ok! First, I need to go home and shower and change...I have been running all day since the rink and..."

"Jo Jo...you really don't know just how beautiful you really are do you?"

His fingertips softly stroked your cheek as another moment was happening. You could see it in his eyes that he wanted to kiss you and god did you want him to....until your car alarm went off.

You both ran to the front porch and watched a cat haul ass off of your hood. You threw your arms in the air.

"I..I give up. I give up!" you laughed sarcastically and shut the alarm off. "Come pick me up in an hour. You can meet my mom."

His face fell flat and his eyes widened as he gulped. "W..w..what? You...want me to meet your mother? Jo...after how I showed up that day at your house...I doubt that it's a good idea..."

"Lee...relax. She didn't even witness any of it...and so what if she had? It will be fine..."

"Is that code for...here, hold my beer?" he chuckled.

"Ha ha. I'll see you soon then?" you said as you put your coat on and began to walk down the steps.

"So...is this a date?" he said with a sly grin.

You turned and stared at his precious face...then ran back up to him, and held a soft kiss on his cheek right beside his lips, then placed you hand on his cheek and smiled.

"It is..."

As Lee watched you drive off, the smell of your cherry chapstick flowed up his nose and he could feel the slight stickiness of it on his skin. He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh as he held his nerve racked stomach, then went inside to get ready.

Craig headed down to the basement of his complex where there were two other units besides his and the one you would rent that were both upstairs. He then sat down and spoke to someone.

"How's it going my friend. I'm unusually early, but there's been an unusual occurrence. It seems we have a new...tenant. At first, I thought it could be a major problem, because...well...I find it quite odd that this person shows up here of all places looking for an apartment, which concerns me as to what they know....Now on the other hand, it could be a plus, because a close eye can be kept on the resident."

A man sat in a wheelchair, unbound and clearly drugged, wearing a sweatshirt with the hood up and a mask that covered his mouth and nose. Upon hearing this news, he became unsettled and tried to get up, but failed as he was too weak.

"Now, now, there's no reason to panic. The person is quite harmless...at this point until I can further assess the situation, that's why I allowed them to stay here.

"N...no...not..the plan..." the masked man muttered and kept trying to get up.

"Are you really going to make me keep drugging you? Because it seems to be the only option at this point to keep you safe....Damn it..."

Craig got up and brought in the nurse who resided in the other unit down the hall.

"Give him a full dose." he ordered.

She did as she was told and injected the hooded man with a very large needle full of ketamine, otherwise known as special k. His arm was already bruised from several other doses.

"You bring this on yourself. I am trying to protect you...and this seems to be the only drug that will keep your hard headed ass sedated since it's used on horses. I know this was not the plan you had, but what does it matter? You're still dead to the world and dead to those who want you dead. How long have we known each other huh? Have I ever steered you wrong? If you go out there half cocked to seek revenge on the Jerome family or any of the other ones now, instead of waiting for the right moment, you won't be only merely dead, you'll be most sincerely dead. If I hadn't intervened, that's what you'd be. You knew that hit was coming and I know you planned for this to go a lot differently....but now, we have bigger problems."

"One of those being the new out of the blue arrival and it makes me wonder how much you told this person....that being of one Jo March...."

@redeemer46

[quiet-girl-short-stories]

A Quiet Girl's Beginnings

Only Cassie could think death would be better than having to deal with another human being for thirty minutes. Well, maybe it would be better just to die rather than humiliate herself and have to deal with that for the rest of her life, as it would haunt her at three in the morning.

Though, she figured she really would die if she didn't take this chance. As years went on, having good employment only crept up on her.

Currently, Cassie sat in the middle of a lobby area with a group of others who were also minding their own business. By now, Cassie knew pretty much everything in the room; from how long she had been here to how many times that one guy in the corner reached to adjust himself, but she knew all that meant was that she'd be called into her interview soon.

She wondered if her breath stunk, she thought about this outfit her mom helped her with, she guessed it looked good, but was it too much? Was that one of the points they were looking out for? Cassie agonized internally while reaching for her water to take a calm drink. She shut the lid and told herself once more

I want to die

A few minutes had passed and a woman came out calling Cassie's name.

"Ms. Ann?" Cassie instantly got up and she tried to calm herself. The woman smiled and began to guide her to the room where she was going to be interviewed at.

Shit couldn't get any worse than this, Cassie thought. It was likely going to be some old creepy dude who thought he could get in with her and that would be her only way to get what she wants from him. While she didn't want to think all business people were like that, it was hard not to.

The pair walked to the end of the long hallway. It grew quiet and eventually they reached the interview room. The woman got to the door and opened it for Cassie to go inside. Once she did, the door close and Cassie instantly felt the cold of the room, she hoped her shiver hadn't been too visible as the man inside had looked up right as she entered.

Though, she wanted to change her earlier statement; it was likely going to be some young creepy dude who thought he could get in with her and that would be her only way to get what she wants from him.

This man was beautiful and while she still wouldn't be alright with the idea of him taking advantage of her, boy was this a step up.

He gave her a smile and got up to greet her. "Good morning Ms. Ann."

She took his hand and felt like it'd be weird if she squeezed it. "Good morning to you as well."

He smiled and walked back to the desk. "Please, sit." At that, she took the seat across from him, once he sat down, he was quick to start the interview. "Now, I normally don't ask questions in the beginning, but I want to know why you think you're going to benefit me and my company. How do you feel you'll be an asset to us?"

With a small breath, Cassie began to talk as fluently as she could. She went through all her points; how good she thought her writing was, where she was willing to go with her writing and other things she lied about, but he didn't know any better and by the time it was over she still wanted to die.

While she spoke, she paid attention to his features--as gorgeous as they were-- and realized he had made no facial expression after she began to talk, which only made it that much harder for her to know was she doing alright or not. Once she finished, however, she saw a smile come to his face.

Welp, he's glad I'm done.

"I'll have to take your word on most of this, but since you did include a small portfolio of your writing, I was going over them last night." Oh fuck, that's not good! "I do believe you bring something new to our company and I can only see it helping us." Just smile and nod. "However," Fucking of course, "I don't know if we can outright put you with us. Taking a chance on someone like you would cause a big problem if you fall through. I doubt that you would, but this is a business after all."

"I understand." That essentially you painted the word liability all over me.

"So I decided, after the few others I've considered for this position, I'm instead going to make a group of those like you, you'll all learn from each other, help each other and then eventually be put to work full time."

"Really?"

"Really." He repeated.

"So... this means I technically got the job?"

"Yes, that is the correct wording. You'll be paid half your salary and once you prove to me that I can hire you full time, you'll see the rest of that paycheck."

Cassie couldn't contain her smile, but she kept it under wraps and just stood up once he did. "I-I can't thank you enough for this!"

He chuckled. "It's no problem... Cassie." First name basis already? "Of course, since you aren't an employee yet, just know I can and will cut ties with you if something bad were to happen. Though, with someone like you I wouldn't want to see you go so soon."

Cassie felt weird about that, but maintained her smile. Are you saying that in a professional way or a 'I've been staring at your skirt this whole time' way? Because your glasses don't hide a thing.

"Of course, I'll work hard and you can depend on me Mr. Wry!"

"Oh and it's alright to call me Ankara, no need to refer to me as Mr. or anything."

Now that's even weirder... "Alright Ankara, whatever work you have for me, I'll be willing and waiting!"

With the grin on her face, he returned it; and as so, this began the start of this quiet girl's adulthood...

[a-heart-like-a-sparrow]

September 21st, 2024 - Spring

Warning: Absurdly long entry.

+ ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . +

Here's a little recap of yesterday and today.

Friday morning. I went to school because they were making a little celebration for the beginning of spring and Students Day. I really wanted a sandwich and chocolate cake. Turns out everything had been sold before. Fuck.

At least I had a great conversation E. She's really cool. I don't know if I can call her a friend, but I like talking to her.

For the Friday night I have to give some context. Here in my town, the graduating students build a huge wooden snowman in August and burn it the night before spring.

Also, the classes before them (mine) run around them while they burn the poor snowman, which was... decent. A little small.

Does it sound quite satanic? Because it is... kinda.

And then after all that happens, everyone stays there to party.

Surprisingly, I had fun. A lot of fun. Y disappeared, so I stayed with E all the time. She somehow made me be a bit more open and hang out with her friends. Thanks, girl, you saved me.

Actually, I don't know how many of those people were real friends. At some point I walked with her and two other girls, and it turns out that she didn't even know them. I separated from E for a little while and sat down with a 13-year-old who had to leave after a while. So I stayed alone for a little bit. It was weird.

I also walked with this other two people and E to a shop at the city centre, and I helped them by hiding a bottle of alcohol in my backpack lol

That thing was... okay. I could feel it burning my chest, but it wasn't as gross as I thought it would be.

I didn't dance a lot tho. I really didn't know what to do. It was kinda awkward. But I did move a bit.

For some reason it ended earlier than we expected. E and I sat down outside a little bit and she and her mother walked with me on my way home.

I changed to my rags, brushed my teeth and washed the dishes, even though I was fucking dead. I was walking around as if I was lame because my feet hurt like hell.

On Saturday morning I woke up and realized that I contradicted myself and lied. I wasn't with E all the time lol

I had a little headache tho. Hangover, I guess. I have no idea.

I hung out with E and some new buddies. The party continues during the day. But before that we bought the limited edition Oreo-flavoured Coca Cola. It's incredible, we loved it. We wanted Coca-Cola-flavoured Oreos but we couldn't find them.

And this time I drank more than yesterday. At some point I accepted sangria from some guy from another school. I didn't even know him. But it was quite tasty.

I don't even know why I did it. A few weeks ago I would've declined everything, but today I wanted to be like them. And I liked it.

The whole thing ended at 6 PM, and I walked with E to a café and bought milkshakes. We yapped and yapped and laughed and it was amazing.

Y told her about my whole... situation with him. It was so embarrassing. But she said she could arrange something to go out together so I can talk to him. It would be nice, I don't know. Right now I don't care about what I'm doing, as long as it doesn't kill me.

I came home at 8 PM and stayed in bed for a while. I got up to charge my phone and animatedly danced to Soda Stereo. I stopped because I had to write this, and because I started to question my actions and start to believe I'm drunk.

I don't know how that feels, so I'm not sure. But I feel this little warmth on my face and my head feels light sometimes. Well, as long as my mother doesn't notice it.

And that's all! That's why I didn't post anything last night.

I feel a bit older now. I finally did what I was supposed to, and I enjoyed it (strangely). I'm really happy. I had a great day and I even made a new friend. Those other guys were cool, too. I don't know if I'll ever see them again - I hope so.

Tomorrow it's going to rain. A lot. So I'll just stay at home and relax for a bit. I need to recover from this (even though it wasn't really a big deal?).

I think I'll cook some pasta. Just to have dinner now and go to sleep as soon as possible.

Also, I think I smell smoke. I swear I didn't smoke anything, I was surrounded by people with cigarettes.

Last night I didn't know how many of them were tobacco. At least one of them wasn't, I'm sure about that.

I should have a shower. Is it too late for that?

Anyway, I gotta go now.

Rest well - I definitely will.

And happy spring.

+ ° . ๑��° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . + ° . ๑・° ⊹ . +

[everyone-luvvs-freya]

Can you do #3 and #6?

" you're everything i could ever want" and " i love you more than words can describe"

Isla looked at Riley from the sidelines as he talked to some blonde headed bitch. Isla and Riley have been friends for a few years now. Isla had caught feelings for Riley just a few months ago.

Either Riley ignored her hints or he was just plain dumb. Nethertheless , Isla knew that Riley would never be hers. Riley was your typical Playboy, He would fuck any girl the walked. Well any girl other than Isla.

Isla had gotten a good idea about Riley's type, Short, blonde or light colored hair, and she needed to be one of the bimbo girls. She was nothing of his type. She had dark brown hair and was taller than most females, standing around 175.26 cm to 177.80 cm (5 '9 to 5' 10), she also was intelligent and was at the top of her grade. 

She often compared herself to other girls that Riley would bring to their shared college dorm. 

Isla hardly remembered the name of the girl that her best friend was obviously flirting with, something along the line of Alice or Alexis. She stood there heartbroken as the girl was laughing at whatever joke Riley had said.

Tears welled up at her waterline as she tried her damn best to keep them at bay. All she wanted to do was walk with her best friend to their next class but she stopped when Riley had bent down to kiss the girl.

The blonde had said goodbye and Riley walked straight to Isla, “ oh, hey i didn't know that you were waiting for me” Isla just shrugged and kept her composter all though she was two seconds from breaking down crying in the middle of the hallway. 

“ I was going to walk with you to our next class but you were too busy with bimbo bitch over there so I waited until you were done” Isla didn't mean for her words to have such venom but what she saw left a sour taste in her mouth. 

Of course Riley took her words with little offense and thought it was a joke so he playful wrapped his arm around her shoulders and laughed a little. Isla rolled her eyes and shrugged his hand off her shoulders, and Riley stood up straight and looked at the shorter ( by like 3 inches) girl with concern.

“ Are you okay? You normally don't throw my arm off of your shoulders like that” Isla shook her head and sighed, maybe she wanted to tell him about her feelings but she didn't wanna ruin the friendship that she built with him over the past few years.  

“ im fine” Riley knew that something was up, His best friend has never said ‘ im fine’ and meant it whole heartily so he thought about talking to her about it when they got into their dorms. For now he’ll leave it alone. 

Some time has passed and now Isla and Riley are walking to their dorms, “Isla wants wrong?” the brunette looked at Riley with confusion and until she put two and two together and realized they Riley was talking about earlier. “ Nothing” Riley glared at Isla and didn't believe her. “ for some reason i can feel you lying to me” 

Isla put her head down and started to walk silently beside him. Riley knew that something was on her mind. Isla gets all quiet and lies about being okay when something is bothering her or on her mind. 

They arrive at the dorms, “ Isla, just tell me what's wrong and I'll leave you alone” The concern was evident in his voice. It showed that he deeply cared for her. “ I love you and want to make sure that you’re okay” Isla stopped with what she was doing, tears formed in her eyes again, “don’t say that.” her small voice cracks and her voice, just above a whisper to the point that Riley barely heard her.

“Don't say what? That I love you? Of course I love you, you stuck by my side since day one. We are friends; best friends” Isla let the tears fall from her eyes down her cheeks before they landed on the floor.

“ That's the thing, I don't wanna just be friends. I wanna be something more, I want to be the girl that you flirt with and that laughs at your dumb jokes. I love you more than words can describe” 

Isla turned around to look at Riley, who had a shocked look at his face. He of course knew about that flirting she would do with him but he thought it was a mere joke, Not because she actually had feelings for him. He looked at her Teary green eyes and felt so much guilt for not knowing.

Before he would even say anything else, Isla spoke up “you’re everything I could ever want” and with nothing else being said, Isla had Started sobbing. She didn't mean to say anything about her crush on him but i guess she bottled it up for so long that it got the best of her. 

Riley didn't know what to do, he didn't know if he would comfort her or tell her that he didn't feel the same so he stood there in silence as he watched his best friend weep over him. 

Isla had enough of the drowning feeling, so she started getting her stuff and ran out the door and pushed Riley. The push was enough so snapped him out of his train of thought. 

 He turned around to go after Her but when he stuck out his arm to reach her, it had missed her shoulder by a few inches as she ran away crying.

[manslaught]

mikayla wishes she could have been there to see that— or at the very least, hear about it, even if it was still within prison walls. she would have been proud of her then, the same way she is now, but there's some sadness that comes with it, knowing that she didn't get to be a part of it. “ of course you did. ” it comes out more affectionate than she means for it to, momentarily coming off just as endeared with her as she'd been years ago. she realizes she slipped up seconds later, so she changes the subject. “ the girls i had to deal with sucked, obviously. i don't even know how many fights i got in. which is why they didn't let me out early. ” it felt impossible to be on good behavior when she was constantly provoked, having never been good at controlling her anger in the first place.

she doesn't know how to respond to that kind of insecurity from taissa anymore, because all she can think is how it's not her place to try to make her feel better. she has a wife now, and she should be doing that, not mikayla. “ i already told you, i'm not going to do that. ” she hopes tai wins, not just because she doesn't know how to not root for her, even now, but because taissa destroyed everything they had to get here, didn't she? so it has to be worth it. “ i'm on your side. even if i'm in another state. ” even if she's with someone else. and calypso would understand that anyway, right? she'd be okay with mikayla rooting for one of the other survivors to win? she wants to think so, but either way, she's glad that calypso has plans the next night, so she shouldn't be around when the results come in.

the question nearly makes her shut down, makes her debate leaving entirely, but she can't yet, not when she's nat's ride— and not when she's not ready to leave tai yet, even if she's asking a question mikayla doesn't want to answer. it's not because she doesn't know: it's because she does, because she's known all along that her life didn't turn out the way she wanted. it's nothing the way she imagined when she was younger; never imagined the reputation she'd have, the job, the wife— but she's the most upset about the latter, because her father gave her no choice with everything else, because she had to kill him to get away. but standing next to taissa now, it's hard for her to wrap her head around why she couldn't be with her instead. “ no, ” she admits, despite knowing she shouldn't, her voice quiet. “ but it doesn't matter. ” it's the life she has, so whatever she wanted before shouldn't matter, and it does nothing for either of them to dwell on that.

of course, she's relieved that taissa's wife didn't make it. as strong as she pretends to be, mikayla's not sure if she could have stomached that. it's bad enough to know that she exists, that tai loves another woman the way she used to love mikayla. just the pictures she's seen all over town are torture enough, because all she could think is that it makes sense that tai never came back to her. she needed some perfect wife, and some ex-convict could never fit that role. “ i thought it was because you didn't want her to meet me. ” she can feel that tai isn't telling the whole truth, and she's not sure if the real reason is that. “ which is fine, because i don't want to meet her, either. ” she's not mature enough for that, but at least mikayla's able to recognize it; if she would have shown up, mikayla likely would have just left entirely, which would have been better for all of them, really.

she's irritated when her own wife is brought up, because it forces her to think about the unanswered texts, the missed calls. mikayla's been avoiding talking to calypso all night, so she's reminded now that she's going to have to deal with that eventually. “ she's working, ” she lies, the same one she'd told allie earlier in the night. the truth is calypso is waiting around for her, having taken the night off to spend time with mikayla, only to be stood up for this. it's not entirely mikayla's fault, because she hadn't planned to have to bury a body and attend a reunion with people she never planned to see again, but she could have invited calypso— she just didn't want to. “ for the best, honestly. i can't imagine that going well, especially with misty here. ”

she’s endeared just as she’s always been with her confidence,  and she takes the bait,   allowing her eyes to look her over for a brief moment as she nods her head.    ❝  it’s not surprising,  ❞    she compliments,   an indirect way of telling her that she’s still distractingly gorgeous,   words she’s sure she’s spoken before,  many years ago.    

her lips part as mikayla questions her,   and she thinks back to so many years ago when she had a new kind of fight to face every day on that team.   a small, almost wicked smile starts to grow over her features,   and she proudly tips her head up.    ❝  i did one better.   i stole her spot,  ❞    she says simply,    and it had been a big deal then  —-   a freshman swooping in after all her body endured for a year and a half,   stealing a senior’s spot before the season even started;   it was exactly the boost of confidence she needed to remind herself she was still capable of this.   and more than that,   it felt good to earn something,   rather than revert back to her tactics from high school —  even if she never truly got away from that mindset,  either.  

taissa lets out a scoff,   but it’s not because she doesn’t appreciate her words;   she does,   and she’s still surprised that she’s encouraging her at all,   but she's trying not to get her hopes up when it already feels doomed.   ❝  i hope you’re right about that.  all the shit i’ve gone through to try to get here,    i don't want to see it fall apart now.  ❞     she doesn’t express that kind of insecurity or fear to her own wife;    she could always feel it,   simone trying to get her to admit she didn’t feel as confident as she started.   it only fueled tai more,  even when simone had been right.   but now, standing here, talking to mikayla —-  it just comes out,   like muscle memory how easy it is to just talk to her.    ❝  but if it doesn’t—   i wouldn’t blame you for cheering for my downfall anyway,  ❞     she admits,    raising her brow as she looks back to her.    

it’s not what she wanted to hear.   but tai isn’t sure what she really wanted,  anyway,  because if mikayla admitted to wanting to do something to stop the wedding,   there’s still nothing they could have done about it now.   she hums anyway,   fixated on the photo again,   but her mind is elsewhere,  imagining mikayla showing up suddenly and telling her that tai was wrong,  and maybe tai would have been strong enough to stand her ground,  pretend she couldn’t possibly make a mistake — or maybe she would have been braver,   saved herself from a marriage that was all about settling into something stable and gone for what she wanted instead.   maybe there’s a world where she and mikayla could have worked —- but tai doesn’t think that she deserves that thought,  anyway.   her head turns after a long moment,   feeling comfortable enough to question her.    ❝  do you?  ❞  she asks quietly,   her lips pursing together as she stares back at her.   she's not accusing her,   she’s just curious.    it’s what tai wanted for her — for her own life to be everything she wanted,   but she’s not sure either of them can say that it was when they weren’t together.    

 she’s caught off guard when she asks about her wife,   mostly because it hadn’t been on her mind.   simone left weeks ago,  at tai’s request in an effort to protect her and her son,  but it wasn’t as simple as she thought it could be,   and ever since they walked out,   she hasn’t been sure her life will ever get back to where it’s supposed to be — something she can’t dwell on now.   of course,   she can’t tell mikayla that,    and she’s been sidestepping the question all night,  anyway.    ❝  oh,  ❞    she says quietly,  taking a deep breath.    ❝  —- you know,  this wasn’t in the plans.  i’ve never come to a reunion—-  don't really she the point,  considering,  ❞   she says,  gesturing vaguely as she thinks of all the frustrating questions they’d been asked tonight.    ❝  it was so last minute,  someone had to watch the kid—-   and i just thought it would be best,  after all that happened today.  ❞    her voice is steady,   but it's likely mikayla still knows her well enough to assume there’s a lie in there,   because that’s not the truth at all.   and she’s not just talking about burying a body,  either —-   even if things were good with her wife,   she can’t imagine being in the same room as her and mikayla,   the thought alone threatening to make her head explode.  

her head nods slowly,  ready to drop it,   until she realizes the same question can be asked to her,   her hand waving back to mikayla.    ❝  and,  your wife?  wasn’t time to introduce her to old friends? ❞   the dread at her own words is likely written across her face — she doesn’t want to be in the same room as her,  either,  and she definitely isn’t interested in seeing mikayla with her.

[tlacehualli]

@apoapsis

                     The rise in tension does not go unnoticed-- and for a few moments, he wonders if he’s ruined the moment, compulsive thoughts and fears snaking their way through his mind’s eye as she hangs in silence for what felt like an eternity. The fact that her fingers have ceased petting his hair is further perceived as evidence for alarm... Although, he’s more patient, resisting the urge to begin backpedaling verbally in the off-chance she was simply thinking.

SIGMA releases tension that had collected in his shoulders, unbeknownst to him, when Sombra finally speaks up again-- in the affirmative, no less...

                           “-- A-ah, trying is fine! There is no such thing as a zero-percent margin of error! Whatever you can do-- it will mean just as much as any actual success!“ SIGMA reassures her eagerly, albeit still with somewhat of a fairly incredulous tone as he lies flat on his back to gaze up at her more fully with tentative hope. He reflexively mirrors her, however, when she begins dropping her tone, his own dropping several decibels to match. Crowds... how did he feel about crowds...? He’s... never been in any! There were rarely enough staff around him on any given day to even warrant being labelled as a “crowd”-- so he’s... uncertain.

“... Perhaps direct socialization is... best avoided for the time being...“ He murmurs softly, though his eyes go somewhat half-lidded when Sombra resumes stroking his hair, having to resist the urge to allow them to close entirely-- lest he get too comfortable. This was a little too important to simply allow himself to tune out of the conversation...

                           “I, ah-- I want to go wherever-- whenever-- you want to go! I-- I will do everything you ask of me! I will be on my very BEST behavior!“ He whispers excitedly, a weak smile twitching at the corners of his lips, unable to suppress the tiniest wiggle of his body in his obvious elation as he lays there against her.

Planning shit behind people's backs, well - she was a little bit more in her element in that, far more than she was trying to be emotional support. She was equal parts nervous, equal parts excited, and now that her mind had been running through calculations and putting schedules through algorithms and natural language processors and all of that, there was something of a little mischievious glint in her eye.

Sombra looked down at his big head in her lap - honestly, he was just so physically imposing if you didn't actually speak with him and realize he had the personality of like the sweetest puppy one ever did meet - and offered him a cheeky little wink. "Most of the time, I succeed when I try, so no te preocupes, viejito. I'm the greatest of all time." Only half of her was joking. When it came to this, she had all the confidence in the world.

"Yeah, I figured crowds might be bad. But that's not a problem, bakeries are open really really early. I had a tia that had a bakery back in Mexico, my primos would be up even earlier than I was just to start working the dough and baking and stuff." She smiled a little bit at the ancient memory - as spotty as her memory was back then, especially without the aid of her AI, some stuff always stuck. Like the scent of pan in the morning, hot and ready.

She generally didn't like to talk about her past at all, but she found it easier with him. Just sharing little tidbits of a life long past - hell, two lifetimes ago now. Olivia the girl with a family, Olivia the member of Los Muertos - now, Olivia dead and gone, and in her place, Sombra. But sometimes remembering wasn't so painful.

"Anywhere else you might wanna go? Best I can figure right now is we'll have like a couple of hours. There's a park nearby, the trees are pretty this time of the year and there's a bunch of birds. I'm a big nature gal. It's not exactly a state park or something but, I dunno. Sometimes green stuff is good for the soul. Or anything really, you name it. You don't have to do what I tell you to do." She smirked a little. "I always hated following orders myself."

[rinrinx2]

hello! i love ur work ! 💗

is it okay if i request a bimbo reader x ran where ran and the reader are friends. The reader is a virgin but doesn’t want anyone but Ran to take it ! Idk if this makes sense but ur work is really lovely ! so feel free to play around with this idea <3

Okay I absolutely love writing bimbo reader, I don't know why but it's always so fun. I hope you like it 💕💕💕.

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"When do you lose your virginity?"

Ran x Bimbo!Reader

Warnings: Inappropriate language, Mature themes, virginity loss, smut, orgasm, fingering, dom/sub

When Ran had befriended you in high school, he was taken aback by how such a beautiful girl had absolutely nothing in her head paired with the fact that she wore the shortest skirt his ever seen and bending over in such a manner that had you exposing your panties to everyone, he came to one single conclusion you were a Bimbo.

There was no way you weren't a nymphomaniac, so how now after so many years of him thinking he knew you had the question you just asked been the biggest plot twist of his life.

"Did you hear me Rannie. When are you supposed to lose your virginity?" You said waving your hands infront of his baffled face as your boobs bounced about in his face.

Ran took a moment to let the question fully sink down into his brain.

'Maybe she's just asking this dumb question to find out when I lost my virginty' Ran thought, as the idea of you being a virgin was slim.

"I lost mine at 18" he said as he now kept a neutral look on his face.

"Wow Rannie, that's so cool. I haven't lost mine yet I didn't know we were suppose to lose it then" you said with a smile on your face as if you hadn't just told him the biggest news to his ears.

"You're a virgin?" Ran said confused, still not fully comprehending that you a woman who showed him your skimpy thongs because they were cute was a virgin.

"Yeah, can't you tell?" you asked turning your face back to Rans with a pout on your cute face.

"I mean it's just you're so cute I would think any guy would be lucky enough to have you in his bed" Ran said turning his charm on to avoid hurting your feelings.

"Well I always wanted to lose it to you, but everytime I tried to bring it up you either had a girlfriend or you went to juvie" you said with a giggle.

"But I also didn't know at what age you were suppose to lose it, so guess it doesn't matter right?" You said turning your attention back to the t.v as you tried to focus on some barbie movie Ran put on for you.

So clueless that you didn't even realize the predator like look in Ran's eyes. He didn't know that you kept yourself for him and if he knew back then what he did now he would of easily ditched whatever girlfriend to be buried in your unused pussy.

Ran carefully moved closer to where you sat on the couch, till his thigh was grazing at yours. Carefully placing his big hand on your upper thigh as you remained oblivious to his actions.

"You know the perfect age to lose your virginity is your current age now" Ran whispered into your ear as his hand massaged up your thigh.

"Really?!" You said head snapping towards his, as your eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Yes really. Boys lose their virginity earlier so their cocks can get bigger but it's best a girl waits a bit so her pussy can get nice and puffy on the inside" Ran said gently coaxing you into his lies that you were readily eating up.

"That makes so much sense Rannie, you're so smart" you said unaware at the hand that was now just hovering over your covered cunt underneath your dress.

"So, come on let's take your virginity" Ran whispered towards you as he brought his lips closer to yours until he closed the gap between the two of you.

Ran kissed you softly at first trying to make it feel magical until his hand began to knead at your covered cunt, then Ran began to kiss you more feverishly. His tongue sliding into your mouth as his tongue lapped at yours. His fingers coming to your clit rubbing tight circles through your lacy pink panties as you moaned into his mouth.

"Rannie ~ feels so good" you said against his mouth.

"It's about to feel alot better soon" Ran said as he moved his hand down to shift your panties to the side, his fingers feeling the slick that dripped out from your cunt.

And in one swift movement he plunged his digits into your cunt.

"Oh Rannie" you moaned out as your pussy felt filled out by two of Ran's fingers.

"Come on, if you can't take my fingers how you going to take my cock angel?" Ran asked as he pushed his fingers back and forth fucking your cunt, causing wet lewd sounds to echo about the lounge.

Rans skilled fingers spread your pussy from the inside as he pushed his fingers as deep as he could causing moaning to escape your lips.

Your pussy was devouring Ran's fingers, pulling him as deep as it could as it milked them, as if you weren't a virgin.

Ran enjoyed the sight of your pussy dripping down on his hand, how your walls were beginning to pulse sate a sign you were close.

"Rannie something feels funny" you said as you gripped at his hands.

"It's okay princess, you're not going to cum now, you're gonna cum on my cock" Ran said as he removed his fingers, watching as your pussy juices dribbled out.

Ran quickly undid his pants taking out his cock causing your eyes to become massive.

Ran's cock was massive, the shaft was long and girthy with a prominent vein on the underside and a thick mushroom tip that had a pearl of pre-cum dripping out of the slit.

"Rannie how's it going to fit?" You asked with slight panic in your voice.

"Don't worry I'm make it fit" Ran said with a smirk as he aligned his throbbing cock at your entrance.

You could feel Ran prodding at your folds gently pushing against your pussy hole as it squeezed out in excitement.

Ran kept his eyes focused on your cunt, your unused cunt that was about to be filled with cock for the first time, by his cock.

Ran's eyes shifted to your face as he began to push into your pussy watching as your face began to contort in pain and pleasure.

Ran couldn't believe how tight you were, how your pussy was both grabbing at his cock and trying to push him out, the sensation causing his balls to fill with more semen.

"Rannie its -" you moaned out but were cut off as Ran stopped half way. His cock had slipped into your pussy only halfway but it felt as if he had already filled you to the brim, you pussy felt so full.

"Lemme just bottom out"

"Rannie I don't think I can-" you began to babble as tears started to sleep at the sensation of him pushing deeper.

"You can take it, you're a good girl. You're my good girl" Ran said as he bottomed out inside you.

His cock was so deep inside you that when you looked down you were able to see the bulge of his cock inside you.

Ran remained still adjusting to your unbearable tightness waiting for you to adjust to his cock so that he could start fucking you.

You lied on the couch with Ran's cock pentrating you so deep, feeling his hands remained on your waist while quiet tears dripped down your cheeks, but they were quick to dry when the pain was replaced with pleasure and soon you were moaning at the sensation of having Ran's cock inside you.

"My good girl wants me to fuck her" Ran said as your reaction was clear enough that you craved for the friction.

Ran began thrusting into your sobbing cunt, slowly and deep causing the air to be knocked out of you with each thrust.

Your pussy walls felt like they were being massaged in the best of ways, you wanted more.

"Rannie fuck me harder" you begged out pushing against his cock.

Ran gave you a predator look and in the next second he started pounding into your pussy.

Ran fucked you like a wild animal, hips barely pulling fully out as he fucked you now. He could feel the cum that was once in his balls being pushed through his shaft just aching to shoot out into your pussy and paint it a nice pearly white.

Ran continued his brutal pace as your pussy kept tightening with each thrust, until the pressure became unbearable.

"Rannie I think I'm gonna pee" you moaned out at your pressed your hand down on your womb feel Ran's cock slide in and out of you.

"It's okay baby, just let go" Ran said feeling how your walls were starting to milk him.

"Just let go baby" Ran moaned out trying to hold back as long as he could.

The pressure in your tummy was becoming to much to fast until it finally stopped. Strings of moans left your mouth as clear liquid squirted out of your pussy and all over the couch.

The sight of you squirting pushed Ran over the edge as hot semen was shot into your cunt as your pussy still milked Ran for more, causing him to throw his head back in pleasure.

You and Ran remained in that position until he carefully slipped his cock out, causing a soft popping noise to be heard.

You looked at Ran who was busy putting his cock back into his trousers as he got up and walked to the kitchen to fetch a clothe.

Ran began to wipe the slick and cum that still dripped out of your pussy, as you watched in amazement

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Rindou sat on the couch as Ran was in the kitchen pouring to glasses of whiskey.

"Why does your couch feel so wet?" Rindou asked as he pushed his hands against the damp spot.

"I had sex" Ran said matter-of-factly, as he walked over to where Rindou sat.

"What the fuck and you let me sit on it"

"Calm down it was with (Y/N)" Ran said handing a glass to Rindou.

"She finally let you fuck" Rindou said with a laugh as he took a swig at his drink.

"Nah she let me take a virginity"

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All rights reserved to @rinrinx2