#in there with THEM TALKING for an hour. it was 1.30 am or so when i went there. i got out at 2.40am🥴 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

illfoandillfie · 4 years ago

Text

Pet Names, Double Dates and Other Fiascos

READ PLATONICALLY

Request: SECOND ARO FIC OH MY GOD !!!! maybe them getting a lil dirty and ben really does a number on reader, so he takes her to mcdonalds or sumn and the waiter says something along the lines of “you’re such a cute couple!” and reader gets really uncomfortable with it maybe??? and ben being taking her home and cuddling her PLATONICALLY and he’s like “it’s ok we don’t need to let anyone else’s opinions affect us”

Pairing: Aromantic!Fem!Reader x Ben Hardy

Summary: It's (nearly) all fun and games until someone assumes your relationship is romantic.

Warnings: Smut, kitchen sex, floor sex, oral sex (f receiving), a mild hint at choking, vaguely dom!Ben but not intentionally lmao, discussions of aromanticism and queerplatonic relationships, not as dialogue heavy as the first part though.

Words: 7, 264

A/N: Happy Arospec Awareness Week!! Big thanks to the anon who sent in that request when I asked for ideas for future chapters. I put a little bit of a twist on your idea but it’s fundamentally the same. Also the last scene is one that I’ve been thinking about for literal months now and I finally managed to fit it into a fic!

As always, if you’re curious about anything to do with aromanticism I am very happy to talk about it and answer questions!

Taglist: @atomic-watermelon @kellypenac @labessieisallama @deakyclicks @jennyggggrrr @drowseoftaylor @hannafuckingsucks @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming @queenmylovely @ilovequeenmorethanyou @johndeaconshands @borhapbois @stardust-galaxies @cherries-n-rocknroll @scorpiogemini

The day had started off well. You woke with Ben tucked up under your arm, his legs curled up towards his chest since you’d stole the covers as you’d slept. Your face was pressed against the back of his neck and you felt him shift as you sighed sleepily and tried to keep from waking. Squeezing your eyes shut and pretending you hadn’t stirred must have worked because the next thing you knew was waking up to an empty bed and tinkly tapping sounds from somewhere else in the apartment. Groggily you shuffled out from the inviting comfort of the mattress, stretched, and pulled down the hem of the shirt you’d slept in to better cover your otherwise bare thighs before following the noises. You found Ben, still in his pyjamas (well, his boxer briefs) in the kitchen, dropping a couple of toasted waffles onto a plate, humming to himself.

“That for me?” you asked, stifling a yawn. “It can be,” he said, passing the plate to you with a quick kiss on your cheek, “There’s some cut up fruit and the maple syrup out on the coffee table and there’s coffee brewing over there,” “Thanks Benny,” “You’re welcome, Puddin’,” “Puddin’?” “I thought it was cute,” “Very cute.” You laughed as you reached for your coffee, unable to help but smile as you left the room. The first few months of your partnership had taken some adjusting and one thing Ben had decided he would do to make you both feel more at home with the dynamic was to come up with some non-romantic based terms of endearment for you. You’d vetoed things like baby and honey straight away, all of them a little too heavily skewed towards romance, or just reminders of past relationships you’d tried to force yourself into, for you to enjoy them. But, as Ben had said, he liked a good pet name, and he’d seemingly been determined to prove as much, constantly coming up with new things to call you. You, never really one for pet names anyway, mostly stuck with Benny or Benjamin if the situation called for something longer but you had a few other go-tos – things like Pet and Blondie as signs of affection, or Handsome and Tiger when you wanted to make him blush.

A few minutes later Ben joined you on the couch, placing his coffee down beside yours, almost spilling it as he watched the news story that was playing. “Remember we’ve got that double date with Jill and Martin this afternoon,” you said, the memory only just coming to you yourself. “Yeah, what time was that?” “Hang on, I’ll check the chat.” You scrolled through the messages on your phone with one hand while you ate with the other, “uhhh right, yeah, meeting at the bowling alley at 1.30.” “Bowling? Good, better than another shitty movie,” You laughed, “hey the last one they picked wasn’t too bad.” “Yeah I know, just not in the mood for it since I’ve been on set all week. I know if I went to the cinema now I’d just get distracted thinking about all the behind the scenes stuff which isn’t ideal for becoming invested in the story. Plus they’re always choosing romcoms, doesn’t that get annoying for you?” “Not really,” you shrugged, “I mean, do I sometimes wish they’d branch out? Sure. But I enjoy romance in fiction I just don’t need it in my real life. Don’t get me wrong though, very happy to do something different this time.” “How long d’you think we’ll be out?” You shrugged, “A few hours maybe?” “We should pop to the shop on the way back then. You need milk and we could get something nice for dinner.” “Sounds good. Does that mean you’re staying over again tonight?” “I was planning to, yeah. Barely saw you last week so I was hoping to spend all weekend with you to make up for it.” “Bet you regret agreeing to go out with them now,” “Kinda. S’pose it’s too late to cancel though,” “Nah you still could but you know they’ll get stroppy about it and we’ll have to go out with them next week. They don’t have any other couple friends since Neil and Percy split and Bianca took her fella overseas.” “Yeah, wasn’t seriously suggesting it.” “What would the plan have been if we did cancel?” Ben chewed a mouthful of fruit thoughtfully, “you, me, your bed. No need to be too quiet since Sophie’s still out,” he glanced at your roommate’s bedroom door, his eyes swinging back to you as he continued, “Or y’know, we could do a puzzle and listen to music all day, have a cat nap after lunch, whatever.” “You’re cute when you’re being all lazy,” “There would be nothing lazy about it thank you very much,” “Cat naps aren’t lazy?” “You know that’s not the part I was talking about,” “It wasn’t? Then what won’t be lazy,” you tried to hold back a giggle in the middle of your faux confusion but broke when Ben blew a raspberry at you in response.

Nothing more was said about cancelling as you finished your breakfast, though truthfully you probably wouldn’t have minded if Ben had cried off sick and rescheduled the double date. But you both decided that Sunday would be a day for just the two of you to make up for having to spend Saturday afternoon with others. Instead, you spoke of the week just passed and commented on the news still playing on the TV. When you were finished (Ben using the last corner of one of his waffles to swipe the remnant syrup from his plate) you stood and stacked the sticky dishes in your arms. Ben collected the coffee cups and a few other assorted dishes from the previous night, leading the way towards the kitchen and the dishwasher. He loaded his small collection onto the shelves before turning to grab the top plate from the pile you held. A noise of disgust rose from his throat as you held the plate out and he miscalculated the trajectory, his palm landing in a puddle of syrup and fruit juice. You were torn between laughing at his expression and taking the opportunity to toy with him a little but, always ready to tease him, your desire to see him blush won out. Trying not to smile too much, you reached forward and wrapped your hand around his wrist, pulling his palm closer so you could lick the sweet syrup from his skin. Predictably his cheeks turned pink and he pulled his lip between his teeth as you let him go with a laugh. “Bet you’re really wishing we didn’t have to go out now, huh Tiger?” Ben didn’t respond but he did react, his eyes locked on you as he swiped his fingers along the same plate and held them out in offering. Not quite sure where things were heading but very keen on finding out, you leaned forward and let your lips part slightly. He took the action for what it was, an invitation, and trailed his fingertips across your lower lip before slipping them between the two. He watched closely as you sucked his fingers deeper, using your tongue to lick up the sweet residue. There was still an element of novelty with this aspect of your partnership. Still part of you that was intensely aware that it was Ben’s fingers in your mouth. There wasn’t any hesitation though, hadn’t been since that first time when you’d both had to psych yourselves up to actually look at each other naked. But there was a part of your brain that was almost surprised when you found yourselves at the edge of a sexual situation. You suspected he was similarly discombobulated by how easy it was for you to end up there, how frequently playful teasing and friendly jokes turned into hands grasping at bed sheets and breathless moans against sweat-slick skin. He pulled his fingers free from your lips, unwilling or perhaps unable to shift his gaze away from the thin string of saliva that connected them like some kind of erotic spider web that you were both already caught in. You waited to see what he’d do next, feeling your heart race in the pregnant pause so full of potential. And then he moved. You laughed as he grabbed you around the waist and lifted you at the same moment he stepped towards the bench, your legs instinctively wrapping around him. He kissed you too, hungrily, as if it were impossible to resist. You’d looked down at him and suddenly been pulled towards each other, lips meeting with all the force and attraction of a magnetic field. Usually, he would have had a hand against the back of your head or your jaw but carrying you meant both his hands were already occupied so instead you substituted your own, tangling your fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck to keep him from pulling away too far. As soon as you were safely positioned on the edge of the bench though his hands were free to fall elsewhere. One pressed against the small of your back as the other squeezed your thigh, encouraging you to keep your legs spread. Not that you could have closed them with Ben standing between them and not that the thought had even crossed your mind.

If you’d had all day Ben probably would have taken his time with you. Despite what he’d said earlier, you’d discovered Ben had a soft spot for slow and sensual intimacy. Making out that gradually built to passionate kiss-filled sex, foreplay that included soft caresses and whispered praise, anything that let him explore your body in intricate detail with his hands and lips. You’d been with guys like that before and had hated their insistence on linking hands and kissing you slowly. Those relationships never lasted long but with Ben it felt different, it felt good. Maybe it was because he knew you weren’t on board with overtly romantic acts and respected those boundaries you’d talked about so you never felt as if he were pushing you into a roll you didn’t enjoy. Or maybe he was just a better lover than they had been. Either way, it came to same result. You still preferred something less gentle and more energetic, though you felt you better understood the appeal of being held so close and kissed so tenderly. But with only a few hours before you’d have to start getting ready, Ben was inclined to speed things up a little. His hand quickly slipped up your thigh to press against your pussy, the cotton knickers you’d slept in the only thing keeping him from direct contact. You broke the kiss suddenly, the smacking sound loud in the small room, and dipped your head to press your lips to the notch between his clavicles. In response, Ben lifted his chin, exposing more of his throat to you and you took the chance to playfully nip at the junction where his neck and shoulder met. “Oi, no marks,” he said lwoly as you moved to kiss back up towards his jaw. “Afraid I’ll brand you with my initials?” “If you could legibly write your initials in hickeys I’d put up with whatever teasing the makeup ladies gave me,” “I’ll give it a crack then shall I?” Before you could so much as flick your tongue over his skin, Ben had raised a hand and placed it over your mouth to keep you from testing our your writing abilities, “Don’t think theres enough time, Sugar, but if you really want to I’ll let you try tonight, on my thigh where no one is likely to see it.” “Make it your arse and you’ve got a deal,” you said though it was a little muffled by his palm. “Fine,” he laughed, drawing his hand away, “But then I get to try it on you too,” You nodded, grinning, and then both fell into giggles, leaning against each other’s shoulders. This was what you’d hoped for when Ben had first approached you with the idea of being partners, what you’d been afraid you’d never actually find. Someone who would follow your tangential jokes even if it delayed sex. Someone you could be yourself with. You were distracted from the thought as Ben pressed his lips to your shoulder over the sleeve of your shirt. “Should I continue?” he asked, still smiling though softer, his fingertips lightly dancing over the crease of your thigh. “I’d be offended if you didn’t” “Can’t have that,” he leaned in to catch your lips once again, at the same time resuming stroking you over your panties so that you felt all the air leave your lungs in a rush. It felt good but you need more and so shifted your hips, trying to press yourself harder against his fingers. To get more leverage and better brace yourself as your centre of gravity changed, you dropped a hand behind you. Intuitively, Ben shifted the hand on your back higher and closer to your side to help keep you steady, the other still drawing lines along your clothed slit. You gasped as his thumb took up residence against your clit, rubbing it firmly so a visible damp patch began to form on your panties.

Ben grinned at you as your breath came harder and dragged his thumb back down away from your clit towards the leg of your underwear. Still watching your reactions, he twisted his fingers up under the material, gently tracing them along the same path they’d just followed only now he could feel your wetness directly. “I’ve got an idea,” he said, leaning close to your ear, as he circled your entrance with a fingertip before pressing it into you, “of how I’d like to fuck you right now. It might take a little flexibility on your part though. I mean, nothing too much, just getting your legs up on my shoulders.” Curious, and more than a little distracted by the addition of a second finger inside you, you nodded, “Sounds fun.” “Knew you’d say that. Just tell me if it’s too uncomfortable,” “Will do.” You leaned forward as Ben moved back a little, taking his fingers with him, giving you enough room to drop your hand to his crotch and grasp his stiff length through his undies, “Just get on with it.” “Puddin’ was too nice a nickname for you. Sugar too.” he gasped as you dragged your palm along his length and back again. “What’s the matter, Tiger?” “Maybe I should call you Tiger, if you’re going to keep grabbing my cock like that,” You laughed and let him go, leaning back on your palm again, “Tigress? Whatever, doesn’t matter. Are you going to fuck me or not?” “No I just wanted to get my dick hard for no reason,” he said sarcastically, poking his tongue out at you as he pushed his underwear down. “You’re such a –” you broke off with a sharp gasp as Ben tugged your underwear aside and pressed into you without warning, “dork.” Ben chucked and leaned in to kiss you quickly before readjusting your position a little by pulling you closer to him so your arse was right against the edge of the bench. Slowly he rolled his hips against you, pulling back and thrusting forward again, finding a rhythm that worked. You leaned back on both palms as Ben grabbed you by the waist, the other resting on your knee to keep it pressed against his side. “This feel alright?” he asked as he gave another thrust, hitting a spot deep inside you. “Mmhmm,” you nodded, able to feel yourself growing wetter with each stroke of his cock. “What about this?” Ben shifted first one of your legs and then the other to his shoulders, encouraging you to bend them at the knee. His hands moved to your sides, fingertips digging into your back as he pressed you even closer. The effect was that you felt as if you were almost folded in half but it wasn’t too uncomfortable. There was an almost weightless feeling to it and any slight awkwardness you felt with your chest meeting your thighs was a small price to pay for just how good Ben felt once again moving inside you. You tightened your fingers against the benchtop, wishing there was something you could grab onto as your whole body rocked with each of his thrusts, the position allowing him to penetrate you deeply, continuously brushing against a number of spots that sent electric spikes of pleasure through you. “Fuck,” was about all you could think to say. “That a good fuck?” Ben questioned, voice gruff with his exertions. “Yeah, yes, fuck, so good,” “So you like when I do this?” You let out a soft moan as he roughly fucked into you again, timing it just right. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he half laughed, turning his head to kiss your leg before leaning forward to catch your lips again. After that there wasn’t much room for talking. Ben, having assured himself that you were happy, speeded up his rhythm, clutching you tightly to keep your legs from slipping off his shoulders. His breathing became rougher, matching your own, as he drove into you, though he still kissed you as much as he could, panting against your lips, swallowing your moans and pushing whatever air he had into your lungs.

You could feel your orgasm bubbling up, like a pot of water on the verge of boiling, but knew Ben would reach his first, recognising his expression as the one he wore when he was trying to hold back from the edge. “Fu-ck you’re s-so tight,” he grunted, squeezing his eyes shut as he leaned his forehead against yours, “gonna have to pull out soon,” You could feel him pulling away and tightened your calves on either side of his neck in an effort to stop him, needing just a little more to reach your own release. “Not helping,” he groaned, suddenly unable to hold off any longer, “Shit. Y/N.” You whined as he stilled to shoot his release over your walls. “Jesus,” he said a little breathlessly, as he pulled out, your underwear slipping back over you, and rubbed his neck absentmindedly, “Didn’t expect that to finish me off. Did you…?” You shook your head, letting your leg slip to be caught in the crook of Ben’s arm. “Well let’s fix that, shall we,” he said, already letting you go to bend forward, his face right between your thighs. You felt a puff of his hot breath against you as he hooked his index finger into the crotch of your knickers, pulling it aside, and then his tongue was on you, lapping up your arousal and coming to rest against your clit. He set up camp there, focusing all his attention on the small nub. You let yourself drop back so you were holding yourself up on one elbow, your other hand on the back of Ben’s head, tugging on his hair as he drew a series of moans from you. With a particularly firm suck, you felt your cunt pulse and something warm and wet ran from you, dripping over the edge of the bench onto the cupboard door. You had an idea what it was so it surprised you when Ben released your clit to lick between your lips, catching it with his tongue and spreading it along your slit. “We taste good together,” he mumbled, going in to trace the same path over again, greedily licking up the mixture. You swore under your breath, feeling yourself right on the edge of your orgasm, unspeakably turned on by Ben lapping up the load he’d just left in you. Sensing how close you were he dragged his tongue over your clit again, quickly sliding two fingers into you to help you along. You whined his name as he pushed you over the edge, continuing to pump his fingers into you as he again sucked at your clit, not stopping until he was sure it had worked. “Thank you,” you said as he straightened up again, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re such a dork,” he laughed as he kissed you again, tracing his tongue over yours. The man clearly wanted you lightheaded from lack of air. “Shut up,” you pushed yourself to sit up straight again, expecting Ben to step away and let you hop down from the bench. He didn’t though, instead absentmindedly toying with the leg of your underwear as his gaze fell to your lips. “Seriously?” Ben shrugged, “Eating you out made me hard again. And,” he quickly ran his fingers along the edge of the bench, collecting some of the mess you’d left there, “I think it’s only fair you should taste us too,” If he’s said it less earnestly you might have batted his hand away and laughed off the suggestion but something about his tone made you grab his wrist to pull his fingers towards your mouth. He hadn’t been wrong, the mix of you both did taste pretty good, though you’d already got a hint of it as he’d kissed you. “Good girl,” he breathed out, eyes heavy with lust, “think you’re up for more?” “Can we move elsewhere? The edge of the counter is digging into me.” “Okay,” Ben began tugging your underwear down and kicked off his own before pulling your shirt over your head, making you laugh. He Helped you stand and then immediately pushed you to the floor. For a moment you thought he was suggesting you give him a blowjob and were about to question him but half a second later he was following you down, laying down and pulling you on top. “I meant like the bed or the couch at least,” you said somewhere between incredulity and amusement. “Too far,” he grunted, bucking his hips to encourage you to mount him properly, “need you now.” You rolled your eyes as you sank down onto his dick, “Do I actually get to cum this time or…?” “Only if you move,” Ben growled as he grasped your hips and pulled you down onto him, making you cry out at the unexpectedly sudden sensation of being filled. He let you ride him for a bit, alternating between squeezing your thigh as he rubbed his thumb over your clit and cupping your breasts, teasing your nipples as he encouraged you to fuck yourself on his cock faster. You kept to the same steady pace though, intending to drag it out a little, make him wait. But it wasn’t long before he got fed up with the deliberately slow pace you’d cultivated. Without warning you found yourself on your back, Ben grasping your thighs as he kneeled over you, pulling your hips up a little so he could fuck you the way he wanted. Your voice shook as you moaned and writhed in his shadow, your own fingers dancing over your clit to keep building your orgasm. “Isn’t that better?” he said roughly, laughing a little as you nodded your agreement, “Making me wish I had cancelled our plans. Could stay in your pussy all day.” You whimpered and rubbed your clit harder. “C’mon Pumpkin, so close aren’t ya,” You squeezed your eyes shut, moaning when you finally tipped over the edge. But that didn’t stop Ben. He waited until your orgasm had subsided and then pushed your legs wide and up into the air so he could lay directly on top of you as he continued to pound you. Your voice shook as a moan was pulled from your throat and you squirmed beneath him, feeling yourself once again being drawn towards release. There was something about his weight pressing down on you, his breath against your ear. Something about how close he seemed, almost panting as his hips stuttered in and out of the rhythm he was desperately trying to hold on to. He mouthed at your neck as you tilted your head to accommodate him, reaching a hand down to squeeze his arse cheek. You were sore from every other way he’d fucked you, tired from the two orgasms he’d already wrung from you, and yet the thought of stopping him, of ending the incredible pleasure you felt at his hands, was the furthest thing from your mind. A scream caught in your throat as he seemed to press you even harder into the floor, your legs shaking in the air as he grit his teeth and grunted with each harsh drive into you. And then he came, gasping against your throat as he felt you cum too, finally releasing the scream you’d been holding onto until the noise turned to breaths so ragged they felt like sobs.

Ben kissed your throat and then your jaw as he came back to earth, still laying on you. “How was that?” he asked softly when you’d remained quiet for a while. You drew in a deep breath, “Pum-Pumpkin?” “What?” “You called me fucking Pumpkin of all things, while trying to get me off?” “So?” “Jesus Ben,” you half-heartedly swatted at his side, “you’re lucky I was so close that it didn’t matter otherwise I might have laughed and completely lost the orgasm.” Ben joined in your laughter, the sensation of his shaking body on top of yours slightly odd but mostly quite comforting. Until he shifted his hips without thinking and made you wince. “Sorry,” he said, pressing his lips to yours again as if to kiss away the discomfort before he gingerly pulled out of you and sat back on his knees, “But you did cum that time, right?” “I think you know I did,” you sighed, already able to see what was coming, as you let your legs drop to the floor. “So wait, how many times exactly?” You sighed and shook your head slightly. “Because if my maths is right, I think we got you to three times. Once on the bench and twice on the floor. One plus two is three, yes?” “Yes that’s how basic addition works Ben,” “And who was it again that got you to three orgasms? Was it,” he pointed a finger as his one chest, “Moi?” “Alright asshole, you’re very impressive and a somewhat decent shag,” “I think you could be a little more grateful considering that performance. Might have been my best ever moves,” You pushed Ben in the middle of the chest, exaggeratedly rolling your eyes but, truthfully you were inclined to agree that it had been his best performance yet, at least in your experience. “Here let me help you,” he chuckled as you tried to stand, almost falling over as your legs shook. Quickly, Ben pushed himself to his feet and then offered you a hand up too, wrapping an arm around your waist to keep you steady. “Thanks,” “I hope I haven’t made it too hard for you to walk. Wouldn’t want to throw off your bowling cos you were fucked so right.” “Jesus Christ,” you couldn’t help but laugh.

The rest of the time you had before you had to leave was spent tidying up the kitchen, cleaning up the evidence of the mornings activities in case your roommate got home before you, washing up and getting ready to go. Which is really when things started to go downhill. If you’d realised you might have told yourself to stay home, come up with a quick excuse to get out of it and just played video games with Ben for the rest of the day or something. But there was no way to know what was coming so you didn’t. You talked happily as you got into Ben’s car (which was already parked on the street), excited to see your friends and looking forward to the afternoon.

The double date itself was quite fun, although draining. There was always an element of playing pretend at these sorts of occasions. Not that you minded so much. It was either play up the romance of your relationship or have to explain what you were to everyone and a few hours of pretending Ben was your boyfriend was honestly much simpler. At least bowling was better than the cinema. The first time you’d gone on a double date to a movie you’d sat down beside Ben, the popcorn you were sharing balanced on the arm rest between you. Martin and Jill had raised their armrest and were virtually sitting on top of each other, hands entwined. Which would have been fine except Martin had leaned over and said, “you know these things move” and looked expectantly at you. Ben and you had shared a glance and then tried to say you were both fine with the space but they’d given you matching looks that said they thought you were being weird or prudish or judging their willingness to cuddle in public. So you’d relented and shifted the armrest so you could spend the next two hours sitting with Ben’s arm around your shoulders, both of you more tense about the situation than you ever would have been if you’d just been allowed to sit in your seats like normal. Things had improved a bit since then. Ben had told you that one night when you’d gone out to a bar together, Martin had pulled him aside as asked why he never kissed you properly. Ben had shrugged and said he didn’t like PDAs, that he didn’t want photos to spread or anything like that, especially since it was still so new, and Martin had accepted it. They began to see that your ways of being affectionate were quieter, stealing sips from each other’s drinks, a warm hand against a knee, dumb nicknames that made you both laugh. Even if Jill did sometimes still try to convince you that there was nothing wrong with snogging in the middle of a busy street. Nonetheless you never felt fully able to relax when it was just the four of you. Always conscious of how they saw you, always worried that they’d decide you weren’t being affectionate enough and would tell everyone else you were going through a rough patch which would lead to more scrutiny. While at the same time worrying that one of them would start asking how serious it was between you and Ben, were you thinking about the future? Could you see yourselves moving in together? Was he the one? And it took a lot of energy to constantly be alert about what you were saying, always careful to not accidentally give away the secret truth of the situation. Bowling was fun though and less pressure than other double dates you’d been on. You could get away with not holding hands or sitting on Ben’s lap since everyone was standing up frequently and it didn’t make sense to be on top of one another. You could share small pecks on the lips or else tight hugs to celebrate strikes. And Ben made sure to tease you for missed pins, just like he always had, with a few added silly nicknames. He called you his sweet little hotdog after a particularly bad gutter shot which had made you laugh so hard you choked on your drink, and made Jill give him a disapproving glance. He’d smoothed it over by letting her overhear him saying he loved you, whispering the platonically just for you.

By the time Jill had been declared the winner of the game, you were ready to head home and spend a night forwarding Ben weird videos and dumb memes. Ready to be allowed to just exist without needing to be romantically linked to anyone. But it wasn’t quite to be. Martin made the suggestion that all of you should head to McDonalds for dinner and before you knew it you were standing in line, waiting for the kid at the cash register to serve you. You leaned your head on Ben’s shoulder as you stared at the menu, and vaguely wondered how someone working in a fast food joint could be so bright and bubbly. Right up until Ben nudged you and asked what you wanted. “Um, can I get a quarter pounder and a frozen coke, thanks.” “And?” Ben supplied. “And what?” “Y/N I know you want dessert, get dessert.” “And an Oreo McFlurry,” you smiled and bumped Ben’s shoulder with yours as he laughed and finished paying. “You guy’s make a cute couple,” the girl who’d served you said, eyes following the path of Ben’s gaze to you, still smiling. She seemed to realise what she’d said, her ears turning red, but Ben thanked her and added, “I think I have to agree,” as he squeezed your hip, before moving away so Jill and Martin could order. You’d smiled at her too but it wasn’t quite genuine.

It wasn’t that you weren’t used to it, people assuming you and Ben were in fact a couple. You were. One or two weeks after you’d first agreed to try out being queerplatonic partners, most of your friends had put two and two together and worked out that something was going on between you. Of course they didn’t know you were aromantic and they probably didn’t have any idea what a QPR was so they’d really added two and two and got five but you weren’t about to correct them. As you’d said to Ben, it was too much too soon to do that. Maybe if the QPR thing worked out long term, maybe then you could tell them. And besides, they weren’t exactly wrong anyway. They’d originally assumed you and Ben were just hooking up after Martin had dropped in to pick up something he’d left at Ben’s and had seen you spread out on Ben’s couch with sex hair and a rather large hickey on your neck and Ben’s sweater hanging off your shoulder. He’d asked Ben who’d just shrugged in response and said it wasn’t a big deal. You estimated it took about a minute and a half to reach everyone else. The next time you’d gone out as a group you’d felt them all watching you and Ben closely, trying to determine if Martin with bullshitting them all or not. They’d all decided it was just sex though. Until you were clearly still together a month later and they decided it had to be serious since Ben had never successfully fucked a girl for that long without catching feelings. That was when they started referring to you as boyfriend and girlfriend. That was also when the comments about how cute you were or how they’d always known you’d get together had first started. The first few times you’d heard it, it felt weird but you figured that was just because it was you and Ben and you were still working out how to be partners without the romance. You’d been in relationships before though and didn’t have any major objections to anything they said so you found it fairly easy to deal with and mostly you didn’t notice it anymore.

Except now it was bothering you. Something about the girl’s comment had rubbed you the wrong way. Which made you feel bad because she was just a kid with a shitty minimum wage job who didn’t know you from Adam. She had no idea. She was just trying to say something nice to a couple of strangers. You supposed your dislike of the comment probably had something to do with spending all afternoon putting on the romantic act for the benefit of your friends. Maybe even something about the sex from earlier. Probably just exhaustion from everything, a shorter fuse. It could even just be PMS though you’d have to check how far off your next period was to be sure. Whatever the reason it felt…not wrong exactly just off. You stayed quiet during most of the meal, aware you weren’t being great company and aware that Ben had realised something was wrong since he kept glancing at you when the other two weren’t looking. “Y/N,” Jill’s voice cut through your thoughts, “Still with us?” “Yeah,” you said, pulling a smile onto your face, “sorry, just a bit tired. Didn’t sleep well last night,” That statement was met by high pitched oohing noises and Martin jokily reprimanding Ben for keeping you up. You forced yourself to laugh with them, “Not like that you pervs. Ben was filming a night scene yesterday so didn’t actually get to mine until what,” you looked to Ben for confirmation, “One-thirty was it?” “Something like that. I don’t know I fell asleep almost as soon as I put my head down.” “Me, not so much,” you shrugged, “It’s all just catching up with me now.” They accepted that excuse without question and didn’t aim too many more comments in your direction, letting you finish your food without having to keep your mind on their conversation. And pretty soon you were hugging them goodbye and promising you’d organise the next date as Martin told Ben to get you home to bed before you fell asleep in your ice cream.

Ben waited until you were safely back inside your apartment before he asked if you were okay. “We were meant to get milk,” you sighed, trying to push away the annoyingly persistent discomfort. “I’ll go out later and get some. Or we can get Sophie to bring some back when she comes home. Are you okay though?” Unsure if this was a situation where you’d want space, Ben hovered at a respectful distance until you stepped in close and leaned your head against his chest. As soon as he knew you wanted him there he wrapped his arms tightly around you, “What’s wrong?” “Not sure. Think it all just got a bit much.” “How do you mean?” You shrugged as much as his embrace would allow and talked against his chest as you tried your best to explain how flat you felt, “I think the girl who served us was just like the straw that broke the camel’s back, y’know.” “Did me agreeing with her make things worse?” You shook your head, “Don’t think so. I knew you meant it in a different way to her. Besides, the other two were in earshot so there wasn’t much else you could say.” “You know that what everyone else thinks of us doesn’t change anything about what we have, right, or what we mean to each other. It doesn’t change who you are.” You didn’t mean to say it but the words had escaped before you could stop them, “Wouldn’t it be easier if it did though.” “But then you wouldn’t be you and I love you, platonically.” You smiled and nodded as you stepped back a little, though Ben’s arms wouldn’t let you go too far, “I know, thank you. And I’m fine, just having a bit of an off afternoon.” “Are you sure? Is there anything else I can do to help?” “No, you’ve been perfect.” You leaned up to give him a quick kiss, “And I know I’m being stupid about it. I knew what I was signing up for when I decided not to come out to them. Besides, being back home with you has definitely made me feel better already.” “Do you want a cuppa or anything?” “Nah, think I might just go lie down and read for bit. Decompress a little, y’know.” “Okay. Give me a shout if you want anything, yeah,” he pressed a kiss to your temple and give you an extra squeeze before he let you go.

Slowly you headed to your bedroom, kneeling down at your bookshelf and running your fingers along the spines until you found the one you wanted. That particular book had seen better days. It’s spine was cracked, the image on the cover peeling away from the cardboard underneath. More than one page had begun to fray around the edges like an ancient treasure map in a cartoon, with little triangles missing and the corners permanently creased where they’d been dog eared a hundred times. But as you settled into the bed, Ben’s pillow still smelling faintly of his hair pomade, you began to feel more yourself. Ben was right. What other people thought of your relationship didn’t matter. He was still your Ben, the same Ben who’s hoodie had been living in your cupboard for years now because he spent so much time at yours anyway it just made sense to keep a spare there. The same Ben who’d bought you your favourite pair of sunglasses when you’d left your old ones at home by accident. The same Ben who’d gradually been reading his way through your entire bookshelf rather than buying his own paperbacks. You had too much history there and too much love for each other for anyone else’s opinions to matter. And your partnership was good. It made you happy so it had to be good.

The time passed quickly as you read so when you looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and saw that a couple of hours had passed, you were a little taken aback. Ben poked his head round the corner and then stepped through the doorway when he saw you looked better. “Nice to see you smiling again,” he said softly as he crawled up beside you. Without thinking you lifted your arm so he could snuggle against you, his head on your chest. “What’re you reading?” “First Test by Tamora Pierce. First book in her Protector of the Small series.” “What’s it about?” “A girl training to become a knight. Gran bought it for me as a kid while we were on a holiday at the seaside.” Ben glanced at the worn pages, “Do you reread it a lot?” “Yeah a bit. The main character, Kel, is like the only aromantic character I know of so she’s kinda important to me.” “The main character’s aro?” “I mean, not explicitly. It was published in ’99 and the terminology to describe aro experiences didn’t really start being used until like the late 2000s and even then only in certain communities online. But Tamora Pierce did answer some questions on her website and said that as she was writing the series Kel became less and less interested in romance and sex so even though she didn’t have the words for it back then, she would consider Kel aro and probably ace too. And I mean, rereading them I definitely feel an aro sort of reaction to a lot of the romance stuff, even when Kel does start kissing boys and all that.” Ben leaned back to better see your face, “Will you read to me?” You leaned down to kiss him, unhurriedly, softly, letting your lips linger on his. “Is that a yes?” “That was a sorry I’ve been weird this evening kiss actually.” “Don’t worry about it,” he said simply, snuggling back down, his head once again resting on your chest and his arm thrown over your waist. You adjusted your grip on the book and began to read from where you’d left off, one hand running absentmindedly through his hair, both of you sighing softly as you relaxed into each other.

#my writing #my fics #ben hardy x reader #ben hardy smut #ben hardy imagine #idk i hope its okay #also if you have any more idea for potential future chapters about these two send them my way #i like having an aro character to come back to every now and again lmao

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ohsugar-honey-iced-tea · 4 years ago

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A drunken mess pt. 1

Ina has had too much to drink. Welcome to a very drunk Ina! I had fun writing her like this, and I hope you will like it too. It's a little short, but I did my best.

Enjoy!

@kulaykape @citybornchick @thedaft1 @kwekwek @astrangeandunusualgirl @domakir @dopeyouth

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

Ina and Bella were sitting in their livingroom together. Bella couldn't even look at Ina, she was way too mad at her for that. "Sweetheart, come on, please talk to me" but she was greeted with an angry glare. Ina had been keeping Bella awake all night, because it might have been possible that she had a few too much drinks. And you couldn't exactly call it 'tipsy', no, she was DRUNK. Bella had never seen Ina drunk before, and man did she wish she hadn't last night.

"Come on babe... what all happened last night that made you so upset? I mean it couldn't have been that bad, right?"

That got Bella's attention.

"Well, where do you want to start? Crying over seatbelts, worrying about yout feet or keeping me up all night? Let me tell you exactly what happened"

...

It was almost 1am when Ina and Bella came home. They had game night over at Lillians place. Appearantely it's tradition for Ina and Lillian to do a sort of drinking game together. Bella had a long day of classes tomorrow, so she passed. However, it was Ina'a day off tomorrow, so she and Lillian started playing. Lillian was winning the game, and only had to take tree shots. Ina, however, took so many shots that Bella lost count.

When Bella sat Ina down in the car, she was unsurprisingly happy. For some reason, she kept telling Bella about how great she found the bouncy balls in her childhood, and then all of the sudden started crying.

"What's wrong, Ina?"

*sniff* "I-I just realised....."

"What?"

".....MY FAVORITE BOUNCY BALL WAS LOST IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I ACCIDENTELY DROPPED IT OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW WHILE SHOWING IT THE WORLD AND MY PARENTS DIDN'T EVEN STOP TO GRAB IT"

*starts ugly crying while not even being in the car for 4 minutes*

'Oh, this will be a long, long night' Bella thought, while preparing herself for what would happen when they got home.

...

When they finally arrived home, Bella stepped out of the car, but found Ina struggling with the seatbelt.

"BABE HELP, THERE IS A BLACK SNAKE TRYING TO KEEP ME HERE FOR EVER-"

"Babe, that's just your seatbelt--"

"I'M TOO YOUNG TO GET KILLED BY A SNAKE" *starts crying again* "okay, let's get you out of here." Bella helps Ina get out of the car, and Ina supports herself on her while trying to get to the door. By this time, Ina's vision was blurry.

"BABE HELP, THERE ARE TREE DOORS, WHAT IF ITS A TRAP AND I WALK IN THE WRONG DOOR AND I'LL BE FORCED TO MAKE PUPPITS OUT OF POTATOES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?"

"What are you talking about?? Just follow me, and try to be quiet, it's almost 1.30!"

"I AM QUIET' *puts finger on her lips* "SHHHHHHHHHHH" "...babe, next time I could go for fewer saliva" she said as she wiped her face clean.

Dexter woke up from the loud sounds coming from Ina, and hid himself behind the table from her.

Bella managed to open the door, and made Ina sit down on the couch. "Oh my.... this sure is a lovely couch" Ina said, as she started sitting on it in a lot of stupid positions. She managed to get her legs pointing to the ground, arms over her head and head upside down, so she basically sat 180° wrong on the couch.

"Babe, what on earth are you doing?"

"Just thinking..... DO YOU REMEMBER SCAR FROM THE LION KING? HE WAS VERY MISUNDERSTOOD"

"Ina, let's sit up straight first, and then-"

But Bella was interrupted by Ina. She stood up, grabbed a pear from the fruitbowl to use as a microphone, and started singing.

"BE PREPARED FOR THE DEATH OF THE KING! BE PREPARED, BE PREPAAAA- OOF!!!"

She accidentely bumped into the dining table, and falling backwards. She fell on her back, before Bella. She could only see Bella's feet before her eyes.

".....BABE HELP, MY FEET FELL OF!"

"Those are my feet, you idiot!"

"THEN WHY DO YOU HAVE FOUR FEET?"

"Babe, there are only 2-"

"MY GIRLFRIEND IS TURNING INTO A SPIDER! HOW CAN I EVER KISS AND LOVE YOU NOW"

Tears started to form in Ina's eyes again.

".....okay we need to sober you up, now! How about some coffee and crackers?"

"......crackers?" Ina got an annoyed look in her eyes "We're in the middle of a serious problem and your solution is crackers?"

"Not just crackers..." she takes a bag of animal crackers out of the food cabinet. "Animal crackers!!"

Ina shot up from the floor, eyes wide at the bag of animal crackers and started to smile. "ANIMAL CRACKERSSSSSS" she took the bag, but accidentely dropped it. "NOOO!! YOU DROPPED THEM!! NOW THE ANIMALS WILL BE PARALISED FOREVER!" Bella started to see tears in Ina's eyes again, and quickly got the bag off the ground and got her some. "Here, and drink some coffee." "Thanks, pal!" Bella facepalmed herself, wishing she were in bed.

...

"Okay, Ina. It's 3.20. It's not funny anymore, we're going to bed." Dexter gave Bella a thankful look, as he started walking towards his pillow, ready to snuggle up with his squeaky pear. However, Ina had other plans. "Bella, I am your proffesol- proffersena- pruffen--- I TEACH YOU! SO YOU SHALL LISTEN TO ME!" Ina got a serious look on her face. "Bella..... I. Am. Your. Father" and she shook her arms as if she was holding a lightsaber. "Ina no! It's no time to act like Darth Vader!" "Whyy do all the villains wear masks? It's so strange...." oh no. Bella could see where this was going. Ina placed her right hand on the right side of her face, and started to sing. "LOVEEE MEEEEE.... THAT'S ALL I ASK OF... NOOOOOO DO NOT LOOK AT MY FACE!" At this point, Bella wasn't sure if she wanted to scream or laugh.

...

"BABE REMEMBER ALF? HE WAS FROM MELMAC AND ATE CATS! HE WAS SO COOL!"

"Ina, that was popular decades ago! I'm not going to talk to you about Alf when it's 4.30 in the morning!"

"I'M BATMAAAANNN-" Ina said in a deep voice.

"THAT'S IT WE'RE GOING TO BED NOW"

...

After Bella finally got Ina into bed, she was hopeful that she had fallen asleep. But unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky.

"Do you know what's a funny word?" Ina said excitedly.

Bella groaned. "What?"

"GEODE! LIKE FROM GEOGRAPHY!"

"Ina, please, just close your-"

"GEEEEEODE.....GEE..ODE...GE! ode..."

Ina tapped Bella on her shoulder

"Bella, Bella! GEODE! ISN'T THIS JUST WONDERFUL? GEOMETRY WAS SO UNDERRATED, IT MUST HAVE BEEN BULLIED BY MATHS AND BIOLOGY. IT HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH SCIENCE, BUT SCIENCE FELL IN LOVE WITH PHYSICS AND THEY RAN AWAY TOGETHER"

"INA IT'S ALMOST 5 AM! PLEASE JUST GO TO SLEEP"

She heard Ina sniffle.

".....do you still love me?"

"Of course I do. With every inch of my body. But for now I just want to sleep"

Ina started poking Bella's face.

"Ooooohhhh look at this face. Look at those. I loveeeeee this face"

She started biting her face

"INA STOP DON'T BITE ME"

"BUT YOU'RE DELICIOUS"

"JUST GO TO SLEEP, INA"

...

When it was 5.45, Ina finally went to sleep. Bella got 1 and a half hour of sleep, not being able to sleep any more because of Ina's snoring. Normally she didn't snore, but she did if she was this drunk. So, she went to their couch and joined Dexter in the livingroom. He looked at her with sad eyes when he heard Ina's snores coming out of the bedroom.

"I'm sorry, buddy. Come here"

And with that, Dexter joined her on the couch and they tried to get a little bit of sleep.

...

After hearing from Bella how she was last night, she hid her face in her hands. "Bella, I'm sorry-" "you made Dexter cranky! Just look at the poor thing!" Ina looked over at Dexter, and he was looking very angry at her. "I'm not mad, I just need a moment now" and with that, she dissapeared in the bedroom.

Ina looked at the floor, frowning. The she stood up, got some pain killers, and started walking towards Dexter.

"Come on, Dex... you can't be that mad at me too, right?" But Dexter walked away from her. 'Well, Kingsley, you know what they say. Dissapoint a dog... and you are a pathetic loser' she thought to herself. She needed to make it up to Bella. So she grabbed her wallet and keys, and went out to buy a few things for Bella.

...

A few hours later, Bella came out of the livingroom with Dexter walking besides her, after they both have taken a much needed nap.

"Ina? Where are you?"

Ina appeared, and she had a big teddy bear with a heart that said 'I love you beary much' and a box of chocolates in one hand, and a bag ful of dog treats in the other hand.

"Hello, everyone. I apologise for how I've been acting last night. I've had too much to drink, and it made me show unacceptable behaviour. I'm sorry." She said this, and had the biggest pout on her face.

".....how can I stay annoyed with you when you are this cute? Come here."

Bella openee her arms, and Ina gladly went to her. She picked Dexter up and gave him a kiss on his nose.

"I do hope you can forgive me, buddy"

Dexter looked a long time at Ina, but gave her a lick on her cheek after a while. Ina and Bella started to chuckle.

"I'll take that as a yes, then."

Together, they enjoyed a happy and cuddly day. Ina made Bella promise to stop her from drinking this much next time.

"You are a big girl, I'm sure you can handle yourself."

"Well, appearantely not, otherwise my hangover wouldn't be this bad."

"Another thing that might help is pearjuice, they say the sweet flavors take the pain away" Bella said, and gave her a bottle of pearjuice."

"Well, you know what they say" Ina said. "A pear a day keeps the hangover away"

"How's that working for you now?"

"....no comment"

The end

#ina x mc #ina kingsley #choices #fluff

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azuchi-princess · 4 years ago

Text

Last years I showed you some tips about glamour events

& now I will show you some tips and secrets you can use it in the collection events

I know that some players know alot about those tips but also there are player are not, & I will be happy to help them.

I will talk about advice for free & new player

& there is will be another advice for rich player or who planning to use alot of money on specific collection event..

Let's start

Free players tips:

Save your every single ticket

Don't use them for anything else expect this event, I will tell u why next :)

Every time you do love challenge you will get 3 + 5 hearts

in the first five chapter of every route you choose there will be love challenge, so every day you change the route during the event you will get 8 hearts daily, and that will increase more during love story challenge

So in the big collection event ( 3X lucky story time) you will get 24 hearts, after that change the route and use 5 tickets u saved before so u can repeat the love challenge again and take other 24 hearts,

Buy hearts with gold

It's will cost u about 2000 gold for 1 heart, you can buy just 10 hearts daily

So make sure to buy it every day

Note: you can collect gold from greeting friends and from castle gacha

You can use 10 free tickets in aday for lucky story time

Remember that cybird release 5 free tickets at 11 am pst, so in the LST ( lucky story time) use your free tickets before 11 am and after 11 am pst they will give you another 5 free tickets, use them before the LST end

and that how u get more hearts

Don't forget to Set ur alarm according to ur time zone

U can do Princess lesson every 5 hours so make sure ur princess lesson is full before lucky lesson start and set ur alarm after 5 hour so u can do it again before lucky lesson ended.

Rich player tips:

Buy all the value sets, experts the one with 500 coins,

Purchase the rest ( u can use every one for 3 times , expert 100 coins just for one time)

If you wamt to be in ranking, u have to focus on two things - chapter tickets - coins hearts -

Listen carefully I have secrets can change ur life XD.

As I tald before use tickets in LST

for u as ranking player, it's will take time to finish 5 ch, between 1.30 - 2 minutes every ch.

There is app can help u called auto click

It's will save ur poor finger from becoming red after pressing very hard XD

It's can can make u finish 1 ch in one minute,

This app have nothing related to hack

It's just can be ur super fast finger, nothing more,

when u use it u dont take anything from cybird,,

u pay for everything (u pay for tickets, value sets, hearts, coins...) & trust me, the more u use this app the more u spend more money on cybird

U can find the app on app store it's have other differences names, make sure to find the one that match ur phone bc some of it can make the game pause if ur phone have alot of used space

Some of phones can freeze for minutes if u use app to hight for ur phone, so make sure to chose the number of milliseconds can match ur device, not too slow and not too fast, it's will take time to know the best one for u, or u can pay for premiums, it's better

Every time u change the route make sure not to choose the routes that have sasuke explain to u how to play the game,, that will take time from u, and remember every second is important

Also choose the routes that be shorter

Be aware that click assistant can't help u in every thing,, it's will help u just to finish route

U have to put attention on ur internet speed, for me I used my phone data instead of wifi during the LST time, so I can move fast and don't have problems with loading every time I press a button.

If there is a collection event that give attire for ranking 1# and u would die to take it, just listen carefully..

Don't let the competitors know how many hearts you have

Just buy hearts and hide it's in your present box, don't use alot of hearts on ur warlord to make player 1# feel save about his amount of hearts

And then before 10 minutes from the event end

PAAAM surprise them all and use every heart u save, the other player will not have the time to reach ur number bc it's the last 10 minutes

That's my evil plan OwO

Just be careful and don't do my mistake, I remember one day I bought every heart I could, to save it to the last 10 minutes

I set my alarm to that, so before 10 minutes from the event end I have checked my phone and there was no internet, it was an error

I was like O.o, sadly the company tooks half an hour to fix the,problem, it's was too late for the event and I lost my hearts QAQ

From that day I learned to use my saving hearts first every time I set my alarm for LST, then I start to use my tickets, so if every think happened during LST I'll have the time to do something about it.

Just be careful as well, it might happen to u as will, and facing other problem before the event end.

Also u can collect hearts from love challenge and don't use them on ur warlord right away

If u plan to use more than 5k hearts and u want to save it to the last make sure to use it before the last 10 minutes bc it's will take time to use them all and I'm afraid that 10 minutes would be not enough for u specially if ur internet is slow sometimes..

Why it's always 10 minutes??

bc the game make updates to the ranking member every 10 minutes,, and ur rival can see the mount u spend, so she can be a stip ahead of u,,

If u was busy with ur job or school or business like me and really want to rank in the event but don't have the time to play daily,

choose the the biggest lucky story time and spend every thing on it..

& pray that no one will take ur place at ranking XD..

sorry for my typo,, English is not my first language :(

the last thing is I want to share my experiences with you :D

last year when I was playing the event and suddenly the game pause in the time I was in the event page,, every time I press something the game was giving me hearts,, I was like what the heck XD, I deleted the game and download it again but still doesn't work, the most bad thing that I couldn't play the routes it's just pause, I wrote to cybird about that error, happily the game fixed after the update but the route that I was in restart itself XD

So if anything happened in the game during the events or not,, remember it's not ur fault it's cybird fault OwO, and it's will be fixed the next updated,

That was all my advices for u I hope it's be helpful for u

if u have tips I didn't mention or any experiences u want to share pls comment below so u could help the other players,

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littlebitoffanfic · 5 years ago

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Celebration

Fandom: The Collector/The Collection Character: Asa Emory – the collector Relationship: Asa Emory/reader Request: Since I have seen you do some slashers, can I request Asa from The Collector? Something sweet where the reader works with him and is an alibi and then saves him when Arkin comes for him in the collection?

You knew him from your work although you didn’t know him well. Asa was a private man, reserved to his office and displays for the museum. You were tour guide with a hand in some of the office work. After all, the museum didn’t get an awful amount of funding to be able to employee more office workers. Today, you were happy. It was a sunny day, which meant people were less likely to come to the museum for an indoor activity. Your tours still ran ever 2 hours, but a smaller group had less questions and you could normally be done within an hour, leaving an hour free. You all but skipped down the halls like a school girl, your project held tightly in your arms as you stopped outside Dr Emory office. knocking three time, you waited for him. He towered over you, and had such a demanding presences that made you weak at the knees. Your crush on his was not unnoticed by your co-workers.

“Good morning.” You smile, trying your best to work through the flutters in your chest. “Its 1.30.” he stated, his eyes unreadable. “Oh, well, good afternoon. Could I steal a few minutes of your time?” You ask, nearly slapping yourself in the face for your mistake. His eyes darted to the folder in your arms and he stepped aside, allowing you to enter. This was a privilege in itself. Barely anyone was allowed within his office. But Asa seemed to tolerate you more than the others. Perhaps because you were his neighbour. Now that had truly been a happy accident. His previous neighbour was selling and you were looking for somewhere when you moved here. It just so happened that your neighbour to your left was also a co-worker. Entering his office was like entering a new world. The walls were decorated with various bugs throughout different ages in their lives. Butterfly’s, beetles and roaches but the most prominent member of his displays were spiders. Your attention was drawn to a particular specimen. Pinned in a shadow box was a blue spider. The sign under called it a Cobalt Blue Tarantula. “Wow, those markings are fascinating.” You mumble aloud, more to yourself that to the mans whos office you were in. “Truly. The Cyriopagopus lividum.. native to the borders of Thailand.” Asa speaks so fondly of the dead creature that it makes you smile slightly. There was no denying his love for his work. “Are they venomous?” You ask, purely out of curiosity. “Yes, but the venom not strong enough to kill an adult human. Although its not pleasant.” Asa walks past you to his desk and drawing you from your thoughts. “Now, you wanted something?” “Yes, I was wondering if you might help me with an exhibition.” You hold out the folder to him as you sit at the other side of his desk. He takes it and opens it, showing a sort of mood board you had put together ranging from other exhibitions to enclosures to photo life-spans of certain creatures. “an exhibition?” His eyes flick up to meet your own with curiosity. In truth, you hated how under appreciated he was at the museum and his knowledge should be put to good use. “Yes, for insects. Of course, I’d do most of the work, but I’d really apricate someone who I can fact check with and can offer some insight.” You smile sweetly, and the small smile that pulled at Asa’s lips told you that he was in.

-------------time skip ------------------

Your time spend with the entomologist was one of the most pleasant and interesting interactions you had had in a while. Walking to his office, you held your papers in your hands. You were about to knock when you heard voices inside. Pressing your ear against the door, you listened. “Dr Emory, unless you can provide an alibi for your whereabouts on Saturday evening, we will have enough to arrest you under suspicious of connection with the collector killings.” A voice spoke with authority. Your heart stopped. The collector killings had fascinated you ever since they had come to light. And Asa, well, he was a private man. If they were threatening such a thing, there must be something behind it. And you wanted to know. The two men that seemed to cloud your thoughts could be one. Your mind thought quickly as you came up with a plan. Knocking on the door, you walked in without waiting – something you never really did. Once inside, you acted like a deer in headlights. Two men sat opposite Asa’s desk in suits. “oh, sorry. Are you from the board?” You asked sincerely but you didn’t let them answer before quickly adding. “Look, Dr Emory and I are neighbours. Its perfectly reasonable for us to spend our evenings and weekends in each others company. Besides, if Tiffany told you about us, she has been having an affair with the janitor.” You could tell Asa was just as stunned as you were. One of the men smiled and stood. “You don’t need to be alarmed, miss. We are from the investigations team.” He then presented his ID badge to you. “Oh, gosh. I am so sorry.” You looked stunned, despite already knowing. “Its okay. But I am interested in what you said. Do you know where Dr Emory was on Saturday evening between 5pm and 11pm?” The man leaned back on Asa’s desk while the other twisted to fully look at you. “He was with me.” You said, talking to the two detectives. “At my house.” “with you? He said he was home alone.” The one with the strong jaw line narrowed his eyes at you. “Yes, well, its not against any policies, our director has been known to fire people for having… interpersonal relationships with colleagues. We’d agreed to keep it a secret. He would have been trying to protect me, in case this got out to the others.” You explain to them, not daring to look at Asa. You knew you were playing with fire here. But what you said wasn’t a stretch. The director had fired a member of the geology department… for sleeping with his wife in astrology. He really cared what staff did as long as they did their job. And didn’t fuck his wife. “Is this true?” He asked Asa, who gave a single nod. “And is there anyone who can corroborate this?” The detective asked you, more kindly than the others. “Not really. As I said, it was a secret so I’d appreciate it if you kept this between us. Although, you can ask half the staff in this building and they’ll tell you that ive had a crush on the man since I moved here, and they know we have been spending more time together. They are so fond of teasing me for it anyway.” You manage to draw a chuckle from one as he jabbed the other detective in the shoulder which earned a smile. Apparently, there was a similar situation going on where they were. “Right, well, we’d better be on our way. We’ll be back in touch soon.” The one sitting rose to his feet, nodding to both you and Asa before he and his partner left. They left and the door had closed for a brief moment before you felt someone grab your arm and you were twisted to meet Asa. He didn’t say anything and his cheeks were slightly red, but his ears were bright red. “So, you are the collector?” You breathe, looking up at him with a small smile tugging on your lips. “What do you want?” He growled, his voice low and menacing. Oh, he wasn’t happy. “I want to know.” You breath, stepping closer to him. “You take parts, right? What do you do with them? Keep mementos? Are you making something?” His nostrils flares out, obviously angry. You understood. You had let yourself into his world, and he couldn’t do a thing about it. He couldn’t kill you because it would point the fingers back to him. No, it was smart to keep you close. He let out an exasperated sigh, reaching up and pinching his brow. “look, once this has blown over for you, I wont say a word. I don’t expect anything for it. If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to.” You reassured him. “Why?” His eyes narrow at you, but you shrug. “honestly, you fascinate me.” You confess to the man, even more intrigued than before. You saw the smirk that twitched at the side of his mouth.

----------------- time skip ------------

The world of the collector was one you never dreamed you would see inside, and you loved it. It took trust to get him to let you see. First you saw the inside of the hotels lobby, then some traps, then some of the beautiful creations he made, then his prize possession. you never participated, but you provided a bit more support for him, offering help from the side lines in exchange for information and his time. If he was suspicious of you, he couldn’t deny the genuine interest in your eyes as he spoke, or how you hung on every word of his. He seemed to love how you marvelled at everything with a child-like innocents. Wide eyes and a curious mind. He kept you very close, at work and in your personal lives. It took 5 months in total for the cops to ease up off of Asa, but they still occasionally found their way to his house, watching it. He would come to yours in those situations, still keeping the façade up that you were in some kind of relationship. Not that you cared. You found that the two of you had a lot in common which made the time easily spent. Of course, his dogs loved you. When you came round to his, they were pawing at the floor to get to you but waited for their master to give them the signal to move. They really were puppies at heart. Also, sometimes you thought Asa just said they were there to spend time with you. Either way, you didn’t mind. Tonight, you were buried in a book when a harsh knock at your door made you jump but you hurried to answer it, finding a slightly wet Asa. You smiled, stepping aside and allowing him to step in. “You’d think the police budget within the millions by how much they come around.” You giggle, helping his jacket off his shoulders to hang up to dry. He hummed in response, wiping his face with a hand to try get the stray rain droplet off. “So, how was your recent game?” you asked as he followed you into the living room, where you had been reading. You collapsed back into the couch and held your book on your lap. “Uneventful. No one worthy to take.” He mused as he walked over to your book shelf and pulled out the book he had been reading last time. As he returned to your sofa to sit beside you – a show for the police outside – the book fell open to the page he had been reading. But instead of the paperclip he had been using to keep his place, it was a book mark. A novelty bookmark that you had swiped from the gift shop. It was one of those fake 3D ones, with spiders moving on green leaf’s. You raised your book over your mouth to hide your grin. “very amusing.” He soft chuckle left his lips as he placed it to the side. You giggled, moving to reposition yourself. Your sofa faced the TV which was to the right of the window. Meaning anyone who walked by outside could see in. but it was a quiet neighbourhood. Apart from the undercover police. You lay on the sofa, your legs draped over Asa’ lap which you rested your head on some pillows propped up against the arm rest. Asa rose the book without tearing his eyes away from it to allow your legs to move before lowering to rest his forearms on your knee and thighs. Despite being a bit of a play for the police, it began to feel a little more real. You would engage him in conversation through out the evening, and he would tear his attention away from the book to ask you about your day. In fact, you had started to think that Asa had missed this. With the police’s interest dwindling, so had his trips. Even your encounters in work were now limited as you had finished your exhibition. Or many it was just the part of you that had fallen so madly in love with the man that wished he wanted your company. Your eyes left the page to glance at his face. mature features with intelligent eyes. You hated how he could make your heart stop. Maybe this was fake to him, but it was so real to you. Turning your attention back to your book, you didn’t look up until the sun had fully set. Glancing at the clock, you were surprised to see it was nearly 10pm. “Gosh, I swear I’ll never get use to these changing sunsets. Every year it takes me by surprise.” You sit up, stretching as Asa chuckles. Leaning forward, you press a kiss to his cheek before lifting your legs off his lap to stand up. Asa followed, and you smiled when he marked his page with the bookmark you had gotten him. “You’re nearly finished. I told you it’s a page turner.” You nodded to the book, which he was nearly finished save for 50 pages. “Yes, all the more reason to come back.” He shot a look over his shoulder that made you smirk. Playful teasing had become something you adored in the man. It was another reason that made you doubt this was fake. They couldn’t hear what was happening, so why play around. Sliding the book back into the slot, he picked up the remote which had been forgotten on the sofa to go to the window and place it on the stand. A ploy for him to see if they were still watching the house. “I think you’re right. They get far too much funding. It could be going to the museum.” He mused as he turned back to you. Maybe they needed to see more. Or maybe you wanted more. Just to test the waters. Walking up to him, you reach up and placed your hands on his shoulders. “Kiss me?” You whisper to him, pressing your body against his own. Wide eyes met your own and you couldn’t help but giggle. “They can see through the window.” That was enough to encourage the man to duck down, pressing a kiss to your lips. he could have lightly kissed your lips and pulled away after a few moment, but he didn’t. In fact, you were sure he had forgotten all about the car outside. His arms wrapped around your waist and you were pulled tight against his strong chest as his lips fought your own for dominance which you quickly surrendered. His tongue slipped inside your mouth, making you moan as reach up and place your hand on the back of his head near his neck to keep his mouth to your own. Not like he was pulling away any time soon. you felt him push you backwards and you allowed him to push you till your back hit the wall and he pinned you to it. they couldn’t see you anymore, but you didn’t care. Raising your right leg, you hooked it around his hip as his hand trailed down your side and followed the curve to your thigh, holding you in that position. He was driving you crazy, his touch was like fire as you cling to him. When he does pull back, you are left a panting mess with rosy cheek. But his tell was his red ears despite the smirk on his lips. “So, tell me, where does the line between fake and real stop?” he asks, keeping his face close to your own. “With a kiss like that.” You bite your lower lip, completely aware of how his hand had kept your leg hooked on his hip. “The police aren’t outside. They left over an hour ago.” Asa’s voice was low, barely about a whisper. “They did?” You raise your eye brows at him. A nod answers your question and you were left pondering your next move. “Good.” As leans down, sealing his lips over your own.

-----time skip ------

You were sitting in your living room, half heartedly flicking through the channel when you notice Asa’ car drive past your window. Smiling, you turn off the TV and grab your small bag. It was a Friday, which meant that Asa worked late. But it also meant you would be staying over with him. A few weeks ago, shit had really hit the fan. You really didn’t know what happened, expect that the hotel was burned to the ground, and Asa only just escaped with his life. He was badly hurt, and you were thankful that he had taken a week off for holidays. It had been holidays he was going to spend with you in his cabin up north, but plans changed. You stayed by his side during his recovery. Asa had lost nearly everything that night. His creations, his sanctuary, his dogs, his prizes. But he had been thankful to come home to you. He had extended his own holiday but you returned to work the next week. He said he had fallen while on a hike so no one questioned his cuts and bruising when he did go back. You took your bag and left your home for the evening, locking it up as you set to go to Asa. He had regained most of his energy and health back, which you were hoping he might be up for something a little more… activity related tonight. The lingerie in your bag certainly hoped so. he was already out the car and into the house as you walked up. But something caught your eye. In his living room, there was someone hiding in the corner. Your breath caught in your throat as you recognised the man. His name was Arkin. He had been the one who had escaped Asa, the one who caused his injuries. You only recognised him because Asa had pointed him out when the new came on one evening. And you highly doubted that he was here to say a friendly hello. Running around the back, you ducked under the window so as not to be seen. You ditched your bag in a bush as you made your way to the back door just as you heard heavy metal music blare through the house. You wanted to scream to Asa, but the glint you had seen in Arkins hands wasn’t enough to tell you if it was a gun or a knife. Slipping into his kitchen, you heard the music being turned off and then silence. You took a large knife from the knife block on the counter and held it as if to stab. And you were willing to. Then you slowly opened the bottom draw, which had some duct tape in it. You round the edge, only slightly pulling it off. If you were going to hurt someone, they cant make a lot of sound. You moved into the hallway which connected to the living room and dinning room. “All those insects. You’re quite the collector.” A voice, Arkins voice spoke, making you pause as you made sure no one knew you were here. “In a 200 mile radios from where we last saw each other, there are 14 licensed entomologists. You were number 12.” As Arkin spoke, you moved slowly down the hallway, looking behind you ever second in case someone else was here. “Your daddy ran a museum, didn’t he? Fucked you up real good.” His words made you feel sick. Asa never spoke of his father. His mother was held with high regard, and he said he wanted you to meet her when she was next in town. But he had shut off when you asked about his father. Arkin was right. “Turn around.” You pressed your back against the wall as you inched closer to the doorway. Tape in your left hand, the edge taped to your finger, and the knife in the other. You could see from the glass display cabinet that Asa and Arkin were standing face to face near the entrance to the dinning room. Arking had his back to you. And a gun raised at Asa’ face. Fear rushed through you as the analogy of ‘don’t bring a knife to a gun fight’ flooded your mind. “Are you here to kill me?” Asa spoke with a calmness you couldn’t fathom. “No. that would be too nice. First im gonna make sure feel everything that I felt. Then im gonna kill you.” You could hear the smugness in his voice. “So that you can never hurt anyone-“ He was cut off as Asa lunged at him. But Arkin gave a swift jab to the face, causing him to tumble back. Into a red box. Your gasp was covered as Arkin flipped the box and started slamming the lid shut again and again, growling “fuck you.” Before the lack closed. he stepped back, gasping for air. He thought he was alone. Darting into the room, you raise the knie and bought it down into his right shoulder and an angle. He instantly dropped the gun. Letting go of the knife for a moment, you grabbed the roll of tape and started wrapping it round and round his mouth. He had only just managed to let out a cry of pain as his legs gave way under him. He reached up, struggling so you grabbed the knife and pulled it from the flesh. Using the sharp, bloodstained blade, you cut the tape and he collapsed to the ground moaning. You gave him a quick kick in the face before kicked the gun that had fallen out of reach. The last thing you needed was neighbours calling the police for gunfire at the house. You raced over to the box. “Asa, its me.” You reassured him through the small walls in case he tried to attack whoever opened the box. When you pulled the lid open, he scrambled to his feet, the anger in his eyes blazing as he found his attacker on the floor. Arkin was groaning, unable to move just yet but you were sure he’d be up and about soon enough. “Your hands.” You whispered, reaching out and taking his right hand which was covered in blood from Arkin slamming the box down. Your heart broke. He had not long healed. Arkin began to come around, his eyes darting between the two of you as he realized what had happened. He looked at you with an unimaginable about of rage and anger in his eyes as he tried to scream. Asa darted forward, twisting him around and pinning him to the ground, a knee in his back and his hand pressing on the new wound. “The tape.” He commanded of you, and you immediately grabbed the duct tape which had rolled away slightly. Finding the end, you saw Asa grabbing Arkins left hand and you mirrored with his right. Bringing them forcefully behind his back, you taped them in place, then went to tape his ankles together. Once satisfied, Asa hauled the man off the ground and threw him into the box, the lid closing over with the force. Asa flipped the latch. Looking him inside. You didn’t realise you were panting and shaking until Asa was looking at you. Racing forward, you wrap your arms around his torso and bury your face in his chest. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?” He ask, holding him as tightly as you could. A bloody hand stroked your cheek as another rubbed your back to sooth you. “No, you got here right on time.” There was a softness to his voice that made you melt as you looked up at him and smiled. “I’m too late to be a guard dog. Ludwig or Vivaldi wouldn’t have let him get close enough to hurt you.” You shake your head as you pull back, taking his hands in your own once again to inspect the damage. But he turned his hands over and took your own. “How about we go up to the cabin this weekend?” Asa askes, his question not very well fitted for the currant moment. “huh?” Your eyes glanced to the box which was moving slightly as Arkin struggled. “Oh, we’ll take him. And, since I am out of commission right now, perhaps I can show you some tricks.” Asa smirked as your eyes light up at his words. “Yes!” You bounce on the balls of your feet. You went up on your tiptoes to kiss him, resisting every urge not to pull him upstairs to his bedroom right now. Pulling back, you dart down and pick up the gun, offering it to Asa. “I’ll go get some stuff to see to your hands. And I’ll run back and pack a quick bag and then come and pack your things. I think I should drive, though. You’ll have to give me instructions.” You rattle off, the excitement obvious in your voice. “Oh, you’ll get use to taking instruction this weekend.” Asa whispered in your ear, making you blush and bite your lip with a smirk. Arkin seemed to get a burst of energy and started flaying around in the box, which only moved slightly. “He truly is annoying, isn’t he?” you huffed, hating the moment was ruined by him. Asa simply chuckled and walked up to the box, sitting on it and stopping it from shifting. As you flitted around, gathering supplies and seeing to his hands and then packing his things, Asa watched with a soft eyes. He would be lying if he said he trusted you from the start. And even more so if he admitted there had still been a small part of him that thought you were with the police. but that doubt was well gone. And this weekend, he wanted to celebrate this strange relationship. And oh, what a celebration it would be.

#the collector #the collection #asa emory #asa emory x reader #asa x reader #the collector x reader

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rose-demica · 4 years ago

Text

Gif Drabble, A ruined date

So @mariekoukie6661 sent me an ask with this gif... my new kitten jumped on my keyboard and somehow managed to privately answer it before it was finished. Thanks to my friends at the @fanficocean, we were able to figure out where it went, and get most of it back. (I also have definitely learnt my lesson, and will be now solely writing on docs outside of tumblr again).

It does mean I lost the original gif, and despite searching for the gif, and having the original poster’s ID, it hasn’t helped me find it. So it’s just a screenshot for now.

A sigh of relief passes your lips, eyes darting to the clock as your manager bustles in the door, mouthing apologies as you kept helping the seemingly endless line of people. It was 1am, four hours after your shift had been supposed to end. Everyone else from the other supervisor’s team had arrived on time, allowing the rest of your team to leave, but your own relief hadn’t shown up, hadn’t even had the decency to call in and warn the managers in advance. They’d asked you to stay later while they scrambled to find someone to cover the absence… you hadn’t expected it to take four hours.

You had hoped for a moment to text your date, tell him you’d be delayed, or just cancel. It was a bad look for a third date, but you had no choice, the store couldn’t run without a supervisor, and there was no way you could close up the store, not two days before Christmas. Not when, even at 1 am, the lines for the registers winded back down through the aisles.

It was bad, really bad, to just ghost a man on your third date, but hopefully, he would understand. He had to understand, you really liked this guy. If your co-worker had cost you one of the sweetest guy’s you’d met, you would never forgive her.

“Just give me ten to set up.” You nodded as the manager breezed past you towards checkout control, turning your attention back to the woman who was insisting the sale sign didn’t specify a size. (It did, this was the 73rd time today you’d had this argument over this specific product.)

Those ten minutes dragged by, but finally, finally, you did your hand over and clocked out. Your first stop, once you were off the floor, was to check your phone. There were only five text messages, and two missed calls. Your heart hit your stomach, chest seizing up, did this mean he had given up? He wasn’t as interested in you as you thought.

A shaky breath escaped your lips as you opened your conversation with him and read your messages.

2105

Hey, I’m here early, but don’t feel like you need to rush. There was a mess up with our reservation, so our table won’t be available for a little while. I’m at the garden bar, I can’t wait to see you.

2147

So I guess you’re running a bit late? Our table just opened up. I’ll order a drink and wait for you there. If you want I can place your order in advance? I know you tend to skip your breaks when it’s busy, and I hate to have you wasting away longer than necessary.

2215. One missed call.

2216

Are you far off? I’m getting a lot of dirty looks from the staff. Who knew they don’t like people who sit at tables and never order more than a drink?

2308

I gotta be honest here, I really like you, which is why I am praying you aren’t standing me up or ghosting me. It’s also why I’m going back to the garden bar. They’ve shut the kitchen down, but they said I can wait there until they close. I think they feel bad for me, and think I’m stupid for waiting this long... maybe I am...

2357

Well, it’s just me and the bartender left. The last stragglers from the restaurant left about 10 minutes ago, and now the staff have to. I know they won’t tell me to leave, not as a paying customer, however discounted my drinks might be, but I will. They’re allowed to close up early if there are no customers, and I don’t want to be the one keeping them open, not this close to Christmas when everyone is so busy and wants to be with family. So I guess I’ll... to be honest, I don’t know what I plan to do. Maybe I’ll head home, let me know that you’re safe please, even if you are ghosting me.

0027. One missed call.

Your fingers were automatically typing out a reply as your brain tried to figure out what to say, but as soon as it was typed you deleted it. What could you possibly say to apologise for the fact that you had stood him up, as much as you hadn’t wanted to. He had waited at the bar for you for at least three hours. You didn’t know if you would be able to do the same, endure all those looks from the staff and other patrons. Just sit at the bar, constantly casting glances at the time and trying desperately not to think-

“Goodnight.” You glance up in shock, only to see one of your staff members passing by on their way back onto the floor. You slid your phone into your pocket, step one was getting home, then you could put your feet up and figure out how to apologise for your disaster of a shift, and missing the date without giving any warning.

~~~

You feel your body relax as you step off the bus, nearly home, it was nearly all over, you were nearly home. You dropped your bag at the bus stop bench, sitting down and peeling off your work shoes, feet screaming after a long day of standing on them in cheap shoes. The snow was nice against your feet, at least, it was for now. The cold bite of the snow numbing the pain receptors. It would give you enough time to get home before it got too cold, or your feet gave out on you.

You were quick to pick up your bag and get moving, there was only so long before your feet would turn to icicles. Your eyes were glued to your phone as you walked the familiar route home, no one would be out at 1.30 in the morning. You barely looked up to type the code that would let you in to your apartment building’s lobby, nor as you approached the stairs, it was only as you made to dodge a person sitting on the bottom one that you looked up.

Stunning blue eyes met yours, knocking the wind out of you.

“Sorry beautiful, I just had to make sure that you’re alright. Please don’t think I’m a stalker or anything.” The man spoke, raising his hands. It took you a second more to tear your eyes from his, give yourself the chance to scan his body and recognise the man rising to stand before you. Your date, Clint Barton.

“Wha-” He chuckled at your stunned expression,

“You never replied, I was worried that maybe someone had kidnapped or ambushed you, figured the least I could do was check-in to make sure everything was all right.” He motioned to the phone in your hand, before tucking his hands into his pockets and shuffling awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, I was going to reply once I got home, I had no idea what to say to you.” You found your voice, putting your phone away. It hadn’t occurred to you that he might swing by to check on you, no one had ever done that before, it was sweet.

“No worries, I understand, have a good life Y/N.” He took a few steps away, and you reached out quickly, your hand reaching out in an attempt to wrap around a firm bicep. He could have kept going, easily pulled his arm from yours, but he stopped, turning back towards you.

“No. No-” It couldn’t all end, not like this. “I meant-” You breathed out heavily, searching for the same words you’d been looking for, ever since you’d read his messages. “Come upstairs? I still haven’t eaten, we can talk over a midnight snack.” His smile took your breath away, nodding slowly, almost as if he was waiting for you to take it back. “Great, my feet are killing me.” You smiled back, turning to eye up the stairs. You were only on the 3rd floor, but you weren’t sure you could convince your feet to carry you up that far.

‘Allow me.” You turned back to Clint, offering him your bag, but he only shook his head, stepping closer to sweep you off your feet and into the bridal hold. “You’ll have to let me know which floor and room, I’m afraid I only managed to figure out which building was yours.” You wanted to complain, insist you could walk yourself, but you couldn’t deny the sheer relief that you were finally off your feet.

“Just this once.” You meant to say it in your head, but the words accidentally fell out of your mouth, Clint chuckling at you. “3H.” You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, tucking your head into his neck. Eyes falling closed, feeling safe in his arms.

“You seem exhausted.”

“My co-worker never showed, took them four hours to find and get someone in so I could get off. It was so busy I couldn’t even send you a message.” You sighed heavily, “I love Christmas, I really do. But I hate it.”

“I had hoped it was something like that.” He spoke softly, before pausing, setting your feet back on the ground, one arm staying wrapped around your waist. You turned, looking up at him, arms staying looped around his neck, holding him close to you.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting. I wanted to be there.” He lifted another hand, running it down the side of your face, before cupping your jaw.

“I waited as long as I could.” He responded, leaning in closer to you. Your eyes flicked down to his soft pink lips, able to think of nothing but how badly you wanted to taste them.

“I know.” You stretched up, pausing when you could feel his breath roll across your face, waiting for him to close the distance. “Thank you.” You felt more than heard his quiet groan, lips rushing against yours a moment later. You responded tangling one of your hands into his hair and holding him.

It was your stomach growling that interrupted you, Clint pulling back with a smile.

“Let’s get you inside and fed, then we can discuss continuing this.” You stretched up, stealing another kiss from his lips, savouring the way they felt moving with yours, before pulling back and searching for your keys, eager to get inside and salvage what you could of your date.

#Clint X reader #gif drabble #Mcu #Clint Barton #third date #Clint being stood up #gender neutral reader?#reader #fanfiction

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itsjustmyfantasyroom · 4 years ago

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Fresh Start part 7

Cuteness :) This is the start of my favourite parts all coming soon! Hope you like it

Dinner went fast; a little small talk was had a few giggles and laughs here and there. You weren’t really sure how to act around him after what happened in his office before your victim turned up. If only she turned up 10 minutes later things would be more clear. He clearly felt the same about you, as you did about him, that was the second time he had tried to make a move, but it just never seemed to work out. Was that a sign or what? Guess you would have to wait. You were both tip toeing around each other, but not in an awkward way, more in a way, who was going to make the move first. Before you knew it, you were back at the court house. Most of the lights where off and you seen cleaners walking around.

“We are going to go to a court room. You have never sat on the stand before; you need to get a feel for it.” He told you. He was brutal. He held nothing back and you gave as good as he could dish out.

You looked at your watch, it was 1.30 am, you rubbed your eyes which were watery stinging and blood shot.

“Are we done yet?”

“No, I don’t think you’re ready, your answers are good, but the defence is going to be brutal with you tomorrow. You need to be prepaid for anything and everything they throw at you.”

You rolled your eyes, huffed and kept going for another hour. Rafael could see how tired you were, he was too. He just wanted to hold you in his arms and hug you till you both fell asleep, but you needed to be ready. A cleaner pocked his head around the door.

“Let’s move to the office.” He said to you.

You both walked back to his office not speaking a word, you were just way too tired. You stopped at the bathroom on the way back and he waited for you outside. As soon as you walked into his office you went and sat on his couch. You lent your head back on the top of it closing your eyes.

“Come on Y/N, I know you’re tired, but you need to be prepared.” You put your hands over your face. “OK, OK!” you said back.

You carried on for another 40 minutes. “Raf, I’ve had enough.” You complained throwing your hands onto your lap like a frustrated little girl. He came and sat next right next to you on the couch; really, he might as well have sat on top of you. He knew by your reaction he had pushed you too far at this point. You lent your head back so it was half on his shoulder, half on the back of the couch. “I know, have a rest for a bit Y/N.”

****

You could see light through your eye lids, you were warm, and you slowly opened one eye and let it adjust before you opened the other one. Somehow, not sure how, you and Rafael were laying on the couch; he had his arm around you and you were on his chest with your head resting under his chin, your arm around his waist, with his big brown over coat over you both. You sat up slowly and he started to stir. You moved as slowly as you could, so you didn’t fully wake him, as you got up on your feet, he grabbed your hand and ran his thumb over the top of it, you looked down, he had one eye slightly open,

“Morning Y/N”,

“Morning Raf” you answered back with a small smile. He gave you a smile and sat up and rubbed his face. You looked at your watch, “OH MY GOD RAFAEL, its 8.30.”

“Shit.” He said back,

“You need to go home and shower, and be back here by 9.30.”

“What about you?”

“I have a spare suit here, GO now.”

You hadn’t even taken your shoes off before you fell asleep, you didn’t even know you fell asleep. You ran for your life, lucky you got a taxi and in no time you where home. You jumped in the shower. You had to wash your hair, you couldn’t go another day without. You jumped out, grabbed a black a line skirt and a short sleeved flower button down shirt, short sleeves so the jury could see your arms. You tied your hair back wet in a neat bun. You threw your make up and a mirror in your bag and you put on your shoes and badge and you ran for your life again.

As you ran into Rafael’s office at 9.40, you slowed as you got closer to the door and walked through to see the squad sitting around the conference table. You looked over at Rafael standing behind his desk in a black pant suit with a white shirt, blue tie and blue suspenders, different from his usual 3 piece. Who still wears suspenders you thought to yourself. Lucky he looked amazing in them, how you would love to wrap your hands around them to pull him in for a kiss.

Everyone looked at you, “I’ll be 5 minutes, let me put some make up on”.

“Barba work you too hard last night?” Fin smirked and Nick laughed.

“You could say that.” You said with an eye roll.

“Leave her alone, she hasn’t had much sleep the last couple of days.” Amanda stuck up for you.

Once you were finished, putting on makeup the quickest you had ever in your life. You all started to walk towards the court room. Nick was testifying before you, so you somewhat felt alright and not too nerves. Liv, Fin and Amanda all patted you on the shoulder and walked in to find a seat. Nick was on the phone, just out of ear shot.

Rafael stood in front of you; “Are you OK?” you nodded and looked down. “You will do great, I know I said last night you weren’t ready, but your come backs give me a run for my money. Just don’t lose your cool or they will have a field day” he smirked and grabbed your wrist and gave it a little squeeze. “I’ll be right there with you.” he smiled at you softly.

“Wish you gave me pep talks like that Counsellor.” Nick said smart mouthed walking towards you both. Rafael quickly letting go of your wrist.

You turned to face Nick, “Don’t be a smart ass Nick, it’s my first time testifying, you could be a little more supportive.” Rafael smirked and turned away to walk into the room.

“Amaro, watch your mouth and do your job up there, actually have your partners back this time. I don’t feel like losing today.”

Nick rolled his eyes, “Sure counsellor.” Nick walked over to you and grabbed your lower arm turning you towards him, “I’m sorry Y/N, and I know I should be more supportive. But when it comes to Barba, I have to push his buttons, he likes you, you know.”

You looked up at Nick with surprise, you back handed him playfully, “Come off it Nick your crazy.”

He threw his hands up, “What! It’s clear as day, everyone can see it.”

“What like you and Amanda?” You spat back jokingly. He went red; you giggled and put your hand on his shoulder. “Nick, keep it quite OK, partner to partner, but I like him too, a whole lot. And I know how you feel about Amanda. You should just go for it.”

“Who says we haven’t?” he smirked back, you laughed.

“Partner to partner OK.” He looked back at you, you nodded, and just then Nick’s name was called. “I have your back always.” And he walked through the doors into the court room.

40 minutes later you heard your name and you were walked in, onto the stand. You were sworn in and you sat down. As you looked out to the court room, you seen everyone and you felt ill. “Pull yourself together women.” You said to yourself until you met Rafael’s gaze, he had his poker face on, but what you seen in his eyes, claimed you down straight away. He was there with you, you trusted him and you knew he would protect you if he needed to.

Barba questioned you first and it went well. The defence was harsh, but you bit back with just enough to keep your cool, but stand your ground so the jury believed you. Every now and then, you seen Rafael give you a little nod as he approved of your answer to questions and when he didn’t like a question he objected. Your questioning went on for nearly an hour, before you were asked to stand down and the jury retired for a verdict.

You all walked out of the court room, and Rafael came straight over to you with a huge smile on his face. “Well done Detective, you did amazing.”

“Thank you Counsellor, you prep pretty well.” You giggled.

You all walked back to his office and he put on some coffee. You started to eat a cookie that you got from the coffee station in his office, it was the first thing you eaten all morning. Liv started to make everyone a cup of coffee, when Carmen walked through the door. “The Jury is back.”

“In 20 minutes?” Nick said. You all walked back to the court room. The other Victim who also testified before you and Nick, sat between you and Amanda, she grabbed on to your hand for dear life as the jury read their verdict.

Both men were found guilty. The young lady lent over and hugged you with tears rolling down her cheeks. “We did it.” You said in her ear. Rafael turned and seen you comfort her, it made his heart swell watching you.

You all walked back to Barba’s office, happy. Two bad men had been put away. You felt amazing, you all did.

“We need to celebrate tonight. Dinner and drink?” suggested Amanda

You all shouted “Yes” at once and laughed.

“You going to join us counsellor?” said Liv.

“Sure why not.” He answered back looking at you.

“Let’s meet at 7 at the station and we will go from there. I’ll book a table somewhere.” Said Liv “Y/N, you take the rest of the day off, go home and sleep and meet us at 7. You can work your first night shift with Nick tomorrow and you can catch up on paper work. Rafa, you should do the same.” Everyone walked out patting you on the back, Nick winking at you and closing the door behind him. You were left with Rafael. He walked over to you and took you in his arms and hugged you tightly.

“I’m so proud of you. You didn’t disappoint.” he lent back and put his hands on your shoulders, his smile was so soft and loving; he then lent down and placed a light kiss on your lips. “Go home and rest and I’ll see you at 7 tonight.”

You lent in and gave him a kiss back, lightly.

“Thank you for being there for me today; I wouldn’t want any other ADA to not disappoint me.” You looked at him smiling. “Liv is right, you need rest as well. You need to get ready to celebrate tonight.” you winked at him. He nodded and hugged you again. “Go and rest Y/N.” You nodded and walked out the door.

He finished off some paper work and walked out to Carmen. “Clear my afternoon and tomorrow morning Carmen, I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” And he left before she could even answer.

He got a cab home. He sat looking out the window, thinking how amazing you did today and how nice the kiss felt. Nice, small and simple and the butterflies he felt when you kissed him back the second time. Your first time on the stand, was like it was your 100th. He couldn’t wait to spend time with you tonight, yeah the rest of the squad was going to be there, but it didn’t matter. When he was around you, nothing mattered. He felt amazing waking up to you this morning. Yes, it was only by chance you had fallen asleep on him. But something was there, something amazing. But did you feel it too? You must, you wouldn’t react to him the way you did if you didn’t. You wouldn’t have kissed him back. Guess tonight would tell.

#raul esparza #bring back barba #law and order svu #barba #barba x reader #rafael barba #barba and reader #rafael barba fanfiction #fantasy #fanfic #svu fanfiction #svu fandom #svu fan #svu x reader #nbc svu #we love barba #barba fanfic #barba fan #love for barba

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aquaticalay · 5 years ago

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Centurion .Chapter Ten.

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Sequel to For Something Greater

Summary: (Y/n) is an active duty Navy SEAL Commander, the first and only woman to ever become a SEAL. After successfully stopping a genocide with the help of the Avengers, she becomes a bridge between the military and the earth's mightiest heroes. But even as her relationship with Bucky grows, she decides not to tell him about the nightmares and trauma that haunt her. Both their secrets begin to unravel when Bucky accidentally stumbles upon a piece of dangerous information about (Y/n) that she must never find out about.

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

Warning/s for the series: cursing, violence, death, eventual smut, PTSD

Warning/s for the chapter: nothing, just a bit of cursing :)

Word count: 2.3k

Note: The plot is heavily inspired by the song 'in the dark' by Bring Me The Horizon, and 'Mercy' by Muse. So yeah, go listen to it if you want to :))) I'll post a new chapter every two days.

Let me know if you want to be in the taglist!

(Taglist will be reblogged)

THIS IS A SEQUEL TO 'FOR SOMETHING GREATER.' IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT, THE MASTERLIST IS IN MY BIO.

TRIGGER WARNING! THIS SERIES REVOLVES AROUND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. (Including, but not limited to: anxiety/panic attacks, extreme mood swings , nightmares, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, irritability, hypervigilance, and hyperarousal)

The flight to Madrid took no more than two hours. It was almost midnight when you touched down.

Tanaka already had a booking at one of the finest luxury hotels in Madrid. You took a cab there, and it didn’t take long for you to be greeted by the friendly staff. Tanaka had told them that she had room booked already. She also requested an extra room for you and Bucky to stay in. It wasn’t long before they approved.

You find it odd that they did not bat an eyelash or look at you funny, even when you look like shit. Sure, you had half decent clothing on— your trench coat was actually pretty fancy, too— but you had a bandage on the side of your forehead, and Tanaka, who was still getting used to her crutch, was making a lot of noise. It didn’t help that she said her ankle was swelling. She was wincing in pain at every step. When the woman who worked at the front desk offered Tanaka medical assistance, she bluntly refused, saying that she had everything under control.

In the elevator, you asked where she got the money for the hotel, but Tanaka simply gave you a sly smile and said that she had 'rich friends'. Whatever that meant.

The hotel staff lead you and Bucky to your room, and Tanaka to the room next to yours.

The room Tanaka ordered was most likely bigger than a standard hotel room. The paint job was minimalist and clean, black and white decorating the room with a splash of gold. A king-sized bed was set against a wall, opposite to a TV and a working desk. There was a two-seater sofa as well, and a glass coffee table. Exhausted, you plopped down on the bed, burying your head into the feathery soft pillow.

Bucky managed a chuckle, setting his duffel bag full of change on the table.

He sat down next to you, hands trailing down the side of your waist. “Sam-“ he started to say, but you cut him off.

“We’ll find him,” you reassured quickly, not leaving room for doubt, “We will.”

Suddenly, you heard a knock on the door, followed by Tanaka’s distinct voice.

“(Y/n)!” She called, “I need a favor.”

You let out a sigh, then trudged to the door. When you opened the door, you saw Tanaka leaning on her crutch on her left hand, and on her right hand, she was holding a dark green dress made of velvet and a fine leather briefcase.

“What?” You asked, confused.

“Please, let me in,” she gave you her desperate eyes, “I need to talk about this in private.”

Sensing her urgency, you let her in. She took a seat on the couch on the side of the room while Bucky eyed her cautiously, still sitting on the bed. He hadn’t trusted her yet, but if you did, he wasn’t going to question your judgement. You locked the door behind and made your way inside.

Tanaka threw the green velvet dress in front of her, laying it on the coffee table. She sighed. “I promised an informant I would meet them in an hour,” she said, “I can’t do that now. I can’t even walk properly. You have to go in my place.”

Before you could say anything, Bucky stood up, interrupting the conversation. “No fucking way.”

You sat on the opposite end of the soft, crossing your arms across your chest. “This is the informant who claims to know where Sam is?”

Tanaka nodded, “Yes.”

Though Bucky slightly shook his head in disapproval, you replied, “Sure.” You shrugged like it was no big deal. This was a matter of finding Sam. You can't refuse this chance. "Just tell me what to do and where to go and I’ll be there.”

Bucky exhaled frustratingly. “Do you even know who the informant is?” he asked Tanaka.

Your friend shook her head, “All that I know is that he goes by the name ‘Static’ and he’ll be waiting in a bar in Salamanca at exactly 1.30 AM. He will be wearing a purple coat and zebra shoes. He will say where tell where Sam is once you give him this,” she opened the briefcase, and as cliche as it sounded, it was money— US dollars, easily $800.000 or more.

“Static?” You furrowed your eyebrows, “You know that can’t be his real name.”

“It’s the name he gave me,” said Tanaka, closing and locking the briefcase securely.

Bucky sighed, “At least let me go with her.”

“Absolutely not,” said Tanaka sternly, “If you come with her, Static will know something is wrong.”

“It’s fine, Buck,” you reassured him, trying to calm him down, “I can do this on my own.”

Bucky locked eyes with you and saw a familiar flare, one that he recognized instantly. Your eyes almost glowed with determination, and he knew it was impossible to change your mind, now that you’ve already made it up.

You nodded, grabbing the green velvet from the table.

You only had a little under forty minutes to get ready, and Tanaka had told you that you needed to clean up properly. The deal with Static was going to be at an upscale bar in a particularly famous and lively part of nighttime Madrid. You needed to look pretty, whatever that meant.

You managed to wash and dry your hair, as long as apply make up with Naomi Tanaka’s help, she also faded the scar on your forehead with a little concealer. When you put on the velvet green dress, it was only a little bit too big, but no one would ever have to know unless they were you. It wasn’t too obvious. In fact, the slight oversizing looked alike an artistic and intentional design choice.

The bottom part of the dress, which would have reached a little lower than Tanaka’s mid-thigh, went all the way to your knees. The only problem was the plunging neckline that was too deep on you, the V reaching the center of your chest. You kept readjusting it uncomfortably.

When you got out of the bathroom fully dressed, Tanaka gave you a satisfied smile and two encouraging thumbs up. Bucky only raised his eyebrow in curiosity.

You sat down next to Tanaka, and she began briefing you again, repeating what she had told you before. "You’re looking for a man in purple coat and wearing zebra shoes. If he responds to the name ‘Static,’ that’s him. If he doesn’t, leave him alone,” she explains, “He doesn’t know my name. Do not give him your real name. If he asks, you have to think of something. Make something up. And he knows you will be wearing this dress. The rest is his game. You just have to play it.”

You nodded, repeating the information in your head. You were not a spy, you were a soldier, but you’ve been on quite a few undercover missions. Besides, you were fairly confident with your ability to lie. At least, you were confident enough that you could fool Static.

You grabbed the briefcase from the table. You were about to reach for your gun that was inside Bucky’s duffel bag, Tanaka stopped you. “No,” she shook her head, “The bar has metal detectors.”

You sighed but nodded and reluctantly agreed. Before you went out the door, Bucky gave you a kiss on your forehead. You hugged Tanaka. “Good luck, sister,” she whispered. The corners of your mouth curved into a coy smile, giving yourself a boost of confidence. “I don’t need it,” you reply, a hint of fake arrogance in your voice.

To say that the nightlife was lively would be an understatement.

You've heard that the nightlife in Madrid is amongst Europe's best, but now you get to see it with your own two eyes. With trendy bars and neon nightclubs, Madrid is the place to be for the ultimate night on the town. And of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that nights go late here. People danced about in the street, both drunk and sober, looking for a good time. While you did not like that kind of lifestyle, you understand those who do. Some people have shit to forget, others need to catch up on all the fun.

You walked down the street on Salamanca neighborhood, just a few minutes from your hotel.

The streets were lit up by streetlights, making everyone you see just a flash of the golden reflection.

You finally saw the bar you were told to go into, and you headed in. The upscale bar was a borderline nightclub, and Tanaka was right: they did have a metal detector. The briefcase passed soundly through the x ray. The security guard said nothing and only raised an eyebrow at you. He didn't question you, which lead you to believe he was used to this. That transactions like these happened here a lot.

When you stepped into the club, pink and blue neon lights washed over you. Everyone in there were eccentric, bathed with only the best designer items, from expensive sequin dresses to exquisite fur coats. People were laughing loudly and dancing drunkenly. It was somewhat hard to navigate the bar between the sea of colorful bodies.

You did not waste much time, you scanned the bar for Static— who should be waiting at exactly 1.30 AM wearing a purple coat and zebra shoes.

Purple coat and zebra shoes. It seemed like a very peculiar combination. You didn't think it would be hard to spot him, but it was. There's too much going on with everyone's outfit.

Finally you spot Static on the bar. He was just about to get drinks. You couldn't see his face yet. You needed to get closer. You manage to slip in and sat on the barstool next to him. "Static?" You called, and he turned to you. "You are four minutes and thirty two seconds late, my dear," he said, grinning.

You could finally see him under the neon, and your heart skipped a heavy beat.

His voice and features were all too familiar. He had fair skin, and a long, sharp nose. He had a symmetrical eyes, thin lips pressed into a line.

He was Michail Petrov. Tanaka's informant was Michail Petrov.

He hadn't aged a day since the 80s, which confirmed your suspicions that he had some sort of youth serum running in his veins.

It made sense that he knew where Sam is, considering he was the person who probably took him in the first place.

Is this how he makes money now? By kidnapping important people and selling back the information?

Your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest. You closed your eyes for a while, trying to control your breathing.

"Something wrong, dear?" Petrov asked. He didn't really care about you, no. He only cared about the briefcase you were holding, and its contents.

"No," you said sweetly, forcing a smile, "Just had a long day."

He was smoking, taking a long drag and huffing smoke out of his nose and mouth. When he heard you say you had a long day, he offered to share the cigarette. You took it, but only to kill the flame in the ashtray.

He let out an amused chuckle and took your hand. He kissed your knuckles, and you let him. "Do you want a drink?" He offered.

You pulled your hand back and nodded, "Sure."

He turned to the bartender. "Sangria, one for me and one for the lady."

"So," he asked, his attention back to you, "what should I call you?"

Do not give him your real name, If he asks, you have to think of something. Make something up. That's what Tanaka warned you, right?

"Centurion," you gave him your fake name, or code name, you suppose. You didn't even have much time to think of it. The name just rolled off your tongue in the heat of the moment.

"Centurion," he repeated, tasting the word in his mouth, "Wonderful name. Do you know what it means?"

"They were professional officer of the Roman army after the Marian reforms, commanders of the legionnaire," you explain. The bartender gave you the Sangria, and you tried to pick it up without making your trembling hands obvious.

"Clever girl," Petrov praised, taking a sip of his red liquid, making him look like he was drinking blood.

You lean closer to Petrov, ignoring your impending panic, "Cut to the chase, Static," you whisper in his ear, "I'm only here for one thing."

Petrov narrowed his eyes, reaching for the briefcase. "Let's see it, then," he said.

You pulled the briefcase away, placing it on your side, "The info first. Without it, you don't have a deal." You said, almost snapping. You prayed he could not hear your racing heartbeat

"Feisty, aren't you?" He chuckled, amused. He dug his hand inside the pocket of the purple coat. He took out a very small glass bottle, and inside it was a small roll of paper. He dropped it on your palm and you gripped it. You didn't take the paper out, you couldn't risk losing it. You held it to a light, and it illuminated the bottle. You could see faint number written on it— coordinates to Sam's location.

That was good enough for you. You had to get out of here before he notices the anomalies in your behaviour.

You downed your drink only in a few seconds, gulping heavily. You let out a refreshed and exaggerated 'ah,' then swung the briefcase at his chest.

"Nice doing business with you, Static," you said cynically, giving him a side hug. He tensed, but did not move.

You turned your back, walking out of the bar immediately.

When you got to the streets you could finally breathe.

You had survived a meeting with Michail Petrov.

And during your last little hug with Petrov, you had managed to plant a small tracker on him.

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all-good-things-dot-dot-dot · 4 years ago

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All Good Things… Burning The Midnight Oil.

#Blog #Bloggerstribe #AllGoodThings… 11th June 2020

Hello, Chaps and Chapettes,

Late one here! Actually, kinda cheating (again) as it’s the 12th of June, 1.30 AM. However, I never consider tomorrow to be today until my head has hit the pillow and my dreams have come true in my head at least. Then, and only then, can I truly accept that it is a new day. Is anybody else like that or is it just me?

I developed the ability to keep going late into the night from partaking and later hosting ghost hunts. During these events, it was required not only to stay up until the wee hours but to also attempt to still be interested in what was happening, or more often than not, not happening. There was also the matter of getting home afterward unless I was given the option to sleep the night in wherever the hunt was occurring. You may think, “oh, no, I’d never sleep in a haunted hotel/ castle/ pub”, but believe me, if you’re tired enough, you end up telling the ghosts to sod off until you’ve had your forty-plus winks.

However, I am saving those stories for another day. I have some epic stories about ghosts because I don’t just believe, I’ve had conversations with them, but not everything is a ghost and not every spirit turns up to the whispering chambers just because you did. We’ll talk about that another day.

This blog is about late nights and why you’re not at all bad for staying up late or even having insomnia, even if you know you have school, work, or a pressing engagement tomorrow morning. You should weigh up the pros and cons of what you are choosing to stay up for and whether it is more important than being alert for what you face tomorrow. Sometimes it is, sometimes it really isn’t.

I struggled with this. My addiction to not-sleeping for the average, healthy length of time came with my addiction to the internet. I’ll admit it now, I have had a fraught relationship with the worldwide web. In my teens, I’d find ways to sneak onto the computer the family shared and stay on it until daylight reappeared, just to talk to friends and furs (see the previous blog) from around the world. Because of the different timezones, and because I didn’t have strong friends offline the way I did online, I did everything to continue to talk to them. This angered my parents no end and very regularly I was given a bollocking, threatened with a loss of computer privileges, and even forced them to unplug the computer for everyone. This did not make me popular with my five other siblings.

It sounds the way alcoholics and drug addicts would act, right? Selfish, unable to stop, looking for the next fix? You know it, I know it, it was bad, it IS bad… and while I control it better now, I know I still have a problem because I can’t stop. I’d be lonely if I stopped and I have people who worry and depend on me to be around, I’d not only be hurting myself, I’d be hurting them…

Seems like I should have made this blog about that… Heh, okay, put a pin in that. We’ll come back to it. There’s a whole part to that which needs its own time dedicated to it. For now, we’ll stick to what the benefits are to late nights.

As I’ve pointed out, the world isn’t on the same midnight oil as you, and by spending those extra hours up, you get to meet people at their most relaxed, who have just finished work or school (when I was younger, of course) and are easy to talk to. You also have the benefit of having a full day to think about things, so having that hour at night allows you to put things in perspective and arrange them ready for a mind cleared in the morning. And also, you simply have time to yourself that is quiet, without fuss, nonsense, and responsibility.

I’m not going to ignore the problems with the midnight hours; health certainly plays a key factor in it - you won’t get the full time your body needs to recharge so you go into tomorrow with a half-full battery. You have less focus, especially after a long, exhausting day. Sometimes, you can also be wasting your time. If you wait into the night hoping to meet someone online, they might not show up. Their social lives may be stronger than yours. They may not care about the relationship in the same way as you.

So where am I going with this? What is the point? I think that late nights do have benefits. I think there are times when you should have a few extra hours out of bed to finish that essay, meet that person online, or get caught up on things. Yet, I do not think it should be a bad habit. Even if your not tired, your body thrives on the rest it can achieve in the twilight hours, so you should give it every chance to do so.

In this case, here are my top tips. Stay up sometimes and limit it, don’t do it more than a handful of times in a month. Ensure you have a good reason and try to only do it when there are few or no commitments the next morning. If you’re struggling to sleep or have insomnia, try reading or listening to light music, try to avoid the dreaded blue light. If nothing will cure it, then go to bed anyway and tell yourself this, “I don’t have to sleep, I just need to rest”.

I learned this from a podcast by Kate Cocker, a brilliant and inspiring coach if you ever need inspiration (https://t.co/YpxITF6PD3?amp=1). Her explanation was that she couldn’t sleep as a kid until she heard a suggestion that you get as many benefits from resting in bed as you do from sleeping, so she’d tell herself this every night and felt better for it!

Lastly, don’t let people call you bad or tell you that you’re wrong for being a night owl. Some people are early birds, some are night owls and some are permanently exhausted pigeons. Whichever you are, you’re brilliant. You’re doing things your way and if it isn’t hurting anyone then no one can put that down. Now, why don’t you close this down and get a little shut-eye, hmm, poppet?

Stay safe, stay happy.

All good things, Love, Scaramouche. X

#blog #blogging #can't sleep

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lucifer-hot-as-hell · 6 years ago

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MagicCon 2019

I'm on the train home from MagicCon 2019 in Bonn and this is the 3rd time I try to post this.

I think much has been posted already. So I'm gonna go for personal experiences.

If you have any questions feel free to ask though.

So I had a silver ticket, autographs of all the Lucifer cast and a photo with Tom.

MagicCon is just hilarious in general. The moderators are actually actors (from New Zealand which is not anywhere slightly close to Germany but magiccon was originally pretty much about lord of the rings so it makes sense) and they do comedy panels and improv. And there are not many rules regarding photos and videos on this Con. So it was really relaxed.

On Friday I saw Rachael's panel. She is so sweet, funny and kind. She asked everyone for their name and remembers many people's names...

The opening ceremony and the comedy panel were so funny and weird. Tom played a horse's ass. I went to the party, left after midnight...

On Saturday there were so many Lucifer panels. Each of them was wonderful. Tom performed a song by Damien Rice, which I already posted. I got my artwork signed by Rachael, D. B., Kevin and Lesley-Ann. They were all so sweet. I made keyrings for them and gave it to them at the autograph session.

When we were at the party at night, Rachael and Tom were in the vip area of the piano bar. We were sneaking around on a standing table, trying to act normal... Like pretend to take a selfie when your actually try to take photos Tom. Sean Harry was there as well in suit (on days he wore cosplay) he talked to Tom and Rachael and hugged Rachael when she left. So I read that as a good sign regarding LUX 2 in Birmingham 2020. I left the party at around 1.30 am, shortly after Tom left.

Sunday... The final day. In the morning I realized that I had lost my artwork at the party. It fell out of my bag under the table. So I went a bit crazy freaking out slightly... Nearly bitching our whatsapp group, posting on Twitter... But then the lovely lady at the information desk of the hotel called 3 colleagues and one really found it... Probably in the trash but it was packed in a box so it's fine. I got the call it was found when I was in line for my photo with Tom.

The photoshot was amazing. Tom was in such a good mood and I was as well. I made this shirt for me and one for Tom. And I go up to him and show it to him and ask him if he could wear it. And Tom takes off his glasses, puts the t-shirt over the one he is wearing. This guy watching over the photoshoot is getting impatient... But in German. And Tom doesn't care and I don't. He asked me if I'm alright and said "I don't bite" to which I replied "yeah, I know" we were looking in each other's eyes, then look to the camera. He asks me if he can keep the t-shirt. I hugged him to thank him, when the photographer calls me back, because there was a huge reflection in my glasses. So Tom probably looked better in the first picture because he was also pointing at my design but the reflection was really all over my eye. I saw it for a short moment before it went into the to-be-destroyed box.

So afterwards I collected my artwork, had coffee with fellow lucifans and then went to get the final autograph by Tom on my artwork. He had just come back from a bathroom / cigarette break and was humming while signing. When he signed and complimented me on my work, I said that I also made him a shirt and he said he was still wearing it below the one he was wearing. I actually didn't believe him because he was wearing the shirt he had worn before. I also gave him a bottle of Bavarian craft beer "in case you run out of beer" to which he replied "oh, I've got plenty"

The panel with Tom and Kevin was so much fun. I'll never ever going to be able to hear Kevin Alejandro without thinking "Alejandro, Alejandro" (the song by Lady gaga) I dared to ask a question. I don't know if I came around a bit bitchy when the were joking about the microphone being too high for me. I said "well not everyone can be as tall as you" I asked if they would like to do theater like on the London west end. And they both said absolutely as it was their roots.

There was a panel by the "moderators" and on their panels they do improv which is so much fun. Rachael, Lesley-Ann and Alexander vlahos joined and it was just too funny. Lesley-Ann is just so physical and they all had really dirty minds.

Lucifer panel next...so Tom comes in and he wears the shirt I made for him... And nothing under it... So he had probably told the truth earlier. I got him size L and it was really tight. The panel was great.. Just the spirit. We made Tom ride a trycicle like in the episode and he crashed. There's videos on Twitter. I really liked the first question when there was fan who has cerebral palsy (rather mild form affecting the hands mainly but I didn't see until they mentioned it.. And I usually do. She was dressed as Maze and could flip the knives like... Wow) and she asked if maybe they would want to have a character with a disability on the show. I really liked this question. Lesley-Ann suggested a deaf person as she knows some sign language. But they said the good thing about Lucifer is that Lucifer and Maze's sexuality (first sie said Tom and mine and then corrected it) is just there... It's not a big deal and a disability would probably not be as well.

In the closing ceremony Tom performed 2 songs.... I had goosebumps and tears were running from my eyes... So emotional. I have it on my camera... But I'm sure it's on Twitter soon. They all went crazy on stage, Kevin danced in the crowd, Rachael and Lesley-Ann pretended to make out...

We left the panel and said goodbye to the ones leaving. And suddenly Tom passes. I just went to him (well, he literally went by me so I didn't have to go anywhere) and I just thanked him for wearing the shirt. And he hugged me. It was so lovely. 2 hugs with Tom Ellis on one day...

But convention is not only about the stars... The fans make it what it is. I met people I knew from Brighton. There is one lady of our group who I totally adore because she is so super mature (she's a teacher) and yet such a crazy fangirl and she is a fanfiction author and people came up to her and complimented her on her work. It was so sweet. Like she could have done autographs as well. On Sunday I sat in the bar and restaurant for 5 hours with @adragonstale, his friend, my dear and slightly crazy friend who I had met in Brighton and 2 ladies from our group. We talked about Lucifer and "deep stuff" (pretty much the meaning of life and how to survive in this world... I love this kind of conversations) there were a few people I met only pasding by. Sorry @draco9236 I was in a bad mood before getting my drawing back on Sunday. @omgluciferlover (Why did I think you were Italian after Brighton?) Kinda left in the middle of a conversation but it's okay. I hope everyone had as much fun as I had.

Lucifans are lovely people and it was just lovely. The cast is so kind, sweet and funny and they all really seemed to enjoy it.... Even if for some reason they weren't allowed beer on stage anymore from Saturday afternoon on (not that Tom cared... He brought some when he had a bathroom break...)

I already start missing everything and everyone and this has certainly not been my last Lucifer convention. Look forward to meeting everyone again

#magiccon 2019 #lucifer on netflix #tom ellis #kevin alejandro #lesley ann brandt #rachael harris #d. b. woodside

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thegame-r-boy · 5 years ago

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We wish you a very Makkon (2019)! (3x times) And a happy 2020!

There are some conventions, that you just love. Or hate. Or both. And Makkon is one of those last. But nevertheless, this year, it is the only convention where I didn’t spend a dime on anything. At best, I profited on cash! With this convention, I had just good, fond memories of it. It started out in 2017, when I wrote the organizers an e-mail about how I would like to share my passion for gaming and Nintendo related consoles with other. So I gave them a supplication that I would bring with me my Switch console. And they said “sure, why not”. I also got to meet my GF @aquamoon33 on that event the same year. In 2018, we had a bigger tournament, in the newly arrived game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU). We had a bigger screen, many attendee came around, and there was quite much fun.

Last year’s stand But this year, there were some (technical) problems. Let’s start from the beginning. I woke up at 7.30 a.m. and went to the capitol at 8.20 a.m, so I came there at about 9.20 a.m. For this year's offer, I gave the crowd Ring Fit Adventure (RFA) to use, then we had a SSBU for 16 and a BlazBluE: Central Fiction (BBCF) tournament for 8 people. But as soon as I got into the room, problems arose. The TV I got was really huge and the organizers also put my stand in the far left corner, in the gaming floor, which is much better than all those years before, when I was at the centre of (attention?) a hallway. It got quite crowded over time. And I also got two tables this year for my stand.

Where my stand was this year.

And how it looked like, together with my girlfriend.

But the TV was also the main problem - we just couldn’t fit the plastic legs on it. So we used duck tape to stabilize it. There was also a problem with the remote control, because at some point, nobody was playing and the TV went in standby mode by itself. It just shut itself off. And don’t get me started with the finals! Those were a huge problem, because we did not have an HDMI output, which was not working at all, so we used two VGA’s. The picture on the projector was crystal clean - but there was no sound at all... Thought in retrospect, it was better to have no sound, because of the unfamiliar circumstances, it would be too funny - but more on that, later. So those were the bad things - now to the good things. As I said, this convention in the most “comfortable” for me, because I’m part of it since 2017. Me and my girlfriend @aquamoon33 managed to put RFA up and on display. I managed to sell also two Game Boy copies and half a Switch game.

Working out on a Ring Fit Adventure!

And ... oh ... my ... god! I got an original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) from a random guy (but the guy isn’t from) the year 1990! I was soo surprised by that console! One that is almost (or even more!) as old as I am! And best of all - I got a Super Mario Bros. 3 game!!! And it didn’t cost my anything! Wow, that is something that I’ll sure to make a Tumblr post one day, in the near future.

All of them things - even with the box - are now mine!!!

And I got an original Super Mario Bros. 3 game copy as well!

I went between 1.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m to lunch and the food there was quite tasty. So let’s talk a bit about the SSBU tournament. At first, I had planned to have an 16 players tournament in this game. Turns out that it’s quite popular in my country. In less than 50 minutes, all free spaces were signed up! That was just crazy! And because of that, my colleague, who granted me access his Gamecube (GC) controllers, could not sign up. Because I wanted those GC controllers, I made a deal - we extended this tournament to a whooping 24 attendances, where in the last round, we played a “free4all match”, from which the winner gets a 2nd chance to play with the finalists. And it went quite for a long time... A whooping 2 hours and 30 minutes marathon! Some battles were really fierce, and the crowd gave some gasps for some unique finishing moves. So finally, just 30 minutes before 5 p.m. (our second tournament was BBCF) we got our finalists.

Sooo many people gathered around!

The crowd was playing.

The BBCF tournament went quite well. We just managed to get 8 people attending this event, that my girlfriend had over. Though the most common technique was to just “button mash”, you still had to have some really good reflexes in that game. And also two girls attended it, which is quite cool! Just like for the SSBU tournament. So after about a jolly 1 hour of playtime, we got our finalists. And the best part: after we cleaned and polished everything up, a young guy came to me and said if I would be interested in having such an event on their convention. For real a payment! And I said yes, I would be VERY interested in such an event! Wohoo, finally, somebody will pay me for organizing such a tournament! Cool! Then, at 6.45 p.m., I had to go to the main lecture room, where the finals were held at 7.00 p.m.

The BBCF Tournament went not that long on.

As said before, because the HDMI cables didn’t work at all, we only could look at the picture, while two finalists were battling against each other. The first battle we had between a boy named Žan and a girl named Lara. The match was nothing special. Still, Žan won 1st place. Congrats, mate! Though the second final was a bit on the funny side. It was really ironical, that the final two attendees in SSBU had the same name (Robert) AND the SAME CHARACTER (Terry)! And if this wasn’t funny enough, then the fact that the second round they played in, they played in the stage, where the music is the song from Butter Bridge from Super Mario World! Everbody would have laughed at this situation! Because of the banjoo in the music and those muscular guys fighting with each other, everybody would have though that there were two rednecks fighting against each other! See for yourself! :D

youtube

After Robert S. last year’s champion defeated Robert P., we had at 7.45 p.m the every year’s award on the convention. Overall, this was the best Slovenian convention of the year! A true marvel of dedication, helping and kindness. If it weren’t for the technical difficulties, I would give it an outstanding 10! But because of it, I give it a solid 9.5/10. The sheer amount of people, coming together, talking about their favourite animes/games/books, no matter how old they are - that is the thing that a convention really needs. And Makkon has this thing! Good job & see you next year! ;) 9.5/10 The Good side: - Lots of parking spaces + big TV. - Many stands (from gaming to manga’s). - Really outgoing, kind and nice people. - A big Nintendo (Gaming) community. - Great food. - Everything went as planned. - No big time delays. The Bad side: - Some major and minor technical difficulties.

#makkon #makkon2019 #super smash ultimate #blazblue central fiction #tournament #nintendo #switch #nintendo switch #convention #slovenian #2019 #thegamerboysays

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the--blackdahlia · 6 years ago

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This Life Chapter 6

Title: This Life Chapter 6

Summary: Dean Winchester is the Vice President of the motorcycle club The Hunters. After almost 7 years in prison, he's free. But things have changed and Dean has to figure out how to put things back together.

Warnings: Language mainly

AN: Thank you to @sams-serialkiller-fetish ! The song for this fic is The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals.

There were people standing around, chatting with each other when Dean entered the room. Taking one look at him, they all gasped and whispered with each other. Dean saw the guys from his club standing together. John was waiting there too, staring Dean down.

“I gave you one job.” John growled. “Just one. And you screwed it up.”

“What are you talking about?” Dean asked. It was like he was being funneled through the room, all eyes on him. Things started to move in slow motion as the crowd moved apart and Dean could see a casket displayed at the back of the room. When Dean looked around for answers, people turned their heads or gave him that pitying look that he had seen so many times all his life.

And that’s when he finally saw the face of the person in the casket.

Sammy.

“No!” Dean said. “What kind of joke is this?!” But no one answered him, turning their eyes away from him. “Who the fuck did this?! Stop it! It’s not funny!” He went to the casket, slapping Sam’s face. “Come on bitch, wake up!” But Sam didn’t answer. “Come on Sammy, you gotta call me a jerk now. S-Sammy…”

“He’s gone.” A voice said. “He’s gone.”

“No! No! No!”

*****

“No!” Dean yelled out, sitting up in his sleep. He was covered in a thing layer of sweat. He ran his hand down his face as he took deep breaths. Ever since he had found out that Sam was missing, the nightmares were pretty much the same. No matter how many times he had it, it still scared the crap out of him. He looked over at the alarm clock on his nightstand, the red numbers glowing angrily at him.

3:45 AM.

He and Benny had made plans to leave in about two hours. But Dean knew if he went back to sleep for even just a little bit longer, he would be haunted by Sam being dead and his dad’s disapproving eyes. Instead, he got up and decided to do a little exercising. But the minute he got up and used the bathroom, his stomach growled at him and he knew that he had to eat. Thankfully, he had decided to go to the grocery and there were a few things to eat. He wanted to pack some stuff for if they had to stop. He knew Benny would be bringing some food along too.

He turned on the little TV that he had in his apartment to watch the greatest hits of infomercials while he munched away at some apple cinnamon oatmeal. Being awake this early in the morning was almost like being in a different country. Everything seemed so different. It could either be the most peaceful time or your life, or your worst nightmare. Usually, if Dean was awake at this time, it was because of something club related and it was usually one of the best things ever. But now, it was because of his worry about his little brother.

After a little bit of just taking it slow, Dean started to pack up some things for the trip. He knew that he would be gone longer than a day, because it was almost twenty-four hours to Bakersfield. Dean took his bag and made his way downstairs to where his bike was waiting. It had taken him and Caleb most of the day, but they got her in safe working condition. He needed to fill up before he went to Benny’s.

$1.30 a gallon. It wasn’t too much more than when he went in, but it was on the rise. He hated to see what it would be like if it ever jumped above $2. Not that it really matter to him much. He finished pumping his gas and headed out to where Benny’s house was. The neighborhood was quiet. It had been Benny’s parents house. But when they split and found different states to live in, Benny took up residence there.

Benny’s dad had been good friends with the original Hunters. John had actually been his best man when he married Benny’s mom, and was right there when they cut it quits and went their separate ways. Benny had grown up with Dean and Sam. Since he was the same age as Dean, he saw Sam as his little brother and was right there by Dean’s side to help Sam whenever he needed. If there was ever anything Sam felt like he couldn’t go to Dean about, he could go to Benny. It would still get around to Dean, but Sam usually felt a little better talking to Benny first. That’s why Benny was determined to go with Dean. They had to find their little brother.

Dean pulled into the driveway of Benny’s place. His bike was in the garage but his truck was parked outside. It was the same one that he had always had, so Dean figured that he wasn’t driving it when he was hit. He parked his bike by the truck and made his way up to the front door. He was about to knock when Benny opened the door.

“Shit!” Benny said. “God man, are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Not my fault you opened the door before I could be polite.” Dean grumbled. “I thought you’d be half asleep still.”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Benny said. “I had the weirdest dream.”

“You and me both.” Dean said. He wondered if maybe they had had the same dream. It had happened before. “Well, are you ready to go?”

“Yeah. I filled up last night when I left the garage. She should be good for awhile.” Benny smiled. “Guess we better get out of here before Bobby wakes up and wants us to have a meeting or something.”

“Yeah, he already wants us to try to get some business out there. I hope he knows that’s the last thing on my mind.” Dean said, putting his helmet back on.

“I’m sure he knows that Dean.” Benny said. “We all do. And he’s just as worried about Sam as we are.” Dean nodded and got on his bike. Benny loaded up his gear and followed suit. Dean and Benny pointed their bikes west and took off. They left Wolfpine behind, leaving the quiet and familiar town for a place that neither had ever been before.

****

Hours and many miles later found Dean and Benny in New Mexico. They decided to stop before Arizona, because the faster they could get through Horsemen territory, the better. They wished that they could dip down into Mexico, but they couldn’t go through a checkpoint and they sure as hell couldn’t risk any other way. They were ready though. And if they had trouble, they had plenty of clubs that they could call on for backup.

“Dude. Here.” Benny said, motioning off to a little place. It was a House of Pies, and anyone who knew Dean knew how much he loved pie.

“Fuck yeah.” Dean said with a smile. They parked their bikes and headed inside. It was a cozy little place. Dean felt a little out of place with the dirty jeans and the black leather vest, but the girl who waited on them ate it up and slipped him his number. Benny didn’t flirt much, but Dean was eating up the attention.

“God, you’re just a magnet, aren’t you?” Benny asked as they left the diner.

“If we had more time around, I might give her a call for a good time.” Dean laughed. Dean showed Benny the receipt. Jenny, with a heart. “Too bad her phone number isn’t different.”

“Dear lord, listen to something from this century sometime.” Benny said. “Like, I promise you that there’s been some good shit.”

“20th century is the best.” Dean said. “Don’t ever forget that Sa...Benny.” Dean said. Benny noticed then a change in Dean’s attitude after the slip up.

“Well, let’s go. I’d prefer to get through Arizona as quick as we can. You good to go?” Benny asked. Dean nodded. They got back on their bikes. Dean and Benny had once drove from Texas to New York without stopping to sleep, just stopping to fill up from time to time. They had done it then for a Aerosmith concert, they could do it now for Sam. As they entered the Grand Canyon state, Dean could see the finish line in sight. It wouldn’t be long.

They had just passed through Mesa and Dean and Benny were sure that they were home free.

They just didn’t notice a guy at a gas station with a pale yellow bike who was watching them as they passed by. The girl who was sitting there with him noticed them.

“Those stupid bastards.” She whispered, pushing back her platinum hair. “They have a death wish, don’t they?”

“Yes they do Lil.” The guy laughed. “Come on. We got to call the others. The Hunters will pay for coming to Arizona.” He finished pumping his gas and got on his bike.

The back of his vest he was wearing said The Horsemen Motorcycle with a demonic looking horse head in the middle of the lettering.

Forever Tags: @anathewierdo @i-would-die-for-woodland-demars @dekahg @marvel-af @feelmyroarrrr @nanie5 @imboredsueme @gemini0410 @aiaranradnay @babypink224221 @mogaruke

Dean Winchester/Jensen Ackles Tags: @luciathewinchestergirl @sheris532 @bobasheebaby @flamencodiva

This Life Tags: @soulslaststand @jamielea81 @caplansteverogers @becs-bunker @supernaturalwincestsblog

Supernatural Tags: @bandobsession98 @mrsdeanfuckingwinchester @fangirlsencyclopaediaofweirdness @ilovetardis @missihart23

#this life #sam winchester #dean winchester #supernatural #fanfiction #benny lafitte #Jensen Ackles #Jared Padalecki

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titriwrites · 6 years ago

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Busy Times and Christmas Miracles

@devikafernando is terribly busy, and needs a big hug these days. And because I can't be there in person, I thought I could let Tom do it. Please, enjoy!

I’m a patient person. I really am. I’m also convinced that I can actually handle stressful situations really well. I’m used to it, really. I’m also kind and open. I have to be, running a small but well loved hotel in rural Ireland while simultaneously working as an author.

I can do calm, patient, and collected.

Well, at least I’ve always thought I can. The past 24 hours proved me wrong.

That’s actually how we met. I did a reading about one and a half years ago at a charity project for children in the hospital, and Tom was there for the same reason, acting for and visiting the small children there.

I was immediately smitten (of course), and he was as well. At least, that’s what he always tells me, that stupid charmer.

The stupid charmer who’s currently cross with me. Mad at me. Furious. Not that I actually know, because I haven’t heard from him since yesterday.

Which brings me to the fact that I’m actually, maybe, eventually not as calm, patient, and collected as I always thought.

It all started with Tom wanting to host Christmas dinner at his new house for the first time. I wanted to help (and actually spend Christmas with him, of course). I wanted to get there on the 23rd – yesterday – and stay until the 27th, with us going back to Ireland together for New Year's Eve.

I mean , yes, the hotel was supposed to be full, but my brother Michael and his wife – my best friend – Michelle are usually able to handle everything with the staff that’s there to help. The manager, night manager, cooks and cleaning ladies.

Through some sort of twisted Christmas nightmare though, our staff went out together and all managed to eat something that gave them food poisoning.

And now, we have a full house while the three people not sick – me, Michael, and Michelle – manage the tasks of usually nine. Cooking, cleaning, reception and being there for the guests.

Which – you probably guessed – means I can’t travel to Hampshire and spend Christmas with my boyfriend. I left Tom hanging, because I can’t leave my hotel and family hanging.

“Dev?” my brother calls from the hallway and knocks on the door of the office, where I’m currently staring at my phone, willing it to ring and for Tom to call me back.

“Coming!” I yell back, a little louder and probably a bit more annoyed than I actually mean.

Tom's been fine yesterday. Too fine. I knew he'd be mad at me. Yesterday, he got all quiet, but told me it would be okay. He would join me on the 27th. But where's the fun in that? I’ll probably still be busy then.

And now, he won’t answer his phone. That’s okay, it’s Christmas Eve and he’s busy. But he also doesn’t call me back.

Damn. He’s mad.

***

I’m done. I don’t want to anymore. I’m sitting on the chair in the lobby, trying to be a good night manager. But I’m so tired. Pouring my fifth cup of coffee, I stare at my phone that still doesn’t ring.

I scoff. Tom definitely had more fun playing the night manager. Who would think that it’s actually not that exciting? We can’t all be stars and spies now, can we?

I know there’s a smile on my face when I think of him. It’s automatic. I know, I know. It sounds cheesy and horrible, but I can’t help it.

He uses to say he’s going to quit his acting job, because, “Darling, I’ve played a night manager before, how hard can it actually be?”.

Well, Mr Hiddleston, it’s effing boring without gun dealers or drunks to tend to.

Also, he shouldn’t quit acting. Not only would he be unhappy, but also I’d be killed by a group of angry fangirls.

I admit, I shriek a little when I see lights outside the hotel. It’s a small town, and there aren't any guests arriving at – I look at my watch – 1.30 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. Especially not on Christmas day.

Maybe I should wake up Michael? No. He was awake for almost 24 hours, I should let him sleep. And if I get killed by a serial killer, at least the town has something to talk about.

A few minutes later, there’s a shadow outside and then suddenly – or not so suddenly, because I saw the lights – the door to the hotel slides open and I let out another shriek.

“Hi, Darling.”

That can’t be. He’s supposed to be mad at me. Damn, he’s not even supposed to be here. Oh, god, did he come here to break up with me in person? Would he call me ‘darling’ then?

“Dev?”

“Tom?” I mean, I need to be sure.

“Well, yes.”

And then he’s striding down the hall and up to the reception, where I’m still sitting, a little dumbfounded to be honest.

He looks good. Snuggled up in a fluffy jacket, and a scarf. I bet he smells good, too.

Tom stops at the desk, leaning against it with his arms on the top. “Hello, again. It’s not quite the greeting I’ve expected, if I’m honest.”

I’m still not standing up. This can’t be real. “Are you here to break up with me?”

Tom stares at me, and then chuckles. I’m not joking, though. “I’m here to help, Dev.”

“But... but...”

“No but. Can you properly say hello to me now? Please? I’ve missed you.”

I’m out of my chair in seconds – Yes, I know I could have been in his arms for some minutes now – and round the desk to hug him.

Tom holds me tight and scoops me up. “I love you,” he mumbles.

“I love you too, but...”

“No,” he mumbles into my neck.

“Your dinner,” I mumble back, but I’m not sure, if I really care.

“I bought the food, left it at the house and told my family they could spend their Christmas there,” he chuckles and shakes my body with his giggles.

“You're crazy.”

“I just want to spend my time with you. And I want to help.”

Tom lets go of me, but then leans in instead to give me a kiss. God, I missed him.

“I told you before, you can’t actually be a night manager.”

Tom laughs. “I know. But I can clean and tidy, and I can help and entertain the guests. And you maybe.”

“I like to be entertained.”

“I know.”

Tom winks and then picks up his little suitcase, before he takes my hand and leads me towards the office. “Prepare to be entertained a lot.”

#tom hiddleston fanfiction #real person fanfiction #one-shot

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baronessblixen · 6 years ago

Note

Hi. So I am sick rn and IMO there is a dearth of fanfic about Mulder taking care of Scully when she is sick and onscreen it was only Penny Northern who got to comfort her through chemo in one tiny scene when my little Shipper heart wanted it to be Mulder! So I guess the prompt would be the scene with Scully and Dr Scanlon 'I know the chemo's gonna make me very sick,' and Dr Scanlon says 'You're gonna feel like dying.' Scully sick and maybe hair loss like Penny? Mulder as tender caretaker TIA

This is one of my oldest prompts. I apologize to anon (and sincerely hope they’re well again!) for taking this long. This anon probably no longer follows me, but I am determined to work on my prompts. So here. Tagging @today-in-fic

They thinkthemselves safe after the first chemo, after the second. Dr. Scanlon's wordsthat she's going to feel like dying were a constant sword of Damocles over herhead, over both their heads, until it wasn't. When Scully didn't feel sick afterthe second round and assured everyone that she did indeed feel fine, the wordsdissolved into a distant memory, into mere smoke. No fire, not here. Not untilchemo number three, that is.

Before thetreatment started, Mulder prepared himself as well as he could. Hiding hisfeelings, throwing himself into work (and sometimes Scully, too) into work; anythingto distract himself from what was happening right in front of his eyes. Allthese weeks in and he is still hiding his feelings, watching Scully out of thecorner of his eye. Scully, after all, doesn't want him to hover. From time totime he is convinced she doesn't want him to care at all. If he's honest, lateat night when he's missing her, when wanting to see and touch her manifestsinto physical pain spreading through his veins like a phantom cancer, he wisheshe didn't care either. Most of all he wishes she'd never met him. Never methim, never joined him. Just never. But there is no going back, no changing thepast. They're doomed, both of them.

The chemo is onFridays. Scully chose that day so she can rest over the weekend. She leavesearly, unable to just stay away all day. Mulder contemplates wishing her goodluck, but doesn't; the sentiment too trite. Instead he helps her into her coatand startles when he realizes how tiny she is, how fragile. His hand againsther back is comically large and he draws it away.

"See youon Monday," he mumbles, his voice a vulnerable mess. Scully, alwaysstronger than he could ever be, nods and manages a smile before she leaves himalone in their office.

It's quietthere without her, feels like a grave. Mulder spends his day checking hiswatch, reiterating what Scully is going through. He knows the procedure. At 4pm he leaves, knowing it's about the same time they're taking Scully home. Bothhe and her mother offered to drop her off and take her home after. Her only answerthen a 'don't be silly'. They both kept quiet, biting their lips. So Scullytakes a taxi, every time.

The call comesat 8 pm. Mulder is half-heartedly chewing on a cold piece of pizza that he foundin the fridge when the phone rings.

"Mulder,"he answers and there is silence for a few seconds; they stretch on so that healmost hangs up again.

"It'sme," Scully says then, not sounding like herself at all.

"Ohhey," Mulder stumbles over his greeting. He swallows and sits upright onhis couch, as if that would make a difference. He turns down the volume of theTV. "How – how are you feeling?" There's more silence, graver thanbefore. Mulder expects the worst, even if he can't say what that would be rightthis moment. His throat is dry and he swallows again.

"Can you…I don't think I should be alone tonight." Even now she can't ask him. ButMulder, after all this time, can't blame her. He turns off the TV, searches forhis shoes.

"I'll beright there, Scully."

He's beenpreparing himself, or trying to do so, but when Scully opens the door he has toface the fact that he is no prepared for any of this. Her robe hand hangs offher carelessly, her skinny frame disappearing in the fluffy fabric. She leansheavily against the door, barely able to hold herself up; her face showsshadows of exhaustion and pain. Mulder doesn't say a word; he's not even surehe could say anything. He puts his arms around her and she lets go, gives in.She is way too light in his arms, her weight barely there. In tiny steps theymake it over to the couch where they slump down together, Scully against him.She's cool to his touch, yet sweaty. Her eyes are ablaze, her skin ashen.Mulder has never seen her like this and he wants to look away almost. He wantsto see Scully the way he knows her, the way he's always seen there. He can'tlook away, he never could. So he reaches out to tug a strand of hair behind herear. The long lock of fiery red hair remains between his fingers and he staresat it, tries to make it disappear before Scully sees it.

"I'msorry," she chokes as if any of this was her fault. "I didn't wantyou to see me like this." Like what, he doesn't dare to ask. She's human.She's sick. She's still his Scully, though.

"What can Ido for you?" Mulder asks her.

"Just behere," she replies with a sigh. "Be here and…" But she doesn'tfinish; she doesn't have to continue her sentence. Be here and make sure Idon't die are the words she doesn't utter, the words Mulder hears anyway.

Mulder doesn'tsleep. He urges Scully to go to bed several times (each time they return fromthe bathroom after she's been sick). Each time she says no. At 1.30 am with hermind broken, everything about her empty, she lets Mulder carry her to the bed,crying soft, desperate tears he pretends not to see or feel. He stays with herand puts another blanket over her when she shivers in her sleep. Not once doeshe take his eyes off of her.

"Goodmorning," he greets her with a smile he can't hide shortly past 9 am.She's slept for seven hours straight without being sick. If that's not good,then what is? Scully blinks at him and her complexion is a bit rosier, a littlemore like herself. "How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"You sure?"She nods, but doesn't attempt to get up. It takes her a moment to realize whereshe is; Mulder sees the thought processin her eyes. She blushes briefly when she puts the pieces together. "Youalways tell me it's not good for the back to sleep on the couch," heexplains, blushing himself.

"Thankyou, Mulder," she says, her voice soft and steady. They don't talk aboutthe night before or any of it.

Throughout theday Mulder watches her like a hawk. Scully doesn't ask him to leave and hemakes no move to do so either. They spend the day on the couch like a youngcouple in love, cuddling and watching terrible movies together. Scully driftsin and out of consciousness. When she's awake Mulder makes sure she drinks enoughfluids and eats some broth. It's all she dares to try. He brews tea every two hours,knowing it needs to cool. Earlier Scully drank hot tea and it made her sick.The only time so far this Saturday. In the evening Mulder is hopeful that it'sover. Scully has been awake for almost two hours and she's chuckling at themovie they're watching.

"Hmmm,"she says, her eyes glued to the screen.

"Hm? Youneed anything?"

"Thatbread," she points at the screen where a family of three is sharing a bigloaf of bread, "I really wish I could have some of that warm, tastybread." She licks her dry, cracked lips and moves her mouth as if she werechewing.

Five minuteslater she is fast asleep and breathing deeply against his chest, where a planis brewing. Mulder maneuvers Scully into a laying position and makes sure shedoesn't wake up. There is no bread in her kitchen. He considers making it fromscratch, but how would he even start? Mulder doesn't think long; there's one thingto do, only one person to call.

"HelloMrs. Scully," he says into the phone, trying not to sound like a youngboy.

"Fox?"Mrs. Scully is as surprised as she is concerned when she hears his voice."Is it Dana? Is she not feeling well?" He thinks of last night. Thephone call that brought him here. Scully being sick again and again. But shecalled him, not her mother. This is not his story to tell.

"She'sfine," he lies, "but she's been craving bread and since she hasn'tbeen eating well, I thought…" On the other end of the line Mrs. Scullychuckles.

"That's mybaby girl," she sighs, "her grandmother used to bake bread for herwhen she was sick. It's her comfort food."

"Can youtell me how to make it?" Mulder asks, afraid it's some complicated thinghe won't ever understand.

"Ofcourse, Fox. Of course."

Scully haseverything he needs for making the bread from scratch and Mulder follows therecipe to the letter. It has to be just right. An hour later the tiny loaf ofbread is in the oven, baking and growing.

"Mulder?"Scully's voice comes from the living room and he races back to her side. Hefalls to his knees right in front of the couch.

"You okay?"He touches her cheeks and frames her face. To his greatest delight Scully rollsher eyes and smiles at him.

"I feelfine, really, but… am I crazy or do I smell my grandmother Scully's magicbread?" Any notion of joking with her, of telling her she's imaging thingsflies out the moment he looks at her. Her face is so open and her eyes morehopeful than he's ever seen them. In this moment she is young, carefree; heronly concern that she'll get a slice of warm bread. In this very moment shedoesn't look sick. She's just herself. She's Scully, living and fighting.

"Itis," Mulder admits, unable to keep her guessing any longer. "I askedyour mother for the recipe.

"OhMulder." Scully kisses his cheek; she smells like sleep and toothpaste,like steel and the faint odor of hospital gowns, of sweet and sour vomit. ButMulder doesn't care and just grins at her.

They sit infront of the oven like a bunch of school children and watch the bread grow,grow and grow. They chatter and laugh; Scully talks about her grandmother andhow she raised six children by herself. How she always wanted to be as badassas grandmother Scully. Before Mulder can assure her that she is the most badassperson he has ever known, the kitchen timer dings.

"I'm soexcited," Scully giggles.

"Metoo," Mulder says but watches her. He doesn't care for the bread, for thetaste of it. All he cares about is her. The bread shimmers golden as Muldertakes it out. As he cuts into the steaming load, a delicious, warm and sweetscent fills the small kitchen. Scully, her eyes closed, takes a deep breath.

"Here,"Mulder offers her a small piece and Scully takes it from him. Her eyes are onhim as she bites into it. Mulder is certain he can taste it from just watchingher.

"Tryit," Scully whispers and offers him the other half. "You did itperfectly. My grandmother would be so proud." He chews carefully, thetexture heavenly soft.

"I did itfor you, Scully." He would do anything for her. Any little thing. Bakebread or find a cure to save her. He'll do it. There's no other choice.

"Let'stake it to the living room." They cut off a large chunk of bread andsettle back on the couch. They feed each other small bits, not saying a singleword.

"I'mfull," Scully says too soon and Mulder leaves the rest of the bread on thecoffee table in case she changes her mind. Exhaustion catches up with him andhe falls asleep holding Scully in his arms.

He remembersthe moment, the bread and her face, and cherishes it hours later when Scullywakes up with a haunted look on her face. They barely make it to the bathroomthis time; this wave of nausea hitting them both out of nowhere, surprisingthem. Mulder strokes her clammy back as she leans over the porcelain, her bodyunable to keep anything it, to accept nourishment.

Mulder whispersa constant string of 'I'm sorry' and 'you'll be fine' and it falls into a canonwith Scully's own words of apology and shame. He touches her neck where astrand of hair has come undone. He picks it up and marvels how soft it is. Forthe first time he notices the small patches of baldness on her head. Tearssting in his eyes. He takes a shaky breath before he kisses her neck, rightwhere her pale scar winks at him.

"You'll beall right, Scully. I promise you. I promise you that," he whispers withdetermination.

#i wrote a thing!#i wrote this in my notebook first #if handwriting is the cure to writer's block then #i guess here we go #msr #xf fanfic #my writing #my fic #Anonymous

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hillywooddestiel · 6 years ago

Text

The Retreat- Chapter 13

Characters: CEO!Bucky X reader

Warnings: angst, a stalker

Word count: 2.1k

Series description: Y/N Y/L/N: determined business woman, sought after by most businesses, creative visionary for advertising. She has it all. Or so she thinks. Life has a way of kicking you sideways when you least expect it, want it or are in anyway prepared for it. Numerous times. How can Y/N remain from cracking under the pressure when her career isn’t the only thing on the line and everything isn’t all that it seems?

A/N: Hello! So, the start of the real trouble huh? Any guesses as to who the stalker could be? Bueller? No? Well the (not so) good news is that it’s far from over just yet. Enjoy xx Series Masterlist Marvel Masterlist

Story:

After last night, I almost didn’t come to work. I nearly didn’t get out of bed; remaining cocooned in my duvet with the TV remote only a small stretch away seemed very tempting. The photographs were still on the ground where I threw them when I went into the kitchen to get some much needed coffee. I know, I know, it’s not healthy to substitute sleep for caffeine but when you get as little sleep as I did last night, you’ll see there’s no other option. Weary from the long cab ride, I walk into my office without even smiling or saying hello to anyone like I usually do.

“Good morning Y/N! I’ve got you your coffee and they had the breakfast bagels you like today so I’ve got you one of those too. We’ve first got another meeting with the production team at 9.30, there’s another artist coming in to discuss teaser banners for our website at 1.30 and Mr Barnes emailed. He wants all key personnel in the main boardroom at 4.00 to discuss where everyone is in terms of progress. And I think that’s every- are you alright?” Wanda stops when she notices my vacant stare.

“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine. Just didn’t get much sleep that’s all.” I yawn, opening up my emails page on my computer.

“Okay… well I’ve got lots of messages to answer so I should probably get back to those. Do you need anything else?”

“No, I’m good.” I tell her, just wanting to be left alone for a while.

I try to focus. I really do. But in the end, I spend most of my time just staring at my computer and the pile of papers on my desk. Aside from the meeting, I barely move. On top of everything, I feel like I’m on the verge of a panic attack; the fear is lying there under the surface just waiting to bubble over. Time ticks over to 12.00 and I can’t take another second in the office. As if my chair is on fire, I leap up and run to the elevator ignoring Wanda and Maria shouting after me. Jamming the ground floor button until the doors close, I can feel my whole body quaking and my lungs running out of air. I have to get out of here!

Taking deep and laboured breaths, I burst out of the revolving doors onto the bustling street nearly in tears. Where do I go? I feel like everyone’s eyes are on me, watching me freak out, and any one of them could be the sicko armed with a camera waiting for that perfect shot. I’ve got to get somewhere quiet. I could go back to my apartment but that’s a really long way to go from here. The library? Hmm, not really a good place to cry.

“Hey hun, you alright there?” An elderly woman places her hand on my shoulder, giving me a concerned frown.

“I’m… I’m fine.” My voice wavers.

“Oh no, sweetheart, you’re shaking. Come with me, you need tea.” this little old lady takes my hand and I bewilderedly follow her along the sidewalk.

The streets grow quieter and emptier until she takes me inside a tiny quaint coffee shop with window boxes full of pink flowers and a handwritten chalk sign outside. There are worse places to be kept hostage. Especially by sweet old grandmas in tweed coats with a pull-along shopping trolley.

“Connie! Is it the usual?” A waitress rounds the counter to pull out a seat at the window table for her frail customer before taking out a notepad and pen.

“Make it a tea for two and add an extra brownie dear.” The woman, Connie I guess, smiles at the young girl.

“I’ll get on it right away.” she leaves towards the kitchen. There are two other couples of people currently eating in the cafe and another yet to be brought their food. It’s a cute establishment. I’d probably be enjoying myself if I hadn’t been kidnapped by an old woman with a walking stick.

“Um… I don’t mean to be rude but why did you bring me here? And who are you? … and what’s going on?” I whisper, not wanting to be heard by the other customers. Connie takes the napkin from the table and spreads it out across her knees.

“You looked like you were about to either pass out or scream at somebody sweetie. I’ve been there before and I find tea helps in those situations.” She explains matter-of-factly as if what she just said makes perfect sense. Ah yes, I too pick up strangers from the streets and take them to tea.

“Right… why did you help?”

“Like I said, I’ve been there. And I haven’t helped yet, we haven’t got our tea.” Connie smiles with kind eyes just as the waitress returns with a tray of tea and two yummy looking brownies. Should I be worried about getting poisoned?

“Enjoy ladies.”

“Thank you.” I tell her, still in a state of shock with this whole situation. I sit staring at my plate as Connie pours steaming tea into my dainty cup and adds a dash of milk.

“Well tuck in dear. You’ll feel so much better.”

“Um… okay…” I gently blow on the hot liquid before raising it to my lips.

“So what is troubling you hun? It must have been something awful to have you in such a state.” my new friend asks suddenly, making me choke on my tea.

“Ah um well I uh… I’ve been having some trouble with relationships… I uh, I broke up with my girlfriend and now I think somebody is after me.”

“What makes you think that?” she asks, the small spoon tinkling against the teacup as she stirs in the sugar. I’ve come this far- it’s not good to bottle up your things so I may as well tell them to a stranger.

“I had photos sent to me. The kind kind a PI would take. Of me and another man.”

“How horrible! So that’s why you were in such a tizzy outside, correct?”

“Yes…” I feel myself grin at her of choice of words despite everything. My chest feels less constricted now and the air around me a little lighter.

“Well it seems to me that whoever sent them is a coward. You have nothing to be afraid of my dear…”

“Really?”

“Yes. Terrorising somebody by post is despicable anyway. If they don’t have the guts to speak to you face to face, they’re not worth worrying about- oh, do you have someplace to be?” Connie looks a little forlorn as I stand up from my chair and grab my bag. I completely lost track of time there!

“I’m sorry to leave so suddenly but yes, I’m actually meant to be in a meeting right now. Thank you very much for the tea and for helping me. Bye!” I dash away out the door, the elderly woman laughing and shaking her head at my antics.

“Y/N! Where have you been? Maria had to take over the meeting with the artist and your phone has been ringing for the past half an hour! I answered it, Mr Barnes wants to talk to you. We’ve all been worried sick, you know?” Wanda has verbal diarrhoea as I come back into the office. I know all of this already- she left me many detailed and creatively threatening messages of the situation at work.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t feeling well so I went for some fresh air.” I lie easily to her, sinking into my desk chair with a huff. I left that cafe with new found confidence but now the cracks are beginning to show and the fear is leaking back in.

“For two hours!? How far did you go? Washington?” Wanda scolds me despite being both younger and my inferior.

“No! Look, I’m sorry for going AWOL but… I guess working non stop is starting to get to me-” I’m cut off by my phone ringing on my desk. Motioning with my finger, I pause my conversation with Wanda.

“Y/N?”

“Yes?”

“It’s me. I’ve been calling for the past hour, where have you been?” Bucky asks, voice full of concern. Lowering the phone for a moment, I mouth ‘Barnes’ to Wanda and she takes the hint to leave.

“I wasn’t feeling well so I went for some fresh air. I’m okay though.”

“Oh… well I was going to ask you to dinner tonight.” He suggests sounding hopeful. The mere thought of going out with Bucky again and getting photographed by that creep is enough to cause bile to rise in my throat and make my head heavy with nausea. I just can’t, not right now.

“I’d love to go out with you but I really think it’s best if I just go home after work and rest. Don’t want you catching anything.” I laugh nervously, praying that he’ll hang up soon.

“Haha! I guess you’re right. Maybe when you’re feeling better?”

“Yes… maybe.”

“Okay… good… well if you’re not well I insist that you take the rest of day off.” Bucky says and I can hear the smile on his face even over the phone. Why is he so sweet to me?

“You don’t have to do-”

“But I am. Go home, get some rest and get better.”

“Fine. Whatever you say boss… I guess I’d better go then.” I sigh with relief inwardly, finally reaching the end of this conversation. Before he even gets the chance to say goodbye, I press the 'end call’ button and take one deep breath in my slowly spinning chair. If this company is even going to attempt to reach the early deadline in just a few short months time, I seriously need to get my head straight.

Home. Never have I felt so uncomfortable or so out of place in my own apartment. These people know where I live, they’ve been watching from a distance for specific moments to take photographs, they’re driven enough to print them and send them to me. So what else are they willing to do?

Amazingly, I avoid seeing the contents of my stomach resurface as I gather the disturbing rectangles of card from the floor in my kitchen and dump them into the trash (I would burn them but I don’t want to start a huge fire indoors). Having them out of sight does help to ease my anxiety a little and I manage to relax into the couch. Well this has been one hell of a 24 hours! Not even that- it’s only 3.30. God, I actually wish Bucky was here right now; he could tell me everything’s alright and make me feel better both emotionally and physically if you know what I mean. That would mean telling him about the photos though and, after seeing his temper before, I don’t really know how he would respond. Plus no one would be in the mood after having that particular conversation. Hmm… sex or anxiety relieving comfort, that’s a toughie.

One long shower and an instant noodles dinner later, I’m starting to feel more like myself again laughing along with the sitcom on TV. I would have ordered takeout but I didn’t want the delivery driver to see me with no makeup on (we’re just not ready for that stage of our relationship yet). I’m kidding. I could emerge from the rubble after a bomb drops on my apartment and I would happily walk into any take away to give my order, bloody with torn clothes and singed hair. I’ll do basically anything for food. As I put my used bowl in the sink, my phone starts to vibrate on the island counter. Assuming it will be Wanda checking up on me, I absentmindedly answer it.

“Hey! Before you ask, I’m fine and feeling much better.” I laugh, waiting for her response. Nothing.

“Hello?” I take the phone from my ear to look at the caller ID- unknown number, “Who is this?” Still nothing. I stay quiet and strain to hear any talking or even a sound to give away the mystery caller who is elevating my stress levels again. The line is still quiet apart from the rushed movement of air… breathing? “Who is this?” I demand again, getting quite worked up. My phone beeps as whoever rang me up ends the call. With a scream, I send my phone flying across the room to smash against the bare brick wall. It’s not over. It never was.

TR Tags:

@meowchickameow

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