#jacks is sitting there like MAN I CAN’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE AROUND HERE

[chryzuree]

chryzurejacks zombie au <- only thing in my brain rn

[reidtina]

Vodka Girl

Pairing: jack schlossberg x fem!reader

Content warnings: +18 MDI public sex (im only noticing now that thats kind of my thing now lol), vaginal fingering, petnames (vodka girl, pretty girl, whiskey guy), orgasm, alcohol, casual sex (:()

Word count: 3.8k

Summary: Before Jack Schlossberg was the president of the USA and dated Y/N, he was a recent Harvard graduate and she was a Vogue photographer covering an event at the White House.

a/n: this is kind of a prequel to the president!jack fanfictions on my profile, but can also be read independently. repost and like it if you like it, also requests open for jack and spencer reid! and sorry i disappeared, i was kinda unmotivated and didnt have ideas. its on ao3 too

It had been only a few months since you became a photographer for Vogue and you still hadn’t gotten totally used to the fanciness and all the famous and important people you had to photograph, but tonight was especially important, you were covering an event in the White House, which meant having to be around a few of the most important men and women in the whole country. It’s been hours and nothing had gone wrong so far, so you decided to reward yourself with a little drink, who could blame you? You’ve been working for hours and hadn’t eaten or drunken anything so far. So you make your way to the bar and sit down, but before you could order anything a man sat next to you with a beer on his hand and as much as you tried to stay professional, you couldn’t help but notice he was really hot, he had dark hair, was tall, was wearing a suit, well, every men there was, but he looked better than all of them in it. He looked familiar, but you couldn’t quite put a name to the face yet, but considering this was an event for high-classed people, it wasn’t surprising people here looked familiar.

You probably shouldn’t have stared so much at his hands, because he definitely noticed, as he said: “No ring”, which really confused you, and he could see it on your face because he felt the need to explain himself  “I’m sorry, I thought you were checking my fingers for a wedding ring or something, my bad” He said and chuckled embarrassed, making you join him in the laughter.

 “No, I was just impressed with how nice your hands are” the second the words came out of your mouth you wanted to die, why the fuck would anyone say that? Fuck. But somehow that didn’t freak him out or made him get up and leave, instead he laughed and said: “I’m Jack, by the way”

“Y/N.” You smiled politely

“Would you like to come with me, Y/N?” he said near to your ear “This party is so boring” he added. You didn’t know what to do, you were here for work, after all, but it’s been hours and you had taken more than enough photos already, maybe you could give yourself a half hour break. So you nod saying “Yeah, sure, why not?”

“Come on.” he softly laughed as he took you by the hand to the beautiful moonlit garden. He took a deep breath before stopping between a bench and a wall, looking around to check if anyone was looking. He then looked down at the bottle of beer and then at you, smiling before opening the bottle and taking a long sip, making a disgusted face as he pulled it away, “Ah, I hate this stuff.” He chuckled and passed you the bottle.

You take a sip from the bottle as well and agreed saying “Yeah, me too”

He laughed, grabbing the bottle from your hand, putting his lips where yours were just a few moments ago, before taking a sip again, wincing at the bad taste. “I'm more of a whiskey kind of man.” He said, looking at the bottle and then at you with the corner of his eye.

“I’m more of a vodka kind of woman.”

He chuckled again, taking another sip, “Vodka girl, uh?” he said, leaning against the wall and facing you, “Any particular reason why?”

“I like the way it goes down” you say with a smirk, trying to be sexy and funny to impress him. You weren’t usually like this, you tended to act natural around guys, but he’s just so hot you can’t risk being weird or boring.

He smirked too, crossing his arms on his chest and taking another sip before passing you the almost empty bottle. “No reason to be surprised you drink vodka, though, you have the look for it.” he teased, making an obvious look up and down on you.

You tilt your head to the side and raise your eyebrows before asking playfully, yet genuinely curious “What's that supposed to mean?”

He chuckled at your pose, taking the almost empty bottle from your hands before putting it on the bench next to you and taking a step closer. He looked at you up and down once again, a smirk on his lips.

“You look like you have a strong but soft personality, vodka is strong, and you make a soft impression. You also have a sharp gaze.” He said, looking deep into your eyes.

You chuckle, nervous with his sudden closeness “I'll take that”

He smiled, slowly stepping closer until you were pressed against the wall behind you, his hands on each side of you, against the wall, trapping you, but not making full contact with you yet. “So, vodka girl..." he said in a low tone. “What's the story? Here alone?”

“I’m a photographer for Vogue, I’m just covering the event. You?”

He chuckled, slowly resting the tip of his fingers on your hips, moving them slightly to the side, but still keeping a small distance between your bodies.

He looked into your eyes with a smirk on his lips, “I'm just here by myself, politics is a family business, you know?” When he said that, something clicked inside your brain and you realized who he was, he was Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson. “I just graduated college, so now I’m being more active in these kind of events with my family.” His attractiveness was already making you nervous, but now there was his name to make things harder. A Kennedy? Is your dress pretty enough to be around someone like that? How do you even breath? You have to act cool, so you smile. He smiles back “So I see we are the same.” he said  while softly caressing your sides up and down, “Both alone at this boring event, no one is wearing a ring, which means we are both single, right?”

You chuckle, you were so nervous, but he’s so nice, so it’s suddenly easier to breath and so you say “I think so, I am at least”

He smiled once again, tilting his head to the side, “I'm single too.” he said, his voice lower and his eyes never leaving yours. He slowly and softly moved his fingers to your hips, “So both single at a boring event, we came here alone and now we are alone in the garden...”

You smile and say “It looks like it, what do you think about it?”

“I think...” he whispered, his fingers digging into your sides on your hips, “I think a pretty girl like you shouldn't be spending the night alone.”

“Oh, yeah? And how are we going to fix this?” you ask, finally thinking you’re being cool enough. He chuckled and finally moved his body fully in contact with yours, pinning you against the wall by your hips, “I have an idea.” he said in a low tone by your ear, his hands slowly sliding up your sides. “Hm, tell me.” you said, knowing you should stop it, but unable to actually do it.

He smirked, his hands now fully touching your body and his lips close to your ear, “I think we should spend the end of the night together...” he whispered, slowly letting his teeth graze the skin on your neck. You smirk “Sounds good to me” no, it doesn’t, what the fuck are you doing, Y/N? You’re working here, for fuck’s sake, why did you say that it’s good?

He smiled and slowly left a trail of kisses on your neck, his body pressing against you even more. “I'm glad you agree, vodka girl.” This nickname made you feel things that you probably shouldn’t be feeling right here, right now, but it’s impossible to contain it when a man this hot is around you. He slowly began moving his lips up to your jawline, “So we have a plan for the night, hm?”

“Yeah, we do, whiskey guy” you hope the nickname does the same to him as it did to you.  He chuckled against your skin, “I love that nickname.” he said before putting his hand under your chin and tilting your head slightly to the side, allowing access to more of your neck. He began leaving a few more kisses on the side of your neck, his hand leaving your chin and slowly moving down your body, his fingers tracing your shape.

He began moving back to your ear, his hot breath against your skin as he whispered, “I have one rule, vodka girl.” His fingers played with the hem of your dress, slowly pulling it up and exposing more skin, touching it ever so softly. This was so, so wrong but so hard to resist, so you can’t help the words “And what is it?” from coming out of your mouth. He slowly lifted your leg up with his free hand, his fingers digging into your skin while lifting it and pinning it against the wall between his body and yours. So, so wrong.  He looked into your eyes as he leaned closer, his face millimeters from yours, almost touching your lip, “You have to be silent.”

Okay, it’s beyond wrong, but it’s so hot. “What? You’re going to do me here?” You ask, still a little nervous and surprised.  He smirked, taking your earlobe between his teeth and slowly started moving his hand further up on your leg, his touch leaving you craving more. “Can you be quiet?” he whispered, his lips just above your neck. Fuck it, you only live once or whatever.

“That depends on how good you are” you finally gave in to your desires. He chuckled, moving his hand even further up your leg, the thin fabric of your dress the only thing stopping him from touching you. “Oh, pretty girl, you don't know the limits to my good time.” he said as he started slowly leaving a trail of kisses from your neck to your jaw. “Then I can't promise i can be quiet, I might have to bite you to keep my mouth shut” you smirked. He bit his lip, moving his hand to your hip and pressing his body against yours, the pressure almost making you gasp but you somehow managed to stay silent. “Bite whatever you want, vodka girl, but keep quiet, we're out in the open after all. We wouldn't want to get caught.” He leaned his face closer to you, his nose almost touching yours, “Unless...” he paused, his voice low and seductive, “Unless you don't mind being heard, hm?”

That question brought out a seductive chuckle from you and you asked him: “Does the idea of me being loud out here in public risking getting caught turn you on?” He groaned lowly as he heard the question, his eyes closing from the sound of your chuckle, “You have no idea...” he said, his voice shaky now. His body was fully pressed against yours, and you can feel exactly how it affected him, especially on the spot under his belt.

You fake innocence while playing with his tie. He swallowed hard, feeling you slowly toying with his tie as he tried to form words in his mind, the heat of your touch making it hard to think. He needed no further invitation, the look on your eyes was enough to know you wanted him as much as he wanted you, so he picked you up, your legs wrapping around his waist as he carried you to a more secluded part of the garden, far away from any guests or cameras, making sure no one could see you.

“You asked for it, vodka girl.” He said as he gently sat you down on a soft patch of grass next to a wall, his body covering yours as he pinned you against the ground, his body pressed between your legs, and his lips just above your neck. He began attacking your neck with kisses, his tongue and teeth now on your skin. He whispered, his breath hot against your ear, “Now be quiet.”

You chuckle as you say “Whatever you say, boss”. He smirked as the sound of your words hit his ear, moving his lips to your ear, “That's a good girl.” He whispered into it. He started leaving a trail of kisses down your neck and across your collarbone while slowly moving his hands to the hem of your dress, slipping his hands underneath the thin fabric.

His touch was light and teasing, slowly moving up higher on your legs, “I want to hear those pretty little moans of yours, pretty girl.” he whispered against your neck, his fingers digging into the skin on your leg.

“Then touch me and make me cry out for you” you said, getting bolder and bolder as desire began taking over you, unable to contain yourself, even knowing the dangers of keeping it going, this was John Fucking Kennedy's grandson after all, your grandma probably had the hots for his grandpa and now he was here, about to fuck you.

“With pleasure.” he said as he began moving his hands higher, his fingers feeling your skin as they inched upward, slowly but getting closer to where you craved him. Thankfully you were wearing good underwear. He began sucking on your neck, leaving hickeys where your hair would cover later, thankfully, but still making sure he left his mark as he finally reached the edge of your underwear, “I want to hear you, vodka girl. I want to hear all the pretty noises you make when I touch you. But only I can hear it, got it?” You nod and beg: “Please.” He chuckled, his breath hot against your ear, "Please what, pretty girl?" he teased, his fingers tracing the edge of your underwear.

“Please, just touch me” you ask impatiently.

He smiled against your neck, enjoying the way you're melting under his touch. ”Say, please again and I'll give you exactly what you want.” he whispered, his fingers still tracing up and down the edge of your underwear. “Please, I need your fingers deep inside me” you begged, too horny to feel embarrassed. He smirked, his lips hovering over your ear, “That's a good girl.” He didn't make you wait any longer, his hands finally moving where you wanted him, a soft moan escaping your lips almost immediately as his fingers found your entrance and started moving in and out of you. He groaned as you let out a sound, his body still pressing against yours as much as it could “Careful, pretty girl. You don't want to be too loud.” He began slowly and gently caressing your clit with his thumb while still moving his fingers in and out of you, his touch soft but firm, making sure to build up the tension. His lips left your ear and you pull him in for a kiss to try and stay quiet.

He was caught off guard by your sudden pull but quickly melted into the kiss, his tongue slipping through your lips, tasting you, and exploring the inside of your mouth while his hand continued exploring your pussy. You moan softly through the kiss and he lets out a low growl, the sound of your moan only driving him further. He continued to kiss you, his tongue tangled with yours, while his free hand slowly moved up your body, touching and exploring every inch of you. He muttered between kisses, his voice low and ragged, “You taste so good, vodka girl. You made my night"

“Can you please fuck me?” You ask without thinking of the consequences, right now nothing else mattered, only having his dick deep inside you. He groaned at your question, his body reacting to your words and the sound of your panting. “What a polite woman asking ‘please’.” he said, his voice low and seductive, the sound of it sending a shiver through you. He whispered in your ear, “Do you wanna feel me, vodka girl?” to which you couldn't say anything other than “Yes, please.” He smirked, slowly moving his fingers away from your body, leaving you craving his touch.

He let out a deep-throated chuckle, his breath warm against your ear, “You're such a good girl, so I'm going to give you exactly what you want.” his words made your body build up with anticipation.

He began gently biting and sucking on your neck, but making sure not to leave marks where your hair wouldn't cover later, while his hands began to move down, slowly pushing up the fabric of your dress. “Do you have a condom?” you ask and he chuckled, slowly pulling away from your neck to look into your eyes. “I do." he said, his voice low and seductive, "I always come prepared.”

You roll your eyes playfully “To this kind of event? What a man whore.” as much as you were joking, you couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy, you must be sick. He laughed, pinning you to the ground again, his body entirely covering yours, “I can't resist when I'm around a beautiful woman like you, vodka girl. You make me weak”

You pushed any jealousy away and asked “Then please fuck me already”

He moved closer to your ear, whispering, “When you ask like that, how can I say no, vodka girl?” and you take it as your sign to start unbuckling his belt, he lets out a sharp gasp at the feeling of your hands on his pants. “Eager, are we?” he said in a low tone, his breathing getting heavier with the way you were touching him. You roll your eyes and tease “Oh, shut up, we have to be quick, you know that” He chuckled “You're quite feisty, vodka girl. I like that.” He leaned in closer, his face hovering millimeters from yours, “But not that quick, though. I'm going to make sure you remember my name when we're done.” he said it as if you could forget him, but his words send shivers up your spine either way and you reply in a whisper “Just quick enough to make sure we don't get caught.”

”Don't worry, pretty girl. I'm used to multitasking. I'll make sure you're completely satisfied, and we won't be caught.” as he finishes that sentence he pulls out a condom from his pocket and pulls his pants just down enough to take his cock out, and fuck, what a dick, it was big and thick, and you knew it'd hit just the right spots. He smirked, his eyes fixed on you as he quickly rolls the condom onto himself, when he's ready he positions himself between your legs, his body pressing yours down, his eyes holding an intense look of hunger and desire, “Are you ready, vodka girl?”

You nod, not finding the words, but that was all the invitation he needed, as he slowly pushed your panties to the side and began pushing it inside you, when he felt how thigh your pussy was, he groaned, the sound deep and full of the need he had for you. Once he had already entered all his length in you, he started moving himself against you, his eyes locked on yours, “Say my name. I want to hear you.” You moan softly at his request “Jack, please”

His body shuddered from the sound of his name on your lips. ”That's a good girl” he said in a low voice. “Say it again.”

“Jack, we have to be quiet” you moan between thrusts.

He started moving a little faster, his body pressed against yours as he whispered, “You're just too sexy, I can't resist you.”

He wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you against him even closer, “You're unbelievable, vodka girl.”

He continued to move inside of you, his body pressing against yours, both your breathes heavy and ragged. “You feel so good. I can't get…” He couldn't find the words to speak as the pleasure continued to build up between you. He was close, and he knew you were close to the edge too. He groaned, his body shuddering, “You're so perfect. I can't hold back anymore. Say my name once again”

“Jack” you moan softly into his ear and the sound of your voice mixed with your hot breath into his ear make his body shudder with release, and he whispers your name back in your ear over and over as the waves of pleasure wash over him.

He collapses on top of you, panting and trying to catch his breath, “You're incredible, Y/N. I wasn't expecting anything like this tonight.” You try to catch your breath as you pull the hem of your dress down again and pull your panties back to their place. He gently rolls onto his back beside you, still catching his breath, and turns to look at you as he removes the condom and pulls his pants up. He smiles, his eyes still holding a hint of desire and satisfaction. “You're quite the troublemaker, vodka girl.” he teased, brushing a loose strand of hair out of your face with his free hand.

“I could same the same about you, whiskey guy.”

He chuckled, rolling onto his side to face you. “Me, a troublemaker? I'm innocent.” he says, giving you an mock innocent look before grinning and reaching out to trace a finger along your cheek, “You're the one who got me all worked up, pretty girl.”

As a little bit of reasoning thinking washes over you, you say: “Maybe we should get back to the party now, we can't risk someone seeing us lying down on the garden.” He sighs, reluctantly agreeing “You're right. We can't risk getting caught.”

He sits up, buckling his belt and straightening his hair, before making a knot on the used condom and putting it into his pocket. “Well, this is kinda gross” he laughs and offers you the other hand. “But let's head back in and try to look innocent.” You take his hand while laughing and get up.

He leads you back to the inside, his hand still holding yours. As you enter the room again, you both try to act nonchalant, like nothing happened, but nobody seems to have noticed your absence either way. He whispers to you, trying not to attract attention, “We gotta act natural, vodka girl. Don't want to raise suspicion.” The fact that he’s worrying now when he’s then one that initiated the whole thing makes you chuckle and you say “I think we’re in the clear now”

He chuckles too, the tension of getting caught slowly fading away. “You’re right, looks like we’re in the clear” he agreed after looking around the room. “So, I think I should try to get back to the boring conversations, but before I go, can I get your number?” he asked and after you gave it to him and got back to work, he spent the rest of the night thinking about you, looking around the room, hoping to get a glance of you.

[pedriache]

aaron… hotchner… you were always there for him, maybe one day he snaps? “listen, im sorry, but i don’t need you here.” and she’s like oh well girl shit okay, but she obliges of course and he just feels guilty and apologizes? (angst/comfort/fluff)

Night shift — Aaron Hotchner.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your husband was overworking himself, so you thought it would be a nice gesture to bake his favorite cookies and make him coffee to help relax him. Until that plan back fires and he snaps at you.

Word count: 602

Disclaimer/s: slight yelling, mentions of a child murder/abduction case, hurt to comfort. established relationship (married)

A/N: omg i haven’t written for cm since my emily fic hi!

Aaron was overdoing it, no doubt. He had only briefly explained some of the case details as he made his way towards his office. “Two kids abducted and murdered, now another body has been found.” That was all he said as the oak wood doors slammed behind him. Closing you off completely.

So, you’d decided making his favorite cookies and some coffee would help ease his spirits as it usually did. Throughout the few hours it took to make and prepare it all, you’d checked in on him every thirty minutes.

You simply received a few small, ‘i’m working’ or ‘not now’ every time you tried to talk. But you didn’t take it to heart, he got like this during particularly hard cases.

Once the cookies were finished, you grabbed his coffee in your free and and slowly made your way into his office with a warm smile.

“Hey, hon?” You say gently, trying to gain his attention. Placing the cookies down and holding out the coffee for him to take.

You’re only met with a, “hmm?” instead of actual words. Aaron doesn’t look up, he doesn’t do anything except for flip to the next page of the case file. His eyes scanning the paper trying so desperately to find a missed detail.

“Aaron.” You sigh, “I made you—“

“Listen, i’m sorry, but I don’t need your distractions right now.” His voice raises into his angry voice, his eyes only darting up to look at you for a second before looking back to the papers.

Flinching at his words, you nod shortly. “Oh. Okay.” Setting his coffee mug down on the desk, you take a few steps back. “Well, they are there is you want them.” And without another word, you make your way out of the office, shutting the door quietly behind you.

The second you leave, Aaron rubs his temples, guilt seeping into his every crevice. He was stressed and overworking himself, he didn’t have a right to take that out on you.

You were trying your best to make him feel better and all he did was snap at you. His eyes then flicker to the cookies at the end of the desk, then to the coffee, then to the door. Even in your anger and hurt, you’d still shut it gently.

Taking in a deep breath, the man stands from his seat and exits his office. You weren’t in the living room, and he had a clear view of the kitchen, which you also weren’t in.. next was the bedroom.

Walking down the hallway, past Jacks room, where he caught a peep of his sleeping son, then toward their bedroom. The second the door opened he caught sight of you sitting on the bed running a stressed hand through your hair, his eyes softened instantly.

“I’m sorry.” He sighs out, taking a few strides toward you. “I shouldn’t have raised my voice.” He finishes softly, the bed sinking down as he sits beside you.

“It’s fine.” You mumble, looking at your husband. His eyes were tired, his hair was a mess, his tie loosened around his neck. “You should get some rest.”

Aaron nodded, “okay. I will. Soon. I just need to—“

“No, Aaron. Now.” You say, this time more firmly. “Sleep, now.” Your hands reach forward to undo his tie, “I know child cases are hard on you, but you can’t do your job properly if you aren’t sleeping.”

The dark haired man’s lip turns upward ever so slightly, but you caught it. “Okay. Sleep it is.” He finally caves, leaning down to press a tender kiss to your lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

DTS , @halfwayhearted !

[mscherub]

Right, so…you’re transported to a new world, and me being the science geek I am, I can’t help but think of all the bacteria you wouldn’t be accustomed to in Twisted Wonderland…so imagine how bad flu season would be, or just the spreading of sicknesses around the school in general

You better have a good immune system cause oml would it be put into overdrive. Anyways…here’s my twist on what the Savanaclaw boys would do in order to be helpful in your recovery ❤️‍🩹

Let me know if you’d want to see other dorms!

Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, Octavinelle, Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, Diasomnia

Warnings!:

Sickness, obviously

Mentions of vomiting, snot, etc

To start us off…

It’s flu season in Twisted Wonderland, well you call it the flu, they call it something else you don’t even bother to learn. With you’re immune so shot and not used to the illnesses that spread around, getting sick more often that you honestly should, you woke up with a headache. Ok…nothing too serious, but you thought it to be a good idea to just take some ibuprofen equivalent in their world and “thug it out,” which ultimately lead to your current situation. Currently, you’re in the infirmary, having passed out from a raging fever and a disgustingly congested respiratory system during PE and you’re bed ridden back at ramshackle, at least until your fever goes down. Sevens bless Grim and the ghosts as they try and get you things to feel better, but you need some sort of intervention, and here comes you’re favorite person at the right time. How do they help you out?

Leona🦁:

Mans would probably do the bare minimum, IM SORRY LOL

he’d have Ruggie get you food, and honestly he’d just be there for moral support

He probably doesn’t care about getting sick himself, so I can see him getting into bed with you and just laying next to you, being a personal’s heater you can cuddle into or not

Medicines? Sure…he’ll remember you need to take them, and that’s about the only useful thing he does by himself

If you throw up or anything he’ll just look at you with narrowed eyes and have Ruggie help you, then he’ll cuddle you again to get you to relax

I don't have much for him…like I said he’d probably make Ruggie do everything 😭

Ruggie💰:

Walks in with a whole bunch of items he bought(with Leona’s money, obvi.)

He’ll he you’re personal butler for the day, or as long as your sick, but you’ll pay him back, right? Yea? Gooooood!

He’ll grab you whatever you need in the blink of an eye, and he’ll cook nutritional meals for you to make sure you get better

He’ll do laundry, and I mean, mans gets “paid” to clean, so he’ll disinfect surfaces and make sure your sheets and blankets are all nice and fresh!

Medicines he’ll be on top of in my opinion…but if you have any left over after you’re better, he’ll take them off your hands. What? No, not to sell them or anything- no, totally to sell them

Hey, at least he’s there to support you and make you feel at least a little better

Pay him back

Seriously

He worked hard

He deserves it—

Jack 🐺:

For some reason I feel this man would try and get you to sweat the sickness out, you’re coughing up a storm or something and he’s having you do sit ups in bed or something, I don’t think that’s a good idea

Like dude…

But besides that, he’d be concerned, his tail would swish slowly and idly as he Just stands there watching you, a little unsure of what to do

If you ask him for something, he’s right on to doing it

Protein dense meals, will say you need it to get stronger again. Sure, I guess that’ll work for you, maybe

He’ll check the time to gauge when you need to take your medicine again, so he’d be pretty persistent with that

He’s strong so he’s not gonna be scared of getting sick.

If you ask to touch his tail while your sick, he probably will let you for once, out of pity though

Another Drabble done, expect another one soon my lovelies. And also, I just wanna say thank u all so much for all the likes I’ve been getting, it brightens up my dull days, lol ❤️

Btw, requests and asks are open!!! ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ

Master list

Please don’t steal or copy any of my work! You may, however, reblog if you’d want to!

Pictures belong to Disney Twisted Wonderland but are edited by me :)

[harlowsbby]

Out Of Luck

Requested, Can you write something about jealous Jack? Or him being a bit overprotective.

“You know with you not talking to him it’s eating him alive.” Ace said as he joined you at the back of the tour bus.

You rolled your eyes and looked up seeing Jack already looking at you, the minute the two of you made eye contact he immediately turned away.

“Good, he should be upset the way he acted was honestly uncalled for and you know that Ace.” You told him and turned back around not wanting to be bothered.

Ace sighed and stood up and made his way back over to Jack who looked at his friend with a desperate and hopeful expression.

“So, what did she say? Does she forgive me?” Ace shook his head.

“Nope she’s still very much upset but I think you need to be the one to go over there and talk to her.” Ace told Jack.

“Why should I have to say sorry? I was just looking out for her.” Jack was just as stubborn as you at times the two of you would go weeks without speaking before apologizing to one another.

“What even happened man? I come back on the bus and she’s over there and you’re over here looking like you just lost your best friend.” Jack groaned and ran his hands over his face.

“I don’t even know I just let my jealousy get the best of me. It’s a long story.” Ace shrugged his shoulders and leaned back into his seat.

“We got lots of time so fill me in.”

flashback.

“Wait, wait you’re telling me that Apple Juice is more superior than Orange Juice?” The bartender asked in disbelief.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying and you can’t make me think otherwise.” You proudly stated and took a sip of your drink.

“But how? It’s so boring and basic.” He stated. “It is not! Apple Juice whenever it’s nice and cold it just feels so good it’s nice and crispy.” You explained to him.

“You’re insane there is no way Apple Juice beats Orange Juice.” He chuckled. “We can agree to disagree.”

“What is she doing?” Jack grumbled as he eyed down Joey and You.

“Looks like she’s making a friend which is normal so don’t do anything.” Urban told him.

Being on the tour bus 24/7 got a bit too much sometimes with everyone being all under one another a break sometimes was needed.

Which is why for tonight Jack suggested that you all go out and just have some fun, but Jack wasn’t having any fun instead he was sitting in the corner of the club sulking and pouting.

“She’s allowed to make friends I don’t own her but she isn’t making friends with that guy.” He told Urban and made his way over to you.

“I bet you $100 she’s gonna be ignoring him for a few days.” 2fo said as the two of them watch Jack make his way over towards the bar.

“I bet you $200 he’ll end up crying.” Urban said.

“I bet you all $300 that Y/N ends up making him take her out shopping or something as a form of an apology.” They all laughed because they all knew they were right.

“So what are you doing here? You’re just here alone?” Joey asked you and you shook your head, you went to answer but Jack answered for you.

“She’s here with me, her man.” He bitterly stated and put an arm around your shoulder, you sat there awkwardly because you already knew how this was going to end.

“Oh you must be Jack! I’ve heard a lot about you!” Joey smiled and stuck his hand out for Jack to shake but when Jack didn’t his hand slowly lowered.

“Well alright then, I’ll let you two be.” Joey gave you a small smile before going to the back.

“What are you doing over here? Why aren’t you with us in the section.” Jack asked you. “Because I don’t wanna just sit there I wanna walk around and mingle.” You stated.

“Okay well you can mingle with someone else that isn’t the bartender.” Your eyebrows scrunched up.

“Are you jealous or something? He wasn’t even doing anything to me, or is it me you don’t trust?”

He smacked his lips. “Now come on you know that isn’t true.” Jack said.

“Okay so why can’t I sit here? I wasn’t do anything.” You stated your voice rising slightly.

“I just don’t want you sitting with over here with him. I’m not stupid I know how guys think Y/N he was looking you up and down like a snack.”

You shook your head at him you were in disbelief that he’d even act this way, you get it most guys were dogs but you thought he’d have at least an inch of faith in you that you’d never cheat or whatever he thought was going to happen.

“Alright bro.” You spat and stood up. “Bro? I’m not your bro, don’t do that.” You turned to face him and rolled your eyes at him. “You just rolled your eyes at me?” He said with a raised brow.

“Oh, so now you wanna try and control my face? honestly what’s your issue last time I checked I’m grown. You say you trust me but it doesn’t look like it.” You told him your voice slightly rising.

“I do trust you baby but let’s talk about this on the bus though.” He mumbled and went to grab your arm but you pulled back.

“No, what now you’re embarrassed? Just say you can’t trust me. Or that you’re too overprotective or whatever.” When you didn’t get a response you already knew your answer.

“I can’t believe you Jack.” You stood up and made your way out of the club, the crowd that had formed faded away when you left.

flashback over.

“And now she won’t talk to me and I don’t blame her, I embarrassed her.” Jack groaned and tossed his head back.

Ace shook his head at his friend even though Ace loved the two of you what Jack did was very wrong.

“You know what you need to do Jack, put the pride to the side and go say sorry.” Jack nodded his head.

“Yeah you’re right Ace.” Jack stood up and made his way to where you sat.

The last thing he wanted to do was to make you ever second guess him or the relationship the two of you had. He knew he needed to make things right.

“Babe.” He said as he made his way into the little room in the back of the tour bus.

“Yes Jack?” You mumbled not even bothering to look up from your phone. “Can you look at me please.” He urged.

You placed your phone down and turned around to look at Jack, he had a frown displayed on his face.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted it shouldn’t have acted like that in front of all those people.” He told you.

“What was the reason though? You know I’d never even think about cheating on you.” You told him and patted the spot next to you so he’d sit.

“I just feel like one day you’ll leave me for someone who doesn’t have a as stressful or busy lifestyle. I love you and only you Jack.”

He smiled and laid down on the bed pulling you on top of him. “I’m sorry again baby, do you forgive me?”

You thought about it for a few seconds before a small smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. “I’ll forgive you under one condition?”

“Uh oh.”

time skip.

“What is this shit? The game is going to be on in ten minutes.” Nemo said as he walked into the tour bus with Urban, Ace and Druski.

“It’s mean girls it’s really good and it’s what we’re watching tonight isn’t that right babe?” You smiled and asked Jack as you leaned into him some more.

“That’s right babe I’m so excited to be watching all these chick flicks with you tonight.” He lied, the last thing he wanted to do was watch a bunch of girly movies.

“What? Are you kidding me or something? The cowboys are playing against the raiders.” Urban stated.

“So, we’re watching Regina George getting hit by a bus for right now.” You stated. The guys groaned but nonetheless took a seat around the tv together.

“Why are we watching this?” Urban whispered to Jack. “Because it’ll make her happy and she won’t be upset.” He whispered back.

“You’re so whipped.” Urban whispered back.

(writers block is kicking my ass but I hope you still love this anon and everyone else 💘)

[idkelly]

𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤 | 𝐉.𝐑 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

jackson rippner x reader, no use of (Y/n), suggestive, sexual tension.

She blamed her husband for this.

all of this

“should’ve signed those papers on sight” she huffed and brushed her hair away from her face in a swift motion, going back to writing in her journal, her handwriting wasn’t the greatest in the moment, but she didn’t care. she needed to get her anger out on something before she did on someone.

She heard a few girls chuckling and stealing glimpses of her, ignoring it would’ve been easy if they were even trying to hide it, but it was the least of her concern now. she blamed him for making her lash out on the phone in the middle of the airport cafe and making her look like a fool.

It's been about forty-five minutes and only 10 minutes till she has to get on the plane. forty-five minutes of scrambling her thoughts out on paper, pissed at her situation and the fact that the waitress couldn’t take her order right.

This couldn’t get any worse.

Her attention was taken by the sound of glass on the table, A cranberry vodka? that’s what she told the waitress earlier but instead got a cocktail, a very bad one too. the person who set the drink on the table didn’t say a word, just smiled a bit.

He had ocean eyes, and clear snow-like skin that had a little flush to it, high cheekbones, pump lips that complimented his sharp jawline. She caught a glimpse of him earlier when she first sat down, he wasn’t that far away from her.

“i couldn’t help but overhear you earlier, you should complain to the manager”

“Maybe when i change my name to karen i will” she chuckled “but i guess people heard enough about my complaining here”

He rolled his head back a bit stretching his neck smiling at the remark “What do you mean i didn’t hear anything? you’ve been enjoying your drink- that the waitress has gotten right the first time and writing in your little book” Sarcasm was dripping down his lips at this point.

Finally she fully laughed “Oh shut up” she nudged his shoulder.

he stayed quiet for a beat then added “For the record, i think he was the unreasonable one”

he looked up at her, he noticed that she was keen on eye-contact from the get go, she didn’t say anything nor give him a nod or any facial expression till she coughed out “i appreciate it but i don’t think a stranger has the right to judge in my personal life”

As soon as her heels clicked the ground, the Man stood up as well and cleared his throat, he watched her pick up her belongings and jacket from her chair, avoiding his gaze.

She felt him, almost burning holes into her skull, she could feel her hair sticking to the nape of her neck.

“First, my apologies, second, how about I change that? my name is jackson, jack for short” he held out his hand.

She looked up at him, even in heels his eyes looked down upon her figure. “ Nice to meet you jack” she smiled at him and introduced herself in return. still not shaking his hand. 

They fell into silence, his hand still hanging, he looked down at his hand then at her waiting for her to do something, but slowly her small smile turned bigger, behind him were those girls from earlier now giggling at him.

he looked back at them giving them a glare but before he could fathom when he turned around she was nowhere to be found. dissappeared.

She kicked off her heels as soon as she sat down, her legs have been killing her all day, but heels have always been her thing, she can’t let them go. her husband always picks her outfits to meet his family, a classic red heels that accentuated her already long legs, usually paired with some black translucent tights with a line that goes up to her thighs and disappears into her her skirt that goes down to her upper thigh sitting down, and usually a dress-shirt with her emerald necklace. it matches her ring— Where the fuck is it.

“I think you might have dropped something earlier” Same voice, Same situation. The strang— jack brings her something that makes her drop her shoulders in relief, she could get used to that feeling.

“You’ve got to be kidding me”

“I'm gonna forget what happened earlier, this is my seat next to you. What are the chances?” he tilted his head at the end then sat down. His jawline looked even better from this angle, his whole side profile.

“staring is rude you know”

“I know” her gaze didn’t bulge, jack turned his head towards her, his eyes went from her hair to her legs and the heels scattered next to it.

“I never understood why you women wear those”

“to make men like you have a desire that they can’t accomplish” bold, she was bold.”Also i some women like the torture, might be a masochist thing”

Her eyes traveled to the window next to her, his face almost felt cold without her gaze, but he needed the job to be done.

“What do you do”

She turned to him “I'm a retired criminal lawyer, but I'm thinking of coming back from the dead” her voice was quiet.

“You could represent me when you do, i'm a killer”

She didn’t laugh or smile, but there wasn’t any use of making it seem like a joke, He needed the upperhand to get this done. She kept looking at him not blinking once “What do you want”

“I want you to listen closely” he pulled out a suitcase on the table, it was clear what was inside it, as he was beginning to speak a receptionist passed them, he brought her face close to him from the back of her neck, his fingers tangled her hair.

She was standing in the hallway looking at all the passengers, stealing glances at the two.

Exchanged between the two were hot breaths due to the close proximity, she could tell her was sweating and got caught off guard by that woman.

mmph! without a second thought she pulled him by his hair into her, the short distance has disappeared. it was a small kiss, neither of them moved that much, but it was enough to make a sound and make the danger go back to her station, she pulled away pulling his bottom lip as well.

What she didn’t expect was the shocked look on his face, it was obvious he wasn’t faking it either, her eyes fell down to his lips, they looked even better with her saliva on it, jack thought the same.

“Finish what you want”

“Oh right— you’re gonna make a phone call, your husband is staying at your beach house, i need you to call his brother and tell him that he has to get there as fast as possible, i’ll leave the details to you”

“So you just need them both at the house?” her calm demeanor wasn’t usual, it was almost like she was on autopilot. He kept note of that.”Why?”

“Just a hangout, some friends of mind will drop by have fun with them and everyone goes home happy, maybe they’ll pop champagne—”

“or my husband’s head, along with his brother, you’re sick” there wasn’t any venom in her tone, only amusement. Is she on something?

“I think you might be sicker” his hand creeped on her knee as he leaned over to her side slightly “you haven’t shed a single tear or seemed the tiniest bit frightened by the thought of your husband’s head blown off, what kind of wife are you?”

“The one that dreamed of being a widow” she placed her hand on top of his gliding his fingers up ever so slowly.

“Your hand is shaking, are you sure you have the power to kill with these shaky hands” she said to him laughing innocently.

a few heads turned at the sound of the squeak she made, his hand dangerously resting on her inner thigh he gave her a hard squeeze, his fingernails left a pattern on her tights.

“You might want to repeat that sweetheart”

[nattinatalia]

Jack request: He buys you concert tickets to Peso Pluma. 🤭

A/N: Changed it into him buying the tickets for Mia. Iykyk 🤪

Jack was dreading this surprise, he was even trying to put off buying the damn tickets in the first place. He claims his little girl is just that, little and she doesn’t need to be obsessing over another man’s music, in his selfish eyes, his kids should only be excited about his music. 

“Mia, can you come over here real quick bug? Daddy has a surprise for you.” You yell out. 

Jack takes a deep sigh, “Do I have to?” 

You roll your eyes, smile at him and squeeze his hand. “You can always give the tickets to me.” 

He scoffs, “Hell no.” 

You laugh, “Why?” 

“You’re my cheerleader, I don’t want to see you singing another man’s songs, only mine.”

You shake your head in amusement. “Silly daddy.” 

“I got your daddy right he-heyyyy bug.” He immediately pushes your hand off and sits up. 

“Nice save.” You Shake your head again. You watch your husband as he’s looking and smiling at your daughter. 

Mia smiles, “Hi?” She looks around “What’s going on?”

You wait for Jack to say something, but all he does is stare at her, his thumb and pointer finger holding his chin. 

You cough and elbow him softly, “Jackman.” 

He sighs, “You know how your birthday is next week?” 

Mia nods, “I’m turning ten” 

You and Jack share a look, you can’t believe your first born is already going to turn ten. Time is a thief and you can’t help but feel emotional.

“Well.” Jack begins, “We got you a little something.” 

“But my birthday is not today.” Mia says, confused. 

You smile at her, “We know, pero tu papá te compro algo que no puede esperar hasta tu cumpleaños.” 

Mia instantly turns to stare at her dad in questioning, her eyebrows furrowed, lip tucked in. It’s like looking at a copy of Jack. “What is it?” 

“Just a few things that you needed.” Jack tells her, standing up and heading behind the couch to grab the little basket you helped him fix.

Mia gasps, “It’s so pink.” 

Jack shrugs, “I couldn’t find anything in purple so your second favorite color had to do.” 

“I love it, thank you daddy.” 

Jack chuckles, “You haven’t even seen what it is yet.” 

“I know, but thank you.” 

“Alright.” Jack says, and motions for Mia to sit down on the couch. “I’m going to put it on your lap okay?” 

Mia nods excitedly. “I’m ready.” 

Jack turns to you giving you a sad smile, all you can do is give him a small nod and wink. 

“Alright, here you go.” He tells her as he puts a pink envelope on her lap. “You can open your eyes now.”

Mia opens her eyes, smiles at her daddy then looks down to her lap. “What is it?” 

You and Jack share a chuckle, “Well open it and find out.” 

It took less than five seconds for Mia to tear it open and gasped at what she read. 

“OH MY GOD.” She jumps out of her seat. “IS THIS REAL???” 

You nod, “Your daddy has been getting close to him and he was nice enough to invite you to his show.” 

“Well technically he said I should bring my family and I went and bought the tickets.” Jack sassily says.

Mia jumps up and down. “THIS IS THE BEST GIFT EVER!!!!!!” She yells. 

A grumpily Ezequiel comes walking into the living room. “Was going on? I sleeping.” As he scrubs his eyes.

“Cheesy look.” Mia runs to her brother showing her the tickets. “Daddy got me tickets to go see my boyfriend.” 

“Aht aht, none of that.” Jack says sternly. 

Mia rolls her eyes. “But you say that one girl from the show is your girlfriend when you’re married to mama.” 

You chuckle and raise your eyebrows, “She got you there.” 

Ez groans, “you wokes me up just for that?” 

“Cheesy, this is important.” She shoves the tickets to his face. “It’s Peso Pluma.” 

EZ gasps, “We seeing Peyso sing?” 

You chuckle, “You and your daddy say his name the same.” 

Jack and Ezequiel both roll their eyes. “So bug, you think you got time tonight to go see his concert?”

Mia chuckles, “I have no plans.” she quickly gasps and turns to look at you “Mamma, I need a spiderman mask”

You nod, “I got you covered with that.”

Mia smiles and starts jumping around the house, singing along to a few songs of Peso Pluma. You can’t help but smile and watch her get excited.

Jack sighs and sits down next to you, “I wish she’d get that excited for my shows.”

He probably didn’t think Mia would hear him, but that little girl did and that comment made her stop in her tracks. She runs immediately to Jack. “Daddy.”

“Yeah?”

“You know I get excited about your shows too.” 

Jack is surprised, “You do?”

Mia nods, “Mommy says it’ll get to your head-”

“WHAT?” Jack gasps.

You shyly shrug but let Mia continue. “I’m your biggest fan, I like Peso, but you’re my daddy. You know how cool that is?”

“Ugh, I go mimis.” Ez lazily mumbles.

“Anyway.” Mia rolls her eyes, “I love you and you need to learn how to share.”

“I know how to share.”

You and Mia snort. “You get jealous fast.”

“I do not.”

You nod, “You do babe.”

“Whatever, I just want you girls to myself.”

“Daddy, we don’t have to go if you’re gonna feel weird.”

Your heart tugged at her suggestion, that’s who Mia was, thoughtful and respectful, even if it meant putting her feelings aside. Your soon to be ten year old daughter was more caring and loving than most adults.

Jack smiles at her. “Nah, I’m totally okay with it bug.”

Mia hugs him. “Okay good.”

“Plus.” Jack starts. “I may or may not be working on a song with him.”

“OMG WHAT?” Both Mia and you gasp out while Jack is smirking with his arms crossed. 

“You’ll have to wait and see.” 

Mia chuckles, “Yup, coolest dad ever.

**************

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[basilone]

“Morrison.” Her name is spoken like lead, heavy and unwelcome. “I wasn’t aware you get paid to sit down and do nothing.”

Max almost rolls her eyes. Almost makes it a full-body event the way she’s seen Lottie do, all well-practiced shoulders and an expression of affected annoyance written all over her face. Catches herself just in time, though she still topples back against the crates in what she hopes looks like an intended sort of reclining.

Captain Brady doesn’t look fooled by it, if the slight uptick of his brow is anything to go by.

“Push told me to sit here and, I quote, touch nothing, Max,” she says, even though Push had technically said that yesterday and not today. “Gotta listen to your flight engineer, sir. Also”– she blows the next words out like they’re air, hot and stuffy –“Dee’s mad at me. Again.”

“Perrault needs to stop bossing everyone around,” says Captain Brady, with the air of a man who’s been on the receiving end of Push’s orders one too many times. He looks tired, here, squinting against the sunlight, hugging a bag to his chest. “And you,” he says, then, squint turning into glare the longer Max looks at him, “are not exempt from your duties just because Llewellyn takes offense at everything that moves.”

“Not everything, sir.”

“Close enough.” He drops his bag on one of the ammo crates. Leans against a stack of other crates that George hasn’t seen fit to move yet. “I get that it’s not ideal…”

Jules screaming over comms. One-Eye limping across the tarmac, eyes wild. Max shakes her head. Shuts her eyes. Tiny collapsing against Dorrance-Jones during interrogation. Lucy repeating “there’s nothing I can do” over and over until Jack Ellis pulls her hands off another man who died before Max even learned his name. She shakes her head again. Feels her breath whoosh out of her. Lifeless eyes, staring eyes. Lottie sobbing into her pillow night after night, Frosty sleeping outside, Dee punching the door over and over.

“It’s not,” she forces out, opening her eyes to Captain Brady’s frown. “But it’s what we’ve got.” She doesn’t think she could stomach Bucky’s well-meant jokes over comms. Doesn’t think she could take Major Cleven’s prolonged silences, either. Is entirely sure she can’t be on a plane with Benny DeMarco, who always greets her like he will remember her. “Blakely wouldn’t take us, said Push would jinx his luck or something,” she says, which is a version of the truth as good as any, “and Dee said she needed a pilot without a mustache, sir, so that’s you winning in her book by a landslide.”

“Which I am certain explains her asking after my shaving habits.”

Max nods, careful to not let the fresh bubble of mirth rise from her belly to her mouth. “Her ex-fiancé had a most dreadful mustache, sir.”

Captain Brady’s nod is as sharp as it is measuring. “I assume any letters she sets on fire come from him?”

“Yup.” The ‘p’ pops nice and round in her mouth. “Everyone says that’s healthy. Lottie does the same with her letters, I think,” she says, frowning as though she isn’t fully aware of every move Lottie makes in their space. “Seems to me like you ought to be able to tell people to quit writing, though.”

“Some people might not listen,” he says, gingerly taking the crate two places over from hers to perch upon. “Especially not if they feel wronged in some way.” He exhales loudly. Fixes his gaze on their plane, which is almost through with repairs. “You have the right idea, Morrison. Just perhaps not the tact required to tell others about it.”

Max’s eyes narrow. “Dee told you.” She hisses through her teeth as he gives her a little affirmative nod. Swallows down a cuss word that would make One-Eye blanch and Tiny start another lecture. “She tell you what she said to me, too?” She keeps her eyes fixed on their plane’s yellow lettering, which Darlene still needs to go over with another brush. “That at least she, unlike poor little orphan me, got someone to return-to-sender any letters to?”

“No, she did not.”

“Figures,” she snorts out. Dee’s always been that. Half-stories that keep herself out of trouble. Max would’ve knocked her teeth out about some of it if it wasn’t just so damn sad. “Well, sir, now you know. I need more tact, Dee needs more honesty. We’re all right together because of that.” Better than Lana or Polly had been, in training, before they’d washed out and joined the WACs instead. “Ask Push if you don’t buy it.”

“I prefer to be my own judge of character, Morrison.”

“Is that why half the base avoids meeting your eye, sir?”

“I can’t speak for other people’s decisions,” he says, which Max translates as a yes without too much difficulty. “You might say I am not one for tact, either”– and isn’t that a funny little something –“nor am I someone who… sugarcoats.” His sharpening tone speaks greater volumes than his words. “Is that something you foresee yourself having a problem with, Morrison?”

Max hums thoughtfully. “Not me, sir,” she allows, casting a glance sideways only to find him looking straight at her. His eyes are flinty, much like Major Cleven’s are when calling Bucky to order, but Max doesn’t quite mind the blatant measuring. “At least you’re honest about it,” she adds, tucking her spiraling curls behind her ear best she can. “And you’re not singling me out any. You’re just like that with everybody.”

She longs to call it reassuring. Bites her tongue just in time, because she’s already said plenty about it without quite saying it. Doesn’t want to jinx things with a new captain now that Jules is gone and Tiny’s thinly veiled judgment finally isn’t anywhere near Max while flying.

“Morrison.”

“Sir?”

“If you experience any…. singling out,” he says, emphasizing the term with a mouthful of abject distaste, “I want to know about it.”

The fuck’s a white boy from a nice little town upstate gonna do about it? Max digs her fingernails into the palms of her hands to stop herself from scowling. “Yessir,” she answers, gaze fixed on his neat little pressed uniform collar. Wonders if there’s a difference, for him, between knowing and doing something about it. Doubts she’ll involve him when it happens again. “I’ll let you know.”

“Especially,” he adds, hopping off his crate and stretching out, “if they tell you it’s just a joke.”

“Everything is just a joke when you have enough power to make it sound like just a joke,” counters Max sourly, huddling into her fur-lined collar despite the fact that the weather is balmy today. “Most people don’t know the difference.”

“Most people,” says Captain Brady, stuffing his hands into his pockets, “are not very clever.”

But you are, aren’t you? Max exhales. Remembers that Captain Brady can hold his own when talking with Push and George, who know more about planes than anybody she’s ever met. Recalls, too, that he’d put himself between Lucy and some belligerent replacement quicker than anything. You’re clever enough to realize some of the men aren’t joking when they try to ship me off to Tuskegee territory in Italy.

“– or not, Morrison?”

Max blinks. “Sir?”

“Are you going to help fix the plane or not, Morrison? She’s your bird now, too.”

“Still says Brady’s Crash Wagon on the side, sir,” quips Max cheekily, sliding down from her own crate. “Push has opinions about that, you know. She’s been saying it’s bad luck.”

“What do you think it is?”

Max stops. Considers. Narrows her eyes at him in a most flinty-gazed mimicry of his best stare. “Might be an honor, sir,” she says, testing the words out in her mouth. Liking how they sound. Liking, even more, the way he blinks in surprise. “Unless you crash us. I’m going to be mad as a buzzing beehive about that.”

“Noted,” he says wryly, turning his gaze toward the wing. “Fix her up right and we might get lucky.”

She isn’t entirely certain why, out of his mouth, hope starts to sound an awful lot like prayer.

[hangmatts]

jungle boy goes to matt for help.

[ set before full gear 2022 ]

—

word count: 1,036. also posted on ao3

—

Jungle Boy very rarely gets frustrated. He’s a very calm and relaxed person. But, when he keeps messing up his hair, he can’t help but get mad. He throws the hair tie down on the floor and tries not to yell.

It’s a basic hairstyle, one that he’s done many times. His hands can’t help but shake because of his nerves. He tries sitting and thinking about what to do. He listens to the pre-show talk about the in-ring return of the Elite when the idea hits him. If anyone knows anything about hairstyles, it’s Matt Jackson.

—

He finds himself at the door of the Elite’s locker room, afraid to knock. He’s not even sure Matt likes him or if visitors are even welcome. He comes to the conclusion that he needs Matt’s help. He quickly shakes off the nerves and places a knock on the door.

Nick opened the door, peeking his head out. He looked confused when he saw the young man standing in front of him.

“Jack?” He asked. “What’s up?”

“Oh- um, is Matt here?”

“Yeah? You need to talk to him?”

“Yeah, please? If that’s okay?”

“Of course it’s okay! Come on in!” Nick smiled and opened the door to invite him in.

—

Jungle Boy looked over to see Matt in front of a mirror, trying to style his hair.

“Matt, you have a visitor.” Nick said before sitting back down on the couch.

“Hm?” Matt turned around. “Oh, Jack! So nice to see you! What can I do for you?”

“Um. I was hoping you could help me style my hair?”

Matt’s face immediately lit up with excitement. He jumped out of his seat, causing Jack to step back.

“I would LOVE TO. Come sit in front of me.”

Jack sat in the chair in front of the mirror, inspecting everything. He messed with the tiny butterfly clips. He color coordinated the hair ties. He picked up Matt’s silver, dangly earrings and started messing with them.

“Do you like the accessories?” Matt asked.

“Oh- yeah, they’re fun. Sorry, I didn’t mean to touch them.”

“It’s okay. You can mess with them as much as you want.”

Matt leaned down to whisper the next part. “I can tell you’re a little nervous and if messing with my earrings calms you down, go ahead.”

“Thanks- thank you.” Jack smiled.

“So, what hairstyle were you thinking?”

“I just wanted a half up ponytail.”

“Oh, a classic! One of my specialties too! You came to the right place.”

“I tried doing it myself but I couldn’t get it. It always looked wrong or bad.” Jack explained.

“I get it. I mean, I truly believe if your hair is wrong, your entire life is wrong.”

“Who said that?”

Matt tilted his head, trying to think.

“I don’t know but I say it all the time so, I’m gonna say it’s a Matt Jackson original!”

Matt smiled, proud at himself for that answer. Jack just nodded in response. Nick overheard and rolled his eyes.

—

Matt grabbed out all the tools he needed.

“Now, do you want a silent appointment or do you want to talk?” He asked.

Jack lowered his voice. “I’d love to talk but I would prefer if it was just us? Is that okay?”

“Of course!” Matt responded before turning to face Nick. “Nicky, please leave.”

“What? Why?” Nick was confused.

“I prefer to work in a less crowded environment.” Matt made it up on the spot, just to make sure Jack felt comfortable.

“Crowded? I’m ONE person.”

“NICK! Go find Kenny and talk about sports or something!” Matt pointed towards the door.

Nick rolled his eyes, mumbling something about Matt being dramatic as he walked out of their locker room. Matt rolled his eyes back.

—

“So, what’s on your mind?” Matt asked, picking up the first tool he needed.

“You know what it’s like to fight your best friend, right?”

Matt nearly froze. “All too well.” He answered.

“How do you go on after? I feel like everything is gonna change. It already has changed, but it’s gonna be so different when this match is finished. What do I do with myself? How do I move on?”

“Well, everything is gonna change.” Matt started as he brushed Jack’s hair back. “But, that doesn’t necessarily mean for the worse. A lot of the times, change is good. You will find your way after this ends. It’s always difficult to move on but I just know you’re gonna go on to do greater things.”

“What do you mean?”

“When this match is over, when this whole mess with Christian is over, you should put it all behind you. You’re amazing at what you do, Jack. I truly believe you’re gonna be a world champion someday. You are a star.”

“You think so?” Jack asked, fidgeting with Matt’s earring.

“I know so.” Matt smiled. “And soon, the entire world will see it. You’re so special. One day, you’re gonna realize that.”

“That means so much coming from you.” Jack awkwardly smiled back.

“Well, I’m glad I could help. I’m all finished. What do you think?”

Jack examined his hair in the mirror. Something so simple, yet so efficient.

“It’s perfect. Exactly what I wanted. Thank you so much for helping me.”

“Of course! You know, you should come by some other time. I can put some of these clips in your hair. We could try out a bunch of different hairstyles together.”

“Yeah… I’d like that, actually.”

“Great! I’ll text you when I’m free.”

—

“Well, I should probably go. My match is on first.” Jack got up from the chair.

“Right, of course. One more thing.”

Jack looked at Matt confused. Matt leaned up to place a small kiss on Jack’s cheek.

“Good luck.” Matt said, pulling back.

Jack tried to ignore the blush quickly creeping up on his face. Matt noticed.

“Right! Thank you. I will see you some other time. Um- thanks for the hair and talk. Bye.” Jack quickly shuffled out of the room.

Matt couldn’t help but giggle at how cute Jack looked nervously blushing. He put his dangly earrings in and turned on the TV just to watch Jack’s match.

[sylkiddsey]

Proving A Point

Sylvie fixes Matt a drink and joins him in the living room. Julia’s been going through a sleep regression, and they have both realized they aren’t falling asleep anytime soon. Instead of struggling to get her to sleep, they’ve decided to let her stay up.

It’s easier and this way, they can spend extra time together. The boys are both staying with friends, so they like to take advantage of the quiet.

“She’s out,” Matt whispers.

The problem is, she fell asleep in her swing chair. They both know if they move her, she’ll wake up screaming.

“At least she’s finally sleeping,” Sylvie replies, sitting on the couch. “We’ll just keep her there for now.”

Matt climbs off the floor and joins her. He grabs her legs and swings them into his lap, massaging her calf. “I think that’s wise.”

Sylvie cuddles into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I miss this.”

“Staying up till three in the morning?”

She chuckles. “No. Not that. You and me. You know, just us together without any distractions.”

Matt kisses her. “Me too. Now that we have all this down time, I’ve been meaning to ask how the new candidate has been?”

Sylvie grabs his hand, intertwining their fingers. “He’s great. He seems really nice and he’s also freakishly strong.”

“What do you mean freakishly strong?” Matt asks.

“The guy is very muscular, Matt. He’s jacked. He practically lifted a car on his own,” Sylvie explains.

It was super impressive. The new guy, Denny, isn’t even in his thirties yet and he’s already ripped. She didn’t know a human could be that strong.

Matt scrunches his face. “You sound so surprised a firefighter could be so muscular.”

“Trust me, you’d see where I’m coming from if you met him. He bench pressed my partner at the station like it was nothing. He did like fifty reps, Matt.”

Denny offered to lift her, but she politely declined. It felt too awkward when she barely knows the guy.

Matt squeezes her thigh, grazing his fingers against the skin exposed from her night shorts riding up. “Should I be worried you’re so impressed with this guy?”

Sylvie nudges him. “Oh come on, baby. You know it wasn’t like that. I just didn’t know a human could do that so easily. That’s all.”

“Okay, I’m starting to take offense here,” he chuckles. “May I remind you that your husband happens to be a pretty capable firefighter?”

He’s such a dork. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him until she needs air.

She brushes her nose against his. “You definitely don’t. I know just how capable you are. Denny’s just younger. He probably has more stamina.”

Matt scoffs against her lips. “Hang on. First, you're talking about how jacked this guy is and now I’m old? Yes, I’m probably quite a few years older but I’m not ancient.”

Sylvie can’t help but laugh at the genuine offense on his face. She didn’t mean it like that.

“I never said you were,” she says. “Matt, I’m just saying that Denny is in his twenties. He has youth on his side but you’re not old. Not old at all.”

“You honestly believe I can’t do what he did, can you?” He asks.

Sylvie doesn’t say anything. Matt’s very strong. She knows that but he’s also a bit older than the candidate. It doesn’t make him inferior, just a little bit at a disadvantage.

Matt moves her legs off his lap.

“Hey, where are you going?” Sylvie asks, slightly panicked. She thought they were just playing around but maybe he’s genuinely upset? “Matt, please.”

He stands and holds out his hand. “I’m proving to my wife that I’m not a washed-up firefighter.”

“I never ever said you were.”

He flexes his fingers. “Stand up, babe.”

She grabs his hand and lets him haul her to her feet. “Matt, you don’t have to do this. I think you are incredible. This is silly.”

“I need to get that other firefighter out of that ridiculously beautiful head of yours.”

“He is not in my head. Trust me, you are the only man on my mind. There’s no reason to get jealous.”

He gives her a look and then sits down on the rug. “This isn’t about jealousy, Sylvie.”

It sure looks like it. She has no clue what he is trying to prove from the floor.

Matt grabs her hand and tugs her down with him. She gasps in surprise when she lands on his chest.

“What on earth are you doing?” Sylvie laughs, trying to keep her voice down. “Is this what sleep deprivation does to you?”

“I’m proving a point,” Matt grins. “Lay flat.”

“I’d rather lay like this,” Sylvie charms, hovering her lips over his. “We could make out like teens on the living room floor.”

“Yes, to that but we’re doing my thing first. I’m benching you. Stay still.”

Before she can process, Matt has one hand under her breasts and the other on her thigh. He pushes her into the air which leaves her giggling. She goes up and then back down against his chest.

“You are crazy,” she laughs. “And your grip on my thigh tickles.”

“Still thinking about the candidate?” Matt teases, pushing her above his head.

“I was never thinking about him, but I am impressed.”

“I might push around a lot of paperwork these days, but I still have a few moves.”

Yeah, she’d agree. Although she never once thought he was losing his skill.

“Will you put me down?” She chuckles.

“Not until I out do that amateur.”

“Baby, I can’t make out with you and prove to you how impressed I am from the air. Put me down so I can kiss my hot firefighter husband.”

He lowers her onto his chest, wrapping his arms around her. “That’s more like it.”

“You know I love you.”

He nods. “Yes, I do. It just doesn’t hurt to remind you that I’m not that old.”

Sylvie kisses him, moving her lips to his neck. “I have never thought that. You look as good as you did the day I met you.”

“Okay, now you’re definitely sweet talking me.”

“Okay fine. That’s not true.” She skims her fingers through his hair. “You actually look better. I’ve always been a huge fan of distinguished Captain Matt Casey.”

He smirks. “Is that so?”

“Yep.”

He runs his hand down her back, resting it on her ass. “I happen to really love PIC/hot mom Sylvie, so I guess we are on the same page.”

He knows how she feels about his hand placement. He’s starting something they probably won’t finish.

“How long do you think we can make out before our sweet daughter ruins the fun?” Sylvie asks.

“Probably five minutes if we are lucky.”

She pulls him closer, mumbling against his mouth. “Oh well. I’ll take it.”

[idanceuntilidie]

Requests are allowed right? If so I like to request at least 1 wholesome I guess… please

Yandere game show host x winning contestant reader

(Naming the host jack)

I have tried and failed to write this for few days, THE STRUGGLE

I have never watched a game show, bear with me, I made the yandere male by accident do forgive me I will watch brother bear as a reward for writing this, I hope you will like it Yandere male game show host x gn winning contestant reader

There are no warnings needed this is pretty chill.

Requests are open

You can’t believe you are doing this.

Game shows were not really your thing actually, but your life was missing something. A little bit of excitement and maybe love. It sounds embarrassing, and maybe it is but you don’t really care.

The theme was a slasher movie, but that didn’t tell you much really.

You even met the host, Jack, and you two talked for hours. Jack being Jck didn’t give you a lot of spoilers because “It would ruin the surprise”. Man, all you wanted was to mentally get ready for what’s about to come really. When you voiced out your worries, Jack hugged you and told you that everything will be fine and he will make sure nothing happens to you. It made you feel better, you smiled and hugged him back. Man you miss him. You look in the mirror, they took the theme seriously, you look like you just crawled out of the 80s. You liked the golf sweater especially, no one will notice if you happen to ‘borrow’ it. The turquoise, green and purple mixed really nicely and the material wasn’t itchy. To go with that you had bell pants.  When you made sure everything was in place you headed to the door that would lead you to where the game would be taking place. It was still quite empty, it wasn’t surprising since there were still a few minutes of free time left, so like a good person you were. You decided to check the place out.

It was a singular room, black and small. It surprised you honestly. How would you all be able to even do anything here? Then you noticed the door, damn you curiosity, you are sure as hell going in. The door led you through a long corridor and when you finally got to the end of it, no surprise, you saw another door. It somehow felt like this whole corridor was sentient and made you want to consider your choices but curiosity once again won and you opened the door and ended up outside. It was nighttime, and the only source of light was the full moon. Talk about the atmosphere, you continued onward, at this point you are starting to think that you might have wandered off the set. Checking the watch to make sure you still had time to go back you looked around, you couldn’t see the building, nor the door. You were surrounded by the forest and night. It was eerie and almost calming. For a moment you felt like the world stood still, well that was before a rustle came from behind you. Oh hell nah, you aren’t checking it out, you think before walking in the direction from which the sound came from. That’s called being a hypocrite. When you finally go close enough you are pretty sure you saw a person looming in the shadows of the trees. Man is that a knife? Oh holy shit it’s a machete. That had you worried for a second. Wait, a machete? Your smirk fell as the person raised it in the air. Ah man is that the part you die in? You turn around and start running in the direction you were going previously. The person behind you ran after you. At least he is not fucking around. You try your best to lose him and after a while you did. You also almost ran into a lamp, but that’s besides the point. You even found a small cabin and when you got into it you saw 5 other people sitting in a circle looking at you like you were crazy. You were sweaty, trying to catch your breath, pointing in the direction of the woods. “We know, congrats on getting away” someone said, you looked in the direction of the voice to see a young man, with that black outfit he just blended into the darkness. One of the people in the circle actually made an effort and got up to hug you, you didn’t have energy to hug her back. “Yeah, congrats on winning the first round or well two, haha.” she smiled apologetically. “I’m guessing you didn’t expect the chase, give me a sec I will grab a sleeping bag for you. You thanked her, you sat on the ground since your legs refused to stand any longer, someone even joined you and a familiar scent of perfume hit your noise. “Jack..?” “Sup, be quieter please” “You shouldn’t be here” You whisper yelled at him. He only chuckled at that.

“I found a cool spot you wanna see?” he asked, but then dragged you away anyway. You didn’t even have a chance to respond to him.

Soon you found yourself outside, Jack dragging you away from the cabin until you found a clearing. “Here you can lay on the grass” He let go of your hand and laid on the patch of short grass and patted the spot next to him. You did the same. “What the fuck dude”  you groaned.

“I know right? He is terrifying” “You shouldn’t even be here you are the motherfucking hooost, what have you gotten me into??” “A game show- Ow” You kicked him.

“Why the fuck are you in here and why did you drag me HERE” “Because this is the dead spot, plus I wanted to talk to you”

“Sure you did”  You stare at the sky, eyes slowly focusing on the dark. You are finally, once again, met with the beauty that comes during night. You are even able to see stars.

“Sorry for the scare y/n, but hey you will be seeing more of me” he hummed

“How so?”

“Well, you told me how scared you were so I will come by now and then to make sure you are okay and well, oh and congrats on winning the rounds by the way, I knew you could do it”

“Thanks, I almost pissed myself”

He cackled and you joined in,

“Dead spot?”

“Yeah, the hunter won’t come here and there is no cameras, you can chill here if everything gets overwhelming”

“Thanks Jack, after this is over I am beating you up”

“I hope so”

[oatflatwhite]

writing year in review

tagged by @pegasusdrawnchariots <3 had a couple of nothing months (jan and jul) where i couldn't find anything i might have written, fic or original work, so. overall comments: lots of ww2 rpf! (plus blink and u miss it original ww1 yaoi)

tagging @spaceshipkat @hartigays @shadowquill17 @itstheheebiejeebies and @eliever if you guys want <3

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Buck takes a step back. It feels as far as Lake Michigan. Stood on the edge of it you can’t even try to see the other side. “I’ll see you,” is what he says, and John thinks tiredly: you already do.

MARCH

Buck’s sitting with his back to the window and if John looks at him a certain way he’s bathed in its warmth. His shirt is blue, the sleeves short. John hasn’t seen his elbows since summer in the stalag. They’re nice elbows, the sunlight picking out the golden hairs along his skin. John had spent a lot of time looking at those elbows, and thinking, fuck you, Marge.

APRIL

His hand feels everywhere over John, despite all the clothes they’re both still wearing, and John’s kissed and been kissed in the two weeks since he came over to England but it wasn’t like this. Curt’s mouth is insistent and rough against John’s, still tasting like gum, and the thought comes to John, unbidden:

If I ever kissed Buck it would taste like this.

MAY

They completed a lopsided circuit, avoiding the far left corner of the barn. It was unoccupied, save for one man sat on an overturned pail. He was jacketless despite the cold, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and noticeably thin. Stood side-by-side he’d likely be taller than Jack, but hunched down with his bony wrists exposed like that made him seem small. He had long fingers. Two of them curled limply around a half-smoked cigarette. [original fiction]

JUNE

“It just felt like,” and Dick looked back at him as he spoke, “it was something married people ought to do. And then I thought, it was silly thinking about marriage when I hadn’t even plucked up the courage to kiss you yet. So.”

“So.” Nix started to smile. Dick pressed his lips together to stop his own from forming but it was useless. It split across his face in a way Nix could watch every day for the rest of his life.

JULY

AUGUST

The darkness felt familiar—in a sense, Thomas had never really seen it lift. This great house, that had once seemed to hold every answer to his whole life, now felt cold, and lonely, and so very, very big. Thomas suspected you could press into its wallpaper the lives of every person who had died here—William, Lady Sybil, Mr Pemuk, that handful of unlucky officers who took a turn for the worse during their convalescence—and now poor Mr Crawley—and still not cover every detail in its panelling; every floral flourish.

SEPTEMBER

He had a strange, shifting tolerance for Web’s conversation—sometimes laughed, with all his teeth, even when Web didn’t think he’d been particularly funny. Other times Joe barely let him finish before stomping away, mood cloudy when it suited him and never willing to offer an explanation why. Way back at Toccoa, he’d been at first enigmatic, then untouchable, to Web—his age, his accent, the Star of David he wore alongside his dog tags and the long, lean line of his body not the least things that set them apart.

OCTOBER

Compared to Nix, Dick’s room is sparse and Army-neat, his only allowance to personal taste the photographs on his bedside table: one from Toccoa, Dick long-limbed and coltish in his PT gear and Nix smiling at him, rather than the camera; the other a family shot of his parents and Ann. In Nix’s room, the bed is rarely made and the chair under the window has been uninhabitable for months, piled as it is with papers and clothes. Nix calls it his Leaning Tower of Shame. Dick calls it his “Jesus, Lew. This what your footlocker looked like in the war?”

NOVEMBER

In the Ardennes, breathless and quietly hysterical, Lip had taken the cigarette from Luz’s mouth and put it inside his own. Luz had been shaking—with fear, with grief, with the cold—and it was the longest stretch of time Lip had ever spent with him in silence, except for the whistle and thunder of the shells.

DECEMBER

Kurt thinks of handing Finn his jacket before being tossed in the dumpster. He thinks of the first time Finn threw a slushie at him, and how he’d been thankful, rinsing himself off in the disabled bathroom, that Finn had gone for red syrup over blue. He’s mostly given up his crush on Finn, but he understands the desire to look past the ugliness of a person to find the good underneath.

[melles1276]

A big "Thank you" to Heartswarm for the terrific moodboard! ❤️❤️❤️ and mommagotabuzz who accompanied me for much of the route. ❤️❤️❤️

New chapters (the last one plus the Epilogue) are online!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/56470924/chapters/159500509

Excerpts:

Chapter 23 - March 10, 2018

Barton Estate

Iowa

"Ready?" Clint joins him to watch the group from a distance, who are partly in the winter garden of the house and partly outside. The weather is exceptionally mild today with temperatures hovering around 66°F, prompting some to visit the farm animals.

"Not really." Steve looks at him indecisively. He still thinks it’s wrong to be here and had hesitated for a long time before accepting the invitation. But after all, it had come from Lily herself and he didn't have the heart to decline. So he booked the flight and took a taxi to the Barton Farm. However, that doesn't make this meeting any easier for him. Clint had met him when he arrived here and introduced him to Laura and the children.

That had been the pleasant part. Now they are outside in the shelter of a huge tree. As far as he can see, there are at least 10 adults sitting around a table in the winter garden with the large windows, none of whom even know he’s here, too. Two children are romping around on the hay bales in the large barn under the supervision of a man and a woman.

“Understandable,” Clint nods. “Take as much time as you need.”

“Can you…can you tell me who’s who?”

Clint gradually points to the people present. “This is George. Buck's father. Winifred, his mother. Lily’s parents William and Ethel are over there.” He points to three women one after the other. “That’s Buck’s sister Frances; and there is Rebecca. Olivia is over in the barn with her husband Jefferson and children Nicolas and Joshua. As a teacher, you certainly have no problem remembering names.” He turns slightly and looks at the small gate next to the barn. There are some cows and pigs inside. A rooster struts freely among his chickens.

Two children and a woman are standing outside feeding three goats.

Clearing his throat, Clint says, "That's Lily with the kids."

“Anna and Jack,” Steve whispers, briefly squeezing his eyes shut. He immediately pictures the three of them in the photo beaming with each other. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

“And Alpine, the goat. With her two fawns.”

“That’s Alpine?” Steve asks in surprise.

“Yes, it was a bit tricky getting the three of them out of the camp unscathed. But I didn't want to leave her behind. Buck would have liked them to be happy here.”

"Yes, that's right."

Then Clint becomes more serious and lowers his voice slightly. “Um, if you run into Lily later, please don’t offer her condolences, okay? She doesn't want a memorial service to mourn his death. Instead, today we should celebrate his birthday, his life. And I think that’s a nice idea.”

Steve blows air audibly through his teeth. He isn't sure he can look her in the eyes.

“She’s not mad at you,” Clint persuades him, because he senses the reserve that emanates from Steve. “Otherwise she would hardly have invited you, would she?”

“Perhaps she will be afterwards?”

Laura waves to them. “I can’t imagine that,” Clint says, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “I am being called.” Before he leaves, he glances at Steve. “No one here blames you for anything. But I understand if you have concerns. You can retreat to your guest room in the house at any time.”

"Thanks." The words give him some confidence, but not enough to approach the widow and her children. So he stays in the shelter of the tree for the time being and tries to give himself courage. His gaze goes to the large table and he studies the people there who were talking to Clint and Laura, but he’s too far away to hear what is being said. Now that he knows exactly who they are, he starts to examine those present a little more closely.

He estimates George to be in his mid-60s, with graying hair and a receding hairline. Winnie seems a little older to him. And very fragile. Even from a distance it’s clear how much she suffers from the loss of her only son. The three sisters range from early 20s to 30s, if he interprets what he sees correctly. The five of them undoubtedly have a close bond with each other. He estimates William and Ethel to be in their early seventies.

“You’re Steve Rogers, aren’t you?”

Read more on ao3

Epilogue

New York, October 2018

Autumn has arrived in the city.

Steve approaches his destination with slow steps. He has walked the path so many times that he can easily complete it with his eyes closed if he had to. He stops a few meters beforehand. Normally he’s here alone, but today someone had beaten him to it.

“George!” He greets the older man friendly.

“Hey, son,” he greets back, walking up to give him a hug.

Steve leans into the hug. George and Winnie had become his surrogate family in the last few months and the two of them had more or less adopted him. And vice versa. “How are you?” He wants to know quietly. Despite everything, he’s very aware of the importance of today.

“It still hurts,” George says thickly. “Especially today.”

“Yes,” Steve simply nods and looks at the gravestone in front of them. Today’s the 1st anniversary of Bucky's death. Some days it still seems surreal to him that Bucky’s no longer alive, and today in particular it’s even harder for him. “Where’s Winnie?”

“She, um, she’s home. She’s not feeling well,” George answers with a sad expression on his face. It hurts his heart to see her suffering like that. “I’ll go back to her straight away so she’s no longer alone. But I...just had to get here...to him.”

Hearing that makes Steve’s heart ache.

“Can you stop by later?” George wants to know. “She’ll definitely be happy to see you. You’ve been making yourself scarce lately.”

“Yeah, the little one is pretty demanding,” Steve smiles at the thought of his four-month-old son JT, named after Sam and Bucky. “You probably know it well enough.” Looking at his watch, he says: “I still have classes at school later. I can't promise that I'll have enough time afterwards to-" He interrupts himself. The two of them are very important to him and Winnie needs special encouragement today, so the change in his schedule is quickly made. "I'll definitely check in with you."

“Are you making good progress with the learning material?”

“Yes, the group works well together.” He has struggled with his fate for a long time and developed feelings of guilt because he was the only one who survived. In order not to completely lose his grip, on the advice of his therapist and especially Sam, he looked for and found a new task. After returning to school, he began helping students with learning difficulties outside of normal lessons and, together with a few of his colleagues, volunteered to hold weekend courses. Adults who wanted to catch up their degree also took part in the courses. In addition, he began writing down his experiences and - when words were not enough - expressing his emotions with pictures.

"I'm glad to hear that. And? How is JT?” Thinking of the boy warms George’s heart. Although it did take him a moment to get used to the name. James Thomas was a common name to others, but not to him. Steve had chosen it carefully in memory of the men who had saved his life. Bucky's legacy lived on in the child and this honor bestowed on his son made him proud. And if it weren't for Samuel Thomas Wilson, Steve would certainly be struggling with major mental health issues today.

“Growing and thriving. Maybe we can arrange something for the weekend? I’ll ask Lily if she wants to come too?”

"Sounds good. Miss the little rascal. And I definitely have to show you the new lures, they came in the mail yesterday.”

“Absolutely, I insist!” he laughs, amused. Steve takes a small souvenir out of his jacket pocket and places it on the ground in front of the gravestone. It’s a pebble the size of a tennis ball that he found on a walk with Jennifer and JT and then painted it with a small yellow star. It had become a cherished custom to always provide new supplies as soon as the paint from the old ones had washed off.

Read more on ao3

[alittlepudge-neverhurtnobody]

kinktober #14

Pumpkin Spice 🎃 / Alien Abduction 🛸

“We don’t do pumpkin spice,” Jack says flatly.

Bitty’s mouth falls open a little. “But — it’s fall! It’s what the people want! Aren’t you losing business to every other coffee shop between August and November?”

“No.” Jack swipes a molecule of ground coffee Bitty can’t even see from the butcher block counter. “We sell specialty coffee. If people want pumpkin spice, they go somewhere else.”

Bitty’s romantic daydreams of cinnamon-and-nutmeg-scented fall afternoons staring out of Zimmermann’s big front windows deflate in a gust of cold air. When Jack introduced himself ten minutes ago, he’d only fueled those daydreams — the sweet agony of a cute coworker crush, some eye candy to make slow shifts pass faster — but now, in front of Bitty with his strong, thick arms crossed over his soft, thick middle, he just seems like a taunt.

Bitty follows Jack’s lead and ties on an apron, then washes his hands. He tries very hard not to notice while he can loop his apron strings all the way around and lace them in front, Jack can’t. 

“Have you thought about selling pastries?” he ventures as Jack silently fills cold brew pitchers and counts jugs of milk in the fridge, noting down the totals with a pen he pulls from the apron pocket that sits below the overhang of his belly. He doesn’t acknowledge that Bitty has spoken, so Bitty rushes on nervously, “I just think people like to have something sweet with their coffee, and this is really the only high-end place in the neighborhood if you’re looking for —”

Jack’s cold blue eyes snap onto him instantly. “What’s your name? Bittle?” Bitty gulps, nods. “No, Bittle. Come on. We open in half an hour and you’re wasting time.”

“You can call me Bitty,” he ventures, grabbing a rag and wiping up some water he’d spilled earlier filling the cold brew jugs. “Everyone does.”

Jack doesn’t reply. Instead, he turns away to pour beans into the grinder’s hopper, and Bitty’s teeth find his lower lip. He is definitely tanking his first shift. Ugh. The older man he’d interviewed with had been so nice! So easygoing and fatherly, with a comforting accent that Bitty thought was Canadian but wasn’t quite sure. He sure had neglected to mention that the shift manager here was such a pill.

Tomorrow he’ll bring pie. That’ll sweeten things up. 

—

Jack does not touch the hand pies the next day or the next, which means that Bitty’s got a shitty attitude for most of the week. Nobody passes up his pies! It’s — well, it’s impolite, for starters, and more than that it’s bad taste. How dare Jack be so dang cute when he clearly lacks good judgment?! 

Except then, half an hour before the end of Bitty’s mid-morning shift on Friday, Jack says abruptly, “I’m taking a break. Can you handle things alone for a few minutes?”

Bitty bobs his head. “Of course! No problem. Um, can I text you if I have any questions?”

Jack sighs. “If you have to. You have my number from training?”

Bitty bobs his head faster. He sure does, and it’s burning a hole in his pocket. 

“D’accord,” says Jack, clocking out on the register. The word rings a faint bell in the back of Bitty’s brain — high school French, maybe? Extremely hot if so. 

He handles a handful of customers on his own while Jack’s gone — mostly young professionals dressed in expensive-looking neutrals — and even manages to get a decent tip when he’s able to calm a harried parent’s wailing infant by wiggling his eyebrows. He doesn’t break anything, doesn’t ring anyone up egregiously wrong, doesn’t even spill more than a few drops of freshly brewed dark roast. When Jack reappears from his break, the shop is still standing and there are even a few satisfied customers poking at emails at the cafe tables. None of which explains how surly Jack looks as he clocks back in.

“I think I did okay!” Bitty babbles, fixing himself a to-go cup of cold brew and dumping in plenty of cream and sugar. “Nothing blew up, obviously, and I reset the brew cycle like you showed me, and I even remembered to use a separate frother for the nut milk!”

Jack scowls. 

“Do you want me to make you something before I go?” Bitty goes on, unable to stop. “I could practice some of the harder stuff! Or I could try the espresso machine again?”

“I’m fine,” says Jack tersely, and he doesn’t say anything he doesn’t have to for the rest of Bitty’s shift. When his belly settles on the counter as he pulls espresso shots, he repositions roughly and sucks in. But out of the corner of his eye, Bitty notices him palming his gut under the edge of the counter. He’s probably starving. Jack’s been here since the shop opened at six, and he hasn’t even had a cup of coffee, for heaven’s sake! 

But when he goes to the back of house to get his things, there are only twelve hand pies left on the plate — and there were sixteen when he packed it up this morning.

Well, well. Maybe someone likes pumpkin spice after all.

[gilverrwrites]

if you had any inclination to do nsfw black mask headcanons, i'm just saying there is an audience for that and i'm in the front row 🖤🔥

NSFW Alphabet- Black Mask

Have been waiting all my life for 1 (one) singular person to ask for this. So here you go. Have a full alphabet of entirely self-serving NSFW Black Mask headcanons that give me life, I could go on forever but I wont. Please just take whatever resonates and have fun with it.

You can fix him? Oh yeah, well I don’t want to fix him, I want to be his good girl while he continues to be a vile and despicable villain.

CWs: Swearing, dirty talk, mentions of: humiliation/degradation, bdsm, blood, spit, pain. Nothing is graphic, but its there. I just think he's kinky and depraved, and I want him to do bad things to me ok bye. Rating: 18+

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Aftercare can really vary. Roman is very kinky, and intense kink can come with intense drop both sides. So, if you’re someone he really cares about, he’s really good with the aftercare. He’s rubbing lotion on your bruises, running a bath for you both to relax in, “Whatever you need doll, I’m your man.” If you’re not someone he cares about, he’s not good with the aftercare. He’s sparking up an after-sex cigarette and tapping his fingers until you leave. If you take too long he’s kicking you out, he’s a busy man, no time to be waitin’ around for you to get of your ass. You should of known what to expect when you jumped into bed (or whatever surface) with him.   If you’re in the weird in between phase where he’s trying to woo you, but he’s not ready to bare all yet, you’ll get a slightly softer side to him. He’ll offer you a cigarette, wipe down any stray fluid, and maybe even let you stay the night. 

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He likes his hands, they’re the best tools for inflicting pleasure and pain. With his partner, he likes their mouth. Likes hearing them moan, or cry, or praise him. Likes putting his fingers to the back of their throat and seeing how long they can handle sitting still, fighting their gag reflex, ignoring the drool that seeps down their chin, until they crack. “That’s it baby, hold still. Get my fingers nice and sloppy.” 

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

There isn’t a single part of your body he would object to cuming in/on. However, he really enjoys a good cream pie. Especially loves watching his cum seeping out of you, then scooping it up and either pushing it back in, or having you lick it off his fingers. “Can’t let a single drop go to waste.”

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

I thought long and hard about this, I really did but… This man just has no sexual shame. Will he jack off into your lingerie, yes, and then he’ll tell you to wear it. Does he wanna watch you fuck yourself? Yes, so spread your legs and show him what you can do. Does he x, y, z… Yes, let’s do it.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Roman has been around the block and back again, multiple times. It’s rare however that he comes back to the same person unless he sees potential.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Missionary may seem vanilla, but it gives him most of the power, and allows him a good view of your face. He wants to watch the way you respond to him.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Usually deadly serious, but he can crack a joke or too, usually at your expense.

H = Hair (how well-groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

(This may be a little self-indulgent here but:) Mans got such a deliciously hair chest and a matching happy trail, leading to a well-trimmed pubic area. Gotta look smart, in and out of his clothes.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

I think intimacy and romance are two different things in this scenario. The things he does to you, and the things you do for him in the bedroom are highly intimate, but not necessarily romantic. His romantic side comes out in the seduction and the aftercare.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Why would he ever jack off, when he has a perfectly good cocksleeve available to him 24/7 (you). He does masturbate when you’re separated for whatever reason, but if he can, he’ll do it with the aid of photos/videos he has of you. Will sext, but prefers a phone call, he wants to hear you getting off, and he loves the sound of his own voice.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Include, but are not limited to:

S&M: By nature he’s a sadist/dom, but will occasionally switch for the right person. Gotta put his money where his mouth is. Prove he can take as hard as he gives. Bondage: Less shibari, more suspension, spreader bars. Think restrictive and exposing. Medical kink: I’m not talking costumes and role play, I’m talking insertion, scalpels, examinations, enemas, etc, the whole 9 yards. Sensory deprivation: Sight, sound, touch. Impact play: Self-explanatory. Body worship: Give and take, he likes to be worshipped, but he loves to adore you too. Degradation/humiliation: Extension of worship, wants to fuck you so hard that you’ll do anything for him, even at the expense of your dignity. Don’t worry, it’s for his eyes only, “nobody will know what a desperate little whore you are for me.” Orgasm control and overstimulation: Especially when it results in dumbification. Praise: You did such a good job for me, “who’s my good girl/boy/baby?”  Gotta keep you sweet. He also likes to be told when he’s doing a good job.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Man loves pain and torture, you can’t tell me he doesn’t have some kind of red room for a good torture session with one of his enemies. By extension, I refuse to believe that he doesn’t have a sex room. Both are filled with tools and toys meant for inflicting very similar, but very different forms of pain, yk?  

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

I once heard someone say something to the effect of: Sex is like money, only to much is enough. And I think that perfectly encapsulates Roman’s libido. Show him some shoulder, look at him too long, breathe in his direction and you’re in for it. “You lookin’ to get your shit rocked right here, right now sweetheart?” “What, no I just- ” “You keep makin’ eyes at me like that and I won’t have a choice.”

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Roman loves to get down and dirty, cum, spit, blood, sweat, and tears. However, he doesn’t like actual dirt. You’d catch him dead before he fucked you in a back alley, or just outdoors in general.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

In his heart of hearts, Roman is a taker. He loves having someone on their knees. There are very few feelings better than having your cock worshipped, choked on, cried on, by someone ready and willing. One of the few better things is pushing someone over the edge again and again until they’re bumbling and begging with no idea if they want him to stop or to NEVER stop. Overstimulation and/or edging is a delicious form of torture all on its own.

“Are you all fucked out already? Pity, cause I’m nowhere near done with you yet.”

It may seem generous of him, but he’s really doing it for his own thrills.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

It really depends on the mood, but typically foreplay & build up is slow, teasing, building to a hard and fast main event.   

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Not his first choice, but still a fan. If he has too busy a day or hasn’t seen you in a long while, then he won’t be able to help himself from bending you over the nearest surface and reminding you why you keep coming back to him.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He’d never let someone other than himself see you in a precarious position, however, that wont stop him teasing you about it. Taking you in his office or the back seat of his car. Anyone could poke their head in and get an eye full. “What would everyone think if they saw you like this huh? Maybe I should show everyone what a needy little slut you are.” Realistically if anyone actually did interrupt, they’d be leaving without eyes, if they’re lucky. Bonus points if you have a secret hero/villain dynamic going on!!! He’d fucking love winding you up by telling you he’s gonna film you and show all your bat-friends, or that he’s gonna broadcast to all the civilians that their hero gets their kicks on their knees for him ahhhhhh.  

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He can go like 2-3 short rounds at a push, but prefers one long, drawn out session.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Yes. Yes. Yes and yes. Whips, chains, gags, a myriad or impact toys, vibrators, plugs, the works, and then some. See K= Kinks for more idea of what kind.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

His teasing is relentless. Before during and after. “You want me to what now? Oh, well you’re gonna have to bed real nicely then, aren’t ya?” “Does that feel good? Don’t you fucking look away, I said does that feel good?” “You were so sexy, blissed out on my cock earlier, think I’m gonna have to make you do that again, soon.”

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Not loud per se, but he does not shut the fuck up. Grunting with each thrust, raspy groans against your skin, in your ear, and so so so much dirty talk. “Don’t you fucking dare squirm away. That’s it, you can take it, take it reeeallll good baby.” “What do you want, you want it here? You want it harder? Tell me what you need.” “Does that feel good? Yeah? Who did that to you? That’s it baby say my name, say my fucking name.”

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

I can’t not talk about the gloves, right? I mean, the gloves don’t always stay on, obviously, he loves running his bare hands over your skin, pulling, pinching, spanking, skin on skin is so intimate. But also him being fully clothed, masked*, gloves on, just his zipper open enough to let his cock out while you’re fully nude; total head rush, he loves the power exchange.

*Yall can HC/imagine whichever version you want but I personally prefer my Roman with the mask stuck on, so it’s not like he has a choice in the matter.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Sad to say its nothing special. He is physically fit, yes, with maybe a bit of pudge after overindulging, but the main attraction is maybe 6 inches, cut, and of average thickness. It’s not the size that counts, its what you do with it, but he’ll internally thank you if you pretend it’s the best and biggest you’ve ever had.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

See M = Motivation. Very high sex drive, he’s ready to go at the drop of a hat. However, he’s good at suppressing it, being a busy man, he cannot be thinking about sex all hours.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

I think he has a pretty good control over his body clock, he’s one of those people that can just switch himself on and off when it comes to sleeping. He doesn’t have the time to be lying awake when he needs the rest, so through sheer spite he can will himself to sleep as soon as it’s time to, and he wakes up when he knows he needs to. This man is too busy, and to stressed. So if you’re doing it before bed, as soon as his needs are met he’s conked out.

Request Info || Masterlist || Ko-Fi 

[nhl-stories]

. – Quinn Hughes

Summary: Ignoring the pain of a break up is a lot easier when you're not best friend's with your ex's brother

Author’s Note: A song title being a period is very annoying for writing, prepare for angst below

Word Count: 4.4k​

Album Series Masterlist

It's been so hard Ever since you broke my heart But I'll never tell Honey, I'm not doing so well

It’s like a rite of passage to get a crush on your friend’s older sibling. There’s some sort of forbidden love chemical that goes off in your brain and you just can’t help it.

You never expect anything to happen with it, maybe some embarrassing moments of staring or a few ridiculous confessions in a diary, but nothing more.

Lux wishes her crush could have been more aptly named, and the puppy love had been squashed before anything actually happened.

“Can I get into my house and wash the car off of me before you start bothering me,” Lux tries to sidestep Jack who’s sitting on her porch.

After a five-hour drive, the last thing she needs is to deal with a needy Jack. She’s physically exhausted and doesn’t feel like becoming emotionally exhausted on top of it.

“No, you ignored my texts.”

“Gee, I wonder why,” she rolls her eyes.

She tries using her suitcase to box him out and make it to the door, but of course he’s faster than her and grabs her ankle pulling her down onto the porch into a heap. She sits up with a huff, but can’t help but notice how serious Jack looks.

“Are you gonna ignore me all summer? Because you graduate next year and you may never get a summer off again!”

“You can’t expect me to just happily go hang out at the lake all summer.”

“She’s only gonna be there for like two weeks, she has a job to go back to,” he says it like it’s a selling point.

“You know it’s not just about her, but since I can already see you’re not going to stop unless I say yes, I’ll see you in two weeks,” she tries to escape again, but Jack grabs her wrist.

“Luxy, please come to the party this weekend, my mom would love to see you,” she wants to kick him for playing the mom card, “and I’ll even drive you home so you don’t have to spend the night.”

She narrows her eyes, “Yeah right, you’ll get drunk and then I’ll be held captive in the house of testosterone.”

Jack’s eyes dart around because he can’t deny the possibility of that happening.

“Don’t let Quinn ruin our summer fun,” he settles on that dagger.

“Fine,” she caves and Jack does a fist pump in response, “but you have to stay here for dinner because my mom keeps peeking through the curtain and she’ll be pissed if you leave.”

Lux wouldn’t be in the position if she had never befriended Jack in the first place. Or as she usually referred to it, Jack begrudgingly endeared himself to her.

It had started in middle school, when Jack had chosen drama class as his art elective and of course Lux had gotten assigned as his scene partner for the semester. It was the classic partnering of the ‘class disruption’ with the ‘class delight’ in hopes they’d balance each other out.

Jack was loud and brash and loved to rile up Lux, making fun of the way her cheeks would burn red in exasperation. Lux was the quiet girl in class, but one on one she could hold her own with an acid tongue that could easily rattle Jack’s demeanor. Their teacher thought she couldn’t have made a better pair.

The first time Lux went to Hughes’ house to practice lines, she fell in love.

Quinn was only a couple years older but with her tween brain rotting with hormones; Lux thought she was seeing a man for the first time, when she was always surrounded by mere boys.

Lux decided being Jack’s friend was something she needed in her life, if only for the proximity to her new crush. And when Ellen learned Lux was good in science, she recruited her to tutor Jack and the girl became ingrained in the family’s life.

For Lux and Jack their friendship grew to be a nice escape from usual social circles; a comfortable space where there were no expectations to act or talk or think a certain way.

And Lux got the extra benefit of secretly glancing at Quinn. Sure, her mouth turned to sand when he would merely say hi, or her face cherry red when she had even the slightest physical contact with him. Even if was just ruffling her hair in an older brother sort of way. But it all felt worth it for those miniscule interactions.

It was the one thing Jack never made fun of her for, maybe he thought it would fade away over time, like all of his crushes. But it never fully disappeared, even when she dated boys in her own grade, her heart held a special place for Quinn.

And against the odds something happened.

Lux went to Michigan for a college visit and Quinn offered to show her around a little.

“I can even give you a non-parent approved tour,” he had joked.

It was the first time they had spent any time alone, and something just clicked. They laughed at the same jokes, especially at Jack’s expense, talked about their futures even when Quinn’s was clearly more set in stone than Lux’s. By the end of the visit, they didn’t want to stop talking. So, they didn’t.

Texting went from occasionally, to daily. Texting turned to phone calls. Phone calls turned into visits to Quinn’s dorm to hang out and help him study.

Neither made a move for a long time. Lux, because she was worried that she might be reading too much into it. Quinn because she was still in high school and one of Jack’s friends.

Nothing happened until Jack’s graduation party. Jack was preoccupied with his other friends from hockey as they talked about the upcoming draft. And Lux was about to duck out to go to another friend’s party after she finished a piece of cake.

“Congrats valedictorian,” Quinn says, of course, while Lux has a mouthful of cake.

“Congrats on dropping out of college,” she laughs, hoping her wit covers up her nerves.

“Ouch.”

“Sorry, I spend too much time with Jack and that means keeping his ego in check.”

“The world thanks you for that,” they both laugh.

There’s a long silence, Lux fills it with finishing her cake before she gathers some courage.

“I was going to head out to another party, want to come with?”

They never made it to the party; they ended up pulling into a parking lot and making out. It was a start of a summer romance, something to enjoy before Quinn went to Vancouver and Lux to Northwestern. It was a bonus making Jack constantly annoyed by their PDA.

The summer ended and they didn’t, a long distant relationship tided over by games in Chicago, spring breaks, and summers off.

Things were great. And then they weren’t. And then they were over.

It’s been months since the breakup, but the wound is still fresh for Lux. Her grades started slipping in the last semester, she began losing weight in the bad kind of way, she stopped going out with her friends as much.

Lux wishes she was doing better. Not to show Quinn, who already had a new girlfriend, up.  Rather, to prove to him (or maybe herself) that her world didn’t end when he ended things. Most days it felt like it had.

She checks her rearview mirror for the thousandth time to make sure she looks well-rested and her eyes aren’t puffy and red from crying on the way over.

“You can do this, there will be other people and you don’t have to talk to him more than hello,” she gives herself a pep talk.

After another deep breath she gets out of her car, grabbing her overnight bag because deep down she knows she’ll end up staying.

She lets herself into the house like normal, and is surprised by how quiet it is. She walks further into the house and finds Ellen in the kitchen chopping fruit.

“Lux, it’s so good to see you!” She puts down the knife and engulfs the girl in hug, “I’m glad someone’s here to help keep them out of trouble.”

Lux follows her eyes to where a group of man-children are outside.

“That’s a lot to ask of one person,” she chuckles before meandering around the kitchen island to avoid going outside, “do you need any help?”

Ellen’s eyes soften giving Lux a sad smile before pulling her into another hug.

“I know it’s hard sweetie, but it’s going to be okay,” she squeezes her once more, “and there’s some veggies you can cut.”

Lux can’t help but notice how at home she feels here, she knows where everything is like it’s her own place, which last summer it sort of had been. She had helped the boys move in and decorate and organize.

“How’s school? Your mom tells me you’re taking the MCATs next?”

“I’m taking them, but I don’t know if I want medical school or grad school or what,” she doesn’t mention that her breakup with Quinn has her second guessing every life choice.

 “My dad thinks I should take a year off to figure it out."

"That’s not a terrible idea, you work too hard.”

“Luxy!”

“Lukey!” She laughs at the lanky teen and pulls him into a hug, “Do they feed not feed you at college? You’re all bones.”

She thinks she hears Luke mumble under his breath, “I could say the same about you,” but Ellen speaks up before she can dwell.

“He’s like a bottomless pit, we’re banishing him to Jack and Quinn’s cause he’s eating us out of house and home,” Ellen laughs from the counter.

“Good call, they got that NHL money now.”

“Why didn’t you come out and say hi?” Jack calls out when he and the boys start entering the house.

“Because I’m a polite house guest and I'm helping your mom with food,” she stabs the knife in the air to make her point.

Jack comes over and gives her a hug and a spin.

“Glad you actually came,” he whispers as he sets her down.

Some of the other boys from the National program come and give her hugs, they were never close friends but friends by proximity.

The back door opens again and Quinn comes in, hair wet from the lake and leading an equally wet girl by the waist. She knew she would see them but it doesn’t stop her heart from deflating a bit.

Lux can already picture how Quinn picked her up and jumped in the lake with her, then kissing her when they resurfaced until she wasn't mad anymore. Maybe they'd gotten more handsy under the water, until one of the guys called them out and they separated a little flustered but not enough to completely detach.

Lux knows from experience.

She feels a pinch on her side removing her from conjuring her own nightmares, “Lux, I said why didn’t I see you at my last game in Chicago?”

She looks over and blushes, embarrassed she’s been caught, she tries to pull it together before she gets any sad eyes. She’s sick of the pity everyone has been giving her.

“I had finals Z,” she rolls her eyes at Trevor.

Lux knows Z only invites her with hopes she’ll bring a cute friend with her.

“And this goes for all of you stop giving me tickets to Chicago games, I don’t care about hockey or you guys enough to go every time. I barely want to go see Jack and he only plays the Hawks like twice a year.”

She tries to ignore the fact that Quinn is standing by the island now, wrapping a towel around the new girl's shoulders while looking towards Lux.

“What about me? We went to prom together!” Cole says with fake offense.

“You only asked me because I make you look tall!”

She hates how comfortable she feels, laughing with the boys and making fun of them. Then she makes the mistake of making eye contact with Quinn’s new girl.

“Hi we haven’t met, I’m Samantha. I’m Quinn’s girlfriend,” she gives a shy wave.

To everyone’s credit they act remarkably chill about the moment, pretending there’s nothing out of the ordinary.

“I’m Lux.”

“Oh, you’re Jack’s girlfriend, he won’t shut up about you,” she smiles brightly.

Lux and Jack can’t help but let out loud, awkward laughs at the same time. Nothing has ever sounded more ridiculous.

“Jack and Lux no way,” Trevor starts to open his big mouth, “it’s Lux and–“

Lux elbows him in the ribs.

“It’s Lux and me all the way,” he puts an arm around her shoulder, “Or at least it will be when she moves to LA.”

“LA?” Quinn speaks up for the first time.

“I looked at some schools down there, it’s a maybe.”

She shrugs like it’s no big deal but feels a little smug that Quinn is so curious.

“I’m still lobbying for Princeton or Columbia,” Jack says.

“Just what Lux needs, you within driving distance all year round,” Ellen chides her middle son, “Quinn why don’t you start grilling the hamburgers.”

Quinn and Ellen head outside carrying some food supplies. Samantha thinks about staying for a second but everyone else must have a weird fake smile like Lux, because she mirrors the smile before following her boyfriend outside.

As soon as the door shuts behind her, Lux pinches Trevor on the shoulder where she can tell a sunburn is coming in.

“Ow fuck!”

“What the hell was that?”

“I wanted to help out, make Quinny jealous,” Lux furrows her brows at him, “It was working for a bit.”

“Did I ask for your help?”

“No, but you looked like you could use a win,” he shrugs.

She looks around at the other guys, they aren’t really making eye contact. She realizes she doesn’t just feel like a pathetic loser, she must look like one too.

She picks up the vegetables she sliced and carries them outside, determined to show them that she’s not broken. Even if that’s not true.

People start trickling in and it starts to become a real party. She mingles with some girls she’s met in previous summers who live in cabins nearby. She even talks to Samantha when she looks a little lost as people start interrogating Quinn about hockey.

In another life Lux and Samantha would be great friends. Lux hates her a little for that. And she drinks a little too much in response.

A haze fills her peripherals, she’s wobbly on her feet but not quite to the level of falling over or getting sick.

“Quinny!” Lux and Samantha say in the same tone when he comes by with a cup of water handing it over to his girlfriend like he used to do for Lux.

“Why didn’t you tell me how great Lux was?” Samantha says a bit too loud and too fast, “I would have made my plans to overlap with her more.”

Quinn awkwardly laughs and raises an eyebrow to Lux.

“What can I say? I’m very lovable. You know that Q,” she feels herself try to wink, but it’s not quite right.

“Luxy come be my pong partner, I need someone to drink for me,” Luke helps the girl out of the chair, he’s not allowed to heavily drink while his parents are around.

“I don’t think she needs to drink more,” Quinn warns.

“That’s none of your business anymore Quinn,” Lux says with a sharper tone than she realizes she’s capable of.

Luke is extra good at pong because he’s practically sober, while their opponents are on par with Lux. Which means there’s not much drinking to be done on Lux’s part. She can feel herself sobering up and she hates it. She hates it even more when she sees Quinn and Samantha making out by the fire pit.

“I don’t feel well,” she mumbles but Luke hears her.

“Want me to take you home?”

She looks over to see Jack didn’t hold up his end of the bargain and is too drunk to drive her home. She’s probably good to drive herself but she thinks she might drive herself into the lake on purpose.

“Um– no. I drove so it will be a whole thing with my car. I’m– I’ll just– I’ll find somewhere to lie down.”

“You can sleep in my room if you want.”

She’s silent for too long thinking about what to do, she should just go home. Ask Ellen for a ride. Anything to get away from here. She could just sleep in her car.

Instead of doing anything she pulls Luke into a hug, he wraps his arms around her. It’s like he’s holding her together.

“Whoa, are you trying to collect Hughes brothers?” Jack says loudly from across the lawn, he’s too drunk to realize it’s not exactly a funny joke.

Everyone knows what he means, Lux whips her head towards Quinn and Samantha.  She looks thoroughly clueless, but Quinn is fuming.

Lux runs into the house, she doesn’t care if she cockblocks Jack or makes him sleep on the couch, she takes his room and buries herself under the covers and sobs.

She didn’t prove to anyone that she’s doing well.

The next morning her head hurts and she can’t tell if it’s from drinking or crying too much. Jack is snoring in a makeshift bed he made on the floor, she thinks about kicking him in the ribs on her way out.

No one is up when she makes her getaway.

The next time she goes to the lake house is by accident.

She’s out with some friends from high school who go to Michigan. They start out with brunch and it spirals out of control from there.

They’re out getting pizza, all on wobbly, baby deer legs, and deciding where to go next when her friend Kylie’s fiancé comes to pick her up.

“Refueling for round two?” He laughs at the group and tries to gather Kylie.

“More like round three,” Kylie giggles and tries to plant a kiss and misses leaving a sloppy, wet kiss on his neck.

Lux and her other friends ‘aww’ at that even though it’s definitely not cute and more embarrassing.

“And you’re you sure you guys want to continue on?”

“Yeah, we’re good,” Lux gives him a thumbs up.

She isn’t entirely wrong, they make it to the next bar with little issue, though maybe the bartender shouldn’t serve them at this point.

They’re talking about planning Kylie’s bachelorette party in the way drunk girls do, too elaborate to actually be executed.

The conversation switches to their current love lives, which is not exactly the topic Lux wants to broach. At least when it comes to herself. She tries to keep the spotlight off her and that works for the most part, it’s nice to hear about her friends falling in love and their bad hookups.

“What the fuck Lux? I’ve been waiting outside for 10 minutes.”

Jack is standing over the table trying his best to look mad, but having a hard time with the four girls staring up at him in a drunken stupor.

“This a is girls’ night, you’re not invited!” Lux slurs and takes a sip through her straw, going back to her friends.

“You texted me an SOS,” he thinks for a second, “or it seemed like it cause you texted me gibberish followed by your location pin, so I thought you needed rescuing.”

“Well, you can see I’m fine so see you later,” she waves him off and her friends laugh.

“Not happening, I haven’t seen you in weeks and I drove all the way here, you’re coming with me.”

He leans forward to grab her arm only to be assaulted by a chorus of ‘nos,’ so he backs off for a bit, reaching for his wallet and taking out a few bills.

“Next round is on me.”

“She’s all yours Jacky boy,” her friend Ashley winks and grabs the cash.

“Traitor,” Lux sticks out her tongue as Jack helps her out of the booth.

“If a Hughes is gonna take you home, we’re glad it’s him,” Ashley makes a stern face, “tell Q he sucks for us.”

“Quinn doesn’t suck,” Lux says protectively, like he’s hers to protect.

“I’ll happily tell him Ash,” Jack cuts in before anyone picks at that scab anymore, “C’mon Luxy I’ll buy you some pizza.”

She reluctantly goes, blowing kisses to her friends. Jack helps her get into the car and she splays out in her seat.

And that’s how she accidentally ends up at the lake house.

“This isn’t my house?” She mumbles through a mouthful of pizza that she snuck during the drive.

“Obviously, if I have to kidnap you to hang out,so be it.”

Lux rolls her eyes, she’s too hungry and getting too sleepy to argue so she just gets out of the car, carefully because she can’t lose any precious pizza.

“Pizza delivery!” Lux yells out and makes a beeline to the fridge taking out a drink.

“Should you really be drinking more?”

“My knight and shining armor brought me to safety,” she ungracefully rubs a hand across Jack’s face, “so I might as well stay this drunk until I fall asleep.”

Jack jokingly puts a hand on her face and grabs the drink out of her hand, “then let me catch up with you a bit first.”

That’s when Quinn and Luke come into the kitchen, with Jack and Lux awkwardly holding each other’s faces.

“Girls’ night?” Quinn smirks, having been on the other side of that hand many times.

“Oh, I thought Lux was settling for the worst Hughes brother,” Luke laughs and Quinn kicks his shin.

“Lux would be so lucky,” Jack grabs a piece of pizza.

“And there would be a murder-suicide,” Quinn rolls his eyes.

If Lux was sober, she would be able to appreciate the normalcy of this moment.

“Lux can hear you and Lux,” she forgets her point for a moment, ”Lux is drunk and over Hughes brothers. Do the Tkachuks need a new friend? They even have a sister it’d be a better fit.”

“I can put a good word in for you with Brady,” Quinn snickers at the drunken rambling.

Lux grins at him and even through her drunken haze her heart does a little flip, this is what it feels like to be with her Quinn.

“Let’s get you to bed before you really embarrass yourself.”

Jack hooks an arm around her shoulder. Lux is smart enough to know what he’s implying, that’s not her Quinn anymore and she’s inebriated enough to say something she regrets. Jack won’t let that happen on his watch.

“There’s even a guest room with your name on it.”

Jack gives her some clothes to wear and tucks her into her bed.

“I know I’m your favorite Hughes,” he kisses her forehead.

“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone, it’s really embarrassing.”

Lux wakes up an hour later desperately needing to pee, she scrambles out of bed only to realize she’s still heavily under the influence. She tries to wanders the hallway in the dark, pretty sure she’s familiar enough with the layout to find her way.

She’s wrong.

Opening a door she walks into Quinn’s room, who’s just walking out of his ensuite bathroom toweling his hair, naked.

“Oh god, I’m sorry,” she slaps a hand over her eyes, “I was looking for the bathroom and this is the one I’ve used the most.”

He lightly chuckles, “it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”

“That’s true,” she opens a crack between her fingers and peeks through.

“That wasn’t an invitation to look Lux,” he tinges pink before thumbing towards the open door, “bathroom’s free.”

“Oh right, I’ll be a second then out of your hair.”

When she comes back out, Quinn is sitting on his bed, the side that used to be hers. She can feel hot tears boiling in her eyes and tries to make a quick exit.

She trips over nothing, her faculties still not her own, and finds herself flopping her legs out and leaning against his dresser. Admitting defeat and letting herself cry.

“You okay?” Quinn gets up and takes a seat on the floor next to her.

“I’m sorry.”

“For falling down?”

“No for us. I’m sorry I cut you out and didn’t tell you how I felt and was just a shitty girlfriend.”

“You weren’t a shitty girlfriend.”

He wraps an arm around her shoulder, Lux flinches at the contact before relaxing into the familiar warmth.

“I didn’t know what I wanted and I let get in the way of a good thing,” she kicks her legs like a kid having a tantrum.

“You’re 21, unlike the weirdo Hughes brothers it’s pretty normal to not know what you want Lux.”

He gives her a little squeeze, “I also think us not being in the same city or even country for almost our whole relationship didn’t really help either.”

They sit in silence after that, they’ve always been good at reveling in a quiet moment.

But his hand is so warm on her arm and Lux can’t revel, she can’t hope, she can’t pretend that there’s more to this than just Quinn being nice. And that means fighting her drunken thoughts that are telling her to kiss him or tell him she loves him.

“Samantha seems nice.”

“Yeah?” He looks towards her, trying to hold back a smile as they make eye contact for the first time.

“And it’s nice to see you so happy, I like happy Quinn.”

“I like happy Lux; I have a feeling she hasn’t been around much.”

“No,” she squeaks out, trying to keep the dam of tears together, it doesn’t work for long.

“I’m not dealing with the breakup as well as you.”

“It’s okay,” he pulls her into his chest and lets her cry.

“I’m dealing with it a lot better than I thought I would, and I’m the one who broke up with you,” his voice sounds pinched but Lux doesn’t dare look, “and you’re gonna be okay, I’m not that great.”

Lux gives him a little slap at that comment.

“When you do finally figure out what you want, there’s going to be no stopping you.”

Lux pulls back and kisses the corner of his mouth. There’s no romance in it; it’s a goodbye to what they were.

“I wish we could have worked out, but I guess I’m dodging a bullet by not becoming a Hughes,” she lets out a laugh.

“There’s the Lux, I know,” they’re both grinning like idiots.

He gives her hand one last squeeze as she leaves, hands slowly parting until they’re too far away to touch. It doesn’t fix everything, her heart isn’t completely welded back together, but it’s a start.