#just a little treat for you all on Friday 😉

[austinslounge]

Happy Friday Butlerettes!! 😁👋💕

💜💫

Hope you have a wonderful day! ☕️

[1d1195]

Dolcezza III

Read the first part here: Dolcezza

Happy 2024 everybody 💕

This is more cuteness imo. A little bit of a sick-fic for those that enjoy that (@tiredinwinter, I'm looking at you 😉) These next two parts are just them learning more about each other and Harry desperately trying to care for her stubborn self. Hope you enjoy 💕

~7.8k words

Be gentle with her. The next message read. There was a pang of sadness that encapsulated his heart and made him wince. As if he would ever—could ever—treat her any way except gentle.

Please. Another ache coursed through him. A plead that no one should ever have to ask for on behalf of anyone.

She walked into the restaurant and noted how busy it was—even for a Friday. But it was odd because there were a lot of empty tables. Not lacking people, but lacking food.

The bar was empty, and she looked around noticing one poor waiter and the hostess running around like there was an earthquake. She frowned and headed to the bar anyway. Normally, she sat by herself and waited until she made eye contact with Harry. Once he made eye contact, he would surely start making food for her. As she approached the bar and took her seat, she realized Harry wasn’t anywhere near the window. It was weird. She knew he liked to get a glimpse of the people in the restaurant and enjoyed getting a view of all the activity. It was never more than five minutes between glimpses, and she would see his excited, smiling face in that space.

But several moments passed before she seriously considered just leaving—it was well beyond the regular five-minute interval. It was weird everything was so out of sorts. There was no bartender, no Harry, and no line of people on the sidewalk despite it being just before the dinner rush. It was obvious something was wrong, and she didn’t want to be in the way if whatever the issue was came from the kitchen.

She slipped her coat off anyway. For a moment she seriously considered just marching herself into the kitchen to see if Harry was alright. Then she realized how ridiculous it was to barge into a place that she did not work at, just to see if the handsome guy that made her eggplant and spaghetti each week was alright. She physically cringed at the idea and shook her head at the thought. How obsessive could she be? Even if Harry was that flirty with her—and would probably do the very same thing, the voice in her head reminded her—it wasn’t her place.

But she was genuinely worried. Usually, the staff had alerted Harry that his Principessa was here. Even though it made her blush and feel silly, she found it utterly sweet. As she tapped her fingers on the bar curiously waiting for way longer than she should have, part of her knew her patience stemmed from wanting to see Harry as much as he probably wanted to see her. It took a lot to admit that to herself as well because she tried not to make it a habit of falling for the first hot guy that literally swept her off her feet.

But she didn’t come in on Wednesday because she was extra busy with work that evening and felt exhausted. She ordered takeout and barely stuck her foot in the restaurant at the time. So other than stolen glances across the restaurant when she left on her errands where she managed to sneak a wave in at Harry across the busy expanse of the cozy restaurant. Harry also may have narrowly missed bumping into her again when he took the trash out last Sunday in hopes of doing just that. Therefore, it had been over a week since she had gotten to really see and chat with Harry as she usually did.

But after another ten minutes of waiting, she decided it was time to just leave. She realized how silly it was for her to be waiting around like that for just a chance of seeing Harry through the kitchen window. Eleanor would be the first one to tell her she should keep waiting. That this was completely normal for her best friend, and she shouldn’t feel guilty about exploring those feelings.

Of course, she chose not to acknowledge why she was feeling that way.

Fortunately, Niall walked by the window at that moment, a hand through his hair as he looked around the kitchen with worry and his gaze swept across the front of the restaurant. He caught her eye as she started to put her jacket back on to leave. “Oh, tesorino,” Niall sighed heavily and shook his head. “M’sorry. There’s no bar tonight,” he said.

She frowned, coming to that conclusion on her own. Maybe she would just order takeout and leave them once more—it would be Wednesday before they knew it and they would probably be back to normal by then. “Oh...that’s alright. I kind of figured. Everything alright?”

He shook his head. “No, honestly. It’s a disaster. Everyone is sick or already had the day off.” he admitted with a shake of his head. He looked distraught and she felt so guilty for even taking the time to chat with him for a moment when he very much looked like he had a hundred other things to attend to. “We think we’re just going to have to close.”

She frowned. “Oh... I’m sorry. Can I help?”

He snorted rubbing the back of his hair with a shake of his head. “Do you have waitressing and/or kitchen experience?” He rolled his eyes feeling hopeless and looking more frustrated by the second.

She smirked and slid out of her jacket once more, slipped it onto the back of the stool again, and hopped down from her seat. She hurried around the bar to the kitchen door and pulled her hair back into a ponytail as she greeted Niall face to face. “Three years in university,” she smiled sweetly.

The worry in Niall’s eyes turned to excitement and he jerked his head toward the rest of the kitchen. “Harry! The answer to our prayers has arrived,” he said with hope in his voice.

“Antonio s’here? He’s magically cured?” He sounded so upset and devoid of emotion.

She giggled. “Um... Not quite,” she answered.

There was a clatter of pans and utensils from behind the shelves and stainless steel dividing the kitchen into sections. Harry leaned down to get a view of the miracle he had been hoping for during the last hour of chaos.

Harry, despite being as worried as Niall was moments ago, took a moment to relieve himself of all stress. The adoration in his eyes made his eyelids droop low over his pupils and he smiled his beautiful, sweet, half smile which made her weak in the knees. “Hi, Principessa.”

Her cheeks warmed as always that beautiful rosy pink and she gave a small, awkward wave. “Hi, Harry.”

“Y’sure y’want t’help with this chaos?”

She nodded. “As long as it’s okay with Antonio and you guys, of course,” she grabbed an apron on the hook by the door and smiled. “Just...give me some orders and I’ll do my very best,” she promised tying the apron behind her back in a knot. She wasn’t wearing the best shoes for waitressing nor cooking but it had to be better than having Dolcezza closing on a Friday night.

Harry returned to his prep work and cooking. “No date y’have t’get to this Friday?” He asked quietly as she washed her hands. “Y’really don’t mind slumming it here?”

“Well,” she cleared her throat, grateful she was facing away from Harry while she cleaned her hands. “I’ve...sort of sworn off dating,” she shrugged. “Least for... for a while.”

He frowned. For obvious reasons, this thought saddened him. “Oh,” he mumbled.

She cleared her throat again and turned back to Harry as he stirred the sauces on the stove to keep them from sticking. Almost simultaneously, he was pulling meat from the oven, and somehow chopping onions without injuring himself and not dropping a bit. Niall had grabbed all the things Harry had dropped and tossed them in the dishwasher.

“Uh...” she felt like she needed to console him. Give him hope. Not that he needed it—honestly, if he asked her out, she was certain she would embarrass herself and say something like this is a dream come true. “It was sort of... Eleanor and I discussed it. Logically,” she shrugged. “My... my ex, kind of...” she shook her head. “I was very oblivious to how I was being treated,” she explained. “I thought I needed a break. Plus... being followed for a while? Eleanor is really weary of any guy in my life and without her around... she thinks I’m too trustworthy and—” Harry was staring. He was watching her so intently as she rambled and wanted to ask a thousand questions, but it took her a moment to notice his movements had paused. “I’m sorry. We have a full restaurant,” she smiled sadly. “I’ll... go make myself useful,” she hurried from the kitchen.

She rested her back on the wall outside the kitchen door and took a deep breath. Looking at the ceiling, she wondered why Harry did that to her. Every time they chatted, she revealed way more than acquaintances should and she couldn’t stop herself from spilling her guts to him.

Again, she ignored the implications as to why that was the case.

She caught sight of the other waiter and host. She told them she was helping, she would do her best, and please be patient. This statement was repeated to each customer she interacted with as well. Somehow, gratefully, only the kindest people were present in the restaurant that crazy night.

“She should work here all the time,” Antonio’s nephew was the other waiter—only in his first year of university and looking at her as if she really was a princess. Harry smirked knowing it was the effect she had on everyone she met.

He was glad he could watch from the window again periodically. Harry admired her gorgeous smile, the way her ponytail bounced with each step, and how the apron sinched at her waist so perfectly. Every smile she gave to each party was kinder than the next. She ensured every table she walked by had everything they needed and kindly thanked them for their patience. She was magical. He could see every man fall in love with her as she spoke. All the women complimented her pretty eye makeup and that she was so sweet to help. Regulars finally got the chance to inquire about her and she was just so very sweet—Dolcezza, had nothing on her. Every child that told her a joke, she giggled her heart out. She appreciated their kind patience and told them she was certain she could find a way to make chocolate milk.

Harry adored her from the kitchen.

*

Niall told Harry that he thought she was better than all their current waitstaff. Harry also thought she was better at dicing tomatoes than Niall was. Maybe even faster and better at peeling veggies than Harry was. It was truly a miracle having her there. With little staff and weakening morale, she arrived at exactly the right time. She was skillful, that was for sure. Harry was a bit in awe of her fluid movements as if she worked alongside him all these years.

“Do y’like cooking?” He asked as she helped plate the pasta dishes as Harry had shown her before sending them to the correct tables.

“I don’t mind it. I hate dishes. If I could boil water in a paper pot, I would,” she smiled making Harry burst with laughter. Her cheeks warmed at the sweet sound coming from his lips. “It detracts a lot from me wanting to cook.”

He nodded understandingly. “Y’probably don’t have the right pans,” he explained.

She smirked. “I think I’ve tried every kind of pot and pan there is. Nonstick, copper, stainless steel, ceramic. Nothing seems to work. Or I’m probably just not cooking right for it to work.”

He frowned. “Whatever y’do, don’t use the nonstick,” he said seriously. “That stuff can flake off and s’really bad for you.”

“Noted.”

They worked silently side by side. Niall whistled. “We should have Antonio hire her to peel all the veggies,” he said. “We’d take an hour off morning prep.”

She smiled. “I am in charge of all veggies and apple pie on major holidays and birthdays,” she explained. “Squash, potatoes, carrots, apple pie,” she shrugged. “Multiplied by five or six times a year, plus my regular cooking. I do think I’m a professional at peeling.”

Harry was unbelievably impressed with how quickly she did it. Not to toot his own horn, but she wasn’t a professional chef. Her skill was top notch. It was...well, he was already infatuated with her. This shouldn’t have been so surprising.

Harry didn’t think he could possibly fall any deeper or harder for her, but it wasn’t the case. He was mesmerized by her skill, her kindness, her willingness to help.

She pressed a hand on her stomach periodically and winced. After the third time, Harry frowned as he saw the tiniest crinkle in her forehead appear. “Don’t tell me y’catching whatever is going through Antonio’s house,” Harry frowned.

She smirked. “No... um... I did come in for dinner and... I’m,” she let out an awkward chuckle. “Just a little hungry.”

“Oh, sweet Jesus,” he hurried to the oven and yanked the bread out with the rag he had laying on the counter. Harry nearly pulled the pan out of the oven with his bare hand once he realized the problem. “Principessa,” he said with a frown in his voice. “M’so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I should—”

“Here,” he cut the bread quickly ignoring the warmth. She imagined that would have burned anyone else’s skin. But Harry had told her that he lost most feeling in his fingertips within a year of starting his culinary career.

“Harry, really, I’m—”

“I’m not kidding, kitten. Please,” he said holding the bread out to her. She was about four inches deep in vegetable peels and covered in potato skins and carrot juice, but she didn’t stop peeling. But Harry knew she had a weakness for that garlic bread. “I’ll make y’eggplant as soon as we get a lull,” he promised his eyes so kind and gentle as he brought the bread closer to her lips. Leaving her with no choice, she opened and let Harry feed her while she continued peeling.

It was not the time, but it was like her own version of Lady and the Tramp. It was ridiculously romantic when it shouldn’t have been. It was garlic bread—very nearly the least aphroditic food of them all. His smile took her breath away. She tried not to think about the spaghetti scene from a children’s movie as much as possible because there wasn’t a world in which she was going to kiss Harry around a mouthful of garlic bread.

Even if she really wanted to.

*

There was never a lull, but they were working very efficiently. With little waitstaff and kitchen staff, and the help of the sweet angel bouncing from job to job as needed—especially when she caught one of the dishes inches from the hard counter after it had been misplaced onto the edge of the expo counter for the next person to check.

Harry was grateful to admire her from up close and was utterly relieved when the doors were finally closed, the last takeout order was handed off to the incoming customer, and the last ticket was completed.

Niall munched on the garlic bread Harry kept making for “everyone” to eat with the intention of making sure that she ate when she had a spare second. “We did it,” he said excitedly.

Harry smirked. “We’re closing the next time Antonio is sick.”

“You always say that,” Niall rolled his eyes.

It was true. Every time Antonio couldn’t make it to work it was a suggestion that was floated. But Harry hated the idea of disappointing his friend. They could handle it—Harry and Niall. This wasn’t the first time. But usually, they had more staff than they did tonight. It was the worst it had ever been, and it was the first time Harry considered truly disappointing Antonio (even if that wasn’t going to happen).

If it weren’t for the sweet, kind girl—

“Where’s Principessa?” Niall asked.

Harry frowned and headed by the window to see where she was. Her jacket was still on the stool at the bar, and he frowned. “Uh... I don’t know.”

“Weird she would just leave without saying goodbye.”

“Umm...she left her jacket—I don’t think—”

After a few moments there was a knock on the closed door and there she stood in the dark, holding two large pizza boxes with a smile. The host let her in, and she thanked him kindly as she headed to the bar to lay out the boxes. Harry smirked.

“I know this is your favorite after shift,” she said flipping the boxes open, filling the restaurant with the scent of pizza.

Harry smiled, feeling his stomach flutter knowing she remembered something he had said in passing. “Aw, Tesorino, you’re incredible,” Niall sighed. “Thank you. We would have been sunk without you tonight.”

She smiled. “I’m happy to help. Sorry I was a little slow with the—”

Everyone simultaneously shushed her making her giggle as she nibbled on her pizza.

Eventually, the three of them were left. Niall headed to the kitchen to start cleaning up. It was Harry’s turn; they both knew it. But now she and Harry were the only ones left, in front of the pizza and...

Well, Niall was the best friend and the best wingman that Harry ever had.

“Thank you, Principessa,” Harry said sincerely.

“It was really nothing. Least I could do after you helped with the move and the furniture—”

“Y’don’t owe me anything, kitten. Would have done that...” he shook his head. “M’jus’... glad I get t’be your friend.”

She smiled. “Well, still. As your friend, I would have done all this for you anyway.”

His heart felt so warm. He didn’t love the concept of friend; but getting a thread of her story earlier that evening, he would take it. If she wasn’t dating, then friendship would be more than enough. Being in her life in any capacity was enough.

“Y’must be the best friend of anyone y’meet,” Harry smirked. “If y’did all that for us,” he shook his head. “If Niall didn’t work here, he would never.”

“I heard that,” he called.

Harry ignored him. She shrugged with a gentle smile. “I like helping.”

“I see that.”

She pressed her lips together. “I have two siblings. Both are...well, they remind me of puppies. They have no idea what they are doing. Honestly, my parents don’t know what they’re doing half the time either. So, I had to do a lot of growing up really fast. It was extremely difficult for me to move out and let them live... without me. They miss me a lot, but part of me thinks they just miss me doing stuff for them. I get messages all day long about the home computer, where did we put the tax information from last year, did we get a gift for our grandma’s birthday, and—”

She stopped abruptly again. Like she realized she was talking and wasn’t supposed to be. Harry frowned waiting for her to continue. She bit into her pizza. Harry thought she would talk again, but she sipped from the glass of water he brought her when she brought the boxes in and made no point of continuing. “Is there more t’that? More y’wanted t’say?”

She shook her head and fibbed. She wanted to tell Harry everything. But it was simply too much. “No, it’s...” she sighed. “I’m just a little...” she trailed off and Harry wanted to know how she would finish that sentence.

“Perfect? Too kind? Unbelievably sweet?” He asked.

The restaurant’s main lights were off, just the glow from the kitchen filled the bar area. The lampposts outside filtered a golden glow across the main room but didn’t reach the far back of the bar. So, Harry couldn’t see the pink color of her cheeks that he loved so much. She released a soft laugh. “Well...no,” she shook her head. “I’m not perfect.”

“Notice y’didn’t say anything ‘bout the kindness or sweetness,” he murmured.

She laughed again. “You’re...” she sighed shaking her head. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.

“S’nothing I did. Y’were incredible,” he told her. “You... are incredible,” he added. They were silent, staring at each other, the sound of the dishwasher humming along with the sound of Niall spraying pots and pans through the window. Their faces were as close as they had ever been to one another. All she could think about was how her breath had to smell like the pound of garlic bread she had surely eaten tonight on top of the two slices of pizza she had just inhaled. Her feet were aching from not wearing the right shoes and running around the restaurant all evening.

But Harry was saying she was incredible, and she would have glued herself to that barstool if Harry stayed there all night. His gaze dropped to her lips briefly and she wanted to know what he tasted like so very badly. Did he wear chapstick? Did he taste like mint? Maybe not after eating pizza, but she would have tasted his cheesy breath if it meant she could lick into his mouth for a few minutes.

“Did you two fall asleep out there?” Niall called.

She jolted away from Harry, no doubt the color pink he wanted to paint his apartment walls with on her cheeks once more. She released an awkward little laugh and sipped her water again. He was still the best friend he ever had, but Harry was demoting Niall to the worst wingman in the history of the world.

Effective immediately.

*

Harry was slowly losing his mind. If he didn’t see her soon, he was going to go certifiably insane. He brought trash out the back-alley way more often—Niall swore he took an empty bag on one of his trips out back. He went to the front of the restaurant way more than he needed to only to see her car untouched and unmoved. He prayed Amazon delivered a box to outside her entryway, so he had an excuse to run it up the steps to her door.

Yes, he wanted to see her. Yes, he was a little... too in love with her for his own good; so quickly and wholly. But really, truly, he just wanted to know she was okay. The thought of someone following her hadn’t really left his mind since Eleanor told him. El was so clearly worried about her friend that anytime he didn’t see her for longer than a day, he thought something went wrong.

He should have just headed up on his own to see she was okay. He should have gotten her number. Honestly, he thought about messaging her through Instagram or finding Eleanor just to keep his distance without seeming obsessive himself. Some of his actions could be considered creepy in the right light. But Harry believed he was different.

But when he did see her, he wanted to make sure he wasn’t being crazy. He would ask her outright if he was bothering her or making her uncomfortable. It was the last thing he wanted. She was wonderful and it would definitely break his heart, but he didn’t want her to think he was just as bad as the creepy person following her.

Part of him thought he was overthinking. They were friends. She said so herself. Eleanor was an excellent judge of character, too. Surely, she would let her know that Harry wasn’t acting normally. While Harry stirred the soup pot and chopped veggies, he thought of all things that were angelically her. His mind wandering to their almost-kiss and how she was always half opening up to him.

“Oh no!” Niall practically sang, interrupting Harry’s thoughts of soft lips and pink cheeks. Harry shook his head of his daydreaming and looked toward him briefly to see what the issue was that had him frowning. He assumed it was just Niall’s normal dramatics. They were out of fresh parsley, or his favorite knife was dull. But right as he glanced away, he saw Niall’s lips pull into a smirk. His eyes danced with delight as he hurried over to Harry. He didn’t have a choice but to look at him as he turned from his current duties to twist fettucine onto the dish with the carving fork. He glanced at Niall unsurely. Like he somehow knew he wasn’t going to like what he had to say. “Our sweet Principessa is sick!” He said holding the order slip and waving it in the air like a little flag.

Harry felt a pang of worry course through him like he was the one who felt sick. It made his stomach churn at the thought she wasn’t doing well. Not seeing her since Sunday, when she asked for soup and quietly retreated to her place without so much as a wave of hello.

Harry should have known she wasn’t feeling well. It seemed so obvious now, and he wished he had thought of it sooner. “Give m’that,” he grumbled snagging it from his friend. He placed the fork on the counter and stepped away from Niall’s taunting laughter. Harry read the slip seeing her standard meal along with a paragraph of special instructions.

It’s me upstairs. I’m sick. Can you please bring me the AMAZING minestrone soup? I don’t want pasta but my head hurts. I couldn’t figure out where the soup was without getting the pasta. Garlic bread if you can. It’s my favorite :( Just leave it outside the door. I don’t want to get anyone sick.

Harry thought he was going to be sick just reading it. The poor angel. “Antonio,” he said showing him the slip after reading it twice. Her little frowny face was breaking his heart. “Do you have the key?”

“Harry,” he shook his head with an eye roll. “I’m not letting you into her apartment.”

“I jus’ want t’help her,” he frowned as he voiced his protest.

“If she wants help, she’ll ask,” he said.

But Harry knew that was exactly what wouldn’t happen. He could feel the frown deepening on his face as he started preparing extra soup for her and making fresh garlic bread.

Finally, after several moments of brainstorming, he called Mitch. “D’you happen t’have Eleanor’s number?” He asked his phone while putting the pasta that she didn’t even want into a container anyway. She could eat it when she felt better. He thought asking for her number would follow his thought process of borderline creepy. Eleanor was a good middle step.

“Uh... Yeah... everything alright?”

“Yeah, uh... her friend who lives upstairs... she’s sick,” Harry really didn’t want to explain all the nitty gritty details to Mitch. Not right now. Maybe when they had time to sit and talk about the angel he found to rent above his place of work. He wanted to take care of the pretty, sweet, ill love that was, apparently, in agony upstairs. “Can y’send it t’me, please?”

Within seconds he had Eleanor’s contact info. He hung up on Mitch and hoped that Eleanor would answer on a Friday night. “Hello, this is Eleanor,” she said curiously into the phone. Harry should have given his number to her when she visited a few weeks ago—especially after her request to keep an eye on her best friend for emergencies.

“Hi, Eleanor, s’Harry. Got y’number from Mitch.”

“Oh! Hi Harry! I should have given you my number myself. Is everything alright?” Her voice sounded a little strained and Harry felt bad for worrying her immediately.

“Oh, um... Yeah... nothing... nothing too serious. S’jus’ she put an order in here at the restaurant. Sounds like she’s really under the weather. Can hardly lift her head. D’you think it would be alright t’let myself t’make sure she’s alright? Don’t want t’overstep... y’know her best.”

“Oh Harry, please, please, please do that,” she said excitedly, without hesitation. The relief flooded Harry. He couldn’t be creepy when she so readily offered him to head up to her place. “I didn’t know she wasn’t feeling well... she was editing an article for me earlier,” there was frown in her voice. “I’m going to kill her when she’s better.”

Harry chuckled. “Are y’sure she won’t mind?”

“No... not... you’re fine,” Eleanor sounded very sure. “I swear to God I could strangle her family, her ex-boyfriend, and every friend she’s ever had. She is such a giver and it’s not even her fault,” Eleanor sounded so grumpy. Harry was glad she had Eleanor. More than glad. But it had to be hard to be away from her. “Will you tell me if she needs anything? I’ll have Louis bring it over.”

“Er... I can keep an eye on her... if y’want. M’right here, y’know.”

“Oh, but Harry you’re working,” she said. “I would be... I wouldn’t be her best friend if I didn’t say she wouldn’t want to bother you.”

Clearly, his adoration for the pretty girl wasn’t as obvious to her best friend as he hoped it was. “S’okay. Er... I would prefer I help her... s’not a bother either,” he assured her. “M’worried ‘bout her.”

She made a clucking noise. “Aw,” he could hear the slight hesitation in her nonresponse. They passed the dinner rush as it was nearly nine at night. Now it was the late-night dinners and after dinner drinks and apps crowd that was heading to the restaurant. Niall and company could handle whatever was thrown their way. Plus, Antonio would be there for at least another hour. It would be easy for him to head upstairs. Part of him wondered if she had possibly waited till this time because maybe she knew that Harry would be willing to come deliver her food. “El, her food is going t’be another minute. Could y’call her...? Then, text me if she would really hate it,” he suggested.

“Okay, that’s a good idea,” she sounded surer about the plan he outlined. Eleanor released a deep sigh. “Harry... If I didn’t think she would bite my head off, I would tell you to barge in. I want you to know that.”

He smiled, relief filling him. He didn’t want to come off as creepy by any means. He adored the pretty girl that he ran into each day. All he wanted was to help take care of her. “Thanks, El.”

Harry was packaging all her food carefully in a bag. Waited a few extra minutes, minding some of the appetizer orders while he gazed at his phone with anxiety coursing through him. He would have to have Niall deliver it if Eleanor told him not to go in. The thought of his poor Principessa sad, sick, and in pain had him feeling nearly as terrible as he imagined how she felt. If he couldn’t help, he would just feel worse and wouldn’t be able to leave outside her door without so much as making sure she was alright.

Please, see yourself in. She said the door is unlocked... don’t ask me why. That makes me so stressed out. It took some convincing that you weren’t bothered. So maybe remind her of that. His phone read. He sighed with relief.

Thank you, Eleanor xxx

Harry...

The typing dots disappeared and then reappeared. Harry watched anxiously once more. It felt like he was about to be in trouble, which made no sense, but this was her best friend. She had to like him or there was no future that he could possibly think about.

Be gentle with her. The next message read. There was a pang of sadness that encapsulated his heart and made him wince. As if he would ever—could ever—treat her any way except gentle.

Please. Another ache coursed through him. A plead that no one should ever have to ask for on behalf of anyone.

She’s my best friend in the whole world and no one treats her the way she deserves.

Harry felt his heart swell and ache with the need to wrap her in a blanket and protect her from everyone and everything.

I will, Eleanor. I promise.

He really hoped Eleanor knew how much he meant it.

*

Harry gave a wave to Niall and Antonio and headed around the corner to the entryway on the side of the building. It took every bit of restraint in Harry to walk slowly up the steps so as not to spill her soup. All he wanted was to teleport to the top.

If she was up to snuff, maybe she would have heard the creak of the floorboard outside her place. Maybe she did hear but was too weak to acknowledge it. But Harry knocked, and waited a minute just in case she was well enough to answer the door. After no response, he cracked the door open. “Principessa?” He called gently. There was hardly any sound coming from inside...just the hum of the heating ducts. He had been in her apartment several times to help with anchoring her furniture and with Leo, but this seemed personal and as much as he wanted to burst in there and scoop her in his arms, he really did wish she could invite him in herself. “Kitten, angel? M’gonna come in. Brought y’soup and garlic bread,” he spoke softly in case she could hear him. The last thing her aching head needed was someone shouting. He closed the door with a soft click.

“Hmm...” she hummed. Harry realized the lump on the sofa was hers and not a pile of blankets and pillows. “Harry?” She asked. Her voice could hardly get his name out. Harry frowned.

“Hey Principessa,” he cooed and put the food on her coffee table. He crouched in front of her and pulled the blanket carefully away from her face. Her hair covered her eyes and cheeks like a cobweb. She was adorable, even if she wasn’t feeling well. Harry gently pushed her hair away from her eyes so he could see her. However, her eyes remained shut. “Heard y’weren’t feeling well,” his face was pinched in concern. A pucker between his brows, lips pursed as he scanned her.

“Mm...” she answered with a grunt in response.

“Let’s get some food in you, yeah?” His voice was gentle. “Can I help y’sit up?”

The blankets around her were radiating heat. It might be hotter than the soup he brought. The poor thing. She was in a T-shirt and pair of joggers. “M’cold,” she whispered, her throat sounded scratchy.

His frown deepened. “M’sorry, Principessa. Have y’had some medicine?” He asked pressing his hand against her forehead not liking the heat that came off her skin.

She shook her head just once. “I don’t have any... I gave it to someone at work. Their kid was sick,” she explained. “She’s a single mom—”

“I get it,” he didn’t want her to talk longer than she needed. The story wrote itself. She was too kind and generous for her own good.

“I guess m’too sick to get any,” she frowned her eyes welling with tears. “M’head really hurts,” she whispered.

“Oh, kitten,” he pouted. “Why didn’t y’call me?”

“S’just a bad cold. I didn’t want to bother any—”

He sighed in frustration. He closed his eyes and nodded. “Okay, okay,” he whispered, running his hand down his face. He would complain to her about that at another time. When she was able to comprehend that she wasn’t a bother. That he would have dropped everything to help her. “M’gonna go get y’some at the store—”

“Please don’t leave,” she sniffled, her hands gripping his forearm. Harry turned to look at her as she rubbed her thumb on his skin almost unknowingly. The tears clung to her lower lash line, and they wobbled as she sniffed. If she cried, Harry would be done for.

Well, there was no way he could dream of leaving her side, now.

But he was worried about her head and her throat. He didn’t want her to get worse—especially if it wasn’t just a cold and they would need to get medical attention at some point. He would gladly carry her down the steps, but he imagined it would be hard to carry Leo up and down the steps—a full grown person would prove a lot more difficult. He removed her hands from his arm so he could cup her face and brush his thumbs below her eyes to get rid of the tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks. Her skin was warm, but he noticed she leaned into his hold ever so slightly. His heart pounded with how much adoration he had for her. Sick and all. “Principessa, we gotta get y’some medicine,” he reminded her—even if he didn’t want to leave, medicine was going to be needed for her to get better from the look of her. She shook her head.

“Don’t leave me,” she repeated with another sniffle nearly severing his heart in half. “Please,” the quiet sound of her begging nearly broke his heart. Poor thing. Harry could feel his resolve crumbling from her distress.

“Okay, kitten. Okay,” he sighed rubbing his forehead trying to think of something else. “Let’s get some soup in you,” he sat beside her upright figure. She closed her eyes and sighed with relief that Harry wasn’t going to leave. He frowned at how vulnerable she seemed. But worse how much he liked it. The sweet girl was never like this with Harry. It was nice to see her just giving in to how she felt.

Harry pulled the lid from the container of soup. The steam coming off it was just what her sore throat and achy body needed, he was sure of it. He let the soup cool down for a moment on the table while he wrapped a blanket around her shivering frame. She seemed so fragile.

“I don’t feel good,” she reminded him, as if he could forget.

“I know, Principessa. M’sorry,” he grabbed his phone to text Eleanor between bites that it would be really helpful if Louis should come by and bring her some medicine.

He’ll be by in twenty. Eleanor’s response was immediate.

Harry grabbed the soup and blew on the spoonful he scooped up before bringing the spoon and container toward her to prevent a spill. “Here y’go, kitten,” he murmured. She opened her mouth and didn’t even mind when it burned her tongue ever so slightly.

The warmth felt so good on her sore throat and felt like it was healing her achy body. “Never been this sick,” she told him sadly. “I usually can keep doing—”

“Jus’ relax, Principessa. M’here,” he interrupted giving her another spoonful of soup. “S’okay t’need someone,” he reminded her. “S’okay t’ask...me if y’need help. I’d... do anything for you.”

It wasn’t fair that someone like Harry was so pretty, so nice.

She wasn’t sure she knew how to be taken care of; the fact Harry was literally spoon-feeding her soup nearly hurt her chest and made her feel like such a burden. Harry was missing work to tend to her. It was just a bad cold. She could handle it.

Maybe if she had medicine she could. But she felt useless right now.

If she could let her guard down to even herself, she might have been able to admit that Harry taking care of her felt... so good. He was so gentle with her and kept feeding her soup with the softest of smiles. His eyes were so kind, and it felt like he was feeding her a spoonful of sweetness directly from his heart each time he placed the mouthful on her tongue.

“I don’t even think my mom ever did this for me,” she murmured. Harry frowned, taking away the gentleness that she was so enamored with the moment she saw it. She wanted it back. “Thank you,” she whispered hurriedly. He smiled again, making her feel better about the moment she just ruined. “It’s really nice, Harry,” she whispered. He put the soup aside and trailed his fingers through her hair. He took the hair tie off her wrist and carefully pulled it back to it was out of her face allowing some air to touch the back of her head. “I know this isn’t my best look,” she managed.

He rolled his eyes with a chuckle. “Still think y’beautiful,” he mumbled smoothing her hair down in its ponytail. He grabbed the soup again and brought another spoonful to her lips.

“Think you need your eyes checked,” she murmured.

He smiled and shook his head. “M’gonna crack this shell of yours, Principessa. S’all I can think ‘bout.”

“Cracking my shell?”

“No. Jus’ you.”

She sighed. She knew her face was blushing, but it was probably impossible to tell with the warmth in her cheeks from her illness. She nuzzled into her blanket more.

She was vaguely aware of a knock on her door, Louis appeared with a smirk and dropped a bag of medicine on the coffee table. Harry headed to her kitchen, placed the other container of soup, pasta, and such into her fridge. Louis sat on her coffee table and chatted with her. “Y’okay, love?” He asked.

She nodded. “Thank you. Sorry I bother—”

“Stop,” he shook his head, and his voice was so much firmer than Eleanor’s. It actually stopped her sentence. Harry would have to remember that for later. “I wish you told me earlier,” he leaned over pressing a kiss the top of her head. Harry was immensely jealous but tried to brush that feeling away because he was merely her friend and he had pecked her cheek the other week without so much as asking. “Only have a few more weeks of taking care of you, you know,” he reminded her.

She frowned. Eleanor and Louis would be in their new town. Maybe she should have just moved with them. “Yeah...”

“I’ll have to pass my duties off to Harry,” he winked in Harry’s direction. Harry smiled.

“Mmm...” she hummed. That was a good point. If she moved, there would be no Harry. Maybe ignorance was bliss, but she thought she would miss knowing someone like him.

He brought a glass of water back to her and read the description of the five different medicines Louis had laid out on the table, finding which one would be most suitable for her right now. “Jus’ gonna use the restroom,” Harry said quietly and left the pair for a moment.

“You like him?” Louis asked her quietly.

She nodded. “A lot,” she admitted.

“He’s nice,” Louis nodded in agreement. “El likes him a lot,” he smiled.

Her head was still aching, and she really didn’t have much mental capacity to talk about how much she liked Harry. But even though she felt utterly sick and looked pretty uncomfortable, Louis could see how much she liked him. She shrugged. “I don’t... I don’t know, Lou.”

He shrugged. “Just get better first,” he winked. “I’m going to see myself out. Feel better. And seriously, let me know if you need something else,” he looked at her pointedly. “You’re not a bother,” his tone was heavy, and she felt herself blushing.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Thank Harry,” he winked again as he closed the door behind him.

Harry returned within seconds after Louis’ departure. He sat beside her again. “Y’okay, Principessa?”

“M’sorry for bother—”

He cupped her face again and gazed at her tired, sickly written eyes. Her voice died in her throat. “You,” his voice was so quiet, so soft, “could never bother me, Principessa,” he whispered. She felt like her achy body had turned to mush. It should have been illegal for someone to look at her like that, to make her feel like this. Especially while she was sick. “Okay?” He asked.

It still didn’t feel okay, and she was a bit delirious from her aching head and achy body. But she nodded once and swallowed trying not to let the emotion bubble too far out of her chest. “Yeah,” she whispered.

“I really like you, kitten,” he skimmed his thumbs across her cheeks in unison. She felt so delicate. Harry was treating her like she was glass. She had never felt like this. She was obviously sick, and she was sickly in love with Harry too. She didn’t want to do this right now when she wasn’t feeling well. Her mouth frozen and voice unable to speak. Poor Harry mistook her silence for unreciprocated feelings. “M’sorry, I know y’not feeling well,” he dropped his hands from her face. “Shouldn’t do this right now,” he chuckled awkwardly.

Her face felt cold without his hands caressing her cheeks and she missed it. Even though she knew she shouldn’t really feel that way. She frowned and looked at him as he sat back on her couch stiffly. She felt horrible, he felt rejected. Like it was possible to reject someone as kind as Harry. She pulled a pillow from behind her and dropped it on his lap. Her head followed the pillow, and she curled up half on the couch, half over his thigh. She faced his stomach, covered with a shirt that smelled like garlic and tomato sauce. There were specks of flour from fresh pasta. She could tell he didn’t know what to do with his hands, they hovered by his sides trying not to touch her.  

“I-I really like you too, Harry,” she whispered softly.

He sighed with relief making her smile. “Yeah?”

She nodded. “Yeah,” one hand landed on her hip and the other stroked a space of her hair against her scalp. It felt magical and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was sick and felt sad or if she would have felt this way if Harry was here while she was well and touched her anyway. Harry brought her blanket back on top of her, making her feel suddenly exhausted from being awake for the last hour. “M’sleepy,” she mumbled.

“Go t’sleep, Principessa,” he hummed gently.

“You can turn on the TV or move me if you get bored and need to leave or som—”

“Go t’sleep, kitten,” he repeated ignoring her completely and cutting her off entirely. She closed her tired eyes and within moments she was out cold. Harry still touching her hair.

Reaching right into her chest for heart and touching her there too.

--

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[seenoversundown]

For Death Or Glory : Chapter Seven

Jake Kiszka x Charlotte (Fem OC)

Warnings: A lot of Gentle Bullying (it's done with love,i promise), Drinking/Mentions of Alcohol, Peer pressure, Mentions of Sex (don't get your hopes up; it's not happening yet) Fluff, yearning, pining, hopeless romantic-ing, maybe a smidge of flirting and lastly- more pirate references.

Word Count: 6.2k !!

Summary: The weekend plays out a bit differently than Jake anticipated, but aside from the endless teasing from his family, I don't think he has much to complain about.

Author's Note: IT'S A LONG ONE FOLKS. We're getting to the good stuff and i'm SO excited. This chapter has me kicking my feet and blushing (I wrote it, I know) but GOD it's so cute watching their little friendship grow. I hope you love it xoxo next weeks is a TREAT. 😉

She Calls Me Back - Noah Kahan "Everything's alright when, she calls me back,"

Friday 

I didn’t expect to spend so much of my evening texting Charlotte. Granted, I also never expected anybody to willingly let me tell them about pirates, a pretty girl, no less. We kept talking until she was finally ready to sleep, and I told her that she was more than welcome to reach out if she wanted. She definitely took me up on the offer. What I wasn’t prepared for was her to send me a random fun fact at 10 am. Though I’m glad, she seems to be in a better mood.

Charlotte: Did you know the creator of the Xbox was obsessed with sourdough bread?

Jake: I did not 

Charlotte: Mhm! Which makes the logo funnier, because it looks like a nicely scored loaf!

Jake: Why do you know this? Also goodmorning? 

I’ve already been down to the bar and finished getting her ready to open. A habit that I probably can’t break at this point. I started going down to get the bar set up when I first opened because I was really the only one who was actually working there. Once I got Josh on board full-time, we split a lot of the work, but I still try to make it as easy as possible for him. He’s doing a lot to help me out; it’s the least I can do. 

Charlotte: Oh, goodmorning! I guess I should have started with that lol 

“What are you so smiley about this morning?” 

I look up to see Quinn rounding the corner into the kitchen, their floppy curls all over the place. 

“There’s still coffee left if you want some,” I tell them quickly.

“Don’t avoid the question, Jack,” their smirk growing as they pour coffee into one of Josh’s mugs. 

“Do I usually look sad?” 

“Not sad, but you look especially happy right now,” tossing the creamer back into the fridge, “but you’re gonna need to wipe that look off your face if you don’t want your nosy brother harassing you.” 

My smile definitely falls at that statement. Unfortunately, they’re so very correct. If I can’t hide it better, Josh will know something’s up. I swear he can smell it from a mile away. 

“I’m joking,” they sip on their coffee, “I’m gonna tell him anyway!” 

Shit. They scurry towards Josh’s door before I can say anything or try to bargain with them. I practically launch myself up from the couch to follow suit when I hear their sing-song little voice, “Jaaaaakes got a cruuuuushhh.” Stopping me in my tracks just outside the bedroom. 

“A crush, you say!” Josh’s voice is just simply loud; there’s no changing it, “Oh, Jacob! You can’t hide from me now, brother!” 

I round the corner, leaning against the doorframe. 

“You’re lucky I love you,” I point at Quinn, “It’s not a crush, just a .. friend?” Realizing that I’m not even sure what this is. 

“Well, that just wasn’t convincing at all,” They mumble, taking another sip of coffee. 

“It’s not that serious is all.” 

Josh finally chimed in, “You know, you don’t have to be ashamed if it is a crush. If anything, it’s relieving for the rest of us.” 

My eyes roll involuntarily as I cross my arms over my chest, “Why are you so concerned about my love life? Shouldn’t you just be happy that I’m not bringing random girls home?”

“Don’t disrespect Danny without him present,” Josh barks out a laugh, “But at least he was getting laid, so maybe he was onto something.” 

“Plus, he has Melody now,” Quinn pipes up, “You’re the last man standing.”

Josh looks over at them, “Nice guys do finish last, I guess.”

“One is the loneliest number!”

“The lone wolf.”

“Okay, you don’t need to kick me while I’m down,” my eyebrows pinch together as they keep piling on. 

“Well, are you actually gonna try to bag this one?” Josh asks, “ Or you just gonna rot away in the bar and pine over her?” 

“First of all, I already told you it’s not a crush,” I start, “Secondly, are you convinced that I can’t lock down a girlfriend?” 

“Jake, you’ve been single for how long? It’s getting hard to believe you even know how to flirt with a woman.” 

“Especially after you tried flirting with that pretty redhead the other day,” Quinn cringes quietly. 

“Okay, that wasn’t my best work,” I had been trying to forget that. “But she was also busy yelling at me for being bad at my job, so the timing was less than ideal.” My face sells me out as the red settles in my cheeks. 

“Wait,” Josh pipes up, “is that who you’re texting?” Leaning forward as he stares at me. How is he so quick?

“Uh,” I hesitated a second too long. 

“Oh my god, it is!” His voice was rising with excitement. “A friend? My ass. I saw how you looked at her.” 

“She was very pretty, to be fair,” Quinn interjects, nudging him with their elbow. 

“Oh, she was stunning,” he says, looking back at them. “So you two have been talking?” 

My heart is pounding as we have this conversation because I don’t even know what’s going on. The last thing I need is him hounding me over it. 

They both just stare at me with that sympathetic look that people give you when they find out you lost your job or your dog ran away. 

“Can you two quit interrogating me?” I whine, “I promise that either of you will be the first to know when I have a potential girlfriend.” 

“Alright, alright, I’ll stand down,” Josh throws his hands up, “but only because I need to get ready for work.” 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Jake: i’m assuming youre feeling a bit better today?

I decided to walk to some of the stores nearby, trying to enjoy the last few days of autumn. The Old Port is a wonderfully odd place. With the cobblestone streets and terribly old brick buildings, it’s nothing short of having character. The way the city won’t tear any down but just shove new businesses in will always amaze me. But being able to walk to a fair amount of things has been my favorite thing since moving over here. 

The crisp air of fall warrants a hot drink. I slip into a smaller local coffee shop. It’s a crowded little space with several tables and the actual bar. There’s minimal room to move around or not be noticed. 

“Well, look who decided to show up!” 

My head whips to the right, and I see my favorite ladies parked at a small table in the corner: Eleanor with her book in her lap and Linda with a small notebook set on the table. I take my drink from the barista with a quick ‘thank you’ and carefully weave through the scattered chairs.

“Goodmorning ladies, is this seat taken?” I tap the chair facing them. 

“All yours, sweetheart.” 

Linda leans forward, sliding her notebook to the side, “So Josh told us that you were flirting with that pretty young lady the other day,” sending a little wink at me. 

I drop my head with a long sigh. I should have known he would tell them because, of course, my brother is best friends with two older ladies. 

“Well, I tried flirting,” I mumble, sipping my coffee, “But it wasn’t necessarily well received.” 

The collective ‘awwww’ feels almost offensive, but I know they aren’t trying to bully me. That’s everyone else’s job.

“You’ll find someone, dear. You’re much too sweet and handsome,” Eleanor finally says. “At least you’re not wasting it on someone who doesn’t deserve you.” She gently rubs my arm for a second, a soft smile on her face. 

“Thank you,” I tell her, placing my hand over hers, “You’re right. I’d rather wait for the right girl than spend time on whoever is willing to go on dates.” 

Truth be told, I’ve played that game already. Meeting girls online or on dating apps and taking them out to dinner. Only to have them tell me, “You’re so sweet,”  and then ghost me after the date. I’ve only made it to the kiss at the end a handful of times in my life, and lord knows the last time I got laid. Never a proud moment for me when it happened. Both of us are usually incredibly drunk, and I hardly remember anything from it the next morning. 

Since officially opening the bar, I’ve just not bothered dating. I have too many things I could be doing or helping Josh when he is working. I think if another girl ghosted me, I may commit arson. Not to the bar; obviously, I’ve worked too hard. So, I keep to myself and just enjoy the minor flirting from girls who are already a drink or two deep. I also spend a bit longer in the shower some nights trying to relieve some of the tension. 

“Ellie’s right, ya know?” Linda sits back, “And don’t let those pesky boys pick on you over it! We both witnessed how ‘smooth’ their paths were, they have barely any room to speak.”

I look between the two of them with a lazy smile on my lips, “You’re the best, both of you.” I let out a small sigh of relief. 

We all sit and chat while Linda writes up her list of what to bring to the Farmer’s Market this weekend. She passes the notebook to Eleanor so she can decide what plant pots to bring. Watching their friendship over the last year has been so precious. 

“Alright girls, I think I need to head out,” I scoot my chair back. 

“Don’t work too hard, sweetheart,” Linda quips, “But we’ll probably see you in a few hours.” She glances over at Eleanor. 

“Oh, probably,” she lets out a long sigh, “This old bat drags me out late every Friday.” Holding back a laugh, she side-eyes Linda. 

“Play nice, ladies!” I giggle, sending them a little wave, “I’ll see you two later.” 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

It’s Josh’s night to close the bar, but I can’t help myself from at least being around. I’ve been sitting in my office for the most part. Trying to focus on admin stuff, but it becomes incredibly apparent why I let Dan handle a lot of it. It doesn’t help that I have also been texting Charlotte all night. But, in my defense, why would I turn down the opportunity to text someone who seems interested in what I have to say? The fact she’s hot is just a bonus. 

I pick up my phone, unprepared for what I am about to endure. I see the blue dot next to the group chat with all the boys in it. We use it daily, but I just had a gut feeling about tonight’s conversation, considering how the rest of my day has gone. 

Employees of the Month 🏴‍☠️🏆 (& Sam) : 

Sam: Birdie says you may be able to pull someone if you shave your face 

Josh: quinn agrees 

Jake: i didn’t ask for opinions from the peanut gallery 

Daniel changes the groupchat name to “ Operation: Get Jake Laid 🫡”

Daniel: melody is also in favor of no mustache 

Josh: ​​it’s not our fault you look like a chimney sweep 

[Jake left the conversation]

[Sam added Jake to the conversation]

Sam: not so fast, Dick Van Dyke 

Jake: So literally nobody thinks it looks good?

Josh: not at all

Daniel: …no

Sam: ABSOLUTELY NOT LOL 

Josh: you already have the long hair, you’re giving jesus a little bit.

Josh: or homeless. take your pick. 

Sam: Definitely homeless, there’s only room for one jesus in this family 

Daniel: good point sam

Jake: i hate all of you

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Saturday 

“I’m off to work,” Josh says, rounding the corner from his bedroom. 

“Have fun,” I reply, looking up from my phone, “I’ll be down there in a little bit.” 

As soon as the lock flips on the door, I sit up from the couch. Usually, I’m not affected by the boys’ commentary. Still, for whatever reason, the simple act of shaving my face struck a nerve. I’m not particularly attached to having facial hair, but I wasn’t under the impression it was that bad. 

I stare into the mirror as the water is running; I mean, I know it’s not a big deal. If a girl didn’t like me for this, that sounds like her problem, as I throw my hair into a low bun. Grabbing my razor from the cabinet and stealing some of Josh’s shaving cream, I carefully dab some just above my lip. What if I look worse? No. Maybe they’re right; maybe I should just get rid of it. Fuck it. 

Making the first pass, I let out a small sigh. I slather on some more shaving cream to the rest of my face, quickly shaving it off. Well, I guess this looks okay.  Bzzzt. 

Charlotte: helloooo

Jake: good morrow m��lady how did you sleep 

The shower creaks a bit as I turn it on, giving the water a few minutes to heat up. It always feels like forever this time of year. Once the steam starts fogging up the mirrors, I pull my sweatshirt over my head and toss it on the counter. Bzzt. 

Charlotte: not bad. How are you? 

Jake: aside from falling into peer pressure, i’m okay haha 

I set my phone on top of my sweatshirt, quickly sliding off my sweats and swiftly moving into the shower. Letting the hot water run over me. What if she doesn’t even notice? Pouring shampoo into my hand and scrubbing it into my hair, maybe she’ll like this better? What am I even worried about? We’re just casually talking. Rinsing and then grabbing the conditioner, Though.. I wouldn’t be opposed. I run the conditioner through my ends and then lather the rest of my body with soap. I feel like she must at least think I’m an okay person if she’s listening to me ramble on about pirates?  I move back under the water, feeling the temperature start to change. 

“Shit, shit, shit,” I mumble to myself, trying to rinse everything off as quickly as possible. There’s nothing worse than the hot water running out mid-shower. As soon as my hair doesn’t feel slimy, I shut the water off with a quick shudder. I wring my hair out and grab my towel, drying myself before wrapping it tightly around my waist. 

I see my phone light up. 

Charlotte: Excuse me?

Charlotte: Who peer pressured you? Into what? 

Charlotte: Jacob! You can’t just say that and then disappear! 

I audibly laugh at her yelling at me, quickly replying to try and ease the suspense. 

Jake: i’m sorry i was in the shower LOL

Jake: oh just the boys per usual im just dumb and fell for it this time

I migrate to my bedroom, scanning my closet briefly before grabbing my staple long-sleeve button-up shirt and my black jeans. I pull them on as I hear the small buzz of my phone. 

Charlotte: Why are you avoiding saying what IT is? It can’t be that bad. 

Oh, sweetheart, I wish I knew if it were that bad. 

Jake: i haven’t decided if it’s that bad 

Charlotte: Well, let me help! 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Rounding the corner to the bar, I set a handful of clean glasses on the back counter. Listening to Josh as he small talks with some of the customers. Having Josh bartend was probably one of the smartest things I could have done; everybody loves him. He’s much more extroverted than myself, on top of just being a sociable person. Bzzzt. 

I have to fight the urge to grab my phone every time it vibrates. She knows I’m working, so she won’t be upset if I take a second to reply. I’m cleaning up the back counter to try and help out Josh; I wipe down everything quickly to make sure I’m not in his way. 

Turning around, I see the door open as Willa walks through. It’s always a gamble to see who will be with her, Sam, or Quinn, and tonight's lucky winner is Samuel. I’ve watched them since the day they first met, and as much as they like to annoy each other, they are rather cute together. If there’s anything I know about my brother, he doesn’t ever actually want to annoy her; he just likes to ruffle her feathers. Get it- Birdie.. Feathers.. HAH. 

He pulls out the barstool a bit for her before taking the seat next to her. 

“OH MY GOD-” Willa yelps, “YOU SHAVED,” excitedly clapping her hands. Well, that didn’t take long. 

“It’s nice to see you too,” I slide small napkins in front of both of them, grinning at her excitement.  

“Jake, I literally see you all the time,” Sam torts back. 

“I was talking to Willa,” I deadpan, rolling my eyes before looking back to her, “What can I get for you, dear?” 

“Just something fruity,” she requests between laughs, “thank you!”

I glance at Sam with my eyebrows raised, “and you?”

“Wow, the customer service here is amazing,” laced in a sarcastic tone that quickly disappears when he quietly mumbles, “Whatever you make for her, just .. the same thing.”

Turning to make their drinks, bzzt, I slide my phone from my back pocket. 

Charlotte: Can you PLEASE just tell me what it is?

Jake: i promise you it’s not that exciting 

I quickly shoved my phone back into its rightful place and put together their drinks. Willa’s more carefully than Sam’s, at least she doesn’t cop an attitude with me. 

“Here you go, madam,” setting her drink on the napkin, “and here’s yours.” more abruptly setting Sam’s down. 

“So, Jake,” she starts, “how’s dating going?” 

My eyes wander over to my brother, who is looking everywhere but at me. That little shit.

“Oh, it’s um.. It’s going.”

“Well, I do have a friend who I could set you up with,” she continues, “ya know, if you want.” 

Finally, making eye contact with Sam, my eyebrows pull together as I cross my arms over my chest. 

“What? I didn’t say anything?” he says, putting his hands up. 

“Yes, you did!” Willa calls him out, “Don’t be dumb, Sam.�� 

She looks back at me, putting her hands out across the bar, “I’m a girl, I can help, okay. What are you looking for? Tell meee!” 

Bzzzt. Shit.

I can feel the warmth settling in my face, and my hand finds its place on the back of my neck. 

“Oh, you’re so sweet,” I start, “but I don’t think I really have time to date right now.”

She sighs, “Oh come on– are you gunna let yourself wither away in this bar? You’re handsome; you shouldn’t have any problems dating.”

“Hello? I’m right here?” Sam butts in.

“This isn’t about you right now, babe.”

Charlotte: What if I just tell you that it is super exciting? Does that help?

Jake: oh my god you’re ridiculous hahaha

“What are you smiling at over there?” Willa’s tone was taunting. 

“Oh, it’s nothing,” I tell her, unable to contain the uncomfortable laugh that follows. 

“That doesn’t look like nothing.” 

I smirk, “I promise!” 

She looks like she will fling herself over the bar if I don’t tell her who I’m talking to. 

“Promises mean nothing to me, sir!” she quickly rebuttals, “give me the juicy deets!” 

My ears perk up at the ‘sir,’ but I’m not so easily swindled. 

“You almost got me there, but there’s nothing to tell.” I smile at her, raising my eyebrows as I walk to the other end of the bar. 

Charlotte: I promise I won’t laugh at you! I’m just too invested now

Jake: Charlotte

Charlotte: Jacob 

Charlotte: For the love of god, just tell me what it is

I don’t know what comes over me, but I immediately walk to the bathroom. Holding the edge of the sink with my free hand, I pull up my phone, clicking on the little camera. Click. I don’t bother to look, simply clicking ‘done.’ 

Jake: [ sends photo ] 

Read 9:37pm.  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

The next few hours go by quickly. This is sort of the blessing of Saturday nights here; the nights tend to fly by with the number of people you talk to. I sent Josh home a little early. We were slowing down a bit, and he’s been here quite a lot lately. Which is a little my fault, but none of the bartenders I hire stick around long. 

I don’t want to cave, but I finally opened Charlotte’s messages. Seeing the ‘read’ makes me nervous. My thumbs defy me.  

Jake: is it that bad? 

Does that seem too needy? She doesn’t have to say anything. Maybe I scared her off with the picture. My mind races until I see her typing. 

Charlotte: What are you doing after work? 

The sense of relief when she responds is great, but why was she avoiding the conversation? Maybe it was just too weird for her. 

Jake: I get out at 2am.. what else am I going to do haha 

Charlotte: You’re so right 

Looking up to the corner, 1:15 a.m., before replying to her.

Jake: what are you doing awake? ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

I spent the last forty-five minutes of the night trying to clean while slowly collecting everyone’s payments. Following the last customer to the doors, I locked myself in and felt the calm wash over me again. 

Charlotte: I don’t really know

Jake: well i’m sure you’re asleep now, but i’m free to keep you company if you’re still up 

My screen lights up before I can put it back into my pocket. Why is she facetiming me? This can’t be serious?  My thumb hovers over the ‘accept’ for a second, quickly tapping it. 

“Hi,” her voice softly rings through my ears. God, she’s so cute. 

“Helloo,” I say, matching her volume, “I definitely wasn’t expecting you to be up.”

“I just can’t sleep lately,”  Poor thing. 

“Well then,” propping my phone up against a glass, “lucky for you, I’m always awake into the wee hours of the morning.”  I glance over from the POS. 

“Doesn’t help when you don’t clock out until after two in the morning, huh?”

“You would be correct,” I let out a small laugh, taking a quick scan of the room. She tucks some hair behind her ear, then leans into her hand. 

“Do you have much left to do?” 

Clicking the power button on the screen, “Mmm, no, I’m actually done.” She smiles at my response. SHE SMILED. 

Flipping the lights and locking the doors behind me, I start up the stairs to the apartment. 

“I need to say hi to Josh real quick, so I’ll just put you in my pocket for a second?” 

Her small laugh sounds like heaven, causing my own grin to grow across my face. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

I softly knock on Josh’s door a few times before opening it, sliding my phone into my front pocket. 

“Hey, I have a proposition for you,” I say, leaning against the doorframe. 

“I’m listening.”

“Would you like to take the earlier shift tomorrow and then be able to see Quinn?” I raise my eyebrows, knowing that if it involves Quinn, he will always say yes. 

“Obviously,” his voice suspicious. 

“Done deal. I’ll close so you two can spend some time together.” 

He cocks an eyebrow at me before questioning me, “You’re being too nice to me… what’s going on?” 

“Nothing’s going on, I just know you’ve been working a lot, and Quinn’s free tomorrow, sooo,” I giggle. 

His eyes squinted, “I'm not going to argue it.. How was your night?” His tone going back to normal. 

“Not terrible, but I’m exhausted,” I lie. 

“YOU’RE TIRED?” Loudly escapes him, clutching his heart dramatically. 

I laugh, “Shocking, isn’t it?” To which he just nods. 

“Sleep well. Love you bub.”

“Love you too, kiddo!” ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Sorry about that,” I whisper, softly shutting my bedroom door. 

“You shouldn’t lie to your brother.” 

My eyebrow raises at her comment, “And what am I lying about?” 

She crosses her arms over her chest, “I’m exhausted,” she mocks me. I can’t help but laugh at her; I wasn’t prepared for her to make fun of me. 

“Well, shit,” I sit back on my bed, “you got me, huh?” 

I can see some color creep into her cheeks, making my heart shake. 

“Hold on, I’m just gonna set you down,” I toss my phone onto my pillows. Grabbing the navy sweatshirt sitting on the end of my bed. I slide my shirt off, quickly pull the sweatshirt over me, then toss my jeans into my closet. 

I move myself up to lean against the wall, grabbing my phone and taking her in while she’s looking off to the side. The freckles on her cheeks look like they were individually painted on. Perfect. 

I catch a glimpse of myself, rubbing just underneath my nose a few times before just settling into my usual fidget.  

“You look cute,” she says, just above a whisper. I feel my face warm as I gaze at her through my phone screen. I gently pick at my lip as I fight the smile threatening to come out. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, um,” she quickly says, I can see the subtle panic on her face. 

“No, no, it’s okay. I uh,” I stammer a bit, “I just think that you’re the cute one here,” I spit out as fast as I can. 

“Jacob quit it!” 

 “Unfortunately, I can’t,” I giggle, “Trying to break that pesky lying habit or whatever.”

She rolls her eyes at that, fighting the smirk on her face. We both just stare at each other for a second before she finally breaks the silence. 

“So, you’re working again tomorrow night?” 

 “Mhm,” I watch as she rubs her eyes. “Do you want to go to bed?” She quickly shakes her head, ‘No.’  

 She quietly adjusts herself so she’s almost lying down on her couch; this isn’t going to last long.. oh? Hearing the faint sound of a sea shanty, I know and love. 

“What are you watching?” 

 “Pirates of the Caribbean,” her lazy smile wide, “it’s the third one.” Oh god, you’re killing me. 

“Hoist the colors high” I sing along under my breath. 

 I’m genuinely unable to look anywhere except for her; the way her smile hasn’t faltered since I clocked her watching pirates. Her eyes struggle to stay open as the lights from her TV flicker across her face. 

“Go to sleep, hun,” keeping my voice soft, “You can text me as soon as you wake up.”

 She blinks incredibly slowly, followed by a sigh. “Okay,” she murmurs. She waves quickly, tucking her hand back under her chin. 

I send her a small finger wave, lingering for an extra second to take her in, “Goodnight,” I whisper before hanging up. Oh, I’m so fucked. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Sunday 

“Have you tried any of those dating apps? You know, the swipey game-like ones!” Josh says, sounding a bit too excited. 

“I think I’m good on those.” 

“What about the lovely redhead you have a crush on?” he presses further. 

“I told you, it’s not like that.” 

Not pleased with that response, he rebuts, “Well, you need to get a girlfriend at some point.” He glances over to Quinn for a second before turning back to me. They’ve been sitting at the bar since he clocked out a while ago. I swear they hang out just to torture me. 

“It is a little strange, Jake..” They start, “You haven’t dated at all since I’ve known you.” Putting on their best ‘I feel bad’ face. 

“How is it strange?” I don’t know why I asked. 

The smile on their face was telling enough, “Are you sure you’re not.. ya know?” Following it with a subtle head nod towards Josh. 

“That would be a fun twist!” Josh spits out excitedly. 

My jaw slacks at the question, “WOW. No, I promise I like women.”  Shaking my head as I lean against the back counter, folding my arms over me. 

“Sounds like something someone who’s-” 

Josh laughs before he cuts them off quickly, “Oh Bug, he’s just woefully bad at flirting and can hardly speak up enough to grab the attention of the ladies who come in.” 

“I’m right here, hello?” I scoff, quietly pulling out my phone. 

Me: not my brother’s partner questioning if i’m gay or not 

Charlotte: Well.. everybody is allowed to have questions! 

Me: I’M NOT GAY DONT SIDE WITH THEM

I look up to see Josh staring at me, only to glance quickly at my phone, which is still in my hand. Shaking my head quickly with a slight frown, I avoid answering the inevitable question: “Who are you talking to?”  I know it’s coming because I know my brother, and boy, oh boy, does he love to know everything and anything that happens.  

As more people sit at the bar, I spend more time making sure that they’re all happy and just casually glance to the end, where Josh and Quinn are sitting. How they look at each other, like the other one created the stars and hung the moon, has always been so sweet to me. I haven’t seen Josh this happy in so long, and I’ll be eternally grateful to Quinn for being so good to him. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to come into his life. 

I scan the room, seeing a handful of empty bottles and glasses. I do a quick lap through the tables to grab everything. I make sure to say ‘hello’ to any regulars who are in tonight while noticing a few fresh faces. 

Seems like a lot of couples tonight. Seeing the amount of people sitting on the same side or the causal holding hands on top of the table. It’s all adorable to see; unfortunately for me, it’s always just witnessing romance. 

Coming back to my rightful place behind the bar, I catch a glimpse of Quinn planting their lips on my brother’s cheek. I can’t catch a break. 

Bzzt. 

Charlotte: Can we Facetime when you’re done working? I’ve napped too much today and I’m going to be awake all night. 

Me: i’m honored, of course we can  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Flipping the lock after the last customer strolls out, I can already feel my phone vibrate. 

“Well, aren’t you just breathtaking?” 

There she is, with her long red hair tied into possibly the most messy bun imaginable, in a too-big sweatshirt, curled up in what must be her bed this time. She looked like she had been napping all day, yet she was still insanely beautiful. 

“It’s SO late, and you can’t hold that against me!” 

“To be fair, you called me- I didn’t force this.” I tease, holding my one free hand up. 

Her smile widens at my point, “touché, Jacob.” 

After closing the bar and running upstairs, I prop my phone on the counter and rummage through the fridge. 

“What are you going to make?” 

“That is a great question,” I say, staring into my fridge with minimal options. Cooking at 2:30 am has always been a humbling experience, but at least I have company this time. 

Grabbing the leftover soup Josh made, I pull out the smaller saucepan we have. I take the time to reheat it properly because it means getting to sit on FaceTime with her. 

“What did you spend all day doing?” I ask mindlessly, “Besides harassing me while I worked.” I look at her, trying to contain my smirk. 

“Oh, hush,” she waves her hand at the camera, “mostly watching movies and trying to not let myself work since it’s Sunday- well.. was Sunday and all.” 

She still hasn’t told me what happened, even though I unfortunately figured it out. I won’t make her uncomfortable by asking, though seeing the way her face fell when she mentioned trying not to work makes me wonder if she has a hard time doing anything else. 

“I’m glad you let yourself rest,” I tell her, “you’re allowed to take days for yourself.” 

The look on her face is sinister as she says, “You should probably take your own advice there, Sir.” Letting out a small cackle, she knows she clocked me a little too fast on that.

I can’t decide if my body is warm because of her calling me out or the fact she called me ‘Sir.’ Either way, I dramatically let my jaw slack, clutching my chest just to hear her laugh again. 

“You got me there, Red,” I admit. 

“Have you taken a day off since I first came in?”

I simply shake my head. Maybe I do work too much, but what else am I supposed to do when I enjoy being there? The benefit of it being just downstairs as well is that I can visit my favorite place in the world within a matter of a minute. I know I could take days off and probably stand to at this point, but I also don’t know what else to spend my time doing. I’ve been eating, sleeping, and breathing for this bar since I bought it almost two years ago. I spend most of my time with my brothers, and most of my friends have moved away for college or just to escape the cold. Can’t blame them.  

“Jacob?” 

Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts, causing her to giggle when I jumped at the sound. 

“Lost you there for a minute, huh?” 

I chuckle, “Maybe for a second, but I’m back now.”

We move off the topic of work quickly as she tells me about the movies she watched in between naps today. She loves older movies, and I tell her I’m sure she and Josh would have a field day talking about them. She’s watched everything from Casablanca to A Walk To Remember and The Notebook. It’s cute how much she loves romance.

“What other movies do you like?” 

My eyes widened when I realized my other favorite movie was a rom-com. 

“Hah, well, besides Pirates obviously, I uh-” I hesitate for a moment, worried she will think I’m just trying to play into it. 

“You, uh, what? We’ve done this once before. You know you’re going to tell me,” she taunts me, and she’s absolutely correct. I want nothing more than to tell her anything she wants to know, which is definitely not stressing me out. 

“Love Actually,” I spit out quickly, rubbing my hand over my face. I’m not embarrassed that I enjoyed it; it’s a good movie- a great movie, even. I just don’t think anybody aside from Josh knows that. We’ve spent countless Christmas seasons watching it multiple times leading up to the holiday. 

“Are you serious?” she sounds mildly shocked. 

I nod my head, waiting for her to poke fun at me. 

“That’s precious.” 

I was unprepared for her response, fully ready to defend myself, and all I could say was, “Oh.” 

“If it weren’t October, I would put it on,” she says, and honestly, this woman will be the death of me. 

“Good thing November is right around the corner,” I manage to mumble out, still taken aback by the subtle compliment. We sit in comfortable silence for a moment. I can’t help but try to make eye contact through a screen, but when she looks into her camera, it feels like a small jolt shoots through my body. What is going on? 

I finally make it to my bedroom a while later; it’s now nearing 4:00 a.m. My phone is dying, and my exhaustion is creeping in, but not nearly as much as hers. Slowly but surely, she’s gotten more and more comfortable as we talk about anything that comes to mind. 

I let my phone sit in my lap as I pull my shirt over my head, leaning forward to toss it onto the pile of laundry I should take care of. Grateful it’s a bit easier to get rid of my jeans without her seeing it. Still, I can’t help noticing how her eyes wander to my necklace. 

“Sorry, I couldn’t take the subtle scent of beer anymore,” I speak lower, unintentionally. 

She quietly clears her throat, “Oh, haha, that makes sense.” Her eyes darted away from the screen as if she were caught. 

It was quiet for a moment until she let out a yawn, trying to hide it in her elbow. Her eyes stayed closed for a second longer. 

“Why don’t you go to sleep?” I whisper, “It’s 4:00 am.”

Her eyes slowly open to look at me. I can’t tell what she’s feeling besides being exhausted. She sighs slightly before whispering back, “But I want to talk to you.”

My breath catches at her statement. She wants to talk to me?  My heart feels like it could explode at any moment, and my hands start to shake. 

I nervously laugh, “What if I go to sleep too?”  

Her lazy smile creeps across her face. “Promise?” She sticks out her pinky to me.

“Promise,” I return the gesture quickly, “You can even bug me later if you want.”

Her tired giggle engraved into my brain, “Just you wait.” 

“I’ll be on the edge of my seat.”

“Goodnight, Jake.”  Jake.

“Sweet dreams, Red.”

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Chapter Six

Chapter Eight

FDOG Masterpost | Masterlist | FDOG Playlist

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Struck by Lighting I William Nylander

Tropes; Angry!William; Friends-to-lovers; bestfriend!TimothyLiljegren; Fluff

Summary: In the midst of a difficult game, William appears to lose his composure, suggesting more than just frustration over a bad loss; [credits: inspired by a scene from Ted Lasso]

Author's Note: I wrote this a little while ago and just decided to share it today 😉 It follows the familiar friends-to-lovers plot, yet a little different, you know? 😅 Nonetheless, I hope you'll find it enjoyable; By the way, a quick thank you to everyone reading my work! I never imagined anyone would enjoy what I write, and I'm incredibly grateful to be able to share my thoughts and ideas with all of you! Having 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ followers might not seem like a lot to some, but to me, it's beyond anything I could have imagined 🫶🏻

Word count: 3.4K

➼｡ﾟ

The atmosphere was crisp as the five of you strolled through the streets of Toronto on a regular Friday evening.

The lad's hockey season had started just a month ago, and tonight, you were out with your group of friends: William Nylander, Timothy Liljegren, Pierre Engvall, along with his girlfriend Mathilda. Yet, this evening wasn't solely about the five of you chilling together; it was also a chance for Willy to introduce his new romantic interest to the tight-knit group. Being his close friends, he valued your opinion on this matter.

_

William had become, quite unexpectedly, one of your closest friends. It was something you hadn't quite anticipated from the day you were introduced to the inner circle of the Toronto Maple Leafs – particularly the inner circle of the Swedes.

Morgan had been your entry point, having known him back in Vancouver, and upon your move to Toronto, he graciously showed you around, and after a few months, he introduced you to his team. It was a bit surreal to suddenly find yourself among friends and partners of an NHL team, but undeniably, you felt like you belonged.

The entire team had been incredibly kind and welcoming. You hit it off particularly well with most of them. Auston and Mitchy were an absolute riot, always incredibly funny. Woll, alongside Mo, was among the kindest individuals you'd ever encountered. Tavares was the living legend, and the new guy, Knies – those eyes and that smirk – had a way of making anyone feel weak in the knees.

Everyone treated you kindly, but you could also sense a closer bond among the Swedes. It wasn't something frowned upon by the guys; in fact, it seemed this group genuinely encouraged everyone to become more open and mingle better with the rest of the team. Timothy, in particular, stood out as a genuine sweetheart, perhaps a tad less outgoing than the others.

And it was Tim that was the one who paved the way for you to join the Scandinavian friends' circle. You were consistently kind to him, offering help whenever needed, and being there to support him if he ever felt anxious. It all began with a simple, clumsy mishap in the hallways where he had lost his things, and you swiftly lent a hand. From there, it blossomed into casual conversations about various topics. And soon enough, you found yourself getting him a coffee, guiding him through breathing exercises before facing cameras, and keeping him company after tough losses.

And your efforts had earned you a cherished place in the hearts of the Swedes.

William, on the other hand, was a different story. He had to grow on you.

At first, you genuinely found him rather off-putting. With that way too satisfied, smug smirk on his face all the time, the way he knew all too well how good he was at hockey, and how he so effortlessly just sashayed onto the ice, scored a couple of goals, and became the hero of the day.

However, as time passed and you spent more moments with Tim's friends, you gradually peeled back the layers of William Nylander beyond the dazzling performances and mischievous grins. The more you hung around him, the clearer it became that it wasn't an act; it was simply his natural way of being - in a good way.

After each match, road trip, and workout session, you began to grasp the immense effort he invested in his training. How he'd show up early, stay late for workouts, constantly study technique videos, and engage in discussions with his father about his game.

You witnessed the sheer amount of energy required to uphold his positive mindset. In fact, it amazed you how he managed to stay so rooted and composed, even after a tough loss or demanding day filled with media responsibilities. And what struck you even more was his indifference to the attention and accolades he received; his primary focus remained on playing the sport he adored, striving to perform his best, and feeling proud of his achievements. He aimed high and held himself accountable to those lofty expectations and goals he'd set.

He simply impressed you.

On William's end, he hadn't given much thought to you initially. You were there, seemed nice, and that was about it. He wasn't one to dwell on things, so as he noticed your genuine friendship with his close friends, he didn't really have any negative opinions about you.

But much like he grew on you, you gradually made an impression on him. At first, he didn't pay much attention to you. But as you integrated further into the group, he began to notice your playful nature, your sense of humour, and the banter that developed among the lads. What initially elicited a light chuckle soon evolved into hearty laughter, echoing through the halls of the Scotiabank Arena after almost every home game, and Willy found himself thoroughly enjoying it.

Yet, beyond the good times, the real turning point occurred when William allowed you to see his more vulnerable side.

It had been a terrible game. For him at least, and he just wasn’t feeling good about it. And while he’d normally remain composed and all calm despite the challenging night, he’d involuntarily spat at his teammates about something regarding the play. 

And though there was a mutual understanding among the teammates, that outbursts like these were rather common and no one should take it personally, as it’d all be forgotten the following day, you couldn’t help but stand up to him. He’d said something that was clearly targeted towards Tim, and you were just not having it. 

So, after the match as everyone besides William had left, being one of the last ones as always, you’d stayed back just to offer him a quick remark. 

“You know you can’t talk to him like that,” you’d spoken in a low voice, yet your words been firm and sharp as you’d confronted him in the hallway on your way out. “He played his heart out and you know it. Everyone made mistakes tonight, even you, and you shouldn’t be saying things like these to him.”

William had been slightly baffled by your words. And though he knew you were right; he didn’t think it was your place to talk back to him like this.

“Timmy’s a grown man, he can take it.” He’d said in response. “He needs to know what he did wrong so he can do better next time.” 

In a way you knew he was right too. This was simply the way the boys showed their love and affection for each other as teammates, but you just couldn’t accept the way he’d speak to his close friend.

“I know, Willy. And I know you mean well, it’s just… Tim looks so much up to you, and we all know that you’re an amazing player, who gets a lot of attention, but that doesn’t give you the right to talk down to the others. You’re a team, and you also need to support each other in down times like these.” 

And your words had had a way to walk straight to William’s heart. The way you showed so much care for your mutual friend had really opened his eyes for you. You were more than just giggles and funny puns. You were indeed caring and protective of the ones you loved – just like him. 

“I’m sorry…” he’d murmured, which had taken you slightly by surprise. You hadn’t expected for him to give in to your confrontation so easily. But the softness in his eyes had given away that he might just feel a little regret of how he’d spoken to the lads, and quickly you found yourself feeling softening your facial expression as well. 

Though there’d been no yelling or shouting, you’d unintentionally tightened the muscles in your face, raised your shoulders, as you’d gathered the confident to speak to him. But then as you saw his expression exude a hint of vulnerability and his composure softened, you instead tried to flash him a gentle smile and simply show that this was all about your shared love for a person. 

And as concern and frustrations slowly faded away, you both shared smiles and light chuckles. And yet to another surprise, William had suggested for you to grab a late dinner snack, which you’d enjoyed at his place, while talking for hours about pretty much anything. 

You’d shared family details, stories from the past, future aspirations, along with casual dating experiences and ups and downs from what had you both still at the single stage. 

From that day on, your friendship had become almost closer than yours and Tim’s. 

You’d be the one to confront him when he was merely being a brat, just as you were there to shower with love and affection whenever needed. 

_

So, as the evening of the triple-“date” (you were there with Tim, though you weren’t romantically involved), was coming to an end, William turned to face you all, mentally preparing for the virduct of his new flirt.

“So, what do you think?” he timidly asked. 

“I think she’s sweet,” Mathilda had started out. “She seems kind and nice… friendly and funny, I suppose.” 

“Yeah, she’s got a nice laughter, doesn’t seem dum or without ideas,” Pierre had added. 

“And she’s attractive.” Tim chimed in with a lightning spirit. 

William nodded at the feedback, taking in that everyone seemed to approve of the girl he was becoming interested in. 

“Yeah, you could be a good match,” Mathilda spoke once again with her sweet, gentle tone of voice, as she tried to reassure William that he had found someone good. However, as much as you tried to remain composed, you just couldn’t hold it back.

“Oh, come on,” you blurted out. “Tell him the truth.” 

The group of friends looked stunned at you as you’d broken the silence, you’d maintain during the walk from the restaurant, earning you to elaborate. 

“She’s fine… that’s it,” you spoke gently, before continuing. “Which there’s nothing wrong with. Most people settle for fine. The question is just why the fuck you think she deserves you. I mean, you’re William bloody Nylander – you’re gorgeous, talented, funny, and overall, not too empty headed. Honestly, you deserve someone who makes you feel like you’ve been struck by fucking lightning.” 

Your words echoed through the heads of your friends as your bold honesty slowly sank in, and the others couldn’t contain their amusement. In fact, they just smiled and nodded in agreement as William maintained an intense gaze at you. 

“Anyway, that’s just my opinion,” you offered a sweet smile, and shrug your shoulders. 

And in the evening, William couldn’t help but reflect on your words. It was incredible how you’d always have a talent of speaking so freely and directly to him. And he couldn’t help but deeply appreciate it.

_

A couple of weeks later, the lads were back in Toronto for a home game after a lengthy stretch on the road.

And this time around, it was your turn to spill some news about someone you'd been seeing.

His name was Matt, a few years older than you, working as a chef. He had a kind and sweet nature, and in your view, he was an all-round good guy. Just what you needed after a string of let-downs. Each person you'd dated before had been either completely unfazed or overly dramatic about every little thing. You'd been with all sorts, from the typical sales rep to the cliché sports jock, the soft-spoken preschool teacher, and the imaginative journalist. Yet none of them shared your zest for life and love for outdoor activities or your calm and drama-free outlook on life.

But Matt seemed to be the right fit.

Even your friends' reactions seemed to back it up.

You all shared laughter and excitement during a coffee break - known as "Fika" as the Swedes called it. And soon after, he joined you and Mathilda among the other partners of the team for a home game.

However, the match turned out to be rather awful. The Leafs were trailing 4-0 at the start of the third period, and their gameplay displayed no signs of a potential comeback strategy or strength.

The atmosphere weighed heavy on everyone, evident in the collective sighs as the Senators once again slipped the puck past Woll and into the net. Fans covered their faces in resignation, acknowledging the likely outcome of tonight's game. Equally frustrated were the players, especially when Mitch received a 2-minute penalty for holding, granting the Senators another Power Play opportunity.

The tension only seemed to ratchet up from there.

Then came William; he pushed himself, maintaining a rapid pace, maneuvering around opponents with confidence, controlling the puck as he charged towards the opposite end. He searched for an opening to take a shot, almost finding the perfect opportunity. With an intense focus, he swung his stick high, eyes fixed on the target, aiming and letting loose his shot.

But the puck didn't find its mark.

And a resounding disappointment reverberated throughout the arena.

William, unable to contain his usual composed demeanor, vented his frustrations, taking it out on his stick. He forcefully slammed it against the boards, the rage causing it to snap into two pieces. It seemed like nothing was going right for him tonight.

And your heart sank as you witnessed his outburst.

You'd never seen him this angry or out of character. Typically, he was the one who kept his teammates grounded, but in that moment, he held nothing back.

The game ended with a harsh 7-1 scoreline, and while Auston managed to net a goal, it did little to lift the spirits of the team.

One by one, they departed from the arena after their showers and media commitments. Partners took their hands, quietly making their way towards the exit, understanding that the night ahead would be spent in quietness at home, focused on care and relaxation, as the lads mentally geared up for the next match.

Finding yourself among the last few standing, you exchanged concerned glances with Tim and Pierre, aware that Willy was likely still in the locker room, possibly berating himself.

Offering a reassuring nod to their unspoken worry, you turned to Matt.

"I'll go check on him. This isn't like Willy, and I just want to make sure he's alright," you said to him.

He gave you an understanding smile as you slowly walked towards the locker room.

Inside, you found William, seated in his stall with his head bowed, almost completely removing his gear. His body still gleamed from post-match sweat, hair damp and sticking to the sides of his face.

With cautious steps, you approached him, prompting him to glance up.

"Hey," you said in a hushed tone.

You knew how hard he was on himself after such games. There was no need to vocalize it. But you wanted to convey unwavering support to your friend, so you attempted to offer your best, concerned, and caring smile.

"Hey," he replied, his tone subdued.

There fell a brief silence between you two.

"Alright?" you asked gently.

"Yeah, sure..." he shrugged, his voice lacking its usual spark.

But you knew him too well.

"Babe, I know it might not mean much, but tonight wasn't your fault," you offered in an attempt to console him.

"I know," he mumbled, eyes fixed on the floor.

"Really? Because it seems like you're shouldering blame that isn't yours to carry," you ventured further, aware you were nearing sensitive ground. Yet, seeing him like this hurt, and you couldn't hold back your concern.

"I said I know, y/n," he replied firmly, his tone indicating an end to the discussion. "You don't need to keep digging.”

"I'm sorry. I just want to ensure you're not getting lost in self-pity. This was a team effort, and you all had a tough night," you persisted, trying to express your worries.

"And what do you know about that, huh?" he suddenly snapped, rising to his feet.

William was completely unlike his composed self. He was on edge, filled with an anger so unlike him. And it startled you.

"I don't..." you attempted to speak. "I'm just worried... Willy, I've never seen you like this before, and I just want to make sure you're okay," your voice quivered, conveying your genuine concern.

"Well, I'm not okay!" he burst out.

Never before had William raised his voice at you like this, not even following a devastating game. Something deeper seemed to be at play here than just the outcome of a hockey match.

"Then please, let me help you..." you urged, hoping to diffuse the tension.

"You can’t,” he retorted.

"Why not?" confusion laced your words.

"Because it's you I'm pissed at," he declared.

You were taken aback. He was angry with you?

“Why? What have I done to piss you off like this?” you questioned, bewildered by his accusation.

William struggled to steady his breath, trying to contain the fury coursing through him. Slightly lowering his voice to a more controlled but still assertive level, he continued.

"You always tell us that we deserve someone who makes us feel like we've been struck by lightning... yet you're with a dull, ordinary guy who isn't even close to your league, and you expect me to believe that he makes you happy?"

Wait, what?

"It that with this is all about… you playing a shitty game because I'm seeing someone you don't approve of?" you expressed disbelief. How dared he?

William exhaled sharply, standing with his hands on his hips.

"That's not… no, we just played a shitty game, we'll get over it," he attempted to gather his thoughts. "I just don't understand why you feel entitled to dictate what the rest of us deserve when you don't hold yourself to the same standard."

You struggled to fully grasp his words.

"What are you trying to say, Willy?"

"Don't you see... you should be with someone... not like him... someone who also makes you feel the way you want the rest of us to feel..."

"Well, I'm sorry, but that just won't happen," you spoke loudly, your mind racing faster than you could rationalize.

"Why not?"

"Because the only person who'd ever made me feel that way is you!"

A heavy silence filled the room as your confession hung in the air. 

You were left breathless, realizing you had verbalized something you hadn't even admitted to yourself before. A fleeting thought that had crossed your mind briefly but had never lingered for more than a moment. However, as the words escaped, they felt undeniably true.

And the truth was, you had deep feelings for William.

The laghter and playful banter between you. The affection you both had for your friends and families. How he always showed his genuine self with you, offering a listening ear and a supportive shoulder. You simply liked every part of him.

And as William gradually absorbed the sudden confession, he regained control of his breathing following his emotional outburst. He gazed intently at you, focusing on your worried expression, acknowledging your unintentional heartfelt disclosure.

Yet, he found himself speechless. There were no witty remarks or playful comebacks. He didn't feel compelled to challenge you or demand explanations. Instead, he took a step forward, gently cupping your head with his hands, leaning in to tenderly kiss you.

As your lips met, you couldn't resist, placing your hands on his chest, feeling all frustrations and negativity dissipate from your mind.

Relaxation flooded your body, sinking deeper into his touch. His hands moved down to your hips, drawing you closer, while yours wrapped around his neck.

His tongue delicately sought permission to explore beyond your lips, and you eagerly welcomed the intimacy.

It was an true, heartfelt moment where you both surrendered to desire and passion.

As you parted from the kiss, both breathing in the air that was momentarily lost, smiles couldn't be contained as you stood close.

Being in his arms felt incredibly right, and you wished for that feeling to never end.

However, reality beckoned, so you looked up at him with a gentle smile, brushing a strand of hair away from his handsome face.

"I suppose... I should let Matt know that I can't see him anymore," you chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, he should probably know that you’re already taken,” William replied with a hearty laugh.

[spotsandsocks]

Fuck It Friday

(Checking it’s Friday right… definitely Friday) tagged by @thekristen999 @shortsighted-owl and @swiftiediaz thank you my friends 💕

A clip from chapter 10 of Good Knight Sweet Prince finally nsfw under cut if you don’t want spoilers but can be enjoyed alone for a smutty treat and maybe it can tempt you into the story only takes 75k to get there but I think it’s worth it 😉 it’s a long weekend what could be better than a slow burn pine ridden angsty Prince /knight AU. (tags under cut)

Suddenly the weight on him is gone and Buck’s left confused and blinking at the loss of heat. His objections however die swiftly in parted lips. Eddie’s sitting up now, still on his lap and lifting his shirt over his head. The swift movement exposes the golden skin of his chest and Buck’s touching before he’s thought about it. He watches his own hand trace across firm muscles. He scratches a nail over a nipple and has to breathe slowly when that makes Eddie gasp, lips parting beautiful. When he pinches and Eddie moans deep and low he can’t control the answering jerk of his hips. He catches the other nipple and squeezes them both.

The ‘fuck’ Eddie exclaims is long and drawn out, his head is thrown back, panting through the quiet curse. He’s beautiful. Buck feels a fierce surge of pride, he’s done this to Eddie. He’s the one making Eddie moan, he’s making one making Eddie’s cock leak. There’s a damp circle on his pants and the image will forever be seared into his brain.

Buck tracks the movement of his own hand again, watching it trail lower until he hits his goal. He has to bite his lip as he rubs his thumb over that slowly spreading damp patch and Eddie jerks. It’s the first time he’s gotten to touch him there. He takes his time to explore. Fingers tracking the long hard length of him. Eddie has his lips pressed together tightly his eyes closed.

“You like that?” Buck can tell he does, he’s not blind but he likes praise and he wants to hear it from Eddie’s lips.

Eddie nods “s’good” so he adds a little more pressure, enjoying the way it makes Eddie tremble and make a pleased noise. He hums again, “harder, please, just a bit”

Buck’s happy to oblige. “Like that?”

He presses harder again, uses his whole hand to rub and please Eddie. He gets a nose that makes his own aching cock jump

“Yeah yeah, like that, Ahhh, fuck!” Eddie’s panting, thrusting into his hand. It’s the hottest thing he’s ever seen.”

“I wanna know what you taste like.” He says it without thinking.

Eddie’s eyes fly open. His nostrils flare and his jaw goes tight hand grabbing Buck’s wrist to still him. “St stop” he manages then breathes deeply for several heartbeats. Buck can tell he’s close to coming and he feels hot with pride that he’s driving Eddie so close to the edge. When Eddie has more control of himself the grip on his wrist loosens a little.

He watches Eddie tongue slide over his lip, his pupils are huge, he looks wrecked, it’s wonderful.

“If you do that right now I’m gonna come.”

Buck notices it’s not exactly a no, maybe he has a chance, “That’s the plan.”

“Not my plan.” Then Eddie’s hand is on him, cupping him and squeezing, stroking him firmly, no tease this time, his breath stutters at the sudden wave of pleasure. He lets himself fall into the feeling, there’s nothing in the world but a strong hand on him for three, four, five, strokes, his breathing getting louder each time.

Eddie’s voice encourages him to let the feeling build.

“That’s it, hmm, so pretty like that.” He gasps and feels two fingers tease his mouth as well, “you wanted something to taste.’ He eagerly licks at what’s being offered, it’s not what he really wants, not his cock but it’s good, so good. He pulls them into his mouth and sucks.

Eddie swears again “See I’d be coming all over you if you did that.”

Tagging @alyxmastershipper @monsterrae1 @the-likesofus @wh0re-behavi0r @rogerzsteven @buddierights @cowboy-buddie @mysteriouslyyounggalaxy @swiftiediaz @megsvstheworld @loveyourownsmiilee @spaceprincessem @hippolotamus @putijeansdiaz-ronordmann @buckleysbee @bekkachaos @stagefoureddiediaz @jobairdxx @like-the-rest-of-la @sibylsleaves @jacksadventuresinwriting @yelenascowboys @fatedbuddie @elvensorceress

[evansbby]

Why would you get the ick from me?☹️ I’m nice and handsome and an advocate for women’s rights! My mom loves me and reminds me that I’m perfect every day so you all must be wrong! And why would you call me Barfer😔. I love you my sweetie pie! Our kids will have my last name and you just made fun of it 🥺.

My wife was perfectly fine during sex, thank you very much!! And I did spice up my sex life with her! We did it every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday! That’s plenty of spice 😏. And sometimes when I’m on top she actually passes out from how good I’m penetrating her with my penis 😏😏. And I know you mist think she’s falling asleep but she’s not, she just passes out from my great sex abilities 💪.

And for your information, I have made a girl orgasm before! She seemed very happy when I was done having sex with her so she must’ve had an orgasm 😉👍. And you can call me daddy if you want tootie wootie! I just don’t want you to feel like I’m trying to be your father ☺️. I’m not very good at giving orders pumpkin potato pie so you need to help me out a little bit 😖. Give me some examples, I’ll try my best sweetie 🥺🥺.

- Andy Barber 🩶 (not Barfer sweetie☺️)

Oh my god, Andy Barfer, not you writing a whole speech when we’re hooking up 😭

Listen. You SUCK at sex. Like you’re actually awful. Your thrust game is weak, you keep pausing to catch your breath, you keep saying you’re a feminist so you won’t order me around, and I KNOW your wife fell asleep during sex with you because I’m about to fall asleep. I can’t believe I gave you a chance to fuck me bc you completely tanked it, Andy.

And I don’t want to call you daddy because you’re the opposite of a daddy. How you got your ex wife pregnant is beyond me.

ALSO PLEASE DO NOT CALL ME PUMPKIN POTATO PIE I BEG OF YOU. Stop with the corny ass petnames. Look, you’re a lost cause but maybe Ari could give you a few pointers on how to treat a woman during sex????

Honestly Andy idk how you have so many fans on here. I’ve just proven to everyone how horrifically bad you are in bed 😭😭😭 Now get off of me, I need to take a shower and scrub myself clean and try not to throw up over what I just went through. We’re done. And no, you didn’t make me orgasm.

[pensat-i-fet]

just realised your new story starts next week 😍 so excited. We need more Ruben stories!

Yes!! On Monday. But I'll post the introduction this week, on Friday. I just have to finish writing it. I might post it here on Thursday night as a little treat 😉

My sister read part 2 yesterday and there were too many emotions of all types 😅 her texts are hilarious. I wish I could show you them but they have all the spoilers.

[lilsocksiswriting]

He’s A Killer

Fandom: Haikyuu

Paring: Serial Killer!Bokuto X Fem!reader

Summary: It’s only when the killer has his blade to your throat and he's thrusting into you, moaning like this is the best fuck of his life that something dawns on you. This all feels so familiar This all feels like Bokuto . It is as if your boyfriend's been here the whole time.

Warnings: dark content, no beta, Minors DNI

Tags:  Serial Kiler Au, college Au, non-con/dub-con, knife play, degradation, dirty talk, noncon/duncom

Word Count: 1.9

Your boyfriend is just too damn adorable and too much of a himbo that no one suspects him to be the ghost-faced killer stalking the campus. Bokuto’s got everyone fooled, even you. You, who lets him walk you home from your night class because he makes you feel safe. You who occasionally invites him inside when your parents aren't home and leads him up to your bedroom.

You don’t even see the red flags like the way he can be a little rough when the two of you have sex. He is sadistic really. But you don’t complain because you like it when Bokuto wraps his hand around your throat and gives you that devilish smirk he doesn’t give anyone else but you. It makes you feel special when he degrades you but calls you his. His cute little bitch, his tight hole, his love that he gets to use to heart's content. It's a complete 360 from the way he treats you any other time. Cupping your cheeks and smothering your face in kisses, getting that goofy smile when he sees you bundled up in one of his scarves or jackets. Holding your hand in his while you wait in line to get coffee or walk across campus in the early autumn morning to class. Or like now hugged close to his arm talking about how your day was as he walks you home. He could keep this act up for ages with you because a part of it wasn't acting.

Then you let it slip your parents weren’t going to be home this weekend. Your reassure him you’ll be fine though! The new security system daddy bought is top of the line. Bokuto knows exactly which one it is and how to disarm it. Making the fantasy he's had since the day he met you all the more tempting to make a reality.

The text you send him on date night, Friday night, is what tips him over the edge. Makes him decide to say fuck it to all the pretending. It was just ‘you don’t get to worry about condoms tonight 😉 this bitch has birth control! god, I've been wanting to tell you that all week, but I wanted to be a surprise!', but do you know how long he’s wanted to take you raw? Have you been trapped under his weight with nowhere to go? See the fat tears rolls down your cheeks as your eyes roll back from him being balls deep in you. To feel your walls, clench around his throbbing cock as he presses his blade just a little further into your soft skin. To hear you beg and babble for your life.

As you wait for the popcorn to be done you get a text from an unknown number. ‘You look so cute in those pjays tonight y/n’ that’s followed by a picture of you taken form just outside the kitchen window.

‘sooo defenses.’

Your mind kicks into panic mode. You swipe out of your massages with shaky fingers and to the alarm system app.

‘You think an alarm system is going to keep you safe?’ the text says at the top of your screen.

The light suddenly goes out and with it the alarm system.

‘let’s play a game of hide and seek. Rules are simple. If you win you live, but if I win you die and I’m taking that silk pajama set as a prize.’, The light flickered back in single that rather you like it or not this game has begun.

Bokuto just loves how fucking stupid you can be when you get panicked like this. The fear making you his dumb little bitch as you run though the house to hide. By the soft thuds of your feet, it sounds like you went to your parent's room. Then instead of, ya know, calling the police you text him.

'Bokuto please hurry.'

'what's a wrong babe?' he texts you as he stalks through the house.

'The killer, he's in the house.'

'What oh god, what happened to the security system?'  he knows exactly what happened to it.

'I think the power was cut or something. It's back on but the killer's in the house. please hurry.'

'Call the police. I'll be there as soon as I can.'

'What if he hears me?'

Bokuto already does hear you. You've cornered yourself in your parents' walk in the closet trying so hard to contain your sniffling. What? Did you think that this wouldn't be one of the first places he would check?

"You must've really sucked at hiding and seek as a kid," The killer says, his voice muffled by the ghost face mask, as he flips on the closet light.

Everything seems to slow down as you watch as a pair of boots stops in front of your mother's fashionable trench coats. Gloved hands rip the coat apart and you scream.

Bokuto feels his cock stir at the sight. This is what he's been dreaming about. Tensed up in ball tying o push yourself further into the closet wall. Your eyes are wide and glossy. You bottom lip trebling like your abbot to cry. This, this, is what has him up late at night fucking his fist. The images of fear seizing your body and making your helpless makes him cum so hard into his hand that his back arches off the bed.

The killer takes you right there in the closet, just one of the places in your fancy house he plans on fucking you. Your survival instincts aren’t fully kicking on. A Firm and familiar grip pulls you by the ancle out of your hiding spot and cut off all that pretty silk in your boyfriend’s favorite color, he uses the same blade to tease your skin.

The masked man takes his time tracing patterns in your skin leaving little red scratches that will disappear in a matter of a few hours. That is if you make it that long. You will though. You will. Bokuto will come to save you any moment. He would. He will…

“Fuck, your pussy’s drooling for me. I never pegged to be into this kind fucked up stuff baby.”

And it’s what makes you feel so distraught because the feeling of his sharp knife and his gloved hands grouping your body made arousal swell between your legs. Only Bokuto was supposed to make you feel this. Where was he? Surely, he should be here by now? How long has it been since the killer found you? Had time ceased to exist in this closet?

It’s only when the killer has his blade to your throat and he's thrusting into you, moaning like this is the best fuck of his life that something dawns on you. This all feels so familiar This all feels like  Bokuto It is as if your boyfriend's been here the whole time. No, nonono.

"B-Bokuto?" your voice cracks.

the makes man still his hips, halfway inside you. He tosses his knife aside. You watch it thump dully against the carpet. Was he done? Was it possible he wasn't going to hurt you? Mabey even leaves. Yes, he would leave and Bokuto would come and you would be proven wrong-

"What gave it away baby?"

Your head snaps back to see Bokuto peel off his mask and then toss it next to his knife. His hair is messy. A few starches sticking to his forehead with sweat. He stares down at you with something wicked and mean in his eyes. Fuck, he looks so unhinged. so good- oh god what was wrong with you? You're so fucked up to think that.

"Oh-shit!" Bokuto hisses feel your walls squeeze around him. "You- HA! you like this don't you?"

Bokuto thrusts back in making your whole-body bounce. While one hand grabs at your hip the other wraps around your throat just how you like.

"My little suck fuck likes it when I fuck her like this? fuuuuck, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do this? How many times I've gotten myself to that look on your face. And now I get to fuck my little cum dump all night long like this!"

A sob of emotions bubbles past your lips. Shame, disgust, fear, euphoric pleasure, they're all flooding your senses. Bokuto continues humping into you. His face is so close that you can't look away. You can't stop the building heat either. You were really going to cum, weren’t you? How could you not cum when your boyfriend was making you feel so good.

"Oh, fuck baby, fuck. So good. So, fucking tight for me. Sucking and squeezing me like such a slut. Mmm~ my little slut."

Yes, yes, his little slut. You roll your hips, tiring to match his feral pace but failing, it doesn't matter though. It still feels so good. insanely good. You're losing your mind right now. That's the only way to explain why you're locking your ankles around his waist. Why are reaching up and digging use nails into his shoulders as your back arches off the floor. Babbling his name like he is your savior when he's anything but.

Bokuto moans are completely feral now, mixed in with bubbles of mad laughter. With that hand around your throat, you are forced to look him in the eye as he cums. With a snap his hips  Bokuto burries himself deep inside you, enough so that you can’t the blunt head of his cock pierce your cervix, you can feel it twitch as he fills you with his seed.

"Kotaro," his name escapes your lips slurred and heavy with lust.

Your body reacts on its own and your mind is too muddled and distracted by your orgasm to tell it to stop trying to get close to the heat radiating from Bokuto's flushed body or strop bucking your hips milking his cock as you try to draw out your orgasm for as long as you can. Just like the desperate little slut he loves so much.

When your body flops back onto the carpet Bokuto removes his hand from your throat, letting you catch your breath. He stays on top of you, still inside you even as you can feel his dick going soft. He leans his head down to rest it against your shoulder. You can feel strong puffs of breath and small kisses against your collar bone.

Was this it? Was he going to kill you now? The knife was still so close by, either of you could grab it. Could you kill Bokuto though? Could he kill you? He was a killer after all, but he also genuinely loved you.

"Let's do it on your parent's bed next. Bet mommy and daddy wouldn’t be able to look you in the eye after they find the mess we leave behind." his voice cuts your thoughts short. He has that bright smile everyone loves as he pulls you to your feet and the two of you stumble over to the parent's king-size bed.

"wanna do I the roof." You mumble staring up at him again.

"What was that baby?

"I wanna do on the roof, under the stars,” If he wanted to fuck you on ever surface of the house you might as well include the roof, right?

Bokuto kisses your forehead. " Of course, baby. We go do it wherever you want," already pushing your knees into your chest.

[luckydragon10]

so um its sunday tommorow (for moi). will there be an update 🥺🥺 👉👈. im sorry im just really looking foward to it

HELLO! Please never be sorry for asking about the next chapter. I'm always happy to know that someone is looking forward to a new chunk of fic. 😍

Also: You know me well! YES, YES I am indeed posting part 3 of Last Loves today, though it'll be a few hours yet.

I can give you a chunk from the beginning of the chapter to tide you over, though. 😉 Consider it a head start on this 11k monster chapter, LOL.

~~~

Part 3

Friday afternoon of the following week, as Tay is wheeling his luggage into a cute little suite with an oceanside view, it occurs to him that he hasn’t gotten out of Bangkok in a long time. 

I needed this, he thinks as he flops down on the pristine, fluffy bed. Just for fun, he rolls around on it a little bit. Then he hauls himself back up again to open the door to the small, private balcony overlooking the resort. 

Tay has been to Phuket plenty of times — more frequently when he and his sisters were young — and he’s been to this resort often enough to take its charms for granted. But now he looks at it with new curiosity and excitement; Porsche has been talking about the trip nonstop for two weeks, and it’s going to be a special treat to see what he thinks of the place. 

Tay’s phone buzzes with a text alert, and he rushes to pick it up.

Care: about to pick up mom and dad and head to the airport. I can’t believe they let you get away with leaving early, you little shit.  Care: should be there in time for evening drinks if it’s not past your bedtime, baby.  Tay: 😘

Not the text he wanted, but definitely the text he deserved.

He makes himself clean all the nasty airport residue off his face, checks his phone again, and then tries to take a rest, during which he checks his phone no less than a dozen times. 

Stop it! Tay tells himself after the thirteenth time. It is ridiculous and frankly embarrassing that he’s this excited to see Kinn and Porsche. He saw them just last night! Seeing them here isn’t going to be that much different from seeing them sitting across the table from him in his own kitchen.

Porsche’s unabashed enthusiasm for the trip must have infected him.

Tay’s desperate for something to do, anything, a distraction. He putters about and unpacks, even though he’ll only be there for two nights. He meditates on the balcony. 

Finally, he resolves to take a walk along the beach. Rather than using the nearest floor-level exit, though, he swings by guest services, and he’s rewarded for his trouble: Kinn and Porsche are there, speaking with the receptionist. And, as always, four of their ever-present shadows are standing a short distance away, although the bodyguards are wearing polos instead of their regulation suits. 

(More coming soon on AO3)

[farfrompleasant]

Friend! Sorry I missed last week!! I have been running around like a bald chicken!!! (Like all my hair has fallen out but my head's not chopped off, yet! 😂) I'm going back to Utah this month! Holy Ghost help 😭

Speaking of hair, your new profile picture!!! 😍😍😍 The coils! The definition! The xlxmf$8_!'jrkfd my God, and am I crazy or does Miss Freyja KNOW how to Pose?! Speaking of the top of your page, did you have a birthday recently??? If so, why didn't you tell me! I would've gotten you something ❤️ it was just Tia's birthday this week too & I got her a book of poetry by one of my favs, which, 🤓

Okay alright, ahem, Happy Freyja Friday!!! I'm very early 😂 I hope it partway makes up for missing last week 😉 how are y'all doing? You still taking her out for getting used to being outside with you? Once you said she used to go out places with your partner I've felt pretty confident that you'll get there with her. I don't know anything about building a bond with reptiles or how they accumulate affection but I feel like y'all must be on your way!

She shedding this week? (I hope not, poor thing, the overachiever 😂) also I Just remembered you said shedding is kinda stinky so bless you mom too for constantly putting up with it ❤️

What has she been liking to eat nowadays? Any late summer fruit treats??? I vaguely remember you mentioning this but she doesn't eat everyday right? No frozen treats in this heat either big oof

Side note last time I went to the pet store, the box that had the peach throated monitor had a couple of turtles inside. Wonder what happened to peachy friend... You like turtles??? We had two when I was very young but they were pretty neglected in retrospect 😢 I think lizards are the perfect reptile pets, snakes have no legs which is 👎 and turtles have shells which is kind of meh lol

Oh ANOTHER heat wave in CA 💀 y'all stay cool and hydrated as much as you can!!!

Abbie is resting her chin on the sun baked stone tabletop, don't ask me why she ain't bright 😅

Omg nooo, you’re losing hair or are you speaking figuratively? I hope it’s the latter because that sounds very stressful 🥺 and oh man, you are ping-ponging from Utah to Philly at this point! Bless you 🥲 and there’s no need to stress missing last week, Freyja Fridays are to be fun and flexible c;

Dhdjkskd not you gassing meee 🥰🥰🥰 but thank you❤️ I’ve been using blue magic as a sealant and styler and it’s be going well c: and our Freyby pie knows how to pose! I think she enjoys a little camera time, especially since she’s mega photogenic 🤭 ah, idk how to uhm bring up my birthday but you would be correct it was on the 29th c: and you didn’t have to gift me anything! I’m grateful for another year well spent tbh but I appreciate you getting me something and I’m looking forward to reading it 😆 I actually teared up when I got that email… you’re the sweetest, friend ❤️

Lololol, without further ado~ Happy Freyja Friday!!! We’re doing good, Freyja’s been a tad reclusive as of late but I’ve managed to take her out onto the porch c: since schools back in session, it’s been a little challenging for me to spend more quality time with her… so it’s imperative that I handle her sometime throughout my day. But I think it’ll take more time than I’d though ;p I think it has a lot to do with them raising her throughout her juvenile life? I’m unsure but I think we’re well on our way to her being more comfortable with me and traveling 🥰

Surprisingly, she hasn’t had any shedding and I’m so happy for her 😆 like, Miss Girl is always shedding!! So you can imagine how astonishing it was to realize that there was no signs of shedding whatsoever 😭 I think it has a lot to do with me not having time to bathe her last week (which means she pooped in her enclosure… it’s been a while since that happened 🥲) but I think she needed a break or something…

Freyja’s been really into worms and surprisingly diced apples. But they HAVE to be Granny Smith’s apples; she refuses to indulge in any other ones 😂 the girl is major picky when it comes to the color of food! She typically hates green food choices, and will opt for vibrant colors like red or yellow so I was taken aback. She hasn’t been in the mood for dandelion greens or collard greens so I’m thinking of trying out basil? I know she it’s edible for her buuut she hasn’t tried it yet ;p

I’ve always wanted turtles, but I also consider caring for them to be high-maintenance. I mean, I already back bend and more to cater to Freyja so I would assume I’d be doing the most for the little lovelies… still want them though 😭 I’ve always looked at snakes to be tails with a face but they’re kinda cute 🥰 and surprisingly, they’re rather shy c:

I would say we’re trying, but I’m the one that’s trying!💀 but I will make sure that we will stay hydrated ❤️ and I’m unsure of the weather in Utah, but make sure to stay cool and hydrated, friend 🥰

ABBIE!!! She’s sooo cute 🥰 bathing in the sun, basking on the stone top 🥺 you know what, dogs and beardies are too similar because Freyja would definitely pancake in this situation 😂

[thisselflovecamebacktome]

🐈‍⬛

Hello all! The animal today is a black cat in accordance with Halloween and (more importantly) Midnight's release in less than a week! I think we have an exciting week ahead of us, eh? So I want to know, what is your favorite thing about release week? Mine personally is being surprised by all the little fun things Taylor does during the week! And of course getting new music (duh?) So what is yours?

Let's share what we're most excited for this week and remember to tag animalanon (if so desire) so we can all share our excitement for this new album and show Taylor (and each other) some love! And remember, each of you are wonderful and deserving human beings who are very much loved 🥰. Now let's have a party!l (squirrels are not invited) 🥳 🥳🥳.

-animal anon

Animal anon! I hope you're doing well 💜 A little tidbit about me for you because I laughed at that last sentence: My family used to call me Snow White both because of my pale skin and because animals generally have treated me better than my siblings over the years, but more specifically, the one time I saw a squirrel in the US, it came and sat on my lap after the tour guide telling us not to touch them. So alas, the squirrels have chosen me for an ally even if I did not choose them lmao 😉 🤪

But back to the topic at hand; it's definitely an exciting week ahead of us, especially Swifties who are also Arctic Monkeys, Carly Rae Jepsen and/or Tegan + Sara fans (like myself) because we have multiple album releases coming on Friday! I'm also particularly excited because knock on wood, this will the first ever Taylor album release date that I'm not otherwise preoccupied (work, school/uni, other commitments etc).

Honestly I think the thing I'm most excited for is just seeing people's excitement ramp up as we get into the final days before the album drops and seeing the different theories people have for the album. I am also hoping that we get the 1989/Lover treatment where a few lyrics drop before the album comes out because that always hypes me up. But of course, it's not a requirement 💜

Again, I hope that you're doing well and are just as excited as the rest of us 💜

[1d1195]

It was very hard for me to actually stay home and like rest?? But yeah no I got it all fixed today which was nice so at least! and you're so right about inconveniencing them lol

Im sorry your weekend was not good and stressful :( Hopefully your week is not as stressful! Is the school year almost over? Either way I am so excited for you to be on break and be FREE!

This week has gone okay so far! Im going to a drag show on Wednesday so I've been doing a little bit more work recently to have free time that night. But very excited! Ive also been having a new album on repeat so Ive had new sad songs to fixate over lol

And It's actually my last week of classes! So finals week for me starts next Tuesday and I think my last final is on that Friday! So i still have a bit to go but not really lol And yes! I agree it felt very far away and I simply can't comprehend time lol

ALSO I SAW MY EX HOT PROFESSOR YESTERDAY WHILE WALKING BY THE PSYC BUILDING😭 I felt weak in the knees! even after all this time seeing that man in his leather jacket makes me want to cry in a good way lol

and speaking of going feral lol THAT TRADITIONAL EXTRA WAS SO GOOD! it was kinda sad considering we got to read a bit about Harry's POV. But I really did like reading about him being vulnerable and I think it really adds to his character :)! but tell me why you kinda surprised me with her going down on him WHILE NIALL WAS THERE!?! yeah that was hot 😵‍💫 Also when she called him 'boyfriend' my first though was that Harry probably hates being called her boyfriend HAHA Love his little thoughts lol Anyways I loved reading it, seriously so thankful to be able to read what you create 💗

Wishing you a better week/weekend! You got this my love, I doubt it at all! love you!!-💜

omg I love girl-rotting lol. I never do it because there is always something to do. But when I'm sick I give myself like an extra hour to rot and whatnot. It's hard though because I'm the only one that does anything in my relationships (family, friends, work, etc.) I'm having a very eldest daughter kinda week. My sister and mom both texted me asking for help on something and I was actually TRYING so hard to set a boundary and my sister is just useless quite frankly. I actually think most people in my life fall under the weaponized incompetence category of people. It's EXCEEDINGLY frustrating. But nonetheless, I will move on :)

I'm glad you got to rest. I'm sure it was really hard and whatnot (based on what I mentioned above) But your body needed it. Now it's all taken care of too so that's good! SO exciting about your finals. Feels like it's a quick turnaround but maybe that's good! What do you have planned for the summer!? That's cool about the drag show! That will be so much fun and a nice mental break between your last classes and finals! What album is it? I love a musical fixation! Def in the need of some sad music. My current sad girl hour songs are not cutting it rn lol

I think a leather jacket is like catnip for women. My anti-feminist take. 😂 So happy to have a sighting of him 😍 He'll be good visual for our TA Harry 😉

My week has actually started off pretty okay knock on wood. I'm doing alright. Treated myself to a manicure today. My cuticles were so gross the woman did a deep sigh after getting all the dead skin off ☠ I feel less busy at the moment. I'm hoping I get some time to read. I desperately need my hair and eyebrows done lol. I'm hoping after this week is over I can kind of schedule that. My school year is over toward the end of next week. My students also have finals and such thank the lord. Can't wait to be done with my 3rd period group. I love all my students--I would take a bullet for them. But I do not like some of them. The TUDE and AUDACITY is reaching my limit for this year. I need a reset.

I love to write from Harry's POV. But I think I'm at fault for writing a man for a woman because I'm pretty sure Harry doesn't think like that (maybe he does, that would be really nice 😍) But I do LOVE to make him vulnerable. I think as a celebrity he always has to be poised and put together and always on so I like to think about the part of him that no one else gets to see. I'm glad you liked the boyfriend line too! We're actually getting towards the end of what I have planned for them. I think there is still a few more tricks up my sleeve maybe but only four more blurbs in store for them 😉

Onto the kinkier side of things, I have been thinking about this blurb for an EMBARRASSINGLY long time and can't even tell you how depraved I think I am for even THINKING about it let alone sharing it 🙈😭😅😍 I am a pretty conservative person when it comes to my sex life or whatever but I'm pretty sure I would turn into a whole other person for Harry 🤭🙃 Poor innocent Niall has no idea I wish I could tell you what was going through my brain but it was not much at all hahahahaha

Thank you for reading and checking in. So glad you're almost done with your classes! Can't wait to hear about your drag show. Also I assume you'll be studying your smart little butt off so don't worry about getting back to me! Don't forget to stay hydrated, caffeinated, and rested this week! Love you lots!

xoxo

[creedslove]

What do you think going on a date with Hopper would be like? Doesn’t have to end in smut (but it can if you want 😉)

🤔

I know that we are all stuck in the "Enzo's 7 o'clock tonight" idea, but tbh I don't think that's the kind of date Hopper would take you on...

I mean, yeah, maybe he would like to take you to Enzo's for a first date, in an attempt to show you he can be a classy guy too, but I guess the place and the dress code and all that would make him even more nervous, and that would make things awkward.... Like, I guess he wouldn't be able to act like himself, you know, being all shy and trying to impress..

So I guess he would prefer to take you to more intimate and simple dates, you know, like where you two can be yourselves without anyone around judging, watching or gossiping...

So I see Hopper taking you to nice short road trips, in which he drives and you guys just listen to music and sing along, then, being the chief of police and knowing the city well, he probably knows some secluded/special beautiful places to take you to, so you guys could have a picnic and fuck in public and so on.

I guess he would take you to nice, cozy diners to have dinner, pizza places or cute bakeries so you guys would have pies and cakes... walking around downtown on a warm friday night, while the sunlight is fading and also around Christmas time, despite the cold, he would still take you to see the lights

During Halloween, if he thinks it's gonna an easy shift, he can take you to work with him, so you guys drive around town checking up on people and your heart melt while seeing little kids trick or treating, thinking if someday you'll take your child too, and Hop sees that, and he realizes that picturing that with you, doesn't scare him anymore at all...

OHHHH AND ALSO THE 4TH OF JULY FAIR

GOSH I'D KILL TO GO ON A CUTE DATE WITH THE CHIEF IN A CELEBRATION LIKE THAT, IT WOULD BE JUST AMAZING AND 💕💕

I WANNA CRY NOW