#liz: you had a good start but for the love of god silver shut the fuck up

[headfullofstories]

Truly Monstrous Luck - part 2

I wake up in a new room, and the first thing I notice is that my binder is off. Fuck. I bolt upright and bring my arms up to cover my chest. Oh no, oh no no no no no. If someone had to take it off of me, then… someone saw my body. I throw up a little bit in my mouth at the thought.

I look around the room I'm in. I'm on a cot, and… oh god, there're my tits. I curl my knees up to block them from sight, and continue to survey my surroundings. The room as a few more cots scattered about, most of them empty. There's a desk at the end of the room, currently occupied by a girl who looks a little older than me, skin the color of volcanic glass - a sort of deep blackish purple, covered in white freckles that look like stars. Her lavender hair is tied up into a bun, and she's wearing a denim jacket. Fuck, she's pretty.

She looks up at me suddenly, corneas jet black and irises a startling silver. If I was still alive I’d probably have a ridiculous blush all across my face right now.

“Oh good, you’re awake.” She lets out a sigh of relief. “Yvonne was freaking out when you collapsed, thought she pushed you too hard with that walk, which was… kind of the case, but c’mon dude, you had to know this was gonna happen if you kept this thing on.” She holds up my ratty old Underworks binder, stretched and worn from years of constant use. I’m not quite sure the last time I took that thing off, whether it was last night or the day before, but my ribs are sore as hell now.

“There’s a recommended maximum time to wear these for a reason, y’know.” She sighs, dropping it onto the desk and picking up a walkie talkie. “Yvonne?” She asks into the radio, “your kid’s awake.”

A few moments later Yvonne runs through the doorway at the far side of the room near the desk, looks around the room for a moment and sees me.

“Oh thank god.” She sighs, walking up to me. “Camilla said it was probably nothing to worry about, but… I didn’t wanna cause you more grief today.”

“You gonna adopt every single fledgling you find, Yvonne?” The girl at the desk grumbles, looking down at her phone. “That’s… five now, right? Over the past 15 years? You should introduce New Kid to the others.”

“Well, none of my other 4 have left, which is a lot more than can be said for a lot of people here.” Yvonne reasons, before turning back to me. “I’m sorry that we had to take the binder off, Victor, but you’re not supposed to sleep with it on. Or do strenuous activity, which is on me, but you really should follow the doctor’s recommendations on these things.”

“I know, but… it’s… too much, sometimes, not to wear it.” I reply cautiously, doing my best to use the right words. “I get sensory overload really easily, and looking at my body makes it… a lot worse, most of the time. Being on T has helped with a lot of the visual dysphoria, but until I get surgery I’m gonna risk it with the long hours.”

The girl at the desk grumbles something under her breath, then picks up her walkie talkie again and mutters something into the speaker. Yvonne looks saddened by this and mutters something about the healthcare system in this country, but doesn’t object outright. After a few minutes Arthur walks into the room, exchanges a few brief words with the girl at the desk, then walks over to me and stands next to where Yvonne is sitting. He sighs and squeezes his eyes shut for a moment.

“Hey kid, what are your thoughts on top surgery?” He asks, sounding a little fed up. “Because what happened today can’t happen again, and if you fuck up your ribs there’s only so much vampiric healing can fix, and you’re gonna have a bitch of an afterlife.”

My vision goes double for a moment as I try to process what I just heard. “T-top surgery?”

“We have contacts at this practice out on Long Island, some people who are… specially equipped to handle people like us.” He elaborates, “We’ll cover all of the medical expenses, so you won’t have to worry about selling your fucking soul to the american healthcare system.”

Against my better judgement, I start sobbing. Arthur looks confused and Yvonne looks worried.

“Hey kid, you good?” Arthur inquires cautiously.

“I'm really sorry,” I manage to blubber out between hiccups, “but… th-that’s the closest thing to good news I’ve had in m-m-months.”

He nods. “I had bad luck when I was your age, too. Broke a rib wearing ace bandages when i was 19, couldn't bind for a year and damn near killed myself. In a fucked up way, dying was the best thing to happen to me.”

I look up at him, wipe my tears out of my eyes, and calm down a little. “You-you’re trans?”

He flashes a demonic looking smile, all teeth and a bit of pride, and lifts up his shirt to flash twin scars sprawling across his chest.

"Came out at the Stonewall Riots when I was 18 years old." He explains, still smiling wide and wild. “Year and a half before I was turned; when that happened I was a little younger than you, I think.”

I look at him in awe. “I’ve never met a trans person that was so much older than me.”

“For real?” He snorts, crossing his arms. “I should introduce you to Liz, then. 600 years old, turned when she was 14, didn't start transitioning until she was 87. I think she came over here on a Spanish Galleon, I'm pretty sure she originally made landfall in Guatemala..."

"Art, I know you're trying to focus, but you keep getting off topic." The girl at the desk yells over.

"Thank you Camilla, I realize that." He growls at the girl. Oh, so she's the Camilla person Yvonne mentioned. "Shit, did I forget to take my adderall again?”

I suddenly realize I don’t know where my backpack is. Oh fuck no, that thing has everything I own in it - my T, my journal, my charger, my spare clothes…

"Where's my backpack?" I ask Yvonne, panicked. I can feel my leg start involuntarily bouncing. “I need it, it has everything I have in it…”

Yvonne leans down and reaches under the cot I’m on and pulls out my ratty jansport, setting it down on my lap. I cling to it for dear life. It’s too late to stop the shaking, but at least it’s not gonna get any worse.

I see Yvonne go to rest her hand on my shoulder, but Arthur grabs her wrist and mutters something in her ear. My vision goes out of focus again as I try to calm myself down.

After a few minutes the shaking stops and I look up at the two now even more worried adults in front of me.

"Sorry…" I mutter, looking at my feet. "I… I need to know where this thing is or I… lose it, a little. It's really stupid, I don't know why it happens, it's super overreactive… my teachers all thought I just wanted attention in school."

“They…” Arthur starts, then hisses something unintelligible before looking at me in the eyes. The eye contact makes me a little nervous, but I do my best to hold it. “You’re not looking for attention if you have big emotions. That’s bullshit.”

I look down at my hands now, pulling at my joints and popping my knuckles. “My parents always said I’m broken and my brother thinks it’s something I can manage. I love my brother, but it’s… hard to get him to understand.”

He nods a little, then looks over at Camilla. “Can you check when Boris is open next?” He shouts over, to which Camilla gives a thumbs up. He turns his attention back to me, and shoots me a quick finger gun. “You need a new bus card, right? And you were going to your brother’s house when you got attacked, did you call him when you were heading over?”

I shake my head. “He was at work when I was heading over, and I have a key to his apartment so I was just gonna head over and wait for him.”

“Do you feel comfortable staying here for the night?”

"I think… that'll be better than going to my brother's house. I’m not sure if I can deal with the subway yet…”

He nods, mutters something to Yvonne, then heads out. Yvonne stretches out her hand, a silent invitation to get up and follow her. I take it after a moment of consideration, suddenly overwhelmingly nervous about my entire situation. What if these people are bad? What if they want to use me? I consider running, but after a moment I start thinking logically again. At the very least, Yvonne and Arthur are good. That’s enough for right now.

I grab my binder from Camilla on the way out, her silver eyes piercing my very soul, a silent warning to bind properly. I put the binder in my backpack, and throw the bag over my shoulder.

Yvonne guides me through ancient looking halls, lined with candelabras fitted with dim mercury light bulbs. I pull out my phone to check the time - 1:34PM. Shit, the day’s still only halfway done. I try to read Yvonne’s expression as we walk, but all I see is worry. No indication of where we might be going or what Arthur was whispering to her about.

Some people look at us as we walk by - some stare for a moment, but mostly they just glance briefly then look away. I keep as close as I can to Yvonne, and eventually we stop in front of a big pair of wooden doors.

“This is the common room,” she explains, gesturing towards the doors. “It has the best wifi in the building, it also has public computers, some books, board games… the works. I’ll leave you here, but feel free to explore around. There are signs at most of the intersecting hallways, so it’s not too hard to get lost around here, but most people will be willing to give you directions if you get turned around. You good with that, Victor?”

I give her a thumbs up, and hang outside of the common room until she disappears down the hallway. I debate going inside for a moment, but decide against it. There’s probably people in there, and people means social interaction. It means people seeing me without my binder on. I subconsciously start hitting the heels of my hands together as I debate what to do from here before deciding to head further down the hallway, away from where Yvonne and I came from. I cross my arms in an attempt to hide my chest, which is a little counterintuitive since it's probably just drawing more attention to that area.

I walk around for a few minutes without really seeing anybody, and after a little while I start to zone out, looking at the ironwork on the candelabras instead of where I’m walking, when I bump into someone. I yelp and jump back out of instinct, and the other person falls to the ground.

“I-I’m sorry!” I squeak as I start to fiddle with my backpack straps. “I didn’t see you!”

The person I knocked down, a boy with black hair and dark brown eyes, growls at me as he stands back up, “Who the fuck are you?”

“Um, m-m-my name’s Victor.” I respond, on the verge of tears.

“Alright, Victor, what the fuck are you? What are you doing here?” As soon as he’s fully upright he starts examining every detail of my face, and I realize that my mouth is still slightly open, so I slap a hand over it to cover my fangs.

“Oh, you’re a vamp.” He grumbles. “Were you one of those assholes who sells their blood to rogues, one of em went too far, threw you out?”

Suddenly I’m crying again. Three times in one day, what the hell? I start scratching my arms to try and counteract it. I try my best to look even smaller.

“Wh- oh fuck, don’t cry! I… fuck, I’m such a dumbass!” He hits his head a couple times. “Look, I’m really sorry, I have really bad impulse control issues, that was just the first thing that came to mind. Uh…”

It takes all of my willpower, but I manage to stop crying, only thing now the stimming is worse. I start hitting the heels of my hands together and tapping my left foot uncontrollably. “Um… thanks for the apology. Most of the time when I start crying I just get yelled at even worse.”

He looks at me, mild horror on his face, which I’m not quite sure if it’s from what he said earlier or what I said just now. “That’s fucked up.” He mutters, then he outstretches his hand. “I’m Adrian. Again, so sorry about what I said, I do not know what came over me. You’ve probably had a really rough day, huh?”

I take his hand after a brief moment of hesitation. His grip is really strong, I think normally I would be a little hurt by it but now it just feels like a very firm grip… wait, can I still be anemic if I'm a vampire?

"Um, yeah." I laugh a little, slightly intimidated by this guy. I'm automatically a little scared of anyone who makes me cry, but… I don't know. "It was kind of a shitty day before, but then with the… getting jumped and everything, and my life kind of being over, it's just been a whole lot worse."

"God, I'm an asshole." He says, a forced grin plastered to his face. "I completely understand if you never want to interact with me again."

"I'll think on that." I respond as I bring my arms back across my chest and start to focus on the wall right next to his head. "Uh, nice to meet you? Kind of?"

"Um, likewise." He responds as he shoves his hands in his pockets and walks off quickly. That was... weird.

[rowdywarrior85]

BILLY: I know, I heard ya. To be honest, I asked you out because, I just wanted somebody to talk to about my shit. After all, you reminded me so much of my mom, well, my “real mom”.

KAREN: Really? That’s why…

BILLY: Mmm-hmm.

KAREN: (awkward laugh) Oh… my God.

BILLY: You actually thought that we were…

KAREN: I actually kinda believed…

BILLY: WOW.

KAREN: That was my fault completely. I pushed…

BILLY: Don’t sweat it, Mrs. Wheeler. You wouldn’t be the first MILF that wanted a piece of me.

(Karen give a surprised look to Billy.)

MILF means…

KAREN: I know what that means, and I’m flattered.

Chorus kicks in.

BILLY: Oh…K. Anyway, flowers weren’t the only thing I got you. I got this for you.

(Billy pulls out a little black jewelry box from his jacket pocket, and hands it to Karen.)

It’s a small momento, nothing major.

(Karen opens it, revealing Billy’s signature spike earring inside.)

KAREN: (deep sigh) I’ll cherish this forever. As a matter of fact…

(Karen removes a Tiffany diamond earring from her left ear.)

BILLY: Oh no, Mrs. Wheeler, I can’t accept that from you.

KAREN: I insist. You’re actually the only guy since my husband who’s showed me any affection.

(Karen places her earring in Billy’s hand. Billy looks up to Karen.)

BILLY: Thanks.

KAREN: Can I walk you to the door?

Trying hard to control my heart…

BILLY: Yeah, I gotta get goin’ anyway.

I look over to where you are…

(As Karen walks Billy to the front door, Mike and Nancy peer around the basement door, followed closely by Ted.)

Eye to eye, we need no words at all.

KAREN: So, any chance you’ll be back around here again?

Slowly now, we begin to move…

BILLY: If things go according to plan: reunite with my mom, be a stable family again. Probably not.

Every breath, I’m deeper into you.

(Billy pats her shoulder, turns and makes for then opens the door.)

Soon we too are standing still in time…

KAREN: Well in that case,…

(She turns Billy back around, both hands grabbing him by his jacket lapels.)

If you read my mind,…

…I won’t have to live this down.

…you’ll see I’m crazy for you.

(Karen gives Billy a passionate kiss that’s been building up in her since the first time she met him, and he goes with it, and caresses her.)

Touch me once, and you know it’s true.

(Mike watches this with his biggest “WTF” look, Nancy expresses a “WOW” look on her face. Ted, on the other hand, is confused at this experience.)

I never wanted anyone like this, it’s all brand new.

(Outside, Murray chuckles as he watches this with his arms crossed. Next to him, the Mom Squad watches as well, all the while, cheering on their fellow Mom-At-Arms.)

You feel it in my kiss,…

LIZ: WHOO!!

JILL: (screaming)

BLONDIE: Way to go, Karen!!

You feel it in my kiss,…

(Karen caps off the kiss by nibbling Billy’s bottom lip. Billy is blown away by this gesture.)

…because I’m crazy for you.

BILLY: Wow.

(Karen giggles.)

Touch me once, and you know it’s true.

Mis-sus Whee-ler.

I never wanted anyone like this,…

Better?

It’s all brand new.

KAREN: Yes, um. Been meaning to get it out of my system.

You feel it in my kiss,…

BILLY: WAY out of your system.

...I’m crazy for you.

Well, I gotta get rollin’.

Crazy for you.

KAREN: Of course. Well, write me if and when you get settled in.

BILLY: That’s a promise, Mrs. Wheeler.

(Billy turns and makes to the van.)

Crazy for you.

KAREN: Karen.

(Billy takes one last steely look at Karen.)

Crazy for you.

BILLY: Karen.

(As the song draws to a close, Billy tosses her a wink, and walks off to the van. He throws up his hands, looking at the Mom Squad, then to Murray.)

MURRAY: Smooth.

BILLY: Just be sure to keep that to yourself. I’m sure the Mom Squad will.

(Billy waves to the Mom Squad, they wave back tearfully.)

MURRAY: Oh, trust me. This is off the record.

(Both men board the van, and jet off for their flight. Karen looks on til the van is out of sight, the Mom Squad return to their respective homes. Karen shuts the door, then turns to her stunned family. Nancy makes the first remark.)

NANCY: Well, was it everything you thought it would be?

KAREN: (deep sigh) And then some.

(Both girls giggle. Karen then looks to Mike.)

MIKE: Just as long this is a one-time thing. He pulls that shit again, I’ll kick his ass.

KAREN: Mike.

MIKE: I’m just sayin’.

(Mike then saunders downstairs to the basement. Karen then looks to her hapless husband, Ted.)

TED: I’m… not even gonna say anything.

KAREN: Good.

(Karen struts back to the kitchen, with Ted looking awkwardly.)

TED: Come on, Holly. Let’s go watch some cartoons.

(Cut to a 747 commercial airplane touching down on LAX on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Cut to in front a beach house, a taxi pulls up, both Murray and Billy step out. Murray pays the driver, the cab drives off, then the boys look to the beach house.)

MURRAY: Well, here we are.

BILLY: Yeah.

MURRAY: Nervous any?

BILLY: Scared as fuck.

MURRAY: (pats Billy on the back) Good luck, buddy.

(As they walk to the house, the front door opens, revealing an elderly woman. She had short, curly silver hair, sporting a lime green sweater, a floral designed skirt with sandals.)

MURRAY: Grandma Hargrove, I take it?

EVELYN: Call me Evelyn, and don’t associate me to that sociopath son-in-law of mine, devil take him. Is that Billy?

MURRAY: In the flesh.

(Both grandmother and grandson come face to face for the first time in years. They start to embrace each other.)

EVELYN: (slowly smiles) When the hell did you get so damn handsome?

BILLY: Good to see you again, Gammy. Is she…

EVELYN: Outback.

(Evelyn leads Billy and Murray outback to the beach, they proceed down to the shore.)

She spends most of her time by the ocean, checking out the waves, imaging you riding them. Well, there she is.

(Evelyn pointed out her daughter, Billy’s mom, standing by the ocean, looking to the waves. Her blonde hair waving in the wind, hooped earrings banging along her neck. She is wearing a tank-topped blue dress, decorated with daisies, with a white quilted long-sleeved sweater falling over her shoulder. Her yellow sandals placed beside her. Billy’s heart is pounding so loud, he can hardly believe he about to see her after all these years.)

We’ll hang back for a moment.

(Evelyn looks to her daughter.)

How’s the ocean, Linda?

LINDA: (looking to the ocean) Calm these days. Not really as fierce as it used to be.

BILLY: Too bad. Last time I was with you on the beach, I was riding some serious waves.

(A curious look befalls Linda’s face. She turns around to see her mother with Murray and Billy, to whom she doesn’t yet recognize.)

You were flustered when I rode them. As I ran back to you, I told you they were like…

BILLY & LINDA: Seven feet.

(Linda’s eyes start to widen as she sees his medallion around his neck, then begins to tear up as she doesn’t believe who is standing before her. Billy, himself, starts tearing up.)

LINDA: (voice slowly breaking) Oh, my God. I know this wasn’t how I wanted us to meet up again.

(Billy starts to slowly approach her.)

I know what you must think of me, after all this time. Believe me, I wanted to come back for you, so many times. But I was so afraid of your father, afraid he would kill me if I ever came back for you. By the time I worked up the nerve to come after you, the neighbors told me he remarried and took you to Indiana, away from me.

(Billy comes to a foot away to her mom.)

Well, aren’t you gonna say anything?

BILLY: (tearfully) You’re as pretty… as the day you left,... Mom.

(Linda extends her right hand to his left cheek. Tears streaming down her face, as though she can’t hold back her feelings anymore. Billy soon follows through.)

LINDA: (tearfully) My boy. My little Billy.

(They explode into a powerful hug, sobbing uncontrollably, both of them falling to their knees. Murray and Evelyn embrace each other, sniffling and weeping at this heartfelt reunion.)

I can’t believe you’re really here.

BILLY: (sobbing) I’m so sorry… it took me this long. So long.

LINDA: (sobbing) It’s OK, baby. You’re here, you’re really here.

(They pull away from each other for a moment.)

They told me what happened in Hawkins. Is it true? Your father…

BILLY: It’s true, Mom. He’s gone. Susan smoked him to save me. We don’t have to worry, or think of him ever again. We’re finally free.

(They continue to hug, as mother and son are reunited once again. They soon get up.)

Mom, I want you to meet the man who brought me back to you.

MURRAY: (shakes hands with Linda) Murray Bauman, ma’am, private investigator. It’s a privilege to finally meet you. Your boy’s been a hoot to hang with on the way here.

LINDA: Thank you so much for bringing me back my son, sir.

MURRAY: Hey, who doesn’t love a happy ending? Am I right?

(Murray and the rest chuckle.)

Well. I see you two got a lot of ground to cover. So, I’m gonna let you guys catch up, I’ll grab a bite to eat and head back to the motel.

EVELYN: Oh, nonsense. How bout you stick around and have a drink or two with us.

(Murray glances from Evelyn to Billy.)

BILLY: My way of saying “thanks”.

MURRAY: (sighs) You got any Stoli?

(All four of them head back to the house.)

LINDA: So, Billy. How was life in Hawkins?

BILLY: Well, Mom. It’s actually a crazy-ass story.

MURRAY: Believe me, it’s a doozy. Hey, B. If there’s anything else you need, brother, anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me up.

(Billy looks to himself for a moment, then looks to Murray.)

BILLY: As a matter of fact, Murray, there is something you can do for me. Sort of returning the favor.

MURRAY: Name it.

(Some time later, it’s a Christmas Party in Hawkins, Indiana at the Wheeler residence. The parking lot and the driveway is full of cars and trucks. Mike, Lucas, Max, Dustin, Erica, Will, Kali and El, are gaming in the basement. Whilst up top, the Wheelers, the Sinclairs, Mrs. Henderson, Joyce, Susan, Jancy, Steve and Robin are partying up with conversations, drinks and holiday cheer. Mike then heads upstairs to grab some more snacks.)

KAREN: Mike, honey, you and friends don’t fill up on snacks. Dinner is almost ready.

MIKE: Mom, it’s Christmas.

(Just then, the doorbell rings.)

KAREN: Oh, honey, can you get that?

MIKE: OK.

(Mike saunders to the door, opens it to find Billy at the door. A look of annoyance is spread across his face.)

BILLY: Sup, Mikey?

MIKE: You gotta be fuckin’ kidding me. MOM!! YOUR BOY TOY IS AT THE DOOR!!

(Karen walks to the front door, accompanied by Susan. They’re both blown away that Billy is here for Christmas.)

KAREN & SUSAN: Billy?

BILLY: Hey, Karen. Susan.

(Karen walks down the hall to greet Billy with a hug.)

KAREN: Holy shit. I can’t believe you’re really here.

MIKE: Oh God. Would you two like to use my room, or Nancy’s?

KAREN: MIKE!

BILLY: Karen, Karen. It’s cool.

KAREN: Mike, why don’t you head down back to your friends.

MIKE: (sighs) Great. I’ll go tell the others the bad boy from Cali is back in town.

(Billy and Susan share a hug. Max then comes out of the basement.)

MAX: Hey, Mike. What’s goin’ on?

MIKE: Ask your stepbrother.

(Max looks to the front door, surprised to see Billy. They lock eyes, and she runs down to hug his wayward stepbrother.)

KAREN: So, you said you were bringing somebody with you, or…

BILLY: Oh, actually…

(Billy motions somebody to join him by the door. Linda comes up in her holiday best bringing gifts. Karen and Susan are perplexed as to who this woman is that Billy brought with her.)

Karen Wheeler, Susan Mayfield, this is Linda Hargrove. My mom.

KAREN: Oh my God. This is your mother? Get in here, it’s so lovely to finally meet you.

(The moms shook each other’s hands.)

LINDA: You too. Billy’s told me all about you.

KAREN: I certainly hope not.

LINDA: Susan.

SUSAN: Nice to finally meet you.

(Max walks up as the rest of the Party join up with Mike.)

LINDA: And you got to be the MadMax. Billy told me about you, too.

MAX: (shakes Linda’s hand) Wow, so cool to meet you.

BILLY: By the way, Max. I got something for you, too. It was too big to wrap up.

(Billy motions somebody else to come to the front door. Max is floored with emotion to see her father, Sam Mayfield, all dappered up in his holiday best as well.)

SUSAN: Sam?

SAM: Merry Christmas, Susan.

(Sam then looks to her wayward daughter.)

Merry Christmas, MadMax.

(Max then runs to her father with tears of joy, wrapping themselves in a hug. She looks to Billy with disbelief.)

MAX: How…

BILLY: I asked Murray to hunt him down after he helped me find my mom. We found him, got to know each other, turns out he’s a cool guy.

SAM: No, man. You’re cool, for bringing me to my daughter.

(The Party continues to look on.)

DUSTIN: The family keeps getting bigger.

(Steve pats Dustin’s shoulder.)

KAREN: OK. Everybody inside before we freeze to death.

(Billy’s party comes in and closes the door. The camera pans back to show the Wheeler house covered with Christmas decorations and lights. Snow continues to fall. Fade to black.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

#JusticeForBilly

[hymn2000]

Hope I’ve Got Something To Lose - MCU AU fanfic - C19

Story overview: Peter has an accident, and Tony makes a drastic decision. In the midst of everything, a face from the past reappears - but Peter isn’t too sure about reconnecting after everything that’s happened.

Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  10  11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Part of my irondad and spiderson series.

Warnings/themes: injury, hospital stuff, hurt/comfort, mental health stuff, family stuff, corporal punishment, friendship

You can also find me on AO3

Chapter 19 - All This Heat

-

The string of disturbed nights finally got to Peter. He was teary-eyed and distant in the morning, not speaking much, and not feeling great all round. So when Tony’s prediction about Loki proved accurate, it was all Peter could do not to break down and start sobbing.

“It’s alright, kiddo. He just needs some time to rest” Tony said, squeezing the boys shoulder.

“It’s not fair” Peter said, tears dripping delicately down his cheeks. 

“Hey” Tony took Peter’s face in his hands so he had to look at him. “I know. But there’s nothing we can do, you know that. Look, you’ve got your friends. Why don’t you three get on the train and go over to the next town?”

Peter pulled away from Tony and stood up. “I’m not going”

“Oh Peter. Peter!”

But Peter wasn’t listening. Tony sighed heavily as the boy left the room. He looked at the girls.

“Just give him five minutes”

“What’s the matter with Loki?” Liz asked.

“He’s got M.E., and he gets these flare ups” Tony said.

“What’s M.E?”

“I can’t pronounce it. It’s like chronic fatigue syndrome. When he gets these flare-ups, it just knocks him out for a few days. Basically just makes him unbelievably tired”

“Ooh, right” Liz said. “Why’s Peter so upset?”

“He doesn’t like seeing him poorly. And I think he was counting on spending time with him this week”

“He’ll just have to cope with us instead, then” Liz said.

Tony looked at her, and smiled. “You tell him, girl”

-

As expected, Tony found Peter curled up under Loki’s arm. 

“You can’t stay here all day” Tony said, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Loki.

“I don’t see why not” Peter mumbled.

“You need to go and spend time with your friends, and breathe in as much good, clean, sea air as is humanly possible. That’s why we’re here, remember?”

Peter didn’t respond. Tony carefully moved Loki’s arm, grabbed Peter round the chest, and lifted him off the bed and out onto the landing. 

“What did you do that for?!”

“Hey, keep your voice down”

“I wanna stay with daddy!”

“Tough” Tony all but snapped. “Go and get dressed and then go to the train station. I’ll stay with daddy. You go and have fun with your friends”

Peter scowled. Tony sighed and gave him a quick hug.

“Do as you’re told”

-

Despite it all, Peter was very soon glad of being pushed out of the house. They got on the train, and as it moved out of the station, Peter felt ok. Maybe it was the feeling of running away, or maybe it was the familiar sound of the trains wheels on the tracks. Whatever it was, he was grateful for it.

“So, what is there to do here?” Flo asked when they got off the train at the next town.

“I’m not sure: I didn’t look it up” Peter said. “I know there’s a big pier”

“Well then” Liz said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Let’s just walk down there and see where the day takes us”

She took hold of Peter’s hand, and Flo took his other one. 

“What’s that look all about?” Liz said.

“Hm? Oh... It’s just... Well, you’re both so nice to me”

“Well, duh. We’re your friends, aren’t we?”

Peter couldn’t help but smile and nod. “Yeah, definitely”

Flo kissed him hard on the cheek. “We love you”

“I love you too”

-

The day trip proved a success. They spent a little while walking across by the sea, and they ventured onto the pier briefly, although Flo fussed that she felt like she was going to fall through the gaps. The town seemed to be a pretty small one, and the beach itself wasn’t as nice as the one where they were staying. But that was fine. They contented themselves with the little RNLI museum, and then spent a good hour or two looking in all the shops they could find. 

“It’s kinda like a ghost town, isn’t it?” Flo said, reading yet another ‘closed for the season’ notice in a cafe window. 

“It is a little odd” Peter said. “But, I suppose that’s just what these towns are like when you come off-peak”

“Hey, Peter?”

“Yeah?”

“We never did the arcade where we’re staying” Liz said. 

“Well, there’s still loads of time. We can go later. Might get something proper to eat first, though”

“Yeah, I’ll be ready for food when we get back” Liz said. “What were you thinking?”

“Chippy?”

“We had that yesterday” Flo said. “What about that pizza place? That looked nice”

“Sure. Liz?”

“Pizza sounds pretty good, actually”

“Ok, cool. So, when we get back, pizza, walk down to that kiosk for a Mr Whippy, and then go to the arcade. Ok?”

The girls smiled, and nodded.

“Brilliant”

-

“Ok wow” Flo said, looking down at her pizza. “I think maybe we should’ve just gotten a couple to share. These are huge!”

“They’re not that big”

“No, she’s right, Liz: they’re huge” Peter said, picking up a slice and biting into it. “Oh my god..”

The girls followed suit, and they all looked at each other with the same expression.

“Ok wow, these are amazing!” Flo said. “This was such a good idea”

“Even if you do say so yourself!”

Liz soon started to realise that, yes, these pizzas were indeed huge.

“I don’t think I’m gonna be able to finish this” she admitted.

“Me neither!” Peter said. “We can always get the rest boxed up and drop them back off at the house before we head down the street”

They were sat near to the kitchen doors, and had seen the chef taking the takeaway orders out, so were confident they could get them boxed up. Two meals for the price of one, Peter thought. 

-

“Oh, wait!” Peter said. “I’m just gonna run into Tesco quickly”

“We were just gonna drop these boxes off!” Liz said. “Can’t you wait?”

“No, I need to get something. You can wait outside if you like”

Liz rolled her eyes, and leant against the wall. Flo joined her. Peter just smiled.

“I’ll be quick!”

-

Tony was in the kitchen when they got back to the house.

“Hey, kids” he said. “What’ve you got there?”

“Leftover pizza” Liz said. “We went to this amazing pizza joint on the main street. The pizzas were huge!”

Tony smiled. “Nice! How was your little train trip?”

“It was good” Flo said.

Tony looked over at Peter. “What’ve you got there, kiddo?”

“Lucozade” Peter said, putting the big bottles down beside Tony. “For daddy”

“Aw, that’s sweet, chick, but I already got him some”

“Well, now he’s got more” Peter said.

Tony ruffled his hair fondly. “You’re a good kid”

“How is he?”

“You don’t need to go worrying about him” Tony said, twisting the bread bag shut. “I’m just getting him something to eat. What are you lot doing now?”

“We’re going down to that kiosk for an ice cream” Liz said.

“The one with the lady with foundation lips?” Tony said, nodding when Liz did. “She’s lovely. Get yourselves the large ones, with flakes”

“Of course” Peter smiled. “It’s not a proper Mr Whippy without a flake”

“I’ll give you that” Tony said. “Any other plans while you’re down there?”

“I thought we might wander onto the beach, climb the rocks”

Tony glared at him.

“I’m joking!”

“Well don’t, you cheeky blighter” Tony said, tweaking his nose. “Stay away from the rocks”

“We were gonna go down the arcade”

“Good idea” Tony said. “Just stay away from those bloody claw machines”

“Yeah yeah, will do. See you later!”

“See you later. Be good!”

-

They leant against the wall overlooking the sea while they had their ice creams, just as they had done the first time. Once they’d finished, they turned back and headed to the arcade. Despite what Tony had said, they did have a go on the claw machines, tempted by the toys with £20 notes tied to them.

“It’s a total scam” Peter said once they’d lost £5 trying. “Let’s see if they’ve got one of those pay till you win grabbers. At least then you know you’ll get something out of it”

They soon found one, full with little purple and blue rabbits and teddies with tiny silver spots.

“Gotta love a bit of seaside tat” Peter said, slotting a pound into the machine. 

“It does take some of the fun out of it, though, getting them so quickly” Flo said, watching Peter grab his toy from the prize return.

“It still kinda feels good to win though” Peter said, turning the little purple rabbit over in his hands. “What should I call it?”

Flo peered at it. “It’s sort of ugly, isn’t it?”

“Don’t talk to my son like that!” 

Flo giggled. “You can name it later”

“It’s not his fault he’s got tiny ears and a big head and no tail” Peter said, tucking the rabbits feet under his hoodie so it stayed sat on his shoulder.

“Poor seaside rabbit” Liz said, putting a pound in the machine. “My turn”

She won a similarly unfortunate looking toy, this time a light blue bear. 

“His ears are kinda rectangular” she said. “He doesn’t have a tail either. And one side of his snout is thicker than the other side”

“Poor little teddy” Peter said. 

“Yes, poor little teddy” Liz said. “I love him anyway, though”

“What are you gonna call him?”

Liz thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I’ll think about it properly later”

She tucked the bear through her shoulder strap, keeping it securely on the front of her shoulder. She gave Flo a nudge.

“Your turn” she said.

“No thanks” Flo said. “I don’t really want one”

“Spoilsport” Peter said, sticking his tongue out at her.

Flo stuck her tongue out at him. “I’ll get something else”

“Sure you will”

-

They stumbled across another prize every time game; a kind of rotating lollipop game. Peter wasn’t quite sure how it worked, but Flo figured it out. Once she’d finished, she stood up, holding up five chupa-chups triumphantly.

“Told you I’d get something else”

“Ours will last longer” Liz said. 

“Doesn’t matter”

Liz rolled her eyes, but she shook her head fondly. She turned to look at Peter, only to find he wasn’t at her side anymore.

“Peter?”

They heard a clattering, and turned to see Peter stood by a change machine, watching 2p coins falling into a little plastic tub.

“How much did you put in that machine?”

“Just a couple of quid” Peter said. “One of these penny-pushers has got a £5 note right at the end. I bet I can get it”

He picked up the tub of coins, gathering the few that had missed it, and went over to his chosen machine. The girls followed. Peter was right; there was a £5 note in the centre of the bottom shelf, partially hanging over the end. To all intents and purposes, it looked like it was ready to drop. But, the other part of it was heavily weighed down with coins.

“It’s a fix, Peter” Liz said. “You’ll never get that”

“I can try”

“Then you’ll be sorely disappointed”

-

Liz was right, of course. He spent a long time stood by the machine, feeding his coins into it, even after the girls got bored and wandering off for a bit. He managed to get a lot of coins out, but that was it. He kept listening out, occasionally darting to an unoccupied machine to grab coins that had fallen, trying to put off getting his wallet out again. He didn’t understand how it was fixed. It couldn’t be magnets, because copper wasn’t magnetic. He thought maybe there was a slope of sorts keeping the £5 fixed firmly in place. He scowled. He knew he should probably give up. 

“How much have you put into that machine now?” Liz said, appearing at his side.

“...More than a fiver” Peter admitted. 

“You need to stop”

“I did win this, though” he said, holding up a little woven bracelet, pink with rainbow beads.

“It’s beautiful” Liz said, raising an eyebrow. “That £5 isn’t going to come out”

“I know” Peter said mournfully. “Still, I bet I can get that other bracelet. It’s close to the edge”

Liz peered in his tub of coins.

“Right, ok, try for the bracelet, and then we’re going. If you haven’t got it by the time that tub is empty, I will literally drag you away by the ear”

Flo appeared at Peter’s other side. “Hi”

Peter gave her the little rainbow bracelet. “Merry Christmas”

“Oh! Thank you..”

She watched with Liz as Peter continued feeding coins into the penny-pusher. Peter’s coins were diminishing, and it was starting to look even more hopeless. The bracelet was tottering when Peter reached his last coin. He paused, and then they all held their breath as he put that last 2p into the machine. They watched the shelf and coins move - and the bracelet fell into the prize return.

“Yes!!”

Peter grabbed it happily. It was chunky, with silver and red alternating beads. Peter gave it to Liz.

“I love it” she said, slipping it onto her wrist, and then putting an arm firmly round his shoulders, careful not to dislodge his rabbit. “Lets go”

Peter took one last look at the £5 he’d spent so long trying to get, and then let himself be lead away.

-

The early evening breeze was a bit of a shock. They collectively decided to head back to the house. Peter brushed his hair out of his eyes, and stopped.

“What? Oh my god, look at this”

His thumb and forefinger were black. 

“Ew. Those coins must’ve been filthy!” Flo said.

“That’s... disgusting. Just a little bit” Peter said, wiping his hand on his jeans, which didn’t make much difference. “Hm. Yknow, I love you guys, but I’m abandoning you for a really long bath as soon as we get back”

-

Peter took his time in the bath. He usually had showers, and having a long soak was a nice change. He’d snuck into the en-suite in his parents room and nabbed the bottle of black pepper and ginseng bath soak Loki had brought with him, and poured a healthy amount into his bath. He had a good wash, and then spent a long time just lying in the hot water, watching the steam rising from the bath, and daydreaming. 

The water was getting cold by the time he climbed out of the bath. He wrapped himself up in a big towel, checked the coast was clear, and scurried to his own room, flopping on the bed. He felt funny, full and warm and happy. He was tired. Maybe an early night would be a good idea. He sighed, looking at the funny rabbit toy he’d won earlier on, and rested his eyes, just for a moment

-

Peter jumped awake, grabbing the wrist of whoever it was shaking his shoulder.

“Woah, hey, it’s just me. It’s dad” Tony said, stroking the boys hair firmly to reassure him. “It’s just me”

“Oh..” Peter let go of him, heart still thudding. “Sorry. You made me jump... I think I dropped off”

“Yeah, still in your bath towel, too” Tony smiled. “Put something on, give your hair a quick brush, and then come downstairs: tea’ll be ready soon”

“Ok, ok. I’ll be quick”

“Good boy”

-

Flo blinked a little when Peter came down to the kitchen, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

“What?” Peter said, somewhat defensive.

“You look cute!”

Tony laughed before Peter could reply.

“Sit down, kiddo. You’re just in time” Tony said, serving the three teens.

“Is daddy joining us?”

“No, he’s not doing too great. I’m gonna go and eat with him”

“He won’t like being woken up”

“You’re telling me! He nearly knocked me out when I woke him up for lunch earlier” Tony said, readying a tray. 

“Ouch”

“Ouch indeed” he ruffled Peter’s hair. “Be good. I’ll be back down later”

“Why does he wake him up if it makes him cross?” Liz asked once Tony had gone upstairs.

“If he doesn’t, daddy doesn’t eat. And then he just gets worse” Peter said. “He’s jus’ trying to look after him”

“Cute” Flo said, picking up her fork. “Did you fall asleep?”

Peter nodded. “I only meant to rest my eyes for a minute”

“Can I say something?”

Peter and Flo looked at her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a carbonara before”

Peter very nearly choked on his mouthful of food. He swallowed quickly, and coughed.

“I thought you were gonna say something serious!” he spluttered. “You had me worried for half a second there”

Liz reached across the table and tugged a lock of his hair sharply. 

“Don’t laugh at me! I’ll fight you”

“I’ll fight you right back” Peter said. “Don’t think I won’t”

Liz put her fork down and stood up. “Come on, then. I challenge you to a duel!”

“You’re on!”

Flo grabbed Peter’s arm as he jumped up. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“I’ve been challenged, Flo: I need to defend my honour!”

“But if you start crashing about, you’ll disturb your parents. You're going to get into trouble” Flo said. “Especially if you end up breaking something”

Peter shook her hand off. “I'm willing to take that risk”

Liz pounced at him, and it wasn’t long before they were entwined in a mad wrestle on the kitchen floor. 

“You’re idiots, both of you” Flo said, trying to ignore them and continue eating. 

“You could always join in” Peter suggested, pinning Liz’s hands by her head.

“No, thank you. I want to remain an innocent party to your foolishness”

“A Millicent Bystander?” Peter grinned, laughing at his own joke.

“What does that even mean?” Liz said, bringing her knee up and knocking Peter off.

“Oh yeah, you haven’t seen Flushed Away; I remember you saying” Peter said, grabbing her upper arms. “We’ll have to watch it sometime. I haven’t seen it for ages, but Millicent Bystander still makes me laugh every time I think about it”

“Sure. Now less talking, more fighting”

They started getting louder, and a lot rougher. Flo couldn’t ignore them. She half-shielded her eyes with one hand, embarrassed, and a little nervous.

“You two need to stop”

“Absolutely not!” they said in unison.

Flo tensed as she heard footsteps. It wasn’t long before her prediction came true, and Tony burst into the kitchen.

“What the hell is going on down here?!” he shouted, grabbing Peter round the chest and hauling him off Liz.

“We’re just having a duel!” Peter said, grinning up at him.

Tony didn’t smile back. “You know full well your father’s not very well, and yet you still think it’s acceptable to start crashing about and shrieking like a couple of little banshees? What’s wrong with you?”

“We’re just having a bit of fun” Peter said, his smile falling. 

“You should be eating” Tony scowled. “Liz, get off the floor”

Liz did as she was told.

“I told you!” Flo said.

“You should’ve told them with a bit more force” Tony said, releasing Peter. “Now sit down and shut up and eat like a good boy. If I hear so much as a slightly raised voice from this room, there’ll be big trouble. Understand?”

Peter nodded, taking his place at the table. 

“So, who won?” he said.

“I did, obviously” Liz said.

“You did not!” Peter said, jumping up and slamming his hands down on the table.

“PETER!” Tony snapped, marching over and smacking him hard on the bottom. “What did I just say?”

Peter flinched, and slowly sank back into his seat.

“Don’t you dare move from that seat until you’ve finished your tea. Now all of you, be good, and for gods sake, be quiet!”

And with that, he stalked out of the room.

“I told you you’d get into trouble” Flo grumbled, picking her fork back up.

Peter rolled his eyes, picking up his own fork.

“Wanna call it a draw?” Liz said gently. 

Peter nodded, but he didn’t look at her.

“Hey” Liz reached across the table, moving his fork and taking his hand. “Are you ok?”

Peter took a deep breath, and squeezed her hand. 

“It’s your own fault” Flo said, setting her fork down.

Peter pulled his hand away from Liz and pushed Flo off her chair.

“Peter!”

Flo scrambled to her feet. “Fine, if it’s going to be like that-”

She pushed Peter off his chair. Peter sat in shock for a moment, and then jumped up and went for her. 

“Hey! Peter!” Liz jumped up and tried to get in between them. She hadn’t anticipated Flo’s strength or Peter’s anger, and it was too much for her to cope with single-handedly. “MR STARK!!”

Tony appeared again in a matter of seconds.

“Hey, are you two fighting?! Flo!” he tore Peter away from the girls, and pushed Flo into a chair. “What the hell is going on?! You two never so much as argue!”

“She started it!” Peter shouted. 

“I did not! You pushed me first!”

“Flo, stop this! You’re supposed to be the good one”

Flo sat down and went quiet, angry tears in her eyes. 

“Oh yeah, that’s it, start with the crocodile tears” Peter spat. “You did start it, saying-”

“Right, that’s it, you’re on a time out, young man” Tony grabbed hold of him, throwing him over his shoulder.

Peter shrieked indignantly, bringing his fists down against his back. “Put me down! You’re so embarrassing!”

-

Tony plonked Peter down on the stairs. Peter tried to get up straight away, but Tony grabbed him and held him there, despite his struggling.

“Stop this! Peter! Calm down!” he said, more worried than angry. “What’s the matter with you?!”

Peter gave him a shove, drew his knees up to his chest, and buried his face in them. Tony sighed heavily, rested a hand on his head for a moment, and then went back to the kitchen, shutting the door behind him.

“Right, what was that all about?” he said, folding his arms over his chest. “You two have never had a bad word to say about each other, and now I find you fighting!? What happened?”

“He got upset because he got into trouble, which I told him he would if he started clattering about” Flo said. “And then he pushed me off my seat, so I pushed him off his”

“You said it was his fault” Liz said.

“It was!”

“Yeah, but you don’t say that, especially when he was upset like that! It was my fault too, and you were just rubbing salt in his wounds. I would’ve pushed you off your seat too, and a lot worse besides!”

She stood up and stormed out of the room. 

“Liz? Liz!” 

She ignored him. He heard the back door bang.

Tony sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. He looked at Flo.

“Are you ok?”

“I didn’t start it, and I didn’t do anything wrong” she said, picking up her fork and turning away from him. 

Tony sighed. “Ok”

-

Tony found Liz out on the patio.

“She’s just so annoying!” Liz said as soon as he’d closed the door behind him. “Why does she have to be so perfect all of the time? I mean, how would she feel if her dad had told her off and someone basically just told her to suck it up?”

Tony just listened to her, not saying anything.

“I know he shouldn’t’ve pushed her, but I can’t really blame him. She was just-”

“Liz” Tony interrupted. 

Liz looked at him, and promptly burst into tears. She let him hug her, and buried her face in his shoulder. Tony rubbed her back gently, resting his cheek against her head.

“I know, chick. I know”

“I’m sorry-!”

“Don’t be. Peter spends a good 20-30% of his life screaming into my shoulder. There’s not a single shirt in my wardrobe that hasn’t had a tear-bath by now”

Liz laughed feebly at his little joke, but then continued crying. She felt awful, but she also felt safe in Tony’s arms. She’d felt safe in Loki’s during the night, too. They were both well practised. She’d cried on both of them now. Somehow, she didn’t feel embarrassed about that.

-

Once Liz had stopped crying, her and Tony had a good, long talk about everything, and it helped.

“Thank you” she said.

“No problem, chick. We all need a good cry and a bitch sometimes”

“Yeah... Oh, shouldn’t you be with Loki?!”

“He’ll be fine; he’ll be asleep again by now” Tony said.

“Did he eat?”

“He had about half his plate, which is better than I expected”

“Does it upset you? Seeing him ill?”

“Every time” Tony said. “But sometimes it’s easier than other times”

“And this time?”

“It’s easier. We... Well, we’ve had some good things happen, and I think we’re both using that to keep us up” Tony stood up, holding a hand out to her. “Come on. We should go back in. You can go and make up with Flo, and I’ll go and have a word with Peter”

Liz stood up and took his hand. Tony squeezed it gently.

“Ready?”

Liz nodded. “Ready”

-

Flo was curled up on the living room sofa with a book. She looked up when Liz came into the room. Liz hesitated, and then went over and sat beside her. Flo offered her the bag of sherbet lemons she had with her. Liz took one. The girls smiled at each other, and that was all it took.

-

Tony sat down next to Peter on the stairs. Peter was sat slumped against the wall, looking down at his hands.

“Liz told me everything” Tony said. “I can see why you got so upset”

“...I wish she wasn’t so perfect all the time” Peter said. “It’s so annoying”

“That’s just what Liz said” Tony sighed. “She’s not perfect, chick. She was pretty inconsiderate and smug, if you ask me, whether she intended it or not. Plus, she did escalate the situation. That doesn’t excuse what you did, mind”

“She was kinda asking for it”

“That’s no excuse. Play fighting? In the right situation, fine. Starting a proper physical fight with someone you love? Not ok. Absolutely not ok” Tony said. “That’s not like you. Something’s going on with you, kiddo. I don’t know what it is, but something made you lash out, and something’s made your nightmares flare up. Any ideas?”

Peter shrugged. “It’s just coincidence”

Tony sighed, putting an arm round Peter’s shoulders. Peter froze, but then melted into him, resting his head against his chest. He stayed like that for a moment, and then turned and hugged him properly, squashing his nose up against his chest.

“It’s alright, kiddo. I’ve got you” Tony said, squeezing him tight.

“Am I in trouble?”

“No. I’m not happy with you, but you’re not in trouble. This is something you need to sort out with Flo. So. How do you feel? Ready to forgive her yet?”

“No”

“I didn’t think so” 

“I want you to go now”

Tony looked down at him, and slowly let him go. Peter lent back against the wall. Tony sighed, and went to sort out the kitchen.

-

After a very frank conversation with Liz, Flo went out into the hallway. She hesitated a moment before sitting down beside Peter on the stairs. Peter glanced at her, but otherwise didn’t move. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Peter not wanting to speak, Flo trying to find the courage to.

“I’m sorry” she said eventually.

Peter sat up and looked at her.

“I wasn’t very nice to you earlier. I’m sorry for upsetting you. I shouldn’t’ve acted the way I did”

Slowly, Peter shifted closer to her, and wound his arms round her. Flo hugged him back, kissing his cheek.

“Thank you” Peter said.

“Don’t mention it”

-

Tony went upstairs to sort out the tray and check on Loki, and once he’d finished, he went through to the living room. He just about fainted with relief when he saw Peter, Liz, and Flo curled up close, watching a film and looking perfectly happy together. It looked like the little blip was over.

-

Tony knocked on the twin room door and pushed it open. The three teens were collapsed in a giggling heap.

“What are you three laughing about?” he said, amused.

“Nothing, dad” Peter said.

Tony raised an eyebrow. “What a naughty giggle, Flo. I’ve decided I don’t want to know. Now, you know what I’m here to say, don’t you?”

The girls nodded. “Bedtime”

“That’s it. Go on, go and get yourselves ready”

“Bagsy the bathroom first” Liz said, grabbing her night things and rushing off.

“Come on, Peter, same goes for you” Tony said, and then, when the boy didn’t move; “Peter?”

Peter blinked hard, and stood up. He gave Flo a quick hug, and then skirted round his dad and went to his room.

-

Tony went and shut everything down and locked up downstairs before going back upstairs to check on Peter. The boy was sat on the floor, pretending to look through his postcards.

“Peter” Tony said. “Come on, jump into bed now”

Peter looked up at him. “Do I have to?”

“Uh, yes, you do: it’s nearly midnight” Tony said. “Come on now”

Peter swallowed, looking away. “I don’t want to”

“Why not?”

Peter didn’t say anything. Tony sat down next to him.

“Peter” he said gently. “Why don’t you want to go to bed?”

Peter still didn’t answer.

“Come on kiddo, talk to-” he stopped, having a thought. He lowered his voice. “Are you scared of having another nightmare?”

Peter nodded. Tony sighed, putting an arm round his shoulders.

“Poor old tuppenny. You’ve had a tough few nights, haven’t you?” he kissed him on the temple. “You need to try to sleep, kiddo”

Peter looked over at the bed, as though the nightmare was already lurking there. He really didn’t want to go to bed. He’d only wake up screaming again, and not only was it scary and exhausting and horrible, it was embarrassing too. He didn’t know what to do. Unless...

“Can I sleep in your bed tonight?”

Tony looked at him. “Sweetheart...”

“I don’t have nightmares when I sleep next to people. Hardly ever. Please?”

Tony looked into his big puppy dog eyes, and sighed silently. “Ok”

-

Loki was in a brief state of wakefulness when Tony carried Peter into the bedroom.

“He’s sleeping in here tonight, my love” Tony said, setting the boy down on the bed and going to the en suite. 

Peter wriggled under the covers, facing Loki.

“Nightmare prevention tactics?”

Peter nodded. “How are you feeling?”

“...Nothing feels real” he said. “How long have I been asleep for?”

“I don’t know, exactly”

“Is it today or tomorrow?”

Peter blinked a bit, thinking. “It’s today. You were ok yesterday. Now it’s the end of today”

“Ah good, now I know where I stand” Loki yawned. “Can you.. can you pass me my pig?”

Peter sat up, finding the old toy and giving it to him. 

“Thanks, chick...”

Loki settled down and closed his eyes, and his breathing soon slowed. Tony came back into the bedroom, turning the main light off and the lamp on to its dimmest setting.

“One down, two to go” Tony said, climbing into bed. “Lie down now, kiddo. Sleep time”

Peter did as he was told, cuddling up against his father’s chest. Tony held him close, pulling the covers round the three of them properly. 

“Goodnight, kiddo”

“Goodnight, dad”

Peter snuggled close, warm and safe between his parents. He closed his eyes, and fell asleep listening to the sound of Tony’s heartbeat.

*

[thecreativeangel]

aut neca aut necare: IV

Peter Parker x Fem!Reader

*Please don’t plagiarize my work, thank you :3*

Summary: Peter hasn’t been talking to you for two weeks now, which is cool. It’s all good. He’s only your best friend of like seven years. No biggie. 

Warnings: Peter kinda being a shady bitch. The angst begins. Reader is  becoming  e d g y

Words: 2.3k

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The weeks were passing too quickly. You’d hoped that Peter would interact even a little, to slow down time like he did when it was just the two of you in his living room, watching old cartoons on a Sunday. Classes with him were the same as classes without him; boring, dreary, etcetera. Peter had little intention of talking with you. Or Ned, apparently, because Ned would follow him everywhere in a desperate attempt to gain his attention. You were alone. It made you guilty, that the mention of Ned’s name caused a bitter pang in your chest. Ned didn’t try to avoid you like Peter seemingly did.

“It’s the most annoying book I’ve ever read,” MJ complained, The Pearl by Steinbeck resting on her lap. Peter didn’t look up from his computer, merely humming to signify he was listening. MJ sent Peter a withering look which he’d see if he looked away from the damn computer. She turned back to you and shrugged. “I mean, let’s say we ignore the shit descriptions. Kino is such a conceited prick. He treats his wife like shit for trying to advise him. Actually, now that I think about it, Juana reminds me of that hero chick who the New York Times likes to bash.”

You felt Peter stiffen in his seat and chose to ignore him like he was you. “Okay Michelle I know that you know her name-”

“Yeah, it’s a stupid name-”

“I mean the people started calling her that, so blame them.”

“It’s a makeup brand!”

“-and did you just use John Steinbeck to suddenly shift conversation to Nyx?”

She sniffed daintily, tugging at one of her baby hairs. “And if I did?”

You laughed at her fake nonchalant attitude. “Oh my god Michelle.”

“Right, let’s see what people think,” she roughly shoved Peter’s shoulder, making him release a high pitched yelp that resounded throughout study hall. “Parker, what d’you think about Nyx. She’s cool and all, but the name. It’s dumb.”

“I don’t get why you like her so much,” Peter said gruffly. “Haven’t you read the New Yo-”

You interrupted him. “We’ve seen that thing. MJ says it’s bull and I believe her. Don’t you think that Ritter guy sounds a bit biased?”

“Maybe, but what he writes is true,” Peter said. He focused back on his computer, typing as he talked. “She robbed a store on Fifth Avenue…”

I didn’t rob it, You thought, deflating slightly. I STOPPED a robbery, then put most of it back. Stupid cameras caught me with ONE watch and reporters ignore the actual robber completely. AND WHO ROBS VERSACE? Walk a bit and you’ll get to Tiffany and Co.!

“...and the United Nations Headquarters!” Peter exclaimed, shocking you out of your thoughts.

“No one saw her sneak in.” MJ noted, confused at why Peter was suddenly so against Nyx. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. 

“Wait hold up,” you broke in, feeling your palms become sweaty. “W-what happened at the U.N.?”

“Nyx stole from the U.N.’s library,” Peter explained patiently. “She took something from the historical sciences section. No one knows what it is yet, but they think it’s a record of ancient power sources. Prehistoric relics. What old civilizations worshipped. Supposedly it’s from before people knew what a god was, so it’s kind of a big deal.”

You wiped your hands on your jeans and tore the laptop from his hands before he could protest. Of course, as soon as you started typing “UN” the autosearches read “UN headquarters broken into”, “UN delegates can’t work anymore?”, “UN building in shut down”. You clicked on a random article and sure enough, there were shaky pictures of the glass library, dark blue smoke leaking from its open doors. But it wasn’t your smoke; Nyx hadn't entered the building at all. You’d been framed.

“Is there any video?” you asked, praying the squeak in your voice wasn’t audible.

“No,” Peter replied, taking his computer back rather forcefully. “But I’m sure it’s Nyx. I mean, blue smoke? She’s been getting more careless and this was her breaking point, her greatest achievement so far- Or maybe she’s innocent. Dunno, I’ve been watching Shane Dawson.”

Shane Dawson made a conspiracy theory about me? Should I be honored or… Your fingers gripped the armrests to the point that your knuckles were beginning to sting. That night you’d gone out angry; Mum wasn’t calling back, and her assistant left an unpleasant voicemail. You forgot to buy food after hours of homework and ate at Seven Eleven. Not your most dignified moment. So when your silver wristlet began to vibrate, projecting an image of those suspicious trucks moving out of New Jersey for the first time in weeks-

You flew to their location.

The “mission”, distraction, whatever it was- failed. You felt even worse after, coming back into the empty apartment at 2 a.m.

“Kim doesn’t like her either,” Peter said offhandedly. “Been really quiet about the explosion at Stark Labs, but she says she’ll tell me why soon. She hates talking about Mr. Stark. I just wanna be there for her, y’know? No one deserves to be alone like she was.”

Your insides felt like liquid nitrogen, so cold they were scorching. “You’re acting like an idiot.”

Peter frowned, his eyes searching yours. “What?”

“I get that you like her, and that's cool, but it’s getting sad,” you deadpanned, drawing your gaze down to the messages poorly carved into the table (even fancy schools had idiots who got bored). “Why’re you so obsessed with her when you won’t even ask her out? S’ not like she’s interested in you.”

MJ’s snapped up, ridiculously wide. She hastily picked up The Pearl from her lap and practically shoved her nose into the pages, hiding from the conversation. The words left your mouth a grumbled and bunched together, but Peter heard everything. His gaze on you was steely.

“We’re dating,” he said tonelessly, another blaring warning you missed. “Kim asked me out a month ago.”

“Oh.” you managed weakly.

There were several seconds of painfully awkward silence before you snapped, mumbling “It’s not like I’d know that.” under your breath. You pouted slightly, probably acting like a complete child.

“W-what do you mean ‘you wouldn’t know that’,” Peter mused, throwing his hands up. “I told you last week.”

“That’s a lie,” you retaliated. “I’ve barely talked to you this month! So-rry for not wanting to intrude on your little fantasy when she’s around.”

“Why are you like this?” Peter asked honestly. His normally serene expression turned to a scowl. “The moment I get over Liz- Actually no, you’ve been weird all year!”

“I’ve- I'm not acting weird- and you, that's- don't even have the right to say th-” MJ looked over her book so only her eyes showed and shook her head. You faltered. Have I been acting differently? Has everyone else noticed?

“Whatever. Nothing's wrong. It's just puberty or something.”

Peter watched you wearily, scanning for something. “Good. Awesome. Now could you please be quiet?”

“So you can finish your little article about Nyx?” you scoffed, rolling your eyes. “You’re just salty that Spiderman, everyone's favorite hero used to be friends with her.”

Peter flushed pink. “I’m talking to Kim about it, not writing an article.”

“Bet you’re gushing about how Nyx deserves to be put to death sentence.” you said. “Since you suddenly hate her so much. For no reason.”

“For good reason, but you’re too in love with her to see it. Look, I’m sure Spiderman will catch her soon,” Peter said through gritted teeth. MJ sunk down in her chair, shielding herself from the argument. You didn’t know if anyone was listening in, but you were too angry to care. “And when he does she’ll confess, and this will all be over.”

“Catch her? They’re partners!”

“D’you- d’you actually Spiderman would be partners with a criminal?”

You wrinkled your nose at him, suppressing a cynical laugh. “Spiderman used to be a criminal! ‘Member when he cut Staten Island Ferry in half?”

Peter seemed pissed off by this, and you wondered why he idolized Spiderman so much. “He wasn’t a criminal! He helped people!”

Your fists clenched under the table, hearing the light overhead start to buzz, the glass cracking. Magic crackled quietly around your wrists like sparks electricity. “There is no proof that Nyx stole from the U.N.-”

“Well, yes, there is,” Peter pressed. “How can’t you see it? No one else leaves blue smoke besides her! I think Nyx should be sent to jail, because that’s where criminals go.”

Jail. That’s not too bad. Jail might have decent food. “At least you don’t want her killed.”

“Depends,” Peter said airily. “On whether she hurts Kim again.”

He didn’t bother to add “Oh, and you, Ned, Michelle…and May of course. Y’know. My blood relative who I very much love, Aunt May.” Nope, it was just Kimberly. Kimberly, Kimberly, Kimberly. You tried to sympathize with him, really you did, but this young love bullshit was irritating. Besides, your young love wasn’t going too well.

“Psh, so what would you do?” you asked. “Go to your damn internship and tattle to Spiderman? Have him hunt Nyx?”

There was a sense of disbelief in your words, but Peter’s gaze remained set. His brown doe eyes gleamed with determination and protectiveness. None of it was for you. 

“If I have to,” he shrugged. “Yeah.”

So in other words, you’d do anything for her, you thought sourly. Ouch. That hurts a bit. Peter dropped the solemn face so quickly you wondered if he ever looked solemn at all. Might have been a figment of your imagination, just trying to get you to be angry with him. He sent you a lopsided, innocent smile that made your blood boil. You didn’t know why, didn’t want to know why, but at this moment he had no right to go back to his cheerful state. Not after saying those things.

You looked back down at your black jeans and picked at a loose seam. The way he looked when he spoke about Kim… The chivalry, warmth and protective nature. Seven years you and him had been best friends, and he never looked at you that way. Not when you were pushed into mulch by a bully in 5th grade, or when you were harassed by 15 people in 7th, or when a girl had the audacity to call you a prude bitch in 9th. (Apparently you were a prude for admitting that you’d never been kissed, but joke’s on her. It’s junior year and you still haven’t been kissed, so… That’s depressing.)

Your thoughts strayed, but there was one common observation: Peter liked you, cared for you, grew up with you, but he’d never look at you with as much adoration as he did to Kimberly. But it’s worse than that, isn’t it... You dug your fingers into your thighs. No matter how close I am with Peter, he’d always choose her over me. Fuelled by venomous thoughts, you spoke before thinking.

“God, why do you hate her so much?” you huffed. “It’s like she’s the one who killed your parents.”

MJ almost fell over as she shot up, grabbed everything she could and sped out of study hall. Your eyes shot open at your own statement, heart starting to beat frantically. Shit, why did I say that?! Peter’s head jerked up, staring at you. You didn’t want to describe what flashed across his face, didn’t want to keep looking at him. You wished you could slap yourself so hard it reversed time and that slip-up never happened but your gaze was locked with Peter’s, and neither party was backing down.

When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. “Take it back.”

You didn’t blink. “Peter.”

“Take. It. Back.”

“I’m sorry,” you breathed, hating the way your words sounded; like a strangled, dehydrated cat. “Peter, it slipped-”

He only looked at you, jaw clenched so hard you could see the muscles twitching. Your eyes began to sting, feeling the pressured need to cry build up beneath your eyeballs. “Peter I said I w-”

“Fuck you.” he spat.

That single, short sentence was enough to make you clamp your mouth shut. It was two words dripping poison onto your body, melting skin wherever drops landed. He stood up, shoved his books into his backpack so fast his hands seemed to blur and before you could even move he disappeared through the door, heavy footsteps slowly fading away.

You were still sitting, holding your knees which were exposed because of the ripped jeans, hands shaking and staring at at the door through which he left. Even if the entirety of study hall knew how badly you just fucked up with your best friend, you didn’t care. Judging from how quiet everyone suddenly was, they all knew anyway. But you stayed perfectly still, shoulders tense, clutching your knees until your nails made little semi-circles appear. Soon, they broke the skin and tiny dots of blood surfaced, and you still didn’t move. Your chest moved in fast, small movements, like an animal that was being hunted.

When the embarrassment of your actions finally reached your fogged up mind, you frantically shoveled books into your backpack and fled the room with your head down. A few drops of red ran down from the aching cuts in your exposed knees and disappeared into the black fabric of your jeans. They hurt. You deserved it.  

I messed up, I messed up, I messed up, I messed up, I m-

Authors Note: Sorry ‘bout not posting, but depression just kicked in like a motherfucker and I needed time to get used to the feeling. There’s also some stuff about my summer credit course, that gets in the way too. Hope people still care to read this. Byee-

Tags List:  @4-a-m, @miss-glitch, @runs-with-sciss0rs, @lubrielx, @reddiesteddiespaghetti, @wheezygreens,  @everythingthatisrandom, @mcheung0314,

[yehet-me-up]

At Your Service

Pairing: Hyungwon x reader (female)

Word Count: 6,661

Rating: (M) for language and explicit sex

Part 5 of the Monsta X Kinks series: over-stimulation 😏

Your best friends Liz and Alex wanted to take you out for an early brunch today, mysteriously hinting that they have something planned for your actual birthday that will require prep work… and ‘a warning.’

When you get to the café they are seated at a table in the corner, rapidly talking to each other, their heads close. You raise a brow as you walk over and take a seat. They abruptly stop talking and give you matching, overly large smiles.

You fold your arms and fix them with a knowing stare. “You forget that I’ve know you both for almost a decade and that I can smell your ‘plotting something’ energy from a mile away,” you say with a wide grin. “Spill.”

Liz looks around, her eyes darting back and forth with a nervousness that is total unlike her. “So. We kind of got you a present,” she starts, tossing a ‘help me’ look to Alex.

Alex brushes her long hair behind her ear and gives you a mischievous raise of her eyebrow. “Yes, we did. How long has it been since you and Ben broke up?” she starts, much more confident than Liz. A knowing look comes to her face and you feel like you’ve suddenly walked into a trap.

“It’s been seven months, two weeks, and four days,” you reply automatically, suddenly fascinated with your silverware.

Alex snorts and you look up to see her give Liz a ‘told you so’ smirk. “Not that I’ve been counting,” you mumble defensively.

Alex rests her elbows on the counter and leans forward. “Anyways, point is, it’s been a while. And we have the perfect thing to help you out.” She takes out an envelope from her purse and presents it to you.

You dramatically shake the envelope next to your ear with an innocent look. “Is it a pony? A million dollars? Those six months I spent in high school with awful bleach blonde hair back?”

She reaches out a hand to your arm. “No, it’s even better. Just open it,” she commands.

Furrowing your brow, you slide your finger under the fold. Your name is printed on the front of the black envelope in curling silver cursive. Inside is a black card with delicate white type.

Your appointment at Revel is confirmed for October 22nd at 6pm. We look forward to pleasing you. Underneath is an address downtown and a website you’re supposed to visit for ‘rules and instructions.’

“What the heck is Revel?” you ask, looking between the two of them as you pick up your water glass. “Is it a new spa or something?”

Liz’s nervousness has turned into giddy excitement. She clasps her hands together and leans forward. “No, it’s umm… like a full service escort… thing,” she says conspiratorially.

You choke on your drink of water. “You got me a prostitute for my birthday?” you practically yell in between coughs. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Alex leans over to thump on your back a few times. Once you can catch your breath she explains. 

“God, no. It’s this new agency that I heard about through one of the lawyers in my office. It’s not just sex; it’s a whole overnight experience,” she says with a grin. “She tried it out a few weeks ago and managed to get me in touch with the booker. It’s totally high class; and it’s extremely exclusive.”

“Okay - tell me what you mean by ‘experience’ this second or I’m going to murder you. And I’d hate to disturb these lovely people’s breakfast by stabbing you in front of them,” you say through clenched teeth.

Her eyes go wide for a second before she laughs. “I promise it’s legit! She said it’s at this high rise downtown; they’ve bought the whole top floor of apartments. You meet the man, or woman. You have dinner, talk, and then the rest of the night is up to you. She and the woman she met with ended up sleeping together, but there’s no pressure.”

“She said that another woman she knows just got a massage from her escort and then they spent the night talking. It’s completely up to you. But we have a feeling that you’ll be doing more than just talking,” she says with a wink.

You feel your rapid heart rate slow down infinitesimally and put your hand on your chest, half to remind yourself that this is reality. “Just how do you know that?” you demand. “Have you met him or something?”

They share another look and you want to scream in frustration. They know how much you value your organized, controlled life. They must be delighting in the fact that they’re throwing you out of whack. Who needs enemies when you have best friends, you think wryly.

Liz purses her lips and raises a brow at you. “We chose him for you, of course. What, you think we’d just set you up with anyone?”

“They had a lot to choose from; they even included personality in the descriptions when we called,” Alex says. “Like, are you looking for a Christian Grey, a naughty playboy, a submissive type, a boyfriend experience. And so on. We picked the perfect one for you. Plus, he’s gorgeous - I’m so jealous, you don’t even know.” Alex puts her hand to her chest and pretends to swoon. 

You smack her arm. “Excuse you, your boyfriend is gorgeous.”

“Yeah he is, but he’s not this guy. Wait – does that mean you’re on board?” she says with a grin, grabbing your hand.

You lean back in your seat and fold your arms, staring them down. It has been… a while. And a night with a man that can make Alex swoon? That doesn’t sound like too much of a burden.

“I’m tentatively in. But only if you tell me which personality description you chose. If you picked the Christian Grey guy I am a thousand percent out,” you say, pointing a finger at her.

They turn to each other and high five, making you laugh. “We chose the boyfriend experience, duh. How long have we known you?” Liz says with a smirk.

You throw up your hands in the air and pick up your menu. “Fine. I’ll do it,” you say with a sigh.

“The only repayment we expect is that you tell us all about it,” Alex says in a high, teasing voice.

You scoff and do your best to concentrate on the menu. A thrill of excitement runs down your spine - nervous curiosity building in your stomach. Three days; you have three days until you find out it if this was all a horrible mistake.

Unfortunately the website listed on the card doesn’t have any information about the men and women themselves - or photos - so you don’t get a sneak peek of the man you’ll be meeting.

What it does list, however, makes you both extremely nervous and extremely turned on.

Thank you for choosing Revel.

Please arrive at the address below at six in the evening, no earlier; no later. You will be met by your escort in the lobby and they will bring you to the room. Drinks will be available, if you wish. Dinner will be provided at seven thirty. Check out time is ten the following morning. What happens between dinner and check out is entirely up to you and your escort.

Our full-service escorts are ready and willing to provide any sort of pleasure you desire. Please use the safe word ‘Diamond’ if you feel uncomfortable at any point; your escort will do the same. You are free to leave at any time, no questions asked. 

Please contact booking at 206-740-5555 at any time before, during, or after your appointment if you have any questions or concerns.

You read through the brief words on the page again and swallow nervously. The time on the computer shows 5:25 and you shut your laptop, unable to procrastinate any longer. The day had been a nice distraction; a trip to the nail salon and brunch with your mom, drinks and a movie with some friends from work. But now the time has come and you can’t put it off any longer.

You stand, moving in front of the floor-length mirror in the hallway. Nervously you smooth a hand over your hair, down the front of your dress. The website didn’t list any suggestions or requirements for how you were supposed to look, so you went simple yet classy.

You pull out your phone and snap a picture, posing dramatically in front of the mirror. Subtle eyeliner and mascara makes your eyes pop and a light, neutral gloss makes your lips shine. The black dress and heels play up your figure and you feel sexier than you have in months.

After your break up you’d thrown yourself into work and your friendships to distract yourself. But they’re right, it’s been months; it’s time to move on.

[Y/N sent a photo] [Y/N 5:26pm] about to head out, how do I look?? [Liz 5:27pm] *whistles* drop dead gorgeous omg! [Alex 5:27pm] hello you goddess 😍 [Alex 5:28pm] are you sure YOU’RE not the escort here?! [Y/N 5:28pm] ha freaking ha [Y/N 5:29pm] I’m so nervous I might pass out before I get there 😳 [Liz 5:29pm] don’t worry babe, you don’t have to do anything! [Liz 5:30pm] you can just talk to him if you want [Alex 5:30pm] *pushes liz out of the way* [Alex 5:31pm] but for reals, please let me know if he’s as good in bed as he looks 😉 [Y/N 5:32pm] asljf;alskjdf [Y/N 5:32pm] fine, you hoes. i’ll text you in the morning [Alex 5:33pm] that’s my girl! [Alex 5:33pm] i hope it’s the best birthday present you’ve ever received 😏

You smile at your phone, glad that even if this whole night goes to hell, you’ve always got your best friends to cheer you up. With a huge sigh you put your phone in your clutch and grab your coat. 

You blush as you walk through the lobby of your apartment to the street to catch a cab, sure that everyone can tell exactly what you’re off to do. You shake your head at the ridiculous thought.

The driver is pleasant as you head to the high rise. You lie and tell him that you’re meeting up with some girlfriends for your birthday and he wishes you an enthusiastic happy birthday. 

A few minutes later he pulls up in front of the towering building. You pay him and get out of the car, staring up at the sleek chrome building. The thought that there’s a man in there, waiting for you, sends a rush of adrenaline through your body.

You try to peek through the tall windows to get a glance at him, but the lobby is busy on this Saturday night and you can’t tell who it might be. Steeling yourself, you head in, deciding to just go for it as you pull open the heavy glass door. 

She wasn’t kidding about high class, you think, looking around the marble and glass lobby. An enormous crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The receptionists are speaking to an older couple who look like they’re dressed to go on the Titanic.

A group of women come out of the elevators and walk past you, dressed in long evening gowns. They laugh as they push out the doors to the street and you stare after them, feeling supremely out of place and awkward. 

I can’t do this, you think, a sudden wave of panic rising in you. You shake your head and start walking toward the door, already dreading having to tell Liz and Alex that you chickened out.

“Are you Y/N by chance?” a warm male voice calls from behind you.

You pause with your hand on the door and turn around. A tall man is walking toward you, giving you a slight smile, his hands in the pockets of a crisp black suit. His brown hair falls into his eyes as he regards you thoughtfully.

You try to resist giving him a once-over, but fail miserably. His body is long and lean. His lips are full and sensuous. His eyes are kind and crinkle in the corners as he catches you checking him out. You laugh at being caught and step away from the door, walking over to him. 

“How did you know?” you ask with a grin, holding out your hand to him.

“I figured you’d be the one running from the building. Your friends said you might be nervous,” he replies, sliding his hand into yours and squeezing.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, I do this sort of thing all the time,” you say nonchalantly, your lips fighting a laugh. His firm grip sends an unexpected wave of desire through you as his eyes lock on yours.

“Mm. You’re totally right. I can tell you’re a regular, what was I thinking?” he says, trying to smother a grin.

Your eyes dart down to his lips, unable to stop imagining what he might do with them later. A nervous laugh finally escapes and you clasp your hand over your mouth as the sound echoes in the spacious lobby. He joins you in laughing, his hand still firmly grasping yours.

“Do you want to head up to the room?” he asks, motioning behind him to the elevators.

You give him a genuine smile, your nerves eased by how… not intimidating he is. You nod and his hand comes behind you, hovering over your back as he walks with you through the lobby. 

If you try you can almost imagine that this really is your boyfriend; that this is just a pleasant evening together for your birthday. But as you step into the plush elevator together and he presses the button for the top floor, you realize that you’d never felt this turned on just by your ex’s presence. 

He moves next to you, leaning against the back wall, inches away. Your awareness floods with him; his subtle cologne, his height, the almost electric tension between you as he stands next to you. 

Though you’re both facing forward you can see his lips twist into a smile in the burnished metal doors. Thoughts run through your mind – How did he get into this profession? What made him choose it? Does he like what he does? Maybe I’ll ask him later, you think.

The elevator stops with a gentle ping and the doors glide open, revealing a blood red carpet leading down a dark grey hallway. You both step out onto the plush carpet, following behind him down to a door on the right at the end.

You inhale a nervous breath as you stare at the door, a large brass number in the middle reads 2703. He reaches down and grabs your hand, drawing your attention back to him. He gives you a reassuring smile, squeezing your hand.

“Tonight’s about you, birthday girl. We won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with, okay?” he says gently.

You nod and he unlocks the door. The room is spacious, elegant, but you hardly notice it. The lights are low, which only further highlights the stunning view. 

You gasp and unconsciously move closer to the double-story windows to get a closer look. He chuckles under his breath and shuts the door before pulling you forward, up to the glass. The city is laid out beneath you, stunning in the evening light.

“It’s pretty incredible, right?” he asks.

You scoff and look over at him. “Yeah, just a tad bit.”

“Would you like a drink?” he asks, moving to the kitchen.

“Sure. Surprise me, I’m not picky” you say and finally tear your gaze away to look back at him. He raises his eyebrow at you as if to say ‘challenge accepted.’

You follow him, leaning against the island in the middle. The cool marble under your palms makes you realize how flushed your skin has become. You have to give it to your best friends, you think as you watch him carefully measure out ingredients, he’s exactly your type.

He pours two drinks and hands you a glass. The dark amber liquid swirls around, accented by a single cherry. You take a sip and he watches your reaction, his eyes drawn to your lips. The Manhattan is perfect; it’s subtle burn warms your stomach.

“Where’d you learn how to make such a flawless drink? Do they have like… escort school or something?” you ask. A beat later your eyes go wide, afraid that you’ve offended him or broken some unspoken rule that you’re not supposed to acknowledge what’s going on here.

But he just smiles at you and lets out a soft laugh. “Nothing that fancy, I’m afraid. I was a bartender in college.”

“Oh,” you laugh. “Well this is excellent, thank you.”

He leans over to clink his glass against yours. “It’s your birthday, after all. I’m glad you like it,” he replies, taking a sip. “So, did you have a good day?”

“Absolutely,” you start. He listens as you tell him about your day, subtly asking questions, drawing you out. He asks about your work, your friends, and makes you both a second drink. 

Before you know it a gentle knock sounds from the door and you realize he’s kept you talking all the way to dinner. He takes two large bags from the person in the hallway and thanks them, shutting the door with his hip. Something smells delicious.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he says with a grin, placing the bags on the counter.

You come around the counter and start poking around in the cabinets, searching for plates. He moves up behind you, his arm reaching up to one of the upper cabinets. Though he doesn’t touch you, his presence surrounds you as he easily locates the plates and pulls out two.

You turn to look at him and laugh. “I guess you’ve been here before,” you say. A beat later you wince and shake your head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

He cuts you off. “No, no. It’s okay. I don’t mind talking about it, if you want.” He pulls out a few containers from the bags and starts dishing up some salad and a mouth-watering chicken dish.

“Are you sure? I’d love to know more about you, but I don’t know what’s appropriate to ask,” you say in a rush.

He laughs, adding two forks and knives and picking up the plates, moving to the table in front of the window. You grab both of your drinks and follow him, sliding into one of the high-backed wood chairs.

“I’ll be honest, I got into this… line of work out of a desire for connection. Not just because the pay is good,” he says and looks down at his drink, a flush coming to his cheeks.

You pick up your fork and take a bite. Of course it’s delicious. “Really? How did you get into this, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Not at all. One of my friends, Hoseok, was working as a private dancer and he had some... disagreements with the manager. He had plenty of clients looking to take things umm, a step farther shall we say,” he says with a raise of his brows that makes you grin into your drink.

“So he started this a few weeks ago with a handful of our friends and some of his former co-workers. He carefully screens our clients - No one married, no one he thinks might become… a problem. No one is chosen for us without our approval too.”

“Well now I’m dying to know what my friends said about me, if you decided that I was sane enough,” you say, lips twisting into a grin. “And I’m also very curious to know who fits the other personality descriptions. Is your friend Hoseok the Christian Grey or the naughty playboy?”

“Oh my god, he mentioned something about profiles but I never asked about it. I’m going to kill him.” He laughs hard, his eyes crinkling and his hand coming to his stomach. “Your friends just said that you were very sweet, with a wicked sense of humor. And that you’d gone through a bad breakup a few months ago and needed someone to pull you out of your shell.”

His kind eyes don’t hold a trace of pity and you relax, reassured that he didn’t take you on just because he felt bad for you. In fact, his gaze is full of amusement as he leans his chin on his hand.

“Hmm, I’m pretty sure that Hoseok is the naughty playboy. Our friend Minhyuk is probably the Christian Grey type. Now you have to answer something in return – what did my profile say that made your friends choose me for you?” he inquires, watching you as he takes another drink.

Now it’s your turn to blush, stalling as you take another bite. “I think it was something along the lines of... a boyfriend experience?” you answer softly, not able to meet his eyes.

When you look up he’s grinning. “Oh really? And what would that look like to you?”

Your jaw drops, caught off guard by the low tone his voice has taken. You decide to throw the question back at him. “What would you think it would look like? It was your personality description, after all.”

He raises a brow and smirks at you, leaning over as he looks you up and down. “Well… if you were my girlfriend and we had –” he flicks his wrist, looking at the time. “Fourteen hours together in this insanely fancy hotel room? I’d have quite a few ideas of what we could do. But I think I’d start by kissing you against the window,” he says, tilting his head toward the tall window next to you.

You down the rest of your drink and meet his eyes across the table; his easygoing nature and obvious attraction to you, along with the two Manhattans, have virtually erased your nerves. You raise your shoulder causally and let it fall.

“I mean, that sounds like a good start to me,” you say with feigned ease. As if just the thought of his lips on yours, his lean body pressing against you, isn’t already making you wet. You brush your lips with your napkin and set it on the table.

He mimics you, also done with his meal. With a last sip he finishes his drink and stands. You watch as he moves to the entertainment system against the wall. A beat later and the sound of jazz music begins echoing through the wide open space. He comes to stand next to you, reaching out a hand to help you stand.

Pulling you up against him, his other hand comes to rest on your back. He takes a few steps back, moving you so you’re pressed against the glass. The cool surface sends a shiver across your skin where it touches your neck and your calves.

When Liz and Alex had said ‘boyfriend experience’ you definitely weren’t prepared for someone who looks like this. He’s even more devastatingly gorgeous up close, his eyes turning a molten shade of amber as he holds you there. He releases your hand and cups your jaw, running his thumb across your lower lip, his own mouth parting in anticipation.

You let out a soft gasp, suddenly desperate to know what kind of kisser he is. Hungry for his skin on yours after so many months without anyone’s touch. He makes a noise, somewhere between a groan and an eager sigh, before bending down and pressing his lips to yours.

His hand tilts your face up, opening you to him, as his mouth works slowly against you. Your eyes close, your hands sliding up his firm chest to grip his shoulders. He steps closer, wedging you between his body and the glass.

You quickly discover that he’s a steady, patient sort of kisser. The slow, sensuous brush of his lips against yours draws needy moans from your throat. His presence surrounds you, commands all of your senses. Eventually you get impatient, needing more. You run your tongue hesitantly along his lower lip, inviting him to take the kiss deeper.

He eagerly follows your suggestion, sliding his tongue against yours. You can taste a faint hint of the whiskey as he moves against you. His hand drifts lower, gripping your hip, his thumb pressing into the sensitive skin there, dangerously close to your aching clit. He swallows your whine of pleasure before pulling back. His eyes search yours for any trace that you’re not enjoying this as much as he is.

“Just tell me if you want me to stop,” he says against your open mouth, breathing heavy.

You shake your head rapidly. “Please, don’t stop,” you sigh, leaning forward to pull his lower lip between your teeth.

He groans; his hand on your jaw dropping to impatiently grab your ass, tugging your lower body closer as he recaptures your lips. He grinds his growing erection against you and you can feel moisture pooling in your core at the press of him. At your hip he draws slow circles with his thumb, closer and closer to where you need him.

After another minute he pulls back, resting his forehead against yours. He draws in a deep breath and lets it out. “I haven’t done this with any of my clients before,” he blurts out. “The most I’ve done is give one a massage. But I’ve got to know how you taste. Would you mind if I went down you?” he asks, his gaze burning into yours, his pupils wide with desire.

Your eyes go wide as the things he’s saying hit you one at a time. He’s never hooked up with a client? And he wants me? Dear lord, his tongue might just kill me. 

You press yourself against him, smirking as you feel his length twitch against your hip. “Do you even have to ask?”

He gives you an ‘are you serious’ look. “Oh, right,” you let out a quick laugh. “Yes, please. For the love of everything holy,” you say in a rush.

He grins and drops to his knees, his hands sliding up the inside of your thighs. You bite your lip in anticipation - every second it takes him to slide your panties off feels like it takes a thousand years. You lift one foot and then the other and finally he tosses them away.

His hands push your dress up to your waist, baring you to him. Your naked ass presses against the cold glass and you yelp in surprise. He chuckles, reaching his hands up to grip the flesh of your cheeks, holding you off the cool surface. 

You open your mouth to say a words of thanks, but before you can get them out he nudges one of your legs over his shoulder and dips his head down to run his tongue along your slit.

You hiss at the sudden pleasure and you look down to see him grin up at you, his lips wet with your arousal. He raises his eyebrows in challenge and moves to lick you again. 

The slow slide of his tongue is maddening, always stopping just short of where you really need him. Just when you’re about to cry out in frustration he finally draws his tongue upward, circling your clit.

Your head falls back against the glass as he flattens his tongue and begins running it in tight circles. Moans fall from you, growing increasingly desperate as your orgasm builds – hastened by his steady pace and firm pressure. 

After a beat he hums against you in approval, encouraged by your obvious enjoyment. The vibration sends you over the edge and you come in a rush, pressing your hands wildly back against the glass to keep you upright.

His strong hands hold you up as your orgasm runs through you, his tongue eagerly lapping up your juices. But as the intensity fades, his movement doesn’t stop. You realize that he’s rapidly leading you towards a second release. The pleasure is so intense it’s almost painful. You unconsciously move a hand to grip his hair, grasping him as your eyes roll back.

You distantly notice that one of his hands has left your ass. A moment later and he’s running it along your slit, dipping in to coat himself in your wetness. You let out a strangled cry as he pressed a finger into you, moving in time with his insistent pace against your clit. An unintelligible curse leaves you as he adds another finger a moment later.

“I – I can’t – It’s too much,” you say desperately as you feel your second orgasm rapidly building, the tension in your core growing again.

He pulls back for a moment. “You know the safe word if it’s too much, right?” he asks in a rush.

“Yeah. It’s – it’s diamond,” you say, your voice high and tight as you try to withstand the motion of his fingers buried inside you.

“That’s right, birthday girl. Use it if you need to,” he says, amusement lacing his voice.

He resumes his assault, his lips pulling at the tight bud, his fingers relentlessly stroking that sensitive spot inside you. His palm on your ass massages you, pulling you closer to him, forcing you to open further to his attention. 

Already so saturated with pleasure, it takes no time for you to come again. After only another minute you cry out, fingers tangling in his hair as another orgasm overtakes you.

Your legs quake, but his strong hands hold you up. He rides out your orgasm, gently removing his fingers and cleaning you up with his tongue. You huff out a laugh as the last of the aftershocks fade out, leaving you feeling boneless and blissed out.

He pulls away a moment later, carefully pulling your dress back down and standing. Your head is still against the glass, your eyes pressed shut. Breathing out a sigh, he pulls you to him, resting your head on his chest as his hands come to your back to hold you against him.

As soon as your breathing returns to normal you look up at him. You blink rapidly as you take in his handsome face, smiling proudly down at you. 

He’s so sweet you can’t help but tilt up on your heels and capture his lips with yours. You can taste yourself on his tongue and the realization makes you moan softly against his mouth.

When you pull back he’s watching you, his desire obvious. His erection is insistently pressed against your thigh. You look up at him through your lashes as you settle back onto your heels.

“How would you feel about taking things further?” you ask carefully. You can’t tell if he wants you or if you’re just so lost in your lust that you imagine that he does.

“Oh, thank God,” he says and lets out a breath of relief. “I’m totally fine with just pleasuring you tonight. But if you’re sure, I’d happily fuck you all night long.”

You grin at his words; his eagerness makes you clench your thighs together in anticipation. “I should hope so, it is my birthday after all,” you say, teasing.

He grabs your hand in his, walking backward through the spacious living room to the bedroom, his eyes not leaving yours. “Mm, yes. A boyfriend would definitely make sure you’re taken care of today.”

His shoulder bumps against the doorway and he fumbles around trying to find the lightswitch in the dim lighting. He finally finds it, laughing softly at himself as he flips it on. A pair of low side table lights come to life, highlighting a large, decadent bed and yet another beautiful view of the city. But you’re well past caring about that right now, only focused on returning his attention from earlier.

You step around him and sit on the bed, giving him a wry grin as you loop your fingers into his belt loops and tug him between your spread legs. He furrows his brow as you undo his belt. You make quick work of his pants – undoing the button and the zipper, sliding them down his legs, along with his boxer-briefs.

“You don’t have to – oh, fuck,” he stutters as you take him in your hand, bringing him to your mouth.

He bucks into you as you lick around the head. Looking up you see him watching you through hooded eyes, biting his lip, fascinated by your attention to his cock. When you wrap your lips around him and start sucking he groans, his head falling back.

You bring your other hand up and start stroking him, following the back-and-forth motion of your mouth. His hand absently reaches up to tangle in your hair. You swirl your tongue around him and he pants in pleasure, his hand tightening.

“God, I need to be inside you. Now,” he says, tilting his head up to meet your eyes.

You nod, smirking as you release him and scoot back on the bed. He kicks off his shoes and pants and moves to the side table. After a beat he triumphantly holds up a condom and you laugh, his excitement sweet and somehow perfect for the moment. You reach down and pull off your heels, throwing them to the floor as he sheaths himself.

He climbs onto the bed after you. His hands frantically shove your dress up and you lift your hips to help him. You reach out your hands to his chest, moving around to hold onto his back as he positions himself at your entrance. The music is fainter in here, away from the living room, and the wet sound of him sliding into you is almost sinfully erotic in the quiet space.

He’s larger than you were expecting; you gasp as he easily slides in, stretching you out. His mouth falls open in a silent cry of pleasure. He braces his hands above your head, closing his eyes as he takes a moment to adjust to the feeling of you around him. When he opens them he stares down at you, his lips tilting up into a broad smile.

“Still doing okay?” he asks softly, touching you with his concern.

“Yeah. Just a bit sensitive, but it’s not too –” he pulls out abruptly before snapping his hips and filling you again. “Fuck,” you cry out. 

At this angle he’s rubbing against the still-sensitive spot inside you, brushing up against your sensitive clit. He smirks down at you and you purse your lips at him.

“If I knew your name, I’d be cursing you right now,” you say, fighting a grin.

“Oh, right. I should probably tell you, since you’ll be screaming it all night - it’s Hyungwon,” he says with a wink.

You roll your eyes and giggle at him. The laughter dies in your throat as he pulls back and starts moving against you. You’ve had two orgasms already, while he must be ready to burst at this point. But he’s still the gentleman, wanting to get you off yet again before he finds his release.

You wrap your legs around his back, leaning into his thrusts. Past the point of coherent words, you just grip his waist and hang on. He works his hips against you, pressing himself in a maddening circle against your inner walls. You blindly reach out, grabbing the comforter in your fists.

A thin sheen of sweat forms on his forehead. He pants as he grinds against you, his needy groans joining your whines. You clench yourself around him as you get close once again, feeling yourself come apart beneath him. Muttered praise falls from his lips and you can tell he’s on the brink. He lifts a hand, moving it to your tender clit to trace a loose circle.

One swirl of his finger is all it takes. A scream tears itself from your lips as you find your release again, the intensity of it leaving you breathless. After a beat he resumes his thrusting, his movements desperate and hurried. He comes in a rush, filling the condom with a groan. 

He lets out a long sigh, releasing your thighs and moving to rest on top of you, holding his weight off you with his elbows. He drops an affectionate kiss to your lips, smiling down at you as he pulls back, turning so you’re facing each other. As your breathing returns to normal you close your eyes and rest your head against his chest.

“So, how about a shower?” he asks after several minutes, lifting a hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

“That sounds perfect,” you say with a grin, pulling him down for a quick kiss before you sit up.

You make fast work of your dress and the rest of his clothes. It takes you both a minute to figure out how to work the complicated shower head, but eventually you sort it out. He pulls you against him under the hot water, his mouth pressing kisses along your jaw. He insists on giving you one more orgasm, with his talented fingers, before he lets you leave. 

By the time you dry off and crawl into bed you’re both exhausted and you pass out together in a tangle of limbs. You drift off to sleep, a satisfied smile on your lips as he wraps an arm around your waist.

You open your eyes, blinking in confusion as you take in the unfamiliar room in the morning light. Turning your head slightly you see Hyungwon behind you and the night flashes before your eyes. You blush, remembering his hands on you, his lips, his tongue. His everything, you think with a smile.

His hand rests on your hip, his other arm underneath your head under the pillow. His steady breath brushes across your naked shoulder. You turn in his arms, facing him. Before you can stop yourself you reach out a hand and run it over his cheek. Of all the things you were expecting when you walked into this building, you weren’t prepared for him.

His eyes flutter open, a grin forming on his lips as he takes in your messy hair, the fond look in your eyes. “Morning,” he says, pulling you in for a quick kiss.

“I’d say we should order in some breakfast, but I should get up if I have to be ready by ten,” you say, looking over at the clock.

He drops a kiss to your shoulder and pushes himself up, moving on top of you. You giggle as he presses kisses to your forehead, your cheeks, your eyelids.  

“I think I can get us an exception.” He reaches over to pick up the phone on the bedside table and starts dialing a number. A beat later you can hear a muffled male voice answer.

“Hey H – yeah, yeah, it went great. Fantastic actually. We’re going to need the room a little longer, is that okay?” he says, listening to his friend’s answer, his eyes crinkling as he smiles down at you. “Perfect, thanks.”

He hangs up the phone and turns his attention back to you. “Now, where were we?” He leans down to leave a trail of kisses down your jaw to your throat. “If we order breakfast now that would give us a good... twenty minutes. Hmm, what do you think we could do to fill that time?” he asks, feigning casualness. 

“I’m sure we can find something,” you tease, moving your hands to his face, pulling him up to kiss him properly.

[jrubalcaba]

Can’t Help Falling In Love - Ch. 13

Can't Help Falling In Love Chapter 13- A Steve x OFC fanfiction

author: jrubalcaba

featuring: OFC Evelyn “Evie” Collins x Steve Rogers

word count: 1625 words

rating: PG

warnings: cussing, shooting the bird

A/N: shout out to @celeb-fest for her beta work. 

I felt so nervous. Today was a big deal. It wasn't just Bruce's birthday, at least for me. Today has the potential to change my life. I've been incredibly anxious all day long, and now, it's go time.

Once I was done getting ready, I pulled Bruce's present out of its hiding place and walked out to the living room. Everyone but Bruce was there, waiting on him. I walked up to Steve, putting my arm around his waist as he kissed the top of my head. “Hey baby. You bring your present?” he asked. I nodded and held it up.

“Yep. Got it right here. I just want y'all to know,” I spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention, “that my gift is going to out-do all of yours, so don't feel bad.” There were ‘haha’s or ‘whatever’s in response.

“Dr. Banner is on his way here in the elevator,” F.R.I.D.A.Y announced. We all stood quietly, waiting for him to arrive. The doors opened and Bruce stepped out, slowly walking over to where we were assembled.

“Uh...good evening. Something I should know about?” he asked warily. We all laughed before Tony walked forward and handed him an envelope.

“Happy Birthday Bruce. We all got you something, and we're all going out for dinner tonight, in your honor.” Bruce smiled before opening his gift.

“You guys don't have to do that. A trip to Bora Bora? Thanks Tony.” The men embraced before Natasha and Sam walked up with their gift. “A bottle of the finest vodka and the finest bourbon. Thanks guys.”

One by one everyone gave Bruce their gift. Thor also gave him liquor, but it was for ‘the other guy’. Rhodey and Sam got Bruce snowboarding lessons and a chance to go skydiving. Wanda and Vision went in together and got him a full hour massage session. Steve, Bucky and Alice booked Bruce some time at a local boxing gym, their services included. Clint gave him a stress free weekend at his farm, along with pictures drawn by Clint’s kids. Finally, it was my turn.

“Alright everyone, glad y'all saved the best for last,” I joked as I stepped forward. Everyone laughed as I handed the present to Bruce, my heart racing and hands trembling slightly. He chuckled before pulling the wrapping paper off and opening the box. He paused as he read the front of the document inside, before he hurriedly sat on the nearby couch. My heart jumped up into my throat as he read more of the paperwork. After a moment, he glanced up at me, eyes brimming with tears.

“Is this for real?” He asked shakily. I nodded, sniffling as I tried to keep my own tears at bay. He looked back at the papers and smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen. He stood up and grabbed me in a bear hug. I hugged him back and we stood there, the rest of the team sharing puzzled looks. After a while, we broke apart, before Bruce picked up the paperwork and walked over to the bar, looking for a pen.

“Uh Bruce? What's going on? What's in the box?” Tony asked hesitantly. Bruce finally located a pen and began to sign the document, answering Tony as he flipped pages.

“Evie gave me the best gift ever,” he called over his shoulder. He finished signing the last page with a flourish and turned to face everyone. “These are adoption papers. As soon as these are filed, Evie will officially be my daughter.” There was a collective gasp, followed by an ‘aww’ from Wanda.

“That is the sweetest thing I've ever seen,” she cooed. I could see that most of the team didn't understand, so I explained.

“Growing up, I was passed around from relative to relative. By the time I would get settled in, I was dumped onto the next person. I don't remember my real parents, and all I know about them is that I severely cut in on their drug habits.” I looked over at Bruce and smiled fondly. “So, for Bruce to take me under his wing the way he did has meant the world to me. And since he has no children of his own, this is a win-win for both of us.” Nods and murmurs of agreement came from everyone.

“Well, it looks like we have more to celebrate than just Bruce,” Tony declared, clapping his hands. I shook my head as everyone made to board the elevator.

“No this is still just Bruce's day. These won't be official for a while, and that's even if they're approved.” Tony looked put out, and I grinned. “Don't worry Tony. If and when these are approved and certified, we can all celebrate then. Promise.” He smiled at that before motioning for me to enter before him.

Once we were all in, the elevator closed and we descended to the garage. Bucky, Alice, Steve and I all got into my Jeep, and we headed to the restaurant that Tony had reserved for us.

“So adoption?” Steve started. I chuckled before grabbing his hand.

“Yes. I didn't want anyone to know, otherwise I would have told you first.” I didn't think this would bother Steve.

“No it's fine. Just never saw it coming is all.” He squeezed my hand as he followed Tony through the traffic. I could tell he was still tense about something, as he avoided my eyes.

“Just think Steve. Now you have someone you can get permission from,” Bucky pointed out.

“Permission for what?” I asked, turning to stare at him.

“Buck…” Steve warned.

“Bucky, drop it,” Alice chimed in. He grinned at her before turning back to me.

“You're Steve's girlfriend right?” I nodded in confirmation. He snuck a peek at Steve before going on.

“James Buchanan Barnes, shut your fucking mouth before I shut it for you,” Steve growled, their eyes meeting in the rear view mirror. Alice slapped her hand over his mouth in an attempt to shut him up before he went too far, but he was able to lean away and keep talking, smirking at Steve.

“What's the one thing that an old-fashioned guy like Steve would want to ask his girlfriend’s dad for permission to do?” He looked back at Steve to gauge his reaction. I glanced over too, slightly alarmed at what I saw.  

“Steve, relax before you break my car,” I warned. He loosened his grip on my steering wheel before shooting Bucky a death glare. “Take her out? No he's already doing that. Uh…” I trailed off, thinking. “Oh, asking for her hand in mar-” Oh my god. There's no way. Bucky nodded at me knowingly as a literal growl came from Steve. Alice and I made eye contact, worried about the tension between our boys.

We had finally made it to the restaurant parking lot. Steve had barely hit the brakes before Bucky was scrambling out of the door. Steve put the Jeep in park, turned off the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt and turned the lights off, all in a matter of seconds, before he too was out the door and chasing Bucky down. Alice and I slowly made our way to the rest of the group, watching the two super soldiers throw snow at and chase each other.

“What's going on with those two?” Nat asked as we walked up.

“Bucky let loose a secret and Steve's pissed,” Alice replied. Bucky came running back, Steve hot on his tail. I reached out and grabbed my boyfriend's arm, pulling him towards me, as Alice did the same to Bucky.

“Hey, you guys go ahead. I wanna talk to Steve alone,” I told them. He huffed in defeat as everyone walked into the restaurant, flipping Bucky off as he followed them inside.

“Sorry about that. It's been awhile since we played in the snow. We're not huge fans of it anymore,” he apologized, wrapping his arms around me to warm me up.

“It's ok. Look, if he was being serious, then you don't have to ask for permission. I know it's what men did in your day and age, but nowadays it's not something that's routinely practiced.” Steve was staring at the ground, not wanting to look me in the eyes. “The answer will be ‘yes’ regardless if you get permission or not,” I assured him, ducking to catch his eyes. A smile slowly crept over his face as he realized what I meant.

“That's your answer then?”

“Yes.” He swung me around before setting me back on my feet and kissing me. I smiled against his lips before pulling back. “I'm not into having an audience during moments like this, so I'm good if you are. But, if you had something planned out, go for it. My answer won't change.” He smiled before putting his arm around my shoulder and walking into the restaurant.

“It's good to know your answer and that it won't change. I did have something planned but, if you're ok with this then I won't bother.” He look crestfallen at the thought of not being able to get down on one knee.

“No I want you to do it. I can tell you'll be bummed out if you don't get to do it the way you wanted, so please, by all means, do it,” I offered. He laughed and nodded.

“Ok.”

“Besides, we need a ring first,” I pointed out. I glanced up at him and did a double take. He was smiling his wolfy smile again. “You already have it, don't you?” His smile got bigger before the hostess asked our names.

“Oh, we’re with Tony Stark.” She smiled and led us to the table.

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[choicessa]

Now We Are Free (Drake x MC)

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake x MC (Elizabeth)

Words: ~3400

Summary: The conspiracy against Elizabeth has been resolved, her name cleared and now she can finally choose to be with the man she loves…

Note: No Drake scenes last chapter, no quality time with my man and I had to pour out my frustration here, because I swear to God, I love slow burn but THIS, this is too much and this ship will be death to me one day… Also someone stop me from naming my fics after song titles…

As always tagging my dear friend @mariawalkerwrites, hope you will like it ❤️

“You know you don’t have to walk me back?” Elizabeth sighed, looking at Drake with corner of her eyes, when he was following her through the castle halls, almost like a second shadow.

“But of course I do!”

“Are you afraid I get lost or something and will cause another scandal?” She joked and Drake rolled his eyes.

“No…” He started slowly and suddenly he stopped, putting hands on girl’s arms, holding her in one place, his serious gaze locked on her right now. “Listen, Harris… Even if you’re name is officially  cleared – you can’t feel safe yet. We don’t know how many people were behind all of this and some of them could still wish you harm. So until Liam will take care of it – we can’t risk anything.”

“So I need a bodyguard, huh?”

Drake sighed, taking hands from her arms.

“Maybe not a bodyguard, but… someone to look after you. At least for a next few days.”

Liz raised her brow.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing that I have you.” She smiled warmly at him, turning around, her steps echoing in a dark corridor when she moved towards her room. “You going?”

Drake rolled his eyes again but with a small smile appearing on his lips, when he moved after her.

It was finally over. The whole situation they were stuck in for the last months just ended tonight, almost like a nightmare that fades away in the morning. One moment she was still considered a doubtful addition to the court, a huge question mark and now? Now her name was cleared and apparently she was just a victim of a terrible plot against her. Oh how quickly people could change their minds only to stay in the centre of attention… But her friends claimed she can’t feel save yet, not until Liam will handle it and punish people responsible for the conspiracy. But until that time… She apparently needed protection. Elizabeth looked with corner of her eyes at Drake, walking next to her and a ghost of smile appeared on her lips. Lucky for her, she would never mind that kind of company, keeping her save.

“How are you holding up Harris?” Drake asked suddenly, looking at her carefully and Liz raised her eyes at him.

“Good. Truly, I’m feeling fine.” She nodded. “It’s quite a feeling after all those months, isn’t it?” She laughed nervously.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” He asked again, trying not to sound too worried.

But he was worried. About her. After everything that happened, after all those months, lived under such pressure – was she really feeling good now?

“Of course I am!” Elizabeth ensured him with a smile. “Really, I am stronger than I look, Drake.” She raised a brow, looking at him meaningfully.

“I’ve never doubted that…” He smiled lightly, casually leaning against the doorframe when they reached her room, his hands hidden in his jeans pockets, his gaze wandering around, almost deliberately avoiding Liz. “Soo…” he cleared his throat, suddenly not knowing what else to say.

“Soo…” Liz shrugged and raised corners of her lips in a smile. “Thanks for walking me here.”

“Always a pleasure.” He smiled.

Silence fell between them, yet no one wanted to say goodbye first, almost like they craved to hold onto this moment as long as they could. Until finally Drake sighed, moving his hand through his hair.

“It’s been a long day. You should get some rest, Harris…” He said, taking a step towards her.

“You should get some of it as well. After all you were the one running after Tariq, chasing him through the gardens. Not to mention the moment when you almost took a bath in one of the fountains…” A wide grin appeared on her face.

“Ugh, you didn’t have to bring this back…” Drake rolled his eyes and sighed. “I looked pretty stupid, didn’t I?”

“Well…” Liz shrugged, a smug smile appearing in her lips. “I guess I have a right to remain silent…”

Drake snorted, a few wrinkles appearing in corners of his eyes when he smiled. After seconds of hesitation he reached out to her, gently grabbing her chin and raising it and Liz smiled, trying to ignore the crazy beating of her heart, caused so suddenly by his single touch. Drake brushed her cheek with a thumb, gently putting some of her hair behind her ear, his gaze slowly moving across her face. Liz opened her mouth but before any single word left them, Drake leaned down, pressing kiss to her lips. It was sweet, it was gentle and definitely too short when he pulled back, smiling to her once again.

“Goodnight, Harris.” He whispered, brushing her lips with a kiss for the last time.

“Goodnight, Drake.”

Almost like hypnotized she got into her room, looking at Drake one last time before closing the door. They shut with a silent click and suddenly she was alone in a dark room, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She leaned her back against the door, closing her eyes.

Was it really over? Was all of this true? Or maybe it was just a sweet dream which will wake her up, leaving with disappointment? Not opening her eyes she pinched herself slightly and winced. Nope, that was definitely real. So did it mean… Was she finally capable of doing anything she wanted? Choosing the life she craved? Reaching for her happy ending? Suddenly she opened her eyes.

It was the moment she had been waiting for, for such a long time. The moment she and Drake talked about more than once. The moment when she was again in a position where she was free to marry Liam, accept his hand and everything he had to offer. The moment of truth. And the truth was she didn’t want to fight for Liam anymore. She had known about it for a long time and even now there was no one and nothing that would change her mind. Because now she could finally be with a man she truly loved.

Liz raised her hand and gently moved a finger across her lips, still feeling the touch of Drake’s kisses on them. They still didn’t talk about… pretty much anything. She didn’t have a chance to ensure him that after all of this – she still wants to be with him. There was never a proper moment, a suitable words to say it all and that was probably a mistake. After all, they’ve already wasted so much time… Making a sudden decision, she turned around, facing the wooden door in front of her and taking a deep breath she opened them in a one swift movement. To her own surprised, she saw Drake, still standing in the middle of the hall, the way she left him just a few moments ago, almost like he froze in that one place and didn’t leave.

“You’re still here…” Liz spoke hesitantly, her voice quiet as a whisper.

“I am…”

There was some kind of unspoken understanding between them, when their eyes met, like they understood each other even without saying anything, almost like no words were needed because they simply knew. Liz made a step towards him, reaching to him and took his hand, Drake almost immediately laced his fingers with hers and Elizabeth pulled him closer, leading him into her room. He followed her without a single word of protest, right now he was ready to follow her anywhere, just to be next to her. The heavy doors closed behind them and suddenly all they could hear was dead silence in the room, interrupted only by their ragged breaths. Not one of them bothered to even turn the lights on. It was unnecessary, the moonlight coming through the open windows was enough. It felt like hours when they were standing there, in silence, Drake’s eyes seemed darker than ever before, reflecting the silver light of the moon.

Elizabeth didn’t know who moved first but soon their lips met together in a kiss, their arms tangled together, pulling their bodies closer to each other. It seemed as if they wanted to express all their feelings with this one kiss, show how they  really feel without unnecessary words. Drake closed her in a firm grip of his arms even more tightly, and they stayed together like this, lips joining in perfect kisses, warm breaths mixing together, two bodies brushing against each other, hearts now beating in one rhythm. Liz could feel Drake’s hands possessively grabbing her waist when he clung to her almost desperately, their lips not separating even for just moment and Liz began to step back under the pressure of his body. Her back hit the wall and a quiet moan escaped her lips before she was silenced by another kiss, pressed to her lips with such hunger and desperation she never felt before. It was almost like Drake was trying to make up for their wasted time, all those missed moments, unfulfilled dreams and cravings. His left hand that held her waist suddenly slid down as Drake moved it, going lower and lower, until he finally grabbed her thigh and raised her leg, wrapping it around his waist, almost like he couldn’t stand any inch of free space between them. Liz gasped when his warm body pressed her to the cold walls and she grabbed his face in her hands, answering his kisses eagerly. The whole world seemed to shrank to Drake and his presence when he was pulling her closer and closer, kissing her like the world was meant to end and this was their last time together.

And suddenly he broke the kiss. Liz opened her eyes, surprised, still stunned by what had just happened when Drake leaned forward, resting his forehead on hers, his warm breath brushed her skin.

“What?” Liz asked nervously, a silent question in her eyes, their foreheads still joined together, as they leaned against each other.

Drake just shook his head, raising one corner of his lips in a half-smile.

“Nothing, it’s just… I still can’t believe this is over…” He finally said and Liz smiled at his words.

“I know, right? Madeleine was made to leave the court, Tariq confessed that he took part in framing me, my name was cleared and now I…”

“You are free to marry Liam…”

Liz froze hearing his words and rest of her thought died on her lips when she gently pushed him back, slowly moving away from the wall and her steel gaze almost pierced through Drake.

“Are you serious, Drake? Now you’re bringing this up?” Her voice was filled with disbelief when she was staring at him with shock on her face.

“Harris…”

“One moment we’re making out and next moment you’re pulling this out again!?” She almost unconsciously raised her voice, taking another step back.

“Liz…”

“Unbelievable!” She snorted and threw her hands in the air, moving away from him, while still shaking her head in disbelief.

“Listen, Harris…”

“It’s just unbelievable!”

“Harris, wait… I’m sorry, I just…”

“You what, Drake?” She turned around to look at him, her eyes narrowed in anger when she crossed her arms on her chest, waiting at him expectantly.

He didn’t answer at first. He sighed heavily until finally he moved slowly towards her, standing right in front of her.

“I just… I can’t believe a girl like you would choose someone like me…”

Something softened in her gaze when she heard his words and her once crossed arms fell down as Liz sighed heavily.

“Drake, listen…”

“When I’m with you…” He continued, almost like he didn’t hear her words. “I feel like someone will suddenly jump out of the corner and start laughing at me, telling me it was just a joke… That all of this was just a joke…”

“Drake…” Her voice was full of pain now, a pain that he couldn’t see how amazing he was. The pain that no matter what she did, what she told, he still couldn’t believe that she loves him. That she is madly, endlessly in love with him.

“I know, I know… you would never do this to me, Harris, but…  Every time I’m with you…” His voice trailed off when he raised his hand, his fingers tracing the outline of her lips, his longing gaze slipping over her face, his thumb stroking her lower lip. “I lost so many people in my life and I am afraid that…” Once again he went silent for a second, his hand reaching for her hair and for a moment he played with them, curling her strands on his finger, then straightening them, his longing gaze never leaving her face. “I am afraid that at some point I will lose you too and that, Harris, that would be too much…”

Her brows were furrowed when she raised on her tiptoes to kiss him, her lips eagerly, yet gently finding his, pressing to them. He gave up immediately, after all he was never the one to ever resist her. His arms closed around her, pulling her into tight embrace, his lips moving slowly against her mouth, kissing her again and again.

“You won’t lose me…” Murmured Liz, between their kisses. “Actually I have a really bad news for you, because right now you are stuck with me, Walker.”

He smiled. That was a genuine, pure smile, so rare on his face, the one she cherished so much. Without another word he took her in his arms, closing her warm body in his embrace and Liz threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She didn’t know for how long they stayed like that, until finally she opened her eyes, realizing something.

It was time.

„Drake?” Elizabeth began suddenly, still hugged to him, her left arm wrapped tight around his neck and shoulders, while her right hand sank into his hair, clenching his fingers on the strands of his hair.

„Mhhm?” He muttered, his voice muffled as he was cuddling her, his head leaning against her shoulder, his nose hidden in her hair, inhaling her scent.

She hesitated. For a few seconds she doubted herself, afraid that maybe after all it wasn’t a good moment to say that. But she waited for so long, for too long… Liz took a deep breath, before three little words finally left her lips.

„I love you.”

His relaxed body stiffened as soon as words left her mouth. She felt it. Drake slowly loosened the grip of his arms around her and he stepped back a bit, so that his eyes, wide open in surprise, now stared at her face.

“What did you say?” He asked slowly.

Liz sighed heavily.

“I said…” She started once again, leaning to him.

Taking his face in her palms Liz looked at him, straight into his eyes, like she wanted to let him know, to finally let him realize that she chooses him. That she always did and she always will.

“I said that I love you, Drake.” She repeated. “I do love you, and only you…”

He needed to know, she had to say that, because she was tired of hiding it. For a longer moment Drake didn’t say a single word, his wide open eyes looking at her in awe, like he still couldn’t believe what she was saying, like he didn’t trust his senses that those words were actually leaving her lips.

“Harris…” He started, but never finished.

Elizabeth smiled, it was just a small smile, with corners of her lips barely raised and the ghost of sadness crossed her face, when she cupped his face, slowly and gently stroking skin on his cheeks. She was still seeing disbelief in his eyes and it was breaking her heart that after all this time she still had to prove all her feelings to him.

“Why is it so hard to believe me?” She finally asked quietly, brushing away a few strands of hair from his forehead.

“Because comparing Liam and me, I’m just…”

“Oh for God’s sake!” She snorted annoyed, again taking a step back from him and Drake almost painfully felt the lack of her touch on his face when she moved away from him. “Forget about Liam! It’s not about him!”

“But…”

“There is no ‘but’! I’m tired of it, Drake! How many times do I have to prove it to you? How many times must I show you? How many times should I repeat it for you to finally believe me? I love you, Drake. I love you, I love you, I love you! I am free to choose Liam, to become his queen and yet I am right here with you. Because I’m choosing you, Drake! Even if you’re an asshole sometimes, annoying and complaining about everything – you’re the only one that I want!”

She was standing in the middle of her room, breathing heavily, a wave of conflicting emotions flooding her mind and body. She wanted to slap him. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to push him, shake him, make him finally see and understand her feelings won’t ever change. And yet at the same time she wanted to bury into his arms once again, kissing him breathlessly. Instead she did nothing, with her lips pressed together in a thin line she was just looking at him, waiting for an answer, waiting for… anything.

“Harris, I… I…” Drake stuttered, his mind suddenly blank, when he didn’t know what to say or what to do right now.

She loved him. She really did care for him. A girl she loved more than anything in this world decided to choose him too. Despite everything. Because of everything. He sighed and suddenly his head fell on his chest.

“I just don’t want you to ever regret it…” He finally said.

Liz hesitantly took a step towards him, once again standing in front of him.

“I won’t. Believe me, I won’t.” Her voice was quiet as a whisper but full of confidence when she said that.

“I’ll take your word for that, Harris.” He joked, finally allowing himself to smile.

Liz shook her head with amusement and she raised on her tiptoes to kiss him once again but this time, he didn’t let her. She looked at him, surprised, unsure but Drake just took her hands, closing them in a strong grip, realizing that they are shuddering, just as his. He pulled her closer, pressing her palms to his chest and Liz felt the quickened beat of his heart under her fingers, when he looked at her, straight into her eyes, his sight piercing through her.

“Harris, I…” He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, his next words confident when he finally said them. “I love you too, Elizabeth.”

He knew all of her smiles. The playful ones when she was always so eager to tease him, taking strange satisfaction from it; the shy smiles followed by the shrug of her shoulders every time she said something she regretted or when something slipped out of her mouth when she wanted to actually avoid it; her wide grins when she and Maxwell were doing something crazy and pretty much inappropriate again and those little smiles full of happiness, reserved only for him. He knew them all, but the one he saw right now was something new. A shy one, when blush appeared on her cheeks and corners of her lips raised in a smile. A smile that lit her eyes up with excitement, her heart suddenly overwhelmed with this new feeling, the feeling of being loved; a smile that appeared on her face when Liz noticed something new on Drake’s face, something tender, something soft, the look of adoration, she never thought she’d ever witness. He leaned down to her, kissing the tip of her nose and Liz smiled even more, closing her eyes when they foreheads touched. They didn’t have to rush, they didn’t have to fight for every moment spend together anymore. Right now they had all the time in the world…

“Harris?” Drake asked suddenly.

“Mhmm?”

“Now what?”

Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Now?” She asked with a smile, her eyes locked on his, her fingers gently caressing skin on his cheeks. “Now we are finally free…”

[negasonicteenagemess]

Snacks and Roses || Peter Parker Imagine

Paring: Peter Parker x reader

Word Count: 1607

Request: nah homie

A/N: i didn’t proof read it, I’m sorry. And sorry if you’re allergic to roses

Y/N sat with Liz in the lunchroom , hearing their friends talking about Spider-Man once again. “He brings hope to the city. It’s like, we know that someone is looking out for us.” One of them said. Y/N thought about all the things the man has done for the city. I wonder if his life is good, if he’s happy in his real life, Y/N thought.

The topic was quickly changed when an announcement for Homecoming was made over the blaring intercom. “Students, don’t forget to buy your tickets for Homecoming next Friday.” The voice boomed, making all of the students start talking about the event.

Liz turned to Y/N, “So,” she said taking a bite from her food, “who are you going to the dance with?” All of their friends tuned in to what the two girls were saying.

Y/N shrugged her shoulders. She wanted to go with Peter Parker, the smartest kid at Midtown High, if she went in the first place. Homecoming is going to be crowded and loud, with a bunch of annoying kids. Y/N didn’t want that. “I don’t think I’m going, actually. I’m probably gonna spend my night watching TV or something.” Y/N said, shaking her head like it was nothing.

“But Y/N,” one of her friends said enthusiastically, “You have to go! Peter is probably going, you should too!” She nodded her head behind Y/N. Y/N looked behind her to see Peter and Ned eating their lunch a few tables away. But he’s going to be dancing and hanging out with a girl that isn’t me, she thought.

Y/N smiled, “As much as I would love to go with him, it’s not gonna happen. He’s probably taking a super pretty girl with him and he’ll have a blast. Just,” she trailed off, starting to get quieter,“just not with me.” Y/N sighed, slumping her shoulders. Liz looked over at her giving her a sympathetic smile. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to. It would be nice if you went though.”

Y/N returned the smile, “Thanks for understanding Liz.” Liz nodded her head, “Anytime.” She gave her attention back to her friends to hear the rest of their thoughts.

Peter Parker sat a few tables away, having the same conversation that Y/N was having. “Are you going to ask her to Homecoming?” Ned asked Peter looked at his friend as if he was crazy. “W-What? No. Never. I can barely form a sentence around her, let alone ask her out.” Peter said as he gazed down at his lap. He looked back up to her, admiring her from behind. Y/N turned around and Peter quickly looked away and muttered “Oh God.”

Ned looked confused at the teenager. Peter’s face was beet red, “I think she saw me. Oh God,oh God, she saw me staring at her man.”

Ned looked over at the girl who was now facing her friends talking. “I don’t think she did. Just breathe, she probably didn’t see. I mean you turned your head so fast that you might have whiplash.” He chuckled. Peter sighed, “Maybe you’re right.”

“Right about what?” Michelle asked as she reached the table with the two boys.

“Well, I asked Peter if he was asking Y/N to the dance and he started staring at her. She turned around and might’ve caught him.” Ned explained to the Michelle as she sat down. Peter hit Ned’s shoulder with the back of his hand, “Dude. Seriously?”

“What?” Ned asked, completely clueless at Peter’s new beacon of embarrassment. Before their bickering cold continue, Michelle started talking. “Actually, while I was walking over here, I heard that she wasn’t going. And I might’ve heard,” she stated trying to be dramatic, “that she was super bummed out that you were probably going with a different girl that isn’t her.”

Peter sat shocked. “You’re lying.” He said. There is no way that the girl he has had a crush on for years, is into him. Him of all people.

“I wouldn’t lie about true love, Parker.” Michelle replied, kind of mockingly.

“How are you going to ask her?” Ned asked. Peter was messing with the cuffs of her sleeves. “I-I don’t think I will.”

Ned looked shocked. “You have to. You finally have a chance to be with her.” Peter looked around, “I’m too scared. Besides, she said she didn’t want to go and I respect that.”

“Your loss,” Michelle said opening one of her books.

It was the Friday night of Homecoming and Y/N sat on her couch surrounded by her fluffy blankets, with a show paused on the TV screen and a water bottle in hand. She was on her phone talking to Liz, giving some advice for her outfit. “Should I wear the silver earrings I got for my birthday?” Liz asked. “Yeah, they match your dress very well.” Y/N replied, taking a sip of her drink.

“Y/N are you sure you don’t want to go? I might have an extra dress.” Liz asked, she didn’t want her friend to be alone while everyone else was having a blast.

“Yeah I’m sure. I’m fine with my TV shows and blankets. Go have fun!” Y/N stated, assuring the girl that everything would be fine. “You sure?” Liz asked, wanting to make sure her friend was okay.

“100%.” Y/N replied with a smile on her fave that she knew Liz couldn’t see. “Alright, I have to go. My date is here. If you need anything call me.” Liz said, while Y/N heard shuffling in the background. “See you later Ms. Allen.” Y/N said chuckling to herself. “You too.”

Y/N sat on the cuddled into her blankets as she clicked play on her TV remote. As soon as the show started, there was knock on the front door. Y/N was confused, was it Liz? She got up to answer the door.

Y/N opened the door, do just her body was seen. She was greeted with the smiling yet nervous face of Peter Parker, holding a bouquet of red roses with a backpack on his back and a couple grocery bags filled with chips, candy and other snacks. Y/N stood in front of him, lips parted slightly.

“P-Peter. What are you doing here?” She asked with wide eyes. Peter glanced down at his old shoes. “I heard that you were, uh,” he looked back up at her, “I heard you were spending the night in on-on Homecoming so, I wanted to join you. If that’s okay.” He stammered biting his bottom lip.

Y/N smiled widely, opening the door all the way. “Come on in.” If it was anyone else at the door, she would’ve probably made up an excuse. But it wasn’t anyone else, it was her crush. Peter smiled back. He walked through the door, waiting for her to indicate where he could go.

Y/N shut the door and moved to face him. Peter looked at the flowers in his hand, “These are f-for you.” He handed you the flowers.

The girl smiled, “Thanks Pete.” She called me Pete, was all he could think about as Y/N went to put the flowers in a vase. She quickly came back after putting the vase in a good spot.

“You can sit down Peter.” Y/N said as he followed her to the couch.

“Seems like you were having a real party, huh?” Peter said sarcastically with a small smile on his lips, seeing the TV and her blankets. “What gave it away?” Y/N replied back with the same amount of sarcasm.

“I brought food.” Peter emptied out the two grocery bags with the snacks onto the couch between the two of them. Y/N smiled. Tonight was going to be fun.

Peter turned and looked at the clock to see it was one in the morning. All night was spent with him and Y/N getting to know each other,cracking jokes, and watching bad late night TV shows. It was like they had known each other for their entire lives. She fell asleep a while ago, her head resting on Peter’s chest, with a blanket wrapped securely around the pair. He sat there, playing with her hair, glad that he skipped Homecoming. Peter sighed contently, looking back up at the TV which now had the news on. A robbery at fifth and third. “Shit,” he muttered, moving Y/N off of his chest and onto the couch.

He dashed out her front door with only his backpack in hand, with his Spider-Man suit inside.

Y/N woke up 10 the next morning still on the couch, with all the snacks from last night littering the floor. It was fun hanging out with Peter. She was kind of happy that she didn’t spend Homecoming alone. She searched for her phone to check the time. Once she found the device she saw a text from Peter.

Hey, sorry I had to leave. My Aunt called me and said that I had to go back home. Maybe we can do this again sometime at my place?

Y/N smiled at the text. Maybe I can get the guy of my dreams, she thought as she typed a reply.

Yeah, that’d be awesome.

[letstrysomefanfic]

I Thought We Already Weren’t PART 2 (Peter Parker x Reader Angst)

Request: anonymous asked: Ooh I love angst!! Can you do something where the reader has a huge crush on peter but he likes Liz and he asks her out on date and he asks the reader for help with everything so she basically plans the whole thing for him and he keeps saying things like “wow ur such a good friend” and out of jealousy she asks Flash on a date and they start to go out and Peter says he’s not good enough for her and they get into a huge argument and deicde it’s better if they stop being friends…

Word Count: 1,386

Warning: angst (yay), dating Flash (is that a warning?)

A/N: IT’S HERE!!! the much anticipated, highly demanded PART 2!! omygod i cannot express how EXCITED AND THRILLED i was to see how much you guys loved the first part. i was honestly so surprised and holy crap i didn't expect it to blow up that much and that quickly! you guys have no idea how much that meant to me and just thank you for loving it ❤️❤️❤️

anyway this is much shorter than the first part, because i actually got an idea so this can be a sort of set up to a possible 3rd part???? also there’s this one part/line in here that i’m especially proud of cuz it’s especially sad/angsty and i decided to be evil like that haha sorry (not rly) but i’m curious to see if you guys can pick out which line it is.

thanks again SO MUCH to the anon who requested this, this was such a good request ❤️❤️❤️ (pls reveal yourself to me if you can so i can spam you with much love and thanks)

Part 1   Part 3

You tucked your hands under your arms as you anxiously waited by the curb. The crisp night air was brushing against your face. You checked your watch for probably the thousandth time. Even though there were still a good five minutes until seven, a different kind of cold began to grow in your stomach. The confidence you had when you started this mess was nowhere to be found.

What if he didn’t show up? You must look like such a hopeful idiot, waiting here on the curb in the nicest shit you could dig up from your mediocre closet. Maybe you overstepped yourself. What if you were seen as desperate? So desperate that you asked out the biggest ass in school?

This was a mistake you thought. I should just go back upstairs. He’s probably not even gonna show up anyway. But what if he does? Better I reject him rather than the other way around I guess? He does need a bit of rejection in his life.

You glanced down at your watch again. Two minutes. You’d wait here two minutes more. Give Flash at least one minute past seven, then that’s it. If he wasn’t here, you were going back up. You’d have to find some other way to distract yourself.

Just as you thought this, a flash of silver zoomed into your vision, screeching to a halt right in front of you. Flash leaned his arm over to the passengers seat, nonchalantly tilting his head toward you.

“Someone ask for a hot date?” he smirked, one eyebrow raised.

“I asked to be wowed,” you scoffed, reaching for the car door. Still unsure if you were going to regret this or not, you fastened your seatbelt. You didn't hear Flash’s reply as an odd feeling washed over you, like you were being watched. You glanced around uneasily, but passed it off as maybe you were just really really nervous. “Let’s just get this show on the road, shall we?”

Unbeknownst to you, as the convertible peeled away, a figure leapt from a roof, swinging a safe distance behind it.

Peter watched grimly from the rooftop across the street as you turned back to smile and wave. He was relieved that there no sincerity in it at all. However, even with that comfort, he still couldn’t believe you had actually gone through with it. You had actually gone on a date with Flash. Goddamn fucking Flash.

He waited a little while after he saw the light turn on in your bedroom window. He did feel a little guilty for ‘tagging along’ the whole night. But it was for your safety, because he still cared, that’s all. Well maybe it was a little more than ‘just caring’, but he refused to acknowledge any more than that as he fired a web, headed home.

Those good ol’ crappy Monday blues washed over you as you yawned, lazily shutting your locker. Trudging to the cafeteria, you met Ned along the way.

“So,” he prodded, “how was it?”

You shrugged, “It was distracting.”

“Like actually? Like you didn’t think about you-know-who at all?”

“No, keep your voice down!” you hissed. “But yeah it surprisingly was really distracting, acting interested in his lavish, spoiled-brat life. The food helped too; it was all soooooo good.”

“Damn. Expensive though?”

“Hoooo yeah.”

“So, what? Are you gonna do it again since it worked? Is it even worth it?”

“Probably,” you replied. You felt a little guilty, using someone like this (even if it was Flash). As soon as you both had sat down at your usual spot, that raspy voice plopped down next you.

“Hey there, beautiful,” Flash leaned his elbow on the table, trying to appear cool.

You had to keep from laughing. “Hey, Flash,” you dragged out each vowel, hoping you didn’t sound too annoyed.

“So… Friday… I’d say you were pretty wowed, weren’t you?” Pausing from pulling out your lunch, you dramatically cocked your head, thinking. You could feel Peter’s eyes on you from two tables away.

“A little,” you sighed, turning to face Flash. “Your choice in venue was the only thing that really wowed me. That and the food.” He raised an eyebrow. “I dunno, I guess I just expected a little more, considering how much you boast about you being such a ‘great date’—”

“Hm, not easily impressed I see,” he squinted at you. “Wouldn’t have pegged you for the picky type, (Y/N).”

You chuckled, smirking, “You’d be surprised, Flash.” You met his eyes, silently challenging him. Knowing there was no way your confession of ‘not being wowed’ didn’t offend him, you waited for his offer.

“Well, I got a sort of reputation to uphold, and I can’t have anyone less than impressed at my… wooing skills,” he began. Ned had to stifle a snort, averting his eyes from Flash’s glare. It was painfully obvious how suave he trying to appear. “How’s about same time this Friday?”

You raised your eyebrows, borderline flirtatiously (gasp! something you never did unless it was unconsciously to Peter), “I expect to be wowed.”

Flash swung his legs from under the table, spinning up, “Oh, and uh, don’t worry about what to wear; I’ll send you something nice,” he called back as he strolled away.

Eyebrows raised, impressed and somewhat uneasy, you turned back to Ned. He had the same expression on his face. You both exhaled, laughing in shock.

“Damn, (Y/N), I didn’t know you had game!” Ned snickered. “Got Flash frickin Thompson wrapped around your finger!”

A heat crept to your cheeks as you slapped his arm, hissing, “Dude!”

As you giggled, you caught a quick sight of those warm doe eyes out of the corner of your own. Instantly your cheeks fell and your lips pursed into a grimace. That blunt stabbing gnawed your gut. In that one short millisecond, you both connected for the first time in months through the same unacknowledged agony and heartache. Peter had quickly averted his gaze but you had already seen it. That sadness, that anger, and was that… regret? Everything you saw in him, you were all too familiar with.

Peter turned to Liz with a small grin that didn’t reach his eyes. He wasn’t just jealous; he was hurting. Just like you were. But you realized you didn’t feel the satisfaction you were craving. Peter was wearing that face that so often would cause you to immediately be ready to fight whoever/whatever made him like that. And now it was because of you. Hanging your head down, you felt the guilt settle in your stomach, wishing you hadn’t brought that upon him.

If Peter had laser vision, Flash head would have two eye-sized holes in them.  “I’ll send you something nice.” That phrase echoed in Peter’s mind. Flash couldn’t do that. He couldn’t expect to just win you over by ‘sending something nice’. He looked back at you expecting to see that classic eye roll you reserved just for that asshat. Instead you laughed. You blushed. He could only register his clenched fists; the rest of his body had gone numb. His face dropped, weighed down by what felt like betrayal and sadness.

“So I guess they’re dating now?” Liz murmured, confused. “Huh. I would’ve never seen that coming.”

Peter turned to face her, trying to focus on the amazing human sat next to him. His girlfriend. Girlfriend. Odd. That word didn’t have the same ring to it as it did a few weeks ago. He was scared to realize that Liz didn't have the same glow, either. Not like she had before. Not that she wasn’t any less beautiful, oh God no. Peter just couldn’t see her in the same light as he had when he’d so boldly and anxiously approached her that Tuesday so seemingly long ago.

Stop thinking like that, Peter told himself. None of this should be happening. He shouldn’t be experiencing what he was when he saw you. He shouldn’t be wanting to throttle Flash anymore than usual. He shouldn’t be thinking of Liz as any less than he had before. That word should have the same magical feeling to it. You and him should still be friends. Things should have never changed. There were all these things should be. But they weren’t.

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@emojit   @5-seconds-of-sarcasmm   @littlemisscaptainfandom   @emily-ily2 @insert-a-cool-username-here   @walkers-imagine   @littlefrota   @grant-valdes-holland

[bluesiphonbaby]

We Can Fix This...I Hope

Summary: Lets just hope you can fix your dads prized possession before he gets home

Words: 2000ish

Authors note: Please like, reblog, and comment! Oh, and please PLEASE send ins requests! It gets hard to make up my own prompts.

“I am so dead,” you breath out.

“N-no you aren't. We can fix this!” Peter tried to cheer you up but that wasn’t going to happen. Oh yes, you were so dead. You would be deader than a doornail. You’re gonna go belly up. You will bite the dust. What ever expression you chose to use doesn't change that fact that you weren’t going to see the light of tomorrow.

“How are we suppose to fix my dad’s suit! HIS FAVORITE IRON MAN-” Peter slapped his hand over your mouth.

“There are other people in this building. Now I know I don’t wanna get caught and you sure as heck don’t wanna get caught. The only way out of this situation is to just figure out how to repair the thing.” Peter then slowly removed his hand from your mouth and you nodded slowly.

“Ok so we know that Steve, Bruce, and Natasha are around right now. Dad is out with Pepper visiting, only god knows where,  and won’t be around till tomorrow evening. So as of right now we only have 24 hours at the most to mend this stupid rust bucket.” You sneer at your father’s creation that he has only just started teaching you how to build your own.

“Do you think Bruce could help us?” Peter questioned. 

“Could? Oh I think he could help us, but the real question is would he help us.” You state not looking away from the demolished red suit.

“I see your point,” Peter grumbles.

“Hey what if FRIDAY knows how to fix the suit!” Peter exclaims with a grin.

“Hey FRIDAY!” you call out to the ceiling.

“Yes, Ms. (Y/N)?” FRIDAY responded.

“Do you, by any chance, know how to repair or even make my dad’s Iron Man suit?” you question the artificial intelligence.

“Yes I do Ms. (Y/N). In fact your father has made videos on how to make one!” The smile Peter had on his face was the most infectious thing on the planet earth right now.

“FRIDAY would you please pull up all the videos and play them in order? Could you also not inform my dad about what has happened and what is going to happen in the next 24 hours?” You asked and of course you received.

“Well, lets get to work spiderling!” you cheer.

-----

“I think I'm going to pass out,” Peter whined as he slumped down in a chair.

“Don’t bail on me now Parker,” You hummed as you took another sip of coffee to keep you going.

“But I'm so tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrred,” Peter mumbled.

“Start a conversation with mer Parker. Keep yourself talking.” You instruct as you light the blow torch.

“Well yesterday I had my first kiss,” Peter mumbled.

“No way! Was it with that Liz Allen girl you always talk about?” You fake enthusiasm.

“Yeah! It was wonderful. I had set up a picnic in the park. It was getting dark and the stars came out and then we just kissed.” Peter gushed.

“That really sounds amazing Peter. I’m happy for you.” You lied right through your pearly whites. Of course you were happy for him. He had his first kiss and he just said it was wonderful. You were just upset over the fact that it wasn’t with you. 

Ever since you first met him being forced to be an undercover student going to Midtown High by your dad; you couldn’t help but be captured by how innocent and all around adorable he was at first glance. Then you got to know him more as the weeks went by and you and your dad finally recruited the spider-boy. You couldn’t help but smile when the budding super-hero, just like yourself, would take time out of his weekend to hang out with you and your father. While Tony would whine and complain about how annoying Peter was you could see right through that tough old fart. Ever since Bruce got a real job and wasn’t around the tower except once out of the month Tony had gotten lonely and frankly bored. While you did retain your smarts from your dad you weren’t always interested in debating whether or not Newton’s 3rd Law can be broken. Luckily Peter Parker was there to save you by actually enjoying the conversations he has with your father. Your dad was secretly excited he had someone else to talk smarts about without being bashed on all the time about ‘being old’ and ‘having to much retirement time on his hands’ as you would say.

“But it didn’t feel right,” Peter sighed. That immediately caught your attention.

“What do you mean?”

“It didn’t feel natural or real. I guess you could say I didn’t feel a spark.” Peter tried to explain.

“I think the worst part is, is that Liz felt something. She seemed over the moon after the date. Should I feel bad that I don’t feel anything?” Peter questioned.

“No, its not your fault that you don’t feel the same. You just...don’t. I can’t really explain it further.” You pull up your mask and turn off the blow torch.

“I don't know how to tell her or do I even tell her at all,” Peter sighs and throws his arms over his eyes.

“I think that life is to short to do that to yourself and someone else. Why waste time with something that doesn’t interest you and instead do something that you love. Not saying that being around that Allen girl is a waste of time, but being in a relationship that is one sided isn’t really healthy and isn’t fare to her. Like I said about not having a lot of time, need I remind you that we are super-heros and we don’t exactly have a long life expectancy. Except for Capcicle and Buck. They are the rare exception. So is my dad, cause he’s old. And Thor cause his people live for awhile-OH you get what I mean.” you grumble as you get annoyed that you contradicted your statement. Peter just broke into a fit of laughter.

“I’m holding a blow torch Parker. Don’t test me.” His laughter died down and for the first time you saw a look that you had never seen before. That is, it is the first time you had caught him staring at you with adoration. 

“What’s that look for?” You giggled and turned to continue to work on the hunk of metal sitting in front of you, just missing the growing blush on Peter’s cheeks.

“Hey, I’m not going to keep you up any longer since it is two in the morning. Head up to my room and sleep. I won’t be able to till this super suit is working.” You say grabbing ahold of an unknown tool your father used to build his armor.

“No, I can’t-” Peter immediately shut up when you gave him this motherly glare that spooked him into doing as you were told.

“I’ll be back in an hour so you can sleep!” Peter called down the hallway.

“Sure you will,” you chuckled to yourself.

-----

Peter woke up with a groggy grumble then shot up in a bed that wasn’t his. He hissed in annoyance when his vision became a little foggy and got a minor headache. he glanced around the room and remembered that he’s at the tower helping you fix the Iron Man suit you both broke.

“Peter come on! Flying in one of these things is so cool! I’ll even teach you how to fly one!” You squealed in excitement. (Y/N) was tinkering with her work-in-progress Iron Man suit when Peter walked in and started asking a bunch of questions about said suit.

“(Y/N) I don’t think that’s a good idea. W-what if I crash one of them?” Peter stuttered.

“Come on what’s the worst that can happen,” she blew off Peter’s concern and pulled out her and her dad’s favorite creation and stepped right inside it.

“See! Easy as-” (Y/N) was immediately cut off when the suit started to fly out of control and spit her out of the metal skin. It banged left and right slowly losing parts as it crashed more and more. (Y/N) grabbed a metal rod lying on the work table and smacked it with all her strength sending the malfunctioning metal to the ground and dying with a sputter.

“I am so dead,” she breathed out.

“Oh crap,” Peter shot out offed and practically threw himself down the hall and to the workshop when he realized it was nine A.M. He stumbled into the room only to realize you had passed out on top of the wired body barely holding onto a wrench in your right hand. Light snores came from your mouth and he chuckled at you. That was when he, once again, gave you that look of adoration and love. Yes, love. Now is it really all that surprising to see him head over heals in love with you? No probably not. 

I mean you were quirky and smart. He could never get over the fact that you whine when you are proven wrong. You would get annoyed with him when he teased you about not being able to lift up only one eyebrow. He only did to see your adorable face when you did get upset. Your laugh was so different than anything he ever heard but he couldn’t get enough of it. The thing he loved most about you was how kind you were. The first day you met him was something he could never forget. You stood up for him when Flash was giving him a hard time. No one ever stood up for him. The thing that got him was that you didn’t stand up for just him but everyone Flash ever bother. You stood up for what was right in every situation even though sometimes people didn’t favorite the right thing. Peter could only see you as the light of his life, if only he had the courage to say something.

Peter slowly scooped you up into his arms and cradled you against his chest. Right away you wrapped your arms and legs around his frame which only made his smile grow. He moved your up the elevator and to your floor. Prying you away from his body was the hardest and funniest thing Peter has ever done, but once he got you under the covers he stayed for a lot longer than he should of.

“God you are breathtaking,” he mumbled. With that he left the room and let you sleep.

-----

“PETER YOU LET ME SLEEP! ITS NEARLY EIGHT O’CLOCK MY DAD WILL BE HOME SOON! I AM DEAD MEAT!” (Y/N) scrambled into the workshop to find the super suit in its stand and Peter fiddling away at something else.

“W-When did this h-happen?” you panted out of breath.

“While you were sleeping I was able to finish this up so you wouldn’t have your ass handed to you on a silver platter,” Peter turned to you.

“You know that you are the best person in the world ever right?” You giggled.

“Also,” before Peter knew what was happening you had already pulled him into a long awaited kiss that you both enjoyed. You broke the kiss and Peter tried to lean in farther to catch your retreating lips. 

“Thank you for calling me breathtaking,” You shied away but Peter gripped you by the hips and pulled you flush against him.

“You shouldn’t be thanking me when it’s a fact,” you blushed and dug your head into his shoulder to hide it the best you could.

“You did a really good job at repairing the suit while I was asleep,” you spoke to soon as the whole entire body collapsed and scattered across the floor. The two of you stood there astounded at the mess lying at your feet.

“Mini Me! Underoos! I’m Home!” 

[awritesfanfics]

Not Your Fight Pt. 1

Here’s one of my longer fics, probably gonna split it in two parts (yep) bc I ramble so so much but that’s because I need to connect things, and that means describing more settings and explaining more actions and ahhh if you don’t like when I do this let me know!! But I think it just adds to the story :)

So I wrote this after watching Homecoming but a lot of it is based back in civil war, if you have homecoming-centered requests just let me knoww!!

(part 1 is basically just a bunch of filler tbh, a link to pt 2 is at the bottom!)

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Word Count: (im sorry im on mobile and I cant deal w this formatting rn, it's around 2,000 words thanks)

Warnings: Violence, Cursing

Tags:  @yourgayonlinemom

———————————————————————————————————–Ding

“Notre Dame.”

“Correct.”

Ding

“Tel Aviv.”

“Correct.”

Ding

“Luncheon of the boating party.”

“Okay, how? Can I ask how? Because there’s actually no way for you to know this stuff.” Flash sat back in his chair in disbelief.

“Are you being serious? Or are you just jealous that i beat your time again? Because I can do this all day, I don’t have a problem,” you challenged, leaning closer. Michelle giggled.

“She had to have studied the answers before, even I didn’t know half that stuff! Me, not knowing something.”

“Excuse me, isn’t that why I’m on this team? Because I’m smart? And if everyone knew the same things, we wouldn’t get anywhere,” you snapped. “By the way, if you haven’t noticed by now, there are -” you counted the people in the room out loud. “- 7 other people here that are valuable members of the decathlon team. Maybe if you stopped kissing your own ass so much you would notice them.”

Michelle almost fell out of her chair. Flash was too shocked to even respond.

“Woah, okay I think that’s a good place to stop for the day,” Mr. Harrington said, finally intervening. “Same time tomorrow. Don’t forget permission slips.”

“Yea, call me if he ever comes up for air.” You nodded towards flash. “I’d love to introduce him to everyone on the team.” You stood, tossed your backpack over your left shoulder, and picked up your books from the table.

“Thank you, Miss (Y/L/N), that’s enough. See you tomorrow.”

You nodded and smiled at him, then at Flash, who was still recovering on the other side of the room. You could hear Michelle and Liz picking at him as you turned to leave.

Peter collected his things and sprinted over to catch up with you.

“Where the hell did all of that come from?!” He laughed.

“What do you mean? I’ve never liked flash. He’s always been full of himself, I couldn’t take it anymore.”

He looked at you and shook his head, giggling.

“Oh, hey, that reminds me!” You stopped and turned to face him. “I got a call about the Stark Internship, I think I’m in! They want me to go in for an interview in a few hours,” you squealed.

He cocked his head slightly, and seemed to hesitate. You took the question right from his lips.

“Don’t worry, Spidey, I’m not going to steal your thunder as the new friendly neighborhood superhero. From what I read, it sounds like it’s just a logistics position,” you shrugged. “Somewhere in the background.”

“No, no I’m not worried about that. It’s just, things can get pretty intense out there. Gotta be ready for anything.”

“I think I can handle it.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“So um, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Or, tonight, if you’ll be there too.”

“Yea, maybe, I’ll see what happens. See ya.”

You smiled, but as he walked away your smile disappeared.

What isn’t he telling me about this? Why is he so worried? Your mind reeled with unasked questions. You never considered yourself a fighter, but you could hold your own against everyone that’s come after you in the past. You were a teenage girl from Queens, you had to learn to defend yourself at a young age. And you certainly had the brains for anything Tony stark wanted to throw at you.

I’ll be fine. I have to stop overthinking this. Just gotta get through the interview.

As you stepped outside the gym, a tired looking man in a clean cut suit standing in front of a black Escalade greeted you.

“Good afternoon Miss (Y/L/N).” The man held open the door for you.

“Good afternoon. I don’t believe we’ve met, formally. You are?” You offered your hand for a handshake, but he ignored it.

“I was sent by Mr. Stark to bring you to work. You start today.” He looked at his watch. “Well, in a few hours.”

“Work? I was under the impression that it was just a job interview. I don’t have the right outfit, I mean, these are just my school clothes. And my mom, I told her-”

“Well, there’s been a change of plans. Everything you need is right in the back seat.”

You stuck your head in to check. A women’s two-piece suit hung on hangers by the other door, a silver suitcase rested below the seat, and a microphone earpiece sat on top of your passport, which was placed carefully on the back seat.

“How did you get all this stuff? Is that suit for me?” Your phone started vibrating, and you excused yourself to take the call. “Hello?”

“Hey (Y/N), it’s Tony, yea plans for the uhh, whatever, the thing we had later-”

“The interview?”

“Right, the interview, yea plans have changed. I sent Happy over there with your stuff, your mom packed it for you, such a nice woman. Hope your ready for some on the job training today.”

“Yea, I mean-”

He hung up. You took a deep breath and put your phone back in your pocket.

“So you’re Happy?”

“Yes, but if we wait any longer, I’ll be Impatient. We’re on a schedule, let’s go.”

With a nudge, you got into the back seat and shut the door behind you. “Am I supposed to change into this right now?”

“No, you can change in the plane.” He answered.

Plane? Where the hell am I going?

-

You watched out the window the entire flight. In the small bathroom you got changed into the perfectly-tailored navy suit. The material was strong, but breathable. You could move around very well in it, but you could tell it was resistant to some degree of tearing.  You slipped the earpiece into your ear and looked at yourself in the mirror.

Oh God, you said to yourself. This is really happening. Holy shit.

As the plane landed you could finally tell where you were. Germany, at the Leipzig/Halle airport. Happy led you through an airfield, with passenger jets and shipping containers waiting to be piloted into the tall hangars that stood scattered nearby. You took an elevator up to the observation tower of one of the hangars.

“This is amazing.” You stepped out of the elevator, taking everything in. Happy clicked the ‘door close’ button behind you. “Wait! What’s my job?”

“Make yourself at home, find something to do.”

You looked around. No one even noticed you’d walked in. You figured you’d start by introducing yourself. Maybe they’d have been expecting you.

“Hi! My name is-”

“Tall decaf, extra cream, no sugar.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m not an intern, I’m-”

“I get it. You’re an ‘executive assistant’ or something, right?”

“No, I was hired by Mr. Stark to-”

“Look, I know you mean well, but we have work to do. Please,” he handed you $5 and shooed you away.

“Excuse me, sir, but Tony Stark personally sent for me-”

The man turned around and rolled his eyes. “We didn’t get any word from a ‘Tony Stark’. I don’t know why you’re here, and frankly, I don’t want anything to do with you anymore. So I’d you could just get the coffee orders from everyone else and be on your way sweetheart, I’d appreciate it.”

Suddenly, you took him by the neck and slammed his face on the desk next to you. He fell to the floor, groaning, and in shock.

“I got my associates degree in bioelectrical engineering freshman year of high school. I was sent here to do a job. I’m not here to buy your coffee, ‘sweetheart,’” You said, tucking the $5 bill back into his pocket and smoothing out your blazer.

All eyes were on you now. You still had no idea what you were meant to do, but you went along with it anyway.

Fake it till you make it, right?

You took a seat at an empty desk overlooking the airfield.

A voice came in through the loudspeakers.

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Well, I’m not your captain, officially, my friend (Y/N) here is. Wave to the people (Y/N). So as you’ve figured out by now, she will be in charge of every move you make for the rest of- you know you’ll be able to figure out when it’s over. So yea, just listen to her, fasten your seat belts, and get ready for a bumpy ride.”

You nodded matter-of-factly.

Tony’s voice came through on your personal mic next.

“You ready for this?”

“Well I don’t exactly know what ‘this’ is,” you whispered.

“We need you in air traffic control. Keep an eye out for anything that might get us killed. You’ll know it when you see it.”

“Fair enough.”

A different voice now boomed over the loudspeaker in German, followed by a blaring siren.

“What do I do? They’re evacuating the airport,” you asked.

“You speak German now to? That’s so cool.”

“Yea my grandma- look, now’s not the time. What do I do?”

“Tell them they have to watch to make sure everyone is out safely.”

You repeated the message to the group. “We must continue our day as we normally would, and keep an eye out for the unauthorized use of ballistic missiles and report it to me.”

A small panic arose. “There is nothing to be worried about. Just monitor the use. If anything gets out of hand, we simply intervene. Back to work.”

You sat down and tuned your earpiece to pick up Tony’s conversation. In the distance, you could see people walking towards each other. He was arguing with Steve. You watched as more of the Avengers joined them, picking sides, before they split into two groups and fanned out.

“It’s showtime. You ready up there?” He asked.

“Copy.”

You watched as Tony and Rhodes countered Clint’s arrows, Wanda’s bursts of light, and Steve’s shield. More than half the fight was airborne. You navigated the battlefield for Tony, Natasha, Peter, warning them of every blow, counterattack, and predictable outcome of their individual physical matches. You watched as the flyers took to the air, with Tony circling the tower you occupied.

“Tony, you got a bandit on your six. I’m turning him into a glider.” You heard Rhodes over the earpiece. You watched as both Iron soldiers sandwiched the observation tower, with Falcon and 17 civilians caught in the crosshairs.

“Stop! Stop stop stop! There are civilians in this control tower, I repeat, civilians in the control tower!!” Your trembling voice echoed across the sound waves. “Abort strike, abor-”

The missile misfired at the last second, crashing into the side of the hangar and taking out the elevator shaft. Suddenly, the channel went silent. A fire began to spread around the sight of the impact. Within minutes, the whole tower would collapse in flames.

Both sides froze, unsure of what to do.

“Wait wait wait, what was that?” Peter stuck his head up from behind a shipping crate and turned to Tony.

“Tony, who was that?! Karen, get me a visual on that hangar. How many people are in there?”

“17. Records of past voice analysis data indicates that the voice that called out for a ceasefire belonged to a Miss (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

“Shit!” He yelled, sending his fist into the nearby shipping crate. “Tony! You brought her here?!”

“This isn’t your fight, kid. Stay here.”

But it was too late. Peter shot webbing onto the nose of a 747 and swung, then caught the nose of another, and another. The building was up ahead, a fire just beginning to break out near the site of the explosion. People working on the ground gathered around the exit, eagerly watching the entrance for more survivors.

The people in the tower began to panic again, this time for good reason. You knew you had to get the group under control, or no one would make it out.

“Everything is going to be fine. We all just have to keep walking. File into the staircase. There is a doorway right at the bottom. Once we get through it, you’ll be able to see the exit, and you can run, but I ask you to please not run here,” you ordered calmly. It took all the strength in your body to keep your voice steady. “If we start running in here, someone may trip or get hurt. The exit is very close, and you’ll all be fine, I promise.” You cracked a worried smile as you ushered the group down the remainder of the narrow stairwell. You pushed the doors and held one side open for the workers. With the light of the exit door in view, they fell into a dead sprint, as if they were racing not the time before the fire engulfed the hanger, but each other.

“If everyone out? Can anyone tell me if everyone got out?”

No answer. You took a deep breath and looked up the stairwell.

I can’t risk it. You shook your head and pushed away from the door, skipping steps as you sped back up to the fourth-story office space.  

The once bustling room was now filled with emergency lights and smoke. You stayed low, calling out for any remaining workers before turning to leave. One final visual sweep of the floor settled your nerves; you were the only one left. Suddenly, you started to hear the loud creaking of twisting metal. The floor shook beneath you and began to tilt. The observation tower was falling.

You threw yourself down as many stairs as you could manage before the tower hit the ground.

The closer I am to the ground, maybe the closer I am to a solid foundation. 

Within an instant, the entire building was leveled.

-

Part 2!

[tessyinfohub-blog]

See What Nigerian Celebrities Of Yesteryear Are Doing Now

See What Nigerian Celebrities Of Yesteryear Are Doing Now Emeka Ike Emeka Ike is one actor that many movie lovers wouldn’t forget in a hurry. He was a toast of the industry in the early 2000s. Often cast as a lover boy, Ike was that actor that many loved to hate because of his brash charaterisation of roles. However, the actor has been absent from the silver screen for some years now, even though he was the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria at some point. The actor also owned a school which was shut down some years ago.In a chat with Sunday Scoop, the actor maintained that his business activities have been keeping him busy. Ike said, “I have many investments. I own a TV channel on TSTV and we will be going on Startimes soon. I used to own a studio in Surulere, Lagos, but it has been closed down. I also had a school, St. Nicholas College, which was one of the best in the area but my ex-wife shut it down on the day I travelled out of town. Our former students are doing very well in different parts of the world right now based on the foundation they got from the school. A professor recently called me from America and said he was amazed at how I was able to run the school so well.” The Not Man Enough actor added, “A school is a very capital intensive business and I spent well over N400m to run it. All the money I made in my youth was invested in the business. I stopped acting in movies because I had become a CEO and money maker. I didn’t see any reason I should continue going on set to make the kind of movies we were making then. The people who think I went into business because I stopped making money from acting can continue believing whatever they want.” Idowu Phillips Popularly called Iya Rainbow, Idowu Phillips was an absolute delight whenever she appeared on screen. Loved for the energy she infused into playing her roles, it was evident that she knew her onions when it came to make-believe. However, she abruptly exited the scene and many of her fans wondered why. She is now a cleric and in a chat with Sunday Scoop, she insisted that she was fulfilled with her current role as a woman of God but she still missed her days as an actress. She said, “I’m still interested in acting; and as long as I am alive, I still have action in my body. If anybody calls me, I can act in any type of movie except as a prostitute, and I can’t put tattoos on my body, or wear short, revealing dresses. I really miss my acting days. When we go to locations to shoot movies, we enjoy ourselves and interact with friends. We sleep in hotels and eat whatever we like in a relaxed atmosphere. I also enjoy myself in the church, but we do more of fasting and praying, and lots of vigils. “It is the work of God that I’m doing now. I go from mountain tops to pray, to America, London, Canada, and other countries to minister. I find joy being in the ministry. It is easy, and at the same time, not easy because it is a congregation of different types of people. People come to you with various problems, and it is my prayer that God should intervene in whatever issue they bring to me.” Meanwhile, she recently returned to public consciousness in a television commercial for a telecommunications company. Daniel Wilson In the nineties, Daniel Wilson, was one of the biggest artistes in the country. His song, Mr. Ragamuffin, helped to cement his popularity and he was the favourite of many music lovers of that time. However, his career failed to evolve beyond the nineties and not many people know what he has been up to since then. The singer has since delved into different spheres of business. He has been involved in manufacturing, advertising and politics. But the most notable of his business ventures is a bakery which is owned by his family. Speaking about his business concerns in a recent interview, he said, “I started by managing a food business that my late dad left behind. I got into it with my brothers and we took it from a one industry to about 11 industries. We spread all across Nigeria and we had factories in places such as Ilorin, Niger, Edo, Cross River. We were practically the biggest bread and confectionary makers in the country. We went to bread fairs round the world. Then, I moved into making plastics. From there, I went on to own an advert company and secured different contracts. At that point, the kids had started coming and there were bills to pay, so one had to be creative and start doing a lot of businesses to keep them going.” Last year, the singer released a song titled, Never Again. African China Singer, Chinagorom Onuoha, aka African China, thrilled a lot of fans with hit songs such as Crisis, Mr President, No condition is Permanent, among others. However, after he was involved in an alleged rape scandal in London, his music career experienced a decline. Not one to stay down, the singer has since diversified into other areas of business such as running a salon. In a chat with Sunday Scoop, he explained why he decided to become a businessman. He said, “It is always good for an entertainer to have other business. Even up and coming artistes need it so that they don’t have to rely on promoters, friends and family to fund their music. In showbiz, you cannot be there forever; so you need to have others. Doing so, you wouldn’t be stuck. “My businesses include a salon, boutique and I’m into real estate. I also have an entertainment outfit and I rent out sound and stage equipment. Right now, I’m planning to bring in more cameras for movie productions and other things.” Insisting that he didn’t diversify into other lines of business because his music career wasn’t doing well, he said, “People who think like that are myopic. And you will find out that such people don’t even have anything of their own. If someone like Jay Z, Jenifer Lopez and P-Diddy can have a clothing line and other businesses, who am I not to toe that line?” Ruggedman Michael Stephens, aka Ruggedman, undoubtedly redefined rap music in Nigeria. With hits such as Ehen, Peace or War, Baraje, among others, many looked up to him to go international with his craft. However, the rapper seemed to run out of steam after his 2007 album, Ruggedy Baba. Perhaps distracted by his beef with 9ice and Mode 9, the rapper didn’t pay much attention to his career. The emergence of younger rappers also contributed to his decline. But the rapper has always been business-minded. Even at the peak of his career, he launched a clothing line, Twentieth September Wears, and he has since invested in other streams of income. Telling Sunday Scoop about the businesses he is involved in, he said, “I own a virtual soccer gaming brand called Rugged Premier League. I also host events and TV reality shows. Only ignorant people would say that I went into business because I was no longer making money from music. I started working on Twentieth September Wears in 2004/2005. Some of the shirts we used in my videos, Peace or War and Baraje, of many years ago, were made by TSW. A lot of people are quick to say things despite the fact they cannot prove it or how silly it sounds.” Bisi Ibidapo-Obe Actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, shot to limelight with her role in the movie, Bisi Omo Logbalogba. She appeared in a lot of movies after and many expected her to build a lasting career. However, she abruptly went out of circulation and stopped featuring in movies. At a point, she was reported to have had a baby for controversial lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye. Some years ago, she established an adult shop, where she trades in lingerie and sex toys. In a chat with Sunday Scoop, she maintained that business has been good and she enjoys what she is doing. Liz Benson At a point in the nineties, Liz Benson was practically the biggest actress in the country. She dominated the movie industry and appeared in majority of the movies produced during that period. Known for movies such as True Confession, Witches, Diamond Ring, Chain Reaction, among others, she had movie lovers eating out of her palms. Loved for her sterling interpretation of roles, she won many awards and garnered a lot of acclaim. However, when many were expecting her to continue soaring, the talented actress took a bow from the industry. She is now an evangelist and lives in Delta State with her husband, who is also a cleric. Hilda Dokubo Hilda Dokubo was one actress whose portrayal of roles was always so believable that viewers were often confused as to whether she was acting or being real. She seemed to be able to cry on cue and the range of emotions she displayed endeared her to many fans. With movies such as Without Love, Jezebel, Evil Passion, End of the Wicked, Onye-Eze, among others in her kitty, Dokubo was a delight to watch. However, she took a long break from the industry and newer stars have since overtaken her. She once served as a special adviser on youth affairs to a former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili. She is also a cleric and an activist. Regina Askia Former actress and beauty queen, Regina Askia, was the delight of many whenever she appeared on movie screens. The one-time Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria commanded the attention of many with her beauty and her face helped to sell lots of movies back in the day. However, she took a bow when the ovation was loudest and relocated outside the country. She currently lives in USA and works as a family nurse practitioner. She is also a healthcare and education activist, television producer, writer and public speaker. Saint Obi Obinna Nwafor, aka Saint Obi, was the quintessential bad boy in movies. Talented and prolific, he was the first choice of many movie producers and directors. He made waves in movies such as Sakobi: The Snake Girl, Fantasy, The Final Battle, among others. However, it’s been a while since the actor appeared in a movie. Not many people know that he is now a singer, consultant and social crusader. Source: PUNCH Read the full article

[thecreativeangel]

aut neca aut necare: lll

Peter Parker x Fem!Reader

*Please don’t plagiarize my work, thank you :3*

Summary: Apparently she’s not popular with reporters, she might have a thing for her best friend and has to watch her mother leave (good riddance?). 

Warnings: Cursing. Peter’s fallen madly in love.......with Kimberly. 🎉

Words: 2.7k 

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“Newest Queens vigilante “Nyx” seen alongside Spiderman on a midnight prowl of the city.” You read aloud at lunch, Peter and Ned listening closely. Michelle might have been listening in too, but she didn’t show it. “Nyx, seemingly an apprentice of sorts to Spiderman, was captured on camera by teens near the docks of Brooklyn. The teens provided little comment, except that they were uneasy with her presence.”

You threw the newspaper down, trying to hide the scowl that was forming on your face. That had been the latest article of many, all of them more condescending than the next. Compared to other papers this one was tame. And “Nyx”? Seriously? Like the MAKEUP BRAND?

“What do you think about it Peter?” Ned asked, staring at his friend with a suspicious level of curiosity. Peter only shrugged, nudging Ned with his elbow.

“She’s probably a nice person.” He said, picking up an apple slice. “I haven’t seen her around Queens yet.”

“Fuckin’ nosy ass paps,” You grumbled quietly. “‘They felt uneasy around her’? What a bunch of bull.”

“What’d you say Y/N?” Ned asked, leaning closer to you.

“Nothing,” You said lightly, smiling at him. “Just talking to myself.”

“It’s a weird name to call her, don’t you think?” Michelle said loudly from her end of the table. “‘Nyx’. Not really a superhero name.”

“I think it’s ‘cause she only comes out at night,” Ned answered, toying with the straw in his milk. “And she only wears black.”

“Nah, she wears dark blue and silver too.” Peter said passively. Michelle, Ned and you all turned to look at him with varying degrees of confusion.

“I saw some other pictures,” He explained quickly, sending you a sheepish smile. You had looked the most confused. “It’s a nice suit. She seems very cool.”

Michelle raised an eyebrow. “She only comes out at night.”

“Like a bat.” Ned commented.

“Like Batman.” Peter offered.

“Like someone who wants to blend in,” You said, wrinkling your nose. “Not like Batman.”

Peter opened his mouth to say something but closed it immediately. He looked behind you, watching someone pass by. Without looking you could tell it was Kimberly. No matter how hard he tried to hide it from his friends, Peter’s eyes got a bit brighter when she was near. You’d memorized that change without meaning to, even though you didn’t like it.

“I need to go get some water.” was Peter’s brilliant excuse to talk to her. You waved your hand dismissively, flipping through the news article lazily. It’s not like you told Peter that Kimberly hated you because you failed to save her mother. Telling him must have slipped from your mind. And it’s not like guilt ate away at your insides every day because of that failure. It’s not like that at all.

“Hey Kimberly…”

You listened into their conversation, somewhat irked, your eyes still trained on the article. Kimberly’s pleasant voice faded in and out of your hearing range. You heard her giggle, saying something back to him. Listening to them talk like normal people was torture. You focused back on your newspaper. ‘Several more reports came in from a family that claimed Nyx robbed last Saturday as they came back from a concert.’ You scoffed and noisily sipped apple juice through a straw. ‘The family also chose to remain anonymous.’ Ha! Turn on your location assholes, I just wanna talk. Peter sat down again, looking happier and more thoughtful than before.

“Well what happened?” MJ asked, still glued to her book. “Did you make out or what?”

“No! No-” Peter scratched the back of his neck. “We just talked.”

“About what?” You asked, regretting it soon after. You hadn’t wanted to ask, but it slipped out.

“She’s happy to talk to someone,” Peter said, his ears turning pink. “Her mom died in the fire last month, and it’s a lot to get used to. She’s so…”

“Resilient?” Ned finished.

“Yeah, but nice too.” Peter said, glancing back at Kimberly. “And positive.”

You saw her stand up once more to throw away her trash, flashing Peter a shy smile. And, when Peter had turned his back, she met eyes with you. Kimberly looked at you like she was watching an animal eat its own throw up. That’s exactly how disgusting you felt too. Her usually kind dark brown eyes shone with cold blooded murder.

“Hey, d’you guys already have Mrs. Keilman’s class?” Peter asked, sorting through his notes. You snapped out of your trance, happily taking the chance to look away from Kimberly.

“I had her second peri-”

Your phone dinged, and you scrambled to unlock it when you saw it was your mum. It was a short text: “Don’t go to Peter’s house after school.” Before you could reply, she sent another one. “Come straight home before 5. Or I’ll leave anyway.”

“Shit.” You muttered, typing out a quick “ok”. Peter, who’d been reading over your shoulder, pretended he was minding his own business. You were too tired to tell him off.

“So what’s your mom gotta say?” MJ asked, actually looking up from her book.

“She uh- she says I can’t go to Ned’s after school,” You said, playing with your food to avoid meeting her scrutinizing gaze. “She’s probably staying at the company over the weekend.”

“You can’t come over for movie night?” Ned asked dejectedly. “But we rented Back to the Future. Peter was going to bring popcorn.”

You put on a grin and patted his back. “It’s fine Ned. Michelle will be happy to take my place, won’t you Mickey?”

“Wh- excuse me-” MJ stuttered, probably for the first time since you’d met her. She suddenly looked very flustered, a general reaction to you calling her Mickey. “F-first of all, don’t call me that. Second-”

“She’d love to go Ned.” You cut her off.

Your mother set down her wine glass and stared at you through half lidded, unimpressed eyes. This happened often, the mother daughter staring competitions, testing who would crack first. Your ears and neck felt hot, and when she raised an eyebrow, you looked away. She always won.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner,” You said, avoiding looking at her. You sounded pouty, like the child she thought you were. “What am I supposed to do for two months? How am I going to buy food? Is this even legal?”

“It’s legal unless you decide to tell the authorities,” Your mother said cooly. “Which you won’t. You’re sixteen now, old enough to make your own decisions instead of following me like a sheep. When I was sixteen-”

“You were already starting your college education, I know.”

Your mother picked the glass up again, taking a bored sip as you continued what she considered a childish rant. “Mum, I’m not even mad ‘cause you’re leaving- I’m pissed ‘cause you supposedly forgot to tell me.”

“Watch your language.” Was her only reply.

“What-” You snapped. “I’m allowed to stay at home alone for two months but I’m not allowed to curse? That’s some backwards logic right there-”

She stood up suddenly, nearly knocking the chair over in the process. Maybe it was an adult thing, but she had always been able to silence you with her glare. Add the fact that she was a smidge taller than you, assuring her win in this intimidation game. You noticed that suitcases were already laid out on the leather couch.

“I am only doing this because the company called me a few days ago, very short notice, mind you,” She huffed. “And they need me to be there, since Kacy proved to be an incapable-”

Your mother’s nose twitched. “I’ll leave you some money. Tell Peter’s aunt if you’d like, maybe she’ll help you with groceries and such. Don’t sit around being useless like you normally do.”

Having finished off her glass, she went to put it in the sink, once again ignoring your existence. That tended to happen when you disappointed mother, and it made you shake with anger. As soon as the wine glass left her hand-

It exploded. 

Your mother shrieked like a wild pig. Shards flew and scattered, thankfully staying mostly in the sink. You realized you’d been glaring at the glass and quickly looked away, still frowning.

“How the hell?” You mother breathed, hesitantly approaching the sink. She picked up a shard of glass and held it between her thumb and pointer finger, as if examining it would explain why the glass exploded. I did that. I didn’t even touch it!

“Have fun on your trip,” You murmured, pushing past her to get to your bedroom. “I hate you.”

She made no attempt to follow you, but yelled “fucking brat” as you slammed your door shut and locked it. With half a mind to fall on the bed and scream into a pillow, you instead decided to do something. Talk to someone, maybe. Still face down against the mattress, you blindly grabbed around for your phone and propped yourself up on your elbow to dial Peter.

“Hey, this is Peter. Parker. Uh, I messed up- May! How do I delete thi-”

You breathed a laugh, quiet just in case your mum was listening in. Peter never failed to mess up his voicemail. You’d been there when he spent two hours trying to make it perfect, in case Liz ever called. Through the door, you heard your mum loudly zipping up her suitcases and calling a cab. You shoved your head into the pillow and groaned. Should’ve asked when she was leaving.

You looked through your contacts and clicked May’s before thinking. Yes, dialing your best friend’s aunt’s number might not have been the best idea, but May was an angel. An angel who knew how to responsibly buy food and make out checks. She answered within two rings.

“Hello?”

“Hi May.” You greeted.

“Y/N!” She chimed. “Oh god, it’s wonderful to talk to you! How’s everything going?”

“It’s great,” You said lightly, cringing when your mum dropped a suitcase and cursed. Hopefully Aunt May didn’t hear that. “I’m doing alright. Is uh, is Peter home?”

“No. Sorry honey, he’s out with a friend. I could leave a message…?”

“That’s okay,” You refused politely. “Actually- Could I borrow Peter’s old bike? My mum won’t be able to drive me for a few months.”

“Sure, he doesn’t use it anyway. What’s wrong with your mom’s car?”

You bit your lip. “Her license expired. She has to retake the exam and all that. Can I come over and pick it up?”

“Mhmh, I’m home anyway, so…” You heard her briefly lift the phone from her ear. “Wait honey, Peter just got home. Do you want to talk to him?”

“That would be great, thank you.”

You practically felt her beam through the phone and call something to Peter. Laughter and feminine giggling sounded through your end, and no offence to Peter, but he never had girls over.

“Sorry honey,” May said, sounding confused and apologetic. “Peter’s busy right now, but you can still come over for the bike. He says he’s with a friend, but I’m positive she’s more than a friend, because I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way since Liz.”

The heat drained from your face. “M-May, who’s Peter’s friend?”

“Oh, she’s from his science class I think, very quiet by the way. I think her name is Kimberl-”

You chucked your phone across the room. Probably not your best moment, but come on. Of all the people, why, why, why, why why why why why wHY WHY-

Breathing in deeply through your nose, you marched over, picked up the phone and hesitantly lifted it to your ear. May was already panicking. “(Name) honey, are you okay? I think something fell-”

“M’fine May,” You answered. “K-knocked over my lamp, but it’s fine. I’m fine.”

She didn’t say anything for some time, and you heard her walk further away from Peter and Kimberly laughing. “Honey, is everything alright at home? If your mother’s being difficult, you can sleep over here for a few days.”

“No, no,” You said quickly. “Mum’s been normal. It’s not that.”

Only after saying that did you realize your mistake. It’s not that. You knew May narrowed her eyes when you said that. “What’s wrong...?”

You opened your mouth and were interrupted by a shriek of laughter from Kimberly. If it were possible, you felt May narrow her eyes even more and glance in their direction.

“Y/N sweetness,” She whispered, even more caring than before. “Is it Peter?”

You bit your lip harder, feeling the skin break beneath your teeth. May pretended to be clueless in terms of pop culture and teenage angst, but she understood better than any adult. She knew the answer. “Is this why he didn’t want to talk to you?”

“I don’t know,” You breathed sadly into the phone. “I don’t want to know. May, it’s better to drop it-”

“It’s her, isn’t it?”

May, you are too damn smart for anyone else’s good. Stay this way forever. “I-I think so.”

“Okay, okay, just tell me one thing,” Her voice trembled with poorly concealed excitement. “Oh, I’ve wanted to know for six years- Sorry, sorry, gotta stay on task. Do you…like him?”

For some reason you looked around the room to make sure no one was there, even though the door was locked. What a hard question. Well, not really, but it was impossible to put into words. Do I like Peter? I mean, he’s opted not to talk to me because Kimberly is there, and I wanna choke him right now… Haha, that’s what she said. If you did like Peter, did you want to? So far, him being your second biggest secret, you hated it. You’d spend life denying that you were attached to anyone, even your mother (you being emotionally distant was her fault, probably). The question still stood: Do I like Peter?

“Yeah.” You shyly mumbled into the phone. May squeaked the moment it left your lips.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited,” May said breathlessly, like she were holding in a squeal. “This is so perfect! I mean, I always thought, hoped, even- But wow, that’s amazing!”

“Uh, May?”

“Yes honey?”

“He’s- Peter’s not-” You held the phone away from you and huffed. It seemed physically painful to say “he doesn’t like me”, but it was better to reject yourself before Peter got the chance. The group picture of him, you and Ned was sitting on your bed stand, collecting dust but ever present. You looked away from it. “Peter isn’t with Kimberly…to study. Just putting that out there.”

“Oh-” She gasped, biting her tongue. “Oh, I’m so sorry. She’s not very nice, by the way. Terrible girl. Very rude-”

“May, I know you like her. It’s okay that you like her. Kimberly’s a great person.”

It sort of burned your tongue to say that, but the statement was half true. Kim was nice to everyone, except you. She was kinder, more thoughtful, more tolerant and patient and optimistic. Perfect grades in all her advanced classes, in an already advanced school. Not to mention her flawless skin and shiny hair… But May seemed determined to make you feel better. “Y’know, there’s still something about her that I didn’t like.”

You smiled sadly at her attempt at cheering you up. “And what’s that?”

“She isn’t you, sweetness,” May said sincerely. “There’s only one of you.”

You laughed at that. “May-”

“I know, I know,” She confessed. “That might have been the corniest thing I’ve ever said, but I mean it. You’re such a wonderful girl, honey. Your mom just doesn’t give you enough credit.”

If this were said in person you might have cried, because even now your throat tightened with emotion. You let out a strangled “thanks May” before your voice got the chance to crack.

“No problem,” She said. “I’ll always be your honorary aunt. And honey?”

“Yeah?”

“Peter will always be your best friend,” May said thoughtfully. Peter and Kimberly’s voices got louder in the background. “But god help him if he hurts you, I swear I’ll-”

You giggled at her antics. “Thank you May. G’night.”

Aunt May grinned happily on her side of the call, feeling careworn but content. “Goodnight Y/N.”

Authors Note: This is the last chapter before things get...interesting.