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#looking forward to meeting fandom friends on Friday!!!
rimeswithpurple · 2 months
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Thank you @hushed-chorus, @blackberrysummerblog & @ileadacharmedlife for the tags! I've got a lot going on this week in the lead up to Rainbow's book signing and back to school. A quick aside, I'm still buzzing from successfully executing my first 3-turn in my ice skating class last night! I've struggled in advancing beyond the basics and going backwards on one foot has been my Everest.
I've got to start on the gum paste dragon wings to recreate the petit fours from Simon's birthday today (naturally, I didn't save the original wing template 😩). I'll be making those and a mini version of the butter cake for Rainbow. Hopefully, I'll remember to take pictures of the process this time.
I think I might be past the halfway point on my cardigan's sleeve! I noticed a good bit of progress from the last time I took a picture of it
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I almost finished my vacation knitting project, all that's left are the straps. There were plenty of opportunities to knit in a lounge chair while sipping tropical drinks and it was a great conversation starter! Other fiber artists would stop and chat and it was really lovely.
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In my infinite wisdom, I had the bright idea to sew Littlest Purple's school uniform this year. She's joining her sister at big kid school and I really don't like the skirts and dresses I've bought in the past. Eight yards of fabric later, I've cut out enough pattern pieces for three skirts and three dresses (bonus: they all have pockets!). School starts on Monday, so all the pressure. At least I get to use the cute little tags I've accumulated!
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Tags and hellos below!
@talentpiper11 @messofthejess @valeffelees @artsyunderstudy @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @youarenevertooold @bookish-bogwitch @facewithoutheart @thewholelemon @larkral @run-for-chamo-miles @roomwithanopenfire @fiend-for-culture @cosmicalart @mooncello @that-disabled-princess @cutestkilla @noblecorgi @iamamythologicalcreature @best--dress @emeryhall @drowninginships @supercutedinosaurs @whatevertheweather @rbkzz @ebbpettier @cccloudsss @theimpossibledemon @katatsumuli @thehoneyedhufflepuff @theearlgreymage @theotherhufflepuff @onepintobean @orange-peony @fatalfangirl @ic3-que3n @bazzybelle @nightimedreamersworld @martsonmars @aristocratic-otter @shrekgogurt @monbons @alexalexinii @prettygoododds @ivelovedhimthroughworse @raenestee @skeedelvee
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demonicbaby666 · 10 months
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Tears on the Window Pane
One shot | Supergirl Masterlist | Masterlists
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Fandom: Supergirl
Pairing: Lena Luthor x fem!Reader
Genre: Smut
Words: 2.6k+
Warnings: 18+, minors DNI, toxic ex, jealousy, alcohol, rough sex, fingering, humiliation (if you look hard enough), semi-public sex, degradation, hair pulling, asphyxiation, daddy kink, top!Lena, bottom!reader
Summary: months after a breakup, you bump into your ex. Though the relationship was filled with turmoil, and you’d long since believed you’d learnt some valuable lessons from it, it seems you’re not as strong to resist as you think.
A/n: this was originally going to be an enemies-to-lovers story but then a devilish creature crawled out from a dark corner of my room, muttered mean!Lena really seductively in my ear, and I was helpless to fight what came over me then...
It was foggy that Friday night. National city's streets pulsed with life as people filtered out of bars and clubs, only to move on to the next, then the next. When their wobbly steps turned solely to stumbling, they would wave their white flags and surrender to the night or, better yet, early morning. That, too, is what your plan had been - to wander aimlessly with a group of friends until your head spun and your feet hurt, till the sun rose from beneath skyscrapers and the morning breeze would snip away at the lingering effects of hard liquor and cheap beer. Those plans, however, had been wholly derailed when you made your way into a club, and tendrils of cold shivers made their way up your spine, forcing your gaze to flicker over the swarming sea of sweaty bodies, landing on one person. 
If it were a year ago, a mousy smile could be caught stretched across your lips. A sudden timidness to being perceived by this goddess whom you'd once called your girlfriend may have even sent butterflies flittering low in your stomach. But a year ago, you were naive, blinded by flashing lights that coloured red, green and toxic, sweet. 
You stood there, hand in hand, with a stray girl your group had adopted for the night, past feelings dwindling low in your stomach as your mind walked the line between now and then. Fear had the muscles in your stomach tensing, pupils dilating, and legs refusing to heed the commands of the arm tugging you towards the bar. The other emotion you harboured was similar in nature. However, it differed in that although its predecessor forced your legs to remain rooted, this successor wedged them closed to alleviate the quickening pulse, growing thick and lively. 
Trying to ignore that even from a distance Lena's eyes had locked onto your every move with chilling precision, you elbowed your way to liquid relief. It had been your intention to leave after slinging back a few shots of watered-down vodka, but then came the shift - the subtle twist in your gut that made you courageous enough to entertain the attention you were receiving rather than cower away from it. 
With a turn of your head and a feeling of which direction to turn in, you granted yourself a few moments to really take the CEO in. She appeared to have come straight from a business meeting, dressed in a navy suit, surrounded by white-collared men and women all fighting to gain recognition. And yet, she gave them nothing. She remained silent. Eyes cemented on the light sway of your hips and the shrinking space between you and the unknown body lurking beside you. 
With each boom from the speakers and the accompanying shake of the floor, bodies morphed together until there was only Lena and the blur of scattered masses. The music died in your ears, reduced to a faint hum, and the constant pounding of the bass became secondary to the pounding of your heart. The beginning of a slow-motion step forward was attempted, the heel of your boot hitting the sticky floor before, "You want to dance?" 
The spell was broken. Music assaulted your eardrums. The reek of alcohol polluted your nose, and calloused fingers brushed your elbow before a tall figure obstructed your view, sporting an aggravatingly hopeful smile. 
"What?" you snapped, not realising how harsh your tone was until the man’s unabashed beam faltered. You tried again, this time softer. "It's loud in here. What did you say?"
There was a charming awkwardness to him. The way he rubbed a palm over the back of his neck and let out a nervous laugh made you feel bad for the guy.
"Come have a dance with me?" he asked, voice gruff but not entirely unpleasant. 
The human blockade made it hard to gauge if Lena was still watching, and in the absence of her scrutinising glare, you allowed yourself to be led to the crowded dancefloor. 
As the music flowed and your body moved, you let your mind wander. You thought back to the breakup and how the following months were spent re-wiring your brain, re-learning how to make decisions independently and cultivating a life centred around yourself. You’d told yourself it had been worth it. The freedom was blissful, and opportunities popped up where they had never seemed to before. But with the merriment came the bittersweet - evenings spent alone, men thinking they had free rein to eye fuck you and, occasionally, get handsy. A day didn't go by where you wouldn't crave the guidance and praise Lena bestowed. But more than anything, you missed the feeling of being wholly owned. It was that deep-rooted longing that had you looking back to Lena. 
Despite not being in a relationship with the woman, the look she was shooting at the poor man behind you led you to believe her claim over you was still unconquered, and that single fact should have sent you running. But once again, strobing lights really did have a way of distorting things. 
Her gaze remained fixed, and though it was unnerving, it was thrilling. Being with Lena was always like this. She was intense and stubborn and so damn territorial it spoke directly to the servile side of you in a way that nothing and no one else ever could. It made you desperate to bend to her will, no matter the costs. The only problem then was you weren’t hers to bend, and it became clear in that second that that needed to change. 
You kept up the act, dancing as provocatively as stilettos would allow and laughing along to rehearsed pickup lines. The last straw for the fuming brunette came when a pair of hands snaked around your waist, pulling you back into a muscled torso, and a pathetic little jab touched your ass. Lena was up on her feet and charging towards you in no time.
"Hands off,” the older woman growled, digging her blunt nails into your forearm and yanking you forward. 
"Take it easy.” The man tried to make a grab for you, but Lena beat him to it, stepping forward to shield you from his grasp. Instantly, he backed away, throwing his hands up. “I didn't know she was spoken for." 
"Shut the fuck up." Lena was seething, her jaw clenched and her eyes vicious. “If you even think of you touching her again, I'll chop your dick off and feed it to you."
She didn't wait for a reply to come or give notice to the small crowd that had formed around the three of you. Instead, Lena hauled you into the bathroom in record time, practically threw you into an open stall door and pressed your front firmly against the wall. 
"A few months, and you're already whoring yourself out,” came the surly voice from behind you. "Did you learn nothing?" 
"I," you tried to answer, but a hand fell over your mouth, silencing you. 
"You're disgusting,” she sneered. "What makes you think I care what you have to say?" 
The palm over your lips was held tight. There was no space between slim fingers and no room to breathe from anywhere other than your nose. A woeful whimper arose from the back of your throat, sounding so pathetic heat rushed to your face and painted your cheeks pink. 
The fact you knew, from experience, there was no way to get out of Lena's hold evaded you. From the surface level, it could be said you were under the assumption your sudden hike in mental strength extended to your physical. However, deep down, you knew the fight was what you and Lena needed. All that pent-up anger, resentment, and hunger required liberation, and together, that was something you always did well. 
"You're so desperate, aren't you?" Lena snarled, lodging her foot between your heels and wedging them apart until you were spread open for her. "I bet if I reached into your panties, I'd find you soaked." 
As predicted, the contentious grunt that heaved a puff of cool air out your nose and elbow to the gut sparked something primal in Lena. It forced her hand to the back of your neck, where she pushed your cheek harder into the wall and laid a stinging slap over your clothed cunt. The yelp that followed met a quick demise, cut off by bracketed fingers restricting your airways and survival instincts chose then to seek the help of your hands. They flailed about, aimlessly reaching out for Lena, begging her to stop or to give you more; you didn't know. All you knew was your mind's conflict. 
The top half of your body fought hard, shoulders driving back and forth, whilst the bottom speedily submitted, rocking against the minimal pressure Lena's palm offered and greedily pushing down to gain more stimulation. It was all in vain, of course. 
"Pathetic," she tutted, delivering another swift slap to your aching sex. "Little slut wants her pussy fucked?" 
"Lena, please,” you quietly sobbed. 
Swift as the wind, the brunette had your back to the wall, one hand gripping your jaw, the other holding your wrists above your head. 
"Please, what?" she goaded, pushing your head up to work the blank space of your neck with not-so-gentle bites, topping them off with soothing licks. 
"I d-don't know," you whined. 
It wasn't far from the truth. Your mind was hazy from alcohol. You were letting your body lead you into something you knew you’d later regret. But the scariest thing was that it didn't frighten you at all how willing you were to throw months of hard work away. You knew what you wanted. The problem was grappling with whether it'd be a good idea to say the words out loud. 
Your indecisiveness earned you a piercing pain that rang from the veins of your neck to the tiniest of capillaries in your toes. There was no way to see the irreparable damage done. Alas, there was no need. You felt the sharp edge of each tooth sink into your throat, marking you. The agony, however, was thankfully quashed seconds later as you received your second reprimand. Between the tearing of lace and Lena thrusting three fingers into your tight channel, there was no time to stop the ear-splitting moan that tumbled from your lips and bellowed over the bathroom stalls. The sound alone sent any remaining occupants fleeing in fits of laughter as your stomach sunk due to both mortification and arousal. 
With Lena's new hand placement came the opportunity to use your hands again. Instead of using this as a chance to fight back, you pulled Lena up from the nook of your neck and hastily interlocked your lips together in a frenzied kiss. She reciprocated at first, then drew a sharp breath before pulling away. You attempted to chase her. However, you were woefully mistaken in thinking you had the authority to initiate such an act again. A brutal strike of curling fingers taught you that, alongside the smirk you witnessed when your eyes flew wide open and a shove to your neck forced the back of your head to collide with the wall. Lena wasn't shy with her pace after that. It was like she was adamant about proving how easy it was for her to drive you crazy. 
Trailing fingers up your jaw to the back of your neck, Lena bundled your loose waves into a bun and tugged, forcing you to look into her blackened eyes as she frowned. "Do that again, and I'll bring you to the brink over and over again, then leave you here crying. Understand?"
You heeded the warning with fast nods and chants of 'yes, yes, yes', which seemed to please the brunette. She kept up her hurried movements, digits sliding rapidly up and down your hot canal, occasionally curling to stroke the rough patch of tissue that had you seeing stars. 
The closer you got, the harder it was to remain still, and when Lena didn't stop your hips from matching the flow of her ministrations, you were beyond grateful. In fact, the move garnered reward, specifically a svelte hand moving south to knead your breasts. It turned out this was only a distraction from the nimble thumb readying itself for work. A swipe to your clit followed the next hit to your sweet spot, and before you knew what was happening, your stomach muscles were convulsing, and pangs of liquid heat soared through every vein in your body. 
Your breaths were short and shallow. Lewd moans were given free rein to fill the four walls of the suffocating stall, and the thrumming bass coming from outside was being overtaken by the pulsing sound of blood pumping in your ears. Yet, somehow, through it all, you could still hear the shameful jabs Lena was throwing at you. 
"I'm going to,” you began, only to be cut off by a stern voice.
"I don't think so, honey,” she interjected. “Who decides when you get to come?" 
"Lena, oh god, Lena," you cried, squeezing around her fingers and trying to stop the tight coil in your gut from unfurling. "I can't!"
"Who tells you when you get to come?" Lena barked, slowing down. 
Tears were welling in your eyes, giving shine to the stars interspersed across your vision.
"You!" 
"Who?!" Lena sped up again, redoubled her efforts and slipped a fourth finger inside you, filling you so completely that your knees almost buckled beneath you. Even still, you weren't granted permission to release the strained muscles holding you from your orgasm. 
"Fuck!" you screamed. A tear spilt down the side of your face, your jaw shook, and blood coated your tongue as you bit the inside of your cheek, tearing into the smooth flesh. “You do, Daddy!" 
Just when you thought you might pass out, hot breath skimmed the shell of your ear, and Lena whispered the words that were your undoing. 
"I want everyone to hear you. Come nice and hard for Daddy."
Finally, you let go. All the pent-up tension rushed to the surface like a tidal wave. It submerged you in a whirlpool of flooding pleasure that had you shouting out for Lena, begging her to hold you steady whilst you shook and shook for what felt like hours. Her arm was around you in no time, providing a lifeline to hold onto whilst her fingers kept you under, massaging soft tissue. 
You stood there, mind numb, body useless, until the shudders passed, and Lena carefully pulled her fingers out of you. It wasn't until after feeling had returned to your legs and the strain of standing wasn't registering that you realised Lena was practically holding you up. Her arms were on your hips, and her body firmly pressed you to the wall, so there was no chance you'd keel over. 
When your eyes met, you detected the slightest bit of worry, making your heart skip a beat, and that alone was why you didn't argue when the next thing she said was, "I'm taking you back to mine."
It wasn't so much a walk to the car; rather, Lena stormed through the club, dragging you alongside her before slamming you against the back door of the vehicle and kissing you silly. At first, you were taken aback. Her reluctance to do just this only minutes ago was still echoing between your legs. You shook it off and accepted the moment for what it was: fleeting. That was when the rain started to fall, and the drunken mob's laughter erupted into roars of childlike amusement, and for the first time in a while, you felt content. 
You laughed and laughed and laughed, genuine bubbling girly giggles shaking your chest and vibrating between rain-kissed lips. 
"I'm so screwed," you half-whispered, half-sighed, nestling your head into Lena's neck. And as the sky cried a fresh set of trickling tears that splattered off the car's window panes, you happily bled a few of your own. 
"Mmm," the older woman hummed in agreement, kissing your temple lightly. “Yes, you are."
Tags: @anonslay @homo-oddity | Click here to be added to my tag list
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prettygirl-gabi · 4 months
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Coffee, Confessions, and Office Chaos
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Rating: General Audiences
Warning: Fluff, slight angst
Category:F/M
Fandom: Seventeen (SVT) (boyband)
Relationships: !office worker S.coups x !office worker f reader
Summary: it's not for some work place, but who knows?
Trope: office romance..
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Hiiiii everyone who is reading! Welcome to the first installment of my new mini series called "Oi! Not this again!" They do not have to be read together or in order! I hope you all enjoy!
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I had never been a morning person. Not until the day Seungcheol, or as everyone in the office affectionately called him - S.Coups, started bringing me coffee. At first, I thought it was a coincidence; he had simply grabbed an extra cup for a colleague. But then it became a routine. Every morning, like clockwork, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee would land on the corner of my desk with a smile brighter than the morning sun.
“Good morning, Y/N,” he’d say, placing the cup carefully next to my keyboard.
“Morning, Seungcheol,” I would reply, trying to hide the smile that tugged at my lips.
We worked in a bustling marketing firm, and while the job was fulfilling, it could be incredibly stressful. Seungcheol and I often found ourselves working late into the night, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and endless lists of deadlines.
One evening, as the clock ticked past 8 PM, I looked up from my screen and found him leaning against the door frame of my office, two take-out bags in hand
“Dinner break?” he suggested, tilting his head slightly, causing a few strands of his dark hair to fall into his eyes.
I laughed, pushing my chair back. "Only if you have extra soy sauce packets."
He grinned, his dimples making an appearance. “Always.”
We ate in silence at first, the only sounds coming from the bustling city outside. But soon, conversation flowed as easily as it always did between us. We talked about everything—from office gossip to our dreams and fears.
“You know, Y/N, you’re pretty amazing,” he said suddenly, catching me off guard.
I snorted, shaking my head. “You’ve seen my handwriting; I’m far from amazing.”
“I mean it,” he continued, his voice sincere. “You’re hardworking, kind, and you never give up. It’s… inspiring.”
A blush crept up my cheeks, and I focused intently on my noodles to avoid his gaze. There was something about his words, about the way he looked at me, that made my heart race in a way I wasn’t sure I could handle.
Days turned into weeks, and I found myself looking forward to our quiet moments together. The morning coffees, the late-night dinners, the shared glances across the office—it all felt like a beautiful secret between us.
One particularly exhausting Friday, the weight of the week caught up with me. I was the last one in the office, trying to meet an absurd deadline. Tears of frustration began to pool in my eyes as I stared at the screen, feeling utterly defeated.
“Y/N?”
Startled, I glanced up to see Seungcheol standing at my door, concern etched across his features.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
“Just… everything,” I mumbled, wiping away a stray tear. “I can’t seem to get this right.”
He walked over, pulling a chair next to mine. “Show me.”
Together, we worked through the problem, and with his help, everything seemed to fall into place. By the time we finished, the clock read midnight.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice heavy with gratitude.
“It’s what friends are for,” he replied, but there was something different in his tone when he said the word ‘friends’.
My heart pounded as I mustered up the courage to ask the question that had been gnawing at me for weeks. “Seungcheol… is that all we are? Friends?”
He paused, looking at me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. “I hope not,” he admitted softly. “Because I’ve fallen for you, Y/N. Completely.”
Tears filled my eyes again, but this time, they were tears of overwhelming joy. “I’ve fallen for you too, Seungcheol.”
His smile was pure sunshine as he reached out, brushing a tear from my cheek. “Well then,” he said, his voice gentle, “how about we start this weekend with a date?”
I nodded, my heart soaring. “I’d love that.”
And just like that, our beautiful secret was unveiled, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our story—one filled with love, joy, and of course, plenty of morning coffees.
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Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶
-Prettygirl-gabi🎀
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guardian-angle22 · 4 months
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Thank you to @heartstringsduet & @liminalmemories21 for tagging me in a revival of Fic Rec Friday! I wasn't sure what fics to pick for this one so I went through my history on AO3 and here are all of the completed 911LS fics that I read (or re-read) in the month of May!! (if I also added the WIPs or the fics from other fandoms we'd be here all night so I narrowed it down 😅)
◆ Meet me in the afterglow by @mi1kc0ffee (Words: 2.9K; Rating: E)
So maybe Carlos is just a bit upset that his new boyfriend isn’t into cuddling after sex. Or, TK experiences aftercare for the first time.
◆ The Shadow of You by @littlemissmarianna (Words: 798; Rating: G; TW: discussion of grief & canon character death)
TK should be safe in the grocery store, and yet, Carlos feels himself begin to panic when aisle after aisle turns up empty. The cans and boxes are in perfect rows on each shelf, and the strangers seem friendly enough when Carlos passes by them…but TK has vanished.
◆ Hold me too close by @paperstorm (Words: 1.8K; Rating: T; TW: discussion of grief & canon character death)
“Hey, baby,” TK whispers, soft enough that were they a few inches further apart Carlos might not be able to hear him. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to make you cry.” Carlos’s lips curve into a small responding smile and he shakes his head. “It’s okay.” He tilts his chin forward, asking for a kiss, that TK gives him readily because he thinks it would hurt like having a limb ripped off if he didn’t. Carlos’s lips are smooth and damp against his, wet with the salt from his tears. “Wanna go for a walk?” TK asks when they part, and Carlos quickly nods. - A small extension of the scene after Tommy sings at their wedding.
◆ Five fingers on each hand by @sloganeeer (Words: 323; Rating: G)
Carlos didn’t put a shirt on last night, after, and TK gets to rubs his palm over the short curls of Carlos’s chest hair. “You wanna?” he asks. - Or, TK wakes up with his husband.
◆ love in a series of bursts and inches by @lemonlyman-dotcom (Words: 35K; Rating: G)
It’s Eid 2024 and Tarlos is preparing to host Marjan and her parents for a celebratory dinner at the loft, where they will be meeting Joe for the first time. Over the night before and morning of Eid, both TK and Marjan reflect on the past four years in Austin, and the Eids they’ve spent together building a bond as found family.
◆ breathing deeper than i've ever done by @your-catfish-friend (Words: 4.6K; Rating: E; sweat/scent kink)
Carlos smells good, and TK has feelings about it.
◆ Silence and Gloom by @wandering-night19 (Words: 13K; Rating: T; TW: PTSD, physical abuse, aftermath of torture & violence)
Carlos is fine. So he wishes TK would stop looking at him with those wide, green eyes like he's something fragile that might shatter at any moment. He's fine.
◆ all is not lost by @strandnreyes (Words: 14K; Rating: M; TW: brief discussion of grief & canon character death)
As they tear through the loft, Carlos gets flashbacks to when he had to do the same for a lost lizard. Twice. Except this time it’s not a reptile, but a very expensive engagement ring that doesn’t even belong to them. They flip cushions and roll rugs and dig through the dishes filled with pretzels or chocolate covered almonds, but even after their home looks like a tornado ripped through it, they’re still empty handed. TK slumps down on the living room floor after a last ditch effort to look under the couch, staring up at Carlos with wide, horrified eyes. “The ring is gone,” he mutters, and all Carlos can do is swallow past his dry throat and nod. Or, a tale of three lost rings
◆ The Rest of the World Was Black and White (But We Were in Screaming Color) by reyestrand (Words: 9K; Rating: T)
TK Strand doesn’t like the world he lives in. The best part of his day is at night when he closes his eyes so he can’t see anything, and the worst part is in the morning when he has to open them again - open them back up to a world that lacks in beauty. He wakes up and everything is just gray. All there is are shades that are making him numb every day that passes without meeting the one person who will bring color into his world. - A soulmates AU where the world is seen in black and white until soulmates share their first kiss
◆ Thirst Trap Thursday by @chicgeekgirl89 (Words: 40K; Rating: M)
When Carlos accidentally sends a sexy picture to a random stranger he apologizes and vows never to text again. But when T.K. Strand receives that picture, he can't help but start texting back. It starts with a thirst trap. It ends with love.
◆ You Keep Coming Back With a Bird In Your Teeth by vaguenotion (Words: 133K; Rating: T; TW: kidnapping, stalking, violence, non-consensual touching)
When a gesture of goodwill is misinterpreted, a patient begins to develop a dangerous attachment to TK. The whole point of the job is to save patients, not to have to be saved FROM them.
◆ The Greatest Gift I’ve Found, The Sweetest Thing I’ve Known by @lemonlyman-dotcom (Words: 7.3K; Rating: E)
“You know, there’s a lot of things to adore about TK. But do you know the thing we love the most about him?” He makes a questioning noise. She points a finger into the dimple in his cheek. “This.” He furrows his brow in question. “Oh, I’ve known you for thirty years, niñito.” He bites back his quip about how he’s not 30 yet, wanting to know where she’s going with this. “But I’ve never seen that smile, not until about four years ago.” “When I met TK.” “When you met TK.” She nods. “We all knew something was different. Even if it took you a while to work up the courage to bring him around. You seemed so light, so happy. We knew something had happened.” He looks over to where TK is chatting away with his abuelita. “He’s a special person,” Carlos says. “He is, but honey. So are you,” Lucy grips his bicep softly. “We love you, Carlitos, and I’m sorry that we ever made you feel like you had to hide any of your specialness from us.” --- Nochebuena at the Reyes house. It's Tarlos's first Christmas as husbands, and the family's first without Gabriel.
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rekino2114 · 20 days
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Blind date with Veronika grebenshchikova
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Pairing:Veronika grebenshchikova x male reader
A/n: episode 12 was great, Charles was the mvp and it ended on a pretty big cliffhanger. We also got to see this Veronika quote:
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(I love her so much)
Anyway I have an announcement to make starting today I will be doing a weekly drdt post every Saturday until chapter 2 is finished (I know the episodes come out on Friday but they actually come out at 1 am where I live) next Saturday will actually be the first genderbent post about this fandom (you can probably guess who it's gonna be)
This is kinda inspired by red flags by Tom Cardy and montaigne (with a twist), I put it here if you wanna listen to it, i know i'm not the first person to say this but that song is just Veronika (sorry for the really long note)
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Veronika got set up on a blind date by her classmates ,mostly because they were tired of her creeping them out and wanted to pass that burden on someone else, so they asked whit to match her with someone and he chose you.
You waited at the table that you booked for you and the girl you were supposed to meet, you were slightly nervous about the date, mostly because you were scared your date would be put off by you as it's not the first time that happened but the ultimate matchmaker matched you together so you had hope.
You saw a red haired girl enter the restaurant and approach your table
"Hey, are you y/n l/n by any chance?"
"Yeah are you Veronika?"
She smiled and sat down across from you
"Yep, it's great to meet you"
"You too, I really dig your look, those fake eyeballs look amazing"
"Oh thanks so much, you're actually the first person to say that"
"Really? That's a shame, they're great"
"I think it kinda spooks people"
"Well I don't get spooked easily"
"*giggle* well then I think this date might go better than I thought"
You started talking for a bit until a waiter arrived to take your orders
"Oh I'll take a stake,very rare,I want to see the blood"
"I was about to order the same thing"
"Oh really?"
"Yes I love seeing blood in what I eat"
"Same!!"
Your waiter got very freaked out and left as you continued talking
"So what's your favorite movie?"
"Oh......it's human centipede"
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes I know it's weird but-"
"That's my favorite movie too"
"........what?"
"Yes I love seeing all the body horror and the fear on the actors faces its amazing"
"...do you like scream too?"
"I have a Ghostface mask in my closet so I can prank my friends"
"Saw?"
"I also have a Billy the puppet doll there"
"Halloween?"
"Micheal Myers is my lock screen"
".......marry me"
".....what?"
"Sorry if I'm too forward, but I think we might be soulmates. You know how I said I go to Hope's peak"
"Yeah I was wondering what ultimate you were"
"Weeeeel let me introduce myself formally, I am Veronika grebenshchikova the ultimate horror fanatic"
"....really?"
"Yes I adore all things horror and I see that I have found a kindred spirit"
"Absolutely, I love horror too, I didn't know Hope's peak considered that a talent if I did I would have probably asked to join"
"This is amazing, you're the only person I know who has a love for horror other than me, now I see why paired us together"
You continued to talk about horror movies and eat, and after eating dessert(feeding each other the red jam in the cake to make it seem like blood) you walked Veronika home, who very happily accepted another date.
[Timeskip]
Some time after your date Veronika is talking with her classmates in the cafeteria
"Y/n is the sweetest guy ever, do you know what he did for me yesterday? He carved my name with a heart on a tree in a graveyard so romantic"
"....how is that romantic?"
"That's just disgusting and unsanitary"
"Soooooo I did well matching you together didn't I?"
"100%, we've been dating for only a few days but I already feel soooo happy and in love"
"Well at least she won't bother me anymore"
"Says the guy who can't leave j alone for more than 5 minutes"
"Shut up"
Everyone got distracted by the door opening, and you coming out of it, especially Veronika who immediately tackled you into a hug
"Darling, what are you doing here? Don't get me wrong, I love that you visited me, but you're not a student"
"Well now I am actually, I asked if I could "share" your talent since I love horror as much as you and they said yes"
Veronika squealed happily and peppered your face in kisses
"That's amazing now we can spend even more time together, I have to show you my dorm it's full of horror stuff I know you'll love"
"I can't wait to see it"
As you two walked away happily a look of horror appeared on teruko and Arturo's faces
"Awww how cute, seeing happy couples like these is why I love thi- ow! What was that for?"
"You idiot, do you understand what you did, now there's two horror psychopaths in this school"
"All of the heart attacks Veronika gives us daily are gonna be doubled"
"Weeeeel, she didn't really do anything scary to me before. In fact, you two seem to be the ones she likes pranking the most, so I suggest you prepare yourselves"
".........fuck......."
22 notes · View notes
oonajaeadira · 1 year
Text
This Will Be The Day That I Spy - Part 1: Blindsided
Fandom: Kingsman: The Golden Circle / Jack Daniels
Pairing: Jack Daniels x f!reader
Reader: Bold, smart female, not easily fazed, always open for an adventure. Has a chemistry degree and is a spirits distiller by trade. No physical descriptions, no use of y/n.
Rating: T
Warnings: darkness, enclosed spaces, and Jack Daniels being a flirt.
Summary: A blind date with Jack Daniels does not go according to anyone’s plan…and that’s what makes it interesting.
A/N: For my March entry for Year of Tropes  as part of @yearofcreation2023​ we’re going for BLIND DATE+. The + is there because I couldn’t decide between two tropes for this fic, so there will be another one tackled in part two.
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It was the construction that pushed you in the door to the swanky Manhattan high-rise. Ginger wasn’t kidding, this guy must be loaded. Not your usual fare, rich guys, but Ginger assured you he was a sweet, Southern gentleman…if you could get past the hokey name. And the corny compliments. And something about a belt buckle….?
“I’m not looking for a sugar daddy, Ginge,” you’d pleaded over the video call. “If that’s what he’s expecting–”
“It’s not. Believe me. I only suggested he meet with you to springboard your network in New York and look over your portfolio. He’s impressed with your background and your work at Herlot Watt, but…” your old friend’s lips pressed together in an otherwise controlled flickered moment of frustration, “then he saw your picture and asked me what you were like when we were in college and I figured I’d just cut to the chase and set you up. One thing you should know about Jack is that he thinks he’s being subtle. But that man is never subtle.”
“So you’re saying he’s rich but tedious and you think that’s a good match for me.”
“No! I’m sorry. No.” She adjusted her horn-rimmed glasses, doing her best to hide a knowing smile. “Jack is…he tries. He’s a romantic at heart. He really is. But he’s been alone too long and I think he knows it.”
“Wait. Is this that CEO that flirts with every woman he sees? That one boss that irritates you to hell???”
Ginger let out a long, measured breath. “Do you trust me?”
“No.”
“You forget that I was trained in a multitude of forensics. And I know when you’re lying.”
“You know when I’m lying because we shared an apartment and you’ve held my hair while I was puking.”
“That too.” Ginger was never known for having a tender heart, but every once in a while, she’d let you see it. “Listen, dearest. I promise you, his personality fills up a room. But I’ve known him long enough to see that it’s a diversionary tactic. He’s got a deep core of honor in him. And if you meet him and sparks don’t fly, he will still open doors for you in the distilling biz, I promise.”
“This is the Manners Maketh Man guy, isn’t it.”
“I didn’t realize I’d told you so much about him.”
“Less told and more complained. You’re throwing me to the wolves here, Ginge. At least tell me he’s good looking.”
One sly corner of her mouth raised. “He does alright. I think you’ll find him acceptable to your tastes.”
“What’s that look for??”
“Nothing,” she cooly mused, “I’m just curious to see if my hypothesis is correct. Friday night, 7pm, rooftop restaurant of the Calgary Suites. I’ll send you the coordinates. Enjoy.”
As she leaned forward to end the call you told her to “wait–I’m not one of your experiments!” but with a click she was gone, nothing but a white afterimage on a black screen in glorious negative relief.
Well. If nothing else, he sounded like a challenge. And you like a good challenge.
So on a balmy Friday night you found yourself gaping up up up the reach of the Calgary against the twilit sky, towering over Central Park at your back, smelling the reek of a life too expensive for your tastes and instinctively turning on your heel to walk away.
What stopped you was the restoration scaffolding enclosing the building under which you were standing. Or rather, the way it shuddered. And the way a large pole fell on its end with a clang to the sidewalk where you’d just passed a moment ago, tipping slowly out into the street. Nobody was hurt but the screams and concrete crack and sudden blaring of horns spelled out a true disaster in front of you.
Where someone else might have been rattled and shocked, all it did was give you perspective.
Fuck it. Let’s do this. Can’t be a worse disaster than this, right?
“I can call up for you, ma’am. What suite?” The doorman at your elbow brings you back to the moment.
“Uh, no, uh, I’m sorry. Daniels? I’m actually meeting him at the rooftop restaurant.”
“This way, ma’am. So sorry about all of this.” He seems nervous, a little shaken by the victimless accident outside, anxious to put all to rights and it looks like you’re something he can fix. You follow him to the elevator bank, letting the sleek extravagance of the lobby wash over you.
Once an elevator arrives, there’s a swipe of a key card, a little door opens to a small button that gets tapped, a friendly nod, and the doorman backs out of the elevator, smiling as the door quietly slides shut.
Well. That decides that then. Might as well just ride this out.
Looking at your reflection in the polished doors, you try to see yourself for the first time. Are you shoddy looking? At least clean and tidy? Would you ever find yourself really fitting in at a place like this? A little lip tint might help, if for nothing than confidence…
In an attempt to look at anything but yourself, you reach into your purse to find a gloss or lipstick or balm, something with some color, and are so occupied that when the elevator stops and the doors open, you simply step back and to the side to let the new passenger in.
Once you’re in upward motion again, you find what you’re looking for, turning to apply it in the reflection of the polished wall. Finishing and taking in the final effect, a smooth baritone rolls from behind you.
“Pardon me, ma’am, but are you–”
You just start to turn–just enough time to catch a black Stetson and tie, a charcoal blazer and painted-on denim, just enough time to register the deep chestnut hair and mustache, just a fleeting twinkle of a dark eye and a silver buckle–before the world goes black.
A jolt shakes the box you’re in and it comes to a rude halt, then another harsher one as the generator initially kicks in but fails before it’s begun, and you feel yourself stumbling backward through a pitch black void, banging your shoulder and then head against a polished metal wall.
“Owwwwww.” A bright light pierces the blackout; not from the spark of pain but rather a phone flashlight. “Hey!”
“My apologies,” your fellow passenger says and the light swings out of your eyeline. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just…surprised.”
“Okay, that’s good. Hold on a minute, sugar.” The light goes out, replaced by the display backlight shining onto the man. It’s dimmer, but you can make out his thumb tapping out a few numbers and the line of a strong jaw as he lifts the phone up to his ear. “We’ll see what’s spooked the horses.” A few distant rings. A few more.
Sugar? Sugar?? Excuse him??? Wait. No. Wait. Is he–
A distant answer through the phone. “Sir?”
The man is calm and steady, respectful and patient. “Howdy, Jones. I’m in elevator 3 with another passenger and we’re in a stall and blackout. What’s the situation?”
“I’m so sorry, sir! We think it might be the construction outside, perhaps a wiring issue. There was an accident. We’re working to get it fixed as soon as we can. Are you alright?”
“Yes, yes, we’re fine. No worries. You wanna call up top and let them know I’m going to be late for my reservation?”
“Of course Mr. Daniels. Although, they’ll be in blackout too; the whole building is… Oh! Your guest was just–”
“Yes, she’s in here with me. I believe…” He turns to face you in the shadows as if he can see you past the light of his phone.
The silence that follows is a bit too long and fills itself with the collection of regrets–the outside accident, the elevator stop, the darkness, being stuck in a box with the potential employer slash begrudgingly blind date that you’d rather meet under literally any other circumstance. What a disaster.
And then you realize that the silence is too long and it’s your fault, that he’s waiting for you to confirm who you are and you stutter out a “Yes. Yes, it’s me, I’m…I’m your–” just as he is about to ask you again.
“Yeah, it’s her, Jones. I got ‘er.”
“I guess that’s both a good and bad thing, sir. But at least you both have company, right?”
“Jones.”
“Sorry, Mr. Daniels. Just trying to make light. Ha! No pun intended!” The doorman’s laugh roars and then awkwardly fades through the receiver. “We’ll do our best to get you up and running again, sir.”
An abrupt return to absolute blackness comes when the call ends and you hear a small shuffle as he puts his phone back into his blazer pocket. Then there’s a beep--like a notification--but he doesn’t answer it. “Well shit, you went through the effort to put the last shine on the boot and I don’t even get to enjoy it.”
“The…boot?”
“The lipstick? Your face.”
“Excuse me?” Ooof. This guy really has some kind of cowboy schtick going on. 
A chuckle in the darkness. “I’m Jack. Ginger’s told me a lot about you. Said you had some bite.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Daniels,” you say, hoping your voice carries a smile rather than the tingle in your spine. “I assure you I’m harmless. If there was light, I’d shake your hand.”
“I prefer Jack. And if there was light, I’d most likely kiss your cheek in a gentlemanly manner.”
Wow. Wasting no time in the flirtation then. From any other strange man in close proximity, this should be too forward. But incredibly, intuitively, you know he means no harm. Ginger wouldn’t hook you up with anyone who was a threat, and obviously he knows that any bad step on his part would be reported.
But it is his voice that gives you calm. His voice in the dark. Deep. Mannerly. Steady. With a twang that is on track to becoming a big distraction.
You’re self aware enough to realize you made a mistake on your way here. You had already decided that the date was a minor hurdle to get through in order to meet your networking goal, that these business types weren’t your style and that you’d shake hands and leave with nothing more than a little professional support.
It had been a subliminal, foregone conclusion. At no point had you seriously expected to have your head turned.
But he’s said all of a few sentences to you–all of them polite, gentle, and smoothly southern…
…And it’s working on you.
You can feel your face start to burn and even though it’s impossible to see anything in any direction, you still smile hard in the direction of your shoes. It would be nice to be kissed on the cheek by a man with that voice. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all?
“You still with me, darlin’?” It’s smooth and sweet, a perfect balance of charm and attempting not to be a threat or take up the whole room, even as tiny as it is.
“Hmm? Oh, yes… I was just wondering,” you peer in his direction out of habit, trying to find him in the void, “what brought you here.”
The careful calm cracks and a little cornball shows through. “Well you did, sugar. I believe we had a blind date. Although, this is awfully literal.”
You can feel your face squinching up, suppressing a laugh–a hopeless endeavor that fails–and it’s pleasantly surprising at how instantly you are won over. “I meant Manhattan! I assume you’re not from here…your accent…”
“Ah that,” he purrs, laying it on thicker for your benefit. “I am a Southern boy born and bred. But someone had to run Statesman’s New York branch, so I slung myself into the saddle, and here I ride.”
“I suppose the cowboy act is helpful for the brand….charming investors…subliminal suggestion of authenticity…”
There’s a sharp intake from his corner. “Sweetheart! I can assure you there is no act. I grew up on a fair few ranches and have one myself.”
“Really? With the horses and everything.”
“With the horses and everything. Did you say ‘charming?’”
There’s something so freeing about knowing your expressions are masked. But no doubt the delight comes through. “Can you do lasso tricks?”
“I might know a few.”
How does he do sincere and suggestive at the same time? Ginger said he wasn’t subtle, but he certainly has nuance.
The sudden image of a tall, dark, handsome cowboy and his lasso running around New York sends your imagination rolling though. Clapping a hand over your mouth to hide your sudden smile isn’t necessary, just a reflex. Thank god he can’t see what a giggling mess he’s making of you.
He’s ridiculous.
And you love it.
What on earth has gotten into you?
Too fast. Too fast. Calm down.
“So..has this happened before?”
Your question hangs in the darkness.
And then....keeps hanging.
He’s been quick to respond up until now. Did you say something wrong? Is he thinking back? It’s hard to say why, but his pause raises the hair on the back of your neck.
But it’s only a matter of seconds before he gently eases the silence open. “What do you mean by that, sugar?”
“Ah…the elevator? Does it break down like this often? You don’t seem particularly stressed out by it.”
“I would point out that you seem pretty calm yourself.”
You shrug needlessly. “There’s no reason not to be. There’s ventilation. Standard codes will have a secondary cable system in place and there’s no way we can fall unless the cords are severed, which is unlikely. Worst case scenario is that we have to hand pry the door open and either crawl up or drop down… I don’t know if I’m strong enough for that, but I’m sure the both of us could handle it. The only reason I’d have to be afraid is because I’m trapped in a lightless box with a man I don’t know and might need to defend myself.”
“And I bet you could defend yourself.” His drawl deepens when he’s delighted.
Noted.
“I have a feeling I’m not going to have to.”
“No, ma’am.” There’s a shared, sweet and nervous laugh between you and you have a distinct image in your mind of those dark eyes crinkling at the edges. You’d wager he has a beautiful smile. You’d wager more that he has a cowboy grin–lopsided and dopey, but somehow just as charming as that twang. And just as you’re reminding yourself to slow down your flirting again, it seems he’s had the same thought. “These old buildings do have their quirks. A breakdown isn’t unheard of. So...how does a master distiller know so much about elevator mechanics?”
“Well, first of all, just ‘distiller.’ I’d like to be a master someday. Furthest I’ve been is head distiller. Secondly, I’m sure Ginger told you that we were undergrad together, started off on the same track, but I stuck with the chemistry and she went into the physics… we kind of learned a lot from each other. I don’t remember talking about elevators specifically? But it’s funny what just happens to stick in the memory banks.”
“I see.” Strange. He seems slightly perplexed with that answer and lets his reaction drag as if he’s formulating his follow up question. “And then you took off for Herlot Watt.”
“That’s right.”
“What sticks in your memory banks about that?”
Ah. He’s switched to the more professional side of the questions. That can be appreciated. After all, Ginger did say that he could help you along even if the date didn’t go well. And since it seemed almost certain to go well, it’s gentlemanly for him to save it for better lighting–with a table and a meal between you--and spend this trapped time getting the dryer and safer questions out of the way.
“Well, my postgraduate studies were–”
“Oh I know about your studies. I’ve read. I’m talking about your time in Ed-in-burrow. Did you enjoy it there? What’s something you learned that wasn’t taught in their books?”
“Edinburgh is beautiful. The history, the shadows and light…I can still smell the bitter florals of the old perfumery from the little side street I lived on…I guess I learned… well, I mean, the air is in the whiskey there. And I learned that you can’t force a spirit to be what it’s not. Every spirit you distill will have its history in it–the local water in the wash, the particular ions in the soil that grow the barley in your mash, the sweetness or bitterness of the wood used for the barrels…even those change from forest to forest in the same region. If you pay enough attention, you can see the thread of the chemical makeup in each spirit as you drink it, each one unique, even if you don’t have the knowledge of its path to the present, you still know there’s a signature experience there…”
Another long silence.
“Sounds like you’re pretty perceptive to your senses and your surroundings.”
“Your cologne has cedar and tonka in it, I can tell you that.”
An amused chuckle that ends in a drawn out note, “Well shit. Thus ends the interview section of our meeting. I’m sure Statesman can put your talents to good use.”
“Oh, I’d love that–”
“But tell me. Did you ever get out of the city? Go exploring the countryside?”
“Oh, yeah, of course. If I was too wound up in studies, I’d pick the closest castle on the map I hadn’t gone to yet and go take a drive out to the country. It was gorgeous. That became like my little pastime and reward all wrapped up in one.”
“You ever visit the North Berwick area?”
It takes you a moment to scan your mental map. “On the coast? Yes, actually, Tantallon Castle was kind of a go-to place when I needed to get out of the city and spend some time by the sea. Do you know it?”
“I do, actually. So you’re familiar with the area.”
“Oh yeah. There’s a little abbey hotel I booked a few long weekends in that had the best meat pies I’ve ever had. The woman who ran the place had this little Westie she’d dress in a tartan that she’d allow me to walk in the mornings on my roamings…” It’s a happy memory, one you wish had more time to pour over, but don’t have the advantage of reading his expression to know if it would be boring or not. “Wow. I haven’t thought about that place in a while.”
“You think you still know how to get around?”
You blink in the dark. An odd question. “I…think so?”
“Would you like to go back?”
Something’s wrong, and your eyebrows know it as surely as you do, pulling together as you try to keep your voice casual and innocent. “I…guess I wouldn’t mind a visit? Why? Would Statesman Distillery require me to have more training?”
Tilting an ear to him, you listen hard. A shift of feet or a shallow breath or a change in speaking tempo can belie a lot and he’s suddenly being strangely persistent in this questioning line.
“Not exactly. Ginger said you were pretty good with the dialect in that area.”
“It’s thick, but it’s not like it’s Glaswegian.”
“But she said you were a good mimic.”
“That’s…weird. Why would she tell you that?” Your senses go on full alert.
“You ever ramble on through the caves in the cliffside there?”
“I heard there were caves, but I’d never gone, don’t want to get sucked in by high tide.” What the hell kind of questions are these?
“You ever meet a man at the University name of Barclay–”
“What?”
“No. You stop! I’m ending this.”
The sharp retort is an abrupt change in character from the urban cowboy you’ve just started to get to know, and you naturally step back and put your hands up in a defensive stance. “I…what? Did I say something–”
Your companion’s voice suddenly gains an edge, authoritative, impatient, an irritation gradually salting the earth. “Yes, I can see that. Listen, I can trust your word on this but you know patience is not my main quality and she’s not dumb. Look at her. She’s seein’ through all of this already so I would appreciate the opportunity not to beat around the bush this one time. Yes, I know! But this is my assignment now and drawing this out is not the way to build trust–”
“Ah…excuse me? You can see what, exactly?”
“--no signs of stress, high perception, the skills are there! I know what I’m about and the damage is done. Turn on the damn lights, Ginger.”
Squinting against the sudden brightness as the elevator lights flicker on, you catch sight of Jack Daniels across from you in full for the first time. You weren’t mistaken, he is decidedly handsome and well-kempt, big hands on slim hips, head tilted back and watching you intently with dark eyes through the bottom of his glasses…
You don’t remember seeing the glasses.
“Over speaker, Ginger. She can’t hear you though the tech.”
Your friend’s tense voice reverberates from above. “Yes, thank you I know.”
“Ginge?” you ask into the air. “What the hell.”
“My old friend…I’m so so sorry about this. This isn’t really how I wanted this to go. I promise you there’s an explanation. I need you to breathe. And relax. You’re going to break that railing, sweetie.”
You suddenly take stock of your back pressed against the metal walls of the elevator, hands gripping the brass railing that runs along at waist height like you need to brace yourself, a contradiction to a fight or flight response. “Wait.” Your gaze bounces to the four corners of the ceiling searching for a camera. “You can see me?”
Jack taps the frame of his glasses and the notification sound you’d heard earlier in the dark pings again. Sliding them off his face, folding them in a huff and jamming them in his breast pocket he smirks, “Not anymore, she can’t.”
“Whiskey–”
“Dammit, Ginger… You gonna do this, or am I?”
There’s a tense moment as Jack glares you down and your friend heaves an audible sigh.
“Jack is going to explain some things. It’s going to be a lot, but I’m going to need you to trust him. Like you trust me.”
“I don’t understand–”
“I know, dearest. But you will.”
Turning to Jack Daniels, you find him easy, smiling, and extending a hand across the small space toward you, putting on all the charm. “Let’s start over. Howdy. I’m Jack Daniels, CEO of the New York branch of Statesman Distilling, and high-ranking operative for the covert espionage agency it covers. Code name: Whiskey.”
You find yourself reaching for him through your shock, propelled by Ginger’s assurance, Jack’s return to confidence and warmth, and your own curiosity kicking in. “Espionage…. You’re a spy?”
“Yes ma’am,” he winks as his fingers curl around yours. “Ginger too, if you can believe it. And–wouldn’t you know it–we’re recruiting.”
“They just called in a reboot of the whole building system,” Ginger warns. “It will probably be fifteen minutes before that takes. I can reliably give you ten. Without interruption, Jack should be able to tell you what you need to know, so keep your questions for the dinner table. I’ll scramble the mics and be back right before go.”
Dropping your hand to tap a button on his overlarge watch, Jack nods. “In ten, copy. Now then, sugar,” he hums at you, “let’s begin with Statesman.”
Over the following ten minutes, Jack explains the agency that coexists with the whiskey business, as well as its several fraternal organizations throughout the world, how Ginger came to be a part of it, why she had to keep it a secret from you, and will continue to do so if you decline the invitation to join–memory wipe, painless, no big deal, done right here in the elevator and the date continues as if none of this happened. But the background checks and paperwork are all done, you’ll need minimal training, and there’s time for that before you depart for your mission in Edinburgh–
“Mission? Wait. What? I thought you wanted me to work in the distillery–”
“Of course,” Jack explains, “there’s that too, but we need your skills and expertise and boots on the ground for this one. You know the area, as an alum you have an in at the University. You don’t have to do anything tactical. Not to worry, that’s my department and I’ll be right there with you–”
“So this was all some elaborate set up for what? To feel me out? Some kind of stress test?”
His thumbs hook into his belt loops as he settles into one hip, his chin chasing a raised eyebrow. “Why? Do I cause you stress, darlin’?”
Oh shit. That pulls your reins up short. You have no answer to this. Well. None that you’d like to admit out loud anyway. His chest is so broad. And it’s right there. And his shirt pulls against it when he stands like that…
Beside the point. Focus.
“But…why on earth would you want a spirits chemist on a spy mission?”
A wry smile pulls at one corner of his mustache as he catches you looking. “You said so yourself; there’s a lot of useful stuff in that memory bank of yours.”
“Yes, but–”
“Are you seriously underestimating the importance of chemistry?”
You might have protested further, made him understand that chemistry is noble but that you can’t wield it like a weapon; you use it for mixing compounds not for unveiling secrets. But the gentle swagger with which he closes the gap between you stops the words from coming. And the smooth and measured way he pulls you  into the circle of his arms stops your head from thinking. All this just before he presses his lips to your cheek….
In a gentlemanly manner.
Ah. That chemistry.
“Is this…still a date?” You don’t mean to whisper, but your voice seems to be on an inconvenient hiatus. 
His cheek hums next to yours, honeyed twang circling your ear. “Seems a shame to waste a good dinner reservation. And good company. You disapprove?”
“No. But,” pulling back an inch or two, you swallow and do your best not to look him in the eye at this close proximity. Somehow, that’s supposed to keep him from hearing your heart booming. “I thought you said you’d wipe my memory before this continues as a date.”
“I never said the two scenarios were mutually exclusive. There’s no rule says agents can’t co-mingle. And if there were such rules…well, shit,” tipping his head down to hook your eye, “They’ve never built a fence this buck can’t jump.”
“Seems unprofessional.”
“That’s what makes it fun, sugar.”
“Jack! I leave you alone for ten minutes–” Ginger’s chiding echoes from the speaker above. “You’re deviating from the plan.”
He steps back to assess your bemused smile. “I beg to differ. I told you I’d be flirtin’ to get what I want. Never specified that ‘what I want’ stopped at information.”
“I still don’t think it’s a good idea so soon–”
“I do, Ginge,” you call into the air while holding Jack’s steady gaze. “How did you put it? ‘Acceptable to my tastes?’ You know me better than anyone. I find it hard to believe that you’d trap me in a box with a sturdy, handsome man of mystery and expect me not to rise to the challenge.”
In the short silence that follows, you can almost hear Ginger fume. You can certainly see Jack grin.
“Jack. If you mess this up or hurt her, I will replace your entire glandular system with a colony of pigeon ticks.”
He gives a stoic nod, mostly for your benefit. “Odd choice of pest, but copy that. In the meantime–”
He makes it official by stepping forward and offering an elbow.
And you seal the deal by looping your arm through it.
“--order up. One box of Whiskey and Rye to the rooftop patio.”
You can’t recall the last time you gave over to the power of “well hell why not” like this. There’s something about him that is instantly trustworthy and you can’t wait to find out what it is. In the meantime, the reflection that you two make in the elevator doors tells you all you need to know; it’s a story in itself, an epic meet cute, an adventure in the making.
There’s a lurch as the elevator begins to climb, but this time you stay steady on your feet; he makes sure of that.
As the doors slide open, the picture of you on the arm of this new challenge splits to reveal a quiet patio restaurant under the stars. All the tables are empty but for the one in the center–a lone candle burning, and a setting for two.
“An arranged elevator stall. A fully reserved restaurant. The offer of a job and possible espionage. What else do you have up your sleeve, cowboy?”
As an answer, he flexes slightly, his bicep pushing at the blazer fabric under your hand. “Possible espionage? You still havin’ doubts? You hold onto these guns, sugar, and follow my lead. I will happily persuade you.”
Stepping out into the night together, you close your eyes and let him guide you to the table. “You know what, cowboy? I think I might happily allow you to.”
A chuckle. “What do you reckon? Best blind date ever?”
“Best blind date ever.”
________
MASTERLIST
CHARACTER MASTERLIST
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gutterfuuck · 27 days
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⋆˚࿔ „welcome back” playlist ! 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
i’m returning to a constant fic release schedule!? yep! after being gone for so long and being almost forced to marry (least craziest writer experience) i have come to make my triumphant return!!
multifandom writings, dark content blog, mdni, masterlist
࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ •
「 ✦ MILLION DOLLAR BABY ✦ 」
when gaolang wongsawat meets you at a party, strutting out onto the large back garden with a drink in your hand he can’t help but strike up conversation… that gets more and more heated as you seem to challenge him, maybe the thai god of war really has met his match.
cw : smut, full nelson/headlock, size difference, dirty talk, reader is a powerbottom lowkey, slight intox maybe, impact play, hair pulling, pussy eating, pure filth as always
࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ •
「 ✦ WANNA BE ✦ 」
toji fushiguro is always broke… because he’s your paypig. you see, he’s got a thing for spending money on beautiful women… and being degraded for doing so. give him a run for his money, baby girl <3
cw : lowk subby toji not going to lie, handjobs, blowjobs, degradation, edging, teasing, orgasm denial, dirty talk, this one is nasty sorryyy
࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ •
「 ✦ 365 ✦ 」
making nerdy boys nervous is the best! its halloween night and you’ve been ditched by your stupid jock boyfriend! lucky for you, you’re sitting in the front seat of your car with the cute nerd from your study group in the passenger’s side…
cw : lowk meangirl!reader x nerdy!mark grayson, virgin!mark, premature ejaculation, overstimulation, dacryphilia, cum eating, dom reader(??)
࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ •
「 ✦ STREETS ✦ 」
its a friday night and you know exactly who’s going to be walking through those heavy oak strip slub doors in about five minutes, your most loyal customer. he’s handsome, tall… an older gentleman who swallowed down whiskey like it was water… „why don’t you come look after this old man, sweetheart… ‘m fuckin’ dyin’ here…”
cw : reader is a stripper!, kishibe is in his 50’s… reader in her 20’s sorry i love old man, age gap, impact play, daddy kink, nasty stuff, spitting, footjob, nipple play, choking, dry humping
࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ • ࿔‧ ֶָ֢˚˖𐦍˖˚ֶָ֢ ‧࿔ •
「 ✦ TWIST ✦ 」
being married to nanami is wonderful. breakfast in bed, outings to cafés, expensive meals galore… but he’s not the domineering man everyone thinks he is. everybody knows you call nanami daddy sometimes, it’s become an inside joke within your friend circle… but not everyone knows that he’s not the one controlling the situation…
cw : 3some!, nanami x reader x gojo, mxm scenes, switch!nanami, smut duh, heavy make out sessions, cucking (kinda), blowjob, dubcon, hair pulling, bdsm elements
more to be added soon — !
fics will be released from 20th september - onward! i have been getting into multiple fandoms recently, but there will be more invincible content soon as is what i have mostly been writing for hehe!! please look forward, thank you! i will be answering asks as normal when i have finished for these writings! there will be eight in total
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emotionalcadaver · 2 months
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Part 21: The Shadow of the Abattoir
Fandom: Peaky Blinders
Pairing: Tommy Shelby x OC
Summary: Lucy's usefulness to the company is called into question.
Word Count: 3,587
Notes: Warnings for depictions of slut shaming (sort of).
Previous Chapter • Series • Fic • Next Chapter
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Chapter 11: Useful
Her fingers twitched, thumb rubbing idly at her rings while she listened to Isiah brief them on what their boys had found during their stakeouts of the flat where Clara had told them some of the Italians were hiding out.
“It’s Alessio. We’ve seen him come in and out a couple of times. From what we can gather, it looks like he has two guards with him. His wife stays there too, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she leaves from eleven in the morning to three in the afternoon to have lunch with friends, go to the salon, and help facilitate this book and knitting club she’s a part of. That’s when Alessio and the boys will call on Elizabeth or other whores and have them come over to the flat.”
“Are there any children?” Lucy asked, gaze focused on the opposite wall of the office. Today was a Wednesday. It was a little past noon. 
“No. Alessio and his wife don’t have any. Not so sure about the guards, but if they do, they aren’t staying with them.”
“And the wife leaves at those same times? Every day?” Tommy prompted. 
“Yes.”
“Good,” Lucy could already feel the beginnings of a plan forming in her mind. “Well done, Isiah, you’ve done a good job here.”
Tommy jerked his chin towards the door. “You can go.”
Isiah nodded to them both. “Family meeting in ten minutes, right?”
“Yeah, we’ll be gathering in the kitchen. Feel free to put some tea on, while you wait,” Lucy stood from where she’d been leaning with her back propped up against her desk, arms crossed over her chest.
“Thanks.”
“And don’t mention this to anyone else yet!” Tommy called after him. 
She watched the kid duck out the door, weaving around the desks in the betting shop to make his way towards the kitchen. When she was sure that he was out of earshot, she turned to Tommy, and was promptly met with stern eyes and pursed lips. 
“No.”
“You haven’t even heard what I’ve got to say yet!” she protested. He sighed, pulling off his glasses and tossing them onto the pile of papers atop his desk, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. “Tommy,” she strode towards him, placing both palms flat on the smooth wood surface, leaning forward across it. With her standing and him still seated in his chair, she was actually taller than him for once. “This is part of what you hired me for in the first place.”
“That was before we had others who can do the killings for us. Besides,” he folded his hands together. “I usually only sent you after ordinary people, not trained soldiers of the Sicilian mafia.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You think that I can’t handle them?”
“It’s not a problem of if you can handle them or not, love,” he said quietly, and when he looked up, she was struck by the look in his eyes, teetering on pleading. “I can’t lose you.”
She took a deep breath, trying hard to remember Grace’s words from her dream:
The idea of losing you is probably terrifying.
“I know,” she said, gently as she could, reaching across the desk to take his face in her hands. “I know you worry, but I will be fine. I promise. I’ll take some of our boys with me, if that’ll make you feel better, just please…please let me do this, Tommy. There’s only three of them. If I leave now, I could be done with all of them maybe even before the family meeting is over.”
“Why?” Tommy asked, voice hoarse, staring up at her destitutely. “There’s no reason that it has to be you. The Golds can deal with them just as easily.”
Her lips parted, stuttering slightly at the realization that she did not actually have a good answer for him. She couldn’t say why it was so important that she be the one to go after Alessio. Or who it was exactly she was trying to prove something too. Maybe herself. Maybe the rest of the family. Maybe it was just her fucking pride getting in the way of things; insisting that she was still top-dog when it came to this kind of work, even though she hardly actually partook in it anymore. An insistence to prove that she wasn’t rusty–which she wasn’t, by the way. She still kept up with sparring and shooting and throwing knives. She was just as tough and capable as all the rest of them. Even Aberama Gold and his far-reaching reputation for savagery. 
Before she could even begin to think of an answer, she heard the doors bang open and then the loud hum of boisterous discussion as people started to arrive. She pulled back, away from the desk, looking over her shoulder to see Aberama and Bonnie walking side by side towards the kitchen, chatting to each other while Polly and Ada trailed in behind them. She looked back at Tommy.
“We’ll talk about it later.”
He must have heard the dejection in her voice, because he looked up sharpy, brows drawing together. “Lucy…”
But she was already making for the door, yanking it open with perhaps a little more force than necessary. Behind her, she heard him sigh, chair scraping against the floorboards as he pushed it back to stand and follow her. 
She went directly to the kitchen, giving a small nod to Polly and Ada as a hello. Isiah and Bonnie were talking by the window, and she had to sidestep around Aberama to grab a teacup to fill from the kettle Isiah had already made up. 
“Miss. Winters,” Aberama greeted in that slow drawl of his, watching her as she poured the tea, swirling it idly in her cup and blowing on it before taking a sip. 
“Mr. Gold,” she acknowledged politely.
He shifted, leaning an arm against the counter. Turning, she spotted Tommy talking with Polly and Ada near the door to his office, hands shoved deep into his pockets. When his eyes darted to hers, she looked hastily away. 
She wasn’t mad at him, not really. Just…put out. 
Okay, fine. She was mad at him. But only a little. 
“You wouldn’t happen to be related to Miri and Mercy Lovell, would you?” Aberama asked, pulling her from her musings. She started at the names. It had been a long time since she’d heard either of them. He smiled at her kindly, cocking his head. “I ask because you look like them. Similar shade of hair, petite…”
“Miri is my aunt.”
He nodded. “I thought as much. You’re Genevieve’s daughter, aren’t you?”
Lucy frowned, putting down her teacup. “You knew my mother?”
“Not really. Her family and mine would often bump into each other at the fairs when we were in Wales. And then she left, off into the city with your father. I still see Miri every once in a while.”
“How is she?”
“She’s alright. Mercy’s become quite impressive. She’s got to be one of the best marksmen I’ve ever seen. Does a whole show around it at the fairs.”
“Good aim runs in the family,” she murmured, suddenly swept up in memories of summers spent with Miri and her cousins in the countryside, Mercy teaching her to shoot a revolver and throw knives with near-flawless accuracy. Her and Mercy teaming up in boxing matches against Mercy’s brothers. It was always her favorite time of the year, and while she’d adored all of her cousins, Mercy had always been the one she was closest with. 
An ache pinched deeply in her chest, not quite homesickness–the caravans had never been her home, after all–but close.
“Did you ever work in the fairs?” Aberama asked curiously. A few more people were starting to filter in, Jeremiah stepped inside, moving to talk with Isiah where Finn had already joined him and Bonnie. Johnny Dogs’s voice boomed from the doorway as he greeted Tommy enthusiastically. 
“Sometimes. Fortune telling, mostly. I wanted to be a contortionist, was practicing for a whole damn year to be one, actually, but Mum said no after I almost broke my neck.”
He chuckled. “Pity. I hear from Miri that the contortionists are some of the most popular acts at the moment.”
She shrugged. “It wasn’t all a waste. I’m still quite flexible. It’s come in handy from time to time.”
Aberama chuckled. “I’m sure it does,” he eyed her for a moment. “You look so much like her, in the right light.”
“Who?”
“Your mother.”
She looked down. It hadn’t been an uncommon statement, when she was younger. All the women in her family on her mother’s side looked the same: dark red, curly hair, big eyes, and petite, curvy figures. Her mother had been prettier than her, though. For one, she hadn’t been covered neck to toe in faded scars, and for another, she had a mane of deep red curls that fell to the small of her back, and big, doe brown eyes. She didn’t smile often, but when she did, dimples appeared in her cheeks.
Aberama took a step towards her. “There’s something you ought to know…”
“Right!” Tommy’s voice booming throughout the kitchen had everyone, even Aberama, silencing and turning their attention to him. Polly, Ada, Linda, and Arthur all took seats at the table while everyone else gathered in close in the cramped space. Glasses of whiskey were passed around. Lucy took the one Ada offered her thankfully, shooting one last curious look at Aberama, making a mental note to enquire further about what he had been meaning to tell her after the meeting was over.
 Tommy’s eyes swooped across everyone, taking mental tally and ensuring that all were present. “Lizzie’s not here; Ada tells me that she’s dealing with some sort of paperwork disaster over at the other office and won’t be making it, so we’ll continue without her. First off, a commendation, for Arthur. He killed two Changretta men who broke into one of our factories. Every life taken by us from the enemy side should be considered a victory. So I propose, to start off this meeting, that we drink a toast, to Arthur and his good fortune.”
Everyone raised their glass while Arthur mumbled bashfully. Tommy stared at him intensely, the entire operation clearly an attempt to extend an olive branch regarding the recent conflict over opening up the hit on Luca. It certainly seemed to achieve its goal in getting him at least partially back in Arthur’s good graces, based on the way he smiled slightly at him.
“Next item of business, after a vote taken during a meeting of the board members, we have agreed to put out an official bounty for Luca Changretta. I want word to go out today. This bounty would be up for collection for you as well, Mr. Gold,” he addressed Aberama directly, reaching into his pocket. “Should you or your son deliver Luca dead or alive to us, you will be rewarded,” he passed to Aberama the enlarged photograph of Luca from Alessio’s wedding pictures. Lucy watched Arthur from the corner of her eye; he was looking down at the table and scowling, Linda’s hand curling around his shoulder. Her self-righteous face was tight with anger, though Lucy couldn’t imagine what she had to be upset about regarding the bounty being extended to Bonnie and Aberama.
“Item number three: the betting shop needs–”
“Fuck the betting shop!” Linda cut him off, and the whole room went dead silent. Arthur’s head snapped up from where it had been bowed, eyes staring at his wife in wide shock. 
“I want to know what you’re planning to do about the man who gave Arthur up at the factory,” she demanded, back straight, head tilted up in that stuck-up way that pointed her nose at an angle towards the ceiling. She met Tommy’s icy-cold gaze straight on, fearless. 
She had balls, Lucy could at least give her that. 
Tommy wetted his lips, taking his time in answering Linda’s question. Lucy suspected that the delay in him speaking was half out of pettiness, and half because her outburst had genuinely surprised him.
“We are still conducting an investigation into who may have been responsible for letting the Italians into the factory. We’ve eliminated a number of suspects, so far, but until we are sure who it was–”
“Nothing!” Linda flung her hands up into the air, looking around as if expecting others to back her up. “You mean that you are going to do nothing about the man who set my husband up to die–”
Tommy’s eyes narrowed. “That is not what I said, Linda.”
“But it’s what’s happening, isn’t it!?” she screeched, yanking her arm away from Arthur when he tried to grab it in an attempt to get her to calm down, rising to her feet. “Too busy chasing after the big prize of Luca Changretta’s head on a fucking platter, too busy making sure that your precious company doesn’t lose a single pound in profits to worry all too much about the fact that the man who set up your brother to be murdered is still walking around and could come for him again at any moment!” Her lips curled back from her teeth in a snarl. “But I suppose it doesn’t matter, right? You’ve already gotten one brother killed, so what’s another one to add to the pile, right?”
Tommy flinched, a movement so small Lucy doubted that it was noticed by anyone but her; and yet it was there, as was the flicker of deep grief, guilt, and hurt that swirled up past the layers of his armor in his eyes. It was only there for but a microsecond, but she saw it. And its presence caused protectiveness to flare within her. 
“Linda, sit down,” Lucy ordered, taking a step forward.
Linda rounded on her, eyes alight with fury. The cross on the chain around her neck swayed against her chest with the movement, light reflecting off of it, and Lucy fought back the urge to cringe away and hiss at the sight of it. 
“Nobody asked for your opinion, you…you slut!”
Lucy’s brows flew up at the insult. Not that she didn’t already know what Linda thought about her, but she hadn’t exactly expected her to verbalize it at a meeting with everyone present. But then again, she hadn’t expected her to start in on a verbal attack of Tommy, either. 
“Hey!” Tommy barked, voice so loud it made Ada cringe uncomfortably in her seat. But not Linda. No, Linda kept her eyes focused solely on Lucy, her attention diverted momentarily away from Tommy and onto her. 
“I mean, what do you even do for this company, anyway? Other than follow Thomas around like a lost little puppy all day.”
“Linda, that’s enough,” Tommy growled, voice low and dangerous. 
“Linda, please,” Arthur said gruffly, still trying to pull her back down into her seat.   
Lucy stared into her challenging eyes, fighting back the sudden urge to slap her. Stupid woman; she’d spent, what? One day in the betting shop, and now thought that she understood how everything was run? Fucking hell. 
With a shake of her head, she slammed her glass of whiskey down onto the counter and made for the door, the others that were in her way shuffling hastily to let her shoulder past them. She heard Tommy call her name, but ignored him. She had promised him that she would try her best to play nice, and if she stayed there much longer, she was more and more likely to break that promise. 
Her footsteps thundered down the street, boots clicking audibly against the cobblestones while she walked. A particularly dark look must have found its way onto her face, because several people hurried to get out of her way as she passed. 
Her foul mood was not helped by the acknowledgement that at least a large chunk of her anger stemmed from the fact that Linda wasn’t entirely wrong. 
Sometimes it did feel like all she did was follow Tommy around. Yes, she helped to keep track of things, helped with paperwork, took notes on all his meetings–which, by the way, they didn’t use all that often because Tommy had the memory of a fucking elephant–and offered insight and ideas, but there were times when she couldn’t help but think that, at least without factoring in Tommy’s emotions towards her, the company would be fully capable of functioning just fine without her. 
Sighing, she pulled her cap out of her pocket, pulling it on over her hair. Stuffing her hands deep into her pockets, she kept her head lowered as she walked, so it wouldn’t be too obvious to anyone that passed her by that she was sulking. 
When she got to her destination, she hesitated momentarily. Tommy would be upset with her, if she stepped past the threshold of the doors she was currently staring at. After all, she had said they’d talk about it more later. He’d probably be agitated that she just went off without any backup and not even the go-ahead from him. 
What do you even do for this company, anyway?
“Fuck it,” she mumbled under her breath, and started to climb the steps of the Midland hotel. 
“Can I help you?” the receptionist smiled sweetly, when she approached the counter. 
“I need to speak with Billy. Immediately,” Lucy kept her voice low, pulling out a cigarette while she waited. He came bustling down hastily but a few moments after the receptionist called for him, a little out of breath.
“Miss. Winters, my apologies, we weren’t expecting you–”
“I need to speak with Clara,” she said, pulling her watch from her pocket to check the time. Almost one. 
“She just got in, but I was about to send her off to work…”
“This won’t take long.”
“Alright, I’ll send her up to your room–”
“No, I won’t be staying. Take me down to where the girls get ready.”
Billy’s face went a little ashen. “We don’t normally allow clients into that part of the hotel.”
“Billy, you are testing my fucking patience,” she snapped, and he winced, looking around the lobby anxiously. 
“Very well. This way.”
She followed him through a side door and down a winding set of stairs, suppressing a chill as they traveled lower and lower into the bowels of the hotel. When they finally got to the end of the stairs, they were greeted by a narrow hallway. Billy took her to a door labeled with a placard reading: Dressing Room. Shooting her a nervous glance over his shoulder, he knocked once. 
“Ladies?” he called. There was movement on the other side of the door, and then it opened with a creak of complaint. 
“Yes, Billy?” Maria poked her dark head of hair out, brow raised curiously. She had a forever enduring sparkle of mischief in her eyes, and lips that seemed to always be settled into a small, knowing smile. 
“Maria, is Clara still there?”
Maria opened her mouth to answer, but a softer voice spoke up behind her.
“Yes?” a moment later, Clara had appeared behind Maria’s shoulder, a tube of lipstick clutched in her hands. Billy looked at Lucy. 
“Leave us.”
He hesitated, and she rolled her eyes, reaching into her coat and holding out a roll of bills to him. He took it tentatively, pocketing it with a small nod.
“Girls,” he said to Clara and Maria. “Miss. Winters,” he smiled at her uncomfortably. She waited until he was climbing the stairs, and then turned to the girls.
“Can I come in?” 
They looked at each other, then Maria stepped aside, holding the door open for her. She stepped in, glancing around while Maria shut the door behind her. 
Small vanities were lined against the right and left walls. Some were neat and spotless in their organization, while others were messy and chaotic, nearly spilling over onto the vanities next to it. Makeup and hair-styling products were stored on most of them, and several racks, nearly bursting with clothing, were pushed up against the wall opposite the door. 
“Which one is Elizabeth’s?” Lucy asked. Clara pointed to one of the messier vanities. Lucy went over to it, picking up a palette of makeup that rested atop the general chaos of items tossed upon the vanity. She set it back down, checking her watch again. 
One-thirty.
“Is Elizabeth working today?”
“Yes. She’s upstairs with a client now,” Maria said.
“You’re sure she’s upstairs?”
They both nodded.
Turning back to Elizabeth’s vanity, Lucy touched the coat hanging off the back of the chair lightly. It would be a little big on her, but that would be to her advantage. Her eyes skimmed around the dressing room, taking in the wigs stored on mannequin heads on a shelf. She reached into her coat pocket, drawing out another wad of bills, counting them out and then splitting them between Maria and Clara. 
“I’m going to need you two to help me with some things. And then I’m going to need you to keep Elizabeth away from that flat for the rest of the day. Alright?”
Clara’s eyes widened a small fraction. They nodded. Lucy turned back to the vanity, pulling off her cap and brushing a few locks of her distinctive red hair off of her forehead. 
“Okay. Grab me that wig, over there.” 
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Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!
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captainsophiestark · 28 days
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No Way To Know For Sure Part 2
Daniel Sousa x Reader
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Masterlist - Part 1 - Join My Taglist!
Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)
Also written for @ghostofskywalker as a part 2 to the fic you let me adopt a while ago! I've had this in my drafts since all that AI stuff and I'm happy to have rediscovered and finished it 😄 Hope you like it!
Fandom: Marvel
Summary: Now that you've decided to move to LA with Daniel, there's a few loose ends left to tie up in New York.
Word Count: 2,174
Category: Fluff, Humor
Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.
I sighed dramatically as I sared straight ahead out the window, watching all the people bustling around the streets and the familiar, giant buildings hovering over them. I'd been gone for some time now, but New York hadn't changed.
Jarvis, currently in the driver's seat of the car, was positively buzzing, and I could tell he was struggling not to say anything. Even the great city of New York couldn't keep me distracted from all the ridiculous energy he was projecting.
"Alright, Mr. Jarvis, spit it out," I said, at last turning from the window to look at my friend. He glanced at me, lips pursed tight to try and hold back a smile before he had to turn his gaze back to the road.
"I'm sorry, it's just... I must admit, I'm rather excited. Since Mr. Stark has been spending more time in Los Angeles, I've missed seeing all of you here in New York. Having you regularly in Los Angeles as well as Rose and Chief Sousa... well, it will be a delight."
A smile made its way onto my face despite my best effots. I'd wanted Daniel to drive me in to the office this morning to put in my transfer request for the LA office, but he had a meeting with an informant he couldn't move. I hadn't really wanted to resort to Jarvis, only because I knew he wouldn't be able to stay calm about my decision, but now I had to admit I was happy to be here with him.
"It'll be wonderful to get to see more of you too, Mr. Jarvis," I said with a smile. "You, me, Ana, and Daniel should set up a regular double date."
"Oh, that would be lovely!" Jarvis turned to give me a big smile as we at last pulled up in front of the New York SSR. He hopped out and ran around to open my door for me, beating me to the punch of opening it myself, something we'd turned into a bit of a competition. "Ana will be delighted at the idea too, I'm sure."
"Maybe we can even invite Howard," I said, my voice serious even though I was cackling in my head. I got out of the car and stood, smirking at Jarvis' less than enthusiastic expression as I continued. "He can bring along whoever he's brought home with him on any given week."
"That may be the single most horrifying suggestion I've heard in my entire life."
I cackled, clapping Jarvis on the shoulder as I walked past him and towards the entrance to the "telephone company".
"Thanks for the ride! I promise I won't let Howard crash any of our couples' nights, unless he finally gets a girlfriend who sticks around for more than a few weeks."
"At this point in Mr. Stark's life, a few days would be impressive," he called after me. I laughed, then turned back at the door to give Jarvis a smile.
"I'll see you back in LA!"
"I'm looking forward to it!"
I smiled and waved before finally heading through the door and back into the familiar hallways of the New York SSR. Daniel would be picking me up later, after I got everything sorted out for my move, and then who knew when I'd next be back in this place and this city. We had plenty of friends here and the other half of the SSR, so it's not like I'd never see the city again, but for the first time since I'd started working here I had no idea when I'd next be back. I tried not to let it get to me, but stepping into the currently-empty bullpen of the place I'd spent so much time in the last few years drove the knife in a little harder.
I'd intentionally arrived before most of the other agents got here, hoping to avoid a lot of hubub about my transfer request. No matter how nostalgic I felt being here, my decision had been made. I loved Daniel and the life I'd started building with Daniel in LA enough that nothing could make me want to leave it. Not even my favorite pizza place on the way between here and my former apartment.
"Well well well. Look what the cat dragged in."
Of course, I couldn't get away with avoiding Chief Jack Thompson, especially not when I had to turn my transfer request papers in to him. He came striding out of his office, a massive grin on his face as he crossed the bullpen towards me.
"Long time no see, Agent."
"I saw you two weeks ago, Jack."
"Yeah, but in LA. You've been on-loan for a while. I haven't seen you as my agent, in New York, in a long time."
I just rolled my eyes. "Yeah, well, enjoy the next half hour then, because as soon as these papers are finalized, I'm officially Daniel's agent."
"Now hold on a minute, I have some serious concerns about you leaving that we need to address before I finalize anything. I mean, is it really appropriate for a chief to be dating one of his own agents? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen if you ask me."
"Jack. You are the one who sent me there, you meddling mother hen, with the exact hope that this would happen. I will literally fight you in the middle of the bullpen if you want to use that against me now."
Jack held up his hands. "Alright, relax. Your transfer's basically already finalized, I just need your signature next to mine. Then you can go run off into the sunset with Sousa and leave the greatest city in the world behind like it's nothing."
"Alright, you went to Ithica for college. At least I'm leaving for another interesting city, even if it's not as good."
"At least we can agree on that last part."
I snorted, but I couldn't totally keep a smile off my face either. Jack and I had actually kind of become friends in the past few months, especially in the wake of Daniel leaving, and I was surprised to find a little ping of sadness in my chest at the thought of leaving him behind with the rest of this city. If you'd told me a few years ago I'd be missing Jack Thompson, I would've laughed in your face.
Jack pulled the transfer papers out of a file on the nearest desk where they'd apparently been waiting for me all morning, setting them down in front of me. In turn, I handed him the papers I'd filled out since I last saw him, then glanced at what was in front of me. True to his word, they only needed my signature to be finalized.
"We're gonna miss you around here," he said, his voice unusually serious. I glanced up to find him holding out a pen to me, a small smile on his face. "Seriously."
"...I'm gonna miss you too, Jack."
We held each other's gaze for a few moments, maybe the first time we'd had a sincere exchange in my entire time working here. Finally, he cleared his throat, looking away as I finally took the pen from his hand.
"Alright, that's enough of that sappy crap. You bring a box to clean out your desk? I don't want to have to waste agency time clearing out whatever garbage you left in there before you went to LA."
"Don't worry, I've got a plan for all my leftover trash and scribbled notes I don't need anymore."
"I don't like the way you said that. What do you-"
"Oh, thank goodness!"
I straightened from signing the documents after finishing the last one to find Peggy coming through the doors into the bullpen, looking slightly more frazzled than usual. She shook her head at me as she approached, dropping her stuff at the base of the desk and putting her hands on her hips.
"I thought I'd missed you. I can't believe you were planning to just duck in and duck out this morning. What were you planning to do if Thompson hadn't called me to tell me when you were coming in? Just leave for Los Angeles without a goodbye?"
"Actually, Daniel and I were planning to invite the two of you to dinner tonight for a real goodbye. I'm just trying to avoid causing a scene in the middle of the bullpen, in the middle of the SSR's workday."
Peggy and Jack both scoffed, the sounds eerily similar. I raised an eyebrow, but Jack leaned in and snatched the papers off my desk before I could comment.
"Alright, I'm gonna go process these since you don't want to hang around here. By the time you're done with your desk, I'll be done with these."
I nodded, watching Jack's back as he headed back into his office. As soon as he disappeared through the doorway, I turned back to Peggy.
"I need you to get him out of his office for, like, five minutes between when I finish cleaning out my desk and when I head out of here. I'm gonna put all the papers and stuff I don't need in his desk."
Peggy grinned. "I'll make sure you have the window of opportunity you need."
"I knew I could count on you."
We snuck a high-five before Jack could notice, then I headed over my desk to start the packing process in earnest. There really wasn't much I needed to get, since I'd brought most of the things I needed with me to LA the first time, but a handful of the things I'd collected found a temporary home in my bag. Even better, the stack of trash I was planning to stick in Jack's office was substantial, and just like Peggy'd promised, she dragged Jack away from his desk long enough to give me just the opening I needed.
I stepped out of his office and back into the bullpen after finishing my mission, and a moment later, Peggy and Jack came around the corner to join me. I smiled at the both of them.
"Desk's been cleared. Papers are done. I think... I'm officially all finished up here."
"You sure I'm not going to find some trash you forgot about when I try to put somebody else at your desk?" Jack asked, hands on his hips. I rolled my eyes and sighed, responding without missing a beat.
"Of course not, Jack. You're not going to find any forgotten trash in my desk. Come on."
All true, technically. Peggy grinned at me, but I managed to keep a straight face as Jack put his hands on his hips and sighed.
"...I guess this is it, then, huh?"
"I guess it is."
I sighed, looking around at the empty bullpen one last time. I hadn't been working out of this office for a while now, and it's not like I'd never be back. But something about having my desk packed, ready to head out the door with the last of my roots pulled up still hit me a bit.
"I'm... gonna miss you guys," I said, shaking my head as I turned back to my two friends. Jack rolled his eyes, since we'd already exhausted his reserve of sincerity for the day, but Peggy gave me a soft smile.
"We'll miss you too. And you can expect regular visits from us in the winter, when we're sick of the snow and need to use our friends for access to the sunshine in Los Angeles."
I grinned. "As long as you promise to bring real pizza with you whenever you visit."
"Deal."
We shared a smile, and thankfully, before any of us could get any sappier, Daniel walked through the door, his meeting with his contact apparently over with.
"Hey," he said, giviing me a smile as he walked over to join us. He leaned in to give me a quick kiss, then pulled back with a smile. "You ready to go? Our favorite breakfast place is waiting for us."
I smiled, then gave Daniel a nod. We were technically on vacation, so we'd planned to spend the rest of our day on a tour of all of our favorite places in New York city.
"We'll see you guys for dinner tonight, right?" Daniel asked as he took my hand, the two of us taking a few steps towards the door.
"As long as you're buying," called Jack, and Peggy nodded. Daniel shot him a thumbs up as I rolled my eyes, and just like that, Daniel and I were standing on the threshold of the New York SSR.
"You ready?" Daniel asked, leaning in to whisper to me. I took a deep breath, sparing one last moment of reminiscing for the place I'd spent so much of my life in over the last few years, then turned to Daniel with a smile.
"Yeah. I'm ready."
He smiled back at me, giving my hand a quick squeeze before we turned our backs on the office, officially and completely moving forward together. It still stung a little to be leaving, but not nearly as badly as it could've, since I knew and loved where I was heading.
****************
Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989 @space-helen
Marvel Taglist: @valkyriepirate @infinetlyforgotten @sagesmelts @gaychaosgremlin
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rebelliousstories · 6 months
Text
Ruined Friendship
Relationship: Nick Burkhardt x Reader
Fandom: Grimm
Request: No
Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Happy Ending
Word Count: 2,367
Main Masterlist: Here
Grimm Masterlist: Here
Summary: The past few days has put a strain on a very special friendship for a certain detective.
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My love for her is so great, that if all the leaves on all the trees were tongues, they could not declare it.
Getting the call to come in for a case was not how Nick imagined his night going. He was looking forward to hanging out with his best female friend, gorging himself on carbs, and settling in for a movie with a beer to end the night. But instead he was here. On the side of the road, looking at a homicide scene. Meeting Hank on the sidewalk, the man chuckled at the irritated look on Nick’s face.
“Someone isn’t happy. I sure hope your Friday night plans weren’t ruined.” Griffin teased, looking over the scene.
“We had just finished dinner. Gonna finish the current season of our show, and then, I get the call.” He groaned, checking over the scene with his partner.
“Ooo, my man. Getting some action finally!” Hank cheered, but Nick shot him down.
“Not that kind of night. I was with my friend.” He tried to distract from the current conversation but it was not working. Griffin slapped his partner on the shoulder and Burkhardt turned to face him.
“The cutie that you’ve know since school?” He inquired,a puzzled look on his face. Nick floundered for a few moments, before he shut his mouth with a tight lipped smile.
“Yeah. Her.” Thankfully he was saved by sergeant Wu walking up to the duo.
“We’ve got a normal and easy one.” The two detectives breathed a sigh of relief.
“Really?” Nick asked, face full of hope for once.
“No,” they deflated, “but, hopefully this will be resolved soon. Two perps, William Deveraux and Taisie Reynolds. It appears they shot and killed each other right here.” Both detectives were confused.
“So why are we being called in?” Hank inquired, raising one eyebrow in a quirk.
“We think there was a third person here. It looks like they shot each other, but no gun has been found. Guns don’t just get up and walk away on their own two legs.” Wu explained, before being called away by one of his officers on the scene.
“Well, lets try and find out who associated with our vics. I think that’s the only shot we got here.” Nick went back to his car, and sighed deeply behind the driver’s seat. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number, pressed it to his ear and waited.
“Hello?” A melodic voice answered.
“Hey, it’s me.” Nick did not know how to start this phone call.
“Hey! Are you okay? You left in kind of a hurry?” Her questions made Nick smile as he relaxed ever so slightly in his seat.
“Yeah. I’m fine. We just got a case and I don’t know when we’re going to be able to continue movie night.” He was starting to hate how demanding his job was.
“Nick, don’t apologize for something you can’t control. It’s fine. Your job is important. Listen, once you solve the case, which you always do, let me know. We’ll have a celebratory movie night. Okay?” She offered the detective.
“I’d appreciate that. I’m just glad you’re not mad at me for running out like that.” Burkhardt breathed a sigh of relief, and scrubbed his free hand over his face.
“Of course. Now, go be a superhero and save the day.” They said they’re goodbyes, but the man did not pull away from the scene just yet. He sat there and let his feelings wash over him in an attempt to understand them. Something tugged at his heart when he had been unable to finish their night together. Whatever it was, it scared Nick a little bit.
The drive to the precinct was full of thoughts that ran too fast for him to catch. Having been out of the dating game for a while now, it concerned him to even be having thoughts of that. After Juliette, Nick vowed to throw himself into his work, and to stay away from romantic entanglements till further notice. Stopping the car in a spot, he made his way to his desk and did just that. Hoping that he could drown out al thoughts and feelings not related to work for at least a little bit.
It took five days to wrap up the case. However, for Nick, it may as well have been five weeks. In that time frame, he had gotten less than five hours of sleep per night and had barely spoken to his friend, let alone seen her. Being able to slap the cuffs on the third man in connection to the double homicide felt amazing. Finally, he was able to go home and get some rest, but there was one more thing that he needed to do first.
Answering the call with her name, Nick let a grin stretch across his face. Grabbing his jacket as he left his desk behind, he did not even care if Hank was teasing him behind his back.
“Hey. Is that celebratory movie night offer still standing?” The door to his truck was opened, but the engine was left alone for now.
“Of course it is! You solved the case already?” There was something moving around on her end as she was speaking.
“Yeah. We did. What are you doing over there?” He questioned.
“Oh I was just starting dinner prep. Gotta let stuff soak, and cook, and whatnot. Well, you let me know when you want to do movie night and we’ll plan around it.” There was more noise on her end as she, presumably, fixed herself a plate of food.
“Can we do tonight? I’ll pick up some takeout on the way home. I just-” Nick sighed again and breathed deeply.
“You just what, Nick?” Her voice washed over him once more.
“I just really want to get away from the world for a while.” He admitted, and allowed his head to drop forwards.
“Listen, why don’t you pick up some dessert and I’ll make you a home cooked meal. Maybe those enchiladas you like so much?” She teased, as the detective chuckled a bit.
“Yeah,” his head picked up, “that sounds wonderful. See you at seven?” With her conformation, they said their goodbyes, and Nick still sat there. He wondered how he got into this position. How was he this excited about seeing a girl? He had not been like this since Juliette, and refused to be this way after her. Yet, here he was.
The drive home never felt so long. Nick stopped by a twenty-four hour diner that they occasionally went to and got their favorite cake slices. The older woman behind the counter sent him an impish wink that the detective laughed off, and made a speedy escape. He had a little over an hour now until he needed to leave his house and make his way to her home.
Over the past few months, that has been the distinction that he has made between their living spaces. His apartment felt cold and distant most days. There was nothing wrong per se, but it lacked something. He had knickknacks and photos strewn about, but he would much rather spend his time with her at her place. She was warm, and glowing like the sun, with a smile that could brighten up the- what was happening to him?
The shower was a welcome distraction. For a moment. But once he stepped under the running stream, they returned with a vengeance. Nick was bombarded with thoughts of his friend who just so happened to be a girl. He was fine. There was nothing weird about their friendship not matter what Hank says.
His shower was extra long, but eventually he had to step out so that he could still arrive on time. Before he could catch himself, he was fussing over which shirt he should wear, and threw down both shirts in his bed with a sigh. It was just movie night with a friend. Trying not to think too hard about it, Nick grabbed a shirt and a set of jeans, and changed before he dried his hair. Would it be too much to put some product in? She had seen him without it, but it made his hair fall nicely. This was starting to annoy the Grimm.
His watch informed him that it was time to leave, and he grabbed the cake slices with a sigh. Making sure they were secure in the passenger seat, Nick scrubbed his face for what seemed the thousandth time that day. The closer he got to the home of his friend, the faster his heart raced. His palms sweated against the steering wheel.
The home in question pulled in his view soon enough, and he hastily made his way into the driveway. Getting out with two piece of cake in his hand, he knocked on the heavy wooden door before him. What greeted him when the door was pushed aside was worth the wait. Her hair was messily tied back and her face held a barely noticeable amount of makeup. Her smile grew when she saw the man in front of her, and he barely managed to pull the cakes out of the line of fire before she launched herself at him.
“Nick, it’s so good to see you again!” Came her muffled shout in his chest. Said man chuckled and wrapped his arms around her while letting her name roll over his tongue in a familiar pattern.
“Good to be here.” They pulled apart and hung there for a moment. Neither one could explain why they stayed, but neither wanted to move just yet. However, a timer dinged and she pulled herself out of the embrace of the man before her with a blush and shy smile.
“Set the desert on the counter. Enchiladas are done.” Nick did as she asked and helped her set out the stuff for dinner. They made light small talk as they ate, and even though he hung on every word that she said without complaint, too soon had he found them sitting next to each other on the couch. He flung his arm across the back of the couch, and stiffened up as she settle into the vacant spot that was now there. They sat there in that position for a while, and while she had relaxed a little bit, Nick had not. It was fine, but she could not help feeling like there was something going on with her best friend.
“Is there something wrong, Nick?” She asked, sitting up and staring at the man next to her.
“No. I’m fine. Why do you ask?” He tried to play it off, but even he did not believe his own words. Grabbing the remote, she paused the movie so they were not going to be interrupted.
“Come on, Nick I’ve known you for years. You may be able to lie to yourself, but you can’t lie to me.” She had him there; she was one of the few people he would never be able to lie to. “So out with it. What’s going on with you?”
Nick sighed deeply, and once more, scrubbed his hands over his face. He tried to find the right words to say, but nothing would come out. Nothing sounded quite like what he wished to say, and what he actually said was not better.
“I don’t wanna be friends anymore.” He blurted out. A shocked gasp was released from her lungs, and she jumped away from the couch as if burned. Realizing what he just said, he tried to call her name as he reached for her but she was faster.
“So what is this then? Do you have fun playing with my feelings like this?” Her voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes and her throat knotted.
“No! No, I- that didn’t come out how I wanted it to. Please, listen to me.” Burkhardt tried once more to grab her hands as he stood, but she just kept backing up to get away.
“Listen, I get it if you don’t like me like I like you, but I don’t think it’s bad enough to stop being friends with me over.” She cried, and it broke his heart. To know that he put those tears in her eyes was almost too much for him.
“No, please listen.” Her back thudded against the wall, and he finally grabbed her hands in his as he closed in on her.
“I don’t want to be just friends anymore.” He whispered, getting closer and closer to her.
“What are you saying?” Her tone was confused, and it matched the adorable furrow in her brows.
“I’m trying to ask you out on a date, and doing a horrible job.” Nick laughed a little bit, and tried to diffuse the situation.
“But you said-” he cut her off, “I don’t want to be just your friend anymore. I want to try and be your boyfriend. If you’ll let me.” Burkhardt watched the tears slow, until they disappeared completely from her eyes. Once she was no longer crying, she began laughing; quietly at first, but it soon grew louder as Nick joined in.
He slipped his arms around her waist and drew her into his chest, while her hands trailed up his arms to wrap around his neck. They stayed there for a while, just breathing and being in that moment together. She started laughing again, which prompted Nick to laugh with her.
“What?” He asked, pulling back, just enough to see her face.
“I just find it funny that you were trying to ask me out on a date and I thought you were legitimately done with me.” She replied, burrowing her face back into his chest.
“I guess I need better communication skills, huh?” Nick pressed a kiss to her head,and pulled further away this time.
“Can we finish the movie now? Before we plan a date after this?” Chuckling, the couple made their way back to the couch, and snuggled up closer to each other. She rested comfortably on his chest, while his arms kept her close.
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fanellifest · 6 months
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Fanelli Fest 2024
Beginning on 12 April and running through 14 April, Fanelli Fest is a fandom weekend meant to celebrate the lesser known (but no lesser loved) ex-boyfriend turned dear friend, Joe Fanelli.
Where?
Here on Tumblr and also AO3! If you use other transformative works sites, such as Wattpad, you are also welcome to upload there as well! Tag @fanellifest, use the tag #FanelliFest2024, and/or add to the AO3 collection.
How?
Any fanwork medium is welcome! Write fic, post art, make a playlist of songs you think he would be listening to at the gym. Each day has assigned prompts you can use in any way you wish, or even not at all. You can go rogue, as long as Joe is a feature of your work! See more information in the rules below.
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Prompt List
Day 1 - Friday, 12 April
Birthday Celebrations
First Meetings
Domesticity
Day 2 - Saturday, 13 April
Breaking Up & Making Up
The Gay Scene
Cat Acquisition System
Day 3 - Sunday, 14 April
Tour Life
Modern AU
Culture Shock
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Rules
This weekend is all about Joe! Whatever the ship, whatever the creative medium, please feature Joe Fanelli as a main focus of your work.
Any ship, as long as Joe is involved, is welcome! Roll classic or get wild.
Alternate Universes of any sort (i.e., modern settings, genderswaps, timeline deviations, fantasy, etc.) are allowed.
You are not required to follow the prompts! They’re there as a guideline, but feel free to branch out.
Please tag your works appropriately! Some topics—both in general and of relevance this weekend—can be heavy for people.
NSFW content is welcome, but we ask that those creating and interacting with NSFW art/writing be 18+.
While we’ll be providing information on the blog about who Joe was and what is known about him, it isn’t a requirement to adhere to strict historical accuracy in your works. Don’t worry about getting all the facts right!
Delete any and all hateful comments. Do not engage or interact—this goes for other readers as well.
Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to seeing your contributions!
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Note
5, 12, 13, 21, 28, 42, and 46! :D <3
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? 
Indeed I do! I’ve had her ever since I was five :) She’s pretty worn down now, but still very special. I honestly struggle to fall asleep when I don’t have her in the bed with me!
Who are five (or more) people you want to hug right now? 
In no particular order:
my dear friend Pinestripe :) I want to hug you and close my eyes and bask in the happiness of being with you okay
Ghostbur!! It actually pains me that I will never be able to hug him. Like. Pains me. I want to hug him so freaking bad
a good irl friend <3 I haven’t seen him in months and I miss him badly
another good irl friend! I’ve known her the longest out of my friendgroup and I just. want to hug her again :’)
yet another friend! Online this time! It’d be so exciting to meet her in-person & hug her tightly oughhh
Fears? 
Two words: automatic toilets. They are DISTURBING. I have been deathly frightened of those things ever since I was six years old, and the fear really hasn’t lessened over time. I cannot explain this fear because it really doesn’t make any sense ajsgajgsjsgsjsg but I Do Not like them and I am Quite afraid of them.
How was your day today? 
Pretty good! I ate so many muffins at church :) And I had chicken nuggets for dinner yay!! I also drove for a bit and that was (surprisingly!) nice :0 Before that, I finished watching a Dream SMP stream that included Ghostbur, and it was so… 😭 Gahhhhhhh ordinarily Ghostbur is so sweet & caring & kind, but in this stream he was honestly pretty selfish :( It was sad to watch!!
But also really interesting! Ghostbur is a very sweet character, but he’s also… human. He still messes up a whole bunch and hurts peoples feelings. It’s super interesting to see all the complexities of his character, even if he isn’t acting in a very honorable way :’0
How are you, really?
Not bad, but… tired. I feel like I’ve been tired for months and I really don’t know why :/ I wish I could feel energized again.
But I have been writing more! Writers block seems to be fading away, and I’m very grateful. I’ve also decided that I want to track down & watch every single Ghostbur stream, which has been quite fun >:D It’s something I look forward to doing!
OH OH episodes of season two of The Wingfeather Saga are releasing every Friday :D That’s fun!
Mentally, I definitely haven’t been in a bad place, but I also haven’t really been in a super good place? Kinda neutral. Not exactly fun, but y’know. Could be worse.
I’m looking forward to seeing all my irl friends soon :) I seriously haven’t seen them in months and I miss them. They’re gonna stop by my house in a few weeks!
Tag 5 of your favorite blogs
:0 :D
@thatfriendlyanon
@rozugold
@ghostbur-archive
@sunflower-chai
@kanerallels
(I know I’m not mutuals with all of you guys, so let me know if you would like me to not tag you here! I just wanted to let y’all know that your blogs are lovely <3)
What do you need when you’re sad? 
Depends on what I’m sad about!
If I’m sad over a fandom/media thing, then I need to be able to sit with my sadness alone. Being able to work through my thoughts by myself is really helpful, and I honestly enjoy it whenever it happens!
If I’m sad over real life stuff, I need to talk to people. Mostly I need to know that I’m not alone—that other people have experienced what I’ve experienced, that I’m human, etc. I tend to self-isolate whenever I’m depressed/anxious, so hearing someone tell me that they can relate to my struggles is really really important.
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baileypie-writes · 8 months
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~Not Human~
Kurumi Mimino/Milky Rose x GN!Reader
Part 2 here!
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~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~
Fandoms: Otona Precure, Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!
Fanfic Type: Oneshot
Reader: Gender neutral
Relationship: Platonic to Romantic
Genre: Fluff?
Rating: PG
Synopsis: You finally confessed to your crush Kurumi. But then, she tells you about being a Pretty Cure, and how she’s not exactly human.
Warnings: Drinking(Reader stays sober)
~Masterlists~
~Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! Masterlist~
A/N ~ This fic became longer than expected, so there’s gonna be a part 2.
~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~
It was your weekly hangout with your friends, something you looked forward to every week. Every Friday night, you’d meet with them at Cafe and Bar Time, and have a few drinks. Well, a few drinks usually turns into half of you being completely drunk.
But this time, you were determined to keep one of them sober. To be specific, your best friend, Kurumi Mimino. She’s the prime minister of some faraway kingdom, apparently, though you don’t know much about it. What you do know, is that you’ve had a crush on her for a while. She’s so confident and straightforward, and she doesn’t have any trouble saying what’s on her mind. You wanted to keep her and yourself sober, because you planned on confessing to her that night.
~~~~
The cafe was filled with the sound of laughter and the smell of alcohol. As expected, Rin was already drunk as a skunk, and Nozomi had to practically hold her to keep her from falling face first on the table. Kurumi had already had a few drinks, and was getting a bit tipsy. You decided that it was a good place to stop her from drinking any more.
“Hey, Kenta!” Kurumi shouted over to the man behind the counter. “Refill please!”
“Ah, hey, I don’t think you should drink anymore.” You nervously stopped her.
“Eh, why not?” She asked, a bit annoyed.
“Um..” You tried to quickly come up with an excuse. “You still have work tomorrow, don’t you? You don’t wanna have to deal with a really bad hangover.”
Kurumi sighed, and folded her arms. “Guess you’re right…”
You let out a sigh of relief, and turned your attention to Rin, who was crying over nothing.
~~~~
The hangout was over, and you and your friends all said your goodbyes. Karen headed back to the hospital for work, and everyone else began going home. Nozomi was taking Rin home first, as she was on the brink of passing out from being so drunk.
Before Kurumi could part ways with you though, you called out to her. “Wait!”
“What? What is it?” Kurumi asked, turning around to face you.
You took a deep breath. “Can you come with me for a minute? I want to talk to you.”
“Oh. Okay.” She said, and walked over to you. She playfully linked arms with you, making you laugh.
You led her to a bridge overlooking a road. There weren’t too many cars out, as it was pretty late.
“So what is it? Don’t keep me waiting!” Kurumi said.
You sighed, preparing yourself. “I like you. I have for a while. I understand if you don’t feel the same, but I just needed to get this off my chest.” You looked at her, awaiting her response.
After a moment, Kurumi laughed a little. “Yeah, I know.”
“What? Really?” You asked, surprised.
“Yeah. The whole group knows, actually. I mean, it was kind of obvious.”
“Oh.” You turned away, embarrassed. It was really that easy to tell?
Kurumi smirked, and placed your hand on yours. “Aww, don’t be so flustered. It’s cute that you’re that into me.” She teased. “And just so you know, I feel the same.”
You quickly turned your head to look at her. She was looking at you with full confidence, but a slight blush was on her cheeks. Or was that just from the alcohol? You couldn’t tell.
You smiled at her. But after a moment, Kurumi’s faded, and she turned away.
“What’s wrong?” You asked her.
“There’s something I’ve been needing to tell you too. I should’ve told you this a long time ago.” She said.
“Oh. What is it?” You asked.
Kurumi sighed, and looked up to the night sky. Thousands of stars were visible, and the clock tower was also in sight. It was the perfect view.
“So you know the whole Pretty Cure thing?” She asked.
“Yes, of course. How could I forget? The town was almost destroyed.” You laughed. She did a little as well.
To be fair, you didn’t know a whole bunch about the event. You just knew that these young girl superheros saved the town from shadow monsters.
“Well… I was one of them. In fact, all of our friends were too.”
You were silent in shock. That was the last thing you expected her to say. Also, the fact that you’ve been friends with superheros and had no idea was something you needed time to think about. But you didn’t exactly have that time. You needed answers.
“What? How? Everyone? But those girls were so young! And how did you even-?” Kurumi stopped your rambling with a hand to your shoulder.
“I’ll explain everything to you.”
And she did. You learned of the first time they transformed when they were all in middle school. You learned of Bell and the shadow monsters. You learned about the Palmier Kingdom, where Kurumi’s from. And the Time Flowers, and how they gave her and the others the ability to transform back into Pretty Cure.
But the end of it, you had no words. It was just so much.
“You gonna say anything? Or are you just going to stand there?” Kurumi asked, a bit annoyed at your lack of response.
“Yeah I just… wow. I’ve been friends with the Pretty Cure the whole time and had no idea. Not to mention, you’re from a kingdom that’s not even on Earth.” You said, still blown away.
Kurumi laughed. “Yeah. But there’s still one more thing.”
You turned to her. “What? There’s more?” You were a bit scared. What now?
She led you into an alleyway. After checking to see if the coast was clear, a puff of smoke enveloped her. When it cleared, she was no longer there. Until you looked down. Where Kurumi was standing, was a small, pink bunny-like creature.
“What?”
(To be Continued…)
~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~🌹~~~
~~baileypie-writes
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fountainpenguin · 7 months
Text
Fanfic Schedule News - 2024
You can find this post later in my Pinned Post links
Overview
- Fairly OddParents - On hiatus while buffer building. Weekly Friday updates when ready, probably in summer. Origin and Knots are planned to alternate to show both sides of the war, but can be read independently. - WordGirl - On hiatus while buffer building. Weekly updates when ready, but lower priority than FOP. I'd like to post a few one-shots in spring and summer. - MCYT - Weekly Tuesday updates (Dog's Life until Chapter 30, then other 'fics while Dog's Life is on break). I'm also posting on Friday, but am moving towards posting on Sunday. - Total Drama - I'm not writing new content for the TD fandom, but I have 40+ 'fics I posted on FFN, but not AO3. Now that many are 10 years old, I'd like to archive some on AO3. - Every year I say I want to post my Mario drafts, but... I don't think 2024 will be that year. We will see.
Fandom-Specific Series
I post 'fics under my AO3 account, FountainPenguin.
If you'd like to get notifications for new works but don't want to follow me as a user, consider subscribing to some fandom-specific series:
Fairly OddParents
130 Station - All pieces in the 130 Reasons Why I'm Fairy Trash series.
These are further broken down into "Trains" (Ex: Main cast, Anti-Fairies, Pixies, shippy stuff, etc.) - Find info HERE
Notable pieces that are not 130 Prompts include Origin of the Pixies, Frayed Knots, Come What May, and Reedfilter Rules, which may be best subscribed to individually- They do not have a series at this time.
WordGirl
Heroes' Journey - Stuff about WordGirl and Huggy learning to share Fair City with Kid Math
28 Million Degrees - Character studies
MCYT - Not RPF, but the 4th Wall is very thin
Pixels Imperfect - Pixel people (who are all mob hybrids) live in a server hub and roleplay with their friends. Lots of interpersonal and social drama mixed with humor.
Neighborhood Watch AU - A serious take on the Life series lore and mechanics, ft. a semi-medieval world where the first 5 Life seasons take place in a single timeline.
Roundabout - Misc. MCYT content
These pages also have links to character relationship series.
Total Drama
Riddle's Drama - Total Drama 'fics I wrote 2013-2016.
These are also on my FFN, where I cross-post my FOP and WordGirl content as well.
-------
Fairly OddParents
I'm working on a buffer for Origin of the Pixies and Frayed Knots chapters so they can alternate during the war. At the moment I'm posting content for other fandoms, but once the buffer is ready, these will roll out weekly. Hopefully by summer.
- Origin is caught up and ready for the war meeting next chapter, so we're just wrapping up Anti-Cosmo's school and relationship drama in Knots :) - We're in the era of 2016 draft chapters, so it's a combo of "Lots of stuff is already written" and "Lots of stuff needs to be updated."
Origin and Knots will update on Fridays when the time is right (alternating weeks).
The 130 Prompts wrapped up Arc 2 in December and is on hiatus.
If you missed the Arc 2 finale, check out "Grudge"- It's about Happy Peppy Gary and Crocker striking a dangerous deal and I think it's cute :)
Ideally, I'd like to finish the whole Come What May draft before I post more chapters (so we don't have more of these long lurches between chapters), and Reedfilter Rules is in a similar boat.
Origin and Knots are my priority, but once Come What May starts, I'd like to do weekly or bi-weekly updates until it's done.
WordGirl
Factor It In - I'm very happy with how the story has come out so far. It's fully outlined, but this is a "serious and fluffy" story and I've been on a "silly and angsty" streak lately, so the mood isn't there.
- I'd like to circle back to it soon, but don't want to post more chapters until I have a nice buffer. - I'd like to post again in autumn 2024 and keep up weekly updates for several months. Origin and Knots are higher priority, but I really like this story and look forward to more.
I have some WordGirl one-shot drafts I've been sitting on for months. I haven't been satisfied with them enough to post, but you might see them soon as I finalize them. There's no schedule for these, but they include:
- Local alien girl is SO brave about Rex's problems while they lie in the grass discussing love and culture - Local alien boy loses his fawn spots, comes of age, and hits up Hal Hardbargain for alien-strength deodorant - Character study for Victor Best (My horrible son) - Character study for pre-series Rex living on Hexagon (My somehow more horrible son) - Other drafts from 2018 that need polish
I so desperately want to show the world my "Hopelessly romantic life planner since he was born" x "She can't commit to anything including this" marriage of convenience superhero drama... He's oblivious... She's dying inside... He is so embarrassing... Do u understand my vision?
MCYT
- Dog's Life Session 2 will end with Chapter 30. I've finished up to Chapter 28 and just need to tweak the remaining chapters. It will then be on hiatus for a few months while I work on the Session 3 buffer and other projects.
Edit - Session 2 will actually be 37 chapters, so another month
Expecting 4 to 5 months of hiatus from regular updates with some intermission chapters a few weeks apart (Full moon arc, my beloved). I have 'fics I look forward to posting (including new multi-chapters that already have nice buffers and will post weekly), so there will be plenty of MCYT content, but it seemed wise to leave Dog's Life on break to avoid burnout. I hope you enjoy these new stories! When Dog's Life returns, it'll be with weekly updates for several months as per usual :)
My "first half of 2024" goal is to close out as many of my existing MCYT multi-chapters as I can. Thank you for your patience with multi-chapters that have slow updates- I plan to finish them soon :)
I recently completed For Sale: Bird Wings (Never Worn) with weekly updates and am on track to finish One and a Half Birds with weekly Friday updates.
After this, I would like to finish the last 2 to 3 chapters of Criminal Experience (which has always had Friday updates as well). I don't want to post the next chapter until I nail down the story's end, so there's been a delay, but I'm glad I've wrapped up other multi-chapters and I look forward to finishing this soon.
After this, I plan to post MCYT content Tuesdays and Sundays, leaving Fridays for my other fandoms.
What's on Tuesdays?
At the moment, Dog's Life for 7 more weeks. Session 2 ends with Chapter 30 on April 9th.
Edit: Chapter 37 on May 28th
I've started new multi-chapters while chasing inspiration bursts, but I held back from posting them, so now I have buffers for those. I look forward to sharing them throughout 2024. Two notable ones are:
- Chalaza - Quick story about Martyn arriving in New Star Station. Bdubs voice study, some practice writing short scenes, and this is the story that helped me nail down pixel person anatomy. ^ Highlights include Bdubs trotting around with Martyn's dissolved soul in a fishbowl and regaling Etho with tales of how the Phantom Dragon carries phantom hybrids in her mouth. Also, Martyn hides under Etho's couch for 4 days. - Herobrine's Guide to the Between Dimension - A meta story about my Between lore, hybrid anatomy, and hybrid culture. No plot, but I think it's fun.
These are expected to post Tuesdays while Dog's Life is on break :)
What's on Sundays?
At the moment, nothing- I'm posting on Fridays (weekly updates to One and a Half Birds for the next several weeks).
I've also got a draft called "Scar's Castle" that's about Grian doing chores during 3rd Life... we'll see if that turns out nice.
Now that Secret Life is over, I've been able to do more worldbuilding and story planning for Neighborhood Watch AU. I plan to post some one-shots soon. Highlights include:
"Goodchild Oscar" - Oscar Goodchild's lovely parents put out a hit on his soulmate. He drags Grian around the Hearts Club Ball in his attempts to thwart it. Title's subject to change, but this is a fun one :) "They Never Found the Desert" - Local Green Life parrot can't get Red Life soulmate motivated for anything. Desperate times call for desperate measures. "Ethograms, Etho Slab, and Something About Ethics (Probably)" - Joel studies wolves... and the single(?) dad who keeps coming around with his kids.
I've also been working on the big multi-chapter for this universe, which centers around the Clocker family: Arsenic Waltz. It's fully outlined and I'm 5 chapters into the buffer, but it doesn't feel "fun" to read yet, so... Hmm.
- If anyone wants to beta read the first 10k words where Martyn arrives at the Clocker residence and meets his soulmate Cleo for the first time, lmk? Been struggling with the pacing of action vs. world lore for months and it'd be nice to get outside thoughts. - My plan was to start posting in April after Dog's Life ends, but it might need more time. With weekly updates, it should finish in December or January, but I'd like a nice buffer first. Possibly, this story will start in the summer and end in early 2025.
EDIT - I ended up killing all these darlings and moving them to a separate story, which will be released at a later time. The pacing was just not working :)
Additional multi-chapters to wrap up:
Closed Door Policy - Can't finish until Criminal Experience is done. Will post Tuesdays or Sundays as appropriate (Expecting 2 or 3 more chapters).
Dear Future Captain - Waiting for Dog's Life to catch up to this part of the timeline (Between Sessions 4 and 5?) - I like my draft for Chapter 3, but I'd rather wrap up other stories first.
With Acid In Your Eyes - Outlined and expecting 10 chapters. This is a high-tension story I was excited for, but it's on the backburner while finalizing lore, social dynamics, and plot points. It was ambitious to post this one before things were solid, but I look forward to returning when I'm ready :)
If you're interested in being a beta reader for any of my work, you can get in touch. I've not worked with beta readers in fanfic before, but if you're interested, we can talk about it!
Thanks for reading! Happy 2024!
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chaotictarlos · 2 years
Text
I’ve always dreamed of me and you, now here we are
ship: Tarlos | fandom: 911 Lone Star | author: chaotictarlos | read on ao3
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Rating: Explicit | Warnings/Tag: Secret Dating AU, Social Worker!Carlos Reyes, Professor TK Strand, ex's to lovers, warnings to be added, smut in later chapters
Summary: It's a tale as old as time, meeting the right person but during the wrong time of life. TK Strand and Carlos Reyes dated in college but parted ways when they graduated, not knowing they would ever see each other again. Six years later, Carlos is working as a social worker in Travis County and TK has just accepted a position as a professor at The University of Texas at Austin. They run into each other when a mutual friend invited TK out for the evening.
Authors Note: Here it is! I'm so excited to start posting this! This fic will be updated every Friday! Title is from See you later (ten years) by jenna raine
For @noxsoulmate who begged me to write this. I hope you enjoy it. 💙 Thank you for being my beta.
--
Couple years flashin' by
And I'm doin' okay
In the back of my mind
All I hear is your name
I bet you're happy and that's fine
But I regret just one thing
I never got to change your mind
- So Good, Halsey
--
Prologue
When TK Strand decided to go to college, he didn’t think it would lead him to cross paths with the love of his life. He had always viewed college as a place to find himself, explore parts of himself that he hadn’t had the chance to before, and figure out who he would be. Settling down had never been a part of that plan.
Meeting someone within the first week of college at a freshman mixer hadn’t been on his agenda.
Falling in love with that someone after building a solid friendship and then spending the next three years dating them hadn’t been on his agenda either.
But it’s precisely what happened.
It was a Saturday night, the first one after a week of college classes and staying up entirely too late only to get up the next day at 8 a.m. It wasn’t the best schedule, but TK was making it work and having fun. The first Saturday after the first week of the new school year was always when the very first freshman mixer of the year was held and TK was looking forward to it.
It was a great way to meet new people and find a person or two to hook up with.
TK wasn’t counting on meeting Carlos Reyes.
Read on AO3
tags: @strangefurychaos @ronensass @sapphire11 @first-kanaphan @angeltk @noxsoulmate @beautifulhigh @welcometololaland @rangergurlgleek1211 @detective-giggles @tarlos-spain @lonestardust @bubblesandroses8 @thebumblecee @mooshkat @importantbailiffpaperpony @cowlos-reyes @otter-love-asl
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ailendolin · 2 years
Text
Whump Wednesday - 50 - BBC Ghosts
Title: Missed Chances [AO3]
Characters: The Captain/Lieutenant Havers
Prompt: The Captain reaching out to Havers. - Prompt sent in by the lovely @fanfictionfrog.
A/N: I'm sorry this went in a different direction than you probably had in mind when you sent me that prompt but I do hope you'll enjoy it anyway 💙
Prompts are open, so if you want me to write a story for you as well just send me an ask with the fandom, characters and your prompt. I’m writing for Ghosts, Yonderland, Horrible Histories and Bill at the moment.
Six Idiots Whump Wednesday / Fluff Friday masterlist is here.
————
Missed Chances
1.
He has pretty eyes – that was the first thing the Captain noticed when his new second-in-command arrived at Button House and stood at attention before him. Then Havers smiled at him for the first time and – Good lord, the Captain thought, knowing on some instinctual level that he was in deep trouble. He felt his face flush and his throat close up, forcing him to clear it quite awkwardly.
“Do you think your new posting here will fulfil you, Lieutenant?” he managed to ask.
Havers briefly glanced down at his shoes and bit his lip. “I am quite sure of it, sir. Especially after the warm welcome you have given me.”
“Well,” the Captain said, trying not to feel too pleased about that. “I sure am glad to have you around, Havers. Reinforcements will arrive next week and Lord knows I can’t train all these young men on my own.”
“Don’t you worry, sir,” Havers smiled. “I’ll come up with a roster that will provide the new recruits with a thorough training and allow us enough time to work on the actual operation.”
The Captain nodded, wondering what he’d done to luck out so much. Handsome, intelligent and diligent – he couldn’t have imagined someone like Havers in his wildest dreams. Not that he’d ever dreamed of pretty brown eyes that crinkled at the corners with joyful laughter or bashful smiles that were directed his way … Not to mention holding warm, gentle hands between his own that seemed hesitant to let go.
“I will let you get settled,” he said at last, forcing himself to end the handshake and return his hands behind his back. They were tingling pleasantly. “Dinner is at 1800 hours. I would be honoured if you would join me, Havers.”
Havers inclined his head in acknowledgment. “The honour would be mine, sir. I am very much looking forward to working together with you on this project.”
He gave a perfect salute before turning around and marching out of the room. The Captain watched him go with a wildly beating heart. Every fibre of his being ached to stop Havers and call him back just so he wouldn’t lose this brief but beautiful connection he’d felt form between them during this meeting. No other person had ever made his heartrate skyrocket like that – had smiled at him as if he truly enjoyed his company. While the Captain was not naïve enough to think that there was more to it than mere politeness on Havers’s part he couldn’t help but feel there could be more to it one day. Maybe even a real friendship that went beyond the professional relationship between commanding officer and second-in-command.
It would be nice to have a friend, he thought wistfully to himself as he sat down behind his desk. He looked down at Havers’s file and sighed. If only …
————
2.
Havers turned out to be everything the Captain had hoped for and more. He worked tirelessly, was strict but fair to the new recruits and came up with brilliant thoughts and ideas that would help advance their operation. The Captain had worked with many people before in his life, both inside and outside of the military, but he’d never felt so in tune with anyone as he did with Havers.
“Say, Havers,” he said one evening as their off-duty time approached. He reached into the drawer of his desk. “I happen to find myself in the possession of this very fine bottle and was wondering if you’d like to share it with me. After the breakthrough we’ve had today, I’d say we deserve a little treat.”
Havers’s eyes widened in surprise before a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “I certainly won’t say no to that, sir. Thank you.”
The Captain returned the smile and stood up to get them two glasses.
Three hours later, the Captain could say he was well and truly on his way to getting drunk and so was Havers. He did not usually indulge like this but seeing Havers’s flushed face, the colour high upon his cheek and highlighting his eyes so mesmerizingly, he couldn’t say he regretted it.
“I really should go, sir,” Havers said – not for the first time that evening.
“Stay,” the Captain insisted, pouring him another glass.
Havers chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m afraid I’m getting a little drunk, sir.”
The Captain laughed. “That makes two of us, then. Cheers!”
It was just after midnight by the time Havers finally got to his feet.
“Careful,” the Captain said, reaching out to steady him but stopping short when Havers managed to find his footing.
“I’ve got it,” he grinned, most likely not realising how enamouring his smile was. “Thank you for this lovey – lovely – evening, Captain, but I really must go to bed now or I won’t be of any use to you in the morning.”
The Captain let his hand fall. “Of course. Sleep well, Lieutenant.”
Havers’s smile widened a fraction. “You too, sir. Goodnight.”
He staggered out of the room, a lot less coordinated than he usually was, and the Captain tried not to think about the way he looked with his tie undone and hair messed up from carelessly running his hand through it as he drank the final dregs of the wine straight from the bottle.
————
3.
“Havers,” the Captain mumbled, blindly reaching out to him.
“I’m right here, sir,” Havers said in that lovely voice of his that always reflected his equally lovely smile.
The Captain turned his head towards him without opening his eyes and murmured, “It seems I’ve caught that pesky flu that’s been going around.”
“Don’t you worry about it, sir,” Havers said. He sounded a little closer now, as if he was leaning forward in the chair he must have pulled up to the bed. “I have the troops well in hand. You just focus on getting better.”
“All right,” the Captain mumbled. He imagined warm, gentle hands tucking the standard Army blanket in around his shoulders and, influenced by the fever coursing through his veins, made an attempt to grasp Havers’s hand.
His fingers passed through nothing but air and when the Captain finally forced his heavy eyes open, the chair beside his bed was empty.
————
4.
“Well, that’s me, then,” Havers said, offering him a small smile that tugged at the Captain’s heart. He looked handsome with his woollen coat and duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
The Captain cleared his throat. “Yes. Off to see the family.”
Havers paused. There was something in his eyes that looked terribly like hope when he said, “You could still come with me, sir.”
“Ha,” the Captain laughed even though he didn’t feel like laughing at all. “Someone has to keep things running here while you are off gallivanting through the fields behind your parents’ house with that dog of yours. What was his name again?”
“Barry,” Havers said softly. “I didn’t think you’d remember.”
The Captain suppressed the instinct to shrug. “It’s all a bit hazy – the fever, you see – but I do remember you being there and talking to me. It … it brought me some comfort, I must say.” He cleared his throat again. “I suppose I never thanked you for it so – thank you, Havers. I really appreciate it.”
His heart ached when Havers ducked his head in that shy way of his. “It was no hardship at all, sir. I’m glad my worried ramblings had some effect.”
Worried, the Captain thought. He was worried about me.
“They did,” he said quietly.
They looked at each other for a moment before Havers readjusted his duffel bag. “I better go or I’ll miss my train.”
“Of course,” the Captain said. “Save journey, Lieutenant. I will be eagerly awaiting your return.”
“Thank you, sir,” Havers smiled. And then, as if the Captain didn’t already find it difficult enough to let him go, he added, “Should you change your mind, you know where to find me, sir.”
For a brief second, the Captain’s arm twitched at his side, desperate to stop Havers from leaving, to join him in where he was going.
He balled his hand into a fist. “Give Barry a scratch behind the ears from me.”
He was sure he did not imagine the disappointment dimming of Havers’s smile. “Will do, sir. See you in two weeks.”
The Captain already began counting the days until his return before Havers had even walked through the door.
————
5.
Dear William –
The Captain had never thought he would write this letter and had certainly never believed he would ever have need for it. Havers’s presence at his side had always seemed like such a certain, everlasting gift that couldn’t possibly be taken away from him. They did good work together, after all – excellent work if the Captain might say so; work that would save many lives in the future. No one in their right mind would tear a great team like them apart.
“I’m afraid I’m leaving you, sir.”
It had never crossed his mind that Havers himself would be the one to do it. The worst thing about it was, that the Captain couldn’t even fault him for wanting to leave. One didn’t become a soldier to stay at home and watch the war play out from a distance, after all. That urge to fight at the front line resided in them all.
He’d just hoped Havers’s would stay dormant a little longer.
“I say, Havers,” he said, desperately trying not to let this moment, this last chance to turn something that had only ever tentatively existed in his mind into reality, daring and dangerous as it might be, slip through his fingers. But when Havers turned around, so fast it almost seemed as if he’d been waiting to be stopped, his courage failed him and the hand that was aching to reach for the letter and hand it over – his only chance of stopping Havers from leaving – stayed firmly at his side. “It’s a bally shame we won’t get to finish the operation together.”
Havers smiled at him, sad but composed, and nodded. Then he was gone and the letter the Captain had spent many sleepless nights composing and agonising over rested heavily over his heart.
————
+ 1.
Havers had often considered writing to his former captain. He still remembered vividly the first time the thought had crossed his mind. It had been his second night at the front – not the first because he had still been behind the lines then, waiting both for his orders and his new captain. By the time the second night came around, he had been in the thick of it for hours, and the longing for the quiet evenings at Button House filled with small smiles and meaningful glances had grown so strong that he had pulled out a pencil and a crumpled sheet of paper from his jacket. Then he’d faltered. What was he supposed to write? That he missed his captain? That he regretted leaving him for this? That he wanted to come home?
It would have made him sound like a coward.
There were other times when he’d sat somewhere, his hands caked in dirt and blood, and looked down at another empty sheet of paper. His fellow officers had taken to calling him The Poet after catching him a few times at it, making fun of the fact that he only ever stared and never wrote a single word. Havers sometimes wondered what the Captain would say about that. Would it make him smile? Or perhaps even chuckle?
It hurt to know that he would never find out.
Years passed and he lost count of the number of letters he never wrote. The war raged on, grew worse, cost him a leg and was suddenly over – first for him, and shortly after that for everyone else as well. Havers knew he would never forget the sight of his mother’s face when he stood there in front of his parents’ house for the first time in over a year with his crutches, changed and not quite whole anymore but at least alive.
It didn’t take him long to realise that the war was not actually over at all and in fact might never be. It still existed in his mind, haunted his dreams with the sound of gunfire and shells exploding and the sight of blood and boys desperately reaching for the pictures of their loved ones before the light in their eyes grew dim and eventually went out. Despite that it still took him several years to gather up the courage to finally sit down and write the letter he hadn’t been able to compose before. He kept it simple – I hope you are well, sir, and if it’s not too presumptuous of me to ask I was wondering if you would be interested in meeting up. I happen to find myself missing you our conversations. – and hoped his shaky handwriting didn’t betray his nervousness too much.
Then he waited. He knew the post could be terribly slow but with every day that passed his worry grew. What if his former Captain did not want to talk to him? What if he had put the war behind him for good and avoided any and all reminders of it? What if–?
“Will! There’s a letter for you!”
His mother’s words almost caused him stumble down the stairs.
“Careful,” she laughed and handed him the letter with a fond smile, at least partly aware of why it was so important to him.
Havers smiled at her, a little sheepish, before he looked down at the letter. His smile fell. He didn’t have to open it to know something was wrong. Ever after all these years, he was sure he would recognise his captain’s handwriting anywhere and this – this was not it.
With shaking fingers, he opened the envelope.
“Will?” he heard his mother ask as he read the neatly written lines and barely registered any of what they said: Dear William – I am deeply sorry – happened five months ago – often spoke of – where he was stationed – still so young.
He thought of crinkles around expressive eyes that he would never see again, of the sound of a throat being cleared that had once been so familiar to him he’d regarded it with fondness, and of shy smiles that had been both endearing and maddening at once. Most of all, though, he thought of silence and lost chances, and the guilt of leaving his heart in his Captain’s hands so many years ago and never telling him about it.
His mother touched his arm and Havers looked up at her. Tears filled his eyes and he felt like a child again when she wordlessly drew him into her arms.
“He’s gone,” he choked out.
The letter fell from his hands and drifted to the ground. The world caved in on him just as quietly.
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