#lorelei nervous...

[lisbonsteresa]

AND THE TOUCH OF A HAND LIT THE FUSE

[acacia-may]

Lucky

Story Blurb: Just as ten-year-old Henry Legolant has resigned himself to the fact that he is destined to be alone and isolated forever, a surprise guest and some troublesome stairs start to change his mind. Could he really have found a friend?

A/N: After my OC Lorelei Swallow (OC Profile linked here) appeared in "A Family Where There Once Was None," I really wanted to write something that was more centric on her, so this is a one shot from "If My Heart Was A House" my story (or possibly collection of stories) about Lorelei and Henry Legolant. "Lucky" is really the backstory of how she and Henry met and became friends as children from Henry's point of view.

Warnings: Mostly fluff and friendship, but some references to Henry's illness and isolation, allusions to his terrible parents and childhood trauma, and some mentions of (future) arranged marriages.

Story below the cut. Please let me know what you think if you're so inclined, and thank you so much for reading! 🥰

16 Years Ago…

Henry Legolant had always had a keen mana sense. Even his family who wanted very little to do with him thought it was impressive for a ten-year-old. He supposed it was a more positive side-effect of the mana-depleting illness he had had his whole life—possibly the only positive side-effect. After all, his illness had kept him lonely and isolated from other people, but sensing their mana, knowing where they were in the house helped him to still feel connected to them in a way. Though he rarely saw or talked to his parents he knew their footsteps and could feel their mana—how it rolled off his father in formidable, frosty waves and swirled around his mother in uneven spurts and splutters. He could sense their mana now—emanating from several floors below him, but there were two new mana signatures with them: a forceful, commanding tornado and a sparking, buzzing presence.

This puzzled Henry as his mother and father rarely entertained guests and never brought them to the country house which, they made no secret, existed merely to hide him. He wondered what they were doing here. Perhaps they were new doctors his parents were bringing to examine him? Henry sighed. He doubted they would be able to do much to help him, even if they were well-meaning. For his entire life, he had been told that there was nothing to be done about his mana-depleting illness besides to keep him away from other people, and so he had been isolated in the country house. Though he was glad that he wasn’t hurting anyone by staying by himself, it did get lonely with only the birds outside his window to talk to. He hoped someday he’d get to have an actual friend, but even wishing for it made him feel guilty. His illness being what it was, he was cursed to be alone forever.

Henry startled. There was a sudden shift of mana in the house—that kind of terrified spike that could only be caused by fear in the face of peril or danger. Sitting up in bed with a start, he paused—closing his eyes and staying perfectly still as he tried to isolate where the mana was. This mana was different than the others—much fainter even with the added intensity of panic. It was so weak that it must’ve been drowned out by the much strong mana signatures earlier. Still, Henry mentally kicked himself for not picking up on it before. His mana sense was the one thing in the world he had going for him, and he couldn’t even get that to work right.

Henry shook his head forcefully. Now was not the time to be thinking of that. He closed his eyes even more tightly, walking through the corridors and staircases of the house in his mind until he finally found the mana signature on the southeast stairwell.

Henry inhaled sharply. Someone must be falling down the stairs.

His head pounded, but he tried as urgently as he could to rearrange the southeast wing of the house so that even if someone was mid-fall they would land safely. He even carried several soft, feather pillows into the new staircase landing by bouncing them across rippling floorboards. Then, he pursed his lips together and waited. Waited and hoped.

He closed his eyes again, trying to pick up that faint mana signature again, and he sighed in relief when he felt the panicked spike of mana subside, replaced with gentle calm waves. Though the mana signature was still the faintest he had ever encountered, he could tell now that it was flickering and warm like the light of a dim candle.

Henry’s eyes widened. He had never felt warm mana before. It was so cozy and inviting like…He couldn’t quite think of the right word for it, but…  

“No,” he said aloud to only himself. He needed to turn his focus to stronger mana, back to his father or that new tornado presence near to him downstairs. Maybe then his illness wouldn’t drain the already faint mana out of this person. If their mana was a flickering candle, he would surely snuff it out in an instant, and something so warm and so beautiful deserved to be preserved. His heart raced, and he began to shiver as he closed his eyes and tried to find his father’s mana instead. Was he still downstairs in the sitting room? Or maybe the dining room? Or…?

“Hello?” called a distant voice pulling Henry from his thoughts. “Hello? Is someone there?”

It sounded like a woman’s voice, but…no. Not quite a woman’s voice—it was younger and higher pitched. Perhaps a girl? Henry had never actually heard what a girl sounded like before so he couldn’t know for sure.

“Is this house haunted? Is that why the stairs and the walls and floors moved around?” the voice continued. Henry’s stomach coiled. Was she talking to him?

“Are you a ghost? Or more of a guardian angel? Or just a magical house?” she prattled on. There was no fear in her mana despite her talking about ghosts and haunted houses. If anything it was even warmer than before—almost friendly. The word popped into Henry’s head from somewhere in a book he had read once. He shook his head as if he could somehow shake the thought away with it.

“I’m going to guess…” She hummed thoughtfully. “A magical house? Am I right? Are you a magical house?” She paused for a moment, but his lack of response didn’t seem to deter her. “Thank you for saving me, Magical House.”

Henry felt a blush rising in his cheeks though he wasn’t entirely sure why. Perhaps it was because he had never been thanked for anything before. The words slipped out before he could stop them, “You’re welcome.”

The voice gasped, and Henry covered his mouth with his hands as his face grew suddenly hot. He could sense the girl’s mana nearby. She was in the same corridor as he was, so she must’ve heard him. His heart started pounding again, and his hands trembled. He shouldn’t have done that. His parents would likely be incredibly angry with him. Should he rearrange the house again so she wouldn’t find him? Henry sighed. He wasn’t really supposed to have done that the first time. His parents didn’t want him to use his recombination magic when they were in the house. He hoped they would understand why he had to intervene the first time to protect that girl midfall, but would rearranging things again be justified? And what if he frightened the girl? But if he didn’t move her or himself to another part of the house, then—?

“You’re a magical, talking house?” the girl interrupted his thoughts. “That’s amazing! I’ve never talked to a house before. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Lorelei. Do you have a name, Mr. House?”

Henry sighed. He knew he probably shouldn’t talk to Lorelei anymore but decided that not replying would be rude so he said, “I’m Henry.

“Well thank you for saving me, Henry!”

Her voice was exuberant, cheerful, and grateful enough to make him blush a little. Henry fidgeted. “It’s really no trouble, and…” He stopped himself. He didn’t know if he should correct her and explain that he was actually a boy, not a house.

“It was a lot of trouble for me,” chuckled Lorelei, filling the silence. “Though I guess you wouldn’t really know since I bet you don’t have a lot of problems with falling down and being clumsy since you’re a house and all. My mother and father say I have two left feet, and I’m always tripping over myself. I was going to fall on my face if you hadn’t saved me, but you did. That was very nice of you.”

“Well, actually, I…” he stopped. Once again, he was going to try to explain that he wasn’t actually a house, but he supposed he didn’t have much experience with falling down stairs and being clumsy as a human boy either since he spent most of his time lying down in bed.

Lorelei it seemed, however, hadn’t even heard him since she was still thoughtfully prattling, “I bet a house has other kinds of problems—like bad weather or mice living in walls or cracked tiles. Have you been a house for a long time, Henry? I’ve only been a girl for nine years.”

“So you’re nine years old?” Henry’s mouth twitched in the corners, so she was a girl.

Lorelei laughed. “Yes, but I have a birthday coming up. Then I’ll be ten.”

“I’m ten.”

“Really? I would have thought you were older.” She paused. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. You’re a very beautiful house, Henry.”

Henry chuckled quietly but clearly not quietly enough since Lorelei asked, clearly perplexed, “What’s so funny? I meant what I said. Your bricks are very sturdy, and your floors are shiny. A lot of your walls are a pretty color too.”

“Thank you,” Henry replied a bit sheepishly. “But—”

“But nothing,” interrupted Lorelei. “You’re a very nice house and you’re magical and you can talk. I would want to live in you, but the Lord and Lady Legolant already live here, so I can’t.” She paused briefly before adding, “Well… maybe I can someday because I’m going to marry their son when I grow up.”

Henry gasped. His face grew suddenly hot. What? She was going to…what? “But…I…uh…he’s really sick and…um…probably won’t live to grow up,” stumbled Henry unsure how exactly to even respond to that information.

“I know,” said Lorelei otherwise unphased. “But if he does…”

“No,” Henry interjected far more forcefully than he meant to. After a couple of deep breaths, he repeated much more calmly, “I mean…um…” He stopped. He wasn’t sure what he meant. What were his parents thinking? He couldn’t even be in the same room as another person without completely draining their mana—he certainly couldn’t be married, and Lorelei’s mana…it was so faint already and so warm. He could never snuff it out—could never put himself in a situation where he accidentally could. “Your mana…”

Lorelei cut him off with a good-natured laugh. “Oh, that’s why they thought I’d be a good fit. I don’t really have a lot of it so his sickness shouldn’t affect me too much.”

Henry sighed in relief almost in spite of himself. He certainly hoped she was right, but there was really no way of knowing, was there?

“And since I don’t have a lot of mana no one else wanted to marry me so my parents are happy too,” she continued. “They’re going to sign all the contracts today to make it official or at least talk about them or something, but we won’t get married until we’re a lot older.” Lorelei paused. “Have you gotten to meet him before, Henry? I hope he’s nice.”

Henry’s face flushed. “Um…well…I…I think he is or at least he tries to be.”

“That’s good. I’m trying to remember his name… Mother and Father said it during the carriage ride over here, but I can’t remember…Harry? No. That’s not right…”

Henry swallowed hard, and his heart began to pound. If he really was going to marry this girl one day, it probably wouldn’t be best for him to start things off by lying to her. “It’s…um…Henry.”

“Really?” gasped Lorelei. “His name is Henry, too? Is he named after you or are you named after him?”

Henry fidgeted and bit his lip. “Neither. Um…” He swallowed hard. “I’m Henry Legolant…and not a house,” he added for good measure.

There was a long, heavy pause, and Henry began to twist his hands. It was possibly the longest pause of his whole ten years, made even longer by the fact he could sense the change in her mana—suddenly uncomfortable though he couldn’t tell if that was from embarrassment or disappointment. “I’m sorry,” he continued in sincere apology, hoping that that would make her happy again, but it earned him only confusion.

“Why are you sorry? I’m the silly goose who thought you were a talking house.” She chuckled lightly. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.”

“I’m glad that you’re a person, but…” She hummed. “How did the house move?”

“Oh, that was my recombination magic,” explained Henry. “It can move anything in the house.”

He rattled the floorboards in the corridors as a demonstration for her, and she laughed and applauded. “That’s wonderful, but how did you know I was going to fall? Can you see the future?”

“No, but I have a sharp mana sense because of my illness, so I could um…feel that you were falling.” He knew that must sound very strange to Lorelei, but he wasn’t sure how else to explain it.

“You can sense my mana? But I don’t have a lot…”

“No, but it’s really warm and changes when you have strong feelings—like the fear of falling.”

Henry’s cheeks turned a bit rose when he realized what he had said, but Lorelei just laughed. “So you’re a mind reader? Can you tell me how I’m feeling right now?”

Henry pursed his lips together. It usually didn’t work the way Lorelei thought. He mainly picked up on subtle differences and changes in mana signatures. What she was asking him to do know would essentially be reading her mind, but… “I can try.”

Closing his eyes, Henry took a deep breath and searched for Lorelei’s mana. Once again he was struck by how warm it was in the softest, most gentle way. He could almost think of what it reminded him of, but he still couldn’t put a word to it. And he certainly couldn’t figure out her emotion from it.

“I don’t know…” he admitted at last with a defeated sigh. He decided to make an educated guess. “Disappointed?” He would have been disappointed if he was her given the circumstances and the fact she would be stuck with him in this dreary old house when they grew up.

“No,” she replied, and he could hear the smile in her voice. “I’m happy.”

“Why?” The question slipped out before he could stop it.

“Because you’re Henry Legolant, and you’re nice. I guess I really am lucky.”

Henry’s face flushed a deep red, and he stumbled over his words until he eventually managed to choke out, “Lucky?”

“Mhmm…like my magic. It’s lucky magic, and even if it’s weak, it still makes good things happen for me. Like when I almost fell down the stairs, but you saved me. And my parents picking out a stranger for me to marry when I get older, but he’s actually really nice and my friend.”

“Friend?” Henry repeated the word incredulously. He shook his head in disbelief. Had she really said they were…? Could they really be friends?

“Of course we’re friends, silly,” Lorelei chuckled, and Henry blushed red as he wondered if it was, in fact, Lorelei who could read minds.

He felt the heat rising in his cheeks as a warmth began to spread through his chest; however, he stared down at his twisting hands and bit his lip. “I’ve…I’ve never had a friend before...”

Lorelei hummed. “Well…you’ve got one now,” she replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world, and Henry could feel her sincerity in the flickers of her kind, comforting mana. As it swirled around him almost like a warm blanket, a smile tugged at his mouth, and he realized what it was her mana reminded him of. It felt like a home—the kind that he had only read about. Somewhere warm, cozy, and safe filled with family and friends who cared for each other. It was only a distant dream for Henry, but…now he had a friend so, perhaps, he could have a home someday too.

Henry sniffled at the thought. It was more than he could bring himself to hope for right now, but still, a smile spread across his face and he couldn’t help but feel that even if it was Lorelei who had the “Lucky Magic,” for the first time in his life, he was the one who was truly lucky.

[magic-is-something-we-create]

67%

hi anon!! thank you for the ask :D

67%. What's the worst injury they've ever gotten?

ohohoho there are a lot of different characters this could feasibly be answered for...

the worst injury Dakarsa has ever suffered was when he jumped out of a third floor window and broke both of his legs! that's the root of his disability, in fact; he never saw a doctor about it (for Legitimately Good Reasons) and so he never quite healed right. he does get access to crutches during Whispers, though, when he hadn't before!!

[eloquentlytired]

18+mdni

— full.

pairing: biker!syverson x fem reader

word count: 4k

warnings: semi public sex, raw, breeding, dirty talk

author's note: wanted to pair it w the gif but it got flagged 🥲 I used an ss of it in the edit (3d icon). it's from a movie called Lorelei and the character reminds me of sy!

you're not invisible but sometimes you're just there. your girlfriends are giggling about things you don’t relate to — about boyfriends. about sex. you suck on your straw, although your milkshake is by far gone, because you're too deep in thought to realize it.

there's silence and then you realize the waiter is standing before you. did they order something else? you release the straw with a faint pop when you realize he's looking at you and suddenly there's another milkshake on the table like the one you had finished drinking moments ago. “he said uhm—” the waiter stutters over his words anxiously and you kind of feel sorry for him. “he said it's a gift to occupy your mouth” and then he's leaving without any other information about whoever it is that treated you.

your girlfriends seem more excited than you do because your interest overpowers all excitement. your eyes scan the bar and take in every possible suspect, it isn't packed since it's not a busy day. everyone seems normal or they're too good at acting nonchalant. until you spot them — a pair of blue eyes watching over your every move possible ever since you entered this establishment. your breath hitches and although you have no clue of who the man is, you just know the tasty gift is from him. his stare forces you to clench your thighs as you take him in — piercing eyes, ungroomed beard and a shaved head. the sleeveless leather he's wearing makes him even more intimidating but it isn't fear that you experience upon exchanging glances with him. the stranger eventually gets up, muttering something to the other men in his table, and walks away. you follow.

“ya’ know, it ain't real kind to leave gifts unattended like that.” you turn so fast that you have to grip the sink behind you to not lose balance. “w-what?” the blue eyed man scans you from head to toe as he takes a step forward, towering over you. “the milkshake. ya didn't drink it.” you aren't sure where to look — his eyes, his lips, that beard. or maybe those large tattooed arms that looked like they're not afraid to handle you. you try to take a step backwards but the sink digs into your waist and you gasp. “i... i’m full.” the man laughs loudly and you realize he's amused while you're utterly taken aback by the situation. “full? have you any idea what it takes to be full?” his gaze darkens and you swallow as your heartbeat reaches your ears. you don't get him but you're about to.

the message in his words becomes obvious when sy’s hand clutches the side of your waist while the other hand lifts your leg to slide it around his body. “there we go. what a sweet girl you are.” he rasps as he slides his cock inside your pussy and all you can do is whimper as your walls wrap around him too tightly because it's been a while. and oh he's so thick. “gonna move now. gonna show ya what full really feels like,yea?” he doesn't wait for your reply as he draws back until only the tip of his cock is breaching your entrance. you stare at him with those wide eyes of yours and he can tell you're excited but also nervous. he lowers his head to supposedly kiss you but brushes his beard against your cheek instead and the action makes you smile. your smile turns into a silent ‘o’ because he's thrusting his cock inside you then, inch by inch, until you've swallowed most of him and his tip is kissing your deepest parts. and gods you get it now because this is what makes you full. this completes you.

your hands grip his leather jacket as he fucks you, feeling every inch of his thick cock splitting you open without any mercy. he’s impatient and he deserves this — he deserves this ever since you've walked into the bar and drawed his attention. “so fucking pretty. so wet too.” he growls and grounds his hips against yours while your pussy flutters around him when he starts pressing wet kisses across your neck. “made my whole day, baby. come here.” you can't even think straight as he presses his lips into yours and kisses you. he fucks you like he hates you but he kisses you like you're his favourite sweet. your mouth parts for him willingly and you let his tongue devour you, the taste of your drink still lingering in your pretty mouth. “please.” you find yourself muttering between open mouthed kisses and deep thrusts that have your eyes rolling to the back of your head. each time the man thrusts his hips forward, his skin slaps against yours painfully. it burns and you enjoy every moment. “please what? use your words baby.” you whine in protest and he rolls his hips punishing slow to make you feel the entire stretch his cock offers to your pussy. “want to come- want to be full-” you say and he smiles because this is good, you're a fast fucking learner. he grins, teeth on full display, as he picks up the pace and slams his cock directly into the spot that clouds all your senses. you arch your back and your breasts are squished against his chest, pebbled nipples brushing on him and making him lose his mind. “you sit so kindly. pretending to be good.” you want to protest and say that you are good but his hand clutches your hip and pushes you down on his cock as he thrusts up. “sipping on your milkshake. so sweet,aren't ya?” it's like you can't think anymore when his other hand slides from your hip to your swollen clit and starts rubbing there deliciously. the drag of his cock is heavenly and his eyes can't help but take a peak between your bodies whereas you're connected. it's difficult to not cum just by the sight of your wetness coating his bare cock but he holds back to care for you first. you cum with a cry around his cock and his fingers stay on your clit, toying around with it until you feel so oversensitive. “no more— can't do more!” you protest but he's silencing you with a kiss again while dragging his cock in and out of you, the sight of your unshed tears bringing him closer to the edge. “course ya can — fuck — come on. one more, baby.” and you really don't want to disappoint this big man as he places both of his hands on your hips and holds you flat on the sink, driving his cock exactly where it should be. you don't know how long it takes you to get there but you're squeezing around him again as you orgasm and this time he doesn't hold back either. his chest crashes against yours as he empties himself inside you, burying his face into your neck, and you can feel his cock faintly pulse within you. you're spent as he pulls his cock out of you and helps you stand properly, his hands still resting on your hips. “thank you.” you mutter almost shyly as you fix yourself and your clothing — just enough to look presentable. he does the same although his eyes never leave yours and you can tell that he has things to say. “ya got a paper on ya?” his question surprises you but you shake your head. “scuse me for this then.” he mumbles as he fishes a marker out of his trousers. you want to question him but you don't need to when he's grabbing your arm gently and writes on your skin with the marker. “in case you want another milkshake.” he says with a wink and he's out the door before you know it.

you stare at your marked arm. then at the phone number. and then at the giant syverson written on your skin.

your week is bound to be full.

[itsanerdlife]

Wicked Intentions 15

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Stark!Reader // (Seriously close) Steve Rogers x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader // T’Challa x Reader.

Warning: Violence. Language. Bullying. Girl Fights. Name Calling. Degrading Comments. Angst. Degrade of Woman (to a point). Criminal Life. Illegal Shit. Fights. Alpha Males. Stalking.

Characters: Peter Stark. Howie Stark. Bucky Barnes. Steve Rogers. Clint Barton. TC (T’Challa). Ben Reilly. Cledus Kasady (CK). Brock Rumlow. Gwen Stacy. Wanda Maximoff. Becca Barnes. Amore Lorelei. Kitty Pryde. Frank Castle. George Barnes. Joe Rogers. Winni Barnes. Pepper Stark. Wade Wilson. Eddie Brock. Warner Strucker. Barney Barton. Bobbi Morse. Pietro Maximoff. Logan.

A/N: This is a Bully Romance. High School setting. Mafia Family Life. Woman are on a lower level than males in their world. Just a heads up. This is the third installment of the series. Bad Intentions, Cruel Intentions, and Wicked Intentions.

Credit: Huge shout out to @ml7010 for all the help, pushing, hyping up, putting up with my changes midway through. If it wasn't for this peach, y'all never would have gotten this series or nearly as far as I am now.

Another Monday of Stepping into Saints, another day closer to graduation. Y/N steals Clint’s hat, flipping it around, setting it on her head. Big patches ripped out of her jeans, hug her hips, her white T-shirt, tied up, exposing skin and reads Same Shit, Different Day, in blue. She winks at him, catching him checking her out.

Throwing his arm over her shoulders, pulling her into him, making her laugh. Like typical fashion, the crowd’s part, allowing them to move down the hall.

Peter is whispering only God could know what in Gwen’s ear, but she laughs, smacking her hand into his chest, making him laugh. Howie has Becca pulled in close to him, back on track and where his ass is supposed to be. Bobbi’s hand is laced with Clint’s, her first day in Saint’s now that their promise has been approved by Y/N and the table.

As the crowd parts, Steve catches his eye, glancing at those watching them. TC is scoping the other student’s paying close attention or lingering too long. TC’s eyes slip to Y/N before cutting up to him, he nods. Knowing what he was doing, what Steve was doing. Steve tips his chin, pulling TC and his attention to what he’s looking at.

Ben Rielly, leaning against a set of lockers, watching them. Only he’s whispering to the girl next to him. Jet black hair, in a ponytail, her Cheer Team, T-shirt, cropped just above where her jeans start. She’s glaring at their group as well.

“Since when does Sophia hang with Reilly?” Y/N asks.

“Boss,” TC steps in closer “her father is Daniel.” He explains to her. Her head tips thinking this over. “The man at the table that made a comment about you being a woman.”

A grin spreads over her lips. “Oh, this gets better and better.” She whips around, grinning at the girls. Becca slips away from Howie, hurrying to Y/N’s side. Wanda is eager to join, leaving Sam behind, looking confused. Bobbi looks from Clint to Y/N, before she grins leaving Clint behind.

“One wicked ass grin and she steals all your girls.” Steve laughs.

“Hey!” Peter looks over.

“Oh, if my ass wasn’t pregnant, I would have beat Becca there.” Gwen laughs.

Peter’s head hangs, knowing it’s true.

“That’s right, no throwing down for you child bride.” Y/N nods, leaning back against him.

“Wait till your ass is knocked up, Sweets.” Steve laughs.Y/N falls silent.

Clint looks nervous.

TC’s brow jumps up.

Peter and Howie exchange a look.

“That’s going to be a rough nine months.” Sam laughs loudly.

She tips her head back, looking up at him. “No kids.” Making him laugh.

“I’ll beat up someone for you.” Becca shrugs.

“Oh.” Y/N perks up.

“Umm.” Howie’s brow drops down.

“Hey!” Gwen squeaks at her.

The girls laugh.

“Big man,” Y/N turns her attention to Steve

“Sugar,” he smirks at her.

“Push up on Sophia. See what she knows.”

“Oh, I can do that.” He grins, leaving the group.

“Packman,” he can hear the grin in her voice “TC.”

They both smirk at her.

“Wail on Reilly?” Clint lifts a brow.

“Make sure he’s being a good boy, would you?” She asks sweetly.

“Hell yes.” TC grins, backing up, Clint chuckles slipping away.

Sam looks around confused. “What did I just watch happen?” He laughs softly.

“Running with the head of the table and Saints own personal terror.” Wanda laughs.

Sam shakes his head. “God damn Y/N, I didn’t realize you got it like that.” He smirks.

“Of course I do, Sammi.” She laughs.

“Cause if she doesn’t, people get beat up.” Peter laughs.

“Shut up.” Y/N shoves her brother away, making him laugh harder.

“Oh no I believe that.” Sam nods.

“I will beat your ass again.” She points a finger at Sam.

“Oh alright.” Bucky presses her hand down. “Time for class, Chaos.”

He laughs, nudging her towards the girls. “Good luck with her today.”

They all laugh before splitting up and going other ways.

Walking out the main doors of Saints at the end of the day. Peter pauses, putting himself in front of Gwen. Howie’s steps faultier, pulling Becca back to him, their eyes on something off to the side. Buck steps down, level behind them, seeing what they see.

Eddie is leaning against the hood of his own car. Arms folded over his chest, watching them, watch him. His head snaps over as the doors open, TC ushering Y/N out, taking one look at him, TC cups her elbow, holding her back.

“What?” She looks from her right hand to him.

“Eddie’s here.” He warns her.

She looks from her brothers to him. Scoffing loudly, Steve, Clint and Bobbi appearing behind her. Rolling her eyes, she shakes off TC’s hand, coming down the steps of Saints. Pulling her sunglasses from her bag, slung over her shoulder.

Slipping them on, she looks over to where Eddie is watching them. A wicked grin on her lips, as she starts down the sidewalk, towards her car. She lifts both hands, flipping her middle fingers to Eddie. She turns when her back would go to him, still holding them up for him to see.

“Did she just flash her dick better than you boys?” Bobbi grins, coming down the steps, looking at them. “Maybe I picked the wrong Saint.” She shrugs. Becca laughs loudly, Gwen smirks as she passes her husband.

“Did she just tell me she should have picked Chaos?” Clint looks around confused.

“She’s a great choice.” He shrugs, looking at his friend.

“She basically called you pussies, and you let it happen.” TC looks at them with raised brows.

Steve’s brow drops down. “We’re not.” He looks around them, “Are we?” They look to the girls in one car, pulling away, Y/N’s middle finger out the window for Eddie to see.

“We might have gotten soft.” Peter drops his hands to his hips, looking around their group.

“If we didn’t have the girls, a baby on the way, wives, how would we handle this?” Howie folds his arms over his chest.

“Before?” Buck smirks. “Knock him the fuck out for so much as looking at her.” He shrugs, walking away.

“Factor rest boys!” Clint laughs, hurrying after him.

Moving towards Eddie, still leaning against his car.

“Saintz property, east side trash isn’t welcome.” He warns, pointing a finger still coming at Eddie.

He shrugs looking around. “What did you think you were going to do about it?” Eddie chuckles.

Howie plants his feet, pulling back. The hit throws Eddie’s body back, into the hood of his car, stumbling to get his feet under him. He attempts to push himself up, only to meet Buck’s fist next, slamming his head down into the hood.

“You come back again, and you better bring some back up. We’ll relive the night in the parking lot again, you know when you tucked tail and ran back home after getting knocked the fuck out.” Clint laughs, shrugging his shoulders. His poster filled with cockiness. Eddie’s mouth drips blood, splattering on his hood.

“Hell next time we’ll let our girl curb stomp you too.” Steve chuckles. His eyes cut to them, glaring. Holding himself up with one hand planted on the hood of the car.

“Then you can say you got your ass beat by the whole Brady Bunch.” Peter mocks with a smug smirk.

“Next time we see you, I’ll break your jaw, if you’re so much as looking at my wife, or sister.” Bucky pats Eddie on the shoulder, still leaning over his hood, wiping blood from his mouth. They leave him there, heading for their own vehicles, to follow their girls.

---------- Everything Peaches 9/21/2024 @mo320 @ml7010 @kmc1989 @babizza @coley0823 @destiel-artemis @royal-sunflower @camelliasblossom @shinycupcakebaker @purpleeclipseeggsland @daughterofthenight117 @hisredheadedgoddess28

Bucky 'Fuck Me Up' Barnes: @jbbarnesgirl @kaylaphantomhive

Series tags: @sebastians-love @otterlycanadian

[coffeeandcrossword]

alex blake x reader drabble, 951 words summary: picking up a coffee for alex while on a case author’s note: this is my first time writing anything for fun in my life and it’s obviously my first time uploading my writing to the internet, so needless to say, i’m very nervous. i really hope you enjoy <3

౨ৎ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 𐙚✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ 𐙚. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧𐙚⋆⭒˚.⋆౨ৎ

It was 2pm and you and Hotch had just pulled into a parking spot outside of the precinct in the town you’ve been holed up in for the last three days. You had been out all day, first to two of the crime scenes and then to speak with the coroner who had examined one of the victim’s bodies and, if you were being honest with yourself, were really starting to drag. The thought of the slightly sludgy and flavourless coffee sitting in the pot in the kitchen of the precinct seemed very unappealing to you. “Hey do you mind if I grab a coffee before heading in?” you asked, while shutting the car door. “Not at all,” Hotch said as he rounded the SUV and started heading towards the precinct. “Want anything?” you called back as you split off from him, heading towards the coffee shop a block away that you had noticed on the drive back. “No, I’m okay.”

You walked into the coffee shop and were struck with how charming it was. Nothing like the trendy but admittedly stark type of coffee shop you’d normally frequent back in DC, this one was adorned with kitschy decorations and reminded you a little of Lorelei’s inn from Gilmore Girls. You ordered two oat lattes, one for you and one for Alex, who you knew was back at the precinct going over some notes with Spencer. Feeling slightly guilty at the thought of Spencer and not wanting to arise suspicion from him or Hotch about why you brought back a coffee for just Alex, you ordered an americano for Spence — and “oooh how about three snickerdoodle cookies? And you know what, I’ll take a bran muffin as well, thanks!” (You didn’t want to come back with nothing for Hotch, even though he said he didn’t want anything, and for some reason he didn’t strike you as a snickerdoodle type of guy)

While waiting at the end of the counter for your drinks, your four treats stuffed into your bag, your mind drifted back to Alex. You sort of had feelings for her (okay, you most definitely had feelings for her) and you were pretty sure those feelings were reciprocated, but it wasn’t something either of you have ever talked about or acknowledged out loud. But there was definitely something there. The way she adoringly looks at you has to mean something, as do the smiles you share, the constant glances you catch from her in your direction, the glances she catches from you in her direction. The lingering, but casual touches to your shoulder, her leg, the small of your back, the constant desire to be near each other. The wordless communication you seem to share, understanding each other’s feelings from just a look or a nod. The coffees you buy each other, the lunches, the dinners when you’re stuck late at the office together. You think back to that time in Seattle, when you, JJ, and Morgan were at a crime scene in the pouring rain. Alex had taken a detour while en route to speak with a witness just to drop off your FBI jacket you had accidentally left back at the precinct, wanting to get it to you because she knew you’d be freezing without it. It’s these little things that show you’re always thinking about each other and you know it has to mean something. You smiled at the memory but were taken out of your reverie by the barista calling your name to indicate your coffees were ready. You slipped your three drinks into a to go tray and headed out back towards the precinct.

You walked into the BAU’s designated conference room with your to go tray of coffees and saw Alex and Spencer standing at a whiteboard — Spencer scrawling something messily on the board, Alex’s eyes following his hand, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. She turned her head when she heard you and gave you a sweet smile as you crossed the room and handed her the latte. “Got this for you,” you said and your fingers brushed as you transferred the cup into her hand and you felt her fingers linger over yours a bit longer than necessary before she fully pulled the cup into her hand. “Oh! and…” you said, as you pulled out two snickerdoodles from your bag, handing one to her and the other to Spencer. You offered the tray of drinks toward Spencer and instructed him to take the cup closest to him. His face lit up and he gave you an excited thanks before grabbing his drink and setting it on the table next to him and pulling the cookie out of its bag and taking a bite. 

Alex was watching you — no surveying you — throughout this interaction and couldn’t help herself but to smile, which you caught when you turned back towards her. She looked thoroughly enamoured with you and took a small sip as if to hide her smile and gave you a quiet “thank you” and a gentle squeeze to your arm before turning back to the board, making a comment to Spencer about something he had written down. You walked over to the conference table and joined Hotch next to the daunting stack of files he had waiting for you and passed him his muffin and received a thank you and rare smile in return. You took a sip of your latte and stole one more peak at Alex and noticed she was looking back at you with an appreciative, soft smile. You returned a smile before turning back to your files and concentrating on your work, albeit with a few butterflies in your stomach.

[gingerjolover]

i just came up with the cutest lil christmas request for julien!! ok so i’ve been watching love actually and gilmore girls all day while crying and i was thinking abt the scene where lorelei sang “i will always love you” at karaoke night to luke SO i was thinking what if soft!gf was doing karaoke at a christmas party with the boys+muna and other friends and she was singing “lover” by taylor swift☺️☺️

“ we can leave the christmas lights up til january”

“have i known you 20 seconds, or 20 years”

“with every guitar string scar on my hand, i take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover”

like i can see her being so shy at first but went she focuses on julien she’s just all blushy and happy and julien is tearing up bc she loves her baby so much 😣😣

i need a gf so bad someone help me😔😔😔

THIS IS SO STINKIN CUTE

(also no one hate me i havent seen gilmore girls yet 😭)

okay i feel like phoebe would be the reason for the karaoke machine at all, like phoebe definitely bought the machine and gifted it to jb and soft!gf as a housewarming present. i like to think that their house becomes "the house" for get-togethers and stuff like its a very entertainment-forward house but it's just so cozy and centralized to everyone's locations.

everyone is doing karaoke and its all fun and silly and then maybe katie does a slower song, and then phoebe, and then lucy and a mutual friend do a duet and kelli finally convinces soft!gf to sing something with her.

"do a taylor song baby!" julien is encouraging soft!gf from where she stands on the wall next to jo and some other friends.

i feel like kelli is looking for slower songs and soft!gf picks lover. (i just feel like maybe soft!gf wouldn't do a song on her own?? maybe if it was just the boys in the house)

“we can leave the christmas lights up til january” and julien can tell soft!gf is nervous but her voice is so small and sweet, juliens heart just melts.

“have i known you 20 seconds, or 20 years?” soft!gf canonically giggles at inappropriate times but especially when she's nervous or anxious so she and kelli are giggling between lines.

but somewhere before the bridge soft!gf makes eye contact with julien and it's like they're the only two in the room and soft!gf loves how soft and tender julien looks underneath Christmas decorations, wearing a cute christmas tie.

and julien's cheeks are pink, eyes slightly teary as she watches soft!gf on the makeshift stage in their living room, loving the way her hips subtly move with the beat, her arm wrapped around kelli's waist as they both sing.

“with every guitar string scar on my hand, i take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover” soft!gf sings finally getting into it as she lifts her hand to show a small scar, maybe from helping julien hang the guitars in her office or something, giggling as she sings it because julien is the one with scars and calluses underneath her tattooed fingers.

and once soft!gf hands the mic to someone else, maybe jo and a mutual friend, she all but skips to julien, jb wrapping her up, kissing her firmly as they sway back and forth, juliens hands splayed on the back of her neck and sliding down to her butt.

"ya did so good gorgeous," julien's murmuring against her lips, hand running through the ends of her hair, readjusting the Christmas tree head band on her head (she wears this bc i wore this on Christmas teehee).

[the-blossica-fan]

Still nowhere near defining it. It's been 2 years and counting 😭😭😭

Balloon Party: I'm so happy...! I could kiss you...!

Lorelei: ...Neat! ^-^

*later*

Lorelei, lying face down on her bed: I said "Neat," Windsong. Who on earth says neat these days? It's not neat to say neat but I said it anyways because I'm stupid.

Windsong, reading a book: Don't beat yourself up too much, Lorelei. Everyone gets nervous sometimes. Remember what I did when Vila confessed their love for me?

Lorelei: ...Didn't you thank them?

Windsong: *closes the book and looks at the ceiling* I fucking thanked her.

You'll find an answer I'm sure, I believe in you🙏

Not the girl failures talking to each other 😭

I had no idea Balloon Party would be the sober one in the relationship but looking at it now it makes sense.

Balloon Party being the one to give the most advances while Lorelei is like "You're such a good friend to me!" After being asked out on a date. She swears she had no idea it could be romantical, like a playdate isn't romantic she just thought they would hang out normally

Which is also similar to Windsong's situation when Vila asked her out on a pool date to learn how to swim and she deadass looked at Vila in the eyes and said "but aren't you a Rusalka? Don't you know how to swim?"

They became friends because of external connections and bonded over their embarrassing moments with their girlfriends.

Lorelei: Balloon Party asked me for a kiss the other day, do you want to know what I told her?

Windsong: uh-huh

Lorelei: I told her I didn't have any and offered to buy some

Windsong: Really?!

Lorelei: Yeah 😔

Windsong: That reminds me of me and Vila. She asked me if I wanted to learn how to paint, guess what I told her

Lorelei: Uh, no?

Windsong: I thought she said pain and told her I wasn't a masochist.

[amatorysacrivn]

could it be possible to see how everyone rank in terms of being ready to get married?

it is possible, yes!! from “absolutely eager already has the ring to propose” to “has a panic attack and vomits at the thought of marriage”

casanova (of course, romantic ahhh)

tiffany (she would love a ring on her finger especially from you)

leviathan/lazaria (they’re secretly hopeless romantics and love the idea of you not being able to leave them easily, they can tweak some laws)

kastiel (he falls in love QUICKLY, and it is HARD, you’ll see some of this in sacrilegious :3)

cy (she’s extremely nervous but is willing to push her anxiety behind for you)

vesperia (she likes the idea of marriage, but needs a lot of time)

aziel (despite what he says, being a husband would stress him out but he’s willing to try!)

elita (she doesn’t think anyone will ever want to commit to her, she doesn’t even commit to anything herself)

rosaline (will never be ready, per say, it’s not exactly something she looks forward to or wants)

lorelei (will cry if you propose, how could she love you if she can’t even love herself?)

zack (do not let this man on the altar, he’s not ready but he’ll do it anyway! and he will be awful)

konstantin (oh fuck oh shit he actually has to be a good person? oh fuck oh no what)

[legolasbadass]

Office Hours, Part 32

Summary: Lorelei Browning has just secured a job as an assistant professor at Exeter College in Oxford. Naturally, she is eager to prove herself and meet every challenge sent her way, but what she does not expect is the tall, handsome stranger who will quickly become much more than a colleague.

Relationship: Richard Armitage x OC (Professor AU)

Word Count: 2k

Rating: M

A/N: Thank you all for your kind comments on this story, both here and on Tumblr. This story is quickly coming to an end, but I hope you will enjoy the last chapters! 💙

With an exhausted sigh, I drop one of the last boxes into the living room and take a moment to catch my breath. The early afternoon sun floods into the house from the tall bay window, casting beams of light onto the overflowing bookshelves and the pale couch. Boxes are scattered all over the place, and the sound of loud voices coming from outside and the thudding of heavy boots against the old wooden floors disrupt the usual tranquillity of the house, but it is still home. 

Home. 

The last few days have not been the most restful. Since the end of the term and the college party a few days ago, Richard and I have spent every waking moment packing my belongings, making room in the house, and correcting exams, and we have not gotten nearly enough sleep, but the fatigue and stress do not compare to the happiness that fills me. 

I make my way toward the front door, but before I know it, a pair of strong arms circle my waist from behind and pull me into a warm but sweaty chest. 

“Oh, God—you’re all sweaty!” I exclaim and try to wriggle out of Richard’s embrace. 

His rumbling laughter reverberates through me as he leans in to brush his lips against my earlobe. “That doesn’t usually bother you.” 

Warmth floods my cheeks, but before I can respond, William peers down from the bannister overhead. “I’m right here.” 

It is Richard’s turn to blush, and we giggle in embarrassment as William walks down the stairs and back outside. William, Claire, and Beatrice all kindly offered to help us with the move today, and I certainly do not want to leave them to do all the work, even if there are only a few boxes left in the truck. But as I turn around to face Richard, I cannot yet will myself to go back outside. His cheeks are red and his hair is an irresistible tousled mess of curls, and I cannot refrain from running my hand through it as he smiles at me. 

“We’re going to live together,” he says, his gaze warm. 

“Oh, is that what we’re doing?” I reply teasingly, earning a look of fond annoyance from him. 

He chuckles, then squeezes my hands. “You’re not nervous at all? No second thoughts?” 

“Of course not! Why, did you expect me to have second thoughts?” 

“No, I just—it’s a big thing.” 

Unable to stop myself, I grin and glance down at his groin. “Yes, it is a big thing.” 

He laughs as another blush blooms on his cheeks. “You’re impossible,” he says, shaking his head, though the affection in his eyes is undeniable. 

My mischievous grin widens as I revel in the playful embarrassment I have managed to cause. “But seriously,” I begin, traces of laughter in my voice, “I’m not nervous and I’m not having any second thoughts. I’m so thrilled that we’re going to live together.” 

His smile softens, and he leans in to gently kiss me. “Me too.” 

William’s voice reaches us from outside. “Come on, lovebirds! Stop snogging and grab some boxes!” 

Chuckling, I give Richard’s hand a final squeeze before dragging him outside, though I wish I could spend the rest of the day kissing him. The air is thick and humid under the bright afternoon sun, but thankfully, after Beatrice and William make another trip into the house, only one box remains in the truck, and Richard effortlessly lifts it as if it were not filled with tons of heavy books. 

“Well, that’s the last of it,” Claire says with a relieved sigh.

“Thank you so much for all your help!” I say as we follow Richard into the house. 

“Anytime! It’s the least I could do to repay Richard for all the times he’s helped Will and I move in the past.” She looks up at Richard as he drops the box into the living room. “Remember when you helped Will and I move into our first flat?” 

He chuckles in remembrance. “That feels like a lifetime ago.” 

“It does!” she responds with a nostalgic sigh before turning her gaze back to me. “It was right after I graduated from uni. We moved into this horrible tiny flat in the Leicester city centre that was always cold and had no storage space, and I nearly broke up with Will because he never picked up after himself, and it was driving me crazy.” 

“Typical Will,” Richard says with a deep, rumbling laugh, and Claire rolls her eyes in agreement. 

“And the worst part is that he’s still like that! I hope for your sake, Lorelei, that this clown is tidier than his brother.” 

I chuckle. “Well, Richard can be a bit messy, but he tends to contain his mess to his office, and as long as it remains that way, it’s fine with me.” 

“Day one and you’re already the boss in the house, are you?” Richard retorts playfully as he wraps an arm around my shoulders. “And I’m not messy—you’re just a neat freak.”

“I am not!” 

“Yes, you are!” Beatrice chimes in as she walks down the stairs, causing them to laugh. “We only lived together a few months and I honestly think any longer might have ruined our friendship.”

“Bea!”

“It was all ‘don’t dry your hands with that dish towel’, ‘you haven’t vacuumed your room in two weeks’, and ‘take off your shoes on the rug, you’re trailing mud all over the hallway’.”

“Stop before Richard changes his mind about living with me,” I respond with an embarrassed chuckle. 

But I have nothing to worry about as Richard pulls me into a hug and says, “Don’t worry. You’re my little neat freak, and nothing anyone says is going to make me change my mind.” He then presses a tender kiss atop my head, and I blush as Claire and Beatrice smile knowingly. 

“Well, Lorelei, you are officially moved in!” William announces as he joins us in the entry. “But don’t worry—we still have the truck so there’s still time to change your mind and run. Because I’m telling you, my brother can be difficult to deal with.” 

“Rumour has it you’re the one who’s difficult to live with,” I respond teasingly. 

William tilts his head questioningly, then narrows his eyes at Claire. “What lies have you been saying about me now, Amy Dunne?” 

Chuckling, she raises her brows in challenge. “Just that even our five year old son is often tidier than you are, which is not a lie.” 

“Only because you’re always nagging him to clean up his messes,” William retorts.

“Well, at least one of you listens.” 

“Behold, our future,” Richard whispers playfully in my ear, causing me to giggle. 

As the scorching summer sun makes way for a refreshing evening breeze, we all work tirelessly to unpack as many boxes as possible. We leave the endless boxes of books for later and tackle the kitchen first, and soon enough, all the counters are covered in dishes waiting to be organized into cabinets, forcing us to eat dinner in the living room, plates piled high with pizza. I grow silent when the conversation inevitably turns to Richard’s imminent move to Boston, selfishly wishing we could pretend for tonight that he is never leaving. Richard is clearly proud and excited about this new opportunity, but when he rests a hand on my thigh and squeezes me tight, I know he, too, wishes the same. 

Eventually, I make my way upstairs to continue unpacking in the bedroom, letting him enjoy his success and discuss his plans with the others. I am halfway through a third box of clothes when a knock on the door interrupts me, and I turn to find William standing in the doorway with a hesitant smile. 

“I was just coming to get some boxes to put in the recycling bin,” he explains, pointing to the pile of empty boxes in the corner. 

“Great, thanks!” I say. “But you can leave one or two here—Richard might need them to pack some of his things.” 

William nods, then pauses. “You doing ok?” 

I turn to him after folding a jumper into the drawer. “I’m doing great,” I answer with a slightly confused frown. 

“I mean, it can’t be easy—with him leaving for a year.” 

“Ah. That.”

William nods slowly. 

“Well… I wish he didn’t have to go, obviously,” I reply with a humourless chuckle. “But he has to—I want him to! I’d have to be really stupid to try to stop him, and I’d have to be even more stupid to give up on what we have because of this.” 

“My brother’s lucky to have you.” 

I smile, unsure how to respond. 

“I mean, to be able to count on you through all this…” 

“Are you referring to his ex Rebecca?” He nods. “Well, it’s different… We’re different people and—and he’s not asking me to uproot my whole life for him. It’s just one year, right?” I shrug again, trying to convince myself that it is not as difficult as it is. 

“Right.” A few moments of silence later, William chuckles and shakes his head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come up here and get so serious. I just—I like you and I think you and my brother are great together. And I guess this is my weird and really awkward way of making sure you’re doing ok and reminding you that my brother’s a great guy and I think he’s worth the wait.” 

“He definitely is. And thanks,” I reply with a shy smile. 

He smiles in return, then clears his throat. “And hey, I know I’m not Richard. I mean, I’m funnier and more good-looking than him,” he begins with a playful smirk, causing me to chuckle. “But if you’re ever feeling down or whatever, and you want someone to talk to or hang out with while he’s away, I’m here. I can tell you all sorts of embarrassing stories about him.” 

Laughing, I shake my head. “I might take you up on that.” 

At that moment, Richard steps into the bedroom, and the brothers exchange a look before William leaves us alone, winking at me as he walks through the door. Still smiling, I turn to Richard, and the love I feel for him, and the joy of moving in with him momentarily chase away the ache in my heart. For now, he is still here, within arms’ reach, and I can pretend that this day is only the beginning of our new life together and not bringing us closer to our separation. 

With a soft smile, Richard closes the space between us, and I bury my face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent as he wraps his strong arms around me. We remain in this embrace for a little while as the sun slowly dips below the houses at the end of the street, but eventually, Richard breaks the silence. “He’s not really funnier than me, is he?” 

My laughter echoes through the room as I look up to meet his eyes, which sparkle in the golden warmth of this summer evening. “No, of course not, love.”

A playful grin lights up his face. “Good.” 

Then he slowly leans in, and, understanding his intention, I stand on my tiptoes to meet his lips halfway in a tender kiss. He holds me tight, the fingers of one hand gently tracing patterns on my back while the other cradles my face, pulling me even closer and urging me to part my lips. I shiver as his tongue caresses mine, still marvelling at how easily he can awaken desire within me. Eventually, we are forced to break the kiss, and he rests his forehead against mine, his tender eyes slightly darker than usual. 

“I love you,” he says, his voice barely above a murmur. 

“I love you, too,” I reply in the same tone, pressing a lingering kiss onto his bearded jaw. 

“We’ve made some pretty good progress with the unpacking already, haven’t we?” 

“Yeah, I’d say so.”

“Good. So how about I start hinting that we’re getting tired so they leave and we can be alone?” 

I chuckle at his suggestive tone. “I like the way you think.” 

Tag list: @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @i-did-not-mean-to @xxbyimm @middleearthpixie @enchantzz @myselfandfantasy @notlostgnome @sazzlep @albionscastle @evenstaredits

Let me know if you'd like to be added to my tag list or tagged in future chapters💙

[lemoncrushh]

Too Far From Texas | Chapter Seven

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 5224

After fifty rounds of arguing with Emery about why I wouldn’t let her wear her new costume to school, we finally came to a compromise. I allowed her to wear the dress, but she had to leave the wings and wig at home. It was just too special, I told her, and Harry had gone to a lot of trouble to get it for her. I didn’t want it ruined before she could go trick or treating because some kid sat on her wings and crushed them, or she decided the wig was too itchy, took it off and accidentally left it.

When I got to work, Lorelei was already in the break room, a witch hat on her head. She turned to me with a look of disappointment.

“You didn’t dress up!” she pouted.

“Neither did you,” I scoffed, crossing the room to grab a mug from the cupboard. “A hat does not a costume make.”

“I beg your pardon. I have my shawl at my desk. I’m Stevie Nicks.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “No, you’re not. Stevie does not wear a witch hat.”

“Yes she does! On Halloween. You’re the one who showed me a picture.”

“Touche,” I said, pouring creamer into my coffee. “But why Stevie?”

“Because I had the hat...and I couldn’t think of anything else.”

I laughed.

“So, you got me,” Lorelei shrugged. “But I did think maybe you’d dress up and we could be 'Sisters of the Moon'.”

“Do you have another hat for me?” I asked her.

“No.”

“Sorry to disappoint then,” I tossed the coffee stirrer in the trash.

“So did you talk to Harry last night?” she inquired as she followed me out into the hall.

“Only for a bit. He was flying out early this morning.”

“Did you make plans?”

“It’s still kinda up in the air right now,” I sighed when I entered my office and sat in my chair. “But I think it makes the most sense if we get together Thursday evening, as long as his schedule permits.”

A wide smile spread across Lorelei’s face as she sat on the edge of my desk.

“Are you excited?”

I glared at her for a moment until I pursed my lips, my cheeks suddenly getting warm.

“You have no idea,” I said, looking down at my lap.

“Oh, I think I do,” Lorelei quipped.

I sighed. “Talking to him on the phone is one thing, Lor. I feel like we’ve developed this sort of...relationship. But actually being with him…”

My words trailed off as I couldn’t finish the sentence. My heart seemed to beat faster at just the mere thought of seeing Harry again. I stared past Lorelei out the windows.

“Look at you all nervous,” teased Lorelei. “Over a man.”

I raised my brows and eyed her. “Why, have you never seen me like this before?”

“Well, yeah,” she tilted her head, “the night he came over. But that was more like first date jitters. This is different.”

“What would you call this?”

Lorelei pondered my question for a moment before finally settling on a shrug. “Not sure. At least I don’t wanna say yet. It might make you more nervous.”

“Gee, thanks. Like that doesn’t already.”

“You’ll be fine, Stace,” she smirked, rising from my desk and walking to the door. She stopped halfway and turned around. “Be sure to pack some sexy lingerie.”

“Lor!” I rolled my eyes.

She gingerly walked back to me, leaning over my chair. “You do plan on sleeping with him, right?” she whispered.

Combing a strand of hair behind my ear, my eyes wandered around the room. When I didn’t immediately give Lorelei the reply she’d hoped for, she cleared her throat.

“I suppose that’s none of my business,” she stated.

Finally looking at her, I muttered, “It’s been a really long time.”

“Yeah. I know,” she nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. “Even more the reason. You’re a grown woman, Stacey. You deserve to have fun.”

I blinked and gave a small smile.

With one last nod, Lorelei patted my back and left my office. My shoulders dropped as I sighed and rolled my chair around. I rose my arms over my head and stretched, determined to get at least a little bit of work done.

“Look how much candy I got!” Emery held up her bag to the phone for Harry to see.

“That’s a lot!” he smiled with wide eyes. “But I used to get twice as much when I was your age.”

“Really? Aw man!”

Harry chuckled. “Now step back and let me see your costume again.”

Emery stood back, proudly holding out her arms and giving a twirl.

“She’s had it on all day,” I explained, “but I got her to keep it on a little longer after my mom left so you could see.”

Harry had texted me earlier that afternoon, requesting that we Face Time that evening. My mom had come over to stay with Jasmine while I took Emery trick or treating, and she’d just left before I called Harry.

“All day?” he asked. “You wore it to school?”

“Only the dress,” Emery replied. “Mommy wouldn’t let me wear the wig and the wings.”

“Why not?”

My daughter looked at me and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Yes you do, silly girl,” I clicked my tongue. I addressed Harry, “We had a discussion about it last night and again this morning. I told her the costume was too special to get ruined the first time she wore it.”

“Is she wearing it again?” Harry inquired.

“Well no,” I shook my head. “But I didn’t want her to come home all upset because her wings broke or something.”

Harry eyed Emery with a pout. “Mum’s no fun, huh?”

“Hey!” I chided.

“No,” Emery agreed.

I made a face.

“Did you know I’ve worn wings on stage before?” asked Harry.

“Really?” Em beamed as she bounced on her toes. “Wings like mine? Or like a butterfly?”

“Actually, they were angel wings,” he replied. “Get your mum to show you on YouTube.”

“Not sure I’ve seen that,” I remarked.

“Would you have enjoyed wearing your wings to school?” Harry asked Emery.

“Yeah! It woulda been awesome!” Em threw up her arms, making Harry laugh. “Nobody knew who I was supposed to be. I kept having to explain.”

“See?” Harry looked at me with a smirk. “She just wanted to be her true self in all her glory.”

“Thanks a lot,” I muttered, then turned to Emery. “See if I take you trick or treating again.”

Harry laughed harder. “Uh oh, I think we upset your mum.”

I chuckled. “Gang up on me, why don’t you?”

“I’m sorry, Mommy!” Emery wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you for taking me trick or treating!”

“You’re welcome, sweet girl,” I kissed the top of her head. “I’m not upset. Now go get out of your costume and get your shower.”

“Okay,” she sighed, turning for the door.

“Wait, tell Harry goodnight,” I insisted.

“Oh yeah...night Harry!” she called.

“Goodnight, Miss Lapis!” Harry returned. “Sweet dreams!”

Emery giggled and blew him a kiss before skipping down the hall. I rose from the bed and shut the door once I heard her turn on the shower.

“She’s such a cute kid,” said Harry.

“Thanks,” I grinned, sitting back down on the edge of the bed. “Sometimes she can be a handful, but I like that she has her own personality, you know? Like, she has her own things she likes and that she’s into. She wants everyone to like her, but at the same time she doesn’t always follow the pack.”

“Hmm,” Harry raised his brows and nodded. “I can tell. Don’t you want to encourage that?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I just…” he sighed and shook his head. “Nothing. I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“Forget it. It’s not my place. You’re her mother.”

I blinked, curious. “No. Tell me.”

“Stacey, I...I think you’re a great mother, please don’t misunderstand. I just wonder…” he swallowed hard. “Is it better to have joy or to be safe?”

“What?” I mouthed.

“You know, with the wings. Why was it more important to save them and be safe than just leap in and enjoy them wholeheartedly while they lasted?”

“Well, I…” I bit my lip, pondering his question. “I don’t know. I guess I just tend to take care of my things. Especially when they’re special to me. And when they get ruined, I get upset.”

Harry gave a gentle smile. “Perhaps that’s not Emery’s tendency though. She is a kid after all.”

I shrugged. “I was that way as a kid too. I cried when I brought a doll to school and someone ripped her bow out of her hair.”

Harry chuckled. “Alright, fair enough. But you said yourself Em’s different. She has her own personality.”

“True.”

“I sent her that costume because I wanted her to have it. I wanted her to be happy with it and enjoy it.”

“Okay,” I nodded, lying back on the bed.

“I’ve completely overstepped my boundaries here,” Harry remarked.

“No,” I grinned. “No, you’re fine. I get it. And you’re right. I’m probably a little too careful. And I tend to pass that on to her even though I don’t mean to.”

“I haven’t upset you, have I?”

“No, of course not,” I curled a strand of hair around my finger. “So how’s New York?”

“Good,” he replied. “But it’s about to get better.”

“How so?”

“Well…” a slow, teasing smile spread across his face and he licked his bottom lip. “It seems a gorgeous redhead will be here in a little more than twenty-four hours.”

“Gorgeous redhead?” I quoted. “Those can be dangerous.”

“I’m counting on it,” he said low, making my insides flip.

“And what do you plan on doing with this redhead in New York?” I inquired, playing along.

“Not gonna give away my secrets just yet,” Harry replied with a smirk.

“Not even to the redhead?”

Harry chuckled. “Especially not to the redhead.”

I tried my best not to laugh as I gave him my best pout which only made him laugh harder like the little devil he was. Our teasing was interrupted, however, when Emery opened my door and stood in her pajamas, holding her pink teddy bear with sleepy eyes.

“Hold that thought,” I told Harry who only continued to smirk at me. I shook my head and dropped the phone on the bed, ushering Emery back to her room and tucking her in. She was out like a light before I even turned hers off and tip toed back to mine, trading the overhead light for the bedside lamp.

“Now, where were we?” I asked just above a whisper.

“I’ve no idea.”

“Something about secrets?”

Harry’s chest shook as his eyes danced with glee. I rolled my eyes as I laid back on my pillow with a giggle.

“Okay then, I see how you are.”

“What?” he smirked. “I told you I was gonna take you out on a date.”

“Where? Dinner?”

“Only part of it, my love.” Harry licked his lips, a gesture that I knew was natural and automatic, but still managed to turn me on. I felt myself sigh as I pulled my sheet back and crawled underneath.

“Are you excited to see me?” he inquired, his voice deep again.

“I can see you right now,” I quipped.

“I mean in person,” he shot back with a chuckle.

“Of course I am.”

“Good. ‘Cause I’m very excited.”

I smiled. “What night are we going out?”

“Well, I would have preferred tomorrow night,” he replied, “but seeing as you’ll be getting in late, I’m willing to wait until Thursday.”

“Sorry you have to sacrifice,” I teased.

“I’m sure you’re worth the wait,” he said, biting his bottom lip.

I had to curse myself internally to get a grip. I made a little sound and blinked slowly before pretending like I was reaching for something on my nightstand, just so I could momentarily divert my gaze from his blazing green eyes.

“Oh, I wanted to tell you…” Harry continued, “I was listening to that Buckingham Nicks album.”

“It’s great isn’t it?” I beamed, happy to talk about Stevie.

“Yeah. I really like that first song, ‘Crying in the Night’. I’d love to hear you sing it.”

“What? No,” I laughed, shaking my head.

“Please?” he begged. “I bet you’d sound fantastic.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. Letting it out slowly, I sat up in the bed and ran my fingers through my hair. As soon as I started the first line, I caught Harry’s smile, instantly making me feel a mixture of appreciation and nerves.

“She was that kind of lady…Times were hard, oh…She could come curling round you like fingers… But she’ll leave you crying in the night…”

As I started the second line of the chorus, Harry surprised me by joining in, giving me the harmony. My eyes wide, I continued to sing as I watched Harry remove from view only to return with a guitar in his hands. I figured he must have propped up his phone somewhere as he sat on the hotel bed and fingered the strings until he found the correct chords. I almost forgot the rest of the lyrics, but I managed to sing the entire song with Harry helping me out.

“And she’s looking around…”

When we were finished, I felt so overwhelmed I started laughing hard, falling back onto my pillow and covering my face with my hand.

“That was great,” Harry commented. “You’re awesome.”

“I can’t believe I did that.”

“Why are you embarrassed, baby?”

“I’m not,” I denied.

“Then why do you have your face hidden?” he chuckled.

“Just…” I giggled and lowered one hand, “that felt good.”

“Yeah?” Harry twitched his brows as he slung an arm over the front of his guitar. I slowly lowered my other hand and took him in.

“Yeah,” I replied. “Very good.”

“I’m glad,” he said, strumming a couple more chords before removing the guitar from his lap and laying it on the bed behind him. “We’ll be doing more of that.”

“In New York?” 

“Maybe.” 

“Should I be making requests?” I grinned.

“Not yet. For now requests are all mine.”

“That’s no fair,” I feigned a pout again.

Harry laughed and I saw him reach for the phone and shift back so that he was lying on the pillow, his arm behind his head.

“You’ll get your turn, Ms. Barnett,” he promised with a sly grin.

I giggled a squeak, covering my mouth with the back of my hand. “God, you’re cute.”

“So are you. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I’m gonna get to be with you again.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m kinda crazy about you, Stacey, in case you haven’t noticed.”

I held my breath as I stared at him.

“Please tell me you noticed,” he said. “Otherwise I reckon I’m doing this wrong.”

“No,” I blinked. “No, I...I noticed. I guess it’s just a little different to actually hear it put into words.”

I watched him roll over onto his side. “And here I thought actions spoke louder than words.”

I smiled. “They do. It’s just...nice to hear it sometimes.”

“Then I’ll have to remember to do both,” he said softly.

Resting his head on the palm of his hand, he gave me a look that told me he meant every word.

“Harry?”

“Yes, love?”

“I…” I swallowed hard. “I should probably get to sleep. Long day tomorrow.”

“Of course. Text me when you land?”

“You got it,” I promised. “Goodnight, Harry.”

“Night, baby.”

My skin felt like it was on fire. I laid in the darkness with the covers kicked off, hoping to God the ceiling fan would be enough to cool me. I tried my best to think of anything other than that look he’d given me or the sound of his voice as he’d sung harmony, but the attempt was futile. I kept picturing his green eyes, his fingers on the guitar, imagining them playing me instead.

There was no denying it. I was so into him. I was a goner.

I tossed and turned all night. Going to New York and meeting Harry should have been exhilarating, but instead I wandered through my day feeling like a zombie. By the time I left work, I still had to rush home, grabbing a pizza on the way for the girls and me. After we ate, I hurried to get their bags packed before taking them to Tod’s. Once there, he felt the need to tell me a list of unnecessary things to which I replied in small words and nods. To top it off, there was an accident on the freeway, and I barely made it to the airport in time to meet Lorelei.

I can’t sleep on planes. Even though I’d been on a few flights in my day, and they always managed to make me sleepy, I just can’t actually fall asleep. It’s like being in a car to me. Too much movement and when I close my eyes it actually makes me disoriented. So instead, while Lorelei snoozed next to me, her head resting on a pillow pressed against the window, I plugged in my headphones and listened to a playlist I’d created before I left. Most of it was Harry’s album mixed with some One Direction and Fleetwood Mac, a few of my other favorites included here and there. As the music drifted, so did my mind. I thought of Harry, what I might do when I saw him, what he might do when he saw me. I hoped that our relationship wasn’t purely a flirtatious exchange on the phone, and that we truly had the chemistry I felt we did.

When Lorelei woke up, we ordered cocktails and toasted to our first real adventure. By the time the plane landed, we were both feeling pretty good, though I was a little sleepy and eager to text Harry. I sent him a quick message that I was at the airport and after we got settled in our hotel, I would text him again. Shoving my phone into my purse, I followed Lorelei to baggage claim and then outside so we could catch a cab.

“Oh my God, look!” exclaimed Lorelei as soon as the automatic doors opened.

My jaw dropped when I saw the sign the man was holding with our last names on it. He was standing in front of a stretch limo.

“That can’t be for us,” I muttered.

“What other Barnett and Burns do you know coming to New York?” Lor looked at me.

I sucked in my lips as I stepped forward, pulling my wheeled suitcase behind me.

“Hi there,” Lorelei greeted the limo driver, tossing her blonde curls and laying on her accent a little thicker than usual. “We’re Stacey Barnett and Lorelei Burns. Would this lovely car be for us, you think?”

“Yes, ma’am,” the man grinned, lowering his sign. “Right this way.”

As he held the door open for us, Lorelei and I crawled inside the massive vehicle, trying our best not to giggle like high school girls on prom night. After the driver took our luggage and settled into the front seat, we took off into the night, the city lights illuminating like a Christmas display.

Several minutes later, while Lorelei was oohing and ahhing over the sights, I poked her in the side, wondering if the driver even knew where we were staying. With a shrug, Lor scooted closer to the back of the driver’s seat and patted him on the shoulder.

“What’s your name?” she asked.

I rolled my eyes. Only Lorelei.

“Andrew, Miss.”

“Andy? Or just Andrew?”

I caught a glimpse of his smile in the rearview mirror.

“Drew, actually,” he replied.

“Ah! Well, Drew, where are we going?”

“Your hotel, Miss. The Hyatt.”

“Right. Just making sure,” Lorelei grinned, patting Drew’s shoulder once more. “Good on ya.”

I gave her a side-eye as she leaned back in her seat. Shrugging, she folded her arms.

“Something tells me this was not Kris’s doing,” I remarked.

“I was just about to say the same thing.”

“He’s too much,” I shook my head and rested it in my hand as I gazed out the window.

Once Drew had dropped us off at our hotel and we’d checked in and rode the elevator up to our floor, I was so exhausted I felt like I could fall asleep standing up.

“Stacey,” I heard Lorelei say as I leaned against the elevator wall. She sounded so far away, her voice barely more than a whisper.

“Hmm?”

“If you wanna go to him, I’ll understand.”

“What?” I narrowed my eyes, standing up straight.

“To Harry. I know he’s probably waiting, and you’re dying to see him.”

“Tonight?” I voiced groggily. “No, not tonight. Too tired.”

The elevator doors opened then, and I hastily dragged my suitcase down the hall.

“Alright,” Lorelei said behind me. “Just wanted you to know I wouldn’t judge. Your virtue and integrity would still be intact.”

I chuckled sleepily, sliding my card key in the slot and pushing open the door.

“Thanks, Lor. But honestly, all I want right now is sleep.”

“Okay,” she nodded. “You can take the loo first then.”

Pulling my pajamas out of my bag, I headed to the bathroom and returned in record time. In two seconds I was settled under the covers while Lorelei took her turn, and just as though he knew, Harry rang.

“Hi there,” I yawned.

“Aw, my girl’s sleepy,” he cooed.

“Your girl?”

“Did I say that? How was your flight?”

“Fine,” I smiled. “Thanks for the limo.”

“What limo?” he teased. “They sent a limo? Jesus Christ, that’s gonna set me back.”

“Shut up,” I giggled.

“Good to hear you laugh, Stacey. Can’t wait til tomorrow.”

“Me neither. What time are we meeting?”

“I gotta double check my schedule because I think they’re rearranging some things, but I’ll text you in the morning, okay?”

“‘Kay.”

“Get some sleep, love. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too. Night, Harry.”

I didn’t wait for Lorelei to return before I turned out the lamp on my side and fell into a deep sleep.

“Are you sure this looks okay?”

I slid my hands down my hips as I inspected my reflection in the mirror. I’d brought one of my favorite dresses, a black one with a lace overlay, but now I was second guessing my choice.

“God, yes!” exclaimed Lorelei. “You look gorgeous!”

“I think I’ve gained weight since I wore this last,” I grimaced.

“Would you shut up? You’re so fucking sexy, he’s not gonna be able to keep his hands to himself.”

“Really?” I blushed.

“Please. I’d fuck you right now.”

“Lor!”

She threw her head back laughing. “Relax, Stace. You’re gonna be fine. He’s crazy about you already, I know.”

“I know, too,” I said softly. “He told me.”

A grin spread across her face. “Good. Now, go. Have a good time. I won’t wait up.”

I was more than nervous. Nervous was what I’d felt before the book signings. This was far beyond that. The cab driver pulled up to Harry’s hotel fifteen minutes earlier that we’d planned to meet. When I took the elevator to the lobby, the nerves had gotten to my legs, and I could literally feel them wobble. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as I spotted the short hallway that led to the bar. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrored wall next to the elevator, quickly combing my hair with my fingers before mentally coaxing my legs to take me forward.

He wasn’t there yet. I stood back a bit from the doorway as I glanced around the room. Only a couple of people were seated at tables, a few more at the bar. I made my way towards it, choosing the second to last seat at the far end. I ordered a double Grey Goose on the rocks with a splash of water and a lime, liquid courage.

Slipping out of my coat, I sat it on the corner of the bar, my clutch laying on top. I’d just taken my first sip when my phone made a sound in my purse. I pulled it out to see a text from Harry.

Sorry running a bit late. Should be down in ten.

I smiled as I texted him back.

No problem. I’ll just start getting drunk without you.

Sounds good :)

I continued to sip on my cocktail as I felt my nerves peeling away little by little. I crossed my legs on the barstool, allowing my strappy-heeled foot to swing slightly. These shoes always made me feel sexy, and the alcohol added to that made me feel even better.

Another ping from my phone alerted me of another text. Hoping Harry wasn’t cancelling on me at the last second, I read his words.

You look beautiful.

It took me a moment for it to register, but once it did, I turned my head toward the entrance. Harry stood there in the dim light, his phone in his hand, the smallest of smirks on his face. He looked incredible. He wore a knee-length red coat, a black and white scarf draping around his neck. Underneath he had on a black polka dot shirt and black jeans and boots. He looked larger than life, taller than I remembered. I rotated my stool to face him, a smile forming on my mouth. He strode towards me, shoving his phone in his coat pocket. His eyes never left mine as he stopped in front of me, seemingly taking me in for a split second before I rose from my seat, and he opened his arms to embrace me. He pulled me close to his body, my hands wrapping around his waist as I felt one of his on the middle of my back, the other on the back of my head.

“So good to see you,” he murmured in my hair, and I could have sworn he took a whiff of it. “Missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” I echoed.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said, dropping his arms and gesturing for me to reclaim my seat.

“It’s alright,” I barely breathed. Or maybe I didn’t breathe at all.

Harry took the stool next to mine, pointing at my glass. “What are you drinking?”

“Vodka,” I replied.

The bartender came up to Harry then, asking for his drink. I heard him order a fancy scotch and was both equally surprised and not. I saw him then gesture at my glass. My eyes widened, afraid I’d be stumbling before we even had dinner, but I figured I could just sip on it slowly. I wasn’t sure how long we’d be there anyway.

Once Harry had his glass, he lifted it in his hand. “Cheers.”

I smiled, lifting mine as well. “To what are we toasting?”

“To…” Harry paused. Then I caught a twinkle in his eye as he gave a sly grin. “To gorgeous redheads.”

I giggled and clinked my glass with his. After he took a sip, he set his glass back down on the bar and turned to me.

“So how was your day, Stacey?”

My stomach flipped, equally from the way he was looking at me and the way he said my name. He’d said it many times before, but somehow it sounded different this time.

“Um...it was good. Lorelei and I went to the Met and had lunch nearby.”

“It was a lovely day,” he grinned, picking up his scotch again.

“Yeah. I’m just not used to this New York weather. It’s still in the 70s at home.”

“I see you brought your coat,” Harry said, nodding towards where it lay on the bar.

I blushed. “I normally would wear something much lighter with this,” I gazed down at my lap, “but I didn’t think it through until I was about to leave the hotel. The temperature seemed to drop considerably and I figured I’d need my coat tonight.”

“I reckon you will.”

The tiny ghost of a smirk remained on his lips until he took a sip from his glass and lowered it once more.

“But that dress looks amazing on you, so I’d say you made the right decision,” he added.

I stared at Harry for a minute before shaking my head. “You’re still not gonna tell me, are you?” I scoffed.

I caught the shake of his shoulders as he chuckled, the dimples on full display. “Sorry, love. Not yet. But you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Well, apparently I’m dressed okay for whatever it is. And I’ll probably need my coat.”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“So we’re going outside?”

“Not telling.” Harry swallowed the last of his scotch.

“But we are going to dinner.”

“Yes.”

“Should I have worn pants?” I inquired.

“Wha’?” Harry glared at me.

I waved my hand. “I mean like slacks or jeans.”

“Oh,” he shook his head with a giggle. “No. The dress is perfect. You’re perfect.”

“And you’re awful,” I playfully poked him in the chest as I felt the heat rising on mine.

“Hey!” he exclaimed, laughing harder.

“Are we walking?” I continued with my twenty questions.

“Hmm…” he considered. “A little. Not much.”

“Okay. Is there music?”

Harry cocked his head. “There will be, yes.”

“I’m intrigued,” I confessed.

“Good. Are you ready?”

“We’re leaving now?” I widened my eyes.

Harry chuckled. “Unless you intend to stay here. It’s a nice place, but I like to think I have a bit more swag than to have my date at a hotel bar.”

I laughed so hard I almost fell off my stool. Grabbing my coat and clutch, I stood up.

“You did not just use the word swag.”

“First and last time, I swear,” he grinned as he took my coat and held it out for me. I slipped my arms through and felt his hand slide down my back as I turned to face him.

“You think you’re funny,” I teased.

Harry shrugged. “Made you laugh, dinnit?”

I sighed as he guided me out of the bar, his hand still on my back.

“Harry Styles,” I said.

“Yeah?”

I stopped when we reached the mirrored wall by the elevators. I looked up at him, his face beaming as he returned my gaze.

“Just wanna give you a fair warning. I think I might already like you a little too much,” I swallowed hard before continuing. “So whatever you have in store for tonight might just put me over the edge.”

Harry’s grin softened as he lifted a hand to my cheek. I thought he might kiss me, but instead he dragged his thumb across my jaw and down my neck, finally releasing his hand to flip my hair back and off my shoulder. Biting his lip, he took hold of my hand.

“Let’s go, yeah?” he requested, threading his fingers through mine.

I merely nodded, my mouth suddenly dry.

A/N: And they're finally together again! I hope you enjoyed their little banter. It makes me giggle lol.

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[blackcatxmagic]

Closed starter: Lorelei ( @ritualove ) Location: Lorelei's house

As Leo prepared to head to Lorelei's house, he wondered if there was anything he should be bringing. They had made this plan to practice magic, but were there supplies he needed? His mother had put together a grimoire of sorts, but sharing that with someone else - especially something he had only just met recently - felt a bit like a violation of his mother's privacy. That was something he couldn't see himself sharing with anyone anytime soon. So what else was there?

For some reason, Leo felt nervous about this, and he was wondering why he had suggested it. It wasn't like he had a good grasp of his magical ability, and he was suddenly worried that he wouldn't be able to adequately perform any magic while trying to help Lorelei. There was a part of him that wanted to cancel, but Lorelei didn't deserve that, and besides, maybe he'd surprise himself. He was (mostly) sober right now, after all, so maybe his powers wouldn't be quite so dampened. Resolved to see this through, Leo drove to the address Lorelei had given him, parking in front of her house and taking a deep breath before getting out of his car. "You can do this," he told himself, and then Leo got out of the car and walked up the front door, ringing the doorbell.

[disneyanddisneyships]

I need alistar like.. having the best life

Like make him happy

Have his family give him Christmas presents underneath the tree when he doesn’t expect them giving him any cause he’s never experienced a single act of kindness from his dad ever

Like

Please

Make him happy

Make the boy happy

As you wish.

I got so carried away this has more plot than I wanted it to.

Alistar sighed as he made his way through the village. It was snowing out, and he was freezing cold. But he HAD to pick up the Christmas gifts he had gotten for his friends.

They had done so much for him in the past 3 years and he was determined to start paying it forward.

Between getting therapy from Eve, sparring with Mia like old times, and even spending time with ELI of all people, he owed his new family a debt.

And the first part of it would be paid off with Christmas gifts.

Alistar had never gotten Christmas gifts as a kid after his mom had died. And even before that, his father would always throw them away the second they were left out on the floors of the castle.

His Christmases were often spent in the dungeons of his father's castle, feeding the mice that came and went to keep away from the cold... even though the cell was just as cold as the outside. Maybe even colder.

.......

"Larry? I'm here to pick up an order!" Alistar called as he wiped his shoes off outside before walking into the shop.

"Ahhh! Prince Alistar! A pleasure as always!" The older man exclaimed from his seat by the fire. "Come on in! I'll just go back and get your order!" He exclaimed as he stood up and walked further into his house.

Alistar smiled as he looked around. The house was cozy. And is he sniffed hard enough, he could smell fresh cookies in the oven.

"Cutting it a tad bit close, are we?" Larry asked as he came into view with a small red gift bag.

"I would've been here yesterday, but Rosa was having trouble moving her plants inside, Ella needed help with the horses, and Mia needed help with her weapons so they wouldn't get all rusty...." Alistar explained as he fished in his satchel for some money.

"You're certainly helping everyone out quite a bit!" Larry stated with a smile as he took the due amount from Alistar.

"It's the least I could do. They've already done so much for me... and after what I did to all of them... I really should pay their kindness forward," Alistar explained as he took the gift bag and placed it gently in his satchel so it would be safe from the snow.

"Ahhh working for those Christmas gifts! I see how it is!" Larry chuckled.

"Oh I doubt they'll get me anything!" Alistar laughed. "I don't really deserve Christmas and... it was never a big childhood thing for me growing up,"

"Oh well that's too bad! It's a great time of the year!" Larry replied.

"I'm glad you had that experience, sir! I'll make sure to come back sometime! Have a great christmas!" Alistar stated as he put hus cloaked hood on and walked back to the castle in the snow.

........

Alistar walked inside the castle, taking his cloak off and hanging it up to dry before walking into his room to get the rest of the gifts he had gotten for his friends.

The gifts consisted of personalized items for each friend and family member he had.

Ella's gift was a silver dove necklace. Loreley was a silver ring that changed color from red to blue based on her emotions. Mia's was a new dress that looked just like one of her mom's old ones that Alistar had seen her in. Alruna's was a triple ring set that if punched with them, would cause bodily harm. Eve was lifted a sketchbook. Eli was gifted a "free stab" coupon and a new hammer, due to how alistar noticed his old one was broken. And Rosa?

Well that's what Alistar went to pick up.... it was a lovely Rose styled hair pin, along with a glass rose pen and.... an engagement ring.

Alistar looked at the red velvette box the ring came in and gulped. He was beyond nervous... he was never very lucking love, everyone knew that.. but when he had met Rosalyn.... it was as if his whole world could be seen within her beautiful brown eyes.

Closing the box, Alistar picked up all of the gifts and rushed down to the library to put them all underneath the tree.

Just in time. Tomorrow was Christmas eve.

........

As alistar woke up in a cold swet the next morning from a nightmare, he took a breath to compose himself.

Today was the party for the whole kingdom and he had to be the best version of himself he could.

"Alistar?" Came a voice from the other side of his door.

He would recognize it anywhere.

"I'm coming Rosa! I'll be right out, love!" He called as he took off his sleepwear, catching sight of all his scars in his vanity mirror.

A permanent reminder of his trauma and the trauma he caused to others.

After getting dressed, Alistar opened the door to see his beautiful rose.

"Well good morning, gorgeous~" he flirted as he held out his arm for her.

She giggled, taking his arm as they walked into the kitchen. "Good morning!" She replied.

......

Breakfast was loud, and Alistar stayed silent almost the whole time, his left hand intertwined with Rosa's as his other hand held his fork.

"We have so much to do today! Have we gotten the flower shipments in for the decirations?" Mia asked as she took note of Ella's answers.

"Yes! We have! Rosa was also very kind in providing some of the roses in her part of the garden!" Ella replied as she smiled at Rosa.

"It was my pleasure!" Rosa agreed.

"So.. Alistar.... do you have any plans for tomorrow after we open gifts?" Ella asked, attempting to talk to her former best friend.

Ever since the final battle of it all, things continued to be very awkward between Ella and Alistar. Despite how good of friends they used to be, Alistar still had walls built up that stemmed from the life he had lead full of betrayal and abuse.

"Oh! Um..." Alistar trailed off as he glanced over to Rosa before turning back to Ella. "I... I actually have an important question I need to ask you.. bit I'm afraid I'm unable to do that... right now...." He stated with a smile.

"Oh! Alright, no worries!" Ella exclaimed before going back to talking with Mia.

......

After breakfast, Alistar paced around the dining room, waiting for Ella and Eli to be done talking with the captain of the guard.

"Yes just let two or three people in at a time so there won't be such an overwhelming meet and greet with us!" Ella confirmed.

The guard nodded before exiting the room.

"Alistar, you've been pacing for 30 minutes," Eli stated with a raised eyebrow.

"O! Right! What was it you needed to talk about?" Ella asked.

Alistar took a breath. "Im... I'm going to ask Rosalyn to marry me...."

"WHAT?!" Ella screeched with a giant smile.

"Shhhhhh!" Alistar hushed as he looked around the room.

"Wow.... are you sure you're ready for that?" Eli asked as he crossed his arms.

"I'm.... more sure than I have been in a long time.... the thing is though.... I dont know when the right time is.... and i wanted to ask how YOU two got engaged," Alistar explained as he cuddled with the ring box.

Ella smiled to herself. "Well um.... Eli took me on a picnic for our anniversary... and.... he did it under the willow tree just outside the kingdom.... around the place where he and I first met,"

"That... sounds really great for you guys...." Alistar smiled before turning to Eli. "How did you know it was the right time? Or the right place?"

"Like how you knew it was the right time to stab me?" Eli asked.

Alistar's lips formed a thin line before Eli let out a chuckle.

"I'm messing with you.... I guess... I really.. DIDNT know until I felt with my entire being that I couldn't go another moment without asking," Eli described. "I wish you luck.... youre giving her a good christmas present.... your mom mustve been good with gifts," Eli stated.

"Oh um... no not really... I never really got gifts as a child after my mom died. Unless you count my pet mouse, Mike, but I found him when my dad threw me in the dungeons," Alistar replied as he held the ring box in his pocket.

"You.... You've never had christmas?" Ella asked.

Alistar shruggsed, waving them goodbye as he walked back to his room, leaving Ella and Eli to just stare at one another.

..........

The party went off without a hitch, children got presents, parents got drinks, And the royal family and friends of the castle spent time together.

Except for Alistar.

He was nervous. So incredibly nervous.

No time was the right time. Every moment he even though about the proposal he saw Rosa talking to a new person.

He needed to get his head on straight.

As the night went on, more people turned in including Rosa and Alistar's missed opportunities.

It was good he was distracted though, because he didn't notice his friends leaving the castle alltogether.

..........

The next morning rolled around and Alistar was startled awake, holding his knife out from under his pillow and pointing it at..... Loreley?

"Shit..... you can't wake me up like that.... I'm sorry...." Alistar apologized as he put the knife back under his pillow and rubbed his face to wake up.

"Whatever. Cmon! It's Christmas morning!" Loreley exclaimed as she walked out of the room.

Alistar followed after her, putting his slippers on but not bothering to change into his day clothes at all.

Everyone was sat around the tree in the library, practically buzzing with excitement as they all looked over at him.

He waved awkwardly before walking over and sitting next to Rosa.

"Hey um.... Ro?" He whispered in her ear as the others started talking.

"One sec, Eli is opening his gifts," she stated with a smile as she cuddled up against Alistar.

"Alistar, you got me a gift?" Eli asked as he picked up the bag.

"Oh you'll love it, E!" Alistar replied.

"Oh! A new hammer! Thanks man! I had to throw mine away last week!" Eli stated with a smile.

"Keep looking!" Alistar stated.

Eli raised an eyebrow as he brought out a piece of paper labeled "free stab coupon" before laughing.

"Now you can return the favor anytime you want!" Alistar stated.

Eli continued to laugh.

As time went on. And more presents were opened, Ella looked at Alistar.

"Hey, Al?" She asked.

"Um... just.. just give me one Sec, El!" He stated as he turned to Rosa. "Rosa... could we slip away for a second? I have to ask you something," He muttered.

"Alistar um... we-"

Ella was interrupted by Rosa and alistar standing up.

"Sorry! Keep going without us okay?" Alistar smiled, completely unaware of the 20 something presents all labeled "Alistar".

Rosa leaned against the hallway, her head tilted. "Al? What's wrong?" She asked with a small smile.

"W.. well um.. nothings wrong.. necessarily... but um.. I was... wondering... y-you and I have been... well we've been together for some time now and.... w.... um...." Alistar stumbled through his words.

"Alistar?" Rosa asked.

The blonde took a breath and got down on one knee. Rosa gasped, her eyes widening.

"Rosalyn.... will you marry me?" He asked.

On the brink of tears, Rosa nodded her head frantically and hugged him, almost knocking him over.

After a good few minutes in each other's arms, Alistar and Rosa headed back into the library.

"Sorry about that guys! Did everyone open their gifts?" Alistar asked as he and Rosa sat down.

"Well... yes..." Ella stated.

"Really? Then... wait why are there so many under the tree? Is it for decoration?" Alistar asked.

"..... Al.... They're for you," Ella smiled.

"... w..... what?" His voice cracked.

"... Alistar... everyone deserves to have a christmas.... so we... we all got you a present for each year you never had one," Ella stated, holding her breath.

In that moment? Alistar realized what he had been missing out on.

He never had a biological family who cared enough to do any of this... but he always had a family who did.

And every time it was always Ella.... and now... he had even more family members to rely on.

[saintgoths]

ᴀQᴜᴀᴍᴀʀɪɴᴇ

POSSESSIVE!JOEL X SIREN!READER - AQUAMARINE.

[PART THREE TO THE SIREN AND THE LORELEI].

WORD COUNT - 4,223.

RATING 18+ [breast sucking, riding and heavy angst].

SUMMARY - watching someone fall out of love for you when they find out what you actually are.

if you want to join a the last of us discord/joel miller discord here you go! 𓆩♡𓆪

this seems like it needs another chapter...but i'll see if this chapter goes well. comments, likes and reblogs would be appreciated! oh and i think november by two lanes is the perfect song to listen to while reading this.

It had been at least three months since you had moved into Jackson, and there had been multiple times Joel had suggested for you to move in with him now that you two were together, but all times he had offered you to live with him, you had denied it.

It was known that you two were together, Joel was always found around you, if he wasn’t in patrol, or in his studio, or playing the guitar or with Ellie, he had followed you like a lost puppy. Joel wasn’t frustrated that you had denied his offer numerous of times, but he had wondered why you were so against it.

Though, there had been moments when you would stay over his home, and cook for him and Ellie, they had appreciated your chef skills, still, there would be times when you’d leave Jackson for almost a week without telling them anything, but you’d come back with all sorts of fishes for people to eat or have for pets. Thus, your random disappearances would be forgiven when you’d return with extra food that’ll last Jackson months.

Currently, Joel had been waiting for you downstairs, you had been staying with him for almost two weeks and almost for those two weeks you hadn’t disappeared, but you just had to break the record of you not randomly vanishing and left again.  

Whenever you left, you had always told Maria or Tommy that you were going to fish, you never informed Joel and Ellie, and they had felt uncomfortable by being left in the dark. Every time you’d leave, Joel would wait for you upstairs in his bedroom, howbeit, this Saturday night, you had rebounded to his home and entered in, you had assumed that Joel would be in his room, yet, you were wrong.

His appearance had surprised you but you had remained calm, you had peeled your jacket off your skin, as you had assumed Joel was on task to question you, and you stood correct. “Where do you go?” Joel had asked, and you were smart enough to know he was talking about where you go to fish but you had decided to answer it differently.

“I go fishing,” you lightly replied, you had dragged your coat to one of the hooks near the door and you had felt his eyes track your every move.

“You know that’s not what I asked,” Joel muttered, he had seemed tired but he was nervous and worried when you were gone, he couldn’t let it go. “Why do you never tell me when you’re about to leave?” He desperately questioned, in truth, he was anxious about her leaving one night and never coming back.

“Do I have to?” You had acknowledged with another inquiry; your lips had stretched against your face as you readied yourself to joke about the situation. “Are you turning into a helicopter boyfriend?” You annoyingly teased, while dating Joel you had realised that the man was very possessive and protective, and thanks to the under-water ability of yours, it was stronger than normal.

Joel remained quiet, but his eyes had told you that he’d rather have you tell him than erratically disappearing. “How comes you never ask me to come along? Where do you even get the tools to fish?”

You had but smiled to his inquiry and kissed him on the cheek, “I’ve always had them I just stash them in my home.”

Unsatisfied by your answer, he had looked down to his fingers, he couldn’t force you to answer him but the lack of information had made him insecure, what if you were visiting someone during your trips? Making love to them? Finding them better than him?

“Get ready for bed, I’m going to take a shower,” you gently directed, without another word, Joel had returned to his bedroom, silently gruff and crabbed due to your constant leaving him in the opaque room of secrets.

You had quickly taken a cold shower to wash of your tense muscle and fishy smell thanks to the sea-animals you catch. After you had showered, you had slipped on a short night dress you had bought from one of the attire makers in the town, it was aquamarine blue and it had complimented your skin well.

You had returned to Joel, a big and flirtatious smile stamped all over your face while Joel’s face lightened up from the sulky attitude to the aroused circumstance. You had walked through the door frame and crawled on top of the bed and hiked his lap, he was shirtless, his chest slightly hairy, but just the way you like it, you had gently brushed your fingers against his chest ere you had gingerly pressed your lips against his. While his hands had found way underneath your night gown and to your buttocks, he had felt that you had worn no underwear; moved, he had helped you pull off your night gown and immediately catered to your breast.

He sucked, and flicked his tongue against your nipple, his soft skills had motivated you to moan in desperation of him inside you, you had gracelessly pulled down his lower clothing, your chin had rested against the top of his short strands of hair, in the time you had moved yourself against him, his cock had easily found way inside you, the girth of his length appetising while the both of you had released relieved moans, the coating of your warmth and the size of his shaft in coincide.

In sync you had both rolled your hips together, the length of your arms had surrounded his shoulders during the time that his large hands had guided you to bounce against him, his hands were groped into your buttocks as he was lost into the erotic lust you had swiftly given to him. During the time he had aided the pleasure and bucked his hips upwards he had easily forgotten the upset and confused state he was previously in.

You had moaned his name an abundant of times while your back had slowly leaned towards the rear, your hips without mind convulsed forwards as you tried to catch and relief your orgasm, your mind capricious and lewd as you had felt your eyes spiral backwards and your climax reach its peak, but hungry for his apex, Joel had hugged your body closer to his as he fleshly screwed your cunt. Eager to cum, he had aggressively stroked his cock in your pussy ere releasing his load deep down your cunt.

Tired, he hauled his cock out of you and helped you lay down beside him. With his muscled arm beneath your head, he took in a deep breath and released airy chuckle. “I’m growing old,” he dryly joked, you had known that he was sometimes insecure about his age but you hadn’t cared about it, comfortable you had snuggled against him with a huge smile on your face.

You two didn’t have much of an age difference, but you had looked young and had been mistaken for an age way younger than your actual age numerous of times. “It’s okay Joel, you still fuck good,” you joked and he had pressed his lips against your forehead.

“Get to sleep.”

“Where were you?”

You’d have to be stupid to assume Ellie wouldn’t have been just as curious as Joel about your previous whereabouts, Ellie was in your life as much as Joel was and Ellie was curious about the world. Curious about everyone around her and could get quite clingy.

“I went fishing, it takes long for me to get the fishes, but I always get the job done,” the two of you had walked down Jackson, you thought hanging around Ellie was the least thing you could do since you consistently disappear without a word.

“I wanna go fishing with you,” Ellie whined while she had tagged along and followed you down the town path like the annoying kid she is, well, the annoying kid you seemed to dearly care for.

She had a father-daughter dynamic with Joel, and with you in Ellie’s life, well, Ellie hadn’t really perceived you as a “maternal” figure, but there was slightly mother and daughter bond the two of you had shared, she spoke to you about things she wouldn’t speak with Joel because she found it awkward to speak to him about it, even though he has been open to speaking about numerous things with her. “Maybe,” you easily shrugged, your hasty reaction had brought a pout on her face but Ellie had quickly moved on from the situation and began speaking about a movie she had wanted to watch because Cat continuously spoke about it.

“Pirates of the Caribbean of Stranger Tides,” Ellie drawled out, she had pressed her index finger against her chin with a curious look on her face, she had seemed totally interested in the movie even if it wasn’t the type of movie she’d watch.

“Really? Pirates of the Caribbean? I didn’t expect that to be the type of movie you’d watch,” you commented, you hadn’t really watched much of those movies but you knew it didn’t necessarily include the things Ellie liked, Ellie liked superhero moves, like Marvel or DC, or the weird corny movies Joel likes.

“Yeah, I know but I just wanna try something new, maybe I’ll like it,” she shrugged, her cheeks had then blazed with redness as you had jokingly nudged her and teased Ellie about her care for Cat. “What’s the movie about anyways?”

“It’s a movie about the discovery of mermaids…or sirens, whatever and true love,” embarrassed, Ellie’s voice had quickly trailed off, her green eyes had avoided the stare of yours and you couldn’t help but place your hand on her shoulder and bring her in.

Your smile was big, you had liked the idea Ellie had someone to distract her from her sadness and loneliness she’d often talk about when she was with you. “That’s definitely not the type of movie you’d watch.”

You had ignored the big pang you had grasped in your chest when she had mentioned the discovery of sirens. It wasn’t like Ellie and Joel were going to make any connections of the discovery sirens to you; as Ellie had comically pushed you away from her, Joel had swiftly made his way towards the both of you, he had seemed happier compared to yesterday and you had hoped the sex you two shared yesterday was the reason.

The moment he arrived to his destination, he had kissed your cheek as a symbol of hello and you had giddily scrunched your nose in response while Ellie had humorously gagged in the background. Before Joel could say anything, you were approached by one of the townswomen, Bella, she was a daughter of one of the butchers in Jackson and was deeply appreciative that you had added fishes to the cuisine.

“[Y/N]!” She brightly called out, Bella was a beautiful woman, she had a similar hair colour to Ellie’s but hers was quite darker and a pair of brown eyes, she had this signature red lipstick she was known for along with her wide smile, “your fishing is incredible, I’m so curious on how you gather so much of a variety.”

You had gleamed, your smile awkward but with your enchanting aura, it had covered the uncomfortable state you were in. “You should start doing group fishing, it’ll be safer,” Bella kindly commented, she had seemed like she had wanted the best for you, and the last thing Jackson needed was their best fisher getting hurt and attacked by Infected.

Joel had chuckled as he placed his arm against your shoulder, “she’s quite the lone-wolf when it comes to fishing.”

“I wanna learn how to fish,” Ellie pleaded, her voice was high and desperate, and it had hurt to avoid her case. It’s not like you would turn into half fish when your skin touched the water, you in truth knew how to control it. On the other hand, what had made it troubling to bring Ellie or any other people to accompany you was the technique you used to get the fishes.

“It’s impressive because you were able to catch deep sea fishes like the Alfonsino and Mirror Dory,” Bella frantically explained, tensely impressed by your experience and ability. “How were you able to catch them?” All at once, you had felt the entire world drop onto your shoulders, mutually, Ellie and Joel had looked at you, along with Bella, they had expected an answer. You had grown to be annoyed of Bella’s presence, but it wasn’t like she knew what you were and had wanted to expose you, this was just a person who was directly curious to how you were able to catch these deep-sea creatures.

You had gracelessly smiled; your body was arthritic as you had attempted to think of an answer. “I was lucky.”

“Jolly Sailor Bold,” Ellie expressly repeated as she had stuck her eyes onto the screen that had loudly played the movie Cat had given to her. Ellie had sat between you and Joel and had selfishly held the bowl of popcorn to herself, you weren’t really a fan of popcorn so you didn’t really care she had munched most of it, howbeit, the one who was chiefly annoyed was Joel who had a hard time sticking his hand into the bowl.

Apart from the popcorn, Ellie had continuously commented about the Sirens who surrounded the boat the pirates were in, spoke about how they were pretty but scary at the same time. “The Sirens remind me of you, [Y/N], especially the singing, but yours is nicer.”

“She definitely sings like one, don’t she?” Joel smiled while he had glanced at you and observed the awkward smile that had stretched against your face, you did not know how much more you had to awkwardly smile, but if it helped you to keep hiding your identity, you would smile even more.

You had forced yourself to giggle, with your arms crossed you looked back at Joel with a knowing look. “Are you trying to imply if I’m a mermaid?”

“Siren,” Ellie teasingly corrected.

As you pushed yourself to laugh, you carefully shook your head. “No, I’m not a Siren,” you cautiously reassured ere you returned your sight to the screen, you had felt Joel’s long gaze leave you a couple seconds later, he seemed unsatisfied, as if he had wanted you to say something else, disclose yourself and explain your inhuman characteristics, but there was no way Joel discerned that you were a Siren, he couldn’t have known.

It had been a month, and once again you had left Jackson without telling Joel or Ellie, it had been three days since you had disappeared and Joel had taken the initiative to follow you himself. Perhaps his eagerness would’ve been less ardent if the weather wasn’t as stormy as it was today. The weather was terrible with all the rain, thunder and lightning, before he left Jackson, he had Tommy attempt to calm him and have him stay until the weather had calmed down, even if Tommy was just as worried as Joel, riding out in this storm wasn’t the best idea, but he had to remember that whenever Joel made up his mind, it was hard to change it.

It had taken him hours for him to arrive to where you were, it was the singing that had caused him to stand correct that he finally made it to the correct fishing area, he was confused, not muddled because of the singing, mainly because of the amount of variety of fishes that had quickly swam towards the melody.

He had seen you catch them with a net and dive for more, without any equipment to provide you with aid, you had done it naturally, nevertheless, that was not even the ultimate surprising problem, what took Joel into a state of numbness was the long black tail that had seemed to be connected to the lower side of your waist, it was black with blue shades, beautiful but scary. Though, no matter how stunning your tail was, it had scared him and it took a lot for Joel to be scared.

Joel had gotten off his horse then tied his horse, Old Beardy away before he had dragged himself to follow you; you had sensed that there was someone else with you which had commenced you to swim behind a large body of rocks and change yourself back to your human form. You had hastily put on some of your clothes that had included a black bikini underwear and a short-sleeved top that coloured matched your lower clothing.

Shoeless, you had moved your feet against the sand to view who must’ve been in your area. “Joel?” You quickly breathed, surprised, your arms were crossed against your stomach, you had felt your heart attempt to jump out of your chest, “What are you doing here?” You briskly questioned, your eyebrows were furrowed and skin and clothes damp from the continuous fall of rain, but you hadn’t cared, Joel was here.

He was silent, his mind muddled during the time he tried to piece everything together, you had moved yourself closer to him but he had skimpily moved away from you. “Why were you following me?” You curiously asked, you had been fishing and coming back to Jackson with no injury long enough for anyone to not be worried, but once again, this was Joel, he was protective and would do anything to know that his loved ones were safe.

“The storm,” he barely replied, “I was worried so I came to look for you.” Not too long after his response, thunder had cried out with a breath of lightning not too far, the both of you had barely flinched, the strain between the two of you was far too forceful for it to be distracted by anything else.

“No storm isn’t going to stop me from getting more fish,” you dryly joked.

“I can see that,” he stiffly replied.

You had forced yourself to smile to his bare response. “It was romantic of you to come after me,” you comically said, “we should go back home,” you then gently instructed, optimistic to go back home with your lover, you took another step towards him but he took a step back, this step larger than the last one. You had furrowed your eyebrows; you were in hopes he hadn’t seen anything but today was an unlucky day for you.

“What are you?”

As a consequence, there was the question you had dreaded to hear from him. You had then hugged your body, in a faux confused state, you had blinked a numerous number of times and stiffly laughed. “What do you mean?”

He had blankly stared at you and had wondered how many times have you lied to him and acted dumb to questions he asked before. “There’s a lot of things about you that doesn’t make any sense, one of it you having a tail.”

You laughed at him as your arms weakly dropped to your sides. “I don’t have a tail. Maybe you’ve caught the fever that’s going around Jackson, maybe that mermaid movie influenced your mind too.”

“This isn’t the time to be joking,” Joel rudely replied.

You had easily shrugged, evasive to his questions, “help me carry the fish back to Jackson,” you had then turned your back towards him and began to make your way to your net.

“Don’t avoid this,” he called out as he followed you to where you had stored the fish. “It all makes sense, your strangeness, you leaving without telling me or even Ellie. My unnatural feelings for you, and you have these habits that are inhuman.” You weakly scoffed at his listing, this was one of the last ways you had wanted yourself to be exposed, it was undesirable, but of course Joel was the man who always wanted to know everything. “With the way people easily get mesmerised by you to the point it can get dangerous.”

“Maybe I’m just that beautiful,” you humorously replied, you had turned to look at Joel who displayed a tired and deadpan look in response. “Come on, in this weather you can get sick.”

Desperate and hopeless to prove a point, Joel clenched his fists, he hadn’t moved his feet but watched you attempt to leave but once you noticed he wouldn’t move until he got something out of you, you had rebounded to face him. “There’s just something unnatural about you.”

“Maybe it’s because you don’t trust me,”

Now, it was your turn to be tired, you had been fishing the entire day with no rest, whenever it was stormy, it was easier for you to get fish, but that had meant more work to do. “How can we have this relationship if you don’t trust me, Joel?”

“It’s because you don’t trust me!”

Exhausted and angry, Joel dropped his shoulders, irritated that she had always found humour in everything, or whenever he’d make a good point, she would always make him the problem. His voice was loud, and had mirrored the boisterous thunder that paraded in the sky, his loud response had shocked you into silence, you had finally realised how serious he was, he wasn’t just a curious partner who had wanted to know the secrets of his girlfriend. Your blinds were lifted and you were confronted with the paranoid and suspicious partner who had thought that his partner might’ve been cheating on him.

“You never tell me anything, when you’re leaving to fish, or the random moments you leave and return to your home without saying anything to me. I can tell when someone’s hiding something from me,” he sighed without hope, he had thought maybe it wasn’t the best idea to chase you in this weather, he could feel himself get ill, but there was you, you had barely worn anything and it seemed like the weather hadn’t impacted you at all.

You had remained calm even if you had wanted to bawl your eyes out and you weren’t going to cry because he was angry at you, but it was because what you were about to do now, would change the way he would feel about you for the best or for the worst.

Furthermore, you had changed, without your tail, but you had slowly revealed your inhuman state, your skin had faded into a lighter shade and your pupils had clenched into slits, gills in your cheeks had ripped open and your hands became webbed, your teeth were sharp and your hair had dropped into a longer length. You were beautiful but you were not human.

“Christ!” Joel called out, frightened he had taken a step back, he did not want to see this, see this beast that had been his lover. She had tried to speak and reach out to him, but he had hastily and harshly waved his hands forward, signalled that he had wanted her away from him. His heart was beating fast as he tried all quiet methods to calm himself down. “So, that’s how you were able to catch the fish?”

He had felt crazy, he had felt himself spinning into a turmoil of insanity and he wanted it to all go away, but it couldn’t, someone he used to make love to, the woman he had thought to be his forever partner, was an ungodly creature, one that he couldn’t understand and one he couldn’t bring himself to face. His eyes had avoided you and it hurt you. “You bewitched me,” he stuttered, and the moment he had brought himself to face you, his eyes snapped open in rage, “you spelled me!”

You had hopelessly taken a step closer to him, sadly content that he hadn’t moved away from you, but that was the least of your problems. “No, it was true love! It was all real! Everything I feel for you is true and what you feel for me is true as well!”

“No,” he shook his head, he had pointed his finger towards you, with a look of disgust, this Joel that had stood in front of you, had felt so unfamiliar, but you had to imagine what he must’ve felt. “I want you away from me.”

“We need to get back to Jackson.”

There it was again, pretending like nothing happened, it had caused him to glare at you, annoyed from your avoidant behaviour, he had moved away from you. “I need to get back to Jackson,” he bluntly corrected.

“Do you want me to leave Jackson?” You inquired, hopeful that he’d want you to stay.

Yet, he was silent, but not for long, he had eventually rebounded his gaze towards you, his look no longer the warm and kind gaze he’d usually have for you, this time, he had looked betrayed but bitter. “Do whatever you want just never be in my presence,” he dryly replied ere he unwrapped Old Beardy from where the horse was previously roped to and left you alone in the beach to dismally drown in your own pity.

songs that fit this song ⬎

⟶ two lanes - november.

⟶ nelly furtado ft timbaland - say it right.

what do you think of this chapter? before i was actually planning to make them watch the movie aquamarine hence the title lol

if you want to join a the last of us discord/joel miller discord here you go! 𓆩♡𓆪

masterlist

♆

[itsanerdlife]

Wicked Intentions 2

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Stark!Reader // (Seriously close) Steve Rogers x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader // T’Challa x Reader.

Warning: Violence. Language. Bullying. Girl Fights. Name Calling. Degrading Comments. Angst. Degrade of Woman (to a point). Criminal Life. Illegal Shit. Fights. Alpha Males. Stalking.

Characters: Peter Stark. Howie Stark. Bucky Barnes. Steve Rogers. Clint Barton. TC (T’Challa). Ben Reilly. Cledus Kasady (CK). Brock Rumlow. Gwen Stacy. Wanda Maximoff. Becca Barnes. Amore Lorelei. Kitty Pryde. Frank Castle. George Barnes. Joe Rogers. Winni Barnes. Pepper Stark. Wade Wilson. Eddie Brock. Warner Strucker. Barney Barton. Bobbi Morse. Pietro Maximoff. Logan.

A/N: This is a Bully Romance. High School setting. Mafia Family Life. Woman are on a lower level than males in their world. Just a heads up. This is the third installment of the series. Bad Intentions, Cruel Intentions, and Wicked Intentions.

Father: Meet at the house. All of you.

Glancing at the text as Bucky pulls into my father’s drive behind my brothers.

“What could this be?” Clint wonders as he pulls open the door for me.

“No idea Packman. Maybe it’s wedding stuff.” I shrug. But don’t miss the glance between the three of them. “Do you know?” I lift a brow at them.

“No idea.” Steve cuts his eyes to my brothers gathering outside their car.

“I’m sure you’re right, wedding stuff.” Bucky comes towards me, slipping his hand to the small of my back, guiding me forward.

“Ah huh.” I glance at him before my brothers. Becca looks to be edging into a nervous breakdown.

“Don’t go getting a head of yourself.” TC chuckles next to me.

I eye him slowly as we round the side of the house.

Something is off.

“You know if I find out you’re lying to me, I’ll torch all of your asses.” I comment cutting between my siblings, leaving the boys with them.

“Nothing to lie about smalls.” Howie’s quick to reply.

I turn on dime, forcing them all to stop.

Gwen looks down at her belly. Becca picks at her thumb nail. All six boys have blank looks. Wanda’s head tips looking past me.

“Something wrong, smalls?” My father’s voice making me turn around.

George, my soon to be father in law standing next to him. Another man with them I hadn’t met before.

“If my siblings come up missing, I’ve torched them and put them in the woods with brock.” I shrug, walking towards the three men. George chuckles, pulling out a chair for me at the patio table.

“Now that’s no way to handle your problems.” My father sighs.

“At least she makes jokes about Brock now.” Peter smirks pulling a seat out for Gwen.

“You’ll be next big brother.” I blow him a kiss, as Bucky sits next to me. He chuckles, reaching over to pat my thigh.

“You can’t put bodies in the same place, that’s how they get found.” He reminds me.

Glancing over at him, I smirk. “Bet Frankie knows some places extra secluded.” My father and George exchanging a look, smirking at one another.

“You weren’t kidding when you said she is ruthless.” The strange man comments. I notice Wanda isn’t sitting.

“Red?” I sit up, leaning forward.

My father nods, looking from the man to Wanda.

“What are you doing here?” She snaps suddenly.

My eyes cut to my father.

“Who is he?” TC stays standing, watching the man.

“My names Logan.” He spoke in a deep, gruff voice. Dark hair greying. Well built, a salt and pepper beard.

“He works for my father.” Wanda adds.

“Oh fuck.”

“Shit.”

“Fuck.”

“What’s he doing here?” I ask, looking at my father.

He clears his throat, adjusting in his seat.

“If he’s dead just say it and leave.” Wanda huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.

“He’s not dead.” George assures her.

“Your brother,” my father starts, only to be cut off by four voices.

“Brother?!”

“What brother?!”

“Wait a minute!”

“Hold the fuck on."

“Wanda has a twin, his name is Pietro.” I explain for them.

“How do we not know this?” Bucky looks to me.

I shrug. “Wasn’t important information at the time.”

“Pietro is getting released. Early.” My father finishes, nodding slowly.

“Fuck.”

“Me.”

Wanda and I blink at each other.

The guys look between us

“Released from where?” Steve wonders.

“Prison.” Peter replies.

“Your twin is doing prison time?” Bucky’s brow jumps up.

“With her father.” Howie adds.

It’s strangely quiet for a moment.

“The Russian Mafia is coming to town, boys. Strap in, a hurricane is calmer.” George shakes his head, looking at his boys. The three of them look from one another to my brothers.

“What’s this mean?” I straighten my spine.

Logan looks from Wanda to me. “Her wedding is to be done in the coming weeks.” Wanda’s hand drops quickly, Howie quickly grasps hold of one. “And he’s looking for an audience, with the Stark.” He nods. I look to my father. Only he’s looking at me. Glancing around, they all are.

“Me?” Snapping my eyes to Logan.

“Even in prison, he’s heard about you.” Logan nods.

“I’m not in charge yet.” It comes out like a whisper.

My father snickers. George chuckles softly.

“Oh darling if you think you’re not in charge, you’re wrong. Everything pushed at that table is with you in mind.” George levels me with a look.

I look to Bucky. He smirks at me.

“You’ll start sitting in and taking matters into hand in coming days.” My father explains.

“What?” I jump up.

My brother’s smirks at me.

“It’s only time you start running things, little miss.” My father smirks. I blanch for a second. “I’m not married. You’re not retiring.” I can’t quite grasp what’s being told to me.

“You’re marrying a tables son. You are the center of The Saintz and Brothers, as well as your own girl gang.” My father waves his hand at the table. Glancing around slowly.

“He isn’t wrong, Sweets.” Steve smirks at me.

Bucky slowly pulls me back down into my seat. “You know this, CK knew this, Brock knew this, Ben knows it. You are the push of all of us. Without question,” he smiles softly at me “since you walked into Saints.”

“We told you before.” Clint grins. “You want to take over, we’ll take anyone down and build you a thrown.” He shrugs.

“You know we back you on anything.” Howie winks at me.

“Ball up baby sister, you said you wouldn’t take over without the guys. It’s time to take over.” Peter smiles.

Looking to Wanda, Gwen and Becca.

Becca smirks at me. “And crush anyone who steps to you.”

When my eyes drift to TC, he smirks, shrugging. “You know I’m your right hand, no matter what comes.”

Leaning back in my chair, nodding slowly. “Fine.”

My father and George exchange a look, looking back at me.

“Just fine?” George chuckles.

“Smalls?” My father lifts a brow at me.

“My way.” Cocking my brow at him.

They laugh, nodding.

“That’s our girl.” George laughs.

“She already has a right hand?” Logan looks to my fathers.

“Problem with it?” TC cuts his look to him.

“Tony, your girl has her own mafia family.” Logan shakes his head. My father’s smirks, nodding.

“Spread the word too.” I lean forward, staring directly at him. “Speak it like gospel or what the fuck ever, make sure it’s known to all.” I warn him. He stares at me for a second, long and hard before he nods slowly. “Fuckers around here know don’t play with me or mine. Look what happened to the Kasady family.” I smile smugly at him.

“Like a fucked up Grim Brothers fairy tale.”

Howie licks his lips, grinning he looks to Peter, a cold look in his twin brothers’ eyes, smirking.

“Make it a warning. Make sure they know, they fear it. Like our father, only so much worse.” Peter tips his chin.

“I heard she’s called Satan.” Logan smirks at Peter.

“I am.” I reply, staring back at him. “Don’t ever second guess it, either.” I cut my eyes around the table, stopping on Bucky, before I stand, leaving the table, TC follows me.

----

Everything Peaches 12/8/22 @mo320 @ml7010 @kmc1989 @irepeldirt @joannie95 @nunu2888 @coley0823 @rileyloves5 @sexyvixen7 @duckestylez @abschaffer2 @drayshadow @shirukitsune @xoxabs88xox @carostar2020 @rosalynshields @destiel-artemis @hookslove1592 @CallSign-Vesta @royal-sunflower @iwillbeinmynest @bellamy-barnes @geeksareunique @happydeanpotter @fanfic-n-tabulous @steel-blue-eyess @mariekoukie6661 @wonderswrittings @bless-my-demons @notyourtypicalrose @lets-talk-about-xyz @loving-life-my-way @shinycupcakebaker @also-fangirlinsweden @stupendous-science @daughterofthenight117 @dandelionsmarkthegrave @physically-a-cheesecake @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked

Bucky 'Fuck Me Up' Barnes: @nickyl316h @jbbarnesgirl @lets-roggerthat @this-is-mycrisis @kaylaphantomhive

Series Tags: @sebastians-love

[romanarose]

Hi! So excited to see some Triple Frontier asks on my dash 💕 Will is my fav, so how do you think he’d act with a crush on you or if he was trying to take friendship to the next level? (I’m more on the shy and neurodivergent side, so maybe some tidbits about how he’d react to that would be really nice too) thanks!

We love Will here!!!!

I see Will as very direct. In For the Longest Time, the only reason Will and Lorelei don't get together is because of Lorelei's reservations, ad the things she's made clear to Will. They are not dating, they are friends who fucked once and are now having a baby. When it's apparent she wants him too, he asks why they aren't together.

If Will is friends with you, he's going to be a little wary to not ruin the friendship, but I don't see him as the type of guy to just hold it in. While Frankie I can see just not saying anything for 20 years lol, Santi i can see impulsivly kissing you. Will is gonna take at in between. He'll probably sit you down somewhere you're comfortable, somewhere you have control, like your house. He'll tell you how he feel calmly and rationally.

If its like a work crush or something he'll just ask you out. WIll is gonna be careful not to make things uncomfortable for you! You can see a little but of that in "He didn't have to be" with him asking reader out.

Will in my head has ocd and I always HC Ben as having ADHD so I think he's v aware of mental health and neurodivergence. Some have HC'd him as autitstic. I think he's going to pick up on these things even if he's not gonna go "oh they are autitsitc" or something, he'll know to present things different. He'll be careful of the surroundings and the moment and try not to overwhelm you. He's also going to have picked up on things like ticks you have when nervous, and read that body langauge.

He's gonna take care of you, dont you worry.