#might have to cancel tonight's thing my eyes are already swollen

[fictionalred]

decided to start taking my meds again I guess. I've got enough for some 200 days. I should be able to find a phsychiatrist by then huh

[jacobsnsfw]

thighs, sapnap

MINORS DONT U HAVE PAW PATROL TO WATCH? FUCK OUTTA HERE.

PAIRING cc!sapnap x afab!gn!thick thighed!reader

WARNINGS somnophillia, praising, vaginal penetration, slight degradation ( the word 'slut' a few times ), thigh fucking.

SONG REC pillowtalk, zayn

WORD COUNT 859

NOTES pls don't read if you're uncomfortable  with the topics above<3 he has a tongue piercing in this because i said so

wattpad ao3

     THE TWO OF YOU laid cuddled up against each other, you were in a peaceful dreamland while sapnap's hips rocked slightly in between your legs, silently trying to get himself off without waking you. it was around five forty-five in the morning, you had a scheduled stream at nine and you'd be getting up soon, but his hand just wasn't cutting it for some reason tonight. his mind wandered to the time you told him to in your own words "fuck me in my sleep", but he decided your plump thighs would be enough.

you stirred slightly and his hips came to a stop watching your face contort as you mumbled about something in your dream most likely. when your body stilled again and the babbling that escaped your parted lips ending, he continued thrusting his clothed erection against your bare thighs, sleeping in panties might not have been your first choice, but god was sap happy you chose them.

your thighs were pillow-like sapnap always found himself admiring them, when you walked they would jiggle. he didn't know why, but they just were so hot to him, he daydreamed about being in between them all the time. he knew if he told you how he felt you'd slap his chest with that smile that never failed to make his cheeks turn pink in a matter of seconds, the smile that was present whenever you would mention something lewd, you'd shoot at him, or when you called him 'daddy' jokingly and he looked at you shocked it was always there.

his head fell back and an unintentionally loud moan spilled from his lips that made him clamp a hand over his mouth in not only embarrassment but, in fear he'd woken you up. your eyes blinked a few times adjusting to the tiny bit of light that peeked through the blinds when your hips moved and your legs stretched out sapnap flitched. "you okay?", it was a simple question, sapnap had no clue how to answer, he hummed and pulled himself further from your touch, that made you frown in confusion, your bottom lip poking out in a pout as you shimmied your body closer to him.

something was pressed against your leg, you both knew exactly what it was too. "why's your dick out at.." you glanced at the small black alarm clock on your nightstand that displayed it was five fifty-seven am, "almost six am?" you weren't trying to make him uncomfortable, that was never the goal but what the actual fuck, was he really beating his meat right next to you, you've had sex (the best you ever had was with him) before many times, but the bathroom wasn't far at all or he could've just asked you would have gladly sucked him off.

he stuttered trying to think of an explanation, but his mouth was just spewing out words, "slow down" you spoke your hand coming up to cup his cheek with a knowing smile. sapnap sat up from how he was laying, leaning against the headboard, and pulled you into his lap, "you just looked so pretty before bed and i didn't want to wake you up, baby", his words were soft-spoken, his calloused hands came to your thighs palming the flesh.

your lips met his in a kiss, that you intended to be short and sweet but when you went to pull away his hand met the back of your head pulling you back into him.  his tongue danced around your bottom lip, asking for permission to shove the muscle in your throat. you obliged allowing him to explore your mouth, your teeth clanked together almost like he's in a rush. the cold metal of his tongue piercing brushed against the roof of your mouth.

sapnap smirked at the dazed look on your face, "you look so fucked out and i've barely touched you, baby" he pouted kissing your forehead. his hands sat on your hips and your thighs pushed together trying to gain any amount of friction you could, his shoulder muffled the disappointed whine that escaped your throat. your hand wrapped around the base of his cock, desperately trying to get him to fuck you, to ruin you until you were a babbling mess, you had no idea where this sudden burst of horniness came from, but sapnap was liking it, a hell of a lot.

the red lacy panties you had fallen asleep in were disregarded by sapnap, with a simple lift of your hips, they were on the bedroom floor soon to be joined by yours and sapnap's still worn garments. your lips met again in a kiss that was more heated than the last one. his head lolled back slightly when your fingers danced over the tip of his cock, and an almost inaudible 'fuck' passed his swollen lips. 

the thing is, he didn't want to come in your palm, definitely not, he wanted to fuck his cum deep into you so deep that you were able to feel it for hours or maybe so much as days, his hand came to stop your quickening actions with your hands, to lay you down onto the bed underneath him, and positioned himself between your thighs, his cock brushed into them smearing pre-cum onto the soft skin, making a shiver run up your spine and goosebumps arose onto your body.

he ran his fingers down your soaking slit, fishing for a reaction of any sort from you, when his fingers play and pinched your puffy clit, you practically keened and threw your head back into the pillows, "oh- sap-! please fuck me~" you ask and you shall receive i guess. in a quick motion, his cock was being pressed into your clit as he teased your wet cunt.

he stopped his movements, clearing his throat, and calling out to the alexa on your bedside table, "alexa," he paused thinking of an artist "shuffle songs by chase atlantic". the robot replied saying something about how she was shuffling the songs on his apple music. one of yours and his favorite songs played through the speakers at around level seven, 'slow down' to be exact.

his cock continued teasing you when the song lyrics started, running his hands along your thighs again, and squeezing them. his tip tapped against your pussy, pushing himself into you ever so slowly, your legs quivered from the stimulation of his skilled fingers and his dick pressed into you. your pelvises were both pressed together in no time, he had worked you through the stretch, despite having sex on numerous occasions, it still slightly hurt when he was fully settled inside.

when you glanced down at your lower stomach you could see how deep his cock was inside, he spoke up with immense amounts of pride in his tone, "can you feel me right here, baby? hm?" sapnap pushed his hand against your belly, watching your face contort in pain, pleasure, and how you were quick to try and push his hands away from the area. "my little cock slut, yeah." it wasn't a question, it was in fact a statement and true one at that.

"open", you did exactly that, and he pressed his thumb against your tongue, that you swirled around his finger treating it like how you'd treat his cock. his thrusts were slow and so fucking deep, you had barely been awake a few minutes ago, but here you are getting slowly railed to chase atlantic at six o' clock in the morning in your lover's best friend's house

you felt like you were floating on the euphoria of his hips meeting yours not too fast and not too slow. every little thing he had already done in the last few minutes or so, continued to play in your head like some broken cassette tape that was stuck on a loop, the thoughts of him playing with your pussy, him trying to fuck himself against your thighs, that and his continuous slow, antagonizing thrusts had you moaning embarrassingly loud and arching your back off the bed.

sapnap grabbed your hips and lifted them, a whole new chapter of feeling bursting throughout your entire body, just a few more thrusts into that exact spot deep within your velvety wall would have you spurting onto his cock in absolutely no time. "right there?" he asked, you couldn't get the words to leave your mouth, so instead you nodded squeezing his cock so tight that you could feel the veins and ridges on it.

he kept on brushing his cock against that spot waiting for- "cumming-! i'm coming " yep, those words, sapnap felt his release inching closer and closer, you could feel his cock twitch deep inside your walls, as he came inside, he barely moved for a few moments just groaning into your neck about how much of a good slut you were for him.

a pat on his shoulder made him sit up, and you attempted to walk to the bathroom, but as soon as you stood up your legs felt like they were going to collapse right under you. sapnap just laughed, kissed the side of your neck, pulled on a pair of boxers and old basketball shorts, and walked out the room to get you some water and a washcloth. you laid back down onto your side of the bed staring at the ceiling and thinking about you were going to cancel your stream today, maybe they'll believe the whole "i have laryngitis" thing.

[sameheart-sameblood]

All To Myself

(gif by @captainrexs​)

pairing: captain rex x f!reader

summary: bath time with rex usually means trying to get him to relax, but tonight it's your turn to let him help you out

words: 3.1 k

warnings: 18+, smut, bathtime shenanigans (f receiving), rex being the giver we all know he is

a/n: this is purely self-indulgent as i love baths. i would give up all my earthly possessions to take one with rex. this is my first attempt at smut (which is probably obvious lol). kind of didn’t want to release this but got tired of it staring at me whenever i opened word

read on ao3!

Your evenings were usually spent alone. At first, that had bothered you. Rex had come into your life and you wanted nothing more than to be in his presence. The calmness and kindness he exuded was unlike anything you’d ever experienced before. Being around him made you crave his presence all the more, like spice coursing through your system. You knew his job meant he was needed off planet most of the time. But was it really too much to ask that you see him occasionally while he was back on Coruscant? 

As your relationship went on, you got used to it. Being numb to the canceled dinners and missed special occasions was just what seemed in store for someone who loved a captain in the GAR. Which is why you barely batted an eyelash when he had commed you earlier in the day, rushing an apology about not being able to see you that evening. You might be resigned to the fact that Rex’s life was his job but it still didn’t make it easier to stomach the thought of another night alone. 

The two of you had planned an evening on the town, dinner and dancing. Well, at least you dancing while Rex swayed self-consciously next to you. He hated it and yet he never tried to talk you out of going. It was one of the many things you loved about him. It was these things you remembered when your loneliness got the best of you. So what if Rex couldn’t always be around? Whenever he was with you he made you feel like the only person in the world. 

You contemplate calling your friends to see if they’d like to join you for your planned activities. But you’re feeling sorry for yourself and if you can’t be with Rex, then you’d rather just be by yourself. You decide to keep things simple and take a bath. The thought instantly puts you in a better mood. It’s one of your favorite past-times. 

******

When Rex had first seen your bath routine, he’d been in shock. As someone who was usually only afforded about two minutes to bathe, the thought of taking an hours long bath blew his mind. You’d insisted he try it for himself. He watched as you drew him a bath of his own, adjusting the temperature just right and properly dissolving a few handfuls of epsom salts. 

Before leaving him, you’d dimmed the lights, lit a few sweet smelling candles and turned on some light background music. Lowering himself into the tub, Rex thought the experience might be alright. But after a minute, he was ready to get out. He had tried to understand it, really he had. But as someone always on the go, he couldn’t easily relax, constantly fighting the feeling he should be doing something. 

He didn’t begrudge you taking your baths. After all, he saw how happy they made you and he wanted nothing more than to see you content. But for a soldier, the experience felt like an indulgence he didn’t deserve. 

He had shyly called you back into the bathroom. “I don’t think I’m doing it right, love.” You’d gone in to find him sitting there, looking confused, as if expecting something more to happen. “There’s no wrong way to take a bath, Rex.” Sitting down next on the edge of the porcelain, you’d motioned for him to keep trying. He’d sat back, shoulders tensed towards his ears, staring straight ahead, eyes wide, his whole body on alert. 

You had to stifle a laugh as you watched. “Ok, apparently you have found a wrong way to take a bath.” He’d looked so forlorn at his failure that you had no choice but to shed your clothes and get in, taking a more hands on approach to showing him how to relax. He’d liked baths much more after that…

******

Easing yourself into the water makes you instantly relax. Knowing you’ll most likely spend the rest of the night in here, you make sure to get everything prepared that you might need. Feeling cheeky, you also bring over of your favorite vibrator. You’re not going to be getting any from Rex tonight, so might as well try to have some fun. 

You get to catch up on the book you’re reading, feeling satisfied when you finish the last page. Settling back, you let your mind wander, hands playing at the surface of the water. An accidental glide over your breast sparks something in your belly. You pause, then do it again, imagining it’s Rex’s larger, calloused hand teasing you. You grab the vibrator, placing it next to you. 

Before you delve in, you turn the water on to return some of the warmth the bath has lost. 

Over the roar of the tap, you don’t hear the door open. Someone clears their throat and you whip your head towards the noise. Rex greets you, shoulders slumped with fatigue. “Sorry, love, didn’t mean to scare you.” 

And you must look scared too, you’re eyes double their usual size. You glance at the vibrator, wondering if you have time to hide it. Rex isn’t against your use of toys, in fact he encourages them. But you’re still embarrassed at being caught just about to put it to use. He follows your eyes, his own widening slightly. 

“Ah, so it was going to be that kind of bath?” He chuckles, expression darkening slightly as you squirm under his gaze. He just stands there, looking at you. Oh, he’s actually expecting an answer. “Well, I just figured, you weren’t going to be home, and I was bored and lonely and…” 

You’re rambling now but you can’t stop, even as you watch him slowly remove his armor. He does so tantalizingly slow, nodding along with mock sympathy as you continue. 

“I thought I would be alone for the night and I missed you so much, Rex, honey, I miss you.” 

His face softens at your wavering tone, your sincerity written all over your face. He finishes stacking his armor neatly in the corner. “I missed you too.” He strips out of his blacks, folding them as you openly gawk at him. He allows himself a smirk at your neediness. Finally ridding himself of his clothing, he kneels down next to the bath. He runs his thumb over your cheek. “I’m here now. You don’t need to be lonely anymore.”

That night you had first introduced him to proper bath-time, you’d sat behind him, guiding him on just how to really relax. But tonight, he wants you to be taken care of. He motions for you to scooch forward, then sinks in behind you, groaning softly. You settle into each other, just reveling in the closeness for a moment.

Rex exhales a ragged breath and you feel some of the tension go out of his body. “Tough day?” He pulls you closer, your back pressed to his chest. “Just the usual. Nothing I can’t handle.” You know him well enough now to hear the pain in his tone. He feels you tense, knowing you want to ask him to elaborate, always trying to solve his problems. Rex rubs your arms slowly, soothing you “Not to worry. Everything’ll be fine.”

Rex’s hands continue their hypnotic rubbing. Up and down, leaving goosebumps in their wake. You allow yourself to relax once again but don’t let the matter drop. “You had a long day, Rex. Let me help you unwind.” You try and get out of the bath so you can switch places. But he’s having none of it. He holds you gently in place. “Taking care of you will help me relax, love.”

When you had first gotten together and he would say these kinds of things to you, it was hard to believe him. Could he truly be this selfless? It felt in some way like you were taking advantage of him. As your relationship progressed, you’d come to see that he truly meant things like that. Rex had many love languages but his favorite was acts of service.

Sighing in defeat, you settle back against him. He chuckles at your small sounds of mock protest. Rex nuzzles his face into your hair, inhaling your familiar scent of pine and Alderaanian blossoms. For a moment, he breathes you in, forgetting about the world. But as his eyes slowly open, he’s greeted by the sight of your long abandoned vibrator. Rex reaches for it, toying with it. You see what he’s doing and turn towards him. “It’s ok. I’m fine. Let’s just lay here.” 

Your captain may be tired but he’ll be damned if he doesn't fall asleep knowing you've been satisfied. “That’s right. You just lay there. Let me do the work.” The tiny thing clicks on, a buzzing filling the room. Rex lowers it into the water, the vibrations sending out tiny ripples. He pauses hovering above where you need him most. 

“What do you think of when you use this?” You’re so caught off guard by the question that you only let out a confused garble. He gives your thigh a squeeze, chuckling at the state you’re already in. “I haven’t even started yet, love. Use your words.”

After that, there’s no hesitation. “You.” The word comes out in a needy rasp. Rex is right. He hasn't even touched you yet and your body is already wound up so tightly in anticipation that you’re sure you might combust at any moment. “It’s always you, Rex.” You can’t see but his face softens, still so surprised someone would ever care for him like that. 

He rewards you with a lingering kiss on your shoulder and lowers the toy to your already swollen clit. You jolt at the sensation, body automatically trying to get away from it. Rex’s free arm tightens around you, forcing you to stay still and power through the first few seconds of overstimulation. You’re still whimpering, but you soon relax, leaning your head back onto his shoulder. 

He studies your face, your eyes screwed tight and mouth slightly agape. “Is this what you needed?” All you can do is nod but he prompts you to continue, rubbing the vibrator slowly up and down through your folds. Gasping at the new sensation, your eyes pop open to meet his. “I-I…” The arm that had been holding you tightly against him loosens. His hand moves to your breast, massaging gently.

It’s been so long since you’ve had time to take things this slow. Usually he’s only got a few minutes free, leaving time for a rushed rendezvous and nothing more. But tonight you have him all to yourself. No comms beeping to steal his attention, no duty calling him away. It’s as if there’s nothing outside of these four walls and you know it’s an opportunity that won’t come along often. 

Your head lolls to the side as he continues his ministrations. The coil in your belly is tightening quickly but you fight against it, needing something different. Your voice eventually resurfaces, your words on the tail end of a moan. “I- I need you!” Urging life back into your limbs that have since turned to jelly is difficult. But you manage to move your hand to cover his, clicking off the vibrator. 

Rex stills for a moment, trying to figure out what he’s done wrong. Turning your head to look at him, you see his confusion. You reach up to stroke his face, eyes pleading with him. After a moment, you see him understand. It’s something you always want, without fail. He smiles down at you, leaning over you to gently press his lips to yours. 

The vibrator is quickly abandoned on the side of the tub. With both hands free, Rex can really touch you, hands roaming about at his leisure. You sigh contently as his rough fingers trail along the sides of your body, then upwards to tease your nipples. The embers in your belly that had dimmed slightly are now burning brightly once again. He senses this and lowers a hand to your clit. 

At first, he just runs his fingers through your folds. He doesn’t mean to tease, he just hasn’t been able to feel you, to truly appreciate you in so long. But your whine pulls him out of his trance and he begins to rub circles that leave you gasping for air. He begins slowly, making sure you're happy with the direction things are going. 

Rex holds in his chuckle as he peers down at you. Your head has once again tipped back against him. But now, your face has gone slack, no tightness or tenseness to be found. Only pleasure. His free hand moves between your breasts, squeezing, massaging and tugging, making sure neither is neglected. He sees just how much your chest is heaving and decides to give you your reward. You’ve been so patient for him. 

His hand tugs at your thigh, pulling you out of your daze. “What are you - “ He lifts your leg and hooks it over the edge of the tub, spreading you wider for better access. You moan pitifully as the hand that had been rubbing circles delves back in. There’s so much more of you he can touch now and it makes you tremble. He beams down at you proudly, seeing how much this slight change is bringing you closer to the edge. 

You're tensing under him, back beginning to bow. Your sudden movement brings attention to his erection that’s been slowly growing. He can’t help when he automatically begins to grind against you. But Rex knows you well enough now to realize he only has a few more seconds before you're toppling into oblivion. His release can wait. 

Abandoning your breast, his hand slides up to your neck, applying the slightest pressure. You keen at the feeling. It’s not a show of dominance. It’s Rex reminding you that he’s there for you, a comforting presence that makes you feel perpetually taken care of. 

You twist your neck so you can gape up at him. The hand on your clit continues it’s work, doubling down its efforts. Throughout the experience, you’d been gripping the sides of the tub for dear life. But now, you bring one up to cover Rex’s hand that’s enclosed around your neck. Even through your haze of lust, your heart aches at the pure love radiating from his eyes. 

You're too far gone, unable to form words. All you can do is moan and hope he can decipher it. If you weren't in such a compromising position you would have to laugh. Asking someone to be able to decipher your desires without words. But thankfully Rex knows you like the back of his hand. He knows what you're asking, what last thing you need to make you let go. Loosening his grip on your neck, he uses it to hold your face, crashing your lips together. 

The kiss doesn’t break, even as you writhe under him. You try to turn away from him as you come, but he holds you to him, needing to feel you as much as you needed to feel him. The water is sloshing over the sides of the tub, your once full bath almost halfway empty. Rex breaks the kiss, letting the aftershocks of your release play out. 

He rubs soothingly against your thighs, watching as you twitch. You collapse onto him, finally beginning to break through the fog. The ability to form a coherent sentence seems to have left you. All you can manage is a weak sigh of his name. It’s the only thing you can remember and, in all honesty, you’d die a happy woman if that was the only thing you could utter for the rest of your life. 

“Was that what you needed, love?” Rex nuzzles into your neck as you chuckle. “Apparently more than I realized.” The rubbing at your sides pauses. You look to Rex to see what’s wrong and find his face twisted with guilt. “This isn’t right. If I can’t give you the attention you need then I don’t deserve you.” This isn’t the first time you've had this conversation and you're sure it wont be the last. 

But you’re happy to reassure your lover, as many times as you need to. “You give me everything I need, Rex. You’re smart, brave, funny, kind, supportive, sexy.” He lowers his eyes at the last word, smiling demurely. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. You give me everything and so much more. And I mean, if you don’t believe me, just look.” You laugh, gesturing at your bathroom, now in a state of disrepair, water on the floor, shampoo and soap bottles scattered, candles burnt down to messy puddles. 

Rex chuckles but looks contrite, rubbing his neck shyly. “Guess we got a little carried away.” He’s already made you come once, and spectacularly at that. But just the sight of him has those butterflies in your belly stirring to life again. You bat your eyelashes. “Now will you let me take care of you?” He closes his eyes, sighing tiredly. His cock, still hard against your back is evidence enough, but his muscles sag with fatigue.

“I want you more than anything. But I think I have just enough energy to clean this mess and then fall into bed.” Shaking your head, you gently extricate yourself from his arms. You stand on shaky legs as you hold out your hand for him. “Everything else can wait. Let me show you how much I missed you, Captain.” 

His eyes widen, lust beginning to cloud his gaze. You don’t use his title often, knowing how riled up it gets him to hear the word fall from your lips. But you need the big guns tonight, refusing to leave him wanting. Rex grabs for you and lets you lead him through the ruined bathroom and into your bedroom. 

He takes one last look at the state you’re leaving the room in. “But we should really clean this…” You lead him to the bed and softly push him down on to it. He looks up at you with doe eyes as you straddle his hips. “We will, honey. But no sense cleaning up now when we’re just about to make another mess.”

[insufferablelust]

butterfly blurbs? maybe that's nor what you want but spencer getting jealous bc he finds out butterfly spends some time with one of his closest man but butterfly only wanted him to show her how to shoot so she could impress spencer?

Warnings ; smut, The use of ‘sir’ & ‘daddy’, Jealousy, overstimulation, Squirting, Tiny bit of degradation mainly by name calling, Possessiveness, Its.. um Filthy as many of you already know. Oh there’re fluffs like cute fluffs in the end, mention of sub/little space too. Please read at your own discretion. Set before chapter 2A of Lb!Au

MASTERLIST HERE.

gif credit to @imagining-in-the-margins thank you!

Being the don of the most powerful mafia chain around the country requires Spencer to have guards everywhere he goes, and those men are always there to protect you too. There are 4 of them; Your favorite is Morgan, the friendliest and warmest of them all, but definitely the flirtiest— in more than one occasion, Spencer had to threaten his gurard, or more like his best pal to stop looking at you the wrong way, then there’s Hotch, which is the lead command of his men, the one who controls the way around, his right hand almost, He doesn’t talk a lot you reckoned, though you rarely see him. There’s Alvez, whom you are second closest to, he’s pretty funny at times and definitely warm, and the last one is Simmons though you only met him in several occasions, seeing how he was always the one that Spencer commands to run his ‘business’ outside of town.

The 4 of them are all loyal to the don and the famiglia, has been since many generations of fathers and their fathers. When you came into the picture, you didn’t expect that someone is going to be guarding you every time you go outside or to leave for work or study— but Spencer insisted one of his men will always be assigned to watch over you, seeing that the threats of being closer to him might bring you harm. They’re always close by but not super close where you might feel stalked or ‘guarded’

It was nice to have someone to look after you, and the man he always choose to be close by you is none other than Morgan, your favorite out of all of them, you knew why Spencer insisted that Morgan was the one who will tend to your every need (security wise) even going as far as renting him an apartment suite not far from where yours are, just incase.

You grew close to Morgan, practically seeing him as your older brother, on nights where Spencer might not coming back to your place because of his ‘unexpected’ business, you always asked Morgan to accompany you play board games or watch something on your half functioning TV, or to just simply be there to have a chat with you. He’s nice and he makes you feel like you knew Spencer, told you small things about your boyf— sugar daddy. Now knowing that Morgan knows a lot, practically everything about the don, young Y/N just wanted to impress him— cause he had been so good to her all week, so so good, taking care of her and spoil her to the limits. So she asks Morgan on what could impress the infamous don of the country.

Y/N couldn’t lie that when she heard Morgan proposed the idea of shooting, that excitement would run through her veins like something has been injected— she has seen Spencer shoot his gun once or twice, she knew he could kill someone so so easily without batting an eyelash, he injured a guy whom looked at her the wrong way once for fuck’s sake. So the idea was enough to make her all giddy and say, “Please Morgan! teach me!” which he couldn’t help but to say yes, now he knows the protocols, knows how his best friend is so he didn’t worry about him having any sorts of problems with him teaching her but what he didn’t expect was, Spencer Reid might have a deeper feeling towards the tiny butterfly.

—

Hey daddy,

i’m going to spend some time with Morgan today, i hope you don’t mind if i don’t send an update so frequently but i’ll try okay? be safe, Mwah!

Spencer tried to calm down from his sudden bubbling anger that rose inside his chest, the voicemail had been left on his brick phone two hours prior and she still hasn’t responded yet. Being away from her is torture from him, he wanted so so badly to bring her here whilst he has business to deal with in Chicago— but he knew it’d be dangerous.

Though, hearing her heavenly voice sets his chest aflame with combined mixture of Jealousy and Longing, longing for her— missing her to the core and wanting so so bad to show her that she’s his and his only. Spencer knows he’s being irrational but he couldn’t help to think that his little Butterfly is spending too much— an awful amount of time with her bodyguard, his most trusted man amongst others.

With a lit of his cigarette and ruffle of his hair, Spencer made a quick call to Hotch to prepare for leaving, cause he’s going back home— for her.

-

She didn’t expect this when she came home from her practice that night, she didn’t expect him to be here so so early. a day early from his supposed come back schedule. Here he was, sitting on a chair in the dark corner of your bedroom with his thighs spread, and his fingers interlaced with each other, and a glass of wine sitting atop of the bed side table.

“D-Daddy.. i thought you won’t be home until—“ you started yet immediately cut off by the sound of his voice shushing you, “Shh, Come here. Sit on my lap.” He demonstrated by patting his thighs so you know not to fuck with him, not to act up. You muttered a small “yes daddy” before setting down your purse and padded towards where he is, about to straddle his lap before he let out a disappointment-like sigh then turns you around so you’re sitting down on his lap with your back against his front and his hand wrapped snuggly around your throat.

Oh whatever you’ve done must be terrible, and you would be lying to say that it doesn’t excites you one bit cause it certainly does.

“You look pretty tonight, butterfly.” He whispered softly against your ear as his other hand slithered their way around her waist to wrap them tightly so she’d have nowhere to go, “T-Thank you daddy.” She muttered, feeling so small all of a sudden, not knowing what she has done wrong and what should she say to make it better.

“Daddy i—“

“Y’know your daddy is a busy man, don’t you, bunny?” His voice tsk’d you, making you squirm on his lap, as his palm slithered down down down between your legs and rub toward your inner thighs. “Yes daddy..” You muttered, only gasping momentarily as his fingers slip inside your legging and let it rest on top of where your panties beginning to dampen.

“And yet here you are, making daddy cancel his plans just to come back and remind you.” His voice gets a little rougher now as he slaps your cunt softly, a warning perhaps so you’d stay still and listen to him. You let out a confused yet pleasure filled mewls as he slap your by-now swollen and sensitive covered pearl several times, “Daddy! please i-i don’t know what you mean.. oh!”

“D’you know who’s this cunt belongs to?” He whispered roughly before biting on the shell of her ear where she arched her back when he pressed his palm— grazing against her clit side to side, “Y-You! it belongs to you! mmh!” Your moans are cut out by the tightening grip of his hand on your throat as he snap the waistband of your panties before tearing the whole thing with your leggings down your legs.

“And who’s this body belongs to hm? who do you fuckin belongs to, butterfly?” His thumb made a quick work over your sensitive button as he rub it all fast and rough, causing you to squirm and let out spews of moans and screams at the feeling of pleasure. Somewhere alongside the pleasure, your brain was able to make a sense of why he’s here, and you can’t help but to feel all the butterflies that swarmed on your belly.

The don is jealous over his best friend.

“Daddy i— oh! i— Morgan was only helping me!” She tried to blurted out, as his thumb quicken its pace on her clit, up and down, side to side whilst his other hands played with her swollen shirt covered nipples, all sensitive and reactive to his sinful touches. Spencer lets out a growl, “Helpin you with what hm? is it that important that he has to take you way from me?”

Butterflies, your heart warmed.

“He— oh god.. i w-wanted to oh! learn how to shoot so i ask him.. mmh fuck daddy! ask him to help me so you’d be proud of me!” Tears streamed down your face by now, not because of his words but because of how close she is, god the way his fingers slip inside her slit so easily now that she’s wet— drenched, combined with his palm on her clit and her overstimulated nipples causing her to the edge.

“Is that so, princess?” He hummed as he lean back so he could tilt your head back to see your eyes, gleamed under the moonlight and glazed over with needs— “Yes daddy.. i s-swear—oh god i’m going to cum.” Your fingers were gripped tightly onto his wrist as his fingers works even faster and faster— making squelching noises throughout the room.

“Little minx, trying to make me all proud hm? My butterfly is so fucking adorable isnt she?” Spencer was close to coming inside his pants himself, seeing her like this brought him to the fucking heaven but hearing how she wanted to train because she wants him to be proud of her brought him to the fucking edge of orgasm— that he didn’t even care if hes going to cream his pants like a damn teenager.

“Yes yes yes daddy! just for you! please let me cum!”

with a hard and quick thrust of his fingers inside you, he mumbled deeply and breathlessly, “Cum now, pup. Show everyone that you’re fucking mine, cum for daddy— thats fucking it.” He growled and growled, as you let an earth shattering scream which you had no doubt that your neighbors would be able to hear it, before squirting all over his hand, his suit, everything.

“Thank you oh! daddy thank you!” You sobbed and trembled as you both coming down from your highs, Spencer presses small kisses all along the side of your face. “Good girl, ‘m so proud of you, my little butterfly. Gonna show me tomorrow what y’learned okay?” He mumbled gently as you weakly turned around to give him a kiss.

“Yes daddy, welcome home.”

—

LITTLE BUTTERFLY TAGLIST;

@bloodstainedsarsaparilla​ @drabigailreidblog​ @mgg-theprettiestboy​ @vanessagub​ @reidsconverse​ @maybankslut​ @pastathighs​ @geniusgub @90spumkin​ @trina2323​ @70sreid @blxckhearthood​ @meme-lord-and-savior-sebastian​ @baby-pogue​ @sluttytears​ @187-reid @gubler2323 @flawlesslyexecuted @iamgonnaleaveroach @libidinexx @reidsbbg @dancestargia @agentadhd

{Message or comment if you wanna be tagged or removed! thank you for your support}

[youbloodymadgenius]

Happiness is Everything (Modern!Ivar x reader)

A/N: This wasn’t requested; I needed to give my boy some love, and a strong bond with Hvitserk. It’s nothing but a silly comfort fic.

@geekandbooknerd​ - Thank you for beta reading this for me 💖

@zuxiezendler​ - Thank you ���🌸 (and you know why)

Let me know if you want to be tagged 😊

Summary: Ivar doesn't want any more set-ups. Hvitserk’s stubborn girlfriend disagrees.

Warnings: a tiny bit of angst due to Ivar’s temper and insecurities; an obvious lack of plot; lack of creativity; fluff+++.

Words: 2575

Stifling a hiss of pain, Ivar flops down on the couch, leaning his crutch against its armrest. 

 "Here." Hvitserk joins him, handing him a beer before gulping a long sip of his. "So, brother," Hvitserk's face is slightly crumpled as he looks at him, "There's a last-minute change." 

 With a tight-lipped expression on his face, Ivar frowns. He hates last-minute changes with a passion. "What are you talking about, Hvitserk?" He asks curtly while massaging his right thigh absently. 

 "Thora will be with us tonight." Hvitserk shrugs, his discomfort obvious. 

 "Okay." Ivar tilts his head, confused. Every Thursday night, he and his brother spend the night together. Usually at Hvitserk’s place, eating frozen pizzas – a lot of them, Hvitserk being Hvitserk. Most of the time, Thora, who enjoys spending time with her friends, leaves them alone. Sometimes she stays home though, and honestly, it's fine. The truth is, he likes Thora. She's smart and funny, and uncomplicated. Sure, he didn't warm to her right away. It took time. But now, it's okay. He probably won't say it out loud, but yeah, he likes her.

 "So…" Raising a brow, Ivar takes a sip of his beer, "It's no big deal." As Hvitserk keeps silent, Ivar scrutinizes him. His brother is clearly nervous and not at ease at all. Ivar slowly licks his lips. "What are you not telling me, brother?" He knows he's right when Hvitserk lowers his gaze.

 "Well…" Hvitserk clears his throat, "She won't be alone."

A wide-eyed look on his face, Ivar snarls, pursing his lips. "What does that mean, Hvitserk?" The icy cold tone of his voice matches his hard stare, his knuckles turning white as he clenches his hands into fists. 

 Hvitserk winces, "You know what it means, brother," before taking a seat in the armchair across from Ivar, the small coffee table between them suddenly highly appreciated. One can never be too careful when facing Ivar's anger. 

 "Are you fucking kidding me?" Clenching his jaw, Ivar bangs his fist on the table, and Hvitserk immediately leans forward, catching his brother's beer just before it falls down. 

 "I'm not, Ivar. Listen, I'm sorry but Tho–"

 Ivar cuts him off, running nervously his hands through his hair. "I can't believe it! Remember the fiasco with Thora's cousin? And then with her colleague? What was her name? Livia? Lisa? See, she didn’t even stay long enough for me to remember. Anyway, I thought I was pretty clear after that, wasn't I? Maybe you and your girlfriend should go and check your hearing, what do you think, hm, brother?" His voice dripping with sarcasm, Ivar gives Hvitserk dagger eyes, his pointer finger tapping the side of his head. "No more set-ups. That's what I said, right? Sounds pretty clear, huh? Do I need to tell it again, brother? Look at my mouth, I wouldn't want you to miss it this time,” He points to his lips then in a sarcastic manner, “No. More. Set-ups. No. More. Blind. Dates." Bottom lip quivering, Ivar, who's boiling mad, struggles to hold back his anger.

 "I know, brother…" Hvitserk swallows, rubbing his hand over his face, "but you know Thora means well, don't you? I briefly met Y/N once and honestly, she seemed nice enough. Plus, Thora's not really setting you up. We'll be together, the four of us, here, just eating pizza, it hardly counts as a date, don't you think?"

 Disgruntled, Ivar heaves an exasperated sigh, his nostrils flaring. "Stop playing dumb, Hvit, and don't tell me you've never heard of double dates!" He stares at his brother, his pupils dilated, shading his eyes darker blue. "Anyway, it doesn't matter." As he reaches for his crutch, a scowl on his face, Hvitserk stands up, his brow furrowed. "What are you doing?"

 "Isn't that obvious?" Ivar mocks him while adjusting his legs in front of him. "I'm leaving!" Shifting his butt forward, he laces his left arm through the metal loop of his crutch, places his right hand on the coffee table, and then slowly hauls himself to his feet, grunting and swearing under his breath. He has a false start, where it seems he's going to fall right back onto the couch, but Hvitserk catches him skilfully, gripping his upper right arm. As soon as he's sure his baby brother has found his balance, Hvitserk releases his arm and Ivar gives him a tight, thank-you smile. 

 Hvitserk barely nods, as if nothing happened. And gosh, Ivar may be mad at him about this stupid set-up-non-set-up thing, but right now he's feeling mostly grateful. His brother not making a big deal out of his struggles never fails to amaze him.

With any other of his brothers, it wouldn't have been the same. 

Bjorn would have looked at him as if he were an utter failure, and then maybe helped him – out of pity, Ivar is sure of that – but not without paternally patting him on the shoulder; or even worse, on the head. The thought makes him cringe and he shakes his head, chasing it away. Bjorn is no longer around anyway, busy traveling around the world with his fourth wife. Or maybe it's the fifth? Ivar lost count a long time ago. 

 Sigurd would have kicked his crutch out from under him while Ubbe would have forced him to sit down, hovering beside him for far too long, afraid he would slip or stumble, or break a bone. Between Ubbe and Sigurd, between plague and cholera, Ivar is honestly not sure which one is better. Or worse. After all, it's all a matter of perspective. 

 Fortunately, Hvitserk – his favourite brother, and it is no coincidence – never treats him differently; never belittles him; never mothers nor smothers him. With him, Ivar feels like he's normal.

 Gratefulness flooding his mind, a pang of guilt suddenly hits him. He knows that if he leaves, he will put his brother in a difficult position. Though his resolve remains unshaken, Ivar puts a hand on his brother's shoulder, and when he speaks again, it's in a softer voice. "Listen, brother, just tell them I cancelled because I wasn't feeling well, okay?"

 Technically speaking, it's not even a lie. Today has been what his beloved mother would have called a 'bad leg day'. The pain coursing through his lower limbs worse and the muscles stiffer than usual, his right leg barely moving due to its swollen joints, he had taken a double dose of painkillers earlier, regrettably with little to no effect.

 "Well, brother," Looking out of the window, Hvitserk grimaces, an uneasy grin on the corner of his lips, "I'm afraid it's too late." 

 As if on cue, the door busts open and a girly chuckle can be heard. Ivar clenches his jaw and tightens his grip on the handle of his crutch. As you and Thora take off your coats and shoes in the doorway, Hvitserk mutters, his mouth on his brother's ear, "Behave Ivar, please. For my sake." 

 Ivar snorts, exhaling deeply. "I'll try." He closes his eyes and, shaking his head, he mumbles, fighting a lump in his throat. "It's… It's not that easy. Fuck Hvitserk, you don't even know…I wish I wasn’t so angry all the time. I… I might have been happy." His voice, barely a whisper at this point, cracks at the end, and he hates himself for that.  

 Astounded, Hvitserk isn't even sure he heard right. There's no time left to ask Ivar to repeat himself though, so he somewhat haphazardly decides to comfort him, nevertheless. "You'll get there, brother." He eventually breathes, still stunned by his brother's unexpected admission.

  "We're coming!!" Unaware of the tension in the room, Thora shouts enthusiastically before crossing it in two long strides. All smiles, she joins the brothers, winking at her lover and squeezing his hand, and gives Ivar a peck on the cheek followed by a wholehearted hug. She then steps away, gesturing toward you as Hvitserk wraps his arm around her shoulders. "Ivar, this is Y/N."

 Reluctantly, Ivar looks in your direction and the moment he sets his eyes on you, his breath catches in his throat and he knows he's screwed. Already smitten. Gods, you're glowing and insanely beautiful. He barely hears Thora's next words. "And Y/N, this is Ivar, Hvitserk's little brother."

 A beaming smile on your face, you wave at him before taking two shy steps forward. "Hello, Ivar." Even your voice is wonderful, sweet, and silky, and he can't help but smile back at you, annoyed with himself for being so weak. 

 Even if he can see the sparkle in your eyes as you look at him, even if your smile is devastating, he knows better. 

 It won't last. It can't.

 For now, standing tall in his brother's living room, he's aware you surely find him attractive. With no false modesty, Ivar knows about his good looks, his huge blue eyes his greatest asset. Of course, you must have noticed the crutch, but the crutch per se is barely a turn-off. You can't see his titanium leg braces, which he stubbornly wears under his pants, even if they often bruise the thin and delicate skin of his calves. You can't see his crippling pain, his struggles. You can't see his distorted bones and his hideous legs. You can't see how disabled, how crippled he really is. But he knows that as soon as he takes a step, you'll get a small glimpse, and then the sparkle will leave your eyes, replaced at best by polite indifference, at worst by pity and disgust. 

 Yet, there's nowhere to hide from the inevitable. So, he decisively closes the gap between you and him, leaning heavily on his crutch, dragging his useless right leg behind him, and eventually standing right in front of you, he extends his hand. "Nice to meet you." His gaze never leaves your face, Ivar awaiting for you to avert your eyes, but you surprisingly don't. And as you reach out and offer him a firm handshake, your smile never falters, the sparkle still dancing in your eyes. 

 *** One year later ***

 You stir and turn toward him, your hand searching and finding his chest, and then lay your head on his shoulder. Groggy with sleep, you just mumble his name, eyes still closed, before letting out a content sigh and Ivar can't help but smile; you're so adorable.  

 Wrapping his arm around your waist, he draws you closer, running his fingers along your back and pressing his lips to your head. Rewarded by kisses in the crook of his neck, his free hand settles on your hip, your skin warm and smooth under his fingertips. "Hi," he greets you and buries his nose in your hair, deeply inhaling your scent.

 "Hi." You eventually mumble with a raspy voice, now peppering light kisses all over his broad torso. "What were you doing, my love?" Your eyes flutter open and, propping yourself up on your elbow, your other hand flat on his chest, you offer him a warm smile. There's so much love in your eyes, it takes his breath away. 

 "I was remembering." Ivar smiles fondly at you, grabbing your hand and bringing it to his mouth. "Do you know what day it is?" He asks, gently kissing your knuckles one after the other. 

 "How could I have forgotten?" You scoot even closer, your breast against his chest, your mouth barely an inch from his. "Today is the anniversary of the day we met, my love. That's what you were thinking about?"

 Ivar nods before laying you down on the bed tenderly. He then sits up, running his hands through his hair. "I remember as though it were yesterday, you know? I still can't believe you didn't run away." Sitting behind him, you wrap your legs around his waist and your arms around his shoulders, trapping him in your embrace, in your love. "You stayed…", his voice trembles as he gestures to his legs, hidden under the sheets, "… you stayed in spite of… of them…" He swallows loudly and your heart aches.

 Resting your head on his left shoulder, you shake your head. "No, my love, I didn’t stay in spite of your legs, but because of them." 

 Ivar is looking downward but as soon as the words escape your lips, he snaps his head to the side, a frown flitting across his face, and gives you a confused and slightly upset look. "What do you… What do you mean?" He stammers, suddenly tense.

 Shifting in the bed, you carefully straddle him, tilting his chin with a curled finger and forcing him to meet your gaze. "Don't get me wrong, Ivar. I'm not especially attracted to your legs. It's not some kind of weird fetish. I stayed because of what is in here." You put your finger on his forehead, and then over his heart. "And here. But your legs made you who you are. And you're different. A good kind of different. You don't think like other men. That's what I love the most about you. You're unpredictable; you always surprise me. You wouldn't have been who you are without your legs." A gentle hand sliding under the sheets, your fingers graze his scarred skin. "With two working legs, who knows what you would have been. You probably would have been a presumptuous womanizer like Bjorn. Or you might have been as boring as Ubbe; as careless as Hvitserk; as annoying as Sigurd. You are who you are, infuriating, smart, and stubborn, and, I must say, breathtakingly handsome, and I love you exactly the way you are." 

 Ivar just looks at you for a long time, a small smile playing on his lips. Raising his right hand, he cups your face. "Never stop telling me you love me, Y/N. Please..." You never saw him so willingly vulnerable before, and it breaks your heart – you never want him to doubt himself – as much as it fills you with joy – he trusts you enough to share his insecurities with you. 

 You answer him without missing a beat. "I won't. I love you more than my own life. I love you bigger than the sky and its stars, I love you to the moon and back. I love you like I never thought I could. Loving you is a blessing, a precious gift, the meaning of my life. I love you and only you, Ivar Lothbrok."

 Blinking a few times, Ivar heaves a shuddering breath. Tears come to his bright blue eyes and the expression on his face is unreadable; fragile and strong all at once. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but then closes it. Staring into space, he seems lost.

 Stroking his cheek, you bring him back to the here and now, back to you, kissing his earlobe, his jaw, his neck, before returning briefly to his mouth. "What is it, Ivar?"

 Your lover shrugs, "Nothing, really," and pulls you closer, his hands on your back, his breath on your face, his manly scent enticing you. "Or more accurately…", he whispers in your ear, "… Nothing, yet everything." 

 Not understanding what he's getting at, you keep quiet, just staring at him, confusion obvious in your eyes. He then offers you a mind-blowing smile, and your heart nearly jumps out through your mouth at his next words. 

 "I may be happy. Actually, I think I am."

 🛡⚔️🛡

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[wincore]

In the rain, sad or hurt feelings, and Hendery please~ thank you~

theme: rich kid!au, fake dating!au

You should’ve known. You should’ve known. You should’ve fucking known.

You swallow the bile rising in your throat along with the anger of unsaid words that leave hot patches as they trail down to your stomach. Even the thought of his face gives you a headache, stupid smile and kind eyes. He’s not supposed to look like that to you. You’re not supposed to see someone beautiful in a person like him.

You pull your jacket up so that it doesn’t droop against your shoulder anymore. The air smells like rain and although it stopped a while ago, there’s chances for it to begin once again, a watery envelope for a world that doesn’t bat an eyelash at its own people. It’s only a few more minutes till you reach the subway station, Shanghai winds trying their best to drag your body in the other direction. People pass you by in a hurry, some with children, some with a lover and some alone. You dare not look; there’s a certain fear that you might see something else in them altogether. You grit your teeth. The nauseating classical music’s still ringing in your ears, from a party you wish you hadn’t attended.

You look down, the dirt on your shoes catching your eye. You found it distasteful, always scrubbing them clean whenever you got the chance but Kunhang, he never saw it that way. He’s a fascinating person, you thought, far from the self-destructive, artificial rich you have the image of. You want to swear at yourself for thinking of him and his voice, always, even now.

“It means you’ve got the world on you,” he says, laughing. “Wherever you go, the earth will remember you when you come back.”

“Kunhang.” You pause to join in his laughter. Sunlight in his eyes shouldn’t be having this effect on you. He shouldn’t be saying things that make you adore him more. This isn’t real. It’s not real. You struggle to enunciate the words in your head these days.

“Kunhang, you make no sense ever. It’s brilliant.”

“My pleasure.”

You hear loud footsteps behind you and make the mistake of turning around.

“(name),” he breathes heavily, hands on his knees as he tries to look up at you. There’s the bruise on his cheek that hasn’t healed from last week, the makeup over it already worn off in the rain and wind. His dress shirt is soaked through, jacket shrugged off and mud on the hem of his pants. There’s a cut on his lips that you’re sure wasn’t there before. What did he break now? you think. Apart from your heart, of course.

Wong Kunhang looks disheveled, worried and everything that he is not.

You turn back round and keep walking. It’s you who gives him space in your heart like this. You can just walk away. You can just walk away. You try to keep the inconsistency of your breathing in check.

“(name), please!”

You hear the footsteps get quicker and louder till there’s a hand on your shoulder and you immediately shrug it off before turning around to shoot your worst glare. Just like you used to. It can go back to being the way it used to.

“Leave me alone.”

You should’ve had the courage to say those words earlier, when he hadn’t tied you into this mess. You should’ve yelled at him, thrown a few punches, anything but complied with only a scoff to accompany.

“Look,” Kunhang waves his hands around with a spaced out look on him, “It’ll be good for the both of us.”

“Oh? How exactly?” You roll your eyes. “Pray tell.”

Resident rich kid Wong Kunhang shouldn’t be pulling you, of all people, into a desolate corner after classes. You don’t think you have more than fifty dollars to your name, your parents own a floor of a city mall that’s about to shut down and you work in customer service, for fuck’s sake.

“The old city mall. I can get it back in business.”

You quirk your eyebrow up. He somehow manages to sound in high spirits despite whispering to you as if he’s spilling secrets. Why does he smile like that, so honest?

“I don’t want to be engaged when I’m barely out of university,” he continues, “and you don’t want your mall to get shut down. Am I right?”

Kunhang simply breathes, at a loss for words. You catch the hurt in his eyes before he straightens, eyes flitting to anywhere but you. His hair is a mess, dark locks straying out of place and his nose and cheeks are a noticeable red; you don’t want to see him like this. You correct yourself. You don’t want to see him at all.

“I’m sorry—”

“Save it.” You feel the anger growling out of you. “This was a mistake.”   

“Please don’t say that.”

You look him in the eye, biting your lip so you don’t immediately curse him out. What gave him the right? Because he’s richer than you? Because he has more power than you? Because you are clearly no more than a scheme to him? He thinks he’s clever—he’s right, but he doesn’t have to be painfully so.

“I’ll cancel the plans. I’ll pay for the damage. I’ll renew the entire place. I’ll do anything,” he blurts. “Please, please don’t go.”

Kunhang steps forward, the distance between you less than a foot. It kills you to see him begging like this—and for what? A marriage he desperately wants to call off? That doesn’t mean you’re something. You’re nothing more than a means to an end. It’s what people like you are for.

“And if I stay?” you speak, voice seething in a pitch lower than you’re used to. “How long do I have to keep doing that? How long do we just pretend I’m not a pawn in a game you’re playing?”

“I don’t play games,” he says, lips pressing into a thin line. “I- I just…”

It starts to drizzle. The people around you take out their umbrellas the previous showers had prepared them for, a flurry of nylon sounds around you. The pavement, not yet dried, is once again a dark ashy color, water pooling at the edge of the sidewalk. You want to look anywhere but at him. 

When Wong Kunhang asked you to be his lover, you expected a catch. You didn’t expect a betrayal.

“This place is giving me a headache,” you say, wrinkling your nose. “Why are there so many people?”

“Eh, the press isn’t even here,” Kunhang responds, a smile playing on his lips. “Let me tell you, the tarts are the best thing.”

You pick one up from the large tray placed carefully on the pristine white cloth covering the table, the scent of chocolate making you hum.

A sense of peace entangles the two of you in warm, golden ribbons. Unnoticed by the rest of the crowd, all they’ll see are two ‘lovers’ smiling and laughing by the dessert table like children. You might just tell him tonight. 

Of course, when Kunhang’s father announced their company’s purchase of the old city mall, your parents’ and many other people’s hard work—you had nothing but hurt and embarrassment in your chest as you walked out the doors. You’d doubted someone would notice your absence. But you couldn’t stay there without making some sort scene, something too unsightly for the likes of them.

You suddenly remembered why you hated Kunhang and people like him. 

“You used me, Kunhang,” you say, giving up. You’re tired. “That’s a fact.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I won’t let anything happen to that place, I swear. I didn’t know this would happen.”

You sigh. It hurts, it hurts. You can’t do anything about it. You want to believe in him, the sound of his voice. Your lips tremble, the ringing in your ears louder as you try to hold your tears back. You’re not weak. You don’t want him to see what people in his status see you as.

Kunhang places his hand against your cheek and you’re surprised at yourself for not shying away. There’s an emotion in his eyes you can’t quite decipher, something melting, something sweet. He brushes the hair out of your face, the cold quite forgotten in the warmth he gives off.

Kunhang is kind, and you hate him for it.

“I love you,” he says. 

You hold your breathe for a good few seconds, taken aback.

“Are you lying to me?”

“The only time I lied was when I asked you out on expensive ass fake dates,” he answers, a short laugh escaping his mouth before his voice hushes to a whisper. “You always dragged me away from those places anyway. Thank you.”

You scoff, the tears silent in their path across your cheeks. He presses his fingers against them, wiping them off and whispers an ‘I’m sorry’ once again.

“May I?” he asks, leaning in his face closer to yours.

You nod weakly, suddenly relishing the warmth that comes with his lips against yours. It’s not fireworks or the taste of chocolate. It’s a little wet, to be honest, and something close to gentle. You melt anyway, the sensation dizzying you with its warmth, reassurance and feelings you wanted to throw away minutes ago.

It’s different from when he’d almost kissed you by his swimming pool, his sisters giggling and teasing him about it. What they didn’t know was your fist against his stomach, and the weak sound he’d choked out while his arms still encased you and the laughter that bubbled up in him afterwards. He’d apologized. He didn’t mean to do it. You hated yourself for wishing you’d let him.

Kunhang slips his arm around your waist to pull you closer, giving you full cover from the soft drops of rain. It’s suddenly hard to get rid of the fragrance of him, cassis sorbet and redcurrant, annoyingly rich and yet of course—he’s more than that. Kunhang, to you, smells faintly of sycamore, running around in secret neighborhoods of a cosmopolis, and vaguely of antiseptic cream, with all the self-inflicted injuries he gets from his ‘miscalculations’. Kunhang, to you, feels the opposite of betrayal and hurt. Kunhang, to you, is more than you’d ever say.

The downpour gets heavier, startling the two of you away from each other. You look at his face, eyes to lips and feel the dense knot loosening in your chest. His lips are a little swollen and his eyes lowered, as he breathes softly in time with you. Why does he always look that way, so paradoxically honest?

Kunhang tries his best to shield you from the rain as you run for shelter to the overhang of some shop door, hands over your head and you sigh at the futility. You’re so stupid, you want to say again, after falling into the habit of it at his everyday chaos. 

“Stop doing that,” you say instead. “Protecting me.”

“I know you’re strong,” he says, grinning. “And smart. I just think you don’t have to defend yourself all the time, you know?”

You bite your lip but the smile comes out anyway. You look to him to find his smile grown wider. The sound of rain against the pavement gets louder and you sigh at the warmth of his hand entangled in yours.

“I feel like a mess, Kunhang,” you say softly, “I hate feeling this way.”

“I know,” he responds, “but we’ll figure this out.”

He looks around, large eyes darting around at the sky, buildings and people around. 

“Hopefully before we get pneumonia,” he adds.

You laugh, regaining strength after the emotional meltdown you just experienced. Your head feels a little dizzy but you grip onto Kunhang, reality soaking in drip by drip. Is it love, to feel this way? Anger and adoration side by side?

“Kunhang,” you say quietly. “What’s going to happen?”

“We can go to that fried chicken place if you like,” he says, a goofy smile on his face before it turns serious. “Is that a date? I wanted the next date to be nicer- I mean I could ask you to marry me right now too but there’s like issues to sort out I guess—”

“No, idiot,” you say, ears suddenly too warm at the mention of marriage, “I meant the mall. Our mall.” 

He falls silent for a few dreary seconds, and your heart drops. This wasn’t just…for show, was it? That’s not like him. He smiles again, the curiously cheerful light twinkling in his eyes once more.

“We can explain together at the next company meeting.”

[iwritesickfic]

not if it’s you

Bo knew that calling out sick for a day would mean he’d see Dell at some point after he was done with whatever he had to do. Part of him is hoping that Dell doesn’t know why he has the day off, but Dell isn’t an idiot. 

Part of Bo’s reasoning is that even though he probably could work, he really shouldn’t. He’s told Dell enough times to not wait until it’s so awful he can’t get out of bed to get some rest, so he’s partially taking his own advice. That said, he feels pretty terrible. Whatever this virus is, it’s absolutely vicious. His sinuses feel like they’re full of concrete, his nose won’t stop streaming and most aggravatingly, he’s sneezing. Maybe for some people sneezing is the least of their worries, but with the aching in his swollen sinuses it makes it feel like someone’s driving a stake between his eyes. 

The final reason is that Bo never really gets sick, and if he does it’s always mild, so he can’t imagine how Dell, who’s genuinely miserable with what others would call a cold, could handle this. The chances are pretty good he’s going to catch it even with Bo taking a day off, but it’s worth a try. Which is why he’s hoping Dell won’t show up at his door tonight, even though he knows it’s inevitable. 

And just as he expected, at 8 PM there’s a knock on the door. Bo takes a deep breath and spends a moment in front of the mirror trying to look less shitty than he feels before opening the door. 

“Hi,” he says, and Dell smiles. Even feeling like this it makes Bo’s heart melt. 

“Hi. You’re sick,” he says, and it’s not really a question but Bo nods. 

“You shouldn’t be here.” All he wants is to be held right now, to be taken care of and looked after and loved but it’s selfish to ask those things of Dell, even if he’s offering them.

“I’ll be fine,” he says, and Bo sighs. His head is really starting to ache from being upright. Dell starts to lean in, and Bo has to put a hand on his chest.

“I really don’t want you to catch this.” Dell tucks a bit of hair behind his ear, and Bo can feel his fingertips brush his temple.

“C’mon, you’re breaking my heart.” His voice is so hard to resist, he’s too damn charming. “Probably caught it already anyway.”

“Well you’re definitely going to if you come in.” A few sneezes catch him off gaurd, and though he’s able to catch them in his sleeve, his head throbs and it’s so bad he’s swaying on his feet. Then, he feels steady arms pull him close, his aching head against Dell’s chest. It feels incredible, being held, and he lets out a shaky breath.

They stay like that for a while in silence, one of Dell’s hands rubbing his back.

“You’re running a fever,” he finally says, and Bo hums in response. There’s another long pause before he speaks again. “Listen, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll go, but you have to take tomorrow off and you have to text me, ok?” Bo breathes a sigh of relief and nods against Dell’s chest. “Alright. One more thing.”

They pull apart, and immediately Bo is disappointed, the steady comfort is gone as quick as it came.

“What?” He asks, and without warning, Dell presses a lingering kiss to his forehead. Clever of him not to ask first, as Bo definitely would’ve said no, but it feels so nice he doesn’t complain.

“I’ll see you the day after tomorrow,” he says, and Bo nods, forcing a little smile. “Good.” He smirks. “Now go get some sleep you look like hell.”

--

Two days later the illness is almost completely gone, the only remnant the odd sniffle here or there and the soreness of his nose from being rubbed raw with tissues. 

He’s glad they’ll be working - it takes care of the whole no-kissing thing without Bo having to actively decline, which is good because he’s pretty sure he’d give in just seeing his smile.

He’s hyper focused on Dell throughout the day, and luckily it seems like he’s feeling fine. He has small tells that Bo’s learned to recognize, but nothing seems off. Usually after work they’d have dinner, but Bo decides it’s best if he doesn’t risk it.

But, the next morning, he sees Dell and his heart immediately sinks. He definitely hasn’t slept well, and he’s touching his septum with his knuckle which nine times out of ten means he’s coming down with something.

“We should take the day off,” he says, and Dell sighs.

“I’m fine. Really.” Bo bites his lip. “Promise. If I feel bad I’ll let you know.” Bo must still look skeptical because Dell puts a hand on his shoulder. “Trust me, I’d love to take a break every time I feel like shit but I have responsibilities. The world’s not gonna stop for me.”

Bo wants to argue but he knows Dell’s right, at least partially. Now of all times it’d be hardest to get a break. He’s still in the process of transitioning into his new role which originally was supposed to be king, but is now just taking over all of the policy his mother doesn’t want to handle. The royal titles are mostly symbolic, but their family still wields considerable political power.

While there’s always tension between Dell and his mother, lately it’s been more pronounced than ever. Things are moving fast and he can’t afford to stumble.

 “Promise you’ll tell me if you need to slow down.” Dell smiles.

“I promise. You’re really cute when you’re worried.” That manages to draw out a laugh, and Dell seems pleased.

The rest of the day goes smoothly, but Bo can tell he’s feeling worse and worse. By the end of the day, Bo’s already trying to see how possible it’d be to cancel their day tomorrow. Better to get a jump on the inevitable.

He’s relieved when they’ve finally reached the end of the day, but almost immediately there’s a new problem.

“Why wasn’t it on the agenda?” Bo asks, and Dell sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose like he does when he has a headache.

“It’s a family thing, I thought you knew about it. It’s not a big deal, it’s just a dinner.” It’s not just a dinner, Bo knows that. They’ll be entertaining some group of politicians for most of the night, then he’ll have to spend at least a few hours with his family and Emilia. But there’s really nothing to be done. Family commitments are non-negotiable. “I feel ok, really. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, ok?”

Bo takes a deep breath and nods.

“Tomorrow morning.”

The minute he doesn’t see Dell at 6:30 the next morning in the front driveway, waiting for the car, he knows something is definitely wrong. Dell’s never late. Ever. Still, he waits 15 minutes. When he doesn’t show by 6:45, Bo makes his way upstairs and through the maze of hallways to Dell’s apartment. 

He knocks once, twice, three times, all to no response. Finally, he just opens the door. The room is dark, and for a moment Bo thinks maybe he’s not here, when he hears a few muffled sneezes.

He flips on the lights, walking over to the bed where he now sees a lump underneath the comforter.

“Hey,” he says, trying to keep his voice low. If he caught what Bo had he’s probably got a pretty bad headache. When he gets close enough he finally sees Dell curled up under the heavy blanket all the way up to his nose, eyes red rimmed and unfocused. Carefully, Bo sits on the edge of the bed, and Dell lets out a soft little moan. He tries to be gentle, but even pressing his palm to his forehead draws out another half-moan half-whimper.

He’s incredibly warm, but that’s not really a surprise.

“Fuck, did I sleep in?” he mumbles, voice thick with congestion.

“No, you’re fine,” Bo says, not wanting to make him feel any worse. Normally Dell’s sharp enough to tell when Bo’s bullshitting, but now he just accepts the information without complaint. He just lays still while Bo runs his fingers through his hair. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Head fuckin hurts. A lot.” Bo can tell. Dell doesn’t offer anything more, so Bo lets his thumb run back and forth against his hot temple.

“Migraine?” he prompts, and Dell makes a small sound from the back of his throat. “That’s a yes?”

“I don’t know, Bo. I just feel awful.” His voice sounds unsteady, like he might cry, which ratchets Bo’s anxiety up a notch. That and the fact he’s actually admitting to feeling terrible. Usually statements like that are followed by “but i’m alright,” or “but it’s not so bad.” He starts to sit up, and his face immediately goes pale. Bo guides him the rest of the way so he’s upright, but lets him rest his weight against his chest. His head is tucked into the crook of Bo’s neck. His breathing is strained.

“Hey, it’s alright, just relax, ok?” Dell shakes his head, and Bo sighs. “What’s wrong with that?”

“I have to get up.”

“I promise you don’t.”

“I’ll take an ibuprofen, it’ll be fine.” He’s shaking, but Bo’s not sure if it’s from exhaustion or the fever. 

“Hate to rain on the parade but you can barely sit up. I’m not just telling you to stay in bed, I -”

“Yes you are,” Dell argues back weakly. Bo almost wants to let it happen. For Dell to get up and pass out  just so he’ll understand what’s going on. 

“It’s not an opinion, i swear, i’m being objective here. You’re just too sick.” Dell lets out a small huff and tries to sit up straight. He manages, and somehow gets his legs over the edge of the bed. Bo sighs.

And of course, just as he anticipated, the minute Dell tries to stand on his own his knees go weak. Luckily Bo’s able to catch him and get him stable again pretty quickly, but the damage is done. The shaking is even worse now, and with every exhale there’s a little pained sound. 

“Fuck,” he finally says, and Bo presses a kiss to his temple.

“Just relax, ok?” He says, and Dell nods. Just as he’s pulling away, he lets out a harsh sneeze, followed by what can only be described as a moan. Two more come soon after, and it’s abundantly clear they’re worsening the pain in his head. He sniffles, which draws out another soft moan.

Bo pulls far enough away so his hands rest on Dell’s flushed cheeks, and experimentally, he presses his thumb into the space under his eye and to the side of his nose. Immediately he lets out a choked sob, and Bo frowns. His sinuses are so swollen Bo can tell from that one touch alone he’s got a sinus infection, and a bad one at that. It’s no wonder his headache is so awful. He remembers his own bout with this and how terribly his own head ached. He can’t imagine how Dell must feel. 

“I am so sorry,” he whispers, and Dell shakes his head.

“It’s not your fault,” he says, and Bo sighs. “M’gonna lay back down, ok?” he mumbles, and Bo nods.

“Yeah, definitely. I’m gonna grab some stuff, I’ll be right back.” He nods, and Bo gets up. In the bathroom cabinet he finds a few things that might help, but he’s not totally sure. He has the thermometer, obviously, and at first he considers something cold to help the fever but decides something warm is probably better to help the ache. He remembers an old trick he used to use in university when he ran track, a quick way to make a hot compress.

He brings the supplies he’s got so far back to the bedside table and slips the thermometer under his tongue, before going to the closet and grabbing a sock. It takes him a minute to find the right drawer, but when he does he heads into the kitchen. It takes another minute to find the rice, but when he does he fills the sock about halfway and ties the end, then sticks it in the microwave. It’s sort of strange, but if it works it works. 

When he finally gets back to Dell, the thermometer’s long done. 102.4. Bad, but not catastrophic. Yet. He takes the hot pack and lays it over Dell’s closed eyes, and he lets out a little gasp.

“Does it hurt?” he asks, panicked for a moment.

“No. Feels good,” he mumbles, and Bo is about to reply when his phone starts to ring. Loudly. Dell’s expression tightens, and Bo fumbles to answer the call. He gets up, walking over to the couch.

“Hello?”

“Bo, shit, what’s going on?” It’s one of the family’s other assistants, Marina.

“Dell’s sick. I was just about to call.”

“So when will he be ready?” Bo braces himself.

“He can’t get out of bed.”

“When did you become a doctor?!” She snaps.

“Mari, I’m serious.”

“I’m serious too!”

“He almost passed out trying to stand up, there’s no way he’s going anywhere. Even doped up on whatever, it’s not happening.” There’s a long silence.

“Well...” she trails off. “Shit. You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Alright.” She sighs. “I’ll clear everything today and tomorrow, and I’ll put in a med assist request. You better not be exaggerating. This totally fucks the entire week.”

“Why would I -”

“Because he has you wrapped around his finger, Bo.”

“I’m not gonna talk about this with you. Just text me about the med assist and let me know if I need to make any calls.”

“Alright. Talk later.”

“Thanks.” When he hangs up he lets out a heavy sigh, and Dell’s weak fever slurred voice pipes up from the bed.

“Who was it?” 

Bo shoves his phone in his pocket and heads back over to where he was sitting on the edge of the mattress.

“Just Mari.” 

“Why? You said we’re not late.” Bo goes back to playing with his hair, hoping the touch is comforting.

“Everything’s cancelled.” Dell still looks confused.

“Why?” Bo considers his options. He could just tell him the truth - it’s because he’s too sick to even get out of bed - but that might just stress him out more. Knowing that he’s the reason everything’s been rearranged will just make him feel worse.

“She didn’t say.” Luckily, he seems to accept that answer without question, but Bo can tell there’s something more bothering him. “Was everything ok last night?” Dell sniffles, and Bo hands him a tissue from the almost-empty box on the nightstand. He takes the now room temperature compress and puts it on the bedside table.

“No, I didn’t sleep good.”

“I mean with the dinner and everything.” 

“Oh. Uh, it wasn’t great. Just family drama.” He pauses. “No one gives a shit about me, Bo.” Immediately Bo’s hand goes to cup his cheek.

“That’s not true.” Usually Dell doesn’t discuss any of his family issues, even when it’s just the two of them. He’s always diplomatic and vague, never really expressing any opinion. Bo gives a soft smile. “I do, right?”

“Not you, that’s not what I meant,” he says, and Bo sighs.

“Well what makes you say that?” Dell looks lost, his mind cloudy with fever, so Bo resates. “That no one gives a shit about you. What would make you think that?”

“I was so fucking sick last night.” He ends the sentence there but Bo can infer the rest of the meaning. And no one cared. 

“To be fair, you’re very good at looking perfectly fine when you feel like shit.” Bo offers, but Dell’s expression doesn’t change.

“ I can’t...it’s hard to explain it.”

“It’s alright, I understand.” He doesn’t, but the conversation is clearly only making Dell more upset. “Can I get you to eat something?” He asks, and Dell sighs.

“I guess. I don’t know. Can you ask Mari why everything’s cancelled? That doesn’t make sense.” Bo bites his lip. 

“Yeah, I can ask her.” He’s wondering how he’ll even begin to think of a believable lie when his phone buzzes in his pocket. He opens his texts. 

medical got denied. Bo frowns, typing back quickly.

what? why?

She texts back almost immediately.

they didn’t say. schedule is clear though, so that’s something at least.

The frustration must show on his face because Dell speaks up.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, just give me a second,” he says, and types back.

he needs the med assist

Another message comes through.

relax. he gets sick all the time its not a big deal 

Bo closes his phone and shoves it into his pocket, trying not to look as angry as he feels. 

“What?” Dell asks, and Bo sighs, brushing some of the hair off his forehead. 

“Just Mari giving me shit, it’s fine.” Dell frowns.

“What did she say about the schedule?” He asks, voice distorted by congestion and fever. Bo takes a deep breath.

“Today and tomorrow everything’s cancelled.” Dell still looks confused.

“Why though?” Bo is really having to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of being truthful. If he lies, Dell might feel better for the moment, but he’s eventually going to find out the reality. But if he is honest - that he told Mari he was too sick to get out of bed - it’ll cause some more immediate problems. Bo decides that he’s going to keep an even keel, and cross the truth-bridge when they get there.

“I think someone last night noticed you weren’t feeling well.” Dell doesn’t look totally satisfied with that answer. “Your mom maybe?” Dell’s expression immediately shifts to one of almost childlike disbelief, and Bo immediately feels guilty. 

“Yeah?” he asks softly, and a lump forms in Bo’s throat. Would it be so terrible to lie if it’d make him feel so much better? He’s so sick he might not even remember their conversation.

“Mmhmm.” He’s really digging himself a hole here. Dell’s going to be devastated when he finds out it’s not true, but for now if it’s what’s going to keep him in bed that’s probably the most important thing. For most people the worst outcome of not getting proper rest with something this bad would be a prolonged recovery, which isn’t great, but it’s much better than what he knows Dell’s experienced twice - sepsis. When a normal infection gets into the bloodstream and wrecks absolute havoc. Insane fever, every nerve screaming, heart racing -

He hasn’t witnessed it himself, just heard the second-hand accounts from some of the other staff, but he knows enough. The awful immune system, the scar on his sternum, the nightmares and panic attacks - that’s where they all come from. One bout after pneumonia went untreated for two weeks when he was 15, the second from a kidney infection when he was 22. And Bo swears it’ll be over his dead body before it happens a third time. 

So maybe he is overreacting, but he’d rather overreact than have to see Dell go through anything like that. Which is all the more reason Dell needs the med assist. 

“Just when I thought she finally, fully, 100% hated my guts...” Dell mumbles, and Bo bites his lip. He types a text to Mari.

who denied medical?

He slips the phone back into his pocket, and goes back to stroking Dell’s hair. He seems so content, like he’s ready to fall asleep.

“Wait, take these first,” Bo says, and hands him two ibuprofen. He downs them quickly, and wastes no time curling back up under the comforter. Bo’s phone vibrates in his pocket.

who do you think? Bo sighs. Another text comes in.

could definitely change though. she’s trying to set some meetings back up, without him obviously, so she might want him distracted

“You keep looking at your phone like that. What does that mean?” Dell mumbles, and Bo rubs his eyes. 

“It’s just Mari, it’s fine.” He slides it back into his pocket and tries to process everything that’s happening. Dell pouts.

“She’s being mean to you?” He almost smiles, but the look on Dell’s face is earnest. He tests the blonde’s forehead. Definitely a little warmer. Once a fever starts getting into the neighborhood of 103, Dell is a little less...filtered. 

“I can’t talk shit about her, especially not to you,” Bo says, and Dell tries to roll his eyes, but his face screws up in pain. Bo smirks. “What’s up?”

“My entire face fucking hurts.” He takes a deep breath, and Bo’s glad it sounds like his lungs are doing fine. He presses the heels of his palms against his eyes and groans. “My teeth hurt, Bo. My teeth. They’re bones.” Bo can’t suppress a laugh. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dell looks at him like he’s an idiot.

“Bones are like...rocks.”

“They are 100% not like rocks. Why do you think it hurts when you break something?”

“Because there’s stuff around it - whatever.” He takes another deep breath and sneezes wetly into his elbow, followed by a soft moan. “Mari sucks. Why can’t we talk about Mari?” he mumbles, and Bo is surprised he remembers the beginning of the conversation. That said, he’s still clearly operating under the fever - he’d never be so candid if he was in his right mind.

“Because it’d be unprofessional,” Bo says, and Dell laughs.

“How does fucking me fit into unprofessionalism?” He asks, and Bo’s a little relieved he seems to have enough mental wherewithal to be sarcastic. 

“Ok, yeah. You’re right.” Bo’s hand has stopped playing with Dell’s hair. “She just said something about me being wrapped around your finger.” Dell opens his eyes wearily.

“More please,” he mumbles, and Bo furrows his brow. “Your hand. Do more.” Bo cracks a smile and continues his ministrations, carefully running his fingertips through the gold-blonde curls.

“I think she was right,” he says, and Dell frowns.

“Bout what?” 

“I’m wrapped around your finger.”

“No, it’s uh...the snakes. Around that thing,” he says and sniffles again. Bo hands him a tissue.

“I’m not following,” Bo says, catching himself before pulling his hand away from his hair. 

“It’s like...two snakes. Around a thing. It’s on a bunch of stuff...” he says, trailing off, and Bo racks his brain.

“Can you give me...literally anything a little more specific?” Bo asks, and although he’s joking, feverish Dell doesn’t seem to get it.

“I’m trying, my head hurts,” he says, sounding genuinely dismayed, and Bo runs a thumb over his hot temple.

“I know, I’m just teasing.” The image suddenly pops into Bo’s head. “Caduceus! The staff with the two snakes, right?”

“Yeah, I guess. They’re like...they’re wrapped around each other. That’s you and me. Wrapped around each other.” Dell closes his eyes, finally seeming content now that he’s gotten a thought across. 

After that, Dell falls asleep for real, which gives Bo a little time to handle everything else that’s going on.

He walks into the kitchen and closes the door before calling Mari.

“Hey,” she says. “Good news. You’ve got your medical but bad news is I don’t think you’re gonna like it.”

“Why wouldn’t I like it?”

“I’m pretty sure the plan is to have a doctor deem him physically unfit for any sort of real political office.” Bo feels a spike of anger in his chest. “It’s kind of bullshit but it might be better in the long run. With everything going on the past few months, he hasn’t been this bad since college. Or so I’m told. It’s what Will says, anyway.” Will’s been working PR for the royals about 10 years now. “He said stress makes it worse. And you know things have been pretty fucking stressful.” 

Bo doesn’t know where to begin. There’s too much he wants to say.

“You there?” She asks, and Bo sighs.

“Yeah. Unfortunately.” 

“They said they wanted the people there asap, so I’d keep a lookout.”

It’s then that Bo hears voices from the other room.

“I’ve gotta go,” he says, and hangs up before hearing her reply. He walks back into the main living area and sees Dell sitting up against the headboard, a young man and two young women are huddled around him. Bo clears his throat, and they turn.

“Bowen, correct?” the man asks, and Bo nods. “Seeing as Mr. Hagen won’t be needing your services for the rest of the day, you’re free to leave.”

“Bo stays,” Dell says before Bo can even open his mouth. The man nods.

“Alright.” One of the women is pulling out some medical tools, the other seems to be prepping a blood draw. The man doesn’t bother introducing himself to Bo, just continues on his conversation with Dell. Bo can’t be sure what’s already been said, but it’s safe to assume Dell downplayed the severity. 

One of the women, Bo guesses they must be nurses, takes Dell’s temperature with an over the forehead reader. Bo braces himself for the reading.

“100.3. Low grade,” she says, and Dell shoots him a look. Either the fever’s miraculously broken in the five minutes Bo’s been gone, or Dell knows how to cheat the thermometer. The nurse taking his blood pressure frowns.

“That’s odd, he’s very warm. Do we have the tympanic?” The other nurse nods, and grabs an ear thermometer from the bag. Dell’s face has fallen. She puts it in his ear and and he sighs. It beeps, and she pulls it back.

“That’s more like it. 103.1.”

“Fuck,” Dell breathes, and the nurse rubs his shoulder.

“It’s alright, just your body fighting to get well.”

“I know,” he whispers. He looks like he might cry. He doesn’t so much as blink when the other nurse starts taking his blood.

“So we’ve gone over how you’re feeling today...” the man says, flipping through pages in a file. “You said mild headache, upper respiratory congestion?” Dell nods. “We’ll add the fever in, and your blood pressure is low...” He draws out his words as he scribbles things down onto the paper. “Obviously I’m just the RN, and Dr. Jones -”

“Dr. Jones?” Dell interrupts.

“That’s who was requested, right?” Dell frowns.

“I didn’t re- where’s Dr. Hansen?” He asks, and the RN looks surprised but not confused. He looks down at the sheet and presses his lips into a line.

“Alright, uh, I see the problem. Dr. Hansen’s -”

“Don’t tell me he’s busy. He’s not busy. He gets paid to be on call, it’s his job to not be busy,” Dell snaps, and Bo’s a little taken aback. He’s never heard Dell demand anything before. “I know what’s going on here, ok? I’m not an idiot.”

“I think your temp-” one of the nurses starts, and he cuts her off.

“I’m not mad because I have a fever, ok? I’m mad because I’m 24 years old and I’m being treated like a child.” He sighs and rubs his eyes. “I apologize, I’m just very frustrated,” he says, and it’s odd to hear him all of a sudden using his professional voice. “I know it’s not...I’m sorry, this is just your job.” He takes a long pause. “My mother made this request -”

“Oh, no. We were told it was uh...your assistant?” He turns to Bo, “I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

“Bowen,” Dell says, voice flat.

“Right. Bowen spoke with Marina, and communicated to her that you were too ill to leave bed. Marina in turn put in a medical assistance request.” 

Dell pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. 

“Ok, whatever.” He sighs, and when he opens his eyes he looks completely exhausted. “What I mean to say is Dr. Jones reports to my mother, and Dr. Hansen is the doctor with whom I have a confidentiality agreement, so if I’m going to be seen by somebody, I need it to be him. And additionally I’d appreciate it if the vitals were reported exclusively to Dr. Hansen.” 

The RN seems to have no problem with this, looking almost relieved that he hasn’t done something wrong.

“Alright, sounds good. Will do. Is there anything else I should tell him?” His pen is hovering over the paper.

“You can tell Dr. Jones I did a thousand pushups. And to go fuck himself.” The RN laughs nervously, but Dell’s face is blank. “Apologies for my language I’m fuck-” he catches himself and lets out a shuddering breath. “I’m really not feeling well.”

“Right, speaking of that,” the RN seems to be relieved the non-medical part of the conversation has ended, “Like I said I’m not Dr. - I’m not the one who makes the diagnosis, but with a fever that high I’m surprised you don’t feel worse.” He flips back a few pages. “From what you described I’d guess a common cold but it doesn’t square with your vitals.”

“Can I be frank with you?” Dell asks, and the RN twirls his pen nervously.

“Of course, sir.”

“I’m exhausted. If you have what you need -” The RN stands up immediately, and motions for the nurses to grab the bags.

“Yes, of course. Absolutely.” The hurriedly pack their things, and are gone without a trace in under a minute. Dell’s still sitting upright, leaning back against the headboard, eyes closed. Bo sits down on the edge of the mattress. Carefully, he runs his fingers through Dell’s hair.

“I’m not mad at you,” he whispers, but Bo doesn’t reply, just keeps playing with his hair. “You’re just worried about me, you don’t...” he sighs shakily. “You don’t know how fucked up everything is.”

Bo feels tears start to well up in his eyes, and a lump form in his throat.

“hey, hey, it’s alright,” Dell says, and Bo shakes his head.

“I hate seeing you in pain. I fucking hate it. And this is my fault. All of it.” He chokes back and sob and rubs his eyes. “And now I’m crying, and you’re comforting me which is ridiculous, and you’re still burning up and you still have that headache because I can see that crease between your eyebrows, and -”

“Relax.” He grabs Bo’s hand gently. His hot thumb runs back and forth over Bo’s knuckles. “Just relax.” Bo tries, and Dell gives him a sad little smile. “Trying to take care of me is...it’s like trying to build a house of cards in a hurricane. It’s rotten work.”

Bo looks down at their intertwined hands, then back up to Dell’s eyes. He tries to keep his gaze steady.

“Not to me. Not if it’s you.”

[rottenbrains]

Oikawa x Reader

Wordcount : 1550 words

Warning(s) : teeny tiny bit of lime, but it’s still safe to read since i’m not in the mood to go for the most extremes (i still have some assignments to finish)

Tonight, you decided to go on a date with your narcissistic boyfriend at your favorite café since both of you are done with your papers for the semester. It’s only 9 am and you were currently merged with the couch, enjoying your favorite series when the doorbell rang. Groaning, you picked yourself up and approached the door with a slow pace when the door opened itself. Instinctively, you plucked the nearest available object to throw, which is a box of tissue and prepared yourself to throw it as a voice entered your ears, lightly giggling.

“Hey babe, it’s me… mind putting down the tissue??”

Recognizing the voice, you threw the box and facepalmed. You forgot that your boyfriend knew your passcode. He whined when the box meets his forehead and pouted at you, not satisfied with your actions. You started to walk towards him and pick up the box, kissing his cheeks as you took in his appearance. A bag of chips, a dozen donuts and two drinks, to-go on either side of his hands.

“I thought we’re meeting later? And what’s with your fashion today?” You asked, pointing to his checkered-printed denim shorts that totally wrecks his overall look. White sneakers, calf-length white socks, and a yellow t-shirt. Good thing you haven’t had your breakfast, or you might be puking from the sight.

“Thanks for the kiss, but not the comments. Also, I decided to have a date at your house today!” He cheered as he kissed your forehead then proceeds to the living room to put the foods and drinks down. Smiling sweetly, he sits at the couch and looked at you, patting the area beside him to encourage you to come. A second too long, you stayed there to stare at him before eventually dragging your legs to the couch and relaxed as he engulfs you in a long hug, sitting down together.

“I’ve brought the drink that you like… also your donuts… after I decided to stay inside for this date. I just wanna hug you like this for a long time”, he said while nuzzling his face on my hair, “I really need this now.”

“You can at least tell me before coming… also, I haven’t showered so I hope you don’t mind nuzzling your face on me now”, you told him when he quickly pulled his face back and looked at you, stunned. Before he could say anything, you stand up ruffled his hair a bit before leaving him to get yourself a quick shower. After a while, you emerged back, slowly walking towards the back of the couch in an attempt to surprise Oikawa since he was so engrossed to the crime series you’ve been watching. Standing just behind him, you smiled mischievously when you force his face to look upwards as you attack him, smooching all over his face over and over again. Having the mental age of a 5-year old, Oikawa just laughed hysterically as your lips tickled his face. Tired from kissing him, you released him and walked around the couch to sit beside him, burying your face on his neck as his hands slithered to your waist.

“Oho, I thought you hate when I nuzzled my face on you…why the sudden change?” Oikawa asked you with a teasing tone and his hot smirk, making your cheeks warm even without looking at his face. You planted a soft kiss on his neck before lifting your face to look at him.

“Because I haven’t showered just now, you dolt… doesn’t mean I hate it. And of course, I miss you too, stupidkawa~”, you whispered to him before kissing him softly. When the kiss was supposed to be a short one, both of you didn’t let go and continued to deepen the kiss, realizing how both the kiss was something that both of you had been craving. A few seconds later, you’re already straddled on his lap but you don’t have time to even care because, at the moment, all you wanted to do was kiss him with all your might.

You’re the type to actually spend your time studying when finals’ are around the corner. Knowing that both of you would probably play around together instead of studying, you decided to cut the dates and meetings for a while to focus on your papers. Not that you’re that stupid to be studying hard for exams, but you do want to make sure your results doesn’t take a nosedive. Oikawa was okay with his studies, and playing around with you wouldn’t even make a dent on his academic performance. But being the doting boyfriend he is, he decided to give you some space to grant your wish of focusing for the finals. Canceled dates and love-deprived have resulted in your current make-out session.

Maybe it’s better to call it a make-up session. Both of you are trying to make up for the lost physical touch, basically.

Gasping, you pulled your lips off his and laid your head on his shoulder. Taking a breather, you just stayed there as his hands rest on your back, pulling you towards him. As both of you relaxed from the intense kiss just now, slowly you turned yourself to face the television. His hands stayed at the same place, now resting on your tummy when you kissed his jawline.

“Let’s watch the series first, okay baby?” You said, snuggling into him as you make yourself comfortable.

“Tch… seriously babe? Just like that?” He whined from the sudden change of pace. Eager to continue his hands roamed from your tummy to your sides, slowly teasing the sensitive skin of yours. Slowly, you picked his hands and wrapped it around your shoulder. Securing it with your own hands by sealing his wrap around you, his chin met with your lips as a smirk appeared from your face. Then, you focused back on the show, leaving him alone with his pouts.

Of course, it wouldn’t end that way. Oikawa started to blabber about his days, attempting to disturb you, and he aced it. He talked about his days when you decided to focus on your studies. His junior teased him whenever they saw him without you around, saying that you’ve forgotten about him. Mattsun would also update to him about you since you have lectures with him. Definitely, Mattsun would brag about meeting you to him, making him jealous. You would also stumble into his juniors or teammates at lunch or on the way to your lecture. According to Oikawa, it’s funny how everyone can meet you when he’d never met you around the campus since your decision is made.

Truthfully, it’s funny to you too.

It’s funny how you couldn’t even spot him since you decided to cut the dates and meetings. It’s funny how he’s a high-maintenance boyfriend but you’re still with him, how childish he is, how random he is, how he could pour his all on the things he wanted to like it’s going to be a shithole life if he slacked even a bit, how caring he is, how annoying he is, how whiny he is, how pretty he actually is than his girlfriend.

This thought flashed to you abruptly, making you realized how lucky you are to have him.

“Earth to babe… you’re still there?” Oikawa light tapped your cheek, waking you from the trance. You turn slightly to look at him, causing him to cast curious eyes towards you.

“I’m happy you’re here…” you mumbled as you look at him in the eyes, and kiss him. Oikawa just kissed you back, but in his eyes, the confusion remains visible. Your eyes locked with his as confusion met with sudden admiration and appreciation. He pulled back from you and put your foreheads together.

“I don’t know what are you thinking just now… but you can tell me later, now let me focus on these first….” He said as his lips ghosted around yours, eyes on yours, warm breaths tangled together.

Swiftly, he took your lips with his as both of you deepens the kiss. As both of your tongues danced around whilst swiping through every part of each other’s mouth, his hands roamed to your thighs when your fingers weaved its way to his wavy locks. It’s been too long, and the room became too hot for both of you. Your hands moved from his hair to his back, lightly tugging his shirt to signal him. Instead of taking it off, his hands went to your buttocks as he stood up. Shocked from the sudden movement, you latched your legs on his waist to prevent you from falling.

“We’re totally continuing this somewhere comfortable…” He lets go of your swollen lips then whispered to your ear before attaching his lips again on it, licking it vigorously as the warmth became too hard to handle. Feeling the wet muscle ravishing your ears had only made your center wet even more. You lightly bit on his shoulder to prevent yourself from moaning as he made his way to your room.

.

.

.

“Fortunately, I left some of my clothes here…” Oikawa cheered as he twirled himself in front of the mirror, admiring himself after he went out from the shower. You just came out from the shower and just stayed at the door, looking at your proud boyfriend praising himself.

“That’s my pants, you dolt..” You said to him.

[watchmegetobsessed]

“Can I be the small spoon tonight?” (Grayson Dolan)

the goofy juice inspired me, don’t blame me

word count: 1.5 k

drabble list masterlist

“Thanks for taking care of me, babe,” Grayson sighs from the hospital bed as a nurse fixes his IV up. You smile down at him warmly.

“Of course.”

It’s been only four days since he had his nose surgery and everything was going fine until one morning he woke up and one side of his nose was swollen. The doctor said he needed surgery asap to fix it up so here you are, Grayson on a hospital bed once again about to be hit by the goofy juice. Lisa has already flown back home and Ethan would have had to cancel a meeting to take Grayson to the hospital, so you said you’ll be alright on your own, taking care of your goofy boyfriend once his nose is all tamped up again.

“Alright, you ready?” the doctor appears at his bed and Grayson nods his head before reaching for your hand.

“See you in a bit,” he smiles giving your hand a gentle squeeze before he gets pushed away on his bed.

The surgery doesn’t take longer than twenty minutes, you sit in the room patiently waiting and texting Lisa to update on him. When he returns his nose is covered with bandage, eyes closed, but clearly watery as his eyelashes stick to his skin wet.

“Ay! Here’s my girl!” he mumbles barely understandably as the nurses make sure everything is alright around his bed before leaving. Pulling a chair you sit beside him, gently taking his hand in your palms.

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

His head turns in your direction, but his eyes remain closed.

“I’m feelin’ the vibes. This stuff is awesome.”

You chuckle at him patting his hand. He is a dork without this juice, but with it he is just over the top, really. His hair is a mess, he didn’t blow-dry it in the morning knowing it’d be messed up anyway during his hospital visit and to be honest, you like floppy haired Grayson. He looks cozy and cuddly.

“Babe, you’re awesome,” he sighs, eyes open only a tiny bit.

“I am?” you grin at him and he nods.

“You are and I love you so fucking much.”

“Glad to know,” you chuckle, brushing his hair out of his forehead.

“No, I mean I love you. Like, a lot.”

“Grayson, I know you love me. I love you too, but we are kind of over these statements.”

You’ve been dating him for over two years now, he first said he loved you after just one month and not even one day went by without him telling you even if it was in only a text.

“I got the best girl,” he mumbles to the nurse who quickly changes his bandage on his nose. She smiles over at you knowingly.

“She does seem like a total win.”

“That’s exactly what she is. A win,” Grayson cheers, a tear rolls down his face and grabbing a tissue you dry his cheeks. “Babe, I want to cuddle you.”

“We can cuddle as much as you want when we get home.”

“Can I be the small spoon tonight?”

You can’t push your smile down as you look at your bulky, all muscle boyfriend, asking to be the small spoon in bed tonight. It’s the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen and if his face wasn’t all messed up and swollen you’d kiss him stupid.

“Of course you can,” you smile and he lets out a satisfied sigh.

“You know, I should get some of this juice every damn day. I feel so relaxed and warm.”

“I don’t think we could deal with extra goofy Grayson every day,” you caress his cheek and fix his blanket over him that he has been slowly kicking off of his body.

“I’d be funny tho. And wakening.”

“What do you mean by that?” you furrow your eyebrows at him.

“I’m having thoughts.” His wording makes you smile as you wait for him to elaborate on it. “You’re just way too good for me, I’m like shook that you’re still dating me.”

“Don’t be silly,” you giggle.

In half an hour he is all good to leave, with the help of the nurses you dressed him and pushed him out in a wheelchair. In the meanwhile he started rambling about butterflies, potatoes and birds being weird flying puffs. Sometimes you totally lost his trail of thoughts, more focused on getting him in the car safely, which was quite the challenge. He kept unbuckling himself the moment you were about to close the door on him. It took you five tries to finally make him stay.

“I need ice-cream,” he sighs, head resting against the window, eyes closed again. Stopping at a red light you reach over and fix his shirt that rode up on his torso after his impromptu dance-off he just had a few minutes ago.

“Hey, are you undressing me?” he questions, eyebrows knit together.

“I’m doing the opposite,” you sigh, but you can’t hold your smile back.

“Oh. What a bummer.”

“Oh my God,” you chuckle at him shaking your head. Unbelievable.

Arriving back to his house Ethan is already at the driveway, waiting to help you get him inside.

“Hey, it’s my bro!” Grayson cheers seeing his brother and Ethan just stands there next to the car, staring down at his messed up twin in the car, sliding lower and lower in the seat with each passing moment.

“He is such a mess,” Ethan chuckles and you agree.

Taking Grayson from both his sides you and Ethan support him inside, barely making it to his room since he keeps wanting to collapse and sit on the floor on the way. He says he needs to be grounded, joke of the decade.

“Oh this is my room!” Grayson states once he is finally lying on his bed.

“He looks like a huge baby,” Ethan shakes his head laughing at his brother.

“Alright, thanks for the help, I’ll take care of him from here,” you tell Ethan, but it’s for Grayson’s sake. You don’t want to give his brother more to joke about once Gray’s head clears out.

“You want some water, babe?” you ask pulling a blanket over him.

“Nah. Come spoon me. You said I can be the small spoon.”

“How do you remember that?” you chuckle sighing, but kicking your shoes off anyway to get into bed with him.

“I remember everything about you.” Nuzzling his head into the pillow he brings your arms around his waist as you cuddle him from the back. “Because I love you.”

“I love you too.” Pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder you make yourself comfortable and ready to take a nap with your little patient.

“But like,” he continues. “I love you so much, I could marry you right now.”

Your eyes pop open as you replay his words in your mind. Marriage only came up a handful of times since you started dating Grayson, you both agreed you don’t want to get married for at least a few years since both of you feel like it’s just too early for that. You felt like Grayson was also kind of anxious about it even though he said he can’t wait to have a family. It made you think that there might be something about you that’s making him afraid of marriage suddenly, but this statement is odd now.

“You could?” Lifting your head you wait for his answer and you almost start thinking he is asleep, but then he mumbles something under his breath. “What? I don’t understand what you’re saying, Gray.”

“I said,” he sighs, turning a bit so now you can see his face. “Of course I could, that’s all I want in life.”

“I thought you had doubts about marriage.”

It’s probably not your best idea to start a conversation like this with him in this state, but you’re too afraid to ask him when he is sober.

“Not about marriage,” be slurs, eyes still closed as he is now lying on his back. “I’m afraid I’m not the one for you.”

Your heart sinks, but it’s also a relief. You were so afraid he changed his mind about starting a family because he didn’t see it with you, but this just put everything into a whole new perspective.

“Gray,” you gently smile at him as he opens his eyes a bit. Cupping his cheek in your hand you lean down and peck his lips shortly. “I could marry you in a heartbeat.”

“So you don’t think I’m just the guy before the one?”

“No. You are the one,” you say and you really mean it.

You’ve been feeling like you found your final destination with Grayson for a long time. Everything changed in your eyes after you realized how different life is with the right person next to you.

A tear drop rolls down his cheek and you reach for a tissue from his nightstand.

“Babe,” he breathes out as you wipe his cheeks.

“Yeah?”

“It’s not from the tampon in my nose. I just really love you.”

“And I love you too,” you smile down at him kissing his forehead. “Now get some sleep, you need to clear your head out.”

“Okay,” he sighs, eyes closing again. “Damn this juice is the good stuff,” he mumbles making you laugh once more before he finally drifts off to sleep.

-

and one nice tag for the end:  @justordinaryjen

[itsafanficthing]

My Sassenach - Chapter Four - A Movie

I was trying to post once a month for My Sassenach, but then I did’t have a whole lot to post.... so here you go friends.

The long await, much hated, date with Frank Randall.

A03 Link

Damn it, Jamie could kiss. As soon as his lips had touched her own, Claire was lost in him. He pulled her closer and her breath left her in a huff as their chests collided. Gathered into his arms as she was, she felt safe, secure, protected and oh so very turned on.

Large hands running up and down her back before landing on her arse.

“Christ,” Jamie breathed before he continued to kiss down her neck and back to her mouth.

“Christ was right,” Claire thought as his mouth found hers again. He had no right being this much of a good kisser.

Claire had briefly worried at dinner that they may be venturing too far into “friend” territory rather than dating territory. They got along famously, but there had been limited physical contact. Their flirting over the board game had cleared up some of that concern, but it was the way that Jamie was kissing her that definitely confirmed that they were no longer friends. This was something more. Something deeper. And Claire was about to go on a date with someone else.

Claire eventually left Jamie’s. Clothes in tact, hair thoroughly messed and panting with swollen lips. Her Uber driver has given her a smug knowing look which Claire promptly ignored before giving the directions to her apartment.

Jamie was right when he said that he would give her a kiss as something to remember him and now she couldn’t wait for the next date. She just had to get through her date with Frank Randall first.

—

“Ye dinna have to go on this date, ye ken,” Jamie stated as he leaned against his door frame.

“It’s just one date,” Claire reasoned.

“Aye, but what if ye really hit it off?” Jamie looked down at the floor, his voice somewhat gravelly.

“Are you worried?” Claire asked in surprise, taking a step closer to Jamie again trying to make him look up at her.

Jamie grunted in annoyance before answering, “Wouldn’t ye, if it were me?”

“I was,” Claire answered truthfully, “before I knew it was sister, of course. But yes I was worried. I was worried that…”

“What?” Jamie asked hopefully looking up at her.

“At the risk of laying all my cards on the table,” Claire said with a huff, “I was worried that I was reading more into… us,” she continued, indicating between them, “then what was there.”

“And do ye still feel like that?” Jamie’s voice lowered as his hands rested on her hips.

“Not so much now, no.”

“Good,” Jamie nodded confidently. “Because ye aren’t. It’s there.”

“Good.” Claire repeated the word before pausing for a moment. “I am still going on this date though.”

“Why?” Jamie groaned, “I can already tell ye how it’s going to go.”

“Oh? And how’s that?” Claire asked with a smirk.

“Ye’re seeing a film?” Jamie clarified as Claire nodded at him. “Well first he’ll compliment ye, because ye look bonnie. Ye always look bonnie.” Claire blushed at the compliment as Jamie continued, brushing an errant curl behind her ear.

“Then ye’ll get some snacks, popcorn maybe. He’ll ask ye about yer work-“

“He already knows what I do. It’s in my bio,” Claire tried to interrupt as Jamie continued.

“And ye’ll reply, probably downplayin’ what ye actually do. Ye’ll ask him about his work. Ye’ll wait in line together for yer film, what are ye seein’ by the way? It does’na matter. Ye’ll wait in line, awkwardly standing next to each other. Then ye’ll sit in yer seats and ye willna be able to hold a conversation so all ye ken about this fella is his job and maybe what he does on the weekend. Ye’ll both spend the movie not really payin’ attention. He’ll be thinking about taking yer hand in his and ye…”

“What will I be thinking about?” Claire asked, cocking her eyebrow at his explanation.

“Well Sassenach, ye’ll be wondering why ye went on this date when ye ken that I’ll be waiting to hear from ye. Ye’ll be thinking about how I dinna like ye going out with some other lad. Ye’ll be thinking about how much better yer night would have been if it were me with ye.” Jamie brushed her cheek softly with the pad of his thumb and she fought the urge to shudder at the contact.

“Confident are you?” Claire tried to ask in jest but it came out much airyer than she’d anticipated. There was something about the way that Jamie was standing with her. The way that he touched her so gently. The way that he looked at her- It turned her legs to jelly.

“Nah,” Jamie chuckled shaking his head. “I’m no’. But I ken what I’ll be thinkin’ about.”

“Oh?”

“You,” Jamie said clearly. “I’ll be counting down the hours till our next date.”

Claire felt her cheeks heat up and she shook her head.

“You know you’re well within your rights to also go on a date with someone else,” she pointed out.

“I dinna want to date anyone else, Claire,” Jamie said with a somewhat exasperated sigh. “So when ye’ve had yer date, let me know so that we can start dating, just the two of us.”

It was then that he had kissed her goodbye and Claire had rethought her plan to leave and her plan to go on a date with another man.

“Goodnight Jamie.”

“Goodnight Claire.”

It was with Jamie’s kiss lingering on her lips that 18 hours later she was getting ready for her date with Frank Randall.

Claire was at a crossroads. She didn’t particularly want to be going on this date, but she also didn’t want to stand him up. She’d lost a lot of sleep after leaving Jamie’s apartment wondering if she should cancel the date after all. It wasn’t like she was expecting it to go anywhere. It didn’t make sense for her to go on a date with another man when she had Jamie waiting (not so) patiently for her.

She didn’t like cancelling plans. She felt like she would be letting him down somehow. She’d never even met the man and she already felt like she was failing him. Not a great start.

Claire’s job meant that she ended up cancelling plans far more often than she liked. She was a perfectionist in all areas of her life and while logically Claire knew that cancelling a date wouldn’t be the end of the world and Mr Frank Randall would more than likely find another woman on the dating app, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had to follow through on her agreement to meet him.

So, there she was: standing in her underwear looking at her closet- trying to decide how to dress.

She didn’t want to go over the top and give him hope that there might be a second date or that she had put in a lot of effort trying to impress him. But she didn’t exactly want to go in house clothes and look like she’d put in no effort at all.

Claire huffed a sound of frustration as she picked up her phone and sent a text to Geillis. She always knew what to wear on these types of things, not to mention, Claire hadn’t even told her about this other date.

“Going on a movie date. What do I wear?”

Claire threw her phone back on the bed and looked helplessly back to her closet.

Jeans were casual… maybe she could wear black ones- they seemed to be more dressy over her normal blue ones. Claire pulled a pair from the hangar and threw them onto the bed just as her phone buzzed.

“With the red headed lad? Didn’t you see him last night?”

Claire read Geillis’ reply chewing on her thumbnail.

Rolling her eyes at her own hesitation to tell her best friend about the other date Claire replied, trying not to overthink it.

“Yes, but this is a different guy. We’re going to a movie.”

It felt like Claire had only just pressed the send button when the phone was vibrating in her hands, Geillis’ face smiling back at her.

“Another lad?” Her friend asked immediately, not waiting for Claire to greet her. “What happened to red-heid?”

“I told you, I saw Jamie last night,” Claire replied weerily.

“But ye did’na tell me that ye were goin’ on a date with another lad. What happened?” Geillis demanded.

“Nothing happened,” Claire sighed, “I’d just planned another date and it’s tonight, and I don’t know what to wear.”

“Somethin’ must have happened,” Geillis mumbled more to herself than to Claire. “Who’s this other lad yer goin’ out with then?”

“Does it matter? I just need to know what to wear.”

“Aye, it matters. I thought ye liked Jamie,” Geillis argued.

“I do like him.”

“Then why are ye seeing this other lad?”

“I just told you.” Claire’s eyes were running over her closet trying to find something to go with her black jeans.

“Ye planned another date,” Geillis repeated Claire’s words skeptically.

“That’s right,” Claire answered sternly, “now help me decide what to wear.”

“Is this because ye dinna like cancelling plans?” Geillis asked, ignoring Claire’s request to move on.

“Are you going to help me or just microanalyse my life choices?”

“Both,” Geillis replied confidently, earning a snort of laughter from Claire. “What have ye got picked out?”

“So far? Black jeans,” Claire answered in relief that Geillis was finally moving on.

“Good choice. What top?”

“Well that’s where I’m stuck,” Claire said with a sigh as she ran her fingers over her clothes, hoping that something would jump out at her.

“What about that green top. Ye ken, the one we bought when we were in London at Christmas?” Geillis suggested and Claire pulled it from the hangar.

“Maybe,” Claire hummed as she looked at it paired with the jeans.

“What kind of message are ye trying to send?” Geillis interrupted Claire’s assessment of the clothing.

“Uhhh.”

“Jesus,” Geillis breathed in exasperation as Claire’s non-answer. “What message were ye trying to send yer wee fox on yer first date?”

“I… I don’t know. I was trying to be more like myself and less like “Date Claire”, as you put it.”

“And who are ye trying to be tonight?”

“Myself I suppose. More casual than the date with Jamie. This is just a movie.”

“Just a movie, aye?”

“What?” Claire asked hearing the skepticism in Geillis’s voice.

“Ye dinna sound keen about the date. What does it matter what ye wear?”

“Because I want to look nice.”

“But ye dinna want to be putting in too much effort,” Geillis continued Claire’s thought. “I see. Go with the green top. It’s casual enough for a movie but ye are’na over doin’ it.”

“Shoes?”

“Does’na matter. Ye can wear heels if ye want, maybe yer white tennis shoes. Ye’ll be more comfortable,” Geillis suggested and although Claire couldn’t see her, she was sure that she had shrugged.

“Alright.” Claire nodded looking at the clothes laid out on her bed.

“Do not straighten yer hair,” Geillis said suddenly. “Ye always straighten it on dates. Let it go free.”

“Date Claire?”

“Aye, Date Claire straightens her hair. Don’t straighten it.”

“Noted,” Claire laughed. “I should get ready. Thanks for your help.”

“Nay bother. Send me a pic when yer ready and let me know when your done. I want to hear how it goes.”

“I will.”

“I also want to ken what’s happening with yer wee fox, mind.” Geillis reminded her.

“I know. I’m working tomorrow, evening shift.”

“Aye, same. Remember. Pictures and debrief,” Geillis said again.

“Yes, yes I know. Bye Geillis.”

“If ye get lucky, text me immediately.”

“Goodbye Geillis,” Claire said firmly while laughing and hanging up the phone.

—-

Claire was late. Claire was never late. Never in her life. She left early for most appointments to arrive with time to spare. She arrived to work half an hour early to each shift, just in case. But right now- she was late. She had excuses; the Uber hadn’t arrived and then the roadworks on the way to the theatre had held her up longer than she had been expecting, the Uber driver had passed the theatre twice while looking for somewhere to pull over. Then she dropped her bag while exiting the car and had to stop to pick everything up.

Claire’s heart was beating heavily in her chest with anxiety as she tried to control her breathing. She could feel herself sweating and was praying that her cheeks weren’t flushed with embarrassment.

Claire took a deep breath as her phone buzzed in her pocket. She was already late- stopping and reading a message wasn’t going to make a difference.

“Good luck on your date. Can’t wait to hear all about it.” A message from Jamie. Claire rolled her eyes at the message and was about to reply when a voice nervously called her name.

“Claire?”

Claire looked up to see her date standing shyly in front of her.

“Frank,” she greeted pocketing her phone and mentally reminding herself to reply to Jamie later. “Sorry I’m late. I was just about to message you.” She was lying but he didn’t need to know that.

“Not at all. You look lovely by the way.” Frank smiled kindly at her.

“Thank you.”

This was arguably the most awkward part of any date; how to properly greet each other. Shake hands, kiss on the cheek, awkwardly do nothing. Frank took the lead and quickly swooped forward placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, his hand briefly clasping her upper arm. Claire had to force herself to stand still and accept the greeting, rather than jump backwards away from him.

It was a normal greeting, one that she should have expected- it was a date after all, but it still surprised her.

He was clean shaven, unlike Jamie who had a small rasp of stubble on his strong jaw. Christ. She shouldn’t be comparing Frank to Jamie. They were two completely different men… Frank was older than Jamie, by a good few years. Light brown hair, very styled, gel or hairspray perhaps- brushed out of his eyes, unlike Jamie, whose hair was longer and hung messily in his eyes. Franks had soft brown eyes with laugh lines- a good sign that he was willing to live a little.

“Well, should we err, get to it?” It took Claire a moment to realise that it was Frank talking to her, and she wondered if that’s how she sounded to everyone else in Scotland.

Frank was English. Very English.

While Claire’s accent had morphed over the years (spending time in different countries had a tendency to do that to a person), Frank’s accent was clean and crisp. It was almost laughable to Claire. He sounded… well pompous. Claire could just imagine what Jamie or Geillis would say about him should they ever meet. Which they never would. Claire shut that thought down quickly.

“Claire?” Frank asked again, clearly concerned that she had some kind of handicap as she stood assessing him on the street.

“Sorry, yes of course. My mind was on other things.”

Frank held out the crook of his arm in a very old fashioned gentlemanly way, which Claire promptly ignored and strode on ahead of him into the theatre.

—

“Did you have an idea of what you wanted to see?” Claire asked looking up at the board of flashing lights advertising the available movies and times.

When Frank didn’t answer she turned to find him unabashedly staring at her. God, did she have something on her face, or in her hair? She knew she should have straightened it.

“Frank,” she called his name to get his attention, feeling stupid. Geillis was right. Frank was such an old man's name.

“Sorry,” he immediately apologised taking a step forward to be next to her and look at the movie times. “This is going to sound very cheesy but you do look very nice. I suppose I was distracted.”

Claire smiled tightly at him. She was sure that it was meant as a compliment, Jamie had done and said things to the same effect after all, but she didn’t feel as warm inside when it came from Frank. It felt a bit… what was the word… predatory. Claire shook her head. She was casting some very wide judgements on a man that she knew nothing about.

“So, the movie? Any idea?” She asked, directing the conversation to something neutral and ignoring his “compliment”.

“Oh, whatever you like, dear,” Frank replied as he squinted to read the illuminated words.

Dear. He called her Dear. On the first date. Oh no. No, that was not going to work at all.

Though, Jamie did call her Sassenach. So it wasn’t that pet names were necessarily a bad thing. It was that Frank called her a name that was specifically reserved for grandparents and people that had been married for forty years. Not people you had just met for a first date.

Though, if Jamie’s pet name was anything to go by, the English version… well Frank may as well have called her “bitch”. Claire snorted a laugh at the thought of Frank greeting her like that, as prim and proper as he was.

“Something I’m missing?” Frank asked with a grin on his face waiting to be let in on the joke.

“Oh no, it’s nothing,” Claire answered feeling her cheeks flush.

Frank arched an eyebrow at her and she almost felt like she was getting in trouble for not telling him.

“It’s just… a friend of mine… is Scottish, he calls me “Sass-en-ack”, (damn it, it sounded horrible when she didn’t have Jamie’s liquid accent) “and I was just thinking that the equivalent of that in English might as well be “bitch” and the thought of you calling me bitch… well, it just made me laugh.”

The amused smile was fixed on Franks face. Definitely fake. He nodded once as if he understood the joke (though clearly he didn’t at all) before turning back to the movie board.

“Yes well, I wouldn’t imagine that would be the best way to greet you. A friend of yours, you said? That’s not particularly respectful. I would never do such a thing.”

“Oh no-” Claire tried to explain, “no he doesn’t mean it like that. It’s just. I’m English and the Scottish don’t particularly love the English and it’s in jest, it’s not a rude thing.”

“Yes I’ve noticed,” Frank hummed as a few teenagers passed them cackling loudly at something their friend was saying.

“No it’s not that… it’s… never mind. It was a brief funny thought that I’d had,” Claire shook her head. She shouldn’t have tried to explain it. Jamie would have laughed. Claire made a mental note to tell him about it. “So, the film?”

“Perhaps “Mary Queen of Scots?” Frank suggested looking away from the board to the ticketing line.

“Why not, when in Rome… or Scotland I suppose.”

Frank did laugh at that and Claire fought the urge to roll her eyes. It wasn’t even that funny.

—

Waiting in line was almost exactly as Jamie had described.

Frank asked Claire about her work and she told him about nursing. She asked him about his job and he launched into a detailed description that Claire boiled down to one word. “Historian”.

“So then you’ll be able to judge the inaccuracies of the film.”

“Oh I believe so. Not exactly the year of my personal expertise, but I have done some reading on it of course.”

“Of course, as did I,” Claire replied (somewhat sarcastically pompously).

“Really?” Frank sounded thrilled.

“Yes, I believe it was grade ten history… or perhaps eleventh year.”

“Oh, so not recently then?” Frank sounded immediately crestfallen.

“Oh no, that was only… two years ago?” Claire answered pretending to be thoughtful. “I failed that class a lot.”

There was a brief pause between them as Frank studied her and Claire stared straight ahead waiting for her joke to land.

“Your joking,” he finally said, somewhat amused.

“I am absolutely joking,” Claire answered in relief as Frank began to laugh. “Though I have to say I am offended at how long it took you to figure that out.”

“You said it so seriously,” Fank defended still chuckling.

“That’s called sarcasm, Frank.” At least he did know how it laugh… eventually.

“Lowest form of humour, people say,” he said nudging her playfully.

“And yet the most popular.” Claire grinned as the pre-pubescent usher scanned their tickets.

—-

The movie was good. Worthy of an Oscar, Claire thought.

“Loaded with factual inaccuracies, if you ask me,” Frank said as they exited the theatre.

Claire hadn’t.

“I quite liked it. There needs to be some licence for creativity.”

“Oh of course, of course,” Frank immediately conceded. “I was merely pointing out, well Mary and Elizabeth never actually met in real life. And the scene of John Knox arguing about Mary taking another husband. The timeline is off, it would have been treason to say such a thing.”

“I don’t think that anyone watching the film would have known that,” Claire reasoned.

“I knew that,” Frank said proudly.

“Yes but you’re a historian, aren’t you? I didn’t know that, even with my very impressive and relevant eleventh year history knowledge.”

Frank chuckled lightly at Claire comment and shook his head. “No, I suppose not.”

They continued their way out of the theatre, moving slowly with the other patrons until they were standing awkwardly on the footpath where they had first met.

“Well, shall we go get a coffee or something?” Frank suggested as he smiled at Claire.

She hesitated. Before meeting Jamie Claire would have said yes in an instant. Frank was respectful, understood some of her jokes, he complimented her and he was clearly very intelligent. But there was no… spark, there was no zing. Unlike with Jamie whom she had hit it off immediately, even if she had been a bumbling embarrassing idiot.

“It’s just a cup of coffee,” Frank said reading her hesitation. “We’ve hardly spoken. I would like to get to know you.”

Claire smiled at him before nodding. It was one cup of coffee. How bad could it be?

He held his arm out to her and she ignored it once again. They weren’t there yet “dear”.

—

Despite how the earlier date had gone and the judgements that Claire had made about Frank, she actually had a good time with him. Once he had relaxed and stopped trying to impress her, he was actually quite funny. He was clearly very intelligent, an academic, but she didn’t feel like he was talking down to her. He was very passionate about his job and very obviously loved what he did.

He was currently completing research into the highland clans of the 1640’s and was travelling around Scotland on a research expedition.

He actually reminded Claire a lot of her uncle and she felt the unwelcome sting of grief pick her ribcage as she thought of him.

Lamb was- eccentric was putting it lightly, he was passionate about life, passionate about history, passionate about Claire. When he had the heart attack and was gone not even four hours later, enough time for Claire to get to the hospital and hug him once more before he slipped away, Claire was numb from the shock of it.

Lamb who had always been so full of life, now gray and lifeless on a hospital bed. It was a shock to Claire’s system and it took her a long time to be able to move on with her life. Much faster than her parents deaths, but then she was much, much younger then.

“Claire?” Frank’s voice brought her back to the present. “I’m sorry. I’m talking about this too much. My brother always tells me that I talk about my work too much.”

“You have a brother?” Claire latched back onto the conversation and pushed the memories of her uncle and her parents firmly to the back of her mind.

“Yes, two actually. I’m the middle child.”

“What’s the age difference?” Claire asked. She was always fascinated by sibling dynamics, perhaps it was the result of growing up as an only child of a single parent.

“John is four years older and Alex is six years younger,” Frank answered, smiling at her. Obviously glad that he had her full attention again.

“That’s quite a large gap between you all.”

“Well it certainly made growing up interesting. A house full of boys for my mother. I think she always wanted a girl so she is very soft with Alex.”

“I'm sure she’s soft with all of you,” Claire said with a laugh. “You just don’t see it because it’s you.”

Frank wrinkled his nose as he shook his head, “No, Alex has always been a soft spot for my mother.”

Claire smiled at him. She actually did quite like Frank Randall. Not as much as Jamie of course, but she didn’t actually regret coming out on a date with him as much as she thought that she would.

“What about your father?” Claire asked before she finished the last of her coffee.

“What about him?” Frank’s voice grew sharper, and less warm then when he spoke about his mother.

“Does he dote on your brother as well?”

“I shouldn’t think so, we haven’t seen him since just after Alex was born.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Claire reached out and touched Frank’s hand in sympathy.

Frank shrugged casually. “From what I can remember of him, it doesn’t seem worth having the memory.” Frank turned his hand so now they were… well they weren’t exactly holding hands, but they were touching.

“What about you? Parents? Siblings?” Frank asked as he looked up at Claire. She wanted to move, but it felt awkward to so anything so her hand sat limply in his.

“Orphaned and an only child, I’m afraid. Not much to tell.”

“Oh, Claire. I’m so sorry.” Frank sounded genuinely upset for her and Claire shrugged off his concern.

“My uncle raised me, essentially. So I wasn’t exactly lonely. But I would have loved a sibling.”

“You’re uncle never…?”

“No,” Claire shook her head as memories of her Uncle Lamb washed through her mind.

—

“Uncle Lamb, that lady was staring at your bottom,” a young and hardly innocent seven year old Claire had announced loudly to the entire cafe.

Lamb had shook his head, grinning at his young niece. “Perhaps I sat in something.”

“I don’t think so,” Claire continued, unaware of the peals of suppressed laughter coming from the patrons around them. “Stand up and let me see.”

“I’m sure it’s fine, Claire,” Lamb said kindly as his coffee arrived.

“But if you did sit in something, then we need to wash it in soda to get it out. That’s what Mary’s mum used when she got chocolate on her skirt. That’s what Mary said. She said that her mum used soda. And I said that it would make it all sticky. That it was probably something else. But it wasn’t Uncle Lamb. It WAS soda.”

“Well, I hardly think I am going to take of my pants in this cafe to dunk them in some soda, sweetheart.”

“No, I guess not. But you can borrow my sweater when we leave, and wrap it around your waist if you like. Then more ladies won’t look at your bottom.”

“Thank goodness I have you, little Lamb. Always protecting me.”

Claire smiled sweetly at him before she dug into the muffin and hot chocolate in front of her.

—

“No, he was never really interested in relationships,” Claire said, snapping herself back to the present. “I don’t think he was particularly keen on a family until he was landed with me.”

“How old were you?” Frank asked carefully. He was trying to entwine their fingers together but Claire moved her hands to her empty coffee cup, pretending to warm her hands on the mug. The mug was cold, but Frank didn’t need to know that.

“Six. I don’t have many memories of them. I have photos and videos of course, but it’s not quite the same. Although-” Claire paused as she wondered why she was being so open with Frank about her family history. She hadn’t told Jamie about any of this yet.

“Yes?” Frank encouraged, his hand was still lying on the table between them, waiting to trap her own again. She was sure if she even so much as reached for a napkin, he would seize the opportunity to hold her hand again.

“I don’t have many memories of us together. A few that I think my mind has just created from various hallmark movies, you know every memory that a child wants, Christmas, birthdays, those kinds of things.”

Frank nodded in understanding and Claire continued.

“But I do have these moments, like a certain smell or a sound and I’ll be transported back to when I was a child and it will be my mother’s perfume, or my father's laugh. And then it’s gone, a second later. But for a moment it’s like I can remember everything about them and they haven’t really died and I’m just waiting for them to come and pick me up from school.” Claire’s voice clogged with emotion and she had to clear her throat to continue.

“Anyway, it doesn’t happen all that often. But it’s strange, isn’t it, the things you remember.”

“Yes, yes it is.” Frank’s forehead wrinkled in thought and he was playing with his bottom lip.

“What?” Claire asked with a small smile as he looked back up at her quickly.

“Well, it’s just, you were so young, and I don’t mean to be rude, but it's truly fascinating. How can you be sure that the smell of the perfume is your mothers? Or your father's laugh? How can that be?”

“Oh,” Claire felt herself flush a little under Frank’s gaze and she wasn’t entirely sure why for a moment. She hadn’t really shared those kinds of memories with anyone before. Geillis, perhaps, but that would have been years ago. Her Uncle when he was still alive, she would have told Lamb about it. He might have confirmed it- the perfume perhaps.

Claire couldn’t quite meet Frank’s eyes. She’d shared something deeply personal with him and he was trying to pick apart the only memory she had of her parents. What did it matter that it wasn’t actually her father’s laugh or her mother’s perfume. It was the feeling that was associated with it. The feeling of family- of belonging to something.

And Frank was, what, trying to tell her that those things weren’t real?

“I suppose I don’t know. Maybe it’s buried deep in my subconscious,” Claire answer slowly, calm and measured- trying not to be emotional in front of a man she barely knew. “Maybe it’s the echo of them on earth trying to tell me that the love me? Maybe it’s just me clutching at straws to feel like I still have some connection to my parents. Who knows. Does it matter?”

Claire met his eyes as she spoke and she saw the skepticism pass over him as she spoke.

“They are good memories, why shouldn’t I try to gather what I can, while I can, when I was cheated from having the life with them that I was supposed to?”

“Don’t get me wrong, Claire. I completely agree,” Frank said quickly trying to back-track. “I simply meant that it is fascinating what your mind will retain as a memory and the feeling that you will associated with it, with no idea of its origin.”

Claire ground her back teeth together and nodded quickly. “Yes. Quite.”

It was awkward then. Claire wanted to end the date and Frank clearly wanted to continue. She thought about messaging Geillis with a code to call her and pretend there was some emergency that Claire needed to attend to. But she was an adult wasn’t she? She didn’t think that this date was going to go anywhere and now she had confirmed in in the last four minutes. Jamie would be thrilled.

Claire looked at her watch. They had been chatting in the coffee shop for well over an hour and a half. That was long enough, wasn't it? Counting in the movie, she’d been with the man for over four hours. Christ. How had it taken her four hours to realise he was an idiot?

To be fair, about three of those hours were in a silent movie theatre. Jamie was right. A movie was a terrible first date idea. You couldn’t get to know someone in a movie. And in the last four to five minutes Claire had discovered that there would be no second date or quick coffee catch up (a fact she should have realised the moment she found out that Jamie was having coffee with his sister and not another date).

“I’d like to see you again-” Frank began as Claire opened her mouth to say “I think I’d best be off.”

Claire abruptly closed her mouth and held her tongue.

“It’s not often that you meet such a… a beautiful and intelligent woman on these dating apps. It’s been very refreshing,” Frank continued unaware of Claire’s discomfort. “I’ve met a lot of very attractive women, of course, but none that are so quick, as you are.”

“Are you saying that women can only either be attractive or smart?” Claire asked as her eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh that’s just my experience,” Frank waved away her comment. “But not you, you are both.”

“How kind,” Claire answered flatly. She didn’t take kindly to a compliment that came at the expense of another woman, even a hypothetical woman she didn’t know.

“Yes.” Frank nodded enthusiastically, glad that Claire seemed to be following along with him.

“I should go,” Claire said abruptly, before standing up and tucking in her chair.

“Oh so soon?” Frank rushed to join her and bumped into the table making the mugs and saucers rattle.

“Yes I-” Claire hesitated. She has been about to make some excuse about needing to work early in the morning. In truth she had the next two days off work. She had no real obligations and no real reason to leave except that Frank Randall turned out to be a bit of a jerk.

She couldn’t say that to him, could she?

“Yes,” she repeated. Claire didn’t owe him anything, false explanation or the truth. She could just leave.

“Well, should we schedule our next date?” Frank asked eagerly as he followed her out of the cafe.

Claire called up her Uber app and quickly scheduled a ride. She could pretend she hadn’t heard him and that she was concentrating on her phone. But he would just ask again.

“Erm.” As much as she wanted to be the type of person that told the truth all the time, and was painfully blunt with people, she just wasn’t. She could be at work, but that was work. This was different.

“I am working this week, so much schedule is a little bit hectic. I haven’t received my full roster yet and I may be on call,” She hedged.

“Oh well, shall I just text you then?” Frank asked. He was disappointed. Claire could tell. But she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

“Sure.” Claire felt her phone vibrate in her hand as her Uber approached.

“Well I had a lovely time,” Frank said taking a step towards her. She nearly took a step back if it meant she wouldn’t then be standing in the pathway of oncoming traffic.

“Yes,” Claire answered lamely. She’d had… well it hadn’t been terrible, until the end there.

“May I kiss you goodbye?” He asked softly, looking at her carefully.

God no. Please no.

“This is me,” Claire breathed in relief as a black Mazda pulled up in front of her.

Frank looked even more disappointed as she opened the door. She thought that he might have tried to kiss her, regardless of her giving her permission or not and all she wanted to do was get out of there as quickly as possible.

“It was nice to meet you, Frank,” she said kindly, turning back to him once more. He was much closer than she thought and she was surprised when his lips met hers.

So much for asking.

Claire pulled back suddenly and Frank was smiling at her mischievously.

“I’ve been thinking about that all night,” he said quietly.

Claire was stunned into silence. He’d just gone from being a bit of a jerk to down right creepy.

“Goodbye Frank,” she said harshly before climbing into the car and slamming the door shut.

She fought back a shudder as she unlocked her phone and opened a new message to Jamie.

“You were right. Feel free to rub it in whenever you like.”

And then a moment later.

“Are you free tomorrow? I would like to make good on part of our bet.”

[sergeanttucker]

Afterparty

Characters - Bucky x Reader

Summary: Bucky takes care of (Y/N) after a night out with the Girls.

Warning: Smut! ,badly written smut!, a bit fluff i guess

Word count: 1921

AN - My first time writing smut and I’m really not sure if I like it. Felt Kind of awkward to write it. Anyway, tell me what you think and send me a request!!

Slamming the door shut, (Y/N) leaned against it and removed her shoes. Sighing, she rubbed her sore feet and stayed in that position for a moment. Normally she would have spent the evening on the couch cuddling with Bucky while watching a bad movie and eating too much popcorn, but Wanda and Natasha convinced her to go out with them. 

(Y/N) couldn’t say no; she had already canceled the last few times and had no choice but to go with them. It’s not that she didn’t have fun with the girls, but parties weren’t her thing. Too small rooms, too many people and mostly horrible music.

After kicking her shoes out of the way, she went to the bedroom and opened the door. As she walked in, (Y/N) removed her earrings and necklace and laid them on the dresser. In the mirror that hung above the dresser, she could see Bucky’s reflection lying on the bed. He smiled gently at her and put his book aside before he got up from the bed and hugged her from behind. 

He kissed her neck briefly and put his chin on her shoulder to watch her in the mirror. “Did you have fun tonight Doll?” Smiling at the nickname, (Y/N) leaned back and nodded at him in the reflection. “Yeah, just tired, that’s all.” After another kiss on her neck, Bucky turned her around with his hands on her waist and rested his forehead against hers.

“Then let’s go to bed.” Nodding (Y/N) let him lead her to the bed. Opening the dress, he dropped it to the floor before opening her bra and dropping it as well. As always, (Y/N) pulled on one of Bucky’s shirts to sleep and left the room for a moment to go to the bathroom. 

When she returned, Bucky lay already in bed, waiting for her.

The blanket lay crumpled on the floor as (Y/N) also settled down and turned on her side to look at him. He propped his head on his hand and looked down at her with a smile, his metal hand brushing a strand of hair from her face.

A pleasant shiver ran down her back, the cold of his fingers on her skin felt fantastic, especially on a hot night like this. At the beginning of their relationship, Bucky never touched her with his left hand for fear he might hurt her. With a lot of patience, (Y/N) convinced him that she wasn’t afraid of him or his arm. “Don’t you want to remove your make-up?” (Y/N) shook her head and slid closer to him.

“I’ll just change the sheets tomorrow.”

Turning on her back, (Y/N) pulled him down for a kiss. Bucky leaned slightly over her and returned the kiss. As (Y/N) tried to deepen the kiss, Bucky withdrew his head and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Amusement twinkled in the Soldier’s eyes as he heard her disappointed whine. “I thought you are tired?”

“Yeah, but I want you.” He leaned back down slowly, their noses touching and just as (Y/N) was about to kiss him, he pulled his head back. (Y/N) pouted at him, causing Bucky to chuckle. He cupped her cheek with his metal hand, his thumb traced her lower lip before he leaned down to kiss her.

The kiss started slow, but soon became more heated as their tongues met. (Y/N) grabbed his hair and lightly pulled at them, causing Bucky to let out a throaty groan. His hand wandered up her back until he cupped her neck, not hard enough to hurt but enough to keep her against him. 

Climbing between her spread legs, Bucky started to trail kisses along her jaw and neck, sucking a hickey there before he sat back on his knees and watched her already wrecked expression; her lips red and slightly swollen from when he nipped at them, and chest heaving in anticipation. He smirked at her as he trailed one of his fingers down her neck and between her breasts.

 “Look at you, darling. I barely touched you and you’re already a mess.” She whimpered at that and reached out to him but he simply took her wrist and put it back at her side. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.” Bucky leaned down and started to kiss up her leg, paying special attention to her inner thighs. 

Just as (Y/N) thought he would take care of where she needed him most, he began with her other leg. A frustrated whine left her at his teasing, she tugged impatient at his hair to make him go faster but to no avail, the only response she got was a growl from the man between her legs.

 A surprised moan escaped (Y/N) when Bucky sucked a hickey on the inside of her thigh before he nipped right above the waistband of her panties and started to kiss up her belly, pushing the shirt up in the process. 

The shirt soon landed on the floor. Two strong hands reached for her breasts and massaged them; a soft moan left her lips at the contrast between his hands. His mouth found one of her nipples and he sucked it between his lips, biting it gently as his fingers pinched the other. 

“Bucky... hurry up.” It sounded more like a plea than a demand and (Y/N) just earned a dark chuckle as a response. Bucky was a tease, always has been and probably will be for the rest of his life but he showed mercy on her and slowly slid his metal hand in her panties.

The feeling of the smooth metal against her skin caused goosebumps to rise on her body and a gasp left her when Bucky started to gather her wetness on his fingers. He removed his hand from her panties and smirked when he saw the wetness glinting on his fingers. 

Never breaking eye contact, he sucked them clean and groaned at the taste. “Shit, Doll... you taste amazing.” Before (Y/N) could answer, he leaned down to kiss her. It was a messy kiss, all teeth and tongue. 

She could taste herself on his lips and moaned softly. Scraping her nails down his back, she let them wander to his front and tugged at the waistband of his sleeping pants before she slipped her hand inside and gripped his length. A deep moan rumbled against her parted lips as she began to stroke him up and down.

“That’s enough.” Bucky gripped her hand to make her stop and eagerly took off her panties and his pants. He leaned over her again, his left hand beside her head to hold himself up as he leaned down to kiss her again. His right hand found its way back between their bodies to take a hold on himself, positioning him at her entrance. (Y/N) stopped the kiss and let out a rather loud moan when he slowly pushed in. One of her hands tangled in his hair and the other scratched down his back, leaving red marks in their way. 

When he’s all the way in, he let her adjust to his size and peppered her shoulder, neck and jaw with kisses to help her relax. “Please move.” At her whispered plea, Bucky slowly pulled out until only the tip remained inside of her before he pushed in again. A low growl left him at the feel of her wrapped so tightly around him. Like she was made only for him. “Fuck… you feel so good around me Doll.”

(Y/N) moaned at that and pulled his head away from her neck to kiss him, pushing her tongue into his mouth. Bucky gripped her thigh and pulled it a little higher on his hip to get a better angle.

The pace of his hips stayed slow but his thrusts got harder and harder encouraged by the sweet sounds (Y/N) made underneath him. 

He leaned back up into a kneeling position and grabbed her waist with both hands to hold her still. It’s a sight to behold, her breasts bouncing with every thrust, his name a whisper on her slightly parted lips and her face contorted in pleasure. Pleasure he brought her. How did he get this lucky? 

“You’re so beautiful, baby. You’re close, aren’t you? I can feel it.” (Y/N) nodded frantically and clawed at the sheets. She’s almost there and needed only a little more to fall over the edge.

Bucky knew exactly what she needed and ran his metal hand over her chest to her throat and started to choke her. Not enough to do any damage but just hard enough to make her feel dizzy. (Y/N) gripped his wrist with one hand and instantly squeezed around him. 

A chocked deep moan fell from his lips at the feeling, his pace faltered for a moment before he thrusted even harder into her. He had a bruising grip on her hip, but she couldn’t care less as her orgasm approached. She could almost taste it. Sneaking one hand down her body she started circling her clit.

“Shit.. You like playing with yourself?” (Y/N) nodded and pressed her throat harder against his hand, desperately chasing her release. Bucky watched her for a moment before he leaned down to hoarsely whisper in her ear. “Yeah? You like to touch yourself while I watch? You’re a dirty little girl.”

 It was all too much; his hand around her throat, the feeling of him inside of her and the whispered dirty words as his thrusts got harder. She tightly clenched around him, her muscles tensing as she released around him. A silent scream left her as Bucky continued his thrusts. He deeply groaned and bit into her neck as his own release hit him only a couple of thrusts later

They stayed like this for a few minutes. Both breathing heavily as (Y/N) stroked his back to help him come down. Bucky kissed his way up her neck and pecked her lips lovingly before he got up and disappeared in the bathroom. (Y/N) smiled as she watched him and closed her eyes, only opening them when she felt something wet between her legs. She winced and wiggled away a little, too sore and overstimulated to get touched again. “Sorry, Doll. Gotta clean you up.”

When he was finished, he climbed back into bed beside her and watched her dreamy expression. He let his eyes wander down to her throat and frowned when he saw that marks were already forming. 

“Fuck, did I hurt you?” He looked concerned and even a little ashamed of himself. He promised to never hurt her and know that? A million thoughts crossed his mind, and he didn’t even listen to her answer until she pressed a kiss to his lips. “You didn’t hurt me. It was perfect, like always.” 

She had a soft smile on her lips and stroked his cheek with her thumb while she looked lovingly into his eyes. Bucky hesitated for a moment before he nodded and pressed another kiss on her lips. He tucked her against his side, her head lay on his chest and her arm was draped over his waist. It was silent, neither of them said anything. Bucky stroked her arm and listened to her soft breathing.

“I love you, Doll.” He chuckled when the only response was a quiet snore and pressed a kiss against her head. Closing his eyes, Bucky pressed his girl tighter against him and soon fell asleep too.

______________________________________________________

Congratulations, you made it to the end !! I´m new to the writing thing and Feedback is highly appreciated! Oh, and if your eyes are bleeding from the bad grammar, then let me know! I’m from Germany and my English is a little rusty, so please point out the mistakes I made. Oh, and should you have a request, send me an ask!

[purplesurveys]

688

Have you today?

Looked in a mirror? Not on purpose. We just have several mirrors in the house that I unavoidably pass by and look at.

Watered a plant? Not today, but my dad has asked me to do it a couple of times in the last week.

Worn denim? I haven’t worn outside clothes in almost a monthhhhh. And that includes denim.

Washed your hair? Technically yes. I took a shower at around 1 AM? before heading to bed.

Been in pain? Kind of. My left eye has been irritating me almost every night/morning since the year started; sometimes it gets incredibly swollen, sometimes it just feels like something is stuck in my eyelid. Either way it’s always uncomfortable and painful.

Had a nap? Haha, not yet. But since the lockdown started I’ve been having an afternoon siesta everyday. Brushed your teeth? Yeah, it came along with the ^ above 1 AM shower. Kissed someone? I haven’t been able to kiss my girlfriend in almost three weeks now and I’m miiiiiserable.  Used a cheese grater? Nah, I haven’t used one in a while.

Eaten something sweet? Not yet. I might eat a few pieces of chocnut later though. Spoken to a stranger? Not today, but we did have a village guard knock on our door earlier to give my dad a quarantine pass – it’s to confirm that he���ll be the only one in the family allowed to leave the house in case we need to go to the groceries or something. I peeked by the front door to listen to the interaction, but I didn’t speak with the guard myself. Dropped something? Sure. My bottle of eye drops. Felt upset in some way? You can say that. There’s a new trend on Facebook where groups are created so certain universities can just trashtalk one another as a joke. It was funny at first but there are some posts that have gone too far, personal, or both, and it obviously hasn’t been good for my mental health lol. Drank coffee? Not yet today. I usually have it in the evening. Walked for more than thirty minutes? I also haven’t walked much in three weeks. That’s kinda what’s supposed to happen when your entire city is put on lockdown. Signed up for something? No. I’ve logged in to certain sites, though. Travelled in a car? I also haven’t been in a car in the last couple of weeks. I was able to ride with my dad the night before they imposed the lockdown – we were visiting my grandpa in the columbary because it would’ve been his 80th birthday that day. Opened a can? Nope. Thought about doing something crazy? At the back of my head I always think of driving up to see Gab because I miss her a lot, but it just remains a crazy thought in my head. Listened to a new song? Yeah. I have a couple of saved playlists and I don’t know like 94% of the songs in both of them, so I’m always listening to a new song everyday. Written in a notebook? I haven’t. I’ve written on a piece of paper, though. Fed an animal? Yup, my dog needs his breakfast. Checked your emails? LOL NOPE, and I don’t plan to check them any time soon. Told someone you love them? Yeah, before we both turned in at like 3 AM lol. Made a phone call? Yeah I also called my girlfriend earlier.

Have you in the last week?

Update: I skipped this survey the whole day and now it’s 10:30 in the evening, and I’ve already done a bunch of stuff I said no ^ to earlier lmao but am too lazy to change. Let’s gooooooo

Travelled on a bus? Nah. The bus personally isn’t my main mode of transpo and I only get to ride them when I’m in a group and there’s no choice but to ride a bus, like for field trips or for group itineraries during vacations.

Washed your face? Yeah. I did this today because my face was feeling annoyingly oily. Put a face mask on for the first time in a long time.

Used a blender? No. I don’t think we even have a blender at home, cos no one ever makes stuff that needs to be blended.

Received a phone call? Sure. Gab and I called several times in the last week, and my grandma has also called from time to time to check up on us because the lockdown has kept us from seeing her regularly.

Talked to someone you dislike? I...don’t think so. If I did I’d definitely talk to Gabie about it, and I haven’t done that with her haha.

Consumed alcohol? Ugh, bleck. Yeah. I wanted to get buzzed last week and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s is the only thing we have in the house so I had a small sip and just... disgusting. Whiskey is just not my thing, so never again.

Eaten pasta? Spot on. We had spaghetti for dinner tonight.

Planned for an event? There is no event to plan, and it’ll stay like this for the next 3-4 months probs.

Asked someone for a favour? Sure, I asked Gab to be the one to write the write-up that’s going to be on my college yearbook.

Watched something funny? I’ve been watching tons of these to fight off boredom during the break.

Trimmed your nails? Yep, they were getting long and uncomfortable so I got rid of them.

Browsed Reddit? Also yep. School kept me busy for a couple of months and I wasn’t able to use Reddit then because I’d usually pass out by evening. But right now I have more than enough time to browse it, so I’ve been doing some catching up.

Talked to yourself? I guess? Not as much as before the lockdown though, because I’ve already been usually by myself throughout this break, and don’t feel the ~need to talk to myself.

Purchased tickets for something? Nah. They cancelled almost all future events up until May or June...there’s no tickets to be bought at all to begin with.

Felt like you were annoying someone? Meh, it happens every now and then.

Cleaned a toilet? I’ve never done this at all.

Reminisced about the past? LMAO yeah. Someone created a Facebook group that lets alumni from my high school just shit-talk the school and bring back (and reveal) old drama, scandals, and controversies. It’s hilarious, it hasn’t pissed me off, and past students exposing teachers who turned out to be trash and/or perverts is so satisfying.

Used headphones? I haven’t had headphones in a while.

Laughed with a friend? Yeah, but just virtually. I haven’t heard most of my friends’ voices in a while.

Cooked dinner and then didn't feel hungry? Nah. I HAVE helped my dad make dinner a few times this week, which is like huge baby steps for me in learning how to cook haha.

Written a list? I don’t think I have in the last week.

Played an instrument? Nope. Felt jealous or envious? It happens. Ignored a text message on purpose? Lol yeah I guess. There were times I got fed up with Gab being such a slow replier that when she replies, I stopped wanting to open my inbox. Congratulated someone? I just did! UP’s med school results were released a few hours ago and I congratulated my friend Michelle for passing. Her decision was super clutch – she initially passed med school as early as high school but she declined it so she can take journalism instead, because it’s what she thought she liked at the time. Four years into the course and she realizes she hated it, so she made the really clutch decision to review for med school exams and she ended up passing every single one she took, UP being the icing on the cake. Honestly I wish I had balls like her.

Have you in the last month?

Made a piece of art? I don’t think so.

Rewatched one of your favourite tv shows or movies? I rewatch Friends at least once or twice a month, so ya got me there.

Called a plumber? We haven’t needed to do this.

Been to a see a doctor? Yup, an optometrist. Something’s been going on with my left eye for a while, so I went in to have a checkup a couple of weeks ago.

Finished a book? I did :o I had to read an entire book to make an essay for my business news class. It’s an investigative piece on the fast food industry, which I honestly dig, so I didn’t have a hard time reading and finishing it.

Had a crush on someone? Sure.

Travelled on a train? Definitely haven’t done this at all, except for that one time three years ago when I had to do it with Jum to go to the House of Representatives in Manila.

Worn heels? I don’t think I did, no. Been to a friend's house? Yeah, I was at Gabie’s a couple times before the lockdown started. Shared a bed with someone? ^ Just her. Been to see a movie at the cinema? Haven’t been to since Knives Out last December. Paid attention to celebrity drama? Nah. High school drama though, I’ve been all over that the last couple of days lmao. Felt anxious? I feel it at least once a day. Taken an elevator? Sure. Given someone the cold shoulder? Only when I don’t reply to Gab because she takes too long to reply, lol yeah. It doesn’t last too long though; it’s just a playful tantrum thing. Purchased a new book/game/movie? Nah, I think I find most of my content on YouTube/Netflix anyway. Applied for a job? Hahahahahahahahahahhaha not yet don’t rush me. Used a printer? I don’t think so. Had lunch in a park? But do we have parks at all? Lmaooooooooo Gotten a manicure or pedicure? Definitely not into those. Made an appointment? Ish? If the one with the optometrist counts. Had a blood test done? Not since 2010. Suffered from a major bruise? Lol dude I haven’t moved a lot in the last few weeks, there’s absolutely no reason for me to get a bruise. Researched a topic in-depth? Yes. I am in school, after all.

Have you in the last year?

Been to the beach? Yep, but it’s been a literal year and not less than, and I am haaaaaardcore missing the beach. No idea when I’ll be coming back.

Visited someone in the hospital? No and I hope I won’t have to for now, given what’s been going on.

Played pinball? Ooh I just did earlier this month! Gab and I went to BGC for a whole night of partying, and when everyone went home we stayed so we can go bar-hopping, and there’s a place called Barcade that’s...well, you get the name. ANYWAY they had sooo many vintage arcade games and a couple of pinball machines, and we didn’t waste time playing each of them. It was sooooo fun.

Travelled on a plane? A couple of times.

Worn a costume? I was Dora for Halloween, so yup.

Been thrift shopping? I don’t...think so?

Thought about getting pregnant or got pregnant? Hell no.

Made a big life decision? Not really. Hasn’t everyone’s lives been put on hold because of this stupid virus?

Changed a lightbulb? Never had at all, really.

Framed something and put it on your wall? Nah. I’m not really that kind of person.

Been stargazing? I’ve been doing this a lot recently cos I’ve been staying at the rooftop at night more often. And with everyone at home, the light pollution has been clearing up and the stars have been so much easier to see.

Made a new friend? If the new applicants for our org count, then yes.

Added to a collection? I don’t have any.

Been to the dentist? Oh yeah. I had a really bad toothache throughout December but the dentist took it all away ahhdkjfhdjsfhsf I’m so grateful lmao.

Broken up with someone? Nope.

Held a baby? That’s a bigger nope.

Created a budget? Nah lmao I would never be able to follow it.

Confessed feelings for someone? Already did.

Had surgery of any kind? Nope and I hope I’ll never need one.

Quit a job? Never had a job,

Been in a car accident? NO thank god hahahahahahaha Purchased something worth over a grand? Yep, one of my Christmas gifts for Gabie was well around two grand. Pesos though, so that’s like roughly $40. Been on vacation at least 500km/300mi from home? Yeah, we always do at least one of these when my dad’s home. Applied for an academic course? Does enrolling count? I’m still in college lmao. Had your photo taken by a professional? I had my grad shoot taken last January.

[brightsun-and-darkmidnight]

Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

TITLE: Heartbeat: A Fragile Reminder

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 37 / ?

AUTHOR: brightsun-and-dark midnight

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki falling in love with a Midgardian and his words to Thor about Jane during Dark World coming back to haunt him. “It would be a heartbeat. You would never be ready.”

RATING:  M for Mature

NOTES/WARNINGS: ~▪︎~FOR THE WHOLE STORY~▪︎~

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Check Masterlist. It's going to be a long read. I try to keep each chapter around 3,000 words.

My Ao3: brightsun_and_darkmidnight

!-!TRIGGER WARNING(S)!-!

So many triggers, read ALL of them!

Swearing. Angst. Death. Depression. Violence. Self-harm. Regret. Carelessness for safety. Doubts. Torture. NSFW. Smut. Fluff. And Of Course- Mischief.

Summary: Loki and Alicia spend time together intimately and then publicly but Alicia's visions start to play out.

~ ~ ENJOY ~ ~

Alicia took Loki to her room. She looked to her bags that needed to be unpacked but Loki's hands on her arms as he stared at her gave her jolt of confusion.

She laughed a little. "What do we do now? It's been so long since we have been alone."

"Anything you want."

Alicia looked up to Loki and replied softly, "make love with me."

Loki's hands went to her waist. "Are you sure?"

She nodded as she placed her glasses on the end table. Everything was blurry without her glasses but she hated them getting in the way. "We were able to sit and talk, cuddle, you read to me, we had hospital food… we had arguments. The only thing we haven't had a chance to do was be intimate."

Alicia stared at his lips as they moved closer. Alicia released an unashamed moan when his tongue gently played with hers. 

Clothes were removed slowly by hand and kisses were passionate.

As Alicia moved onto the bed Loki was close behind. She laid down as her arms wrapped around him, pulling him onto her. She gasped as his fingers lightly touched her breast. With a few touches here and there Alicia was a panting, moaning mess.

Loki mused, "has it been so long that you have become so sensitive?"

Alicia bucked towards his hand. "Please stop teasing."

"But I like this." Loki glided along her very aroused entrance.

Alicia's back arched off the bed once Loki put those heavenly long fingers inside. "Oh Loki!"

"Calling my name already? Usually you save those towards your orgasms… tell me -how close are you now?"

Alicia was moving her hips to take more pleasure. "So close… please? Please Loki let me finish?"

"I like this very much. I am barely trying…"

Alicia felt him working her body to its maximum pleasure.

"Lets see how many times I can make you finish before you are begging me to stop."

Alicia's body was shaking in pleasure by the time Loki decided to finally participate in his own.

"You are so wonderful, wrapping around me so tightly, quivering with how your last orgasm ended and how a new one begins."

Alicia pulled him by the hair forcing a groan from him. 

"Stop talking."

She felt him smiling widely as she worked her mouth with his. 

Alicia craved Loki's touch for so long, so instead of feeling tired she seemed to have more energy. She moved and he let her be on top. He however sat up and kissed her. He held onto her back with his fingers pressing tightly as his hands went down her back and onto her ass. She felt him forcing himself deeper as his breath grew faster, her own breath was labored as she felt one more orgasm burning its way through her entire being.

Loki husked, "You're not begging to stop."

Alicia whispered, "I want you."

Loki put his forehead to Alicia's. "I love you."

Alicia enjoyed their bath and especially being wrapped in blankets with gentle caresses from Loki's slow hands. Alicia hummed as she felt Loki's fingers leaving a trail of goosebumps all over her skin. Feeling too relaxed she looked at the time and noticed it was time for bed.

"I guess I should go find Emma soon."

Loki never took his eyes off of her. "Are you tired?"

A shiver went through Alicia as Loki's fingers went over her chest. "A little."

"Time to get dressed then."

After a brief search they found Emma. She told Alicia a bed was ready in the healing area and to make a small bag just for the night and tomorrow morning. After doing the suggested thing, Alicia went to her sleeping room. 

Loki stayed for a little but Emma explained Alicia did enough by herself. "She just needs to be monitored in the beginning. That damn ring better do it's damn job."

Loki glared at the enchanted ring. "Alicia is determined Marcibeth has good intentions."

Alicia's breath became labored. 

Emma went to Alicia and grumbled. "Such a kind sister."

Hassiba smiled at Loki as she guided him to the door. "I am sure she will be fine. Get rest prince Loki."

Loki slept well enough but made sure to be at Alicia's side before she woke. Her eyes sparkled when she was fully awake with her glasses on to see him.

Everyone was called for lunch to reunite the team.

Alicia rolled her eyes with a light laugh as everyone joked and teased each other. It was nice to be with everyone again, to feel part of a family...

Alicia leaned forward in anticipation. "Is there any new information on my father or sister?"

The looks the team gave each other before Tony spoke. "Fury is working with all of us to plan another search mission."

Alicia nodded slowly. "Is there progress?"

Loki nodded as his hand went to her knee. "Tony has made devices for each person so we can make a map, as well as improved magic cancellation."

Alicia played with Loki's fingers, "I suppose I am going to be on the mission?"

Thor answered, "no. You will not go on this mission."

Alicia stopped playing with Loki's hand then looked to the TV as the news was on about the New Years party later in the evening. The news once again being concerned about Loki and herself being in a relationship again.

Loki shrugged, "apparently we broke up again."

Alicia shrugged, "such a shame we are going to have to make a public appearance tonight with the other."

Loki faked an upset look, "it is a real shame we are going to be happy."

Alicia gave him a small smile, "a real shame."

The party for new years was exciting but much tamer than the past ones. Tony kept checking in with Pepper most of the party and barely drank. The party lasted long enough until Tony decided to leave.

Alicia was away from Loki to visit the bathroom. When she was washing her hands a few women walked in quietly. Alicia's phone went off from a message and an odd shiver ran through her. Deciding to check it outside she walked to the exit but was stopped by two women that were waiting to use the bathroom stalls.

"You might want to get that."

Alicia narrowed her eyes at the hand on her arm. "Why?"

"Look or don't is up to you. But Luit is not patient."

A chill ran down her spine and felt the cold course through her veins. Her hands shook trying to get her phone out of her purse.

There was a picture of her dad tied to a chair. His face was bruised and an eye was swollen shut. The injuries looked fresh as of a few hours ago. The cuffs with Asgardian runes and symbols in the hands of Luit beside Marcus. Luit had the smirk he had when she last saw him during the attack on Asgard.

The caption, "You or him."

Alicia studied the women in front of her and noticed two of the other women behind her. "What do I need to do?"

"You come with us. We will be waiting in the lobby as you get casual clothes on. You have 20 minutes to meet us or we notify Luit to put those cuffs on your father."

Alicia glared at the woman as she let go of her arm. "I will be there."

Alicia hurried to her room, changed and undid her fancy hair into the mess of a bun. She walked quickly to the lobby, being sure to avoid the paparazzi and the team.

All four of the women were already changed and rushed her to an SUV.

Alicia held the pendant to notify the others of her location.

They took her down a gravel road that went into the woods then a large open field. A building in the center of everything. Alicia was happy no civilians would be in harms way, especially if the visions happened. It was not a hide out that everyone looked through often since no evidence of Luit and Edward being there. Alicia believed him but Loki was right that Luit did not leave a trail.

Alicia was guided through a series of tunnels with bends and turns that made it like a maze. Finally they stopped at a door and pushed Alicia inside. She glared at them.

"Alicia.. no."

Alicia hurried to her father but she was stopped by Luit. His smile made her stomach turn. The gesture for her hands made Marcus plead and beg for Alicia to leave.

Luit teased Marcus as he smiled down at Alicia. "Stop whining Grumpus. Your little girl decided this on her own. Besides aren't you glad you don't get to wear these anymore?" Luit gestured for Alicia's hands with the cuffs again.

Alicia kept her face as harsh and threatening as it would ever manage. "Let him go."

Luit smiled as he spoke to Marcus while still staring at Alicia, "your other daughter was always meant to be with us."

Marcibeth walked swiftly and stood Marcus up. Her face was void of all emotions.

Alicia stared at her sister, hoping things would go as Alicia has been playing out in her visions. Alicia felt a tingle of pain as she talked to Marcibeth..."Marc. Please. Take care of him."

Luit grinned, "oh she will. The first thing your father will do is get you help. He is the messenger to your darling Loki. Now hands."

Alicia offered her hands and it hurt worse than Marcibeth's cuffs. She couldn't keep her eyes open as each surge of magic was halted. She screamed and screamed each time the magic couldn't be freed. It just kept building inside of her. 

Alicia opened her eyes after a brief moment of no pain and saw her father being rushed out of the room. Despite him trying to fight back he was pushed out of the room. 

Her eyes closed tightly as the magic surged again, screaming. Then something was shoved into her mouth and tied around her head. She barely winced as her hair was tied into the knot as well. Another surge tore through her and she nearly fell. Would have if she wasn't practically being carried already. A moment of clarity let her catch her breath and she fought back against the ones holding her.

She felt them tie something around her eyes as hands grabbed her arms and legs. Then she felt herself being lifted off the ground. They carried her for a while. She groaned and twisted her body in pain. It felt like she was being carried downstairs. She heard the slamming of a door. Alicia's hands that were bound were pulled up and she heard chains. She was set on her feet, her hands were pulled above her head so she had to stand on her toes. "Remove the cloth over her eyes." A rough voice said. She remembered that voice. She felt someone rip the cloth down, forcing it over her nose and cheek bones. Leaving it around her neck. Alicia forced her eyes open despite the blinding light in her eyes. She glared around the room at the outlines of people. She saw a red dot, a camera recording. There was silence. Alicia kept her face harsh. "Alicia Mae Gad. Lets get to the point. We have been monitoring the Avengers' and Sheild's activity. The reports I have, says that you have gone on missions with the Avengers. You are the daughter of the man who killed my brother. A beasts whore, that killed few of the last remaining people I cared about." There was a pause. Luits calm voice echoed off the walls. "Lets Remove the gag. See if she has anything to say." She saw someone come at her. She got a good look at the one that removed her gag. Short dark hair, dark cold eyes, big ears... Edward. "Well?" Edward demanded, the voice finally matching a face. Alicia glared. "Why not kill me now?" Luit's voice was filled with amusement. "Make her remember she is able to talk because of her purpose." Edward took a swing to the side of her face. Alicia groaned. The pain from the impact hurt but her tooth cut into her cheek. She held the blood in her mouth for the time being. She stared at the floor, her head still turned from the punch. 

Edward grabbed her face and as soon as she saw his eyes, she spit. His eyes closed immediately and backed away. His hand wiped down his face and he looked as if he was going to kill her. He walked swiftly towards her. 

Luit tutted. "Be easy Edward. While she is some Asgardian she is pretty fragile. I don't want her hurt too bad, she is the trap after all."

She felt sharp pains in her ribs and sides as he used her as a punching bag. The only thing Alicia could do was close her eyes tightly and clench her jaw shut. 

She made a pitiful sound as another rush of magic went through her. She felt the cuffs digging into her wrists as the pain rendered her legs useless. Luit chuckled, "I think she has had enough." The punches stopped and Alicia opened her eyes. The man looked angrier than before. She saw him turn, then the blur of his leg. A sharp pain shot through her right ribs and she heard a terrible sound that made her hair stand on end. She cried, panted and felt the immediate sweat trickling down various parts of her body. She squinted. Saw the satisfied look on Edward's face. Alicia stared harshly. Luit rolled on his feet back and forth with a grin. "Your father was sent to be the messager. You really think he won't bring the Avengers' with him? SHEILD might come too in order to save their fortune teller." There was a low laugh. "Marcibeth told me about your visions. And I am aware of her enchanting your ring." 

Alicia heard him laugh as she groaned at her magic being stopped again.

"Doesn't seem she was too successful but it worked well enough for her first time. Anyway... I am sure your co-heros will be here soon, maybe not, it is possible they won't make it to you before you die." Luit patted her face with a smile then resumed moving back and forth on his feet. "The body can only handle so much before it shuts down… But you are gonna live, right? Your sister stated she saw the visions of you healing. Will time be on your side? Oh!-There is a clock behind me so you can time just how quickly your heros get here. Or even to time how long you last." Luit stopped rolling on his feet and paced back and forth in front of Alicia. "So lets say they do find you... As soon as the cuffs are removed a bomb will go off, blowing this place up like the fireworks of the new year. You should have brought people with you to try to end me. You probably would have had a better chance. But now... You put everyone in danger." Luit stood closer and Alicia could see his face. "Congrats...."

Alicia claimed a ragged breath before speaking. "What did you to my sister?"

Luit smiled. "I don't have to discuss this here. Until next time!" The gag was replaced. Before Luit left, he dug his fingers into where she was kicked. Alicia screamed but it was muffled by the gag.

Luit tapped his own forehead with a delightful laugh. "Oh yes. Need to send something to get Loki riled up and get here faster." Luit turned his back to Alicia, he held up a phone to take a selfie. "Hanging in there," was typed into the phone as Luit spoke slowly. He showed Alicia before walking out. The phone was tossed carelessly over his shoulder and clattered on the floor. 

"We have been recording your stay here,"Luit said in a sing-song voice. "We sent the video to the Avengers tower. With everyone seeing it at the tower the news will be sure to cover it."

Edward stepped into the light. His voice low and threatening, but oddly cheerful. "Ever since the night I went to your childhood house I have been inside Marcibeth's head. She might be my niece but the life she had is not the one she should have experienced. Your father stole your mother from my brother. From Marcibeth's father… Too bad you won't get to know the lies of your life. At least, not yet."

Alicia wanted the information on Marcibeth and her own bloodlines. Not able to do anything, she glared at him for dangling scraps of information over her head. 

Edward left with a sinister smile. "I will see you again soon enough."

[blackrosesfanfic]

Chapter 208

Next morning

Cammie

"Have you talked to Trey?" I ask April.

She frowns. "Trey? No. Why is something wrong?"

I shrug. "He not answering my phone calls. Last night I get a call from Natalie telling me that he going to Miami. But he wasn't supposed to be there until tomorrow morning. He wasn't leaving until tonight."

"No. He hadn't called me. Did you try calling Forrest? He is in Miami right now."

"I'm trying to not stress about it. Devin and MiMi think he just being bipolar and not wanting to talk to me. It's just not him. You know? He hadn't even checked on the boys."

She grabs my hand. "Baby, let that grown man do whatever he doing. Anyway, I want to go out for some drinks. What do you say?"

"Its like 3, April."

"Tonight." She chuckles. "We can go get lunch."

I sigh. "Okay. We can get lunch. The boys are going to be where with who?"

"Here with Kevin."

"I don't know about a male nanny."

She giggles. "He is a retired veteran who missed his kids being around. Just go with it. He is willing to relocate and travel. He has a passport and accepts the pay."

"A male nanny." I say walking away.

"Mommy?" Lane yells coming out of the bedroom. "Mommy gone."

"I am not gone." I answer.

He smiles and runs to me. "Mommy."

"Good morning."

"Good morning." He repeats.

I pick him up. "Oh, man. You getting heavy."

He touches his stomach. "Me."

"You... my handsome man."

"Eat strawberry?"

I rub his stomach. "Strawberries."

"Yeah. Come on." He says getting down. "Strawberry."

"Fellow please calm down. Please."

That he was not doing. I hate that my baby doesn't care about his father not being around when he wakes up. I don't know if I should blame myself or him. Like he could be here right now but he not. I don't even know what is keeping him away. It's so hard trying to be strong when he being so stupid. It doesn't make sense.

"Hello." I say answering the phone as I walk into the kitchen. "Lane, let Mommy help."

"Hey, Bae. Everything good? You didn't call last night." MiMi asks.

I blow. "I'm good."

"Well, I'll be there in like 45 minutes."

"45 minutes?"

She giggles. "I changed my flight so I could get here early for you, Boo."

"I love you."

"I know you do. A bitch hungry. Do you mind?"

I put a bowl on the table for Lane. He was picking strawberries out of the bunch like it was a science. He also was taking the time to take the leaves off. I let him do what he was doing.

"I got you, Bae. What about my sister?"

"I got her ass. We had to land at this other airport so that's why it takes a while. It's the big busy one. Like why it take the car 15 minutes to get to me if it's already here? Anyway. I'm ready to fucking party like I don't got no sense. I left my man at home feeling satisfied on my birthday. But whatever."

I laugh. "You are silly."

"Mommy, get the white thing."

"Lane, what white thing?"

He gets down then opens the cabinet. "Waffle."

I laugh. "Waffle?"

"Here it is." He says dragging the waffle maker.

"This boy bringing the waffle maker out."

"I love you, Lane! Yes. Waffles, eggs, and sausage. Please, Bae."

I help Lane with the waffle maker. "I can do that."

"Mommy, the thing." Lane says pouring some imaginary mix into the waffle maker.

"Girl let me go. Lane, we have to make it. Come over here. I love you so much." I say grabbing him and kissing him. "You get me through everything."

He covers my mouth. "No, Mommy."

I giggle. "I'm trying to give you my love."

"Okay." He says irritated but moves his hand.

"Thank you, Daylan." I say kissing him some more.

  Amber

I grab Chris' face. His eyes open suddenly as he looks at me startled. I go to kiss him but notice his fucking lip swollen and red.

"Chris, what the fuck happened?"

"Some bullshit."

I sit up in bed. "Chris what kinda bullshit? Get up. Is it some shit you could get in trouble about? What happened?"

He turns over. "Why does it always have to be something I did?"

"Dummy, because you worth millions and there is someone out there that fucking wants a piece of it if not just the fame from shit like this."

"Well not Trey."

I throw my hands up. "Trey!"

Chris turns around. "Tremaine."

"Oh my gosh. Were you play fighting?" I ask turning his face to the side.

"Why is it such a big deal?"

"Chris, I was waking you up because you have a photoshoot setup for this morning. You can't fucking do it looking like this."

He blows grabbing his phone. "Looks like I got fucking Herpes."

"Yes. You in for a day or two. I hope he... you said Trey? Why were you fighting Trey Chris? You were supposed to fix it."

"I tried. He came to me fucking drunk talking about Cammie's relationship with August. First of all, you were able to fucking hide the fact that you were fucking Cammie. Do you really think that I would know about another relationship she has? I told him to get out my face with that. He being a bitch for that."

I cross my arms. "August and Cammie? Trey come on."

"All Cammie wants is for her reputation not to be destroyed. Why would she fuck August? She not even that type. He can't fucking see that cause of his shit. You the one fucked everybody's wife. You the one with the demons."

"He makes me sick. Where did he even get that from?"

Chris shrugs. "I wasn't trying to talk logic in the middle of the club to a drunk motherfucker. It pissed me off first."

I grab his face again. "Maybe they can Photoshop it out."

"Naw, this ugly shit. I ain't going nowhere with this shit. Look at my damn lip."

"Sure you weren't sucking face with a Herpes ass bitch?" I chuckle.

Chris pushes me to the bed. "I was. You gave me this. Rubbing your Herpes pussy in my face while I was sleep."

I laugh really hard. "Christopher, you are messy."

"This really bothers me but I want to stay out of it."

"Maybe Trey not really ready to be married."

"Might be in it for the kids."

I blow. "Imma call Cammie."

He pushes my phone on the floor. "Naw, you gonna be with Cammie all day. Me first then Cammie's bullshit."

"You not out the clear. You still need to fix your relationship with Trey. Fighting don't make things worst or better. It just makes it harder to know who needs to be the bigger man. It only takes an apology."

"He punched me though."

I pull his waist to me. "Exactly, Christopher. But what did you say to help him? Sounds like you just fussed at him. Did he need that or a friend?"

"Aight, Bae. I get it."

"Okay I'll give you a few days to get over this."

He shakes his head. "Only if everything in my life was as easy as it is to be with you."

"Awh." I say grabbing his neck. "How sweet?"

"Yeah." He chuckles lowering his body towards me. "Does sweet open your legs faster?"

I raise my eyebrows. "Oh, bitch, I'm easy. Just apply pressure."

He laughs then kisses my neck. "Where did you go last night?"

"I was here Chris."

"You weren't in the bed when I came home."

"Christopher, is that the only place you looked? Did you not check the living room?"

He shrugs. "I don't think I really looked for you."

I grab his face. "No you knew you fucked up by fighting Trey and you didn't wanna fucking tell me. It just happened to leave a mark."

"So I didn't look for you big deal." He smiles.

"You and your friend are the same. Kiss me before I start playing hard to get."

I sit up. "Naw. I got to cancel my photoshoot then I got to see about getting my daughter early."

"She is already with Joyce."

"Still? I thought that Joyce took her home."

I grab his dick through his pants. "We talking about me now."

"We not." He says grabbing my wrist.

I stroke his dick lightly then shrug. He lets my wrist go then he starts kissing on my neck again. I don't know why he playing like that. Acting like he has a choice in this. He lifts my shirt up then grabs my waist. He lies on his back pulling me over on top of him. I take my shirt off revealing my naked body. There isn't much romance or foreplay between us. Its straight to the fucking point.

[krreader]

BTS reacting to accidentally insulting you during an argument.

pairing: bts x reader fandom: bts warnings: language genre: angst

a/n: I think it goes without saying that this is purely fictional and written for the sake of the request. I’m sure you’ve seen these disclaimers a shit ton of times and know the deal and you’re old enough to know that this is only fictional lol. so enjoy the angst, my darlings ♥

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kim seokjin

Usually you two always managed to talk about an issue, rather than scream into each others faces. But sometimes, when it got out of control, it REALLY got out of control and then you were both saying things that you didn't mean and would regret later. Sometimes it was you, other times it was Jin. And this time, it was unfortunately him.

“Funny how you're always saying I'm the childish one, yet I'm pretty sure I've never had a more immature girlfriend in my life.”

You bit down hard on your tongue, especially when he didn't regret his words right away and didn't apologize like he usually did.

“Well then.. Why don't you go back to them, if I'm too immature for you, Seokjin?”

You never used his full name, only when you were either furious or disappointed. And since you weren't screaming at him, he was assuming it was the latter. And disappointment was always worse than anger.

He let out a frustrated sigh as you walked past him and into your shared bedroom, brushing his hand over his face. He'd give it an hour or so, before he'd apologize, but for now, he had to calm down himself, so that he wouldn't say anything else he'd regret afterwards.

min yoongi

He hated it when you became too close with other men and always assumed the worst, even though he really had no reason to suspect anything other than friendship going on. You loved him and nobody but him. But he didn’t always want to see that.

“You know what? I'm actually not surprised anymore..”

You let out a sigh and raised your eyebrows, while looking at him pacing around in front of you, you sitting cross-legged on the bed for the past hour that you were having this conversation.

“Oh really? And why's that?”

“Because you really did start dressing like a slut. No wonder they all want to fuck you.”

“Hmm,” you got up from the bed, walking up so close to him, that your boobs were touching his chest, “Maybe I should let them, then. Maybe they'd appreciate me more than my own boyfriend does.”

And with that, you were out of the apartment. You obviously didn't go to the boys that the argument had been about, you just wanted to clap back. And it worked, when he called and texted you only five minutes later, telling you how sorry he was and begging you not to go to them.

jung hoseok

“Why can't you just talk to me?!” Hoseok often liked to put on a mask, but you had hoped he would be comfortable enough to let down his walls when he was with you. To reveal his true self. Most of the time he did, but then on the really bad days, he thought he should deal with his issues on his own. But he didn't have to. You were his girlfriend and you wanted to help him get through the hard days.. it wasn't something he had to do alone.

“Because you're the fucking issue, (Y/N)!”

“What?” your voice got a bit weaker, not because you were hurt – at least not yet – but because you were confused. What could you have done that would make him like this?

“You're stuck to me like a fucking bur, you're always around, even when I don't need you here! I just need space, for god's sake!” he realized he had been a bit too loud when he saw your expression and took a deep breath, before repeating it a bit gentler: “I just need space..”

If space is what he needed, you were giving it to him right there and then, because without another word, you turned around on your heel and walked out.

And it wasn't until a day later that he realized just how much he was already missing you and how bad he had fucked up. He didn't need space, he had just needed to let out his frustration.. and unfortunately, you had been the victim this time.

kim namjoon

He had been working all night on this new song that he was writing. Usually you left him be, not wanting to distract him or whatever. And maybe that's why he was so surprised when you suddenly showed up the next morning.

“What are you doing here?”

“You missed our date.”

“What date?”

“Exactly,” you crossed your arms in front of your chest, “Listen to me, Namjoon. I respect that you need to work a lot and that you don't have a lot of time for us, but you could at least cancel, instead of letting me wait in a restaurant full of people who judge me for two hours, because I've been stood up.”

“Well, at least one of us has to work, right my dear?”

Oh, wow. Low blow, especially because you left your job for HIM. So that the little amount of time he had, you could spend together.

Since he didn't even turn around to look at you when he insulted you, you walked over to his nightstand, grabbed the glass of water and poured it over him. He jumped up immediately, spitting out one curse word after the other.

“Fuck you, Namjoon,” you smiled sweetly at him, “Seriously. Fuck you.”

“(Y/N), wait..-” he began with a sigh when you walked out of the room, but stopped himself from following you right away. He wanted to be dry to apologize, because he obviously hadn't meant what he said. He was just so on edge with the approaching comeback.. he hadn't meant to let it out on you.

park jimin

He had been up all night, the fight from last night still ringing in his ears like a gunshot.

“You don't get my point, Jimin, I was..-”

“Have you always been this annoying?!”

For a second you were taken aback, blinking a couple of times before saying: “Excuse me?”

“None of my other friends have girlfriends like you, annoying them with the same stupid stuff every damn time they argument with each other.”

Last night, he hadn't felt the effects of his words, not even when you had left without another word. But then, when he went to bed and the other side of the it was cold and empty, he realized what a big fucking mistake he had made. Calling you annoying? Comparing you to his friends' girlfriends? Basically telling you that you were weird and these other girls were better?

At first he had just cried, because he thought he might have lost you, then, with red and swollen eyes, he tried calling you in the morning and when only your mailbox answered, he told you how sorry he was and that he didn't mean any of what he had said and that he hoped you could forgive him. 

It took you another week to finally reach out to him again. And without a doubt, it was one of the worst weeks of his life, because he had really thought you wouldn't come back to him anymore.

kim taehyung

Jealousy was everyone's worst enemy in a relationship. You trust your partner and deep down you know that if he really loves you, he'd never do anything to hurt you or break that trust that you’ve established.

But you couldn't help it that Taehyung was one of the most handsome men of South Korea, surrounded by pretty girls in the same industry as him who would die for a chance to be with him.

You couldn't help that, from time to time, that ugly green monster surfaced. Like it did tonight, when he came home from yet another award show that he had MC'd with another idol. And sure, you knew that most of it was show, but the looks he threw her.. god, it drove you absolutely mad.

“You know.. maybe you should just tell me if you don't want this relationship anymore,” you didn't mean it, of course you didn't. But you were jealous, angry and wanted him to confirm that he still loved you.

But see, the problem was that Taehyung and you have had this conversation so many times, that he finally snapped and instead of his usual 'You know I only love you', he said: “Maybe we should break up.. at least my new girlfriend wouldn't be up my ass every five minutes because I accidentally looked at another woman. Maybe the next one won't be as jealous as you are.”

The second the words were out in the open, he realized his mistake. Especially when he saw how your eyes were beginning to fill with tears with each passing second. He took a step towards you and wanted to touch you, but you immediately slapped his hand away.

“Don't you dare fucking touch me,” you sniffled and took a step back.

“I didn't mean it, love, you know I didn't..”

But the damage was already done. And it would take a lot of time and effort for Taehyung to repair it.

jeon jeongguk

He was usually not the type of guy to ever fight with you, simply because he didn't know how. He loved you too much to ever get into a super heated argument, but then again, it was bound to happen one day.

“I'm seriously not asking for a lot, Kookie, but why is it so hard for you to just act like your age for once? Why can't you just be serious, just for once?”

“Why can't you be more fun and not as boring as you are?” and the second he said it out loud, he froze and quickly shook his head after a moment, “No. No, wait, I didn't mean that..”

“I'm boring?” you repeated, “You think I'm boring?”

“No! I..-” he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, beginning to become nervous, because he didn't know how to deal with this situation and especially not how to get out of it.

“If meeting my parents is so boring to you, then maybe you shouldn't.”

“(Y/N), please, I didn't..-”

But you were already walking out of his room.

Jeongguk, however, wouldn't let you leave without resolving the issue, so he immediately ran after you and tried to right things with you before it might be too late.

[wiggly-blue-shite]

Chapter 19 The Bell Doesn’t Dismiss You (Tedgens)

“I can't live with my mom anymore." Ok shit it's really that bad. Fuck. I don't know what to do. I've never been in the scenario before. I really really really want to help but what the fuck can I do?

Then the bell rings.

"Shit." All I know is he's alive, and of course the fucking bell has to right. "Can we talk about this at lunch?"

"Of course. I'm gonna go say hi to the others." Ted puts his sunglasses back on and walks over to Paul and Bill.

I guess I'll just go to my next class now.

"Not so fast." Emma yanks on my shirt sleeve violently. I turn to face her. "Did he fucking kiss you?"

I forgot other people were around. He kissed me in a public place. He's not ashamed of me. I can't help but smile.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Emma is great but that doesn't mean I can't annoy her. It's sometimes funny watching her get frustrated.

"Bitch you have to tell me." She already looks a little pissed.

"Ok, I'll tell you." I pause for dramatic effect, "wow would you look at the time! I'm going to be late to third." And I jog away towards my next class. I'm not going to look back but I can imagine the look on her face.

He kissed me in public. He's not ashamed. I hadn't even thought about whether or not he would be ashamed. BUT HE ISN'T!

-

Third period. He isn't there

-

Lunch time! I need to find Ted. Right now. I might not be able to get lunch. School lunches do suck though so I guess it's fine.

Ted: Do you want me to meet up with you?

Henry: Meet me at the main building cafeteria.

Sweet, I can get lunch. A shitty shitty public school lunch.

From the lunch line I can see ted waiting

at the cafeteria door. I don't think he can see me. He looks like he's doing a better, but he's clutching his stomach. He's still wearing the sunglasses. I wish I brought makeup with me to help with his black eye.

I grab my peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunch thing. I walk up to him. He smiles warmly when he sees me. God his smile.

"Hi" I smile back.

"Hello. So do you want to like go somewhere to talk or should we just stand in this doorway?" His black eye is really apparent when you're up close. I've never had a black eye before. I've only really seen them in movies. They look really painful.

"The doorway is tempting, but perhaps we should get out of people's way." We can keep it a little light hearted before we have to get into all of the serious stuff. Right? Is that appropriate?

"Perhaps we should." Ted and I step out of the cafeteria, "I have an idea of where we can have a little privacy."

He walks me over to the science building. Apparently there's just a bunch of benches over there. I've gone here for three fucking years and I didn't know that there were benches here. There aren't many people over here, so me and ted have a table to ourselves.

Ted has a little bag with his name written on it. I have no clue where he got it because he didn't have it when he left my house, and I don't think he got it from his mom.

"So." I don't know how to start this conversation. "What happened to your eye?"

That felt like a safe way to start. Ted chuckles nervously.

"Is it really that bad?" He looks really sad. I want to hug him until he feels better.

"Well it's not good." I don't know how to explain how painful it looks. It's all swollen and purple. It freaks me out.

"My mom's boyfriend," he exhales heavily, that's enough. That sigh, and I already hate whats-his-name's guts. "Keith, punched me."

He did more that that. Ted was holding his stomach. It was more than just a punch.

"I'm so sorry." I don't know what to do. I want to help. I just care so much and there isn't anything I can really do.

"I'll be ok." Ted puts his hand on mine. His hand feels dry and rough. I should have stopped him from going.

"Where are you going to stay?" I know he'll be ok. He seems really prepared for this. I need to know for sure he has a place to stay. My parents won't get home till Monday so...

"I'll probably stay with Bill and Paul. Their parents don't seem to really care. Hell I think Bill's parents want to adopt me. I'll probably stay on some other people's couches." Ted shrugs. That kind of sounds like what he is already doing.

"Well my parents aren't home till Monday so feel free to stay with me over the weekend." I squeeze his hand, "you will eventually have to get a permanent place to live." I really really really hope he has a plan. I want him to be safe.

"Yeah I know." God if anything happened to him I don't know what I'd do. That feels dramatic but it's true. I care so much. "So what are you doing later tonight?"

Wow that is just a complete pivot. Shit, what am I doing later?

"Nothing?" I'm like 80% sure that I'm not doing anything. I want to hang out with him so I'm just going to say that I don't have anything going on.

"Well how do you feel about me taking you on a date?" Ted smiles. I know I'm definitely blushing. Like a date. Like a date date with Ted.

"Yes." Wow how eloquent. Ted starts laughing. I can't help but laugh too. I'm the least smooth person to ever live.

"I FOUND THEM!" Someone around us yells, I know that voice! "What's up lovebirds?" Emma sits down next to me.

She's follows by Bill, Paul, and Charlotte. It's kind of nice that they came looking for us. I haven't ever really been a part of like an actual group of friends. But I like this.

"So how long has this been a thing?" Paul wiggles his eyebrows. What does Emma see in him?

"Why didn't you tell me!" Charlotte lightly hits Ted's arm. I know that they are just friends but, I don't know.

"When were you going to tell me?" Emma pushes me violently. That scans.

I realize that Ted's still holding my hand. My heart flutters. I want to go on that date right now! Why do we have to stay at school? School is stupid.

"This has been a thing for, what like 10 hours." Ted still doesn't let go of my hand, and he's so casual about it. It's just. Great.

"I was going to tell you, Em. I just hadn't yet." That's a lie. I wasn't going to tell her until I talked to Ted about it. I mean I guess everyone knows now.

"So ted are you like..." Paul doesn't finish his sentence. Straight people BS right here.

"Bi. I'm bi." Ted casually squeezes my hand. My stomach does a flip.

"Cool," Paul nods. He seems cool with it. If he wasn't I'd have to cancel all interactions between him and Emma.

The bell rings. Everyone goes their separate ways to their next classes. Ted waits till the others are relatively far away.

"Meet me in front of the auditorium when school gets out."

"Got it." I cant wait. I don't want to do two fucking classes. Just date now.

Ted kissed my forehead and walks off to his next class. I watch him walk away. I don't give a shit if I'm late to theatre. It doesn't matter! I have a date!

The moment I step into class Norah is by my side asking my questions and making sure I'm ok. She's a good friend but wow she can be annoying.

"I'm fine Norah." I finally start to sketch down some costume designs.

"You can't lie to me. We're bound by the sacred bond of running mates." She isn't working on the assignment she's just watching me.

Zoey's on her phone, but she's always on her phone. It's a wonder she's passing any class.

"Hey Henry." Zoey looks up from her for the first time in a century. "Why is there a video of you kissing Ted Richards?"

What.