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fortheloveofwonderland · 2 years ago

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Summer Heat | S.R

Summary - By orders or the director, the BAU must undertake a team building hike in the woods. You and Spencer have never gotten along and not even the summer heat seems to be able thaw the ice that exists between you. But then you get yourselves lost and while waiting for rescue, you have to find a way to pass the time…

A/N - set somewhere in the realms of s15. This is my second entry for @imagining-in-the-margins Summer Sunshine Challenge.

Pairing - Spencer Reid / BAU Fem! Reader

Warnings - enemies to lovers, Spencer’s awkward info dumping about hiking related deaths, swearing, public urination, talks of bladder control techniques, treating wounds, Spencer is touch starved, mentions of prison and Cat Adams and Max, Spencer and reader are oblivious idiots, make outs, handjob, fingering, public sexual acts, interruptions.

WC - 8.9k

The potency of the early afternoon Virginia sun infiltrating the towering thicket of loblolly pines caressed your skin, peppering its honeyed kisses across your flesh.

The warm earthy scents combined with the aromas of moss and the sharp, almost sweet notes of the pine trees engulfed you in a blanket of mother earth's creation.

You hummed to yourself as you trekked up a grassy incline barely registering the weight of your oversized pack on your back. You were no stranger to hiking or the heat and you were barely phased by it.

Unlike some people.

Doctor Spencer Reid was equipped for neither physical activity or the weather, despite the fact he grew up in desert climates. You could hear him huffing and puffing behind you as he struggled up even the smallest of hills.

You reached the brow and turned back to him with your hands on your hips. His face was flushed red from a combination of the sun and exertion. His hair stuck to his sweaty brow and his chest heaved with his breaths.

When he reached you, he doubled over, hands on his knees and he fought to catch his breath. You rolled your eyes and waited somewhat impatiently for him to stand again.

“Are you really this out of shape?” You scoffed.

He glanced up through a curtain of hair, puffing uneven breaths out between parted lips.

“Clearly.” He bit back.

It wasn’t a secret that the two of you didn’t exactly see eye to eye. You’d been with the team for almost a year now, but you and Spencer had never been close.

You’d gotten off on the wrong foot on your very first case. He’d spent almost all day on the phone to someone talking about his mother and you’d made a flippant comment about him being a mama's boy.

This led Spencer to launch into a rant about how his mother suffered from schizophrenia and altzeimers and how he was talking to her doctor because she was struggling to adjust to the new home he’d put her in DC.

He didn’t stop there. He continued to inform that she had been moved to DC because she wasn’t responding well to medication or her living facility in Vegas. He detailed how he’d moved her to the east coast and then gotten arrested in Mexico whilst trying to procure some experimental medicine.

He was seething by the time he told you that the same woman who’d gotten him arrested then had his mother kidnapped and almost killed.

He wasn’t as standoffish towards you as he used to be, his iciness thawing somewhat over time. But you were never going to be his favourite person. And as a result, he wasn’t yours either.

He forced himself to stand up straight, grabbing his canteen from where it was hanging from the strap of his backpack and taking a hefty sip before wiping the back of his hand over his mouth.

“It’s just a little hike. It’s not like you’re running a marathon or anything.” You clucked. “Can we continue now?”

“Just a little hike?” He groaned but started walking nonetheless. “It’s ten miles! And I have to do it with you.”

“Oh you poor, unfortunate soul.” You rolled your eyes as you fell in step with him.

The hike had been an idea which was floated down from the director. A team building exercise it had been dubbed. Although it wasn’t strictly mandatory it would look bad on those who didn’t participate.

So the BAU was spending a rare weekend off on a ten mile hike through the Shenandoah National Park followed by spending the night camping at the valley’s campground.

The Shenandoah National Park was more than five hundred miles of hiking trails extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains which included a section of long distance Appalachian Trail.

As someone who relished in the outdoors you’d always wanted the chance to visit Shenandoah but had never had the opportunity. And if you were paired up with anyone other than Spencer you might have been able to enjoy yourself.

Garcia had everyone draw straws in order to team up for the hike before you would all meet up later at the campground. You’d quite literally drawn the short straw with Spencer whilst Penelope was paired with Matt, Luke with JJ whilst Tara, Emily and Rossi made a group of three.

Spencer was the least athletic of the BAU members, the least outdoorsy, and so far had not stopped complaining.

You regarded your GPS as you walked to ensure you were headed in the right direction and the two of you fell back into silence.

Spencer breathed heavily even when the trail was flat, groaning a little every time you came to another incline.

You watched him out of the corner of your eye. It was a strange sight to behold, an academic who was far more comfortable indoors trekking through the woods like this. But what was even weirder was his outfit.

You’d never seen Spencer out of a shirt and slacks but he’d tried to at least look the part of a hiker today. He wore a thin black t-shirt and a pair of cargo shorts which showed off his surprisingly toned legs. You didn’t even think he would own such an item of clothing.

He’d tried to look the part, probably only taking into account the heat and not the fact that he was leaving his legs exposed to bug bites and poison ivy. You wouldn’t be the one to tell him that though.

He’d ditched his satchel in lieu of a backpack but still had his trusty converse on with obligatory mismatched socks. You’d told him converse would be hard to hike in, their thin soles alone not conducive to walking on the forest floor.

Judging by the way he grimaced with nearly every step, he was starting to wish he’d listened to you.

You continued to walk in silence, watching the way Spencer’s wary eyes cast around through the thick tree trunks, ears pricking at every tiny sound.

“If you didn’t need to stop and catch your breath every five minutes we’d be back by now.” You couldn’t hold your tongue.

Spencer’s head turned towards you, brows furrowed.

“If we hadn’t taken such a hilly trail I wouldn’t need to keep stopping every five minutes. Did you know hikers use twenty eight percent more energy when traversing uneven terrain as opposed to flatter land?” He grabbed his canteen again and took another sip.

“Don’t come crying to me when you’ve run out of water.” You ignored his statistical rambling, increasing your gait a little.

“I won’t run out of water. I’ve calculated exactly how much I can afford to drink per hour when approximating how long it will take to walk ten miles.” He told you smugly.

“Of course you have.” You rolled your eyes, picking up your pace a little more.

“I can’t believe the bureau is making us do this. Do they not realise that hiking related deaths have been on the rise? They’ve increased as much as twenty one percent in recent years.” He grumbled as he tried to match your pace.

“Oh please, do tell me more.” You huffed and clearly Spencer either didn’t sense your sarcasm or he chose to ignore it because he did tell you more.

“Fifty percent of all hiking related deaths are caused by a fall or drowning. Men make up seventy two percent of those victims.” He pulled a face, focusing on the ground beneath him now he’d drawn his own attention to that fact.

“Well you for one are particularly clumsy.” You replied, your tone one of boredom.

“The other fifty percent are due to medical conditions such as heart attacks while engaging in physical activity.”

“What kind of physical activity?” You smirked suggestively, nudging him in his arm.

Spencer shook his head as your childish insinuation.

“Oh grow up, Y/L/N.” He spat.

“I’m just saying if there is a man out there so good in bed he can induce a heart attack, I wanna meet him.” You chuckled, seeing him roll his eyes in your peripheral vision.

“And I’m saying, hiking is inherently dangerous.”

“We chase serial killers for a living.” You huffed, checking your navigational device again.

“Which I am well versed in due to years of hands-on experience. I am not educated in outdoor pursuits.” He scoffed.

“You seem to know a lot about hiking related deaths.” You cast your gaze upwards towards the sun peaking between the high trees.

You could hear faint rhythmic buzzing from insects nearby, distance scuffling through the underbrush. Every now and again you picked up on various bird songs as they chirped from the high branches.

It made a smile blossom on your features, being one with nature, the summer air cleansing your lungs. The sounds and the smells were a comfort to you, taking you back to childhood memories camping and trekking through forests just like this with your family and fond recollections of years spent at summer camps.

Summer was without a doubt your favourite season. It elicited waves of nostalgia, taking you back to years spent at camp lake edges, eating ice cream hurriedly before it melted, giving you brain freeze.

It evoked images of burning campfires, the smell of the wood as it smouldered and the marshmallows roasting ready to be made into s’mores. Dulcet tones of an acoustic guitar played under the moonlight by Andy Duncan, your camp crush.

And later when he’d walked you back to your cabin and bestowed upon you your first ever kiss. Summer held some of your best memories and kindled your sentimental side.

You toyed with the GPS device in your hand as you walked, twigs and leaves crunching under foot. You didn’t realise Spencer was staring at you.

“You okay?” He spoke up, snapping you out of your reminiscing.

“Huh?” You glanced at him sideways.

Spencer had a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked at you, something you’d never seen on him before, not directed towards you anyway.

“You look awfully wistful.” He shrugged.

“I just love summer I guess.” You mirrored his action.

“That makes sense.” Spencer turned away and looked back at the ground so he could avoid any potential trip hazards.

“What does that mean?” You swatted at a bug that landed on your arm.

“It means I’m not surprised you like summer, arguably the worst season.” He clucked.

“The worst? Oh please. Let me guess Doc, you’re a fan of gloomy winter? That would make sense.”

“Winter isn’t gloomy. Winter is oversized sweaters and hot cocoa by a fireplace. Huddled under blankets, the holidays. Sometimes even snow.” He told you as if you’d never heard of winter before. “But it’s not my favourite season. My favourite season is fall.”

“Hmm, dark and moody tones, nature dying. That tracks.” You spoke in a clipped tone.

“It’s not dying, it’s the start of rebirth. Shedding one layer so it can grow into something more than it ever thought it could be. It’s hauntingly beautiful really. And autumnal tones are stunning, all those earthy hues and streets littered in leaves. It makes me think of cinnamon and old books. Reading in the park with my mom when she was lucid and watching the leaves fall from the trees all around us.” It was Spencer’s turn to grow wistful.

You noticed his eyes glaze over slightly, his lip quirking up at the corner as he got lost in a fond childhood memory.

Spencer never talked to you about his youth or his mother after your initial falling out. He’d never been so candid with you before. As if he realised this, he shook his head, snapping himself out of his own revere.

“I, uh, didn’t mean to share all that.” He grumbled, grabbing his canteen and sipping the water just for something to do.

“I don’t mind.”

“Well I do.” He spat, slowing a little as the two of you neared another slight slope. “You’re the last person I want to talk to about my mother.”

You slowed with him until you both stopped. You folded your arms across your chest and glared at him.

“Reid, come on. It’s been a long time. I’ve apologised for calling you a mama’s boy multiple times. How could I have possibly known about your mother?” You shook your head.

Spencer’s jaw tightened, the muscle in the side of his face pulsing as he stared at you. You could all but see the cogs turning in his head as he fashioned a response.

“I don’t want your apologies, Y/L/N.” He huffed out.

He suddenly started walking again, ignoring how much his legs ached as he started up the small slope. You watched him go for a moment or two, feeling awash with anger.

You’d been looking forward to this hike, to an excuse to spend the weekend outdoors in the sun. You were not going to let Doctor Spencer Reid ruin that for you.

***

You carried on walking for another hour or so and not another word was spoken between you. It was tense and awkward and the sun was getting lower in the sky.

It wouldn’t be at all long before it started getting dark and you were growing a little concerned that you might not make it back before the sunset.

Spencer was clearly thinking the same as his brows had been furrowed for at least the past ten minutes and he was furiously chewing on his lip.

You halted in your tracks and pulled the GPS device back out. You stared down at it with a heavy frown, feeling the heat radiating off of Spencer as he drew closer to you. He peered at the GPS over your shoulder with a scrunched brow similar to your own.

“That says we’re only a few hundred yards from the camp. We should be able to see it.” Spencer looked up but all he saw was trees.

He turned a complete three hundred and sixty degrees but was met by trees as far as the eye could see.

“I think…I think it’s busted.” You groaned deeply, the sound reverberating out into the forest.

“No? No!” Spencer snatched it from your hand and shook it as if that would help matters. “Call someone! It’s going to get dark soon!”

You did not miss the blatant panic in his voice and if you didn’t feel the same you might have made a jab at him for it.

You reached for your phone in your pants pocket and unlocked the screen but groaned as soon as you did so.

“Fuck, I have no signal.”

“What?” Spencer scrabbled for his own device and huffed seeing he had no bars either. “We’re stuck out here?”

“Uh,” you glanced around. “Yes?”

“No, no. I am not dying out in the woods with you.” His tone was even more fraught.

“Trust me, you are not my first choice of death partner either.” You scoffed.

“If we’re out here long enough we could dehydrate! Or get hypothermia! I told you fifty percent of hiking related deaths are caused by medical conditions.” He was spiralling.

“How many hiking related deaths are caused by homicide?” You shot him an unamused look.

“Eighteen percent of 990 deaths at national parks were considered intentional. That includes suicide and homicide.”

“It was a rhetorical question.” You shook your head. “Maybe if we get to higher ground we can get some cell service.”

You started to walk but had no idea where you were going. You just had to hope you would find some higher ground.

Spencer followed you for lack of any better suggestions. He was sulking like a petulant child, clearly there was something on his mind as he huffed a few times as he trailed behind you.

You walked no more than a few minutes before his constant sighing and pouting caused you to stop again.

“What?” You spat. “What is it?”

Spencer frowned, halting in his tracks too. He was rolling his lip frantically between his teeth now and jiggling a little where he stood.

“I, uh,” his cheeks flushed red. “I need to use the bathroom.”

You closed your eyes for a second, pinched the bridge of your nose.

“I hate to break it to you but there are no bathrooms way out here.”

“It’s a figure of speech.” He grumbled. “I need to…pee.”

“Okay, well take your pick.” You motioned around to the copious trees surrounding you.

“I’m not a dog.” He rolled his eyes.

“I’m sorry princess but it’s the best I can offer you.”

Spencer sucked in a deep breath, clenching his hands at his side. His leg was still jiggling with his need to urinate.

Spencer had developed an extremely strong bladder in his time in prison. The toilets on offer at Milburn were some of the most unhygienic he’d ever seen and as such had used them as little as humanly possible.

He’s trained himself to strengthen his bladder, exercising his pelvic floor in order to reduce the amount of times in a day he needed to use the bathroom.

As such during the hike he hadn’t been once while you had been multiple times. And now it had snuck up on him, coming out of nowhere and he wouldn’t be able to hold it long.

“Goddamn I hate nature.” He grumbled, glancing around for the largest looking tree he could use to shield himself from you.

You watched as he turned his back on you, hurrying off in one direction, further than was strictly necessary. You rolled your eyes with a shake of your head.

“Don’t worry, Doc I’m not looking to catch a glimpse.” You called after him. You heard a tut in response but he didn’t rise to it.

Spencer pushed forwards through some bushes and weaved in and out large pines before he found a tree trunk far enough away from you that he could have some semblance of peace while he expelled himself.

He made sure the trunk was blocking his body before he unbuttoned his cargo shorts and freed himself from his pants. Within a fraction of a second he was already urinating.

He let out a relieved sigh, holding the base of his cock in one hand for aiming purposes whilst leaning the other on the tree.

He closed his eyes as the blissful sensation of his bladder emptying consumed him. He didn’t relish doing this in the woods but he couldn’t deny how nice it felt.

It felt so good in fact he didn’t even notice the itching of his calves. He finished his business and tucked himself away before buttoning his shorts.

He swung his pack off his back and rummaged in the side pocket for a little bottle of hand sanitiser. He squirted a little in his palm and rubbed his hands together.

Returning it to his bag and putting it back on, he noticed a stinging in his left calf but ignored it as he walked back over to you. As he walked his other leg started to sting too.

When he reached you he subconsciously reached down and started scratching the backs of his bare legs with his blunt nails. You stared at him curiously.

“You okay?”

“Just a little itchy. Think I’ve been bitten or something.” He grumbled.

You walked around him and regarded his legs. His skin was flushed red with little raised blisters dotted up the backs of both calves.

“Reid,” you took his wrists and guided his hands away from his frantic scratching. “I think you’ve walked in poison ivy.”

He snapped back to his full height, eyes wide.

“What? No? Come on!” He moaned, glancing back at the rash forming. “Could this day get any worse?”

“I’ve got a first aid kit in my bag, I’m going to need to treat those. If you keep scratching they could scar. Maybe this will teach you for wearing shorts on a hike.” You put down your backpack and rummaged for the kit.

“It’s nearly eighty degrees.” He scoffed. “And I’ve never been hiking before.”

“Just shut up and stand still. Give me your water.” You knelt down on the ground behind him.

“You’ve got your own water.”

“I’m not wasting my water on cleaning your rash because you were the idiot who wore shorts. Give me your water.”

Spencer huffed out a breath to show he wasn’t happy but then he unlatched his canteen from his bag strap and passed it back to you. So much for his calculations.

You uncapped it and poured a little on the back of each leg causing him to shudder. You used a small hand towel you had in your backpack to dry them off before sanitising your hands.

You located the hydrocortisone ointment in the first aid kit and squeezed a little on the pads of your fingers. You cautiously started on his left leg, massaging the cream into the small blisters.

Spencer hissed and his legs buckled a little. He was silent though and allowed you to treat his rash. Soon you were moving onto the other leg and although it stung Spencer couldn’t deny he enjoyed the skin to skin contact.

As much as he hated to admit it, Spencer was touch starved. He hadn’t felt another set of hands on him in such a tender way since before prison.

He’d deliberately kept everyone at arms length since, not trusting himself or deeming himself worthy to be so close to another person.

He’d almost allowed himself to go there with Max, to succumb to the kind of pleasure he’d sorely missed. They’d kissed but ultimately that was the furthest he’d let himself go.

And somehow your benevolent touch was more intimate than kissing Max. Or perhaps that was just wishful thinking on his part.

He was sure you knew the real reason he was so brusque with you wasn’t because of what you’d call him during your first case. He was annoyed about it at first but he hadn’t held a grudge over it.

His curt behaviour towards you stemmed from his almost overwhelming crush on you. He’d pushed you away because when he met you he wasn’t ready to be close to someone. But in doing so he had inevitably sealed his own fate so that now when he might actually want to pursue something, you could barely stand him.

He tried to omit the feeling of your fingertips on his calves and focused his attention on the warbling of a nearby bird. Its song wasn’t the prettiest he’d ever heard but it had a certain cadence to it which he found oddly calming.

All too soon you were finished and your touch was gone, leaving Spencer feeling dissatisfied. You wrapped both of his rashes in gauze bandages but your fingers barely ghosted over his flesh again.

You stuffed the kit back away and pushed yourself to your feet, brushing the dirt off of your knees. Spencer looked down at his newly bandaged legs with a small frown.

“Do you have a change of clothes? Some pants perhaps?” You asked.

“No, for all my planning and research I did not think to bring long pants.” He shook his head at his oversight.

“I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but you could have asked me what you should bring. The whole team knows I’m big on hiking and camping.” You turned away from him, looking back out through the trees to try and ascertain the best direction to head. “I also could have told you that converse was a dumb choice for hiking. I can only imagine how much your feet hurt.”

Spencer made a noise that sounded somewhat like he agreed with you but didn’t want to say it out loud. You pulled out a piece of crumpled paper from your backpack and unfolded it, staring intently at it for a few moments.

Spencer came closer, glancing down at the wrinkled paper in your hands. It looked to be a topographic map of the area. Finally something Spencer understood about hiking.

“Didn’t know Garcia gave us those.” He spoke as you studied it.

“She didn’t. This isn’t my first rodeo, I would never have come out here without one.” You didn’t look at him.

“So I can read this but how do you work out where we are? There’s nothing but trees for miles.” He scratched the back of his neck.

“Observation. We passed a small body of water about a mile back. I didn’t see it but I could hear it off to the west. And this incline,” you pointed in front of you. “Will help figure it out.”

“Okay, so a small body of water and an area where the contour lines aren’t too close as the hill isn’t too steep.” He nodded.

“Exactly.” You agreed. “And if my bearings are right I believe we’re facing north east.”

Spencer looked around briefly before a smile tugged at his lips.

“Because of the position of the sun.”

“Yep. And the moss.” You nodded towards the trees. “It’s not an exact science but in the whole moss tends to grow on the north side of trees in the northern hemisphere.”

Spencer watched while you ran your index finger along the map, trying to draw on everything you knew in order to get the two of you to higher ground.

“Wow I’m…I’m actually impressed.” He chuckled a little and you looked up at him with a frown.

“Are you patronising me?”

“What? No! I mean it. I’m really impressed.”

“Oh,” you looked back at the map. “Thanks.”

A minute or so later and you’d estimated a few miles worth of trail you believed the two of you to be on. If you were right you were still miles from the camp and wouldn’t make it there by nightfall.

Your plan was to find somewhere to get cell service so you could call the team and hopefully they could get park rangers out here to find you as they were the only ones equipped to traverse the forest after dark.

Spencer followed you while you kept the map in your hand. The two of you walked for another mile or so, by this point Spencer’s water rations were nearly depleted.

Eventually you stopped at the foot of a large, steep hill and Spencer looked up at it with a dubious expression.

“You want me to climb that?” He whined.

“Well we have a better chance of getting cell service when we have two phones.” You rolled your eyes, folding the map and slotting it in your pocket.

“Can’t you just take mine up there with you?” He pulled a face. “I really do not possess the physical prowess for this.”

“No kidding.” You scoffed. “But we’re in this together. I could get hurt or something, I need you for backup.”

Spencer groaned, pouting his bottom lip like a child.

“Oh jeez, fine.” He huffed. “But I will complain every step of the way.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less.” With a shake of your head you started forward and Spencer reluctantly followed you.

You got less than twenty paces before he almost slipped and fell on his face. To steady himself he instinctively reached for your hand. He didn’t let go the whole way up.

You hated to admit it but there was something oddly comforting about Spencer’s hand in yours. His hand was warm and surprisingly soft and it was so much larger than your own he all but encompassed yours.

He held onto you tightly, fingers squeezing your hand every time his foot slipped a little on the hilly ground. A part of you didn’t want to make it to the top because you didn’t want him to let go.

But of course as soon as the ground levelled out he slipped his hand away and all but collapsed onto the damp ground below, huffing and puffing. You watched him grab his canteen and finish the water without a second thought.

He removed his pack and rolled onto his back, relishing in every last drop of liquid and clearly not concerned he had now emptied his reserves. He closed his eyes and pushed his hair back off his sweaty forehead.

You pulled your cell phone out and unlocked it. You had one tiny bar of signal which you hoped was enough to make a call. You nudged Spencer in the ribs with the toe of your hiking boot. His eyes shot open and he stared up at you, the exhaustion heavy in his eyes.

“I’ve got one bar, I’m going to try and call Prentiss.” You informed him, bringing up your contacts.

You found Emily’s name quickly and hit the call button before putting the device on speaker. The dial tone was crackly and you knew the signal could cut out at any minute. It rang four times before Emily answered but her words were muffled and you only caught a handful of what she said.

“Y/N…are you?...Gone hours…thing okay?”

“Emily, we got lost. Our GPS was misprogrammed. We need help.” You had no idea how much she could hear of what you were saying.

“...are you?...send a rang…coordinates?”

You reeled off your approximate coordinates, explaining that you could be anywhere within a few miles of that spot but again you don’t know what she heard due to the spotty service.

“Hold tight…get a ranger…be okay.”

“Thanks Emily.” You finished before hanging up.

Spencer was still on the floor on his back, his brows furrowed in concern.

“How much of that do you think she got?” He was rolling his lip between his teeth.

“I have no idea.” You pocketed the phone again. “I’m almost certain Garcia would have brought her laptop with her. If she can get to the rangers station and get on the WiFi she might be able to locate us.”

“Yeah, good point. Garcia is the best.” His eyes closed again, a strangely dreamy smile on his lips.

“What are you doing?” You kicked him again and his eyes quickly opened and he stared at you.

“Resting, what does it look like?” He scowled.

“Reid, the second the sun goes down the temperature is going to plummet. We need to make a fire.”

“Goddamnit,” he pushed himself to a sitting position. “I hate the outdoors.”

You chose to ignore him and didn’t help him to his feet, instead started wandering around in the search for some sticks for the fire. Spencer eventually got himself up and started to help. The sun was barely a sliver in the sky by the time you collected enough wood.

You created a crisscross on the ground with the kindling, explaining to Spencer this type of fire would burn for longer and not need as much wood. You had no idea how long you would be out here and you needed to stay warm. The smoke would also help draw attention to your whereabouts.

You retrieved a pack of matches from your back, Spencer once again impressed by your preparedness. He simply watched while you went about lighting the fire, in silent awe. It was several minutes before the fire started to grow and he shuffled closer to it, sitting cross legged on the dirty forest floor and holding his hands towards the flames.

You sat down next to him, but not too close. You got out a fleece hoodie from your bag and slipped it over your head. As if jogging some kind of memory for Spencer he opened his own bag and found his oversized CalTech sweatshirt, thankful he’d had the forethought to pack this even if he had overlooked bringing pants.

Sitting by the fire you felt the fatigue wash over you. You could quite easily curl up and fall asleep after the day's events. Spencer noticed your fluttering eyelids and how you were desperately trying to stay awake.

He suddenly felt extremely bad for how difficult he’d been all day, complaining and moaning while you tried to keep him safe and alive. He huffed out a breath and the sound caused you to look at him.

Half of his face was illuminated by the glow of the fire, the other side set in deep shadow from where the sun had now almost completely vanished beneath the horizon. His golden brown eyes shimmered as he looked at you.

“I, uh, I’m sorry I’ve been such hard work today.” He rolled his lip between his teeth.

“Reid, I’m used to you being hard work.” Your lip twitched at the corner.

“I’m sorry about that too.” He swallowed. “Do you…do you want to lay your head down on my lap? You deserve to rest.”

You frowned a little sceptical, mildly concerned by the offer as Spencer had never been so nice to you. But you were too tired to question it and the idea of laying down sounded wonderful. You nodded slowly, prompting Spencer to uncross his legs and stretch them out in front of himself.

You sucked in a breath, shuffling in the dirt so you could lay on your side with your head in his lap while you stretched your own body out on the ground.

Without meaning to, Spencer's hand was soon brushing through your hair. You couldn’t help the hum of appreciation that you let escape and it goaded him to continue.

His touch elicited the sweetest sounds from your lips, some sounding dangerously like moans. Spencer was only human and his body reacted of its own accord at the noises.

He could sense the blood rushing south, feel the swelling in his shorts despite how much he willed it stop. He stilled his movements on your hair, hoping if you weren’t making those delirious sounds it would stop the blood rushing and he wouldn’t get hard enough for you to notice…

…You suddenly sat up, looking right at him with wide eyes. Of course you’d noticed, his crotch was right beneath your head.

His cheeks instantly flushed red and he pulled a face full of apologies and mortification. You continued to stare at him and he felt more uncomfortable with each silent second.

“Please,” he whimpered. “Just…don’t mention it.”

“Kinda hard not to…pun not intended.” You frowned at your own choice of words and Spencer groaned.

“I’m sorry,” he shook his head. “It has been a long time since I’ve had any kind of closeness with another person. I can’t be held responsible for my body’s carnal reactions. Especially when you’re making such sinful noises.”

Your own cheeks turned red now and you glanced away from him towards the fire.

“I, uh…I didn’t realise I was. Sorry.” You croaked. “Full disclosure, it’s also been a long time since I’ve had any kind of closeness with another person.”

Spencer’s brows furrowed as he regarded you. He found that incredibly hard to believe. You were just so beautiful he imagined men fell at your feet everywhere you went.

“Seriously?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“Seriously.” You confirmed with a huff as you turned back to him.

“But why?”

“Why what? I don’t understand.”

“I mean…you’re you. You’re beautiful and smart and charismatic. Surely you could have your pick of men?” Spencer was really frowning.

“I’m…fussy I suppose? And I don’t really like the whole casual sex thing…” You trailed off with your own frown. “Wait did you call me beautiful?”

“And smart and charismatic.” He nodded.

“Uh, thanks?” You were rightfully confused, Spencer had never said anything nice about you. “What about you? You don’t have women lining up at your door? And weren’t you dating someone?”

Spencer let out a hearty laugh at this, shaking his head dramatically.

“Max and I broke up not long after Cat and her games. We never…you know…and trust me when I say women do not fawn over a neurotic, socially awkward ex-con.” Spencer sighed sadly.

“Oh, I didn’t realise about Max, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It wouldn’t have worked out even if Cat hadn’t interfered.” He pulled a face, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck. “You didn’t know me before prison. I’m not the same man I used to be. I had to do things on the inside just to survive and it changed me. For a long time I didn’t trust myself to get close to anyone. A part of me still doesn't but I’m trying I guess? Max was the closest I came to allowing myself to be vulnerable again.”

You simply stared at him, unsure what to say. You’d never spoken so personally with Spencer before, he’d never opened up to you in such a way and you didn’t know how to respond.

You knew you needed to tread lightly, not wanting to risk him clamming up and shutting you down. You were making progress for the first time since you’d met him and you didn’t want to give him a reason not to continue.

“I didn’t know you before prison and I have no idea the things you would have gone through in there. But I do know you now. I know you shield yourself behind these huge walls to keep people from hurting you, probably because you’ve already been hurt enough for one lifetime.

“You kept me at arms length because you don’t like change, you worried I would threaten the team dynamic. But once you realised that wasn’t the case, you were too far gone and it was easier for you to keep treating me with disdain rather than thaw towards me.”

Spencer was silent while you talked, ingesting your words, mulling them over in his head. His expression tightened, his eyebrows knitted together and his lips drawn into a line.

“I guess you’re right, at least about some of it.” He exhaled. “I was always guarded to a degree even before prison. People have always disappointed me I guess and so I learnt not to rely on anyone, not to let anyone get too close. It’s easier to be alone than to risk getting hurt.

“But you’re wrong about why I kept you away. Your comment about me being a mama’s boy stung but I didn’t hold it against you. I needed to put distance between us because from the first time I met you I knew how effortless it would be for me to fall for you.

“I was too raw at the time, I wasn’t ready to give my heart away to someone who might not even want it. I had to keep you at arms length because it was safer than letting myself develop feelings for someone who probably wouldn’t reciprocate. But I guess the jokes on me because my plan was far from foolproof and I managed to fall for you anyway.

“I don’t expect anything from you in return, and I’m hoping once we’re rescued we can just forget this whole thing ever happened. But I suppose you deserve to know why I am the way I am with you and maybe going forward we can try to be…I don’t know…friends? Or at the very least I hope we can get along better.” He sucked in a breath when he finished speaking, looking completely exhausted and utterly heartbroken.

You couldn’t speak. You took in every single word, toyed with them in your mind and tried to make sense of them. But really they didn’t make any sense. In the year you’d known Spencer you had never even gotten so much as a hint that he had feelings for you. He was detached, withdrawn and oftentimes entirely unapproachable.

It seemed implausible that he could have been hiding these feelings all this time and for you not to have a clue. You were a profiler, wasn’t it your job to pick up on these things? Did the rest of the team figure it out? Were you the only one in the dark?

He looked increasingly uncomfortable by his confession with every passing second of silence. The fire crackled, its warmth washing over you both. It cast you both in a cosy glow.

Spencer seemed closer somehow. Did you move nearer or had he, or was it simply all in your head?

There were so many things you could say, so many possibilities but you couldn’t form a simple sentence. Every time you tried to speak your words caught in your throat and his own played over in a loop in your brain.

I guess the jokes on me because my plan was far from foolproof and I managed to fall for you anyway.

Spencer had feelings for you and he thought you wouldn’t feel the same. Perhaps neither of you were as good at profiling as you thought.

Spencer rolled his lip between his teeth, growing self conscious in your lack of response. He sucked in a deep breath and exhaled it through his nose.

“I should not have said any of that.” He averted his gaze to the fire. “I don’t even know why I did. Jeez, I’m a moron. Please can you just pretended I didn’t…”

He trailed off when your hand cupped his chin and you turned him gently to look at you.

“Yes, you are a moron.” You smiled meekly. “But only because you missed what was right in front of you. How can you think I didn’t feel the same?”

His mouth fell open, your hand still on his jaw. He blinked rapidly as if trying to clear some kind of fog in his brain.

“You…I’m confused.” He frowned.

“Let me clear it up for you then.” You dropped your hand to your side but seconds later your lips crushed against his.

Spencer gasped at the sudden action, in a million years he never dreamed to actually feel your lips on his. And if he never got this chance again, he was going to make the most of it.

He raised his hands to cup your face and ran his tongue along your bottom lip, gently asking for passageway. You obliged by parting your lips enough for his tongue to slide inside.

You were quick to explore the contours of each other's mouths, both of your desperations evident in the way your teeth knocked together while you worked to find your rhythm.

One of his hands worked its way into the back of your hair and held you firmly as he deepened the kiss further. He pulled you into his lap and you manoeuvred yourself so you were straddling him, kneeling in the dirt either side of his hips.

He kept one hand cradling your head and the other moved down over your ribs. It dipped beneath the thick fabric of your hoodie, sandwiched between it and your shirt underneath.

You rocked in his lap, wrapping your arms tightly around neck. The friction caused him to moan languidly into your mouth and it wasn’t long before you felt him growing hard again.

When he pulled back and opened his eyes, his pupils were blown out, heavy with lust. He was begging you for more without the use of words, he removed one of your hands from around his neck and moved it between your bodies.

He placed your palm on his rapidly growing erection, rolling his swollen lip with his teeth whilst silently asking if this was okay. You smiled at him and your other hand joined it so you could pop the button of his shorts.

One hand wasted no time in diving straight into his boxers and wrapping around his shaft. You quickly tugged him free of the confines of both his shorts and underwear.

You sat back a little on your haunches to look down on him. You couldn’t hold back your lamentation as you surveyed every inch of him in your hand. He was long and thick, heavy against your palm. Honestly you hadn’t known what to expect, but it wasn’t this.

The vein that ran up the underside throbbed as you brushed your thumb over it and he bucked his hips when you moved it to rub over his swollen red tip. You slowly brought your fist all the way back down, squeezing his base whilst nestled in a bed of scratchy pubic hair.

You tore your eyes away from his crotch and looked up to meet his eyes. They held a hint of uncertainty, as though he was worried you wouldn’t like what you saw. Spencer never was blessed with body confidence, he was always too skinny or too tall or too gangly.

He wasn’t dumb though, he knew that particular appendage was above average. He didn’t have a wealth of sexual experience but he had enough to know that he was often a tight fit for most. But that didn’t stop him from feeling self conscious under your gaze.

The smile on your face and the glint in your eye was enough for him to know that you were pleased by what you’d seen and it allowed him to relax a little. He felt a wave of heat wash over him as your hand slowly started to move and it had nothing to do with his proximity to the fire.

He wriggled beneath you as you started moving your hand up and down, your thumb brushing over his sensitive head each time. A string of wanton moans left his lips and he was momentarily dumbfounded while you worked him, not able to do anything but sit and relish in this feeling.

Your petite hand couldn’t fit all the way around him but it didn’t make your movements any less mind blowing. He had never been touched like this before, with such a combination of care and desperation.

Once he got his brain working for long enough to think straight, he moved his hands towards the buttons of your pants. You didn’t let up on your ministrations while he got them undone, swiping your thumb through the precum collecting on his head.

He swiftly popped the buttons and his right hand dipped inside straight inside your panties. He moaned animalistically when he discovered how wet you were already, the sound dissipating out into the forest.

You kept eye contact with each other as his fingers slid between your legs, collecting your arousal before moving to settle on your needy clit. You whimpered as he rubbed the sensitive bud with two fingers, rocking against his hand whilst increasing your speed on his cock.

The sounds coming from the both of you were nothing short of feral and became eaten up by the vast woods surrounding you. You grinded against his hand while he flicked your nub deftly, eager to bring you to orgasm.

You returned the favour and matched his speed. The sounds of your arousal and his flesh against yours filled your ears. The fire continued to crackle behind you, casting you in an ethereal glow from where you perched on top of him.

His chest heaved and his stomach was coiling into thick knots. He wanted this to last forever but knew his orgasm was imminent. It had been all too long since someone had touched him so intimately and it would be impossible to stave off his release for too long.

But judging by the noises you were making, the sinful whines and moans leaving your parted lips and how frantically you bucked against his hand, he assumed you were in the same boat.

“Jesus, Reid,” you panted heavily. “Who knew you’d be so good at that?”

He couldn’t help but chuckle, increasing his speed even further as if to prove that point.

“Likewise.” He replied, whimpering as you swiped your thumb through more beads of precum.

“I’m so close.” You whined, throwing your head back to your shoulders.

“M-me too.” He stuttered, stomach clenching at the way you twisted your fist around his shaft.

Somewhere in the distance you heard a twig snap but paid it no attention. You kept your focus here on Spencer, on how he was making you feel and on how you were making him feel. But then you heard another crunch followed by a faint voice.

“Reid? Y/LN?” It called. “I see smoke! That has to be them!”

“Is that…?” Spencer frowned, breathing heavily.

“G-Garcia.” You mumbled.

“Fuck,” Spencer groaned, his frustration evident.

“Reid? Y/L/N? It’s Penny G, can you hear me, my loves?”

You and Spencer exchanged a look while you both stilled your movements at the same time. He kept his hand inside your panties while you held the base of his shaft limply. You felt dizzy, you were on the cusp of orgasm, about to fall over the ledge when Garcia’s voice had dragged you back from the brink. Looking at Spencer, he felt much the same.

“Y/L/N, Reid! We’re coming angels!”

“Oof,” Spencer groaned, cautiously withdrawing his hand from inside your pants. “Poor choice of words.”

You reluctantly let go of his shaft and crawled away from him while you both readjusted yourself and got your pants done up.

“Over here, Garcia.” You called, hoping she didn’t notice the way your voice shook.

Your body tingled, so close to release a soft breeze could get you there. Spencer pushed himself to his feet, legs shaking and reached out to help you up. He was tenting his shorts, unable to get the blood flowing elsewhere due to how close he’d been. He picked up his backpack and held it in front of him so Garcia wouldn’t notice.

Your underwear was soaked and sticky. You tried to adjust your stance so it was less uncomfortable but it was almost impossible. You could see three flashlights in the distance and the footsteps were growing closer.

Soon enough Garcia and two park rangers appeared through the thicket. If she noticed the flush of your cheeks she didn’t say anything. She immediately threw her arms around both of you, Spencer cloying to keep his bag as a barrier between himself and the bubbly blonde for fear she might feel his unyielding erection.

“Oh my sweet angels!” She cooed over you both. “Let's get you back to camp and get you warmed up and fed.”

You both silently agreed and let the rangers lead you back towards a clearing where their vehicle awaited you. Garcia hopped in the backseat first and Spencer held open the door for you, offering a meek smile as you passed him.

Perhaps it was for the best you’d been interrupted before you could go too far. Perhaps Garcia had inadvertently helped you dodge a bullet.

***

Several hours later after making it back to the camp and feasting on Rossi’s campfire soup and bread and whilst being wrapped in Garcia’s fluffy blankets, one by one the other members of the BAU retired for the night.

The fire was still dwindling as you perched on a log next to Spencer, silence deafening you once the two of you were alone. You watched the small flames flicker and dance in the soft breeze, soaking up the last of the summer evening before calling it a night yourself.

Before you did, you turned to face him to find he was already looking at you. He smiled softly, a little bashfully and you returned it. Words and emotions bubbled under the surface and neither one of you knew where to start.

“Some day, huh.” You shrugged, wrapping the blanket tighter around your body.

“It was certainly eye opening.” Spencer agreed.

“It was probably for the best that Garcia and those rangers found us when they did, right?”

“Oh yeah, for sure. Probably stopped us from doing something even more stupid.” Spencer chuckled nervously.

“Exactly.” You nodded, getting to your feet. Spencer did the same. “We can just pretend nothing happened. We were tired, probably a little dehydrated. The sun makes us do weird things.”

“Yeah, the sun.” He nodded too.

You swallowed thickly, giving him one last look before turning towards your tent. Spencer scuffed the toe of his converse on the ground and found himself speaking again without really meaning to.

“I mean…it would have been nice to at least finish. I’ve been kinda on edge ever since.”

You spun back to look at him and he looked so unsure of himself. His hands were in his pockets and his shoulders were pitched up to his ears.

“Uh, yeah same here.” You took a couple of tentative steps back towards him. “There’s no doubt I could go back to my tent right now and finish what we started alone but…”

“But your hand feels so much better than my own.” Spencer finished for you.

You both chuckled as you reached him again, letting go of your blanket and letting it fall to the floor so you wrap your arms around Spencer’s neck.

“It would just be a one time thing.” You whispered, your breath fanning across his face.

“Even though you don’t like casual sex.” He placed his hands on your hips.

“Even though I don’t like casual sex.” You repeated.

“We’re just…two colleagues helping each other.” Spencer smirked, inching his face closer to yours.

“And if anyone ever found out…”

“We’d blame the sun. Summer heat got to us.”

“Summer heat.” You agreed and with that he kissed you again, drawing you into his body whilst tugging you in the direction of his own tent.

Spencer had never been a fan of summer. But after today he may have been converted. And he was certain this summer heat between you would continue to smoulder through the seasons.

#spencer reid #spencer reid smut #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x fem! reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x y/n #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction

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petals2fish · 25 days ago

Note

*whispers* jily one shot inspired by taylor's 'sweet nothing'

Your wish is my command

READ ON A03

James Potter was so tired, so achingly tired. War had brought on the kind of exhaustion that seeps into bones and makes every second feel heavier than the last. Still, he worked through the laundry, his determination fueled less by energy and more by the stubborn need to make the pile near the sink look a little less daunting.

A small victory, perhaps, but one he could claim.

He grabbed Lily’s coat next—a soft, worn thing she’d tossed down in a hurry after her last meeting with Dumbledore. Lately, he had her working day and night on healing potions, her talents with cauldrons too invaluable to spare. James hated how much Dumbledore depended on her since they lost Anna Heite, how relentless the demands had become. He’d never say it aloud, but a small, shameful part of him was beginning to resent Dumbledore for a lot of things in their life.

Turning the coat over in his hands, he began emptying the pockets—a necessary habit. Lily had a knack for leaving all sorts of things behind: candy wrappers, loose coins, sometimes even scraps of parchment or used bandages. As he tugged the left breast pocket inside out, something small and solid slipped free, hitting the old cottage floor with a soft clink.

James bent down slowly, his movements heavy with fatigue, and picked up the object between his thumb and forefinger. It was a pebble—smooth and dark, its surface worn to a soft sheen, like wet sand. He turned it over in his hand, frowning slightly. This wasn’t one of the local stones from Godric’s Hollow.

No, this had come from somewhere else.

Recognition dawned as a bittersweet pang tightened his chest. Magheramore Beach. Wicklow. Last July, before Harry was born. They’d called it their baby moon, a final little escape to the coast before their world shifted forever. He could still remember the gentle crash of the waves, the cool breeze carrying the briny scent of the sea, and Lily’s laughter echoing across the shore as she collected little treasures like this one.

She’d always, always loved the sea.

Merlin, he missed the sunshine.

James hummed quietly along with the radio as he set the pebble on the counter, its presence an unexpected but welcome reminder of simpler, happier times. Then, shaking himself from his reverie, he resumed stuffing the laundry into the wash. Lily had insisted on installing this Muggle contraption the moment they’d moved in.

“Magic doesn’t get things properly clean,” she’d declared, adamant as ever, when he and Sirius had groaned at the thought of wrangling the machine into working order.

He’d rolled his eyes at her at the time, but deep down, he knew she was right. The three of them had spent days cursing at wires and leaky hoses before finally coaxing it to life. Now, he’d never admit it, but the machine had grown on him. Its rhythmic hum as it worked was oddly soothing, a small piece of Lily’s Muggle heritage seamlessly woven into their magical home.

“James!”

Her voice, bright and cheery, rang through the room as she appeared in the doorway. He looked up from where he stood, catching sight of her just as he closed the washer door with a satisfying snap. Lily practically swept into the kitchen, her face alight with a smile he swore she saved just for him. Her green eyes glistened, wide with warmth, her whole demeanor radiating love.

Before he could say a word, she crossed the room in a few quick strides and leaped into his arms, her joy infectious. He caught her easily, standing up straight as she wrapped herself around him.

This.

This was all she ever truly wanted from him—a hug, a kiss, and the soft promise of love murmured in her ear. He gave it to her gladly every time, still marveling at how he’d somehow managed to marry the hottest and smartest witch he’d ever known.

“Come see what I did!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. She barely waited for his nod before planting a quick, enthusiastic kiss on his lips and tugging at his robes, urging him to follow.

With a smile tugging at his own face, James let himself be led, her hand small but firm in his. Her energy was impossible to resist, and he let her enthusiasm pull him along. It wasn’t often they had a moment like this, just the two of them. Harry took up most of their time these days, but Bathilda had kindly offered to watch their one-year-old for the afternoon.

For the next three hours, it was just them.

She dragged him down the hallway toward the makeshift potions room, the one that had once been Remus’s bedroom before their friend had taken up work in Dumbledore’s underground network. James felt a pang of worry for the werewolf; they hadn’t heard from him in two months. The underground was dangerous work, full of dangerous beings and uncertain raids, and Remus had good reason to stay far away from the rest of the Order.

“Look,” Lily said, snapping him out of his thoughts as she motioned toward the worktable. Three cauldrons sat bubbling, their contents giving off faint wisps of steam and color.

James took one glance and knew exactly what he was looking at. Growing up in a family of potion masters had its perks. “Babe,” he said, his voice tinged with amazement, “how the hell did you brew Polyjuice Potion without Boomslang skin?”

The scarcity of Boomslang skin was no small hurdle. The Ministry had placed a heavy tax on magical creature artifacts months ago, aiming to cut off the Death Eaters’ supply lines for potions like Polyjuice, which they used to infiltrate Ministry operations. Stores in diagon alley had stopped stocking it, and it was costly to owl out for some sources. The problem was, the rebels needed it too. Without it, they hadn’t been able to sneak spies into the Death Eaters’ ranks in ages.

And yet, somehow, Lily had done the impossible.

She stood there, grinning like the cat who’d caught the cream.

“Boomslang,” she began with a mischievous glint in her eye, “is a snake native to Africa. The ministry is monitoring any postage coming in and out of Africa, so I couldn’t owl for some snake skin. However, it just so happens my sister’s husband took her on a safari holiday with his company four weeks ago.”

“Wait.” James blinked, incredulous. “Dursley? Your sister and Dursley went on a safari?” He snorted, trying and failing to imagine the uptight, buttoned-up Muggles traipsing around the African wilderness.

“Focus, James.” Lily waved off his amusement, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. “Anyway, remember Jackie Fredrickson?”

He furrowed his brow, rifling through his mental file of old Hogwart’s names. “Blond? Year below us?”

“Exactly.” Lily nodded. “She works at a preserve out there now—handles the dragons. I reached out, and Jackie happily passed along a package of Boomslang skin to my sister. Petunia mailed it to me through the Muggle post.”

James stared at her, realization dawning. “Lily Evans, are you telling me you had your sister smuggle snake skin for you on the black market?”

“And you want to know the best part?” she asked, her grin widening.

“What?”

“I didn’t have to pay a cent. Jackie gave it to Petunia for free, and Petunia covered the Muggle shipping costs.”

For a moment, James just gaped at her, then burst into laughter. “What a mind!” he said, scooping her up in his arms as pride swelled in his chest.

Lily didn’t protest as he spun her around, her arms winding around his neck. When he pressed a kiss to her lips, she returned it with enthusiasm.

“You say that all the time,” she teased, brushing him off lightly. But the glow of glee on her face gave her away.

And James couldn’t help but think, not for the first time, how utterly brilliant his wife was. “You’re amazing,” James murmured, his voice soft as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. His fingertips lingered for a moment, tucking the errant lock behind her ear with the kind of tenderness he reserved for her alone.

For a fleeting second, her eyes sparkled with gratitude. Then, the light dimmed, and her expression grew somber. “I should be doing more,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

James frowned, his chest tightening. “Don’t say that.”

She slipped from his arms with a quiet sigh, her movements deliberate as she picked up a ladle and stirred the potion in the nearest cauldron. The soft clink of the ladle against the cauldron’s rim filled the silence between them. “I’m just stating the truth,” she said, her back to him now. “Three cauldrons of Polyjuice Potion won’t last us a month if we’re going to start infiltrating their spies. Moody uses at least one cauldron in two days half the time. It’s not enough—not nearly enough.”

“Lily,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. He crossed the room in two quick strides and placed a steadying hand on her arm just as she moved to stir another cauldron. “You’re doing more than most. Hell, you’re doing more than anyone should have to.”

She stilled beneath his touch but refused to look at him, her teeth worrying her bottom lip.

“Lily,” he said again, this time tightening his grip slightly, not enough to hurt but enough to anchor her. His heart twisted as she finally lifted her gaze to meet him, and he saw the pain swirling in her emerald eyes.

She was crying.

“You are doing enough,” he said, his voice cracking with the weight of his silent plea. “More than enough. Please don’t cry, sweetheart.”

Her lip trembled as she stared at him, and for a moment, she looked as though she might believe him. But then she shook her head, her voice breaking as she whispered, “I’m sorry. It’s only a matter of time until—” She paused, choking on the words. “Until–this ends.”

James swallowed hard, his grip on her arm tightening just slightly as though he could tether her to the present, to him, to hope. “Lily, stop. The only end that’s coming for us, is the end of this war. We’re going to win.”

“I know I shouldn’t cry,” she continued, her voice shaking. “I know that. But...Marlene? James? I thought she was invisible. And if they got her…they can kill us too.”

His heart broke, he knew losing Marlene had taken a toll on her. He knew losing anyone took a toll on her. Hell, the war was taking a toll on her. He swore he heard her crying in the bathtub most nights, but whenever he went to check on her silence followed.

Her voice dropped to a fragile whisper as she furiously asked, “what if I’m just too soft for all of this?”

Her confession hung in the air, raw and unguarded.

James felt his throat close up, but he forced himself to speak. “You’re not too soft, Lily.” He cupped her face with both hands, his thumbs brushing away the tear that had slipped free. “You’re kind, and you’re brave, and you care so damn much it hurts you to your very core. But that’s not softness. That’s strength. That’s what makes you extraordinary.”

Her lips parted, but no words came. Instead, she leaned into his touch, her watery eyes searching his face as though it held the answers she needed, something solid to cling to when the ground beneath them felt like it might give way.

“I’m scared too,” he admitted, his voice barely audible, as though saying it too loudly might shatter them both. “Every day. But we keep going because we have to. Because we’ve got each other.” He paused, brushing his thumb gently along her cheek. “But I’ll make you a promise.”

Her brow furrowed slightly, and she sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “What promise?”

He reached out to help her, his fingers carefully dabbing at the tears lingering on her tired face. “I’ll take you back to Wicklow,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. “Next July. Once this war is over, we’ll go back to the sea. You, Harry, and me.”

She let out a trembling breath, her lips curving into the faintest shadow of a smile. But they both knew the weight those words carried. Once the war is over was a mantra they repeated like a prayer, a lifeline to pull them through the dark.

Just last week, she had whispered her own version of it to him in the dead of night: “Once the war is over, we’ll have another kid.”

They were promises spoken into tired, desperate ears—fragile dreams shaped in the quiet moments when hope still flickered. Sweet nothings to cradle against the harshness of reality, like the smooth stone sitting on the kitchen counter or a single strand of hair tucked into a locket.

They were just words, but words these days were the closest thing they had to magic.

#jily fic #lily evans #james potter #jily #jily fanfiction #jple

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donttxtathebeach · 2 months ago

Text

Forever & a Day| chapter 1 : Where the waves meet

Setting: A Quiet Beach in Charleston , South Carolina — A Year Before They Officially Start Dating ;starts off July of 2019 after drew started shooting season 1 of obx.( I don’t think that’s when they started shooting but for my sanity and how I planned this out it is )

warning: none:)

Word count: 1k

previous|next

masterlist

summary :

A lot of old feelings resurfaced. And while they tried to play it cool, you could tell there was something there. History? Chemistry? Maybe both. The beach turned into more than just a relaxing spot—it became the place where the past and present collided in the most unexpected way.

It was a picture-perfect Charelston day—a serene, sun-kissed beach with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, the salty breeze ruffling through the air. The sky stretched out in a brilliant shade of blue, the horizon blurred in the distance where the ocean met the sky. Y/N Williams, 21 -year-old (almost 22) supermodel who had been living her life in front of cameras since she could walk, was finally taking a well-deserved break. The kind of break that didn’t come often enough.

The beach house, nestled on the quiet coast of charelston , was her home, having moved out of her parents house as soon as she graduate, not because she did not want to be around them but becase she wnated to have her own space to be her. It was her sanctuary—a place to escape the chaos of the fashion world. Her mother, Maliah, had taught her to love the sea, while her father, Austin, had always been her rock, showing her how to navigate life’s challenges.

For the next few days, Y/N, along with her closest friends, Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie, were here to recharge before the new fashion seasons kicked off. They’d spent most of the day lounging in the sun, enjoying the sound of the ocean and the laughter that filled the air. The girls were only all together for a week before all getting thrown back into their normal routines. She had suggested that they come visit her hometown, knowing how grounding the beach was. Y/N was in her element—no makeup, no cameras, just the soft light of the afternoon sun and the soft, rhythmic pulse of the waves.

She had thrown on a simple bikini, her tan skin glowing with the golden warmth of the sun, her hair perfectly framing her face falling into the most perfect beachy waves, her natural hair. People say it's fake but thanks to her mother's genetics her tan stays all year long. She had the kind of effortless beauty that only came when she was far from the spotlight. They had just gotten back from the store, oppting for buying grocieries for the week instead of going out for meals. She stretched her legs out on the towel, content and peaceful as she closed her eyes, feeling the world slow down.

Hailey adjusted her oversized sunglasses and leaned back, her smile wide as she took in the view. " I still can't get over your face when I pulled into the trader joe's parking lot, it was truly pricless" Haliey starts. " What that car is like my baby, I just wanted to make sure she was in the right hands" Y/n states like its obvious. “This place will never not amaze me ” Hailey changes the subject.

Sofia, lounging on her stomach next to them, half her face hidden behind large round sunglasses, joined in with her signature sass. “Seriously, this is like apainting in real life. I need to get myself a place like this.” the girls have all been here before, but never at the same time. Having grown up modeling together, if you had at least one of them, another was attached at the hip. She had formed a sister like relationship with sofia and a very special bond with haliey.

Y/N smiled lazily, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s home,” she said, a fondness in her voice. “Nothing like a little south Carolina sunshine to reset.”

She let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of her busy life melt away for a moment. Here, she was just a girl by the ocean, no one to impress, no cameras in sight. Just the sound of the waves and the cool breeze.

Elsewhere, a little further down the beach, Drew Starkey was caught up in his own world. Drew, who had become a household name playing Rafe Cameron on Outer Banks, was just another guy on the beach, his damp hair still dripping from an earlier swim. He was playing a casual game of football with his younger brother, Logan, both of them laughing and teasing one another in the carefree way only siblings could. Drew, had ditched his shirt a while agoleaving him in navy swim shorts, his athletic frame moving fluidly as he chased after the ball.

“Catch me if you can, Logan!” Drew called over his shoulder with a grin, clearly relishing the competition.

Logan, not one to back down, smirked and darted after him. “You wish! I’m about to leave you in the dust!”

They sprinted across the beach, the friendly rivalry lighting up their faces. He moved with that confident, natural athleticism, but as they both ran for the ball, it took a sharp turn to the left, just out of their reach. Neitherof them had noticed how close they were getting to where Y/N and her friends were lounging.

Then, the inevitable happened.

Drew’s foot caught awkwardly on the sand. In a split second, his body lurched forward, and before he could regain his balance, he tumbled right into Y/N, crashing down on top of her with an audible thud. The world seemed to pause for a moment, and then a copious amount of sand flew everywhere, covering her and her towel.

Y/N’s eyes snapped open as she felt the unexpected weight land on top of her. “Oh my gosh… what the hell ......Wait Drew, is that you?” she gasped, the words tumbling out in shock. her mind was going crazy, how could it be, was it really him. the boy she had fallen in love with all those years ago. " who is Drew" Hailey moths to sofia, even though she knows who it is sofia just shrugs her shoulders trying to watch the scene in front of them unfold.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Drew was sprawled on top of her, blinking in disbelief. It had been years since they had seen eachother; he had heard how she was doing becuase his sister brooke, the two having been attached at the hip since they could talk , and the occasional instagram stalking whenever he found himself on the app; which was a very rare occassion. All those times they hung around eachother growing up became a distant memory once they both went thier seperate ways. The realization hit them both at the same time. Drew—her old childhood friend—was here. On top of her. At the beach behind he house , of all places. They hadn’t seen each other in years, not since they were kids, playing on the beach, their families spending summers together.

The last time Y/N had heard anything about Drew was from the his sister and that was not even a week ago. Y/n had called Brooke to let her know that she would be out of town with a few friends, but wanted to let her know that they needed to schedule lunch when she was bak in New York. Brooke and y/n saw eachother often, living in the city had it's perks. it allowed them to meet up when both there schedules allowed it. Y/n frequents New York Hvaing opted to buying her own place since Modeling Season caused her to frequent the city for shoots.

Drew scrambled off her quickly, his face turning red from embarrassment. “Oh my god, Y/N, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there!” he said, his voice a mixture of panic and humor. He ran a hand through his damp hair, still laughing nervously as he brushed the sand off his body.

Y/N, still in a daze, sat up and blinked a few times, processing the situation. A small, surprised laugh escaped her lips. “I mean, seriously, Drew?” She chuckled, shaking her head, trying to make sense of the fact that the Drew , was the one who had just crashed into her on her beach towel. “You couldn’t have picked a better landing spot?” she laughed.

Drew’s grin was sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, clearly flustered. “Yeah, that was not my finest moment,” he admitted, looking up at her. “I was just—y’know, I got caught up in the game with Logan, and—uh, I misjudged the jump. I swear, I’m usually better at this.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, brushing sand off her stomach as she laughed softly. “Well, I’ll give you credit for one thing. You gave me an unexpected exfoliation. So, thanks for that.”

Drew laughed, the sound rich and warm, as if the awkwardness of the moment was already starting to dissolve. “Hey, I’m nothing if not helpful,” he joked, feeling that familiar comfort between them starting to resurface.

Logan, who had been standing off to the side, watching the entire thing unfold, finally called out with a laugh. “Nice form, Drew! You definitely took her out with that one!”. Drew shot his brother a playful middle finger before turning back to Y/N. They fall into comfortable scilence before y/n begins to speak " Oh these are my friend'sHailey and sofia, they're here to unwind before our schedules get hectic again" y/n states ignoring the questioning stares she is getting from her friends.

He smiled at them, as the warmth of old memories bubbling to the surface. " it is nice to meet you guy's maybe not what you pictured your day to look like i presume" he laughs, the rest of them following suit lightening up the atmosphere. “Okay, seriously though, I’m really sorry about that. I didn’t see you guys until I was already going for the ball.” His voice softened with sincerity, something that only a few people could get from him. “I hope I didn’t ruin your day or anything.”

Y/N couldn’t help but smile, her face softening. “You didn’t ruin anything,” she said, the warmth in her voice surprising even herself. She paused, then teasingly added, “But next time, maybe check before you launch yourself into the air?”

Hailey, who had been watching from a distance, called out playfully, “I hate to ruin, whatever this is but i'm not going to act like I am on the same page as sofia .” she laughs.

Sofia, with a raised eyebrow and a mischievous glint in her eyes, added, “Yeah, so you are going to have to catch Hailey up on everything, because i'm still a little lost on the whole Childhood friend lore”

Y/N flushed slightly, the color rising in her cheeks. She laughed, trying to keep things casual, but her eyes lingered on Drew for a beat longer than she intended. “We’ve known each other since we were kids,” she said quickly, shrugging it off. “Our families are close, his sister brooke, you guys rember brook and I are really close .”

Drew, noticing how Y/N’s gaze seemed to linger, raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, exactly. Old family friends. And now I’ve just made an unforgettable first impression. Perfect,” he said with a grin, trying to lighten the moment.

He glanced over at Logan, who was still laughing, and then at his parents, who had been watching from a distance. Drew turned back to Y/N, giving her a smile that carried the weight of the moment.

“Alright, well… I’m gonna go rescue my dignity and grab a drink. I totally owe you for this, Y/N,” he said, his tone light but sincere.

Y/N, still smiling, brushed the last of the sand off her towel. “hey don't worry, accident's happen Drew, it truly is no big deal.”

Drew’s grin widened as he gave her one last look. “You got it,it was nice well..... falling into you ” he said, before turning back toward his family, still laughing at himself.

Y/N watched him go, the familiar ache of nostalgia stirring deep inside her. It had been years since she’d seen him, but standing there in the soft glowof sun, it felt like no time had passed at all.

As Drew walked away, Hailey and Sofia exchanged a knowing look, clearly sensing something between them that Y/N hadn’t quite admitted to herself. Hailey leaned in with a smirk. “So… that didn’t seem like ‘nothing.’ that was not a "just friend's" encounter ?”

Sofia, always one to poke fun, grinned widely. “Yeah, I’m not buying that ‘old friends’ excuse. What’s the real story here, Y/N?”

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head, though the blush on her cheeks didn’t quite fade. She glanced out at Drew, who was now a few yards away, talking to Logan.

“I don’t know… I guess it’s just… good to see him again,” she said softly, her tone more thoughtful than she intended. She wasn’t sure if it was the familiarity or the unexpectedness of it all, but something inside her felt like it had just shifted.

The air between them was electric, even if she wasn’t quite ready to admit why.

#drew starkey x reader #drew starkey smau #drew starkey fanfiction #drew starkey imagine #drew starkey x supermodel!reader moodboard #haliey beiber #sofia richie #social media au #drew starkey fluff #supermodel!reader #supermodel!y/n #beach babe #surfer girl

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solar4seekstron · 3 months ago

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Ending 1: Optimus Prime

Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six

Megatrons Ending, Elita Ones Ending, B-127 Ending, Bonus+ Deadlocks Ending

Tf1!Optimus Prime x Cybertronian!GN!Reader

Introduction Movie Masterlist

Y/N was in one of the towers. One currently a home for them and the others as the rebuild the city. Looking over Iacon as they let out a breath. Seeing the large city for the first time. They would close their optics as they think about how they first met Orion.

*Flashback-

When Orion was running from the superiors again and as the train was about to close. Y/N was the one to grab him by the arm and pull him into the train. Pushing him against the wall and a cervo over his mouth. The train closes and starts as the guards continue to run past the train.

Orion looked down at them surprised at their help. Once the coast is clear. They remove their hand and pats his shoulder.

”You know you should really be more careful with your turns.” they put their cervos on their hips. The other miners paid no mind to them as the two continue to speak.

”Uh yeah thanks for that. Thought I was a goner.”

”Well it looks like it won't be today.”

He looks at them for a moment before chuckling

“Heh thanks…. for that. I’m Pax. Orion Pax.”

”Name’s Y/N, one of the new miners. Just came here from another miner group since that group…..didn’t want me anymore….” The two shake hands as they both walk deeper into the train leaning against one of the crates as the continue their conversation

”Why?”

“Eh my boss was getting tired of the- messing around of the other bots so they moved me to where it might be “nicer” so I was pretty excited to meet the team!”

Orion stared at them for a moment and looked down. He then hesitates a bit to put his cervo on their shoulder before doing so and smiling down at them.

”Well welcome to the team Y/N. I’m sure Elita, our leader, will definitely like you. Oh how about I introduce you to my friend once we get there. I’m sure he’ll like the new member of our mining team. And he’s a total sweetheart to newcomers.”

Orion smiles half joking and Y/N lets out a small smile and a little chuckle.

”Thanks….Orion.”

*End of Flashback-

They would then feel a cervo on their shoulder startling them a little as they turn their head to the person

”Sorry…..Are you alright.”

”…No…We could’ve done so much good….but-“

Orion then cups their chin and has them look up at him. Giving them a warm smile as he speaks

”We did as much of what . But we have each other. I may be a prime but I still need you. Even with or without D-….Megatron... He will find his way. But We. Are in the here and now.” He grabs one of their cervos as his other went on the side of their upper arm

”I- I guess you’re…right.” There’s a moment of silence between the two

“Y/N I wish to confess something to you that I-….I have feelings for you.” Y/N was taken aback for a moment as they looked at him. Mostly that he now chose that he’ll confess now after everything and is now a Prime. Y/N only lightly chuckles

”Guess I’ve sort of always known there was something that drew me to you Ori-.. Optimus.”

The two stay in silence for a moment more before putting their foreheads together. As the two close their eyes

”Y/N. Would you-“ they placed a digit on his dermas stopping him.

”Yes Optimus..I’ll be your Conjunx Endura.”

”As you will be mine” Optimus responded as he sets his cervo on their waist. And Y/N sets their cervos on his shoulders.

The two would open their eyes as they stare at each other. Soon closing the gap and their dermas connect. Y/N wrapping their arms around his neck as one of his around their waist and his other hand at the back of their head. The sunshinning before them as they both take in the moment. Enjoying each other's embrace. At peace with their now new path as the sparks in both their chests glow together.

It’s the middle of the night for me so I wanted to post this. I couldn’t wait to share this with you guys. Luckily I was able to finish this today after finishing a couple requests from other people. I hope you all enjoyed this and I can’t wait to post Megatrons ending!! Ugh it’s going to be so good!!!!

#transformers one #transformers one x reader #x reader #orion pax x reader #transformers #transformers x reader #transformers one optimus prime #optimus prime x reader #tfo optimus #tf one optimus #transformers one optimus

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ilguna · 8 months ago

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☼ my tears ricochet pt2 (Finnick Odair) ☼

summary; it’s been six months since you were banished from district four. since then, you’ve been trying to lay low and keep your nose clean. one night, you and gale go to the local bar to wind down after a long week, and he helps you come to a realization that changes everything.

warnings; swearing, prostitution mention, alcohol, arson, death mention, mental health talk, torture.

wc; 6.5k

part one.

notes; hints of Gale slander but fish are friends not food!!

The July summer breeze feels nice against your hot skin, causing you to close your eyes to enjoy it properly. It’s even better this way. You reach back to lift the hair off your neck, which is slightly damp from sweat after working all day in the sun. A chill goes down your spine when the wind hits the spot just right.

There’s a lot of similarities between District Two and Four that you've come to notice over time, but the heat is not one of them. It’s very dry here, there’s a lot of desert and very little rain to sustain any real plant life. Any that do exist have already evolved to live off of practically no water. For miles, all you can see is dirt and half-dead bushes,

While back home, you’re located right on the coast, allowing for more rainy days than plain sunshine. The trees, grass and flowers are always fed and healthy. Even if it doesn’t rain, there are clouds to block the heat from beating on you, making every afternoon a pleasant one.

This weather difference alone isn’t enough to make you feel homesick, but there are so many other factors at play that contribute to it. When you first moved to District Two, you had a feeling that you’d never be able to get used to living here. It’s been six months since then, and you’re still a stranger when you walk the streets.

The only familiar thing—or rather, person—here is Gale.

Except, he isn’t from home. He’s not one of your childhood friends, or a neighbor from your previous neighborhood. You can’t talk to him about what could be going on since you got banished. He’s from District Twelve. The only thing you have in common is the fact that you’re both rebels.

You can’t even use your banishment as a way to bond with him, because he deserved what he got, and you were wrongly accused. While Finnick had framed you for allegedly giving the Peacekeepers your next steps—Gale had actually indirectly got Primrose Everdeen killed through one of the ideas that he developed with Beetee.

He might not have been the one to send out the bombs, because former President Alma Coin had to approve that order, but he was the one to suggest using it. Gale was desperate to win the rebellion at any cost, until he paid the biggest price.

There’s a good chance that Gale will never be able to go back to District Twelve after what he did. Especially since Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch have decided to stay and continue living there. Although, with how well things are going in Two with the volunteer work, it probably hasn’t crossed his mind.

It’s not exactly easy work. Most of the time, you don’t have enough time to be thinking about anything other than what your hands are doing. It’s mind-numbing in a good way, and usually you feel pretty accomplished by the end of the task.

The work deals with a lot of construction and beautification. Usually, you don’t get paid for it. Sometimes they’ll give out free lunch if it’s going to be a particularly long day of tearing down bricks and planting greenery. There’s been a few times where you’ve been so caught up in the work, that you went all night.

It’s gotten you a lot of recognition from the people that are native to Two, which is not what you’re striving for, but it’s nice to not have to worry about the hatred as much. When you first arrived at the train station six months ago, it was pretty clear that a lot of people held prejudice against you. Over time, they’ve gotten curious and have bothered you to ask what happened.

It takes a lot of explanation and convincing, but eventually they believe you. Or, at the very least, they take a neutral standpoint and choose not to pick a side entirely. You know that it’s a lot of he-said, she-said. It’s hard to know who’s telling the truth in a serious situation like that.

On one hand, it’d be nice to believe Finnick, because he’s the one that first came forward with the story. Plus, he’s been Panem’s darling for so long that it would be heinous for him to do something so selfish and seemingly out-of-character.

On the other, you have never done something so snake-ish ever. Everyone should know that if a situation like that happens, you would take the hit of being taken for the greater good. It’s your one life versus several. As terrifying as it would’ve been, you could’ve handled whatever the Capitol had to offer for you at that moment.

Of course, when you tell people the real side of the story, you take a massive hit for not telling the group when you had the chance before the sewers. The issue is that Finnick had been keeping a close eye on you, under the guise that he wanted to protect you, but also to ensure that your mouth stayed shut.

If you could go back and change the situation, you would.

“(L/n), (Y/n).” A woman calls.

You open your eyes, briefly being blinded by the sun while you turn to face Azalea. She’s the head director here in District Two for the volunteer work, she keeps everything very organized. It’s less stressful when she’s the one taking care of things for the day.

“Yes?” You ask, finding her at the front of the crowd.

She’s a short, blonde woman with tan skin. She holds up the clipboard, showing you the paper for a second. All you can gather is the fact that it’s a signup sheet, so you begin to move forward, carefully brushing past some of the workers in the process.

“What time did you get here today?” Azalea asks, once you’re in front of her.

“Um—“ You glance over your shoulder to search for Gale, because he’s the one with the watch. He keeps track of the time and when you go on break.

“Seven-twenty.” Gale says from beside you, making you jump slightly. “We both got here at that time.”

Azalea hums, writing that down in the time slot next to your names. You look over Gale, who you haven’t seen in a good fifteen minutes. There’s a smudge of dirt beneath his eye, so you lick your thumb, reaching to rub it away. He dodges your finger, face twisting in disgust.

“You look dirty.” You tell him, wiping the dirt off of his skin. “Stop being a baby, I’ve seen you eat a potato that touched the bar floor before.”

“It was expensive.”

“Are either of you available tomorrow for a paid job?” Azalea interrupts. “I’ve got a house call from Enobaria Golding that needs to be done, and no one is signing up for it.”

“What’s it for?” You ask.

“She’s turning Victor’s Village into a memorial, I believe she just needs help moving furniture around in some of the houses. As well as cleaning up the neighborhood’s fountain, loose leaves, and pavement.”

You look at Gale with raised eyebrows, his lips are pressed together. “What time?”

“Whenever you can, she thinks it’s going to be a three day job at the very least. She’s paying over a hundred per hour, it used to be lower, but got raised because it’s urgent.” Azalea looks between you two.

“I’m in.” You tell her, “We could have it done in three days.”

Gale sighs, “Yeah, sign me up too.”

She begins to write your names down on a separate paper. “Will it be a big deal if I close it, then? I don’t think I’ll be able to find others. No one’s keen on Enobaria.”

“That’s fine.” You agree, “I know her, we’ll get along. Is it a contract?”

“I can make it one.” Azalea nods. “Swing by later tonight, I’ll have it ready.”

“Sounds good, Azalea. Thank you.” You nod.

“Are we good to go?” Gale asks, beginning to take a step back.

“Yup. Be good, you two.” She points the end of her pen in the middle of you guys, and then turns her attention back to the group that’s waiting to sign out.

Gale takes charge on leading you out of the center square. With how tall he is and the aggressive look on his face, he clears a path faster than you can. Besides, no one wants to be more than three feet near him. And yes, that has to do with his own reputation.

“What’s your plan for tonight?” Gale asks over his shoulder.

“Well, since we’re probably going to get a late start tomorrow, I wouldn’t mind going to the bar tonight.” You raise your eyebrows.

He hums, “Right now?”

“Sure, why not?”

With that, Gale changes direction, heading for the good bar on the other side of District Two. When you first came here, you spent a lot of time bar hopping. In those weeks, you figured out that the fancy places were not, in fact, better. They were just more expensive.

It wasn’t until you found the dirty place on the corner of Upper Heights, did you realize that they charge less for better quality. The only perk of going to those higher-end places is the fact that you can brag that you went there. You don’t talk to many people outside of Gale, and he was the one you took with you.

Well, that’s not entirely right. You didn’t take him with you—he tagged along, despite knowing that he was unwelcome. You didn’t like him very much to begin with back in District Thirteen because you thought what he did to Peeta’s family was pretty shitty, so you tried to steer clear of him as much as possible. The way he acted during the Capitol storming just solidified your ideas.

When Gale heard that you were going to be staying in District Two, he attached to you. You tried several different ways to get him to leave you alone, ranging from practically verbally abusing him to flat out ignoring. He didn’t care, he was ready for whatever you had to throw at him.

It eventually hit the point where you figured that you might as well deal with him. At the time, it would’ve been easier to put up with Gale than to try and convince someone that you were worthy of a conversation. He was an ass to put up with, and you caught yourself wondering how Katniss hung around him for so long.

In the end, it worked out. You and Gale can talk to each other without arguing. You two have a lot more in common than you originally thought, too. Although, some of his ideas are questionable, and you usually have to stop him from talking to keep that peaceful state.

“I’m surprised you want to drink so early.” Gale remarks.

“It’s almost eight o’clock.” You reason, motioning to the sky. “It’s not my fault it’s still bright out.”

The sun is slowly setting on the horizon, getting ready to say goodbye for the night. Which is good, because you’re tired of the heat. Unfortunately, it’ll still be warm out, even with the flaming ball in the sky gone. At least the bar has air conditioning.

Gale reaches for the handle, pulling the door open. He holds it for you as you enter first, allowing you to choose where to sit tonight. You head for the table in the corner, the one that lets you have a perfect view of the entire room, and a quick escape for the door.

Gale begrudgingly takes his jacket off and sets it on the chair that has its back to the room. “Your usual?”

“Yes, and water, please.” You tell him, reaching for your wallet. “I’ll pay for the first round. We can alternate tonight.”

Gale holds his hand out, watching as you drop the cash in his hand. He counts it as he walks away, heading for the bar top. You watch as he and the bartender go back and forth as the drinks are made. A minute later, Gale comes over, placing the glasses on the table.

You start with the water, parched. They provide water, but they keep the bottles to recycle them, even if you aren’t finished with what’s inside. Once half the cup is empty, you start on your mixed drink, watching as Gale takes a sip of straight brown liquor.

“Do you remember what Azalea was saying about next week?” You ask, watching as Gale’s face twists.

“You mean the beach clean up?” Gale asks.

“Yeah, she said District Four, right?”

“I think. And whatever else is beside it. They’ve got their own coordinators over there, so they aren’t taking volunteers. Trust me, I tried.”

“They would’ve denied me, anyway.” You roll your eyes.

“I don’t know, Azalea hesitated. She said that we’d be useful, but the deadline passed a couple days ago.”

“Any victors going?” You ask.

He scoffs, “No, the last I heard, everyone’s hands off.”

You hum, resting your head on your hand. You get about the same information that Gale does when it comes to the victors, usually in snippets.

Enobaria’s here, obviously, in District Two. You didn’t know that she was doing a memorial for the Two victors until today, which is nice of her. You can’t imagine how hard it is to be the only surviving victor of a district. Especially since Lyme was alive for the rebellion, but got killed during the storming of the Capitol.

Speaking of which, Beetee’s working in the heart of it under Commander Paylor. You’re not sure what he’s doing exactly, likely something with electronics or the defense system, if you had to guess. All you know is that he was able to resume basically what he had been before, this time for a better cause.

As for Katniss, there’s a lot of mixed news on her. Some say that she’s doing over-the-phone therapy appointments with Doctor Aurelius, mandated by Paylor to assess Katniss’s state of mind periodically after the assassination of former President Snow. Others tell you that she’s been skipping calls and hasn’t been out of her house in who-knows how long.

After everything that happened, you just hope that she's doing okay.

Peeta is doing his own sessions, also with Doctor Aurelius. Except, he’s not in Twelve, he’s still stationed in the Capitol for the time being. There’s a lot of progress regarding the hijacking, but it’s hard to know for sure if permanent damage hasn’t been done. And they can’t really test that out, either.

Haymitch… could honestly be anywhere. You heard he was forced to attend rehab in District Thirteen a second time, getting him completely sober. He’s fallen off the map since then, so your best guess is that he’s still there. You know post-war that he began to struggle with his sobriety after losing so many longtime friends.

This brings you to the few people that you could care less about. Starting with Johanna, she’s in District Seven, enjoying her life. She isn’t doing anything of importance, just wasting away in her own victor house, letting people wait on her. They tried to get Doctor Aurelius to rope her in, but she’s resilient. She doesn’t care about bettering herself, even though it’s pretty needed after the torture.

Annie Cresta is living in District Four, right alongside your ex-boyfriend and traitor, Finnick Odair. You don’t get much information on them, and it has to do with the fact that you get pissed off at the sound of their success. From your understanding, they live guilt-free and happy in their mansions, sleeping in their own beds.

When you ask for updates regarding Four, it’s a hit or miss if you get anything of importance. For example, they could tell you that fishing’s down, and it has been for the past couple weeks. Or, they’ll lay it on heavy, by telling you that your childhood home and your victor home are nothing but foundation.

You remember how dark the world became when you heard the news. Finnick told you on that runway in City Circle that they’d burnt your victor house down, something that you’d be able to live with. It didn’t have the prized possessions of your parents and siblings, or the pictures that captured you growing up. The only physical memory of the family you once had.

Apparently, not long after Finnick returned to Four, they’d set your home ablaze, too.

A part of you wonders whether or not that was encouraged by him. God forbid if you ever find out that’s the case. You might not be very threatening now, but nothing will stand in the way between your fists and his face if he told them to take away your last safe haven in Panem.

Anyway, when you were told the news about your childhood home, it almost became your breaking point. You’d been in Two for about three weeks at that point, and you were in no sound state to hear something so heavy. Especially on top of everything else that had been happening in the last year.

“Tomorrow’s July fourth.” Gale says, kinda changing the topic.

“Reaping Day.” You agree, nodding, taking another sip of your drink. “This will be the first year where a Hunger Games hasn’t taken place in Seventy-Six years.”

Gale stares off at the bar for a couple of quiet seconds. “What was it like being a victor?”

“Was?” You repeat. “You act like that’s a title that’s been taken away. I am a victor.”

He rolls his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Still.” You mutter. “I don’t know, what was it like being a worker in the mines?”

Gale’s face scrunches up. “You’re really comparing my district work to victor life?”

“I’m not saying district work isn’t hard or dangerous, especially with the mining stories that you were telling me. However, only one of us has been reaped twice and fought in both Hunger Games.” You remind him. “I have killed more than six people on purpose with three indirect kills following that.”

“You act like that’s something to brag about.” He squints at you.

“I’m not saying it is. All I’m saying is that victor life isn’t easy, either. And if you need an example, take Annie Cresta.”

“Annie Cresta is an anomaly.”

“But Katniss isn’t.” You raise your eyebrows. “I bet she had PTSD following her Games, and couldn’t hold a bow without remembering what she used it for inside of the arena.”

Gale makes a face, tilting his head. “You’re not wrong.”

You raise your hand in his direction, because you knew you weren’t wrong. “Anyway, to answer your question—before the rebellion, there were hard parts and there were easy parts. Especially when it came to mentoring.”

His eyes land back on you. “How was that?”

“A nightmare.” You tell him. “There’s a reason why a lot of the victors ended up like Haymitch. Or addicted or morphling.” You swish the ice around in your glass.

“I’ll grab the next round.” Gale reaches for your cup, you move your hand.

“Thanks.”

He slides off his chair, heading away. With the questions he’s asking, you’re going to be drinking the entire night. He’s never been interested in victor life before, but you suppose there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to ask questions with Katniss. Besides, she’s not nearly as experienced as you are in that area.

He could ask you anything about the Capitol, and you’d have an answer for him. There was one point in your career where you had to be studying their mannerisms because Snow was getting ready to put you on the chopping block. Your victory almost completely outshone Finnick’s, you were going to be his ticket out of the prostitution industry, but your popularity died quickly.

For what reason, you’re not sure. All you know is that Snow sent you an ‘I regret to inform you…’ letter, telling you that you’ve been shelved. As if that was supposed to be upsetting, instead of relieving. You even remember crying in your room, praising whatever intervened and saved you.

When Gale comes back, he’s got more questions, “Wasn’t there good aspects about it, too?”

Your face twists as you take the first sip of your drink. “I guess. Besides the money and the house, we were free to do basically what we wanted in the Capitol, in moderation.”

“You weren’t trapped inside of the Tribute Center?” He asks, eyebrows raised.

“No,” You scoff, “We were anything but trapped. We were encouraged to enjoy what the Capitol had to offer, we were walking advertisements of the Hunger Games. I didn’t take advantage of it though, I’d only been on them a couple times before the Quarter Quell.”

“Why?”

“They couldn’t just set us free, obviously. They had to keep an eye on us somehow, and that was done through the street cameras. They’re everywhere.” You shake your head. “I mean, you can’t go a single block without them.”

Gale pauses, putting his glass back down on the table. “Were they on the street when we were passing through?”

“Yeah, of course. The cameras are less frequent on the outskirts because there’s not a lot of crime in the Capitol, but they exist. It gets more difficult around the President’s Mansion because that’s a huge security risk.”

Gale stares at you, unmoving.

You look over his face, and then down to his drink. “What?”

“Are you hearing yourself?” He asks.

“Yeah?”

Gale smiles a little bit. “Never mind. What was your favorite thing to do in the Capitol?”

“It had to be the bars, or the clubs. I couldn’t go to very many of them, though. Which meant that I spent a lot of time in cafe’s.”

“Why couldn’t you go to clubs?”

“Finnick, mostly. He was a darling.” You rub the rim of your glass. When you look up at Gale, you raise your eyebrows. “You know, the whole prostitution thing. They always knew where he was because of the cameras. I’m lucky I never got pulled in. I came close several times.”

Gale presses his lips together. “They’d watch the street through the camera?”

“Yup, and they’d send high officials to our location to steal Finnick for the night, because he couldn’t say no. They could even play the footage back to see where we were coming from.”

“How far back?”

Your eyes wander away from his face. “I’m not entirely sure.” You lean back in the chair. “I mean, the Capitol used to pull footage from a year before of the victors to prove there were fashion trends.”

“So you’re telling me that they have footage of the streets from a year ago? Or at least, six months ago?” Gale presses.

“They should. I don’t know what good it would do now.” You tell him, locking eyes with him.

Gale doesn’t say anything, staring at you intensely. You open your mouth to ask what’s wrong with him, but end up sealing your lips, eyes narrowing in his direction. He does this to you sometimes when you’re missing a piece of a puzzle, and he’ll refuse to tell you what it is because he wants you to work it out.

It has to do with the cameras in the Capitol, because that’s what he’d been asking about. It’s such an insignificant detail, you’re not sure why he’s hung up on it. He had to have known there were cameras, that’s how they kept track of where you were in the sewers. If they hadn’t already known where you’d be going, of course.

The Peacekeepers found you on the street, thanks to those cameras. They probably even planned it down to the second to make sure that you were out of sight, in case any of the others came out of the apartment complex to look for you. Just like how they’d done to you and Finnick before…

You jerk upright, eyes widening as you watch Gale break into a smile. “Oh my god, there might be footage of Finnick and I on the street. And it might even have audio.”

“I was wondering when you’d get it.” He laughs.

You look around the bar, searching for the clock to find the time. It’s almost nine o’clock, the Justice Building closes at nine-thirty. Since it’s Friday, it’ll be closed through the weekend, unless there’s an emergency. And they won’t count your situation as one.

“I need to go.” You tell Gale, sliding off your chair, pulling your jacket over your arm. “I have to speak to Mayor Sybil.”

“Right now?” Gale asks, face twisting.

“Yes, right now.” You tell him. “I’ll meet you back at the house.”

You head for the door in a rush, just barely getting the gap open wide enough for you to slip through before you’re running down the street. The Justice Building is on the other side of the town, where Azalea organizes the volunteers. You know it's a fairly long walk but you’ve never had to run there before.

You clutch the jacket to your chest, one arm pumping viciously at your side. You try your best to maneuver through the main and side streets of Upper Heights. Unfortunately, it’s not late enough for the town to be empty, especially not since it’s leading into the weekend. You receive several stares, people fully stopping to watch you run by, and heads turning at the sound of your feet crunching against gravel and cobblestone.

You try to keep your breathing as even as you can, remembering the rigorous training for the Quarter Quell that Mags put you through. She knew better than anyone what to expect. If it weren’t for her, you would’ve been unprepared.

The run feels like forever, but can’t be anymore than fifteen minutes—maybe twenty at the most. The second you see the Justice Building, a smaller boost of energy enters your system, and it’s the last push you need to make it to the doors in time. Right before the receptionist tries to lock it.

Her key is in the door when you push it open, gasping for air, wiping the sweat from your eyes. The cool air from the vent hits you in the face, easing the burning pain in your face.

“Excuse me.” The receptionist says, her face is twisted. “We’re closed for the night.”

You shake your head, breathing through your mouth as you look up at the clock on the wall, which is right above a bench. Good, you need to sit down, or you’re going to lay on the tile floor. You bet that it’s cold.

“You don’t close…” You manage to get out, trailing off for a few breaths. “For another ten minutes.”

She presses her lips together. “We’ve had a slow day, so we’re closing early today.”

“This is urgent.” You breathe. “I need to see Mayor Sybil.”

“You can come back and visit her on Monday.”

“Respectfully, that’s not happening.” You tell the receptionist. “We can waste time arguing, or you can just bring me to her.”

She glares at you, but starts walking down the hallway, presumably to the mayor. You get off the bench, following her. It’s a fairly quiet walk, if you tune out the stomping of her heels against the floor. And the occasional annoyed sigh.

She stops in front of the mayor’s door, knocking on the wood next to the crystal glass as a courtesy, before swinging the door open without permission to enter.

Mayor Sybil must be used to this, or doesn’t care. She looks up from her rectangular glasses with raised eyebrows. She looks between you two for just a moment, and then a little smile comes to her face as she gets to her feet.

“Miss (L/n), to what do I owe this pleasure, tonight?” She asks.

“I’ve been wrongly accused.” You tell her, stepping inside of the room. You drop your jacket onto the chair in front of her desk. “And there’s proof.”

Sybil winces, beginning to tilt her head, which means she’s going to start doubting you, and you don’t necessarily blame her. For the longest time, you’d come to the Justice Building and beg for them to reconsider. Sybil knows your routine by now.

“Listen, (Y/n), you know—” She starts.

“No.” You cut her off, glancing at the receptionist. “I need to speak to Sybil in private.” You tell her, just before closing the door in her face. “Sybil, the Capitol has cameras on the street.”

When you look at her, you can see that she’s placed her glasses on the top of her head, rubbing her nose. “Go on.”

“The cameras should’ve caught the conversation between Finnick and the Peacekeepers, and there’s going to be audio to go along with it.” You pull out the chair, stepping around the arm to sit down. “Will you please get Paylor on the phone?”

“Promise me this isn’t a waste of time.” She says, sighing.

“I promise I’m not wasting your time.” You tell her.

—

“If I were you, I’d put the guns down.” Finnick advised in a calm, collected voice. “It wouldn’t be a very good idea to kill us on the street, unless you want to alert the people we’re with, of course. It could give them a good running head start.”

There was a tense silence that passed between you and Finnick and the Peacekeepers that had just evacuated the truck, large guns in their hands. Although, it’s not entirely obvious through the playback, because your faces are hidden from the camera because of the angle it’s sitting at. You have a perfect view of the Peacekeepers, though.

“Who says we have orders to kill you?” The Peacekeeper shoots back. “We have orders from President Snow to take you by any means necessary.”

“That’s not a good idea, either.” Finnick’s voice is smug. You remember the smirk that was on his face. “If you try to take us by force, we’ll make sure our companions are aware you’re out here. Same cards dealt.”

You watch your past self shift nervously on her feet, shaking her head. Finnick doesn’t move from where he stands, arms still raised in the air. The Peacekeepers begin to create a half-circle around you two, because it was more important to bring some back to the mansion, instead of being empty handed.

“We can make a deal.” Finnick offered cooly, “If you’re willing to make one.”

“Like what?” The Peacekeeper humored him.

“I can tell you where you can catch all of us together.” He told them plainly. “We figured out there are too many Pods here on the street, because we have a device. We plan on going down into the sewers to evade the Pods. The best time to come and get us would be then, because it’s going to be a maze down there. And you’ll have the advantage.”

There’s a few gasps that fill the room you’re sitting in. Your face begins to twist, eyes focusing on the screen. Your past self lowers her arms, in the middle of realizing that Finnick is selling your group of friends out to save himself. And less importantly, you.

If only the people around you could see the horror that crossed your face in that moment. As you stood there hopelessly. It was too late to stop Finnick or save the situation. What could you do? Kill the Peacekeepers all by yourself? Claim Finnick was lying?

For six months, you’ve been blamed for being a bystander if what you were claiming about Finnick was true, but it was never that simple. They would stand there dumbfounded, too.

“As long as you don’t interfere before we get to the apartment and down in the sewers, we won’t tell the squad about this encounter.” Finnick told them, keeping control of the situation. He lowered his arms, but you didn’t dare to move, watching as he held out his hand to shake the Peacekeeper’s, wanting to seal the deal.

In complete silence, they shake hands. “Let’s pack up and roll back to Headquarters.” The main Peacekeeper told the others, not bothering to acknowledge the conversation he’d just had with Finnick.

The two of you stood there and watched as they all got back inside of the armored truck, before driving down the block. They took the soonest left, and disappeared out of sight completely. It wasn’t until you were sure that they were gone, did you lower your arms.

Finnick began to lead the way back to the apartment, a gentle hand on your lower back to guide you down the sidewalk. After five minutes of total silence, he cleared his throat. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The camera angle changes because you’re leaving the view of the first one, and the audio is getting quieter. There’s a gap of silence as the microphone struggles to pick up the conversation, meaning it misses your entire response. Which consisted of something snarky and along the lines of, “What about them?”

The audio comes back in time to catch Finnick. “Don’t say anything to them about what happened. It’ll screw everything up, and put us back into danger.”

You tear your eyes from the television, swiveling around in your chair to find Finnick sitting across the room. All the color has been drained from his skin, face dropped entirely as his truth spills out. And this is only the beginning.

Finnick’s eyes flicker over to yours, you see that they’re watery. A smile comes to your face when you shake your head at him. This won’t work on you. You have no sympathy for the man that lied and got you shunned from the community of your home district.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” You snapped at Finnick, disgusted. “They’re our friends, we’re supposed to be a team! We wouldn’t have made it this far without them!”

“This is what has to be done if you want to make it home.” Finnick told you. “We don’t have a choice. Now that they know where we’re going next, there’s no point in changing plans. The sewers are our best bet.”

“That’s not true anymore.” You seethed. “We’re over, Finnick. I can’t be with you.”

You raised your hand, waving him off when he tried to grab you. He let you take the first couple of steps away, and then loosely followed you from a distance to make sure he wouldn’t set you off. The camera follows you back to the apartment complex, where you go inside, and the feed ends.

You look around the room from person to person, finding most with solemn faces as they realize they trusted the wrong victor. President Paylor inhales, as if she’s going to speak, and then she lets it go with a shake of her head.

Even Plutarch has a grimace on his face, because this is not how they want to picture their darling Finnick Odair. After the sacrifice he made by telling Panem about his trauma, he should not be painted in this light.

“It’s not tampered with.” Beetee breaks the silence, adjusting his glasses. “If any of you were wondering. It couldn’t have been, this is raw footage straight from the Capitol’s systems.” He laces his fingers in front of him on the table.

“I want this aired.” You tell Paylor, she locks eyes with you. “I want the entirety of Panem to know that Finnick is the heartless asshole that sold out the Star Squad, and that it wasn’t me.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” She tells you.

“Why’s that?” You ask her, eyebrow twitching upward briefly.

“There was no harm done.”

A scoff leaves your mouth as you get to your feet, trying to be the same eye level as her, since she refused to sit in a chair. “No harm done?” You repeat. “Are you sure? His lies were aired on Katniss’s trial. Everyone in Panem was tuned in to hear it. He humiliated me, and none of you would fucking believe me when I told you the truth.”

“Unfortunately—“ Plutarch begins, trying to help Paylor.

“I got cast out of District Four, the place that I—“ You tap your fingers to your chest multiple times, “was born and raised in. My people think that I’m some monstrous traitor. They didn’t feel safe with me there. This whole time they’ve been sleeping beside a killer.” you spit.

“That’s enough.” Finnick says.

You point at him, eyes sharp. “You don’t get to decide when it’s enough. You’ve had plenty of chances—plenty of time—to come clean, and you know what you said? You told me, ‘It was the right move to make’. You make me fucking sick.”

Finnick raises his hands defensively. “You could’ve said something, yourself.”

“If I wasn’t so afraid that you were going to turn on me, too, I would’ve.” You snap. When you turn back to face Paylor, you tilt your head. “You sent me to District Two, where all your castaways go. There, I learned that my childhood home was burnt to the fucking foundation because they believed him.

“Would you consider that ‘no harm done’?” You ask her. “I didn’t get any of my belongings after the war, because you told me that my valuables weren’t urgent or important and that you’d ’get around to it’. I don’t have any pictures of my dead family, Paylor!”

The room is silenced again as you breathe heavily, trying to blink the rising tears from your eyes. You will not cry over this. You will not cry in front of any of them. They can’t see how desperate you are.

“I have the right to a trial.” You tell her, once the lump has left your throat. “And I want one. I want Finnick to be put on trial. His guidance murdered several members of the Star Squad.” You look at Finnick. “Messalla, Jackson, Castor, Homes and Leeg were lost in the sewers because of him.”

Haymitch, who’s standing in the very back corner, looking worse for wear, lets out a loud sigh. “She’s right. Finnick needs to be held accountable.”

“Thank you, Haymitch.” You relax.

Paylor looks down at the ground, closes her eyes and says, “Finnick Odair is now in the custody of the Capitol for his interference with Project: Mockingjay.”

“Paylor.” Finnick tries to reason, but her guards move forward immediately, cuffs in hand.

“I told you that you’d regret this.” You say to Finnick, his face twists. “Your actions have consequences, and it’s time you learn that.”

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sunflowervoltwentyeight · 11 months ago

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Happy 28th! Here is my March 2024 fic rec, organized by word count, from longest to shortest. You can view my other fic recs here. Enjoy!

Sunshine, Baby! by staybeautiful / @harruandlou (106k)

Louis was the first one down the row for their group. If he hadn’t been they would have never met.

He was turned around, walking backwards and saying to Liam, “No, I’ll get you to a real footie match next,” when he bumped into someone.

“Oops,” Louis laughed, tripping over his own feet. A hand curled around his upper arm as he nearly fell over the seat in front of him. “Sorry about that, mate.”

He turned around, still teetering in his vans, to apologize again, but the words dried in his throat. Another hand gripped his other elbow, steadying him, but all Louis could see were green eyes and dimples.

“Hi,” the man laughed, a bright, bubbling sound. “Are you okay?”

Or Louis is in his first year of law school, Harry is a junior on the swim team dreaming of the Olympics, and they both agree that they don't have time for anything more than friends with benefits... right?

Follow Your Arrow by Anonymous (78k)

Harry was the golden child, blessed in every way; Niall was the charming miscreant, a bad boy; Liam was the future-son-in-law parents of daughters dreamt of, and Zayn was the kid parents wished was their son. But Louis, Harry thought, Louis was the special one.

It's senior year and everything is about to change.

Where We Landed by blueskiesrry / @blueskiesrry (70k)

The leaves were green the last time Harry stepped foot in Holmes Chapel, a stark contrast to the candy apple, butterscotch painting them now, years later. Harry first notices them on the train, gazing out the window with a downturned mouth. A warm something floods his stomach–memories, Harry imagines, of him as a boy, longing for the days when he’d live elsewhere and have to take this very train home for the holidays. He wonders how it’s possible to have once felt eager and euphoric at the sight of changing leaves yet now to feel nothing but tired. He sighs softly, turning away from the trees to look at his daughter, half-curled in his lap, asleep.

or: harry returns to his hometown with his sick daughter and more reminders than he bargained for of the boy he once loved when he left a handful of years ago

You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home by styleandsin / @styleandsin (43k)

Now, as he’s standing in the doorway, he’s trying not to get choked up. He hadn’t realized how much he missed this: the smell of his mother’s baking, the sounds of each of his family members, the sight of some of his old toys scattered about the foyer where his littlest siblings had presumably left them. All these things scream home, and he hadn’t felt at home since he left this house eight years ago.

Louis needs a break from everything, from acting and the constant pressure of life in LA. He decides to move back home for a bit, some time with his family is exactly what can lift his spirits. What he doesn't expect is to fall in love. Both with the town he hated so much so that he couldn't wait to leave it years ago and with a curly haired florist that was the complete opposite of the guys he'd often meet in LA.

Something About Liminal Spaces by kingsofeverything / @kingsofeverything (34k)

Searching for inspiration for his latest book, and hoping distance will help heal his broken heart, Louis Tomlinson heads to the village of Piha on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island.

There he meets Harry Styles.

Fifteen years older than Harry, Louis tries to keep his distance, but Harry is impossible to avoid and harder to ignore.

At Risk, I Fold by clare328 / @bearmustard (15k)

2015 is a stream of hotel rooms and whisky on the rocks, tired glances and touching hands under tables. It’s the bears and the bees under a rainbow sky, and Harry and Louis have to figure out how to grow up together, instead of apart.

Wedding Bells Will Never Ring For Me by lousmoonshine / @lousmoonshine (14k)

After a failed proposal a few years back, Louis gets an unexpected invitation to his ex - Harry’s – wedding

Some Kind of Night Into Your Darkness (Colors Your Eyes With What's Not There) by larryismylifesource (5k)

Harry’s body buzzes with heat, like a current underneath his skin, because it’s been too long and his husband is right here and for once they have no obligations other than each other and he just wants.

“Lou.”

And Louis must sense it, the way the atmosphere shifts against him, the way Harry’s eyes get all big and dark with need, because he meets Harry’s gaze and then yanks him down for another kiss.

or, the boys get a day off in the middle of tour and harry and louis use it to their advantage

#28th appreciation #larry fic rec #march fic rec #monthly fic rec #fic rec #hlcreators #read

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zetadraconis11 · 1 month ago

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What is Love to Sebastian? - A Poem

What is love?

For Sebastian, love came when he wasn't expecting it.

Love made him levitate before being struck by Basic Casts that led him to fall on his rear.

Love had a confident grin after winning duels.

Love had a heart of gold and made him want to protect it no matter what.

Love had a faint and merry laugh reminiscent of sleigh bells.

Love smelled of lavender, something that would remind him of the coast.

Love had compassion, always wanting to help anyone and everyone. Including him.

Love was patient, dealing with his desperation for answers with grace.

Love was not ignorant, like how his foolish tongue decided to say before he stopped to think.

Love was forgiveness, even when he didn't deserve it. He knows he doesn't deserve it

Love was second chances, and he promised to himself he would never squander it.

Love was kindness, a comfort he'd forgotten after hating himself in his guilt-ridden turmoil.

Love was gentle inspite of callused hands that would hold his to ground him in the present.

Love was smiles full of sunshine that broke through his darkness.

Love was happiness he denied himself for too long.

Love was long, soft, dark brown hair that he always moved aside to see more of her.

Love was loyal for always being there for him, and he would be just as loyal if not more.

Love was steadfast and determined, and a beautiful three-clawed scar proved it.

Love was cheeky banter and quick wits.

Love was sneaking affection between classes.

Love was sharing laughs and sweets.

Love was freshly baked lavender biscuits.

Love was self-conscious, but he'd reassure.

Love had insecurities and self-doubts, but he'd always assuage.

Love would cry and try to hide it, but he'd only wipe away the tears and provide comfort.

Love was strong in carrying more burdens than he could fathom. But he would help carry them if he could.

Love was safe in his arms, and he would never let go.

Love was coy, teasing him and always leaving him wanting more.

Love was warm ivory skin, a small dusting of freckles, and inviting, soft pink lips.

Love was shy but adventurous fingers running through his hair.

Love was comforting by mere presence.

Love was a black and yellow scarf around his neck.

Love was his home.

Love was Estelle Clara Sallow, wearing an amethyst wedding band and a bright smile while teaching their kids how to bake lavender biscuits.

His love will always and forever be his star, the light of his life shining through the shadows that dared to linger.

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy mc #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x oc #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastelle #poetry #hogwarts oc

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magnolia-among-the-stars · 2 years ago

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lover (jake seresin pt. 11/12)

PART OF MY “WHATEVER THIS IS” SERIES WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE

PLOT: Penny Benjamin’s niece works at The Hard Deck, saving the money she earns to get out of the west coast and put herself through Graduate School. What happens when a pretty boy pilot ends up as her fake boyfriend?

PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE / PART SIX / PART SEVEN / PART EIGHT / PART NINE / PART TEN / PART ELEVEN / FINAL PART

PAIRING: JAKE ‘HANGMAN’ SERESIN x Female Plus Size Bartender!Reader (Sunshine)

It goes without saying but I do not give permission for anyone to use my work or copy it somewhere else.

A/N: Surprise! Two chapters in 24 hours! I couldn't stop writing so <3 We're almost to the end here but if you want to see snippets of the couple, send in some requests! Don't forget that this is part of a Universe so you'll see these two in the other stories of the Whatever This Is Universe!

Jake turns you around, open palms pressing against the flesh of your hipbones to head toward the door into Penny’s home. You follow him with ease, falling into lazy steps at his side as you slip into the house. “Oh,” you reach out, going to grab your vase of florals when Jake stops you lightly.

“How about we wait until morning to grab those Sunshine? Don’t want to drop them on the walk home,” his voice is low, deep in your ear as his front presses against your back. The weight of him feels familiar as he takes deep and steady breaths, it shoots electricity through your nerves. You nod shyly in agreement and turn, tucking back into his embrace.

“You’re right,” you nod, drunkenly mumbling and he smiles gently. Holding you snug against him, Jake turns to say goodnight to your aunt.

“You take care of her,” Penny’s words sound threatening but there’s a warmth in her eyes as she takes in the couple in front of her. She knows the feelings the two of you have for each other, knows that she sees so much of who Mav became to her in the way you speak to each other. She’s forgiving to an extent, praying that Jake does things the right way this time.

You lean back, stumbling only slightly as you stabilize and slide your fingertips over his biceps before collecting his large hand in yours. You nod to the entry way, not noticing the flush speckling over Jake’s cheeks when he gnaws on his bottom lip at the site of you. You move as one unit together through the front door and down the porch.

It’s quiet in the streets of North Island, the crickets and the hum of the streetlamps mixing with the calm lapping of the waves crashing along the sandy beach ahead of you. Jake matches your slow footsteps, letting you set the pace to get home. He hopes you’ll slow even more, stumble slightly so that he can have more time with your hand clenched in his. He misses the feeling of your thumb dragging along the heel of his palm, soothing a tension there he didn’t even know was present.

You stop suddenly and he’s too lost in his own train of thought to notice at first, until your arm is tugging him to turn around. He takes in the frown melting on your face, the glossy look of your lips as your tongue sticks out. He can’t tell if you’re going to cry or if you’re deep in concentration…perhaps it’s both as you pant your feet firmly into the pavement of the sidewalk.

“What’s wrong?”

“You almost died?” your whimper echoes across the empty street, sniffling back the wet snot from your senses. Flashes of his words rush through your mind again, that he’d had a scary event during one of their exercises and it brings up a wave of nausea up through your stomach. The emotional wave of everything that had happened over the last few weeks since the morning you woke up without Jake came crashing down on top of you and tears began to stream down your warm cheeks.

“Oh Sunshine,” Jake rushes forward, collecting you in his arms tightly. His hand scoops the back of your head, tugging you so that your forehead rested in the crux of his neck while he sweetly rubbed your back. He cooed, “I’m okay…I’m here.”

“How could you almost die on me without us fixing everything?” you whined, nose nuzzling against the column of his neck. If you weren’t so upset, he’d enjoy the feeling of your lashes giving him butterfly kisses along his skin. He smelled like a fresh mint julep on a summer’s day mixed with the smoky scent of a campfire and you snuggled closer to the heat he provided.

“I’m never leaving you again,” he murmurs into the crown of your head, meaning it with all his heart. “Not unless you want me to go.” You spend a few more minutes hugging under the orange glow of the street lamp and pull back, wiping your eyes. If you were tired before, exhaustion now seeped into your soul as you settled back into a steady pace. You reached your home before you knew it and a silence fell over the two of you as you held his hand still, moving up the steps to the front door. You turn around, staring down at him for a few moments with uncertainty.

Jake didn’t want to risk it, didn’t want to lose all the progress he had gained in the last few hours. He would take what he could get, take things at a snail’s pace if you asked it of him until he could earn back your trust and deserve you. You stared down at him with a blooming of anxiety blossoming in your chest. The small and drunken voice in the back of your mind begged you to ask him inside, ask him to kiss away all the pain of the last few weeks. Could you truly let him back in though? And if you did, would he stay this time? You weren’t sure you were ready to find out. You stared at him with an intensity, wondering what was going on inside of his beautiful brain.

“I should,” Jake clears his throat and glances down the street, starting to count the miles it would take to get back to his home from here. “I should head home.” He turns back to you, going week in the knees as you stare back at him with a wide eyed and starry gaze. Your eyes sparkled as you searched his face, narrowing as you reached out to touch his cheek tenderly.

“Do…” you take a deep and shaky breath, “Do you want to come in?” The question feels guarded and he doesn’t blame you after all that’s happened. He hesitates, afraid to let you down. Afraid to say or do the wrong thing again. But Jake Seresin is stronger this time. He’s learned from his mistakes and knows this time to say what he truly wants to say.

“Are you sure?” he sounds small, his voice wobbling as he takes a step up to get closer to you. He’s open, vulnerable in a way that makes your heart melt.

“As long as you’re still here when you wake up in the morning,” you replied, lacing your fingers together again and squeezing it reassuringly. He could feel your hands tremble and he leans forward, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I promise.”

You take his word, breath him in and press your lips to his slowly. He gasps slightly, moving his mouth against yours with a meticulous passion. His hands wind in your hair, tugging at the nape of your neck as he steps up again to tower over you. Your hands circle his waist, resting against his bum as you pull him closer to you and moan lightly.

Pulling away slowly, you sway a little from the daze of his presence. Staring up at him through your lashes, you lead him through the front door of your home. Through the dark living room and down the hallway, you make your way to your bedroom. He rounds the bed, tugging down the comforter and staring at you while you shed your shirt, discarding it before your skirt pools at your feet. He watches as you climb beneath the sheets before stripping down to his briefs and joining you beneath the covers.

“Please don’t leave,” your voice echoes in the safety of the darkness, afraid suddenly of this being a dream. That you would close your eyes and he would be gone.

He crawls in beside you, hauling you into his strong arms and securing you against his chest. You settle against him, listening to the rapid beating of his heart. “I’m not going anywhere,” he reassures you, smoothing his hands over your hair as you began to doze off. He smiles at the light snores escaping your mouth in clusters before he falls asleep himself.

The next morning, you awake in a start, jumping slightly. Hot skin is pressed against your tummy, pressed against your curvy thighs as you try to roll over onto your side. A groan bubbles up as the sunlight burns through the window. Your heart skips a beat as Jake’s hands slide along the bare roundness of your stomach with ease. “Good morning,” he grumbles, his morning voice sexy in your ear. You smile, pressing your lips along his forearm as you settle back into his embrace.

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pursuitseternal · 6 months ago

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“Something:” an update to “Our Blood is Thicker,” 🐦‍⬛💞🦇a little something for the Anniversary of BG3

Ascended Astarion x Cordehlia (Tav) | T | 1.6K

Summary: One year since she found her betrothed in her path, Cordehlia reminisces with heartache and happiness in equal measure.

CW: mentions of their past griefs and traumas, nostalgia

Previous Ch | Ao3 link | Masterlist

One year… a full year since that nautilus crashed, a year since she found her once betrothed elven lordling in her path. Had it been only a year since her heart rent itself apart at finding him again and let their love stitch it back together?

It had also been a year, then, since her life hung precariously in the balance, a life and a love deemed worthy of seven-thousand and seven souls to be his eternal bride. The passage of time had taken their hopeful, youthful Star Elf selves and broken them, refined them, and made them into the adamantine weapons of power they now were—The Ascendant and his Consort. It was days like this, when the summer heat was unbearable along the Sword Coast that she longed most for the emerald foliage and canopies of the Yuirwood.

She longed for the carefree playing in streams and knolls, in mud and sunshine. She missed his violet eyes and her star-kissed silver ones, those long nights of pleasure on the mossy banks of the forest, the feeling of their warm bodies moving more fluidly than the streams just beside them.

She missed their parents, the wizened, knowing smiles her father would give, even the subtle looks of approval his mother, the High Lady, would sneak her way when they were alone.

In all her decades of darkness, pursuing countless foes and splashing herself in their blood, she never once felt homesick. Love sick, yes. Grief stricken, yes. But it wasn’t until his love for her thawed the chill of her hatred and pain that she remembered home.

And now, she lived in a luxury not of her own heritage. Her skin was cold and her teeth were sharp. Her heart no longer raced with the pleasure he coaxed from her still, and it didn’t rap against her ribs in battle or flutter nervously when Astarion smirked at her. It was probably for the best that their past was nearly as eradicated as their own hopes for a life among their people.

She knew their village had left, that everyone journeyed to other reaches of Faerûn or other realms after the death of their High Lord and Lady… their murder in the City and the ultimate decimation of their line had been exacted.

They had been robbed of their rulers, their line… and their prince. Astarion.

It was all pain that should have been so easy to forget in their palace gardens. Leaning against the great oak tree at its heart, she sat with her skirts fanned, a book on her lap. This late summer sun warmed her too much; even back home, she preferred the cool caress of shade.

Not like him, her love, her lord. He stood near her, gazing down into the pond that collected the bubbling streams of water from the fountain of pure gold. Opulently, impeccably dressed, his silk jacket and pants caught the breeze making that cream, pearlescent material shimmer in the sun. But the gold and silk, the water or the sun itself, none of it was as radiant as him. His fearsome, handsome reflection no doubt shined up at him at his feet, that rakish tilt of his brows, those full, smirking lips rippling and paling in comparison to their original.

He was magnificent, glorious…. Ruthless to his enemies and adoring to his Bride.

The Vampire Ascendant.

It was a far more intimidating title than a mere elven High Lord. Astarion traded in being a prince for the mantle of a Vampire Lord, his ancestral manor now overshadowed by the walls of the Crimson Palace. His wealth was uncountable and ever-growing, untold powers at his command, gifts from the hells and magic beyond what any of the undead should wield.

It was what he deserved after centuries of suffering. But…

What she wouldn’t give for a blanket spread on their mossy bank in the forest, a single bottle of Ithbank to pass between them, the filtered sun above the foliage kissing their naked skin. She closed her eyes, letting the bark of the oak score into her skin through her waif-like dress. The scents of the forest, of nature, came back with instant recall, that soft gurgle of the fountain barely different in pitch from the stream in the glade where Astarion had taken her—

“Cordehlia,” he breathed her name, lips brushing her right ear. A warm hand on her cheek turned her face into his as her crimson eyes fluttered open once more. “My love,” he purred so tenderly, the warm pad of his thumb caressing the gentle arch of her cheek.”Tell me, what do you desire?” his voice was low, a gentle rumble in his chest as he poured all his love down their bond. “What can I do for my dearest?”

“It is nothing,” Cordehlia smiled softly; pulling him to sit beside her, so close their bodies flowed nearly seamlessly from one to the other. “Just thoughts of…”

“Home,” he interrupted. A subtle smirk tweaked his mouth just enough to show a fang. “It’s been a year, you know, since we defeated the Brain…”

His lips whispered against hers. And she whispered back. “A year since I found you on the beach and nearly trussed you up to gut you, you mean…”

“Oh,” he laughed with a husky giggle, “feel free to truss me up any time just to relive it, my love.”

Cordehlia sank her fangs in his bottom lip, making him laugh properly. “Be thankful I let you live long enough to fall back in love with me.”

Astarion broke from their kiss. Where she expected to see that impish glint, that rakish smirk, Cordehlia only saw purity, sincerity. Love. “I am thankful. Everyday,” his words so quiet, even her keen hearing struggled. “Come,” he stood swiftly, pulling her gracefully to her feet. “There’s… something I’d like to show you…”

Making their way inside, they hurried down corridor after cooridor. That nostalgia only deepened. Memories flashed of how these halls festered in darkness and rotted with wickedness under Cazador. She could still smell the dank of the dungeon, still recall the pain of that bastard’s bite as he tried to kill her…

A year ago. A year that passed faster than a blink of an eye. If time was nothing to her existence as an elf, it was less than nothing now that she was undead.

Now that she wandered the bright scarlet and golden halls of their palace. Now that she held the hand of her Sire, their hearts beating as one as his Bride.

She smiled at the word. Bride.

Feeling her thoughts, Astarion paused at the threshold to their rooms. “Oh yes, my Bride, don’t think I didn’t get you a little something to commemorate our union.”

“Always one to spoil me,” she shook her head, leaning in to taste his kiss once more. A sly smile twisted his lips as they pressed together.

The door creaked on its hinges, opening to reveal their bedroom, bathed in blue green light from their windows. Their sanctuary.

Her gaze instantly settled on the box on their bed, a small wooden chest. A nod of his head, a sparkle of childish delight in his crimson eyes, Astarion pulled her closer to it.

Eager fingers lifted the lid, and Cordehlia’s undead heart burst as if it had stopped beating altogether.

A shining silver war helmet, plates once cracked were soldered back together. Intricate designs of feathers spanned the sides, and a great eagle’s head rested on the crown of the helm. She would recognize it anywhere. She had polished it countless times as an elfling, wearing it in their home to pretend to play soldiers and war… a merry laugh coming from the chair by the fire as he watched on…

“Father,” she choked, her musical voice cracking with grief. “Oh, Father,” she breathed again, reverently stroking the eagle feathers and face that was their namesake, Aquillae. Eagle. That same name shined, etched into the back of the armor: Cassius Aquillae, The Great Eagle. Her eyes leaked the tears she could no longer keep at bay, and two warm arms embraced her from behind.

“Halsin found it,” he explained. “With the Shadowcurse lifted, all manner of relics were found. But he searched with great care for anything of your father’s.” A small laugh sounded in her ear. “My idea, of course. Don’t give the Druid any more affection or credit than he deserves, my love.”

A wet laugh was his reward for his possessive, bratty humor. As always. Astarion reached for the helmet, lifting it out to reveal two more pieces that instantly struck her in the gut.

Sharp pains of grief again. A bright silver locket, inlaid with golden leaves, and a small teal ring, that crest of its signet shining brighter than the gold it was made of. She didn’t need to look closer to know it was a heart and two daggers slicing cross-crossed through it, a pattern of little stars speckling its background.

The Ancunín crest.

His voice was heavy, his own throat bobbing against the back of her head as he reached around to caress the pieces. “Mother’s locket and Father’s ring… I found these in one of… his… vaults in the Counting House. The trophies claimed from Mother and Father’s murder.” Tenderly, he set the helmet back in the box, closing the lid silently. Then, he pulled her stiff, suffering body into his warm embrace. “Those aren’t my gift, don’t you fret.”

“I should hope not,” she forced a aggrieved laugh. “Still it is… good to have pieces of them, their bodies never put to rest,” she whispered into the cream silk of his jacket.

“We are about to correct that,” he smiled into the top of her head, breathing in her scent, wildflowers and moss. “We are going home.”

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ladylooch · 9 months ago

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The Captain's Girl - [Lucie x Connor]

A/N: Happy Sunday! Look at who wrote a full fic this morning! Could not resist bringing Lucie and Connor to their smutty and soft past time. Connor may be the captain of an OG NHL team, but nothing compares to being Lucie's man.

From this request.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: 18+ Content below

Lucie Wood watches from the front of the restaurant as her husband takes a long sip of his cold beer. The warmth of the southern California sunshine washes over her back and shoulders, peaking out from her sundress. Leaving winter behind on the East Coast means soaking in as much vitamin D as she can get for her short stay. The Rangers will be here for three more days with the timing of both off and game days. It was the perfect time for her and the girls to surprise her husband.

Across the patio table from him is David, who purposefully has his back to the door so Connor can watch his wife’s approach in a few moments. But right now, Lucie is content studying him from afar. She’s worried about him. He’s been so stressed out at the rink and at home. The Rangers need to turn things around quickly if they are going to make the playoffs. Despite there being 19 other guys on the team, Connor Wood thinks if he puts the team on his shoulders alone, he will get them to the finish line. Lucie’s gentle redirects have been met with eye rolls and ‘you don’t understand’ from her husband.

She is going to show him exactly how much she understands these next few days by forcing him to relax.

Mack and David are helping too. David worked with Lucie to grab the flights that made the most sense to optimize their time. Mack is here to take care of the girls for her when Lucie is otherwise pre-disposed with her husband, like right now and later when she’s riding him like the cowboy he wants to be.

A waitress approaches the table with two large bowls. She sets them each in front of the men. Connor smiles politely, then turns down to his food, completely missing the eye fucking she does to him before walking away. Lucie smiles. After all this time, Connor still only has eyes for her.

She pushes off from the brick wall she had been leaning against and begins her saunter across the restaurant. She maneuvers around staff and other patrons, then takes a direct angle to her husband. He looks up when she is three tables away, then pauses his chewing. His eyebrows furrow before he glances between David and Lucie.

“Oh my god, are you Connor Wood?” She drawls exaggeratedly. “I’m your biggest fan.”

“You should be after the two babies I gave you.” He jokes, standing up to hug her. He engulfs her completely, pressing his nose into her hair immediately. It’s a minute before he attempts to pull away from her. The restaurant bobs and weaves around them as Lucie rubs his strong back over his shirt. “Love you.” He whispers. He pulls away to kiss her tenderly. “You look stunning.” He compliments, taking in her soft green dress. It makes her brown eyes pop, complimented by the blue ocean behind her.

“I love you too.” She sighs, hugging him one more time. Then she turns to David. “Hi!”

“Crazy seeing you here, Luc.” They all laugh at that.

“Sorry Mack isn’t here. Winnie finally crashed for a nap and we had to take advantage of that.”

“No worries. She told me.” David shrugs. “You want some food?” He grabs the menu he kept back for her.

“You can share with me, baby.” Connor offers, moving the chair to his right out for her to sit in. He scoots her back in, dropping one more kiss on her hair. She looks over at his plate seeing a hearty steak salad. It looks good, but he needs to eat all of that to keep his calorie count up.

“I’ll grab something for myself. Thank you though.” She assures him.

“Are you sure? Here just have a little bit.” He shoves his plate to her.

“Babe, I’m fine. I bet you’re starving.” He gives her a look. He doesn’t like eating before her or when she isn’t eating. “Eat, Connor.” She says firmly, sliding her hand to his thigh. His eyes dance down her face and over her cleavage. He smirks, then picks his fork up with a promise they both know: he’ll eat her later.

Lucie orders fish tacos and a mango margarita that has her buzzing after one sip. After Connor finishes eating, he wraps an arm around her shoulders. His fingers coyly play with the spaghetti strap of her dress, eventually his fingers glide it off her shoulder. Lucie moves to put it back into place, but Connor bats her hand away, collecting her fingers in his off her shoulder. Lucie glances at David who looks out at the Pacific Ocean, watching the waves roll into the beach.

“I think I’m gonna walk down to the beach.” David says, sucking down the rest of his water. “Wait for Mack down there.”

“Okay. I’ll go grab the girls from her when we get back to the hotel.”

“No worries. I think she is gonna bring the girls down when they wake up. Sounds like Stella fell asleep too. We will take care of them. You two have fun.” The slight smirk on his face tells Lucie he knows exactly where her and Connor are heading after lunch. “Send me a request for this.” He circles the table alluding to his meal.

“All good.” Connor waves him off.

“We can afford it.” Lucie assures David.

“I bet with that captain salary.” He chuckles, then heads off the patio to the stairs leading down to the beach.

The second he is gone, Connor’s face is nuzzling Lucie’s neck. She sighs heavenly, fingers threading through his hair. She turns her face to his head, kissing along his dark curls.

“You ‘bout done?”

“Mhm.” She confirms. Connor lifts one hip off the chair, pulling his wallet out. He tosses his card down, then goes back to focusing on his wife. Her hair is blowing in the sea breeze, scattering brown strands about her beautiful face. Her brown eyes are dewey and lustful, lips pink and begging to be plumped by his. He leans down, doing just that, not even recognizing when the waitress leaves and comes back with the completed bill. If she spoke to them, neither of them notice.

Connor signs the slip, then threads his fingers with Lucie’s, pulling her out of her chair. They walk hand in hand to the hotel, neither of them needing to communicate where they are going. The whole walk back, wetness pools and settles into Lucie’s panties from imagining what her husband is going to do with her in private. While waiting for the elevator, she presses her lips to his big bicep, running her nose along the lines of his tattoo sleeve that peak out from the soft cotton fabric. Connor brings their laced hands forward to her stomach, stroking his thumb down from her belly button to the V of her thighs. Lucie shakes against him as Connor smirks, a light chuckle shaking his arm against her face.

“30 seconds?” He asks, referring to how fast she is going to come undone in his hands. They step into the elevator, Connor pressing the floor to his room.

“Maybe.” She grins, dimples piercing her cheeks. Connor leans down, kissing each one of the slits then her lips. His tongue darts along her bottom lip, savoring the hint of tequila there. His hand glides from her lower back to the back of her neck, cradling her head as he makes out with her. The ding of the elevator stopping barely makes an impression with the couple.

“Y’all maybe wanna get out?” Mack asks from the door.

“Daddy!” Stella screams.

“Baby!” Connor grins, leaning down to capture his little girl in a hug. Winnie squeaks from Mack’s arms, almost tumbling from her aunt with how fast she reaches for her dad.

“We are going to the beach! Are you comin’?”

“We will come in a little bit. Mommy and I have to do some adult things first.” Connor says pointedly. He loves Stella, but she is not cockblocking him right now.

“Oh, that’s not fun.” Stella frowns.

“Ah… yeah.” Connor chuckles, then stands to his full height. “Be good for auntie.” He encourages her after giving a kiss to Winnie’s head. Mack steps in. “I’d hug ya but…” His clear hard-on cannot be hidden by anything except his wife’s body as she moves to shield him.

“How about later?” Mack laughs, then gives a wave to them before the doors close and they head down to the lobby.

Ravenously, Connor grips the back of Lucie’s thighs, hauling her over his shoulder.

“Gotta get you into this room before anything else comes up.”

“Connor, my dress is too short for this.” He reaches up, palming her bare ass with a greedy paw.

“Nah, it’s perfect, baby.” He murmurs. His fingers slide easily under her white panties, stroking her soaked folds. “Fuck, you’re so wet.” He groans. They get to the door of his room. He drops her onto her feet in front of him, then fishes in his pocket for his key fob. He barely gets the door open before he is shoving Lucie inside.

Lucie runs across the room, then turns just in time to catch her husband in her arms before falling onto her back on the bed. She brings her legs up, shoes and all, wrapping them around his waist. Connor ruts into her heat, chasing her hips to grown the burning need between them. Connor’s lips press into hers hurriedly, tongue lapping up every drop of her he can get. When he needs air, he pulls away, looking down at her beneath him.

“Lucie.” He gasps torturously. “You are so fucking beautiful, baby. Takes my damn breath away every time I see you.” Lucie giggles, biting her bottom lip as her fingers drift down to his waistband.

“Wanna taste you today.” She insists. Connor pulls his shirt over his head by grabbing a fist full of the fabric between his shoulder blades. Lucie whimpers when she sees him fully. “Mine. All mine.” She moans.

Lucie works her way up to sitting, but Connor halts her, slipping each of her thin dress straps down her arms. The fabric of her dress falls away, revealing perky breasts with hard peaks in the middle. He rubs his calloused palms over them, illicitly a loud moan from her. She wiggles on the bed, needing some friction against her throbbing clit. Connor smirks, then backs away so she can get on her knees in front of him. He gathers her hair in his hand, watching her use his cock as lipstick. Her motion smears his pre-cum across her lips. Then her tongue comes out to taste it.

Connor’s mouth drops open in pleasure as she finally glides her tongue over his red head. Lucie sighs passionately, then takes him into her mouth in one swoop.

“Fuck.” Connor hisses when he hits the back of her throat. “Luc.” He moans her name as she strokes his shaft in her hand then glides him further in. His balls tighten immediately at the feeling of her wet mouth expanding to accommodate him. “Jesus.” He sighs, relaxing his grip on her hair. His other hand drifts down to her left breast, rolling the nipple in his fingers. Lucie floats a hand down between her legs, circling her clit while letting his hips press insistently into her mouth until he is setting the tempo.

“Gotta stop.” Connor says, puling out of her mouth. He holds his hands out to her. He grabs the hand that she had been using to play with herself, sliding those fingers in his mouth as she watches.

“I need you to fuck me right now. I can’t wait. Please.”

“Asking so nicely.” He coos to her, wrapping a large hand around her neck to bring her close. He crashes their lips together, tongue stroking along hers as he maneuvers her back towards the bed. Lucie feels for the mattress with one hand, not letting her mouth leave his. Connor gets her sitting in front of him, then kicks off his pants and underwear. He leans down, kisses along her collar bone until his fingers can work the zipper of her dress down. He helps her wiggle out of it, being careful not to rip it even though he fucking wants to. The pretty dress falls to the floor with his discarded clothes. Then he collects her panties, exposing her dripping core to him completely.

He doesn’t waste any time, mouth on her pussy without even dropping her panties from his hand. His other fingers come up, swirling her entrance before stuffing into her. She is more than ready, already arching off the bed, begging him for more from her swollen lips.

“Baby, please, I want your cock. Right now.”

“Yeah? That why you flew 3,000 miles to me?”

“Yes!” She exhales as he curls his fingers up, putting harder pressure on her spongey insides. “Fuck.” She wails, quivering already. As much as his dick begs to be inside of her, he wants her to come this way first. His mouth settles over her enlarged bud, rolling it with his tongue and sucking it into his mouth. Lucie shouts. Connor does this again, then feels her release drip-down his fingers, collecting in his palm. He doesn’t stop, sucking every wave of her orgasm into his mouth. When she hits the point of almost too much, he backs off.

“Good girl, Luc.” He praises her, looking at the mess they made of her folds. He bites his lip, then hooks his arms under her hips, pulling her to the edge of the bed. Lucie wildly grapples for his shoulders, collecting them in her palms as he stroke his cock through her wet slit. He pushes in, both of them finding intense pleasure in the stretch of her around him. Connor rests his hands on either side of her waist, then begins to build his pumps into her. Their wet connection fills the room, creating an erotic ambiance in the unknown space. Lucie’s finger tips start pressing deeper into his skin.

“Use your words.” He reminds her.

“More. I need so much more.”

Connor collapses onto his forearms, dropping his head to the bed beside hers and fucking deep into her. His consistent snaps into her hips have Lucie rolling away from the intensity. One of his arms slides under her back, pinning her to his chest to hold her in place.

“Don’t ask for more then run from it. Give in, baby. Let it take you.” He growls into her ear.

“Ohmygod. Oh. My….” Lucie trails off. Everything stills in her body except for the slight flutter of her walls. Connor turns, sucking at the sweet spot on her neck. Her inner walls collapse around him like a clam, causing him to collapse deeper into his fucks.

“Oh damn, Luc. Yes, baby. Feel so fuckin good. So wet and tight, baby. Love your pretty pussy.” Connor’s hips keep pistoning, closing his eyes and savoring how incredible his wife feels right now. She’s soaked through, dripping down his cock to his balls. She never wants him to stop. “You got one more for me, beautiful?”

“Yes.” She moans into his ear. “But look at me.” She begs him. “I want you to know it’s me making you feel this good.”

“Holy fuck.” He groans. “I know it’s you, baby. Nothing ever felt this good until you.” Lucie grins, tugging his face to hers by the back of his neck.

“Yeah? Never had pussy this tight?”

“Oh my god. No. Or a mouth this filthy.” He groans, then licks across her open mouth. He adjusts her legs, wrapping one around his waist and bringing one heel up to rest on his shoulder.

“Right there.” Lucie begs, “Please, baby don’t stop. Love your cock, Con.” Connor’s hands grip her hips tighter, making Lucie pulse under his skin. “More.” She demands. Connor almost crumbles at the sound of her begging for all that he can give to her.

His balls slapping her ass fills the room. Lucie’s hands drift off Connor’s shoulders. One goes to her breast and the other to her clit, rolling both in tempo with his pumps into her pussy.

“Mmm, you’re so gorgeous. I’m so close.” He tells her. “Wanna fill you up, baby.”

“Please. Need to wear you on my thighs to the beach. So everyone knows who I belong to.”

“Fuck.” That will do it. He groans then unloads into her, jerky pumps as she climaxes for a third time immediately after him, pulsing her walls to pull him in deeper. His sensitive tip hisses as she milks every drop from him. “Damn.” He sighs to the ceiling, locking his knees to keep from swaying backwards. He looks back down at his wife, seeing her with pretty pink cheeks and swollen lips. Her eyes are dark chocolate pools when her hands reach for him again. He gently eases out of her, then presses his palms on both sides of her head. He smooches her softly, letting her tongue into his mouth for a full taste of each other.

“Mmm, be right back.” He assures her, kissing down her chin and throat, ending between her breasts.

Lucie releases his arms from her hands, dropping her heels from the bed so her feet dangle off the side. Water runs in the bathroom from her husband. He comes back clean, then works Lucie’s thighs apart, stroking her used core clean too. He looks up at her face.

“You serious about having me at the beach?”

“Mhm.” She nods. “Want you to see me in my new bikini knowing that.”

“Mack is taking those kids tonight again.” He murmurs, then collects the white cum slipping out of her onto his fingers. He slides the mess back inside of her, slowly drags his finger back out. “So sexy, Luc.” He smiles, practically drooling at the sight of her walls collapsing in to pull it all deeper again. “Luckiest guy in the world.” He mumbles against her public bone, kissing her a final time. He lays down next to her, letting the used towel hit the floor. He turns his wife onto her side, then cups her cheek with his hand. “Can’t really tell you how much this means to me that you’re here.”

“I already know.” She responds. “We miss you too, babe.”

“I’m so stressed.” He admits. “I can barely breathe some nights. It’s worse when I’m away from you.” Lucie knows this. It’s why she is here.

“I’m worried about you.” She sighs, running her fingers along the tattoo on his left pectoral with hers and the girls first initials in her loopy handwriting. “You are putting way too much pressure on yourself.”

“I want to succeed.” Connor says.

“I get that. But hockey is a team sport, Con.” She reminds him softly. “It’s not only up to you.”

“I know. But, they picked me to lead this team for a reason. I don’t want to let them down.” Lucie smiles.

“You’re the heartbeat of this team, babe. On and off the ice. But you’re going to lose that if you don’t learn a balance. Maybe leading by example is the first start. Hold yourself accountable for your play. When things don’t go your way, commit to doing better the next opportunity. Others will do the same.” Connor watches her lips as she talks.

“You make it sound so simple… and so sexy.” He kisses her bottom lip.

“Well, I was raised by a captain. Who I bet would be willing to listen if you need another perspective.” Connor sighs, nodding.

“I should call your dad.”

“Probably.” Lucie murmurs into this lips. “And we should probably get to the beach soon. Take care of our kids for a bit before we give them back to Mack for the night.”

Connor and Lucie peel themselves apart. Connor puts his board shorts on, then they head to Lucie and the girls’ room for her to put her beach things on. Connor is tying her bikini strings together in silence. Lucie watches him in the mirror across the room.

“What’s up?” She asks, gripping his wrist.

“I’m not failing you and the girls, right?”

“No.” Lucie shakes her head. “Not even close. You’re perfect, babe. Always have been.” Connor drops his mouth to her shoulder, kissing across it to the back of her neck.

“Okay. I never wanna let you down, Luc.”

“I know. You’re so good to us, babe. Don’t worry about us. We are great, okay?” He nods, then wraps his arms around her stomach, holding her close. They sway slightly together.

“None of this means anything to me without you by my side.” He whispers. “I love you.” Lucie turns to capture his lips.

“I love you too.” He kisses her again. “Let’s go smooch our babies.”

Connor grins back at her, then laces their fingers together for a lazy, content walk to the beach.

Read more of Lucie and Connor here.

#lucie x connor #lio & lucie #hockey writing #NHL imagine #NHL fan fiction

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abbysimsfun · 6 months ago

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Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 23 (The Heat of Summer)

A sweltering heatwave hit Brindleton Bay in Heather’s third trimester, and to escape the haze inland she spent her days off indoors or on the coast. Uninvited, Everett visited again with his dog, JJ. (And then this Watcher had had enough!) Heather guiltily enjoyed his company at the seashore knowing Spencer and Greyson were back in Oasis Springs without him.

"I didn't know you picked up the guitar," said Heather, as he strummed a few bars in the sunshine.

Everett grinned. "It helps get Greyson to sleep, and the parishioners like it."

"Won't Greyson and Spencer be missing you? Why did you come back here?"

He matched her guilt through his pale green eyes. "I wanted to make sure you were okay out here by yourself."

"Did you come back because Malcolm and I aren't together anymore?"

He waffled. "Maybe. But it might be worse than that. I think I resent Spencer because she can't have more kids. I know it's not her fault, and I feel horrible, but I can't stop thinking about wanting more."

"I've felt a lot of ways about you in my life, Everett, but the one thing I never wanted to be was a replacement for Spencer. I don't need that. We don't need that. For the foreseeable future, at least, the only man I want to make significant time for is my son."

With a nod, Everett put down his guitar. "We're friends. Just friends."

The words brought Heather unexpected comfort, like a cool blanket in the sweltering heat. So this is what it felt like not to wish for a future with Everett Pancakes. "I'm glad we can finally say it."

For the rest of Everett's stay, Heather explored new corners of her adopted hometown with her oldest friend in the world. His visit felt a bit like a fever dream, disconnected from the reality of who they really were.

But maybe that was just the heat.

"What am I going to say to Spencer when I get back?" he wondered as they watched the sunset over the beach at Cavalier Cove. They leaned with their backs against the tortoise sand sculpture they'd built, and Everett dragged his fingers through the sand.

"I don't know what you should say," Heather said. "You know the Watcher's Holy Book better than me, but I think They would hope you cherished the gifts you've been given."

"Is that your plan for single motherhood?"

She shrugged. "I guess so, yeah."

"You're more ready than me and Spencer before we had Greyson."

"Even though my son's crib is in the living room?"

When Everett returned to Oasis Springs, he found Spencer trying to soothe their fussy son to sleep in his crib. "Hey, I'm home," he announced, but she turned to look at him with an icy stare. He anxiously moved to sit on the bed.

"I feel for Heather's predicament, but you need to tell me right now if your visits are anything more than platonic."

Everett recalled his earlier conversation with Heather. "Whatever feelings we once had aren't there now," he said honestly. "But Heather and I did talk about...about us."

"You and me? You could tell her something about your relationship with me that I don't even know?" Spencer felt her heartrate quicken.

Everett frowned. "I think you do know...I want more kids. I know you think Greyson is more than enough. I love you so much, but I'm scared, Spence. I'm afraid Greyson will never be enough for me, and I know you can't fix it."

Spencer broke down. "I know what I said about Greyson, and I stand by it. He's amazing - why wouldn't he be enough?"

"It's not that!"

She cut him off. "I don't think we should make any decisions about anything right now, but I've done some research on surrogacy and adoption, and I'm open to the possibility of talking about our options."

They both needed time to really think about the idea, but Everett appreciated that his wife was hoping to meet him in somewhere in the middle. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

#sims 4 #sims 4 gameplay #sims 4 screenshots #sims 4 legacy #sims in bloom #ts4 #ts4 gameplay #ts4 legacy #ts4 screenshots #sims 4 story #ts4 story #legacy challenge #sims legacy #ts4 legacy challenge #gen 2 #brindleton bay

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sunelia · 9 months ago

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YUJI X READER: SUMMER SUNSHINE CHAPTER 1 - The meeting

pairings: yuji itadori x fem!reader

cw: obviously not following the jjk plot - female reader - angst- fluff - might be a sad ending - 2 pov’s - mermaid au.

synopsis: The ocean, this vast mysterious expanse of striking blue water has always drawn your attention ever since you were a child. One stormy evening, the power of its waves carved out a huge rock that became your hideaway, cut off from the rest of the world. Faithful to this place that is so dear to you, you constantly share your most intimate secrets with it. What you don't know is that the ocean wasn't the only one listening to you and that you would no longer be alone in this peaceful haven.

word count: 2.7k

Be sure to check the moodboard of Summer Sunshine right here!

Dearest soul, or whoever's listening, allow me to tell you a story that happened many years ago.

I recall it as if it was yesterday. I was 14 years old, and my parents and I were home on a Friday evening. We were having a wonderful movie night, and the atmosphere was very warm. I even enjoyed a bowl of caramel popcorn! It was pouring heavily outside, and the wind was blowing hard against the windows of our house by the harbor. Everything seemed to be perfectly normal. As the evening went on, the rain intensified and gradually turned into a storm, which made me shiver. We started to pay less attention to the film. My mom was trying to calm me down while my father stood in front of the window, looking at a powerful wave that was threatening the coastline. I was stunned. Nature is powerful and ferocious, and at the same time, this wave exuded a certain poetry and a feeling of inner peace. I always felt a strong connection to the ocean. I am the last person leaving the water after a beach day. I am constantly dreaming of being a mermaid and continuously gaze at the ocean as if it were calling me.

The wave continued its trajectory and struck the massive rock situated in the center of the ocean. The water struck it from above with such force that the center of the rock was left carved. While the storm continued to express itself in the sky, a great deal of debris flew away from the centerpiece and disappeared into the depths of the ocean.

At the sight of this scene, my father decided to gather some bags and move away from the harbor in order to be safe. This was a very sudden decision for my mother and I, but we soon realized that we needed to get to a safer place. The thunder rumbled, the lights on the poles were starting to blink, and the rain poured down as we walked towards the car. My mom was scared of losing everything she and my dad had worked hard for. She rushed me into the car while my dad packed a few bags containing our personal belongings into the trunk before setting off to my grandparents' house far from the coast.

As we drove away, the house became smaller and smaller. The ocean was still expressing itself, while the rain eventually lulled me to sleep.

—————

10 a.m. We were having breakfast at my grandparents' house. Dad had turned on the TV, showing the main channel and news report about last night's storm. We could see our neighbors affected by the storm and our house in the distance. It seemed to be holding up well, even though the windows and the fence were damaged. I was quite stunned by this situation. I was sitting in the living room on my chair, stirring hot chocolate in my hands, thinking about what had happened last night. I wasn't paying attention to the noise behind me, which was mainly my parents planning what to do when we got home and my grandparents doing their best to reassure them. I could only focus on my heartbeat, the blanket covering my shoulders rubbing at the slightest movement, and the warmth of my drink brushing my nose, contrasting with this cold shiver on my body. I suppose last night's cold rain had something to do with it. This sudden silence comforted me; it felt like I was transported somewhere else. I closed my eyes and cherished the moment. I imagined myself sinking into the water; it was such a pleasant feeling that I almost felt carried away.

" y/n?"

"y/n??"

"y/n, you look pale; are you okay?"

My mother's voice caught me off guard. I could hear her in the distance but couldn't open my eyes. She insisted again and again till I awoke, feeling as if I'd taken my very first breath.

"I've been trying to wake you up for the last 5 minutes. Oh, you poor thing, you're so cold." she replied while touching my forehead with the palm of her hand.

"I'm okay, I think? I'm a little tired."

"Go get some sleep in our room kiddo, your parents told us you were leaving in the afternoon." my grandfather said, smiling at me. I smiled back at him and headed to their bedroom, secretly hoping to experience that feeling all over again.

—————

Time passed, it was practically the end of the afternoon, and we were on our way home. One by one, the light poles lit up as we arrived in the neighborhood. The damages caused by the storm were, fortunately, not very serious. Some neighbors were repairing or cleaning up their homes. I caught the gaze of my friend Lyana on the way and waved at her from the car. She was holding some bags and dropped them immediately to wave back at me. We're still as close as ever.

Our car finally parked in front of our house, relieved that we had not suffered as much damage as the houses closer to the ocean. My parents were still quite frustrated with the amount of cleaning we had to do. We took advantage of the evening to tape up our broken windows for a semblance of privacy and warmth, and we cleaned up the broken glass and water that had seeped into the entrance. The cleanup session ended way to late in the evening, and we enjoyed a pizza we'd ordered surrounded by garbage bags.

I woke up next morning with a few aches and pains. Cleaning up the mess around the house was exhausting! I was happy to be home, but all I wanted to do was put on a pair of shoes and run toward what the ocean had become after the storm. I couldn't forget yesterday's feelings. But in order to make it to the beach, I had to ask one of my parents to come with me. Mom was going to a friend of hers who lived nearby. My father was the only person I could go with. I needed to convince him. I stood in front of him and put on my best smile. The negotiations went pretty well!He was unable to contain his curiosity either, as the weather was ideal and the water calm.

"Let's go see it!" he said

We ended up walking along the beach, our feet caressing the sand. My attention immediately turned to the once-imposing rock, which appeared to be quite flat. Don't get me wrong, it still had some height, but it was much more willing to accommodate a folding chair! Great news for the little adventurous girl I was before! The only issue was that the flattened rock did not seem to be easily accessible, even by swimming. You absolutely had to have a boat or a jet ski to get there. Anyway, my family and I couldn't afford these… and why would anyone go there on their own free will?

"Do you think we could get there one day dad?"

"Unfortunately, I don't see how we could get there. The ocean can be dangerous you saw that days before. It would be better to stay by the water, for our safety."

I remember looking at him with such sadness and disappointment.

Since I was not the type to disobey my parents' orders, I didn't talk about it again for several weeks. My curiosity has never ceased to grow since that moment. Whenever I could, I went to the beach to watch it from afar. Naturally, I made numerous attempts asking my parents to take us there, but they refused.

I kept thinking about going there despite the years passing. The refusals just kept coming and the following storms that hit the coast didn't help reassuring my parents at all. When I was 19 years old, I decided to stop listening to them and follow my own rules. I was dealing with personal issues and needed a change of scenery. Regardless of the risk, I needed to take refuge in a place where I would be alone and where I could feel heard, this rock was just what I needed at the moment.

"And here we are one year after, I know I keep talking about this story over and over again and I feel like you could get tired of hearing about it, but in a way it shaped the person I am today and it shaped you, my happy place."

I muttered as I keep writing in my journal, sitting on the rock that was carved years ago.

This safe place was too far from the coast and too inaccessible for people to find. I've always used Lyana's family's small boat to get here. She is the only one who knows I venture out into the ocean, not even my parents. However, she did not feel the need to talk to me about it and respects my boundaries. I'll always appreciate her kindness, her discretion and friendship, even though she's always worried about the journey to get here or the fact that I spend way too much time here. I try to avoid going out there often enough to risk getting caught, so I alternate my visits depending on university days or the weather. I make excuses and hide there at the end of the day or on weekends. I have always been able to maintain this pace, but now I will have to double my efforts, starting these first summer days. It was finally time to rest and forget about the pressure of school, family or heart problems, and all these scary questions about my future for the next four months.

I close my diary and place it on my folding chair. I decided to lay down on the rock with my face close to the water, my hand gently caressing and playing with it. I was humming a few notes of a song I enjoyed, which is perfectly suited for summer. I cherish these simple moments of life. For a few moments, I close my eyes, savoring the sounds of nature all around me. The sound of the water rushing calmly over the rock or the dancing wind is truly a blissful moment.

*sound of splashing water*

"Don't tell me the ocean's decided to get angry, what's that noise? "

I pause and gaze upwards towards the horizon.

"Mmmmh, weird, the water's still calm."

*repetitive sound of splashing water*

I felt the coolness of the water hit my back as soon as the noise started again.

"OH F*CK!"

Is the ocean slowly waking up? Is someone out there playing a sick joke on me? Impossible!

I keep gazing at the many corners of the rock, ready to protect myself from whatever is coming my way. I was surprised to see this thin, shiny, peach-colored material hidden behind a corner of the rock. The material looked like a piece of plastic and reflected the sunlight. I decided to walk slowly in the direction of this strange material when it suddenly disappeared.

"Probably a fish or plastic waste" I thought to myself.

*another sound of splashing water*

I can hear the sound of water once more. Some droplets landed on my knees. Something strange is definetely going on...

I got up and made my way over to where the water was coming from. I bend over in the direction of the noise and meet the soft face of a boy with orange hair. We both looked surprised, neither of us could move or even say anything. It was like time froze. His brown eyes were honey-colored by the sun; his hair was shining; and his forehead was gently covered with water beads. Yeah that’s honestly kinda dreamy…

I woke myself up and stepped back surprised, as if I was suddenly unable to think or speak. I heard the sound of the water moving and saw the boy lift himself off the rock using his strong arms. I could see his torso, his legs seemed to be floating in the water. I had so many questions in my head. How did he get here? Am I the only one who knows about this place? He is kinda handsome? Has he heard me talking and groaning about my life over the past hour?

The boy spoke up before I could say anything.

He said, smiling shyly, "I apologize for bothering you, I didn't think anyone else went near that rock."

"You tell me! I thought the same! Have you been coming to this place for a long time?" I asked him while approaching the edge of the rock.

His voice had a lot of hesitation in it, as if he was hiding something. He stepped back and sank his body deeper into the water.

I moved closer to him "I've never seen you before."

"Well, I'm just being discreet, that's all. You've got something in your hair, haha." he says nervously.

I ran one of my hands over my hair as I continued to stare at him.

"Thank you for telling me, but I don't have anything." I said, bending over to get even more closer. "You must be veeeeeery discreet then… I come here almost every day, I should have bumped into you, couldn't I?"

He backed away (or swam away) while coming up with inaudible excuses. I spotted the peach-colored material from earlier, now tied around his waist. My curiosity drove me to lean over and get a closer look at the captivating color. I moved closer to him again, until our faces were near each other.

"I-I should go, I've left my boat on the other side a-!"

He barely had time to finish his sentence before I fell headfirst towards him. Suddenly, I found myself submerged in the water, trying to see what was happening below. It seemed i was holding on to the boy's arm. I f*cking hate myself so bad for being dumb and curious! I might have hurt him!

I could still see the peach-colored material in the water that looked way more impressive than when it was on the rock. I was amazed and quite disturbed when I realized the material was suddenly attached to the boy's torso. My eyes widened under the water as I rose to the surface as quickly as possible. I took a deep breath and glanced around, eager to find him.

It was a dream, wasn't it? It had to be his surfboard...right?

Wake up y/n WHO swims that fast on a surfboard to stay on a f*cking lost rock in the middle of the ocean? This liar didn’t even get here by boat!

The boy suddenly vanished, as if he had been swallowed by the deep water. I frantically moved my arms and legs to keep myself from sinking, like a baby's first attempt at swimming.

"Hey! Where are you? Are you alright? "I'm really sorry if I hurt you when I fell." I yelled.

No response at all.

"Hey! "Are you there?"

My voice echoed in the air, still nothing.

I saw in the distance what appeared to be the boy plunging his entire body into the water. What surprised me was the peach material taking the form of a tail following him as he dived into the water. It blew my mind. My brain is playing tricks on me, isn't it? Did I just see a fish-man, well... a mermaid talking to me and swimming in the water?

I climbed back and decided to stay on the rock for another half hour, ready to await his return. The sun began to set, revealing its final hues. Unfortunately, it seemed that the boy had left for good. I decided to head home since it was getting late, but my gut feeling told me to come back the next day and wait for a sign in hope of meeting him again.

disclaimer: hi everyone im back with another x reader hope you liked this first chapter! really sorry for being inactive for quite A WHILE but i was loosing my mind with school and personnal stuff and needed to rot in my bed whenever i can lol

shout out to my friend @periluvr for finding the name of this fanfiction (our love for barbie in a mermaid tale is HUGE lmao). Please check her amazing writings!!

—————

line divider Dodger Blue by benkeibear

line divider stars and sea by animatedglittergraphics-n-more

sunelia

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elucienweekofficial · 8 months ago

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Elucien Fanfic Crossword Answer Key- Monsters And Creatures

How did you do? It's our hope through this week of puzzles that folks are able to find an existing fanfiction that speaks to them! Consider these a small masterlist filled with recommendations from the community itself. Below you'll find every fanfiction recommended attached to the author who created it, added in the order they were submitted! Fics were also categorized to their best of our ability. Check them out below!

[Please check all tags before engaging!]

Home Is Where Your Heart Is Set In Stone by @c-e-d-dreamer

“My love.”

Elain jolts at the sound of a voice, at the strange nickname. She whirls around to find a man standing in the shadows just inside the tree line. He’s tall. Even from this distance, Elain can tell he must have over a head on her, and his eyes are pinned solely on her.

Elain has to swallow hard before she’s able to find her voice again. “Hello?”

The man steps forward, into the moonlight, and Elain realizes with a strike of fear that he’s not a man at all. He’s a monster.

Clear Blue Water by @separatist-apologist

In the middle of a storm, Elain Archeron hears a song that pulls her outside. There, laying among the wreckage of the beach, is a dying man who needs to be rescued.

Or is it her who needs to be rescued from the wreckage of her life?

OR: blah blah VANMERMAN blah blah blah

Into the Water by @kingofsummer93

On the morning of her eighteenth birthday Elain wakes with a taste for blood.

Her task is simple. She must take a man's heart, while it still beats in his chest.

Unfortunately for her, Lucien doesn't plan on going down without a fight.

All Over You by @separatist-apologist

Elain Archeron has spent months listening to a stray cat scratching at the back door.

On full moon, she decides to let it in.

Unaware of the monster waiting to claim his mate

Seven Tears for the Sea by @yourstarsmyscars

Elain Archeron has spent years watching the seals that play in the waters along the coast of her village. The oldest legends claim selkies once lived in these waters, but Elain has never considered the possibility until one summer she spots a red seal along the coast.

All The Monsters Come Out At Night by @separatist-apologist

Elain Archeron has been warned not to go into the woods- they're filled with monsters. When the drums begin to call, and her sisters leave without her, Elain has no choice but to follow.

She has no idea what is waiting for her

Out of the Woods by @separatist-apologist

The monsters turned out to be just trees

Elain Archeron has been warned not to go to Autumn. She's been told what sort of monsters lurk just within the woods.

But the magic is calling.

And Elain is far too curious not to answer

Lily In A Twilight Place by @xtaketwox

The Archerons are new to London society. The rumors go that Viscount Archeron brought his daughters to London after the death of their mother in the south of France. Lucien is struck by the beauty of Elain Archeron from the first moment he sees her, but little does he know the Archeron family is hiding a secret that may just get him killed.

Turning Darkness Into Light by @asnowfern

When ghost-seeing Elain moves into the flat Lucien has been haunting, she has only two rules for him: 1. They are not friends 2. He is not allowed to enter her bedroom

This is how Lucien breaks both of them.

I've Given You Sunshine by @the-lonelybarricade

“Good morning,” Elain chirped to the sleeping figure. He didn’t respond, which was no surprise to Elain. She stepped closer. The underbrush hissed beneath her feet, as if warning her not to come any closer. Gradually, the silhouette became more distinguished—the proud nose and the full lips, the long vines of hair that spilled over his shoulders and onto his strong chest. She liked coming here in the mornings, before the light hit, because it was when he looked the most human. When the sun rose, it would illuminate the bark of his skin, the twisted wood of his bicep, the hollow of his just-parted mouth. And she would remember that he was just a tree branch with unnervingly human-like features. - Or; Lucien VanTree

Or; An attempt at a Prythain Little Shop of Horrors AU

What Hand Dare Seize The Fire by @starry-mantle

He gave Elain a smile she might’ve called charming, if not for the fang it revealed, or the hellfire glow rimming his golden eye. “I am here for my witch, and nothing less.”

A witch's magic calls to demons, and demons bring destruction. When Elain Archeron is sentenced to burn for the crime of witchcraft, a demon named Lucien saves her from the flames and binds her life to his in an unholy pact.

Elain can accept losing her soul to a demon - she's far more frightened of losing her heart.

Bow Down by @shadowisles-writes

When one of Elain's rituals releases more magic than usual, a much bigger demon than what she has ever protected herself against comes to her door. No amount of hidden traps and talismans can protect her from what he wants to take.

Cursed, Hexed, and Bonded by @thelovelymadone

Elain and Lucien are found to be mates in modern magical society. The thing is, they had a one-night stand with one another and neither wants to admit it was the best night of their life. Now, they gotta work together and figure out: who is trying to steal the sun.

Wonderland by @separatist-apologist

Haven't you heard what becomes of curious minds?

In a kingdom where a Maiden is forced to be sacrificed to appease the monster in the woods, Elain Archeron is chosen out of spite by her spurned suitor, Graysen. Trapped in a tower with her beast, Elain must unravel if she can truly trust the monster promising not to hurt. She doesn't know he's freed every maiden he's ever been sent...but her? Her, he intends to keep.

#elucien #elucien fanfic #elucienweek2024 #elucien crossword

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bellaireland1981 · 2 years ago

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Stubborn Hearts | 9

Summary: Reader (Firecracker, Sunshine) has been in love with Bradley since she was a young girl. Growing up the two were inseparable, apart from short periods of time when she was on the West Coast with the Kazanskys. One faithful decision by her dad to block Bradley from going to the Naval Academy resulted in a huge rift between father and daughter and left her without Bradley in her life. Now all grown up, she’s called back to the west coast at the same time as her father and Bradley. Her mission, according to her dying godfather, is to mend fences with her dad and Bradley. Can stubborn hearts be healed?

(I suck at summaries for real).

This will have multiple chapters… this is 9 of 9 (Plus an epilogue) – added another chapter ;-)

Characters: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mitchell! Reader, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Daughter! Reader, The Dagger Squad, Shay (OC), Penny, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky

Word Count: 6058

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Death of character, TGM Spoilers, Illusions to Smut (later on ), Turbulent relationship with parent, Friends to lovers, …Please let me know if I’ve missed any!

A/N- This is my first time writing for TGM. I do not own the characters or plot lines from the movie. I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO COPY OR REPRODUCE MY WORK ON THIS OR ANY OTHER PLATFORM! Reblogging is always welcome! Feedback is MUCH loved and appreciated. THANK YOU to @waywardodysseys for all support and bouncing ideas!!

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch7 CH 8

Tags below ! If I forgot anyone, please message me! If you want to be added, let me know!

The sun breaking through the window roused you from your sleep the next morning. You stirred, slowly opening your eyes. You smiled, seeing Bradley still deep in sleep. He looked carefree and content, you hated to wake him up, but if you didn’t get moving you’d be late to view the rentals.

You gently reached up, allowing your fingers to gently trace over his face. Leaning in, you placed soft kisses on the path your fingers had followed.

“Mmm, morning Sunshine.” He mumbled, still half asleep. He pulled you closer, his hand trailing down your back.

“Morning, Sleep head.” You replied, entwining your legs with his to get closer.

“You’re killing me, Sweetheart.” He moaned, the friction of you pressing up against him, causing blood to rush south. “Stay still a minute.”

“Hmm, but I seem to be having a hard time getting comfy.” You sassed, continuing to move against him, adding to the friction. You knew exactly what you were doing to him, and felt zero remorse. You considered this to be part of his punishment for almost not coming home to you. You did however, absolutely plan to make it up to him later tonight.

“You’re an absolute minx.” He groaned, grabbing you to hold you still. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

“Oh, I can definitely finish.” You teased, pressing kisses to his jaw and down to his neck, “But, it’ll have to wait. We’re going to be late.”

You untangled and started to get up when Bradley tackled you back to the bed, turning so you were trapped underneath him. You could feel the evidence of your teasing rubbing up against your core as he leaned down and captured your lips in a heated kiss. He had your wrists trapped above your head, gently but firmly gripping them in one hand, the other trailing down your side only to slide up under your t-shirt, tracing over your heated skin. You moaned against his mouth, trying to squirm up into him, now needing more friction to relieve the ache in your core. He had definitely turned the tables on you.

Pulling back, he gave one final kiss to your lips before releasing your wrists and sliding off the bed.

“Come on, Sunshine.” He said, smirking down at you, “Time to get going. We’re going to be late.”

“Well played, Bradshaw.” You grumbled, “Well played.”

He came back over, kneeling on the bed and leaning over you. “I fully plan on continuing this tonight, Sunshine.” He promised, “I’ll get coffee and breakfast started while you shower and get ready.”

“Or…” You countered, “We could both get in the shower and then make coffee and breakfast after.”

“If we did that… and holy shit do I want to do that…” He replied, “We would miss the appointment for the rentals all together and would probably end up not making it to Mav’s. When I do finally get to unwrap the most breathtakingly beautiful gift I’ve ever been given, I will be damned if I’m going to be rushed. I plan to take my time, uncovering every square inch of you, tasting and savoring you… committing every inch to memory. Afterwards, I will happily follow you into the shower, my Sunny little minx.”

“I will 100% hold you to that, Lieutenant Bradshaw.” You said, pulling his head down to kiss him, one final time before rolling away and heading to the bathroom to shower.

An hour later you were pulling up outside of the first rental property. Truth be told this was the one you really liked the most. It was a yellow single story home with an adorable front porch. It had a privacy wall around the home, and a white iron gate with a paved walk leading to the front door. Bradley pulled the Bronco into the driveway, parking behind the property manager’s car. The two of you hopped out and met the manager at the front door where he was unlocking the door.

You’d already been inside and seen everything once, so you let Bradley wander through the rooms.

“It’s really nice,” He said, coming back to where you were standing in the living room. “Lots of space and open floor plan. What do you think, Sunshine?”

“It’s actually my favorite of the 3. It just feels more homey I think. I like that it’s a house and wouldn’t be sharing walls with neighbors.” You replied.

“No, just with Hangman.” He laughed, “Could be just as bad.”

“How many would be on the lease?” The manager asked, “ We would need anyone residing on the property to be included on the lease.”

“Potentially 3” You said, “I won’t know immediately.”

Bradley looked over at you, happy to be included in your potential rental number.

“Certainly,” The manager said, “We’ve had Naval renters in the past, so we understand the sometimes uncertainty that comes with it. Should you choose to lease the property, we could lease it based on whatever your situation is at that time and then if and when orders change, you can add or subtract people to the lease.”

“Perfect.” You said. “We have two others we are looking at but we can let you know by tomorrow on our decision.”

“That sounds good.” The manager said.

“Actually,” Bradley said, turning towards you, “Sunshine, if this one is your favorite, why are we looking at the other two?”

“Because, you might like the other two better.” You said simply, not thinking too much about it.

“If you were making the decision 100% for you, not taking anyone or anything else into the equation, which one would you choose?” He asked.

“I guess, this one.” You replied, “It kind of reminds me of the house dad and I lived in in Virginia Beach… the one down the street from you and your mom.”

“She’ll take it.” He said immediately, turning to the manager, “Do you have the application?”

“Bradley…” You said smiling, shaking your head at him.

“Sunshine, this is your new home. Fill out the application. I’ll cancel the other viewings while you fill it out.” he replied, winking, “Not letting this one get away from you.”

“I do have the application if you’d like. You can fill it out and I can process it and get you a decision by early afternoon.” the manager said, “If everything checks out we can have you sign the lease and leave the deposit and you can start moving in by the weekend.”

“Ok.” You said, smiling, “Yes, I would like to fill out the application please.”

Bradley leaned down, kissing you quickly before pulling his phone out to cancel the other viewings.

Application completed, you and Bradley left what would hopefully be your new home. You decided to go to the hangar where your plane was and fly over to Mav’s early. You called your dad while Bradley drove to make sure it was OK and he’d be there. He’d spent the night at Penny’s but said he’d meet you out there. You knew he was excited to spend time with Bradley and try to build back that relationship.

You gave Bradley directions to your hangar, having him pull the Bronco up to where you normally parked the Jeep. The two of you worked together to ready your plane before you ran over to the office to log your flight, Frank confirming you for the runway.

“Alright, Lieutenant ‘Rooster’,” You said, tossing him the keys to the plane, “Show me what you’ve got.”

“You want me to fly?” He asked, shocked, “Are you sure?”

“Yup” You said, “I wanna see you do your thing in your natural environment.”

“Are you going to return the favor on the way back?” He asked, “I think watching you fly will be fucking hot.”

“You’re a menace.” You laughed, “Yes. I will happily try to live up to your pilot fantasy on the way back.”

“Baby, you are the fantasy.” He winked. “Alright, hop on in, my beautiful co-pilot.”

You were right. Bradley was 100% at home in the cockpit of a plane. He was in his complete element in the air. You watched as he easily maneuvered your plane, flying smoothly.

“Hey Bradley?” You said into the headset, getting his attention.

“Yeah, Sunshine?” He asked, glancing over at you.

“I love you.” You said, smiling at him.

“I love you too, Y/N.” He replied, reaching over and resting his hand on your thigh, chuckling.

Once you got closer to Mav’s hanger and runway, Bradley radioed to let him know you were approaching and would be landing in about 5 minutes. Mav confirmed a clear runway and before long you were making your descent onto the small runway.

Bradley taxied the plane over to the hangar at your directions and once parked, started shutting everything down.

You jumped down from the plane and walked over to where your dad was standing, watching the two of you arrive.

“Hey, Dad,” You said, hugging him.

“You let Rooster fly your plane?” He asked, feigning shock. He knew that if you’d let anyone fly it other than you it would be Bradley.

“I had it on good authority he was kind of a good pilot… figured I’d give him a shot.” You teased

“Hey!” Bradley protested, “Kind of a good pilot?? Sunshine, I graduated Top Gun at the top of my class. I’m a badass pilot.”

“You Top Gun aviators are a sensitive lot.” You laughed, “I’m kidding, Roo. I know you’re a badass pilot. Pretty hot too.”

“Wow.” Your dad said, shaking his head. “I see things have shifted for the two of you?”

“Did you know that this idiot was in love with me his SENIOR year and didn’t say anything?” You replied, rolling your eyes playfully.

“Sweetheart, the only people who didn’t know the two of you were in love with each other…were the two of you.” Mav replied, raising an eyebrow.

“You didn’t say anything either, Sunshine.” Bradley reminded you, wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his chin on your head. “And it was the summer BEFORE senior year thank you.”

“Semantics.” You sassed. “Come on, I wanna show you something.” You decided he needed to see your dad’s wall of pictures. While the two of them had talked and things were smoothed out, you knew Bradley needed to know that even through it all, your dad had been rooting for him.

You laced your fingers with this, walking into the hangar. You dad followed behind.

“Wow, Mav…” Bradley said taking in everything once walking in. “This place is awesome. Is that a p-52?!”

“It is.” he confirmed, “I brought it in to do some maintenance on it.”

“Any f-14’s laying around?” Bradley teased.

“No, the last one I flew met an unfortunate demise.” Mav laughed.

“So did the f-18” You said, give them both a hard stare. “Both of you are a menace around planes apparently.”

“You crash one jet…” Bradley said, looking to Mav for support.

“We won’t win this one kid.” Mav told him, “She’s kept up with both of our antics from Ice.”

“Fair.” Bradley replied.

“Come here… “ You repeated, leading him to the back wall. “You need to see this. Really see this.”

Bradley stopped in front of the wall, his eyes running over all the pictures. He had a soft smile on his face as he took it all in. He realized there were pictures of his dad and Mav, of himself growing up, pics from his various advancement ceremonies, and Top Gun graduation. His eyes misted over at the sight, and knowledge that Mav had kept tabs on him.

____________________________

“Thank you.” Bradley said, later that night as the two of you were getting ready to go to the Hard Deck.

“For what?” You asked, glancing over to where he sat on the edge of the bed.

“For today. For being you. For loving me enough to give me a second chance…” He listed, grabbing your hand and pulling you to stand between his legs. “For helping me find my way back.”

You brought your hands up to gently trace over his face, before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on his lips.

“You just needed a little nudge.” You replied, “I think we all did. It was Uncle Tommy’s last gift to us all. Each other.”

“I promise you, Sunshine, I will not fuck up this second chance.” Bradley said, resting his head against your chest, needing the contact. You gently ran your fingers through his hair, offering comfort silently. “I know that life without you absolutely sucks and I don’t plan on repeating the experience.”

“That works out well, then…” You said softly. “I wasn’t a huge fan of life without you in it either. I am more inclined to fight harder this time… I probably should have fought harder after things blew up with you and my dad.”

“Sunshine, none of what happened is on you.” He said looking up at you, “It was 100% me being an asshole with the emotional maturity of a middle schooler.”

“I’d have given you high school… freshman at least.” You teased. “We’re going to be late. Let’s go celebrate with our people.”

“Do we have to?” he asked, looking you over. You were in another sundress, like the one you’d worn to the Hard Deck last time. Your hair was falling in soft waves, one side tucked behind your ear.

“We do.” You insisted, “But we can definitely have our own celebration when we get back tonight.”

“Deal.” He said, “So… we’ll go for like… an hour, tops, then home?”

“Roo…” You replied, “Y’all just had one hell of a mission… that was a huge success. It’s probably going to launch your careers. We are celebrating.”

“Fine.” He gave in, “I supposed I can share you for a while.”

Everyone was already there by the time you and Bradley pulled in. You smiled seeing your dad sitting at the bar chatting with Penny as she served drinks. You had hoped she’d have gotten someone to cover her so she could just enjoy the night too… you’d have to work on that.

“Sweets!” You heard Jake yell from across the bar as you walked in. “What took you so long? Actually… nevermind. I don’t need that kind of information on my now officially adopted sister.” Thankfully Shay and Phoenix were right next to him and both slapped him without hesitation.

“Thanks, girls!” You said, laughing, “Jacob, behave.”

“No fun.” He pouted, playfully. He reached out to hug you once you’d made it over to where he was standing with the others. While hugging you he whispered in your ear, “Everything good, Sweets?”

You pulled back enough so you could look at him. Smiling at the genuine love and concern in his eyes, you hugged him again before replying, “More than good, Jakey.”

“You know you’re literally the only person I’ve ever been ok with calling me that?” He laughed.

“I can find a different nickname if you prefer.” you offered, not wanting to call him something he hated.

“No! I don’t mind with you…” He replied, “I kinda like it actually.”

“Ok.” You said, kissing his cheek then stepping back.

“Sunshine, I’m going to grab some drinks.” Bradley said, “Do you want a beer or vodka cranberry?”

“I’ll start with a vodka cranberry.” You answered, smiling warmly at him. “Thanks, Roo.”

Shay and Phoenix pull you over to a booth and the three of you get comfy while the others are immersed in a pool and dart game.

“Spill!” Shay said immediately.

“You and Rooster definitely looked cozy coming in.” Phoenix replied, “Which, let me tell you, is a fucking relief. He’s been a lovesick baby since seeing you that first night.”

“We talked…” You started, eyes still following Bradley to the bar. “Things are good. We are on our way to figuring things out.”

“Did you tell him how you feel?” Shay asked, “And did he bring flowers? He owes you flowers.”

“Who owes my Sweets flowers?” Jake said coming over to join the group.

“Girl talk, Bagman.” Phoenix said, playfully glaring at him.

“Fine, I see when I’m not wanted.” He pouted. “I’ll just go beat Coyote at darts.”

Before heading to the dart game, Jake bends down and kisses Shay. You loved seeing the softer Jake on display. You hoped he kept showing this side of himself to his friends.

“No flowers.” You replied, after Jake had walked away. “But we really talked… laid all the cards on the table. Apparently, we were both idiots in love, neither fessing up.”

“Well that much was obvious, even in the short time I’ve known you.” Phoenix said, “One minute in the same room as the both of you and anyone with eyes knew you were both in love with each other.”

“She’s not wrong,” Shay laughed, “But I had the benefit of knowing the full backstory.”

“Ok, so we’re idiots.” You grumbled, playfully, “The point is… we are now on the same page as far as feelings go. We are on the right path… the same path. The only thing left to figure out is how distance will work for us.”

Bradley came back, sliding in next to you, placing your drink in front of you. “Here you go, Sunshine.”

“Thanks, Roo.” You replied, leaning over and kissing his cheek.

“So what’s next for the now famous newly formed Dagger Squad?” Shay asked, changing the subject now that Bradley had joined in.

“It would be pretty amazing if they just kept us together now.” Phoenix said, “I’m not overly attached to my current squadron. They’re kinda assholes.”

“So not much different than the Daggers?” You teased, nudging Bradley teasingly

“Hey!” He protested in mock hurt. Then winked at you and said, “In any case I’m now your asshole so jokes on you, Sunshine.”

“I guess I can claim you.” You replied, rolling your eyes teasingly.

“You two are sickeningly adorable.” Phoenix said, Shay nodding in agreement. “It’s a good look on both of you.”

“I fully agree with that assessment.” Shay confirmed.

“Anyway….” Bradley said redirecting the conversation, “I am all for making this squadron official. We started off a little dicey but I think we’ve worked out the kinks. Also, selfishly, I don’t want to leave my girl.”

“Ooo, your girl now, huh?” Shay teased.

“Absolutely, my girl.” He replied, reaching over to tip your face up and lowered his own until your lips met, leaving no doubt that you were indeed his girl. You heard the group erupt into cheers and a piercing whistle.

“It is about damn time, Chicken.” Jake said, coming back over and sliding in next to Shay.

“Can’t you annoy someone else?” Bradley groaned, only halfway serious. Truth be told, the cocky aviator had grown on him. Partly because he’d saved his life but also because he clearly loved you and was protective of you.

“Boys, behave.” Phoenix said, rolling her eyes, “I’m going to grab another drink, does anyone need anything?”

“I’m good.” You said, still working on the drink Bradley had just brought over. After checking in with the others, Phoenix slid out of the booth on the other side and headed to the bar.

“So, in other news…” You said, “I filled out an application for a rental house today.”

“Which one did you pick!?” Shay exclaimed, excited you were indeed set on staying. “The cute house or the townhouse?”

“The cute yellow house.” You said. “We were going to go look at all 3 that I’d found but it was pretty obvious the house was the one I loved the most.”

“Which is why I encouraged her to not even bother on the other two and just fill out the application on the one she loved.” Bradley added.

“And they called back this afternoon to let me know it’s mine if I want it!” You said happily, “I have to go drop off the deposit and sign the lease tomorrow.”

“That’s awesome, Sweets!” Jake said, flashing his bright smile, “Let us know when moving day is. We’ll supply the muscle.”

“I will!” You replied, “Also… if your transfer gets approved… there’s an extra bedroom and the property manager said names can be added to the lease.”

“SERIOUSLY?” Jake asked, as excited as a little kid on Christmas morning. Damn, you loved this guy.

“Yup.” You confirmed, “As long as you were serious about the roomie thing…”

“Sweets, I would love to be your roomie!” He replied, happily. “Don’t worry, Rooster, you can come visit.”

“I’m hoping he’s living there too, Jake.” You laughed.

“Ooooo, already to the living together stage, huh?” Phoenix said, rejoining the group. This time Bob was with her. He pulled up a chair at the end of the table. “Damn, Bradshaw, you move quickly when someone lights a fire under your ass.”

“Enough time was wasted.” Bradley shrugged, “Just want to be with my Sunshine now that I’ve got her back.”

You laid your head on his shoulder, not knowing what else to say to that.

“Alright, Dagger Squad!” Jake yelled, grabbing the attention of the others who were still playing pool, “Let’s toast to a successful mission, new friends, and hopefully more nights like tonight!”

“I will drink to that!” Coyote said, raising his beer. The group took a moment to clink glasses and bottles in the celebratory toast before everyone took a drink.

“Oh good, all of my favorite aviators in one spot.” Mav said, smiling as he made his way to the group. You hadn’t even seen him come in. “I’m glad you’re all here to celebrate with one another. Just be on base and in the training room bright and early tomorrow morning. We have a debriefing and your new orders from Admiral Simpson at 0730 sharp!”

“New orders?” Bradley said, perking up, “Aren’t we all being sent back to our squadrons?”

“0730!?” Complained, Coyote, “Why is everything always so early with the Navy?”

“Could be ‘new’ orders to return to our detachments.” Jake reasoned, “I have to file my duty station transfer.”

“I’d hold off on that, Jake.” Mav said, smiling. He clearly knew something but was refusing to share. “See you all in the morning.”

“Dad!” You complained, “Can’t you just give them a hint? Drop a crumb?”

“You know the Navy loves protocol, Firecracker.” he replied, “Penny wants to know if you two want to do dinner tomorrow night though.”

You looked at Bradley, who nodded, “Yeah. We’d love to. Just let us know the time.”

“I’ll have her let you know.” He said, “I’m not in charge here, just do as I’m told.”

“That’s a first” You sassed.

“Says the Little Mav.” Jake teased you, winking. You stuck your tongue out at Jake making him laugh loudly.

“You all have fun tonight, you’ve earned it.” Your dad said, laughing, “Love you, Firecracker.”

“Love you too, Dad” You replied.

“Love you Pops Mav.” Jake said, trying to keep a straight face and failing.

“Lord help me, I need a new group.” Mav replied, rolling his eyes and heading over to Penny.

The rest of the night was filled with the crazy antics of the newly formed Daggers, several more rounds of drinks and the forming of new memories. You had a sneaking suspicion this group wasn’t going anywhere in the near future.

________________________________________

The next morning, Bradley reported to base bright and early for debriefing and the new orders. While he was at work, you decided to get a jump start on making plans to get your stuff out of storage in Virginia Beach. You’d have to sweet talk your dad into flying you there or you’d have to catch a commercial flight so that you could drive your car back with the moving truck. You planned on going to the leasing office for the rental closer to lunchtime to drop off the deposit and sign the lease.

Your phone rang while you were mapping out a plan.

“Hey, Aunt Sarah.” You answered the phone, “Everything ok?”

“Hi, Sweetheart.” She replied, “Just wanted to check in to see how you were doing. I’ve been meaning to see how things were going with Bradley and your dad.”

“It’s going really well.” You smiled. Your aunt, even when her own life had just gotten flipped upside down, was still worried about you. “Bradley and I had a chance to really talk after the mission. I don’t know how you’ve heard, but apparently Uncle Tom was flying with dad and Brad as their guardian angel.”

“I did hear.” She said, “Penny called just to let me know they’d made it back and that there’d been a close call.”

“Too close” You replied, “Both idiots went down trying to save the other. I love them, but they’re going to be the reason I need therapy.”

“You mean they haven’t caused you to need it already?” She teased, “So… you talked… are you two spending time together?”

“Yes.” You answered, “We’ve both been honest about how we feel. Please don’t say you told me so… I’ve gotten it from everyone… but he admitted to being in love with me and I finally told him that I’ve been in love with him….forever.”

“The only thing I will say is it’s about time…. And I am happy that the two of you finally see what the rest of us have for a very long time.” She said, “Your uncle is definitely celebrating with Carol and Goose as well.”

“Aunt Sarah, you’re going to make me cry.” You said, emotion washing over you. “I miss you guys, but I’m glad you’re able to take the time to be together and regroup.”

“We miss you too, Sweetheart.” She replied, “We will be home next week though.”

“I was actually planning on calling you later…”You said, “I am staying… for good. I found a rental and actually will be signing the lease today.”

“Sweetheart, I am SO happy you’re staying.” She replied excitedly, “You know you’re welcome to stay with us as long as you want though, you don’t have to move out.”

“I know, and I love you for offering” You assured her, “But I think this will be good. Jake is trying to change duty stations and said he’d be my roommate… and I think Bradley is thinking about requesting a change in orders too.”

“I think that would be good then.” She replied, “I don’t doubt that that boy will move mountains to be with you now that he has the chance. How are things between him and Mav?”

“They’re on the right track.” You reported happily, “Penny and dad asked Bradley and me to dinner tonight.”

“That’s definite progress.” She agreed, “I’m glad. It’s something your uncle really wanted to see happen too.”

“I really miss him.” You said quietly, “I think throwing myself into moving and establishing myself here is the distraction I need.”

“I know, baby girl.” She replied gently. “I still feel badly for leaving you right away. You’re all grown up but you’re still my sweet little girl.”

“Don’t feel bad, Aunt Sarah.” You assured her, “You and the kids needed this time. I’m really ok here, I promise. I’ve got support here.”

“Let me know if you need any help with the rental, or if you need any furniture or anything!” She said, “I can’t wait to see it… and you. I still expect regular visits!”

“Absolutely! You can’t get rid of me easily.” You promised. “I will be here bugging you all the time.”

“It’s a deal.” She laughed, “I love you, Sweetheart. I’ll see you next week.”

“Love you too, Aunt Sarah!” You said.

___

By lunchtime you were ready to get out of the house and go sign your lease. You’d called Penny to see if there was anything you could bring to dinner, to which she replied just you and Bradley.

You were just about to head out when you heard the front door opening.

“Honey! We’re home!” Jake said as he and Bradley came through the front door. Bradley with his hands behind his back.

“They let you out early?” You asked, curious what the duo was up to.

“Hi Sunshine.” Bradley smiled, stepping out from behind Jake and walking to you. “How’s my beautiful girl?”

“Hi Roo” You laughed, “I’m good. What are you up to?”

“I have a special delivery for my Sunshine.” He answered, pulling a large bouquet of sunflowers out from behind his back. “I promised my girl flowers and have slacked at delivering.”

“They’re beautiful, Roo.” You beamed, taking them and burying your nose in the flowers. “Thank you.”

“They’re not nearly as beautiful as you, or as bright,” He replied, “But they’ll look pretty great in our new home.”

“I got you something too, Sweets!” Jake said, holding up a keychain with an f-18 plane on it. “For my favorite new little sister and roomie. You can hang the keys to our new place on it.”

“Our home.” you parroted, “New roomie…. Our new place… YOU GUYS GET TO STAY!”

You threw yourself into Bradley’s arms, kissing him fiercely. He brought his arms up to hold you tight to him, kissing you back before setting you down gently and pulling back smiling.

You turned to hug Jake just at tightly, excited that your boys got to stay,

“So the daggers are 100% official now?” You asked, “Everyone gets to stay?”

“Yup!” Jake replied, “Cyclone said the Navy wants to keep the dream team together and have us do missions in the future.”

“We may also be tasked with instructing new Top Gun recruits as needed.” Bradley said, “But we get to stay.”

“That is the best news ever!” You said, “Even better, you’re both here in time to go sign some papers! I was going to go sign the lease before you got here.”

“Let’s go!” Jake said, “We can sign papers then get lunch to celebrate. I’ll call Shay to meet us.”

“I like that plan.” You agreed.

A lot had happened in a fairly short amount of time. Your uncle was right though, life was too short, and too unpredictable to waste it being stubborn. You had your dad back and you formed a solid relationship. You had Bradley back, not only as your best friend but as the love of your life. You’d made new friends who were becoming more like family. Despite the immense loss of your uncle and the hole that was left in your heart, you were finally where you needed to be and you were happy.

_______________________

Epilogue

The next month was a whirlwind of activity. You got all moved in and settled into the new house. You’d had a fun road trip back from Virginia Beach with Bradley when you’d gone to collect your stuff. The time together was good for you both.

While you were in Virginia Beach you’d made a point to stop at the cemetery where Carol and Goose were buried. It also happened to be where your mom was buried as well. You’d both gone to the graves, leaving flowers on each. Bradley had informed his mom that he’d finally gotten his head out of his ass and got his girl. You’d laughed at that.

On the way back you’d taken your time, stopping at some sights and playing tourist together. You’d made a point to swing through Pensacola to pick up Bradley’s stuff he’d left when he’d been called to Top Gun. It made sense to save a trip since you were already driving across the country.

On a whim, the two of you had stopped in New Orleans for a night, getting a hotel room and deciding to take on Bourbon Street. Needless to say, neither of you felt 100% the next day for the next leg of the journey, so you stopped in Texas, opting for another hotel room and sleeping off the hangover.

By the time you pulled up to your new house, you were more than ready to home.

“It’s about time you two got back!” Jake complained, pulling in behind the truck. “I was starting to think you two were AWOL!”

“We were taking a much needed vacation, Hangman.” Bradley replied, stretching as he got down from the truck. “You should’ve taken Shay on one to get your crap.”

“For your information,” He replied in mock indignation, “I did take her with me to get my stuff. Mine was just closer than yours because it was in Texas.”

Several other cars pulled up and you realized it was the rest of the Dagger squad.

“Alright, crew, let’s get this truck unloaded!” Phoenix yelled, getting everyone going. “Bagman promised us all pizza and beer to get you all settled. We happily accept.”

“You all are the best!” You laughed, “Don’t worry Jake, we’ll help fund the pizza and beer.”

“Nope.” he said, “It’s on Pops Mav!”

“Does my dad know he’s buying everyone dinner and drinks?” You asked him.

“I do indeed.” Mav replied, walking up. You hadn’t even seen him arrive. Penny was with him, their hands joined.

“Let’s get you settled in your new home, Kiddo.” Penny said. “Shay said she’s already inside attempting to sort through Jake’s mess.”

“I do not have a mess!” Jake protested, “I have neatly organized and stacked boxes of possessions. I was waiting on Sweets and Rooster to get back so we can start setting up together.”

“It’s ok, Jakey.” You replied, hugging him from the side. “Come on, let’s go get started.”

With everyone unloading and moving stuff around, getting things set up, it wasn’t long before all three were moved into the house and settled. Bradley and you were sharing the master bedroom with the attached bath. Jake had insisted on taking one of the other rooms because it was just him.

“Alright, food!” Coyote said, collapsing onto the couch. “I need to be fed!”

“Pizzas are ordered and will be here shortly.” Mav said.

Once everyone had left that night, Jake headed to his room, declaring that he’d better not hear crazy business coming from you and Bradley.

Alone in the living room for the first time together, Bradley put on music and pulled you up from the couch. The beginning of the song “Ain’t No Sunshine” started to play.

“Dance with me, Sunshine.” He said, wrapping his arms around your waste, his hands settling on your lower back. Your arms lifted, winding around his neck, your fingers lacing together. The two of you swayed together to the music, enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of being together. You laid your head against his chest, the top of your head only reaching his collarbone.

Towards the end of the song, Bradley shows off his fancy moves, taking your hands from around his neck and spinning you before you dipped you backwards. As he pulled you up, leaned over and kissed you.

“I love you, so much Sunshine.” He whispered, lifting you back to a standing position.

“I love you too, Roo.” You replied, standing on your tiptoes and pulling his head down to kiss him. “We get to live together!”

“We do.” He replied, smiling against your lips. “If I have it my way, we’ll be living together forever. Maybe upgrade to owning our own home, adding kids and a dog.”

“Well we already have Jake, so I guess we’ve got a headstart on the whole kids thing.” You teased, “I want it all too, Bradley. I want forever, the house, the kids, the dog.”

“I promise to deliver the perfect proposal because you deserve the most effort and the best of everything.” He said, “I just want you to know that I am all in forever, Sunshine.”

“I don’t need anything fancy or over the top, Roo.” You assured him, “You’re all I need and want.”

Later that evening, falling asleep wrapped in one another’s arms, you both thanked the universe, and your uncle, for bringing the two of you together again. You didn’t know what the future would bring, but whatever it was you’d face it with your best friend and soulmate by your side.

A/N: We’ve made it to the end of the main story!!! Thank you ALL for the love and support through this series!!! I can’t even tell you how much I love you all! Stay tuned for glimpses into the lives of Bradley and Sunshine! If there is a specific life event or moment you’d like to see let me know!

Taglist: @gracespicybradshaw @memoriesat30, @khaylin27, @snekssss, @shanimallina87 @atarmychick007 @jstarr86 @marantha @taytaylala12 @theweekndhistorybook @happylittlereader @hobiismyhopeu @krismdavis

#bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #top gun fanfiction #miles teller #stubborn hearts

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moondancediner · 1 year ago

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Hello! How are you??

Can I tell you how much I absolutely LOVE daydreaming?!! I love Bradley and Tess' dynamic and the fluff but also the ANGST in part 2. Tess just wants Bradley to love her but Bradley is just scared and I feel so bad for both of them.

If you are still keen on writing them, could I pretty please request to read more about them before the time that daydreaming took place?

I am obsessed with their first kiss (even though it was only a small part of the series) and their dynamic growing up and how they came to be "together but not officially but we will still be constantly touching, kiss in front of people and struggle to fall asleep without each other."

No stress if you can't but I love them and would love to read and learn more about them.

Enjoy the rest of your week and thank you for writing them :)

Hi babe! First of all, so sorry for how long this took me to get out - you asked this right after I finished Daydreaming and all ideas were just gone from my brain but inspiration finally struck - thank you Adderall.

Anywho, I hope this lives up to your expectations and fits into the DCU (daydreaming cinematic universe) nicely.

that first kiss

is this accurate to the navy? no clue, my husbands a marine so thats all i know

bradley bradshaw is a himbo i will not be taking any further questions

High school sucks. Like, seriously, whoever came up with such archaic bullshit as sitting around for eight hours every day while either someone on the precipice of death or someone young enough to pass as the same age as most of the seniors in the building drones on and on and on about nothing deserves a Nobel Prize for torture methods.

And Prom, what a stupid fucking way to end the year. As if Homecoming and Spring Fling and Senior Night and all the other stupid dances and school functions they've had all year weren't enough, sure let us throw in one more.

Tess kicked small pebbles across the sidewalk while she sulked home and contemplated all the ways that she could drop out early or injure herself severely enough that would excuse her from stepping foot in that hell hole for the next two months, but not severely enough that it would hinder her summer.

Her options were severely limited.

That, and she was way too chicken to purposefully injure herself.

Coming closer to her house, Tess completed her two rituals: checking the mail, and checking the living room window of the Bradshaw house. Both of those things left her with a dark, never-ending pit in her stomach but after nearly 18 years it was hard to break habits. Even if they were completely soul crushing.

The mailbox was full of its usual trashy magazines, bills that Tess had no interest in, coupons for the local grocery store, a letter addressed to her mom from some distant relative, and... absolutely nothing for Tess.

She tried not to let the disappointment consume her but it always did. It was like being swallowed by a tidal wave you could see miles off the coast, knowing full well it was going to pick you up and slam you against the rocky bottom, but Tess sat there anyway, watching the beautiful blue crest into white before her eyes.

Sadly, she was used to the wave, used to it rattling her brain and bones, blurring her vision for a few seconds until the facts of her life took over. She was used to this, used to not hearing from the two people she loved most in this world despite the fact that they left her high and dry more times than any person could count.

Her second disappointment came when her green eyes moved over to the left of her house, expecting to see the bay window open, yellow and white curtains billowing in the slight breeze and a blonde head of sunshine calling over to Tess, inviting her over for a glass of sweet tea and some new cookie she thought up over the weekend that Tess absolutely needed to try.

There was none of that, of course, hadn't been for some years now and the depressing, dark blue drawn curtains of Tess's new neighbors were a constant reminder of that.

She tore her eyes away from that window.

Her feet dragged all the way to her room, hands dropped the mail on the kitchen table for her mom to find when she got home and traced a pattern on the wallpaper up the stairs and to her door.

Tess's room was bright and airy and reminded her of the beach, which was exactly what Carole was going for four summers ago when she came over and declared that she needed a 'bedroom makeover'. Tess tried to tell her she had been watching too much HGTV as they combed the aisles of Home Depot for the perfect shade of blue - something bright but not neon, subdued but not dull, something that reminded you of the sky. But not sky blue. Carole insisted that she had not been watching too much TV but that she enjoyed the North Carolina shores so much she felt they needed to be indoors as well, and Tess's room was the perfect place to experiment.

The memories of Carole were hard to push away. She was her second mother for as long as she could remember. Her and Bradley were always over, the mothers were always together so they were together. She loved him like a brother - or so she thought.

When he left for the Navy, a piece of her heart left with him, a bigger piece than she anticipated. She knew it would be hard with him gone, with Carole gone alone with him, but didn't expect it to hurt the way it did and after many nights of soul searching on her roof the truth hit her so hard she almost rolled off.

She loved him - as more than a brother, as more than a friend, as more than her childhood neighbor.

She was in love with him.

And the realization left her reeling.

But now, she lay on her seafoam sheets, staring at her ceiling fan blow around and around and he was out on a ship somewhere, not thinking about her probably.

"Tess!"

Her mothers voice startled her from her thoughts and she wondered how long she had been laying in her misery.

"You have a letter!"

Nothing else would have gotten her out of bed so fast. She raced down the stairs, a smile involuntarily taking over her face, heart racing at who could've been the one to finally break the silence and respond.

"Who's it from?" She asked, out of breath, snatching the letter from her mother's perfectly manicured hands as she threw herself around the dining room table.

"Hello to you too," she simply said, raising her eyebrows at her daughter. Her daughter who was supposed to be excited and getting ready for prom, but was instead moping about the two men in her life who would never live up to her expectations. She wished she could change them, change everything about their situation, but they were too far out of her grasp of control.

"Mom," she groaned in her teenage defiance. Her mother simply smiled, roughed up her daughters hair, and made for the kitchen to decide what was for dinner tonight.

Tess looked down at the simple white envelope in her hands. She noted the lack of a return address - a good sign if there ever was one and traced her fingers over her handwritten name on the front.

Bradley.

It was his handwriting, undoubtably. The little chicken scratch that was notes passed through class, hidden messages found throughout her room and late nights helping with homework.

Tess's stomach dropped - there could be anything written in this thin envelope. Disappointment, rejection, let downs-

"Just open it, Fess,"

"I'm absorbing the moment," she said, shoulders shrugging quickly, eyes staying on the envelope as she flipped it over. Her mom rolled her eyes but laughed, moving about the kitchen in a practiced rhythm.

With quick, practiced fingers she opened the letter and pulled out one piece of folded up paper. She unfolded the thirds, and frowned to only see one sentence written on the whole sheet.

Come outside already, what are you waiting for?

Confusion covered her face, eyebrows scrunched together. What the hell does that mean!?

Tess looked up at her mother, who only wore a shit-eating grin.

"There's no way."

"Go outside and find out."

Tess never ran so fast. Barefoot, she trampled through the living room and through the front door. The Bronco sat outside, just beyond her perfectly average white picket fence yard and Bradley was there, standing up so his head was out of the roof, waving at her with that smirk on his face.

"What are you doing here!" She yelled, running towards the car. Never, in her eighteen years of life, had she ever been so surprised.

Tess hurled herself across the center console and into his open arms, laughing and screaming as she squeezed as tight as she could. He laughed with her, and the hole in her heart closed up.

"So, why are you not at prom?" Bradley asked her as he shoved a handful of french fries in his mouth.

"Because prom is stupid," Tess said, feet kicked up on the dashboard, "and I didn't have a date."

"I find it hard to believe that you didn't have anyone who wanted to go with you." The two of them decided to park the car at the beach so that's where they now sat, sharing fries and nuggets while they watched the sky change colors and the waves crash on the empty shore. It was still a little too cold for the beach to be busy and probably too cold for the roof to be off the Bronco, but neither of them cared enough to say anything.

"Well believe it buddy, I am not Mr. Popular like you were in high school." She was far from it. Without Bradley by her side she was quiet and awkward, she kept to herself and her small group of friends and liked it that way.

"Your friends didn't want to go?" He asked incredulously.

"No, they went, but they all had dates so I would've been like a... ninth wheel." Truthfully there was nobody, no friend or cute guy in the universe that she would've wanted to go to prom with over Bradley. A realization that crushed her one day when she went dress shopping with her friends at the mall. She tried to match every dress to his personality, or his eyes, or his smile and every one made her feel empty and sad inside.

None of her friends understood why she couldn't go, they all thought she was crazy for choosing solitude over a party. Even the afterparty - a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach - was out of the question, she knew she would be no fun and didn't want to drag the party down with her.

Bradley didn't say anything. He knew for a fact that the guys he went to school with were practically chomping at the bit to date her, and he knew that she had a tendency to scare them off with her RBF and her ability to be completely oblivious.

"Anyway," she changed the subject, "how long are you home for?"

"Just the weekend, gotta ship back out on Monday, I just hitched a ride with some of the helicopter guys when I heard they were flying out here to pick up some things."

"Sneaky," Tess chastised.

There was a moment of silence, a comfortable silence, while they both ate and watched the waves. Tess thought about how much she missed this, missed him and tried not to think about how much it would hurt again when he was gone.

But Bradley couldn't stop thinking about prom.

"Seriously, not one person asked you?"

"Let it go, man!" Tess threw a couple fries at him that he failed to dodge.

"No! I can't! I just..." he trailed off, shaking his head at the ocean.

"You just what?" Tess looked at his profile, at the scars littering his chin, at the tiny moustache he was growing and that she teased him about for the entire drive but kept to herself that all she could see when she looked at him was that photo of him, his dad, and his mom on their fireplace mantle.

"I just can't believe it, it makes no sense."

Tess sighed, "you're the only person who thinks that." It was her turn to look at the ocean now, to accept the defeat that was her love life.

Maybe it was partly her fault. Maybe she pushed them all away. But it was hard to look at anyone that way when she was so in love with him.

"Tess," she turned and saw nothing but green eyes, "you are the most beautiful, smart, funny, caring, wonderful person I've ever met and every boy in that school is dumber than I thought."

Tess held his gaze for a few more seconds before she had to look away from the intensity. He couldn't really mean that, could he?

"I haven't even had my first kiss yet," she admitted quietly, "how pathetic is that? I'm a senior in high school, I have no date for prom, and I haven't been kissed."

They marinated in the silence for a second, Tess picked at the invisible dirt under her nails and willed the lump in her throat to go away. She heard Bradley shifting around in the drivers seat but didn't look at him until she felt his hand touch her chin, his finger gently coaxing her face towards his and he didn't give her a second to protest before he gently placed his lips on hers.

She felt the prickle of his moustache on her top lip before she even registered what was happening. His lips were so gentle on hers she almost didn't feel them at all and her eyes stayed wide open until her brain was able to catch up to her body and they fluttered close.

Bradley started to pull away, but Tess followed him, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder to keep him in place and put more pressure on the kiss. Bradley followed quickly and neither of them pulled away until they were panting and smiling.

Tess's body exploded with butterfly's and she chased away the thoughts of what was going to happen next, what would happen when he left again because he wasn't gone yet, he was right here, and her world was complete.

#top gun maverick #daydreaming #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster #bradley #bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #top gun #top gun fanfiction #top gun rooster #tgm #top gun fandom #ask #answered #the-winter-marvel33

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