#muse; gabriela

[justwannasin]

For Riley and Gabriella

The new ‘Free Use’ law has passed! Anyone can fuck anyone, anywhere, any time. Take advantage of this by sending my muse "Bend over" to take them in a public place.

@agentwicked

riley and gabriela had been walking down the street in their new clothes. they'd been shopping all day long so far, and were on their way to the bar to relax. their bags in hand, they were making their way to the car to the drop them off before heading to their favorite bar, when someone shouted out at them.

catcalled them. each girl turned around, smiling at their 'admirer', and then he had them bent over there in the middle of the walkway. their hands braced on a car's hood, riley and gabriela giggled.

they kind of liked these new laws that just got passed.

each of them spread their legs a little, riley tossing a smile over her shoulder as gabriela bent lower over the car.

"you want us both? that's cool," said the redhead, as gabriela wiggled her behind.

[cherrylng]

100 Albums To Understand Muse - Part 11 [STYLE Series #004 - Muse (August 2010)]

RENAISSANCE Novella (1977) A masterpiece of the Renaissance (second phase), combining folky sounds with classical elements. The dramatic world of Annie Haslam's plaintive voice, often described as ‘angelic’, weaves its way through the music. The simple, pop melodies and sophisticated mannerisms are similar to those of Muse, but without the esoteric prog-rock. -M

ROBERT JOHNSON The Complete Recordings (2008) Legendary blues guitarist whose influences include Clapton and all the great guitarists of the rock world. It is said that he acquired his technique by selling his soul to the devil, and that the riff on ‘Crossroads Blues’ was the first riff Matthew mastered. This album contains all of Johnson's recordings, recorded only twice in his lifetime. -S

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA Rodrigo Y Gabriela (2008) The first album by the Mexican-born & Dublin-based male-female acoustic guitar duo, who opened for Muse at Wembley. Dazzling technique and melancholy Latin melodies. Produced by John Leckie, who also produced Muse's first and second albums. The duo's metal-honed technique also allows them to cover Zeppelin and Metallica with aplomb. -S

RUSH Exit…. Stage Left (1981) Canadian progressive trio boasting individual virtuosity and an ironclad ensemble. One of the best live bands of their day, playing to stadiums of tens of thousands of people. The band's live show has brought tens of thousands of stadiums to their feet. The band's live show is a perfect combination of skill, passion and audience excitement at its highest point. -M

SENSELESS THINGS Empire Of The Senseless (1993) They and MC4 led the melodic punk that emerged in the British indie scene from the late 80‘s to the early 90’s. This is their third more alternative-oriented album. Morgan Nicholls (b) has been accompanying Muse on most of their tours as the ‘fourth member’, playing synth/keyboards and other duties since filling in for Chris who broke his arm in 2004. -I

SIMON RATTLE Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14 (2008) Matthew is fascinated by the 19th-century Romantic master, Hector Berlioz. If you want to hear his works, this is the one by the hottest conductor of the moment. This symphony is not only one of Berlioz's most famous works, but also the product of a love affair that never came true. A touch of madness in the grandiose soundscape is also wonderful. -M

SKUNK ANANSIE Stoosh (1996) Debuted in 1995 at the height of Britpop, the band's musical style is ‘new metal sung by women’. The combination of soulful songs by the skinheads' vocalist, also known as “Skin”, and the ironic, gory sound was very unique. This was their second hit album. Muse toured with them in the early days. -K

SMASHING PUMPKINS Siamese Dream (1993) Chicago four-piece who represented the US alternative scene in the 1990s. Their second album determined their popularity. Their dramatic songs, based on thundering guitars and sweet melodies, had a major influence on the rock scene that followed. That they were also a major inspiration for Muse is evident in the song ‘Silverfuck’ from this album. -T

Translator's Note: Morgan! <3

[chaosandcrimson]

Gabriela Dantes: Character Inspirations

Diana Morales from A Chorus Line Mia Dolan from La La Land Mary-Jane Watson from Marvel

[iknowthvnd]

the strength card // upright: inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus // reversed: self doubt, weakness, insecurity

i'll be right there, but you'll have to grab my throat and lift me in the air, if you need anyone. i'll stop my plans, but you'll have to tie me down and then break both my hands, if you need anyone. -- twenty one pilots jumpsuit

gabriela grew up knowing that a lot of inner strength was needed to push through the harder times of their life. being a foster child required a lot of bravery, something that she does her best to teach her children as they grow. their chosen family is the main focus for them and they will not allow anyone to just come and take it. something gabbi has always held too much of, especially for a demon, is compassion. only in her darkest time after becoming a demon, did she ever possess the ability to harm others.

but, with raymis back, there is a lot of self doubt in her good qualities. because it was them who saw her at her truly darkest moments. for her, it was a time of weakness, but it wasn't seen that way with raymis. power was always the end goal and an when filled with insecurity, gabbi can be lethal.

can gabriela keep her soul and family safe?

[liroyalty]

I remember I had this up on my archived blog, & it's time to repost it here.

[sakuraitm]

🌸 TAGS . ’

[bailesona]

“  i’m  not  sayin’  i’m  responsible,  but  also  if  henri  asks  who  stabbed  all  his  fancy  japanese  knives  into  the  snowman  on  the  roof,  you  and  i  were  together  all  night,  right?  “          can  anyone  blame  him?  can  you  honestly  look  him  in  the  eye  and  tell  him  that  you  wouldn’t  have  done  the  same  thing  if  given  the  opportunity?  no.  you  can’t.  nate  knows  this  with  confidence,  just  as  he  knows  exactly  where  those  japanese  knives  will  end  up  if  he  doesn’t  seize  an  opportunity  at  an  alibi  before  henri  emerges  from  interrogating  a  remarkably  cool  tina.  still,  he’s  been  raised  by  a  good  set  of  father  figures.  two  swift  sweeps  of  his  hands  against  her  shoulders,  and  margot’s  coat  is  relieved  of  the  little  mounds  of  snowflakes  that  manhattan  bestows  upon  her  in  the  doorway.          “  but  to  be  safe,  we  should  probably  hide  in  the  living  room  and  establish  our  cover  together,  right?  or  we  could  go  to  the  kitchen,  really  get  inside  his  head...  yeah...  he’d  never  see  that  one  comin’...  you  know  what,  you  don’t  need  to  help  me,  you  should  save  yourself  before  he  drags  you  in  there.  you’ve  been  warned,  margot.  good  luck  and  god  speed!  “

@sugcrwrites​ liked THIS POST for a family holiday dinner starter!  ( and the locations of all the other muses are in the tags if u want margot to mingle!! )

[iknowthvnd]

@xfatalexit

Bonus:

“I see you are not one for losing.”

[justwannasin]

Her master had went through great lengths to break Gabriela. Now she was his and his alone. "That's right, Gabby. A lovely little collar for a lovely little pet. Now..." He told her as he took a firm hold of her hair. "You're going to tell me a few things and in return, I'm going to make you feel every little bit the slut I know you are." He said to her. "You're going to start by telling me where I can find your little friends, Riley and Heather." He said.

gabriela might have held some loyalty and fight once upon a time. now, of course, her entire world centered on and revolved solely around her Master. the way he held her hair had gabriela gasp, throat bobbing as she swallowed past the collar's band.

she smiled up at him. "i haven't seen them in a long time, Master," she said giddily. a shrug of her shoulders and gabriela exposed more of her throat to the great man who held her tether. "i think... i mean, when i was with them, we'd be at this coffee shop over on Center Street. they had such good macchiatos; it was my favorite--"

[jujuistrulyoutrageous]

on rotation

I’ve been hard-pressed to find a decent theme to use for this week’s “on rotation,” and I think I landed on a perfect one: covers! There are so many that I love, so this will probably be a repeat theme at some point, but here are 10 of my favorites. Continue reading Untitled

[fvlminarc]

She got blood cold as ice And a heart made of stone But she keeps me alive She's the beast down on my bones She gets everything she wants When she gets me alone Like it's nothin' She got two little horns And they get me a little bit

[iknowthvnd]

@cxrsedmuses

[bailesona]

“  udyati!  you  made  it!  we  were  going  to  send  sammy  out  in  his  truck  to  get  you;  this  snow  is  no  match  for  that  monstrosity!  “          tina’s  already  descended  the  few  ice-slick  steps  to  bring  her  in  for  a  fond  embrace,  though  the  length  is  divided  swiftly  by  the  coldness  that  grips  the  other  girl’s  coat  and  scarf,  tina’s  hand  moving  down  to  take  udyati’s  and  guide  her  into  the  warmth  of  the  apartment.  it’s  a  lucky  thing  that  this  isn’t  her  first  time  interacting  with  them.  especially  when  ramsay  strides  across  the  entrance,  and  catches  an  unpeeled  organic  carrot  which  is  aimed  with  lethal  accuracy  and  accompanied  by  a  flurry  of  furious  french  obscenities.  ramsay’s  face  is  presenting  nothing  other  than  a  benign  smile,  a  pleasant  tone  responding  in  soothing  spanish.  but  tina  learned  both  languages.  ramsay’s  charming  tone  does  not  distract  from  his  affectionate  threat  to  throw  the  turkey  out  the  window  at  the  next  improvised  culinary  assault.          “  i  hope  you’re  hungry;  everyone  got  really  into  watching  hell’s  kitchen  this  year,  so  we  all  ended  up  in  the  kitchen  working  on  our  own  contributions.  eli  did  twinkies  and  crushed  maltesers,  though,  so  i’m  thinking  we  might  be  seeing  a  wild  variety.  have  you  met  ramsay  yet?  and  andrew  and  gabriela;  they’re  all  new,  but  the  perfect  amount  of  bizarre,  so  they’ve  been  fitting  in  perfectly!  “

@dvarapala​ liked THIS POST for a family holiday dinner starter!  ( and i’m leaving the locations of the other muses in the tags so ud can travel and mingle!! )

[xhauntedchaos]

↷ open ╳ @inaducursehqstarters ↷ muse playing ╳ tyler lockwood ↷ location ╳ vaso bar and venue (bywater ) ↷ event ╳ enchanted evening masquerade

tyler had gone to the masquerade enchanted ball with his wife , gabriela . yet , they had separated momentarily while he left to get them drinks . the lockwolf took two of the champagne glasses that were offered by a waiter before he placed the champagne glass to his lips . " a masquerade ball while a killer is still out on the loose can't be a good idea . " he breathed , his inner thought brought to light .

[iknowthvnd]

@chamxmuse

GILMORE GIRLS REWATCH ↳ “Say Goodnight, Gracie” (3x20)

[thetriumphantpanda]

Cruel Summer | Javier Peña (Chapter Four)

Javier helps you with an idea to help raise much needed money for your shop that turns out to be better than expected. In a moment of madness, the truth comes to the surface. Can you truly be happy with Javier when there's the ghost of your ever-present husband behind you?

Pairing | Javier Peña x Female Reader

Word Count | 3.6k

Warnings | Smoking, drinking, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of domestic abuse but nothing explicit, some fluff and FINALLY THESE TWO GET SOME INTIMACY.

Authors Note | You guys have no idea how excited this chapter has made me. THESE TWO IDIOTS ARE CONSUMING MY LIFE and I'm finally getting them where they need to be. If you enjoyed this I'd love to hear from you - comments, reblogs and asks are my lifeblood and if you liked it, I hope you consider dropping me a follow to keep up to date with my fics and to join my little family. Love y'all.

Series Masterlist / Main Masterlist

The heat was stifling in the back of your shop. Silently cursing the fact that Ethan hadn’t been generous enough to fix the air conditioning you wiped at your brow before deciding you couldn’t focus on the sewing in front of you enough to do a decent job of it. 

At the front of the shop, you threw open the door, the air was hot, so you weren’t sure what you were hoping to achieve by it but the warm breeze now flowing through was enough to give you some temporary relief. 

Setting yourself behind the cash register and pulling your book out to take a break was all you could focus on doing right now. Thankfully, a welcome distraction appeared in the form of Javier, arms laden with clothes. 

“Afternoon querida,” He greeted, “Pops sent me down with some clothes, can I leave them with you?” 

You’d barely seen him since Gabriela’s wedding the previous weekend. If anyone had watched you dance together then no-one had told Ethan about it because you hadn’t faced any of the consequences normally reserved for so much as looking at Javier. He was out of town in New York for some kind of sales meeting and you the relief you’d felt as soon as he’d closed the door and left was indescribable.  

“Sure thing,” You nodded, “What’s wrong with them?” 

“Just holes of varying descriptions, some of the seams have popped, the usual ranch acquired casualties.” 

You laughed, taking the pile, “I’d say that I would take them and sort them now but it’s far too hot back there to concentrate, so I’ll sort them as soon as I can and then bring them around if that’s okay?” 

“Of course,” He smiled, “Do you not have AC?” 

“Well, I did, it’s broken and when I had someone come to check it out, they said the whole thing needed replacing, Ethan said the price was extortionate and that it wasn’t worth the money.” 

“Well Ethan isn’t the one who needs to work here all day, is he?” Javier countered, “If it gets much hotter in here, you’re going to make yourself sick.” 

“If it gets too bad then I can just take some of this stuff home with me,” You pointed out, “Means shutting up shop but not many people pass through anyway.” 

“You should get it fixed, querida.” 

“With what money, Javi?” 

“Okay, here’s an idea,” He mused, “How about we stop waiting for people to come to you, and take you to the people?” 

You furrowed your brow, “I’m not following?” 

“The farmers market, on Saturday,” He explained, “We get you a stall and you can take those shirts you’ve been making and sell them there, hand out cards whilst you do it for the repairs you do.” 

You had to admit that it was a good idea. You had piles of shirts perfect for the ranchers just piled up gathering dust and Gabriela had bought you a bunch of business cards as an opening gift when the shop first opened. 

“It’s a good idea.” You admitted. 

“I know it is, let me go and talk to the guy in charge, Pops knows him so it should be pretty straight forward, and you’ll have your shiny new AC unit before you know it.” 

He turned on his heel to leave but you reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him back around to look at you, “Thank you Javi,” You smiled, “I really mean it, I appreciate this. I appreciate you.” 

He smiled back, “Anything for you, querida.” 

*

Javier had stuck true to his word and spoken to Mitch, who had allocated you a stall at the market without trouble. The pitch he’d given you was right at the entrance, one of the first stalls people would walk past and you wondered if Javi had anything to do with that, but you decided to push that thought to the back of your head as you folded another shirt into a bag, Gabriela throwing in a business card as you handed it to the customer and took their cash in return. 

Gabriela threw herself back down into the chair she’d brought, resting her ankles with a hand on her bump, “You can go home you know?” You offered, it was hot, and you knew she was struggling, fanning herself and taking a sip of the lemonade she’d bought from the stall a few rows down. 

“And miss your entrepreneurial debut?” She snorted, “Not a chance, besides, it won’t be long until this one takes away any semblance of social life I’ve ever had, I’m in it to the end, celebratory drinks at the bar and everything.” 

“Hola, Mija.” A familiar voice draws you from your conversation with Gabriela. 

“Chucho!” You greeted warmly, “How are you today?” 

“I’m good,” He smiles, “Javi assured me you might have some shirts I’d be interested in.” 

“He would be right,” You replied, eyes searching the crowd behind him for Javier, “Have a rummage through and see if there’s anything you like.” 

“He’s just picking up some ingredients for our meals this week,” Chucho states as his eyes look at the shirts displayed on your stall, “He’ll stop by in a minute.” 

You looked to Gabriela who was smirking to herself, they both had you read like a book when it came to him. 

“Find anything you like, Pops?” Came his voice as he emerged from the crowd behind Chucho, a paper bag filled to the brim with what looked like an assortment of vegetables. 

He set it down on one of the empty spaces on your table as he thumbed through the shirts himself, pulling out one you’d made in a rush over the past few days in order to have enough to sell. It was a light beige colour with a checked pattern of reds and browns. Chucho had settled on a similar style but in a deep red colour with a green pattern instead. Chucho took Javi’s pick and handed them to you, you diligently bagged them up and took Chucho’s payment. 

“Take those to the truck, Pops, I’ll be there in a minute.” 

Chucho tipped his hat to you in a goodbye and left, “How is it going?” Javi asked. 

“Well, the table was full a few hours ago and I don’t have much left, so I think it’s safe to say it was a success.” You smiled. 

“Well, I’m glad,” He smiled back, “You should really thank the guy who came up with the idea.”

“I’m not really sure how.” You spoke softly, Gabriela dragging you out of your flirting with a cough. 

“Javi, we’re heading to a bar after so she can count her takings and celebrate, you should come!” Gabriela said, standing from her chair. 

“How many of you are going?” He asked, obviously fishing for whether he’d need to spend time in close quarters with your husband. 

“It’ll just be Gabriela and her husband and me,” You answered, “Ethan is still away working.” 

“Well, why don’t you girls stay put whilst I take Pops home and I can come back and drive you all there?” 

You nodded in agreement and parted with a plan that Javi would come back in the next few hours. 

“He’s always been a nice guy, hasn’t he?” Gabriela mused as she started folding shirts to pack away, the crowds thinning slightly. 

“Gabriela, behave yourself.” You warned, following her actions. 

“I was just making an observation,” She held her hands up in a fake surrender, “But don’t think I didn’t notice the two of you dancing at my wedding,” She smirked, “You looked happy, Chica, for the first time in years, he brings out something good in you, he always has.” 

You sighed, trying to busy yourself with packing down, “Too bad he didn’t stick around.” You mumbled, mainly for yourself. 

“You were the one that just let yourself coast through whatever plan your mother had for you,” Gabriela prodded, knowing it was a sore subject, “If you’d have said no things could be different.” 

“I did it for my papa, Gabriela.” You shot, tone dangerously close to a fight. 

“And he more than anyone would hate what you put up with, how unhappy you are.” 

“Can we just drop it please?” You pleaded, “It’s been such a nice day, I don’t want to fight.” 

She pulled you into a hug, trying not to squish her belly too far into you, “I’m sorry chica,” She spoke into your cheek, “I just want you to be happy.” 

*

“Sixty, Eighty, one hundred.” You called as you slapped down the last of the notes on the bar table, just in time for Javier to place three cold beers and a bottle of soda down, “Oh my god, that’s halfway to what I needed!” You exclaimed, all three of your friends breaking out into grins and congratulations. 

You sat down, shuffling into the booth so Javier could sit next to you. He was sat across from Diego, Gabriela’s husband, who gratefully took the beer he’d offered. 

“Well, here’s to a new AC unit,” You smiled, watching as everyone clinked their bottles together before sipping them, “And to Javi, for the great idea.” 

You’d chosen a different bar to normal, one that was further out of town, mainly to avoid any of Ethan’s friends who would be hanging around, ready to report back to him that they’d seen you with Javier. It was quieter than your usual place and you could smell something delicious wafting from the kitchen. 

“I want wings,” You declared, “Anyone else?” There were nods around the table. 

“I’ll come with you,” Diego offered, “My treat.” 

Javi moved to let you out of the booth before sitting back down, scooting across so he was opposite Gabriela. She wasted no time in getting down to business, something that Javi had always enjoyed about her. 

“You make her really happy, you know?” She asked, “I know you probably don’t see it, but since you’ve been back, she’s been different, I just wanted to say thank you for bringing my best friend back.” 

Javier could do nothing other than smile, “I really upset her when I left,” He admitted, “And when I didn’t reach out, I knew I was hurting her more, but I guess I thought it was for the best.” 

“Between the two of us,” Gabriela began, leaning forward on the table, “She’s always needed to learn the hard way, you can talk as much sense into her as you think she needs but she’s always going to have to make mistakes and make the wrong choices to learn what she wants.” 

“That why she got married?” 

Gabriela scoffed, “She got married because her mama forced her Javi, I had weeks of her on my porch in tears, saying she didn’t love him and that she didn’t want the big dress or the church wedding, that she was going to pack up and run away, I think at one point she actually did pack her bag, but then when her dad got sick everything changed,” She shrugged, “It was fucking horrible but her mama cashed in on it, getting it into her head that he wanted to see her married before he died and she just rolled over and let it happen.” 

There was on question on Javier’s lips that he wanted to ask. He wasn’t blind, he’d seen how Ethan had spoken to her when they’d been at his house for dinner, he could see the way he looked at her, like she was his property, “Does he hurt her?” 

Gabriela shook her head, “She’s never admitted it, but I can put two and two together,” She leant back in her seat, “We’ve planned things together, dinners, movies, shopping trips, you know, the stuff all best friends do together and then she’ll call and cancel at the last minute with excuses like she’s sick or she’s got a headache and then I won’t see or hear from her for a week and then everything will be back to normal,” She shrugged, “I can’t help her if she doesn’t tell me and even when I ask the answer is always some form of no but I’ve never believed her.” 

Javi nodded, trying to keep his anger at bay. He couldn’t imagine anyone hurting you. You were sweet and all you’ve ever wanted to do with anyone you’d met was make them happy. How Ethan couldn’t see that, see what kind of prize he’d one with that ring around her finger, he would never understand. 

“He doesn’t deserve her,” Gabriela insisted, “And she doesn’t deserve to be miserable for the rest of her life, you’ve opened her up so much in just a few weeks, I’m begging you Javier, please do the rest.” 

He was about to ask what she meant when you and Diego came back to the table, arms laden with wings and fries, “I hope everyone is hungry, we went a bit overboard.” You put the food in the middle for everyone whilst Diego dashed back to the bar and came back with another round of drinks. 

The rest of the evening was nice. You chatted about everything and nothing at all, no-one really asked Javier about Colombia which you could tell he was grateful for. Gabriela did her best to tell the table the horror stories of pregnancy which was enough to swear you off it for the rest of your life. Diego and Javi spent some time talking about the boats they’d seen heading upriver, surmising it was drug runners, but you hadn’t really been paying attention. 

You had to admit it was lovely. Not having to worry about Ethan getting too drunk, saying something to upset someone or trying to start of fight. There was no possessive hand on your hip or a hushed whisper in your ear to tell you not to look so miserable because you were embarrassing him. Just four friends drinking and laughing together. You felt light. 

“You want one?” Javi asked, gesturing to his cigarette packet. 

You nodded and followed him as he scooted from the booth to lead you outside, not wanting to subject Gabriela to a face full of smoke. 

“I’m proud of you, you know?” Javier mused once he’d lit both your cigarettes. 

You looked up at him and grinned, “It was all your idea,” You shrugged, “I just turned up.”

Maybe it was the two shots of tequila you’d taken with Diego in secret at the bar whilst waiting for you food, or the four bottles of beer you’d finished over the course of the night, but something dangerous was boiling in your blood. Reckless, you realized, you were feeling reckless. 

“Hey Javi?” You spoke, getting his attention so he would turn to you. 

As soon as he did, you stood on tiptoes and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips, lingering long enough for him to know it hadn’t been a slip up but short enough to hopefully leave him wanting more. When you stood back on your flat feet, he was back on you almost immediately, cigarette dropped to the ground, yours following not long after as his hands cradled your face, and his lips were back on yours.

You’d dreamed of this moment for years. What would he taste like? Cigarettes, beer and something you could quite place. What would it feel like? Like the whole world around you had melted away and you were the only thing he had that could sustain him. Would he take things slow, or would it be rushed and messy? Slow, his mouth opening in order to deepen the kiss, letting his tongue mix with yours at a pace that told you he had all the time in the world. Would it be everything you’d ever dreamed of? Yes, and then some.

He pulled back and you opened your eyes, his face was still dangerously close to yours, just the smallest of movements and you could consume his mouth with your own again. You almost did, until the door to the bar opened. Instinctively you stepped back and you were glad you did, Gabriela and Diego were there. 

“We’re gonna head home, my ankles are screaming.” Gabriela announced, “Want a ride back?” She asked you. 

You looked at Javier who’s face betrayed nothing of what just happened, or what he was feeling in that moment, “Sure, saves you taking me to the other side of town and then driving back here to go to the ranch.” You speak, half to Gabriela and half to Javi. 

There’s a brief goodbye, Javi shakes Diego’s hand and gives him the customary manly clap on the back and then Gabriela receives a hug. He gives you a similar hug to Gabriela, not getting too close and you’re thankful because there is a want coursing through your blood that makes you feel like if he pressed his body to yours, you’d rip off every inch of material from his body and fuck him in the parking lot. 

*

It's late and you can’t sleep. Somewhere between Gabriela dropping you off and this moment right now, led on your back staring at your ceiling, you’d decided it was all a big mistake, but not from your point of view. How could Javi want you like that? It’d been a long waiting game to see him come back, you were almost convinced he wouldn’t at one point. How could he want you, with your pathetic life and a wedding ring around your finger. 

You push back the sheets and start getting dressed. It was irrational but you needed to know. You needed to ask him. Then you could move on, go back to being miserable and trying your best not to upset your husband enough that he hit you. Go back to your floundering business, sewing up the odd hole for someone and wishing you’d taken the opportunity to run whilst you could have. 

Unbeknownst to you, Javier is having the same argument with himself of Chucho’s porch. Glass of whiskey half abandoned on the floor he’s thinking there’s no way you could want him. No way that the girl who had always been sunshine personified could want all his sharp edges and dark thoughts. No way you could want to lie next to him and listen to the nightmares or to let his mind wander to all those people dead because he couldn’t do his job properly. 

That’s why the headlights at the end of the ranch driveway were a surprise. They cut out and at first, he couldn’t see who it was opening the door and barreling towards the front porch with purpose. Then he realized it was you and he couldn’t quite believe it. As you came to a stop on his porch in front of him he could tell you were frazzled, your hair was a mess from what he could only assume was the same tossing and turning he did every night when he couldn’t find sleep, and he could tell from the redness around your eyes that you’d been crying. 

“Do you regret it?” You asked. 

“Querida, I…”

“Do you regret kissing me, Javi?” You cut him off. 

“I could never regret anything with you hermosa.” Was his answer without even thinking. 

You stepped back from him, “Fuck!” You exclaimed, “God this would have been so much easier if you’d said yes.” 

“Hey, hey calm down.” Javier attempted to soothe you, standing from his seat on the porch to put his hands on your shoulders. 

“I hate him, Javi,” You were crying now, tears flowing freely down your face, “I hate how he makes me feel, hate what he’s turned me into, the way I felt when we kissed earlier is the first time I’ve felt genuinely happy since before you left for Colombia, I just want something good in my life again.” 

“Querida, I’m not the same man I was before I left,” He warned, “Colombia… it did things to me, made me do things I’m not proud of, things I don’t know that I can ever make right, there’s something here,” He says, hand to chest, “That I worry about, I don’t want to bring any more misery to your life.” 

“I have waited years for you Javier Peña and I will not let you talk yourself out of this, I won’t let you talk me out of it.” 

“Do you really understand what you’re asking for?” He asked, searching your eyes for doubt, you nodded in response, “You need to say it.” He demands. 

“I’m asking you to give me respite Javi,” You speak softly, “I need you to take me away from my misery, even if it’s for an hour, a day, however long we might have,” You stopped and looked into his eyes, “Please don’t make me beg for you again.”

He takes hold of your hand in a gentle way that you don’t think you’ve ever experienced and leads you to the bench on the porch. He sits down and gestures for you to do the same which you do, a gasp leaving your lips when he drags you into his side, arm wrapped around your shoulders and a kiss pressed to the top of your head. 

Your eyes close and a tear falls down your cheek. It is the most intimate you’ve been with anyone in months, and he hasn’t taken a single item of your clothing off your body. 

“If you want me, I’m yours hermosa, in whatever way that has to be.” Javi speaks softly, another kiss dropped to you, this time to your forehead as you look up at him. 

You sit up and turn your body towards his, finally pressing a kiss to his lips, pulling back just enough to utter the words, “I want you, Javier, more than the air that I breathe.” 

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