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madamechrissy · 26 days ago

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♔ Silent Serenades ♔

♔ An arranged Marriage with Duke Gojo ♔

♔ Pairings: Duke Satoru Gojo x Duchess Reader

♔ Content/Warnings: Explicit sexual content, THE END OMG- lactation kink lowkey lol, highkey a breed kink, reader is a mom, oral (f receiving) spitting (they're still freaks) time skip, Gojo talking shit, fluffy and cute, HAPPY EVER AFTER- sweet and emotional- a lot of closure I hope you enjoy the end!

♔ Word count: this chap: 6k

♔ Summary: you are the diamond of the season, he is the charming Duke, it’s the marriage of the decade. Prominent families joining, and it so happens that Duke Gojo is gorgeous. But, he doesn't want you at all, leaving you a crying mess on your wedding night, alone. Now you're trapped in a loveless arranged marriage that destroys you from within. Royal AU, Cruel Duke Gojo x reader. OOC Set in 1800s England.- dual povs

♔ Part Fifteen ♔ Masterlist ♔ Playlist

Final Chapter- Fire on Fire

Six Years Later

“God, just look at them.” Satoru is murmuring, as you all are hiding in the foyer next to the ballroom just roaring with laughter and music, and he’s got your pretty breasts yanked out of your corset, squishing them and exhaling as they’re dripping milk making you squeak.

“Toru! Here!?” You all are literally in the middle of a masquerade, his mother has two of your children entertained, while your Nan has your youngest baby in the nursery, just a few months old.

Satoru’s silver mask is brushing against your breasts as his tongue laps at the milky liquid, moaning as he drags you close against him. “So sweet my god, you know how much I love this.”

“W-wait till… later… mnh!” Your eyes roll back in your own little glittery silver mask, as he suckles a sore nipple in his mouth, humming as the sweetness rolls into his mouth, and you feel desire shoot through you. In the background you hear the laughter, the music, but it’s drowned by your heart racing.

“Just a little drink, Princess. You’d be so cruel to your husband and deny him his favorite drink?” He pouts at you with his pretty pink lips, you sigh, arching your back and garnering his grin.

“This is how I keep getting with child, will you not give me a break- f-fuck…” He chuckles as he nips at you, shaking his head and sucking your other nipple now, you’re biting at your lower lip, so wet you can’t stand it, how ready you are for him.

“Not my fault you’re so sexy round with me, and your tits are even fucking nicer, god.” He’s sucking at your other breast now, lips latching your nipple, your thigh on his hip as he drags you against his hard body. He’s sucking down more milk, which makes you go insane, hands trembling as you cling to broad shoulders.

“You’re making me too wet, s-stop…” He’s chuckling, slipping up layers and layers of your skirts, fingers finding your clit in little circles, you’re soaking his gloved finger, breaths mingling together.

“Slutty mommy hmm?”

“Oh stop! Mommy!? You’re r-ridiculous.” Satoru’s chuckling now, kissing down your collarbone, biting it, right under the cool metal of your jeweled necklace, you yank at his hair, earning his glare, blue eyes bright and piercing.

“You’re interrupting my meal, Duchess.”

“Duke, you’re being a whore.”

“You love this whore.” He slips two fingers in your slick walls, feeling you clench them now, soaking the long, slender digits and moaning. “Feel her, god she’s so perfect still.”

“Your fingers… so thick I…” You’re whining out, gasping and covering your mouth while he smirks, so pleased. “We can’t do this right here!”

“Why not, let me fuck you in your pretty masquerade mask, while these nipples drip milk, mmm..” You glare right back up at him, when you hear footsteps, he’s just chuckling, pulling you quickly and turning you both, adjusting your top and sucking you right off his fingers. Lewd and obscene.

“You really have to do this to me?” You whisper, he knows what that damn action does to an already addled brain, he bends down and kisses your lips, as passersby see you both, awwing at the loving couple you two make, not the insanity he was pursuing a moment ago.

“Poor duchess, are they leaking now?” His taunt just makes you wetter, damn him.

“You know they are!” You hiss at him, only for him to chuckle, leading you both back out to the floor as you try to compose yourself.

“What’s the point of being a Duke if I can’t fuck my wife everywhere I want to, in my own Castle at that.” He mutters quietly, earning a smack on the shoulder, while you both glide back in and smile at everyone.

“You can do so, later, also the kids-”

“They need another sibling.”

“They do not.” Satoru pouts again, as two of your kids run to you now, a boy and a girl, the boy has Satoru’s shocking white hair but your eyes, and your oldest daughter has his blue eyes and your hair. The youngest baby is just the spitting image of you, which Satoru adores, he loves seeing all the features of you in the children you all have, children he adores.

The wife he adores, brattiness already spreading down the Gojo family line, surely from you he thinks, as he watches your eyes light up even behind your mask, your pretty grin. Your son runs to you, as your daughter runs to Satoru, hugging each of you, you bend down and pick him up, as Satoru picks her up, planting little kisses on their cheeks. Satoru’s mom smiles at you both, how adorable you are.

“Mama, Mama can we please stay up!” You giggle, shaking your head at him.

“I’m sorry, but bedtime is bedtime, handsome boy.”

“Papa!” Your daughter cooes at Satoru, he pouts now, looking at you and pulling her close.

“Bedtime, little princess.” You order, Satoru sighs.

“Mama is cruel I’m afraid.”

“Excuse me! I am not cruel. You need your rest, hmm my sweet girl?” She sighs, pouting so cutely.

“Can we watch Mama and Papa dance?” Your daughter asks, and you smile as you nuzzle her cheek.

“If Mama wants to.” Satoru says, ever so gallant as he makes a show of bowing to you after he puts your son down, and your kids eyes light up as they watch the two of you, their own masks on their cute little faces.

“I’d love to, Duke Gojo.” You tease with a wink, placing your hand in his as he leads you out to the waltz, hand on your hip as he turns in effortless circles, no one is even dancing they’re all just watching the two of you.

It is your masquerade, after all.

From the corner of your eyes you see Suguru and Shoko, watching you both with knowing smiles, and several of your other friends, lords and ladies all around you, but everything fades but him. Even from your first dance, back when you were strangers and enemies, the way his hand slips up your waist, you remember it all, vividly, like it was a lifetime ago.

But even then you knew, you knew there was something there, when he’d whispered angrily how beautiful you were, and you couldn’t believe him, you hurt him, and he hurt you. It feels so foreign and wrong to imagine hurting each other, not now that you two have built so much, every moment you breathe is just full of love for him, for your children.

He smiles down at you, so charming, not that glare of the past, and is met with your fluttering lashes and a sweet curve of your lips, not that adorable little fucking scowl you give him sometimes still. Typically when he’s trying to put more babies on you, and you’d probably like a break.

But it’s not Satoru’s fault you’re so pretty pregnant.

That’s so clearly your fault.

Your hand goes to his shoulder, over the silk brocade of his cravat, brushing slowly down as you twirl for the view of every one of the ton. Hardly anyone knows your story, what you’ve been through, and those who know bits of it even would never truly believe what you were like.

How could two black holes converge and not destroy each other?

Somehow you both had made it through.

“You’re the prettiest woman in this ballroom.” You’re flushing now, he can see it under the glimmer of the chandeliers, while he’s got you pressed firmly against him, a hand holding yours while you dance a dance you’ve both done so many times. Flawless steps, even when he has your tummy clenching in desire.

“You’re the prettiest man in London. And the sluttiest.” He smirks, as he dips you over his arm now.

“Oh, you’re the sluttiest brat in all of England.”

“Me!?” You demand, seeing mirth in his gaze behind that mask.

“You.” You’re both laughing, as no one can hear just how audacious and scandalous your conversation is.

“I think you have the title of sluttiest man in history!” You tease in a hushed whisper in his ear, and he moans softly, pulling you closer.

“More than Henry the eighth!?”

“More than him, you just don’t chop off heads.”

“You brat!” You’re so flushed from the dance, from your mirth, looking every bit the glittering diamond he met so long ago. “I’ll punish you for that.”

“Let’s see what you come up with, Duke.” Satoru sighs, aching to smack your pretty backside when he slowly ends the dance, your hands joined as everyone around you claps.

“Now it’s time for me to bed my Princess.” He whispers, feeling your skin heat up as his breath ghosts the shell of your ear, his cheek pressing yours.

“The children first.”

“Psh, why do we have all these nannies if-”

“Ah-ah, don’t be so spoiled, Duke.” He huffs, when soon the two of you are bidding your farewells for just a bit, though the two of you never end up coming back down to your own events, and you suppose everyone knows better by now.

It was not ‘normal’ for a Duke and Duchess to put their own children to bed, but you and Satoru were far from ‘normal’ or typical. People all smile as the four of you pass by, as the two of you hold your children in your arms, walking them up the stairs, your daughter already is falling fast asleep against Satoru’s chest, and your son is fighting it, all fussy.

“Don’t want to sleep, hmm? Too much excitement?” You ask softly, Satoru loves how soft your voice gets with your children.

He loves hearing you sing to them at night.

He loves being a parent next to you, so devoted, you just enjoy them so much, he supposes that’s one of the reasons he just can’t stop getting you with child. You are laying your son down, brushing his silky locks and smiling as he reaches for you with his little hands, as Satoru kisses his daughter on her forehead, tucking them both snug in their pretty room.

Intricate, huge and elaborate, it also had little touches of the Duke and Duchess strewn throughout it. A pair of your gloves on the dresser next to the stuffed animal you loved as a child sitting on the dresser, Satoru’s glasses next to that along with his favorite book that he’d read to them. It’s full of love despite just how huge it is, compared to their delicate little beds with their white canopies.

“But mama, tell me a story!” Your daughter says now, you laugh softly, coming over to sit next to her, the bed gently dipping just a bit, your gowns flowing in flounces so glittery, the moonlight capturing it so beautifully, as Satoru studies you, the soft slope of your shoulder bare in the night.

He remembers just when your first baby came, his lips twitching with amusement just a bit.

‘Suguru, it sounds like she’s dying!?’ Satoru was pacing back and forth, in long strides, hands yanking at his messy white hair, Suguru himself grimaces, taking a shot of whiskey as your screams echo through the hall.

‘Shoko is with her, and your mother… she’ll be…’

‘This big head is your fault, Satoru Gojo! I swear to god!’

Suguru snorts in laughter, as Satoru downs a shot himself, and King Sukuna walks past them, shaking his head. ‘I’ll never have a fucking heir if this is what happens to the girl, shit.’

Satoru scowls at him. ‘I still hate you.’

Sukuna grins at him widely. ‘Oh I bet you do, but I think she probably hates you more now.’

‘Knock me out with something, dear god!’ Satoru himself chuckles just a bit, shaking his head.

‘That’s my Duchess for you’

“Once a Prince lived in a very beautiful castle, and he was quite brooding,” Satoru hears your soft words now, brushing his son's hair back as he sits next to him, and the two of them watch you. “And a Princess was set to wed him from another land, well she was pretty… fiery.”

You smile at him, and his heart catches in his chest, god how much he adores you, how much you’ve both grown these past six years. The love grows so much for each other and your children. Sometimes it’s hard to breathe, when your eyes meet across your children’s room in the night, and the two of your memories are in sync, that day in the village.

The day he fell fully in love with you, the day you let yourself feel something finally, the day that changed the trajectory forever.

“They argued quite a bit at first, they were both so very stubborn, they surely thought they didn’t love each other. Foolish young royals, you know.” Satoru smiles, as you recall it all, him holding you so close, dancing in front of children, the little girl wearing your tiara.

You get misty eyed as Satoru speaks. “They were very foolish.”

“You know the story Papa?” Your daughter asks, Satoru gives her a nod then, blue eyes glinting in the dark room, as the sounds of the ball below barely penetrate the cozy room, just an echo of music and footsteps.

“I know it well, the Prince went to the village with the Princess one day, to see their subjects, and he found her putting her own crown on a little girl.”

“Aww, she seems so sweet!” Your daughter giggles out, and you feel your cheeks heat as Satoru grins.

“She was fiery indeed, but sweet deep inside. Quite like a truffle.”

“A truffle!?” He’s winking at you as you roll your eyes with a smile. “I suppose he was like a truffle as well.”

“Surely he was not!” Satoru’s lips set in a terse line, only spurring on your amusement.

“He was. The prince was so conceited, he thought the whole world was in love with him.” Satoru rolls his eyes now, earning your sassy little grin that lights up his fucking heart.

How could two that went through so much find such happiness?

Every day seems more and more like a dream, every day he stands by your side and holds you in his arms.

You’re a dream.

He’s your dream.

“I suppose many were in love with him, but he was quite annoying about it. But then, the Princess saw something different about him, when he asked her to dance, in the middle of the village! With so many looking on.”

“How romantic!” Satoru grins at his daughter’s wistful words, even at six she’s quite the little dreamer. You also feel yourself melt as you watch her lashes lower, and your son is already snoring lightly.

“He didn’t make it through the story.” Satoru teases, now the two of you sit next to your oldest, as she reaches her hands out, and you each hold them.

“Finish the story, mama!”

“Of course, baby.” You hold Satoru’s hand in your other grip, one with her teeny hand, one his huge warm one, feeling so complete then. “The Princess saw his heart that he hid away so well, and she fell in love with him, as they danced for all the little children to cheer.”

“Did he love her too?” She asks, her hand squeezing the two of yours, and you both look at each other.

“He loved her too, very much. He saw her beauty was not just on the outside, but the inside too.” Satoru’s words make you melt, when you both look at your pretty daughter smiling softly.

“Inner beauty is the most important thing. Though it doesn’t hurt, you are the most beautiful girl there is, you and your sister.” You say then, kissing her cheek, and she giggles.

“So are you mama!” She declares, and Satoru nods.

“So is Mama.”

“Oh, you two.” You kiss her one more time, tucking her in firmly now. “That’s enough for tonight, hmm?”

“Did they live happily ever after!?” She asks, eyes wide again, and you feel Satoru’s hand on the small of your back as the two of you stand.

“They did, very happy, and so was all of the land.”

“Yay!”

You both grin at her. “Good night sweet girl.” You kiss your son’s forehead as well, shutting the door softly behind you both. “A truffle huh?”

“A truffle. With hazelnuts that cut your mouth up.”

“You!” You shove at him and he laughs softly, cupping your face now, every time Satoru touches you feels like the first time, your body never stops responding with a madness.

“Shh, let me guess, checking on the baby? Before you let me put another inside you?” His husky declaration damn near ends your resolve, his hand on your tummy, still not quite flat after your third baby, but Satoru seems to enjoy your body more and more with each one.

“You let me focus, Sir.” You peck a kiss on his chin, heading down the halls with him next to you, until you’re in the nursery, peeking to see your sleeping baby.

“Good, saw them, let’s make more.”

“A moment, Satoru, shh!” Your glare is met with his hungry gaze.

“God you’re sexy when you’re angry.”

“Oh you do go on.” You step quietly into the room, holding up your skirts, seeing the beautiful mix of the two of you swaddled and sleeping peacefully. Your face lights up as you look down at her, and remember the look on Satoru’s face with your first baby.

‘Oh my god…’ Satoru’s walking in now, as you’re a sweaty mess, you’ve screamed so much you’re sure you traumatized everyone there, but it’s all worth it when you see Satoru holding her.

Your daughter.

‘A little girl, look at her. She’s beautiful.’ You whisper, exhausted when he sits next to you, and everyone leaves the chamber, to give you some privacy.

‘Like her mother.’ You’re crying when he kisses you, and tears fill his eyes, as he holds the sweet little baby against his chest. ‘I love you, sweet girl.’

‘I didn’t know my heart could be so full.’ You say softly, as Satoru hands your baby back to you, and you hold her tightly, as she opens her eyes, and you smile when Satoru sees it.

‘My eyes.’

‘Your eyes.’

‘You scared the entire castle, you know.’ You laugh, wincing then at the pain, and Satoru’s eyes grow concerned.

‘I’m just sore. Look, she’s hungry.’

‘I’ll get the wet nurse-’

‘Absolutely not.’ You sit up with his help now, and he’s watching enamored as you place the baby to your breast, and she latches after a few tries, sucking happily, making his body warm with how sweet of a sight it is.

‘A pro like her Papa.’

‘Oh god, Satoru!’

You’re now in Duke Gojo’s arms, when he holds you close, and you both study your youngest daughter in her sleep. “You get prettier with each one.”

“You’re sweet to say so.”

He scoffs. “When am I sweet?”

“Often, little truffle.”

“Psh.” He picks you up in his arms, bridal style, the way he wished he had that first night with you, but he does it almost every night now, while you all close the door, and the nannies smile at the two of you when you pass by.

You bury your face against his chest as he carries you, inhaling the familiar scent of the man you love. “You spoil me.”

“I do indeed, bratty Duchess.” You’re smiling as you kiss up his neck, and he holds you tighter, sweet little moan from his throat. “Tease.”

“Mmmhmm.” Soon he’s got you to your chambers, shutting the door behind you and letting you down, shocking you as he spins you, kissing down the nape of your neck, his masquerade mask brushing against your skin, when he unties yours by the ribbon, letting it fall to the ground.

“Fuck I need you, Princess.” You’re trembling when the corset is untied, when his fingers brush against the indentations on your precious skin. “I hate when you wear them.”

“It’s only for this gown, silly man.” You look behind your shoulder, when your silvery glittery gown falls and flounces around your ankles, and you’re left bare aside from those stockings he loves on you.

“No one could look this good in these.” You’re blushing as he picks you up right out of the dress in pieces on your floor, turning you and picking you up in his arms.

“I want to see you, Satoru, please.” He’s eagerly helping you shrug off his jacket as he lays you on the bed, you’re so eager his buttons pop, earning him smacking at your hand. “Excuse me!”

“This is an expensive shirt you brat. My favorite, so cock thirsty?”

“You’re such a-” He shuts you up with an eager kiss, and you can’t stop the whine that leaves your throat, as he grinds his cock against your heat, feeling you over his breeches.

“Slutty cunt is so ready to be filled by me.” His filthy words just excite you more.

If there’s one thing you and Duke Gojo know how to do, It’s fuck.

He’s biting your lips, squishing a sore breast, as you’re tugging desperately to bare his chest to you, exhaling when you feel his muscles with your finger tips, his abdomen tensing as his cock presses even harder. “Need you.” Your words nearly end him then and there.

“I need you.” You’ve got him almost naked, when he’s easing your stockings and slippers off your legs, kissing down your thighs fervently as he does, eyeing your body as hungrily as he did the first time. “God you’re so sexy for me.”

“Satoru… please…”

“Begging?” He raises a brow and grins, and you just nod, jerking as his breath brushes your clit, when his two fingers have your cunt spread wide. “I love when you beg f’me, god look at this little clit, she wants me to kiss her hmm?”

“Yes, yes - f-fuck!” He’s got his mouth on you now, you feel his teeth, his tongue, the plush of his lips, when he teases your poor little clit, twitching for his attention as he pulls back.

“Look at her, pretty little cunt so wet.” He’s watching arousal just pool out of your soppy little hole while he’s sucking it all up, drinking you loud and lewd, echoing in your room.

“Mnh!” You’re screaming out, thanking the world you have an entire castle to do just that, though you’re sure the maids and butlers perhaps get a kick out of the two of you, you’re sure it couldn’t reach the halls too far.

Satoru loves how you scream, how you’re yanking his white hair at the fucking roots, grinding your cunt so desperately on his face. He’s gripping your hips, wider and sexier from your babies, just making him ache to put more inside your tummy, pressing his cock against the mattress, dying to be inside you. But moreso aching to drink all the cum from your cunt.

“That’s it, let go, I feel it.” He’s pressing down on your stomach, slipping two fingers inside, watching you unravel, tits jiggling just so, full of milk he can’t wait to drink more of, when he’s done sipping you. “Cunt is soaking these sheets, huh? You’re a messy little slut f’me, aren’t you?”

“Slutty f-for you…” Is all you can answer back, as he crooks long fingers too deep in your entrance, and your walls are spasming around his fingers. “Satoru!”

“That’s it, feel me don’t you?” He’s pressing harder as he crooks fingers up on that spot, and you’re shattering, orgasm washing over you, which he laps up off his fingers, tongue then shoving inside you hungrily, desperate to drink every bit of his Duchess up.

“Please, fuck me god Toru, your cock in me please!” He’d smirk usually, but he’s got you pulling at his hair, and the plush of your thighs on either side of his head.

“Not done yet.” He’s flicking his tongue again on your engorged clit, so tiny and swollen, he grins psychotically as you’re jerking, twitching, shaking.

“Too much ngh!”

“You know you can take it, shh brat.” He flicks his tongue once more, overstimulating the little clit as he loves to, knocking you into another orgasm that blinds you completely, you’re sputtering for air when he finally relents, slipping up your body, hot thick cock finally against your inner thigh. “Can’t think? Can’t function?”

“Mnh…” You can’t argue with his sarcastic, cocky self when you cannot, in fact, function or think.

“You're gonna take this cock so good, aren’t you Princess…” You’re gulping when he shoves his cock in your entrance, moaning as you wrap his tip, pushing past that tight ring of muscles. “Still so tight, how?”

“Ngh…” He’s grinning at your lack of words, watching your eyes roll back as he sinks even deeper in your snug, soaking wet little hole.

“My duchess only shuts up when my cock stuffs her full.” He taunts, shoving in so deep he’s stuffing you indeed, your pussy tries to accommodate, to stretch, as your nails press into his skin, and you’re whimpering, walls gripping his cock so good he almost cums then and there. “Fuck…”

“You talk too much, Satoru- shit!”

“You cuss too much, mnh…” His turn to whimper, as he pauses, looking down at your face, glowing softly by the candles flickering next to the bed, inhaling your scent when he bends over you. “Let me drink more.”

“You’re insane.” You’re yanking his head down, however, when he’s sipping the sweet white liquid just pouring out of your pretty nipples, and moaning as it fills his mouth. “You’re greedy t-tonight…”

“You love it too.” He’s eyeing you, and it’s true, it feels so fucking good, his cock stretching your soaking walls while they flutter, and he’s sucking your nipples so hard in his hot mouth.

“Ah!” You’re cumming as he drinks milk spurting out, his big hands taking you over while he pulls you further down on his length. “Satoru!”

“Mmm… that’s it, Princess. Milking me while I’m milking you.”

“You’re… fucking crazy I swear…” He’s grinning as he turns to your other breast, sucking the sore peak into his mouth, while you’re trying not to pass out from how much pleasure he’s ripping from your body. “I l-love you.”

He pauses then, teeth grazing your peak before he leans back up, cupping your face gently for a moment. “I love you.”

You two kiss, desperate, while he fucks slow and leisurely for a few, letting you feel every single inch of him, so many you never get used to it, even after years of fucking this man every day. The only time he leaves her alone is the month after the children are born, but he’s not even good at waiting long.

Not like you want him to wait.

You’re cumming all over his cock again, when you see it, the shift of madness your husband does, when he goes feral inside of you, hands gripping harder, cock drilling your cunt harder, kisses deepening. He pulls back, as your hands are clinging to his strong biceps, thumbs brushing against the muscles that tense, before he pulls back, eyes glowing blue.

“Going to put ten fucking babies inside you.” He’s lost it now, truly he has, his eyes flashing, the man who never wanted babies wants some army!?

“No not t-ten you… psycho m-man…”

“Aw, can’t talk, so pathetic, Princess.” You’d scowl but he’s got you folded in half, in ways you didn’t know he could still after all your babies, but he manages to do just that. “You know you want it, huh pretty?”

“F-fuck off I don’t I… ah, there, fuck!” He’s smirking like the little shit he is while he fucks all sense out of you, as he always manages to.

“You love it.” He whispers, taunting you as his cock is hitting your cervix, his precum drooling as it drags that spot in your walls. “Say it.”

“I love it- mmm!” He’s grinning that psychotic grin again, eyes flashing as he folds you completely under him, his heavy weight on you making the bed creak, the heavy wood headboard somehow slamming those burgundy and gold walls, only Satoru Gojo can make heavy old wood slam.

“That’s it, look at you, ready for it, aren’t you? All my seed inside you?” You nod, helpless, but he’s not close to done, not when he murmurs - ‘open’ - and he’s spitting right in your mouth, a hand gripping your throat. “That’s it, still so slutty, my pretty whore, aren’t you?”

“Yours, yours…” You’re lost as he squeezes your throat, as you swallow his spit, and he drowns you with his everything, cock, hands, tongue slipping in your mouth and possessing it.

“Lemme feel it, c’mon Princess.” He’s lost himself now, crying out as he moves, pumping in and out of your loud, slutty cunt, as you struggle to take him. “Beg for it, for another baby in you.”

“God… you’ve gone m-mad…” He’s just kissing you again, slamming his cock so deep, swallowing up your scream.

“Beg.”

“Fuck you.”

“Ah-ah.” He’s choking harder, the game you both play, the push and pull of the two of you, while you swallow each other whole, like the black holes you’ve always been, just craving each other’s light with every kiss, every breath, every stroke of his cock inside you. “Beg.”

“M-make me.” He’s chuckling, but his cock is twitching, you feel too fucking good, when don’t you? He’s never been able to get enough, and he never will.

“Make you? You can still speak, Duchess?” He pulls back, slamming his cock too deep and too hard, groaning as he feels himself pulse, ready to fill you to the brim, his hands bruising on the backs of your thighs. “Beg me now, to make you a mommy again.”

“Mnh… one more.” He’s lost now, pulling back and cumming so deep inside you, so much it’s pouring all around his length, as he cries out against your lips, and you drink each other’s whines, clinging to each other in the night, your bed a huge rumpled mess beneath you.

“One more, hmm?” He asks, breathless, and you’re giggling now, the sound shattering his heart, as it always has, he brushes your now messy hair back, as he eases out, exhaling when he sees that mess he’s made, taking his cock and jerking it more, letting cum pour on your tummy. “Messy girl.”

“You’re messy!” He’s just exhaling at how pretty his cum looks, kissing you once more, fingers brushing between your folds, making you jerk. “Sore, it’s been a while since we…”

“Since I folded you in half?” He asks with a brow, enjoying your flushed cheeks, glittery eyes.

“That.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll do it until we fill you up again.” He’s kissing your tummy, lapping along a mark left from one of your babies, you can’t keep track, swiping up his own cum along with the sweat from your skin.

“Could you not give me a few months this time?” You’re asking later on, when he’s got you in the hot copper tub, you both can hear the masquerade going on, but you’re having quite the party with just the two of you.

“It’s not my fault you’re delectable pregnant. That’s all you.”

“You’re too much, Duke.” You stick out your tongue, gasping as he pinches sore nipples, hungry eyes feasting on the milk that releases. “No more!”

“You’re a cruel, evil Duchess.”

“Me!? Says you.”

“C’mere, bratty Princess.” He’s got you turned now, water sloshing around your bodies as your breaths mingle, and he’s brushing your hair back gently, as your arms wrap around his neck, and you study him, carefully. “What is on that mind of yours, I see those brows knitting together.” He touches them thoughtfully.

“Just thinking. Satoru, do you ever wish… we weren’t so stupid?” He frowns a bit at that.

“You mean do I wish I wasn’t terrible?” You sigh, shaking your head.

“No, not that, we both were. Do you wish we… met at a different time, a different life perhaps, one where we didn’t… royally fuck it up so badly at first?” Satoru’s hand drips with rivulets of water when he cups your face, blue eyes swirling with emotions, droplets falling off his wet lashes.

“No, because I’ll meet you in every life, and always find you.” You choke up in tears then, falling and leaving little drops against the bath, your thighs are on either side of his, your hands cupping his face.

“I will always find you, in any life. I love you, my Duke.” He’s tearing up himself, with his pretty Princess in his arms, it feels like some dream.

“I love you, my Duchess.” Your lips pressed together, and the two of you fall again, with every kiss, with every moment, the past long, long gone.

You would find each other in any life, in any timeline, you know in your heart and soul, this is where you belong, when he looks up at you with those eyes, the ones that have always seen you, even when you didn’t see yourself. And he knows, when he tastes your tears against the sweetness of your lips, and feels you so eager for him again.

You all will always love each other.

It’s burning, it’s insanity, it doesn’t dull over the years, it only gets better, when he’s inside you again, and kissing those full breasts, lapping up more of you, and you’re screaming out his name, echoing in the chamber. “Ten babies.”

You laugh softly, but it turns into a cry when he slams your cervix, smirking up at you. “No!”

“Nine.”

“No- ah! Fuck it… Four.”

“Four it is.” You’re laughing as you kiss, before he cums so deep inside of you, murmuring in your ear - ‘Ten’.

The End

A/N LONG ONE- I've never been more invested in one of my stories, and this is BY FAR the longest, at over 150k words. I can't believe what a journey I had. The Duchess is as close to a self insert as I'll get, so this one means a lot to me. It may not have all the likes of some of my new works (difficult subject and angsty lol) but I am truly proud of how I wrote it. I know cheating is a rough subject, but remember that THEY did not choose to be together, they were forced. It doesn't make their actions right, and it's okay if you hated Duke Gojo, or the Duchess, or even Nanami, it's okay if you felt mad or upset at them, because that's being HUMAN. They're not perfect, but the Duke and Duchess are perfect for each other. The angst was heavy, and the emotions were as well, but I truly hope you enjoyed their journey and the deep love they do share despite it all. Sorry for this long, long rambling note, but this story meant a lot to me. I love all of you who followed it from the beginning or just are finding it, and understand what I meant to do here.

Another A/N- if you want to know, their reincarnations are Fratboi Gojo and Sorority reader in Took you Like a Shot aha. That's their much happier versions still lowkey/highkey hating each other, but much less toxicc!

taglist #1- @kalopsia-flaneur @bunheadusa @7thsthings @disilluzions @antisocialinlw @Sukunassfinger @lelsforlino @heeknow @muvasuperior @prince-wyiilder @lavender-hvze @ssetsuka @labelt-san @sadmonke @philiatothephobia @ambiguouslady42 @stromynight @dreamygirli3 @jjknanamin @jazlenekasi @wuvnada @nanasukii28 @sw3etnena @dark-agate @tamaki-simp @yuuuumii @givluv2tyy @peppertoastuniverse @sw3etnena @webshooterrr9 @thikcems @erensblackwife @murayamayoshiki-lovergurl @blue-musingss @huuuhwhaat @makingtimemine @saccharinesatoru @sunnyviewsblog @nanananananaiknow @ekaterinatepes @szna @ayumilk @trishiepo0 @just-pure-trash @nanamiskentos @ifiwereabug @devastyle @aldebrana @alygator77

Buy me a glass of wine (KoFI) - General Masterlist

#gojo smut #gojo x reader #satoru x reader #satoru gojo x female reader #satoru gojo x reader #satoru x you #satoru smut #satoru gojo smut #duke gojo #finished fic #finished jjk fic #satoru gojo #jjk arranged marriage #royalty au #jjk smut #satoru gojo x y/n #satoru gojo x f!reader

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teaspacebar · 8 months ago

Text

spiced chai

part two

pairing: carmen "carmy" berzatto x reader

summary: you've been living in chicago for about a year, and you're suddenly managing the coffee shop in the well beloved bookstore, nan's. you meet carmen berzatto on a not-so-good day. you're thrust into the everchanging societal landscape that is making friends in your 20s..

word count: ~9.7k

warnings: language, depictions of mental illness, barista!reader, afab!reader (but tried to be as neutral as possible), neurodivergent!reader, they don't kiss, could be read as platonic tbh but there's crumbs in there if you look, takes place over the course of a few months, probably doesn't follow canon fully (i'm not caught up yet forgive me)

a/n: *dumps this here and runs* but actually this piece of writing appeared in my brain and i've been picking away at it for a couple of months. i feel like i've put more of myself into this fic than with anything else i've written, so this is definitely more of a self insert (pls be kind or don't read if that's not your vibe). i'm queer, non-binary, and autistic and i just wanted to insert that into this space. i feel like there's more to explore here, so i might write more for this if i feel so inclined.

Meeting Carmen Berzatto was not on your to-do list for Tuesday morning.

Not that having to run down to the nearest corner store to grab milk - since the milk fridge was on the fritz…again - at 4am was in your plans either. It always seemed like one step forward, three giant leaps back with the little shop on the corner you basically called home. It was weird, to be thrust into leadership as your manager made an abrupt exit.

The small bookstore, with an even tinier coffee shop, had been your place of work for the last year or so. You loved it. The people were great, and Nan, the shop owner, was absolutely lovely. She was getting up in her years, but the genuine care she had for the employees made all the difference. She put her trust in you to run the cafe, saying “You have the experience, and the care you have for people shows. I know this. Everyone knows this. Now you just have to see it - have confidence.”

“Confidence my ass,” you mutter, carrying five gallons of milk around the corner.

What happens next might have been considered the beginning of a rom-com, but you’re a realist, and the world is shitty.

There’s a crash, and the distinct sound of three of the five gallons of milk dropping onto the sidewalk. You stare, watching in slow motion as the milk forms into a river, dripping off the sidewalk into the gutter.

The person who ran into you curses, “Shit — fuck, sorry, I—I wasn’t looking where I was…dammit.”

You grip the other two jugs in your arms, blinking out of the haze to let out a hysterical laugh. “Great…cool cool.” Cold plastic bites into your fingers, and you take a deep breath. “Yeah, okay, what else was gonna happen?” You finally look up to see the one you collided with. The man looks extremely uncomfortable, foot tapping like he wants to bolt. Plastering on a smile you shake your head, “It’s fine. I’m the one who thought carrying five gallons of milk would be fine.” You ramble on, trying to ease his nerves, “I mean — why would I drive, like, thirty seconds. Park, get the milk, come all the way back. Seemed stupid…but now there’s milk in my socks.” You grimace, fighting the urge to chuck the remaining jugs of milk in the street so you could also hurl your milk-soaked shoes and socks after them. It makes the ache in your chest sharpen.

“Here, where are you —“

You cut him off, “No, no, it’s okay. I got it, thank you.” You gesture to the door that’s just a few feet away from you. “This is me, anyway.” You adjust your hold on the milk, brushing past the man to pull open the door. You catch it with your hip, not daring to look back as you head behind the counter. You release a sigh, setting the bane of your existence on the black speckled marble.

“Fuck,” you whisper, pressing the backs of your hands to your eyes. You shake out your arms, biting your lip. “Okay, asshole, let’s get your shit together.” You quickly put the milk into the small fridge below the bar and walk to the back. The squish of your socks curdles your stomach, and you breathe through your mouth to avoid the smell. You take off your shoes, throwing them into a plastic bag to take home. Tossing your socks into the garbage, you grab your replacement sneakers and socks from your cubby. It wasn’t the first time you’ve dropped something on your shoes, it wouldn’t be the last.

You take your time in the back. You had gotten to the shop around 4am, unable to sleep. You were messing around with recipes, seeing if there was a possibility of baking some of the food in the cafe fresh, instead of outsourcing. It was something you put on your own plate, and you didn’t want to disappoint Nan. You had shown up early, looking to try out some muffins, and noticed the fridge had been hovering at sixty degrees all night. You’ll have to grab some more milk before the day starts, but that could be a problem for 8am you.

Walking through the swinging doors, you jump as you see someone at the bar counter. Pressing a hand to your fluttering heart, you finally take in the man that had run into you earlier. A mop of curly hair on his head, white tee, very blue eyes…and standing behind eight gallons of milk.

“Um…” you look between the milk and him a few times.

“The…uh – the door was unlocked. Figured I owed you one.” He rubs the back of his neck.

“How’d you even get it all here?”

“Made two trips.” His gaze snaps back to you as you laugh, this time more genuine. “Fridge go out, or somethin’?” You’re still staring at him like he has two heads, and he rambles on, “Sorry for just…barging in. I used to go to this place…when I was kid. My sister and I would grab whatever pastries they had left for the day. And, yeah, we’d just sit, read random shit. I work at the restaurant just down the street…’s why I ran into you. Wasn’t paying attention – sorry, again.”

Suddenly, it all clicks. “You own The Bear.”

“Uh, yeah – yeah, I do.”

You feel nervous, out of the blue. Nan hadn’t stopped talking about the Berzatto’s, and Natalie had become a regular while the restaurant was being remodeled. You’re sure you’d seen other employees come in as well, for reading material. You vaguely remember talking to a very sweet man about baking, as he carried a ton of cookbooks in his arms.

You knew Carmen Berzatto, but only through the words of others – and the research you did late one night because you were nosey. To have him standing in the bookstore you worked at, for him to have gotten you milk, is sending you for a loop. Swallowing a lump in your throat, you begin to put the milk in their new home. You really need to call the refrigerator guy again.

“That’s so cool,” the words fall from your mouth, others staying in your head.

It's insane that someone like him is even speaking to you. He’s around the same age as you; He owns a restaurant and you’re barely able to run a tiny coffee bar in a bookstore. You’re an idiot who dropped milk onto the sidewalk. Why didn’t you just take the car? You should’ve just taken the car. Now Carmen fucking Berzatto has bought you milk at 5am because he feels bad for you. How pathetic. Call the fucking refrigerator guy.

“Thanks…for the milk.” You back away from the counter, gesturing behind you, “Lemme grab some money from the cash box real quick.”

“No, don’t worry about it.”

“It’s really fine, you didn’t have to go out of your way. I’ll be right back.” The itch creeps its way up your spine, and you push through the door as a shudder passes through you. You shake out the twitch, going and grabbing the cash box. You do mental math, trying to see how much you should give him. Did he even need the money? “Idiot,” you chide yourself. Today was not the day for your brain.

Snagging a twenty and a ten, you rush back out to the bar, only to find the store empty. A groan escapes through your teeth, and you clench the cash in your hands, crumpling it. You walk to the front door, peering out to see if you can spot the chef. He must’ve made a quick getaway. As you turn to get prepped for the day, you spot a brochure on the counter, far away from its home of the stand at the front of the bookstore. Eat Your Way Through Chicago!

Scribbled on the front is a phone number, and the words:

Fridge Ask for Fak Say Carm sent you

“Fucking fuck.” You whisper, a smile creeping on your face against your will, “Asshole.”

It’s later in the week when you hear the bell attached to the front door – ding! You poke your head up from where you're arranging some alternative milks under the counter, seeing a familiar blonde.

“Hey, Natalie!” You pop up, an easy grin appearing on your face. “Half-caff?”

She nods, “Please.”

“How are you?”

“Oh, you know.”

You ring her up quickly, then grab a pitcher to steam some milk for her latte. Natalie walks away from the counter to browse some books. The steam wand whirs, and you watch the vortex inside the pitcher. You touch the sides every so often, waiting for it to get to the right temperature. Making drinks is all muscle memory now, and you tamp the espresso grounds into the portafilter with precision. Wiping the excess from the lip, you lock it into the machine and press the shot button. As the shot pulls, you wipe down the steam wand with a wet cloth.

“Is this any good?” Natalie has come back over, holding up a book with a half-naked man on the front.

You laugh, “It’s a Nan recommendation, so…” The shots are poured into the paper cup, and you swirl the milk into it, doing a quick tulip design. You sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top, before placing it in front of the woman.

“Smutty then, for sure.” Natalie laughs, then does a little excited gasp when she sees the latte art. “It looks so good every time!”

“Thanks,” you reply, “Gets covered by the lid, but it’s fun to practice.”

“Too bad you don’t have for-here mugs,” she says thoughtfully.

“Ever the idea-haver! There'd be more spills to clean up – Nan would lose her mind if any books got ruined.” You point to the book still in her hand, “You want me to ring you up for that?” It was early enough in the afternoon that the only other person here was a part-timer, Jack, somewhere between the shelves stocking books. You had convinced Nan to upgrade to a different register system (which ended up saving money in the long run), so you’re able to ring up both books and café products at your register.

She shakes her head, sighing. “I barely have any time to read, these days. I was thinking about trying out audiobooks? I used to listen to them at my old job, but it’s way too loud in the kitchen for that to work out.” The latte goes to her mouth, a pleasant hum leaving her as she takes a sip. “You’re the best.”

“Thanks, Natalie.”

She squints at you, “It’s Nat, c’mon.” A big conspiratorial grin makes its way onto her face, “So, I heard that you got some help with your fridge.”

A sharp pain twists in your chest. “Oh, um…yeah.” You let out a soft chuckle, “It’s working, which is great. Neil was a big help.”

“He said you made him the best hot chocolate he’s ever had,” Natalie taps the counter with her pointer finger twice. “Said he didn’t know how you got his number, though.”

You shrug, wiping down the counter, “Nan had it. And the usual guy wasn’t calling me back.” Neil had told you the exact same thing, both about the drink and the number. Something had held you back from saying where you got the number from. Embarrassment, maybe? It felt weird, feeling like you owed anyone favors, or that things would be unbalanced. People usually never give without looking to receive.

“Frankie, right? He’s an asshole. Overcharges for everything.” Natalie doesn’t push you for answers, something you’re grateful for.

“Right! He disappeared one time and said he’d ‘be right back’ and then was gone for like, two hours! And he added that to his hourly!” The two of you giggle at the shittiness of people for a minute, when a ping causes Natalie to pull her phone from her pocket.

“I should run.” She reaches into her purse, and puts a five into your tip jar. “Thanks again!”

As she turns to go, you call out her name. “Would you - maybe - I have some extra muffins. The place we get them from gave us some of the wrong ones…or they’re a tad over baked, or something. I can’t sell them. Would you wanna take them with you?”

“That’s so sweet of you! Yeah, I’m sure they’ll get eaten up.”

You grab the box of muffins, handing them over to her, “Thanks.”

“Thank you, babe.” She leaves with a smile, and you look down to brush the flour off your apron.

“Hey, guys, I got some goodies!” Natalie sets the box of muffins on the table, where everyone is seated for family meal.

Neil immediately grabs the box, pointing to the sticker on the top, “You went to Nan’s? Man, I could use a hot chocolate right now.”

“I’m sure you can walk over there and order one, my love.” Natalie replies, waving for him to put the box back on the table.

Marcus snags two muffins, handing one to Sydney who is sitting on his right. Taking a bite, he stops chewing, eyebrows raised. “Dude,” he nudges the girl next to him.

“Dude,” Syd parrots, popping some muffin into her mouth. “Wait, woah.”

“That’s what I’m saying!”

“Nat, where did you get these?” Sydney calls to the woman now sitting at the end of the table. The muffins are passed down the rest of the table.

Marcus has started dissecting the muffin, “Macadamia nuts, sick.”

“Oh they’re from Nan’s just down the corner!” She tells them how you offered them to her since they were the wrong ones from a vendor and possibly over-baked.

Syd snorts, “Over-baked? These are perfect!”

“What’s perfect?” Carmy walks out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Bear, come eat!” Natalie waves him over, pulling him into the seat next to hers. “You’ve been at it all morning, take a minute, okay?” She gives him a look that tells him not to argue, and he huffs in response, but does as she says.

“What’s perfect?” He asks again, taking the muffin box from Sweeps as it’s passed to him. As the cinnamon crumble topping hits his taste buds, he leans back in his chair. “Shit.”

“That’s what we’re saying!”

Syd and Marcus begin talking over one another, the dull roar of family making its home in Carmy’s ears. He has another bite of muffin, thumb swiping over the sticker atop the box.

Nan’s Books & Brews

Simple lettering, surrounding a doodle of a coffee cup sitting on an open book.

“When did they,” he clears his throat as he leans closer to Nat, “when did they start doin’ stuff like this?”

Natalie purses her lips, “Not sure, honestly. They only had that small coffee machine and that plastic pastry case when we were growing up, remember? I think they added the actual coffee bar right before Covid?” Carmy nods, looking out the windows, a curdle in his stomach.

“A lot’s changed,” he murmurs.

“Yeah,” Nat sighs, a hand over her stomach, “a lot has.”

A few weeks go by, as uneventful as they can be. You try out more recipes, and the staff of Nan’s is always sent home with one treat or another. Muffins, cinnamon rolls, croissants (which were a bust), and the like. Natalie is still a regular, and Neil has shown up to save your ass more than once. The brochure with his number on it taunts you from where it’s stuck up on the corkboard in the back.

Which is what has led you to standing in front of The Bear, a joe-to-go in one hand, paper bag in the other. An envelope burns in the inner pocket of your flannel jacket. Steeling your nerves, you knock on the door. Some yells are heard from inside, nicknames getting passed around like it’s a holiday dinner. You see a man walk towards you, in a nice suit, and he opens the door.

“Can I help you?” It’s not said unkindly, but there’s a look in his eyes that’s making you nervous.

“Coffee delivery?” You say sheepishly, holding up the coffee traveler by its cardboard handle.

“Richie, who’s at the - hey!” Natalie immediately smiles when she sees you, and you sigh a breath of relief. Things were easy with her; she had this amazing way of comforting you without even trying.

“Hi,” you wiggle your fingers, still keeping hold of the objects in your hands. “Wanted to say thanks for all the help Neil’s been giving me, and when Nan found out, she insisted I bring over some coffee for the team, so…”

“You workin’ at Nan’s?” The guy - Richie - asks.

“For the past year or so, yeah.” You reply, thanking Natalie as she grabs the paper bag from you.

“Let them in, Richie, c’mon.” She presses on his chest, causing him to back up with his hands in the air. “Come in! I’ve been meaning to ask if you wanted to come by for a tour.” You follow behind her, taking in the layout of the place. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and a sense of awe falls over you. She has you set the coffee traveler on the bar, letting you take the paper bag from her hands. You pull out a cup holder with two cups in it.

“One half-caff french vanilla latte for you and…a hot chocolate for Neil.” As if by magic, Neil pops through the door to the kitchen.

“For me?!”

You chuckle as he pulls you into a hug. When he pulls away, he grabs his cup with a happy sound, rushing back into the kitchen when “Fak!” is yelled.

“The fuck Fak get a coffee for?” Richie frowns, causing you to bristle. Natalie swats at him, beginning to explain as you continue to walk around the restaurant. As you pass by a wood table, your fingers tap on it, the sound echoing in your ears. It sends a shiver through you, and a small smile appears on your lips.

Natalie calls out to you, tearing your gaze back to her. People have begun to swarm around the bar, placing food on it, and your coffee is suddenly surrounded by things that smell amazing. “Did you want to eat with us, babe?” Attention turns to you, and the itchiness in your limbs reappears with a vengeance.

A tall man, wearing a beanie, grins, “Hey, those muffins were amazing, by the way.”

You sputter, “Oh. Um—“

“Tell the chef, or baker — whoever,” he laughs at himself. “They were fire.”

Warmth rises in you, “Yeah, I’ll pass it on.”

“Babe, lunch?” Natalie says again, louder this time. More of the staff have begun digging into their meals.

“No, it’s okay!” The corner of your mouth curves up in a small smile, this one less genuine than before. You begin to back up towards the door, a gnaw of guilt in your gut as Natalie frowns.

“Cousin! Food!” Richie yells out, followed by laughter from everyone else.

“I’m coming!” A familiar figure bursts through the kitchen door, “You don’t gotta yell like an asshole.”

Carmen Berzatto stops in his tracks when he sees you; the envelope in your pocket burns hotter. You look down at your shoes, but they just remind you of the milk dripping down the sidewalk.

“Carm,” Natalie introduces you, “they work at—“

“Nan’s.” Everyone chimes in, and you have to stop yourself from flinching. You look over at Carmy, eyes meeting.

There’s a moment where you feel like you’re going to get swallowed whole. The pipes are going to burst and water will fill up the room and you’re going to drown.

You walked straight into a den of hungry beasts, and you’re just a measly rabbit.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” Natalie’s words are muffled in your ears, but you manage to shake your head.

“I have someone from books covering me, and they barely know how to work the espresso machine.” You force a laugh. It grates against your vocal chords. “It was nice meeting you guys, though.” With a meek wave, you turn on your feet and speed out the door. Rounding the corner, you keep walking until you’re sure they can’t see you. Veering into the alleyway behind the restaurant, you let out a shaky breath, leaning against the brick.

You press your thumb into the palm of your hand. Inhale, hold four seconds, exhale. Inhale, hold four seconds, exhale. It’s over before it starts, but your chest remains tight. A reminder, which will eventually dissipate once you're back in the shop.

The coffee bar, your shield; apron, your armor.

A door opening causes you to jump, startled. Your eyes meet blue, widening like you’ve been caught. “Sorry! I was just–” You push off the brick.

Carmen seems just as surprised as you, “No, s’fine.” He clears his throat, as the two of you settle into silence.

A fwip of a lighter. Four seconds. An exhale of smoke.

You’re unsure if you should leave, but it’s like the bottoms of your shoes are stuck to the ground. “Did you-” He starts, lifting up his hand that holds a lit cigarette.

You shake your head, “No, but - um, thanks.” Your fingers twitch, and you reach to pull the envelope from inside your jacket. Something that appears so insignificant, held out in the space between you. When he just stares, you wave it a bit, until he takes the envelope with his free hand.

“What’s this?”

“Cash, for the milk you bought.”

“You didn’t have to-“

“I did.” You bounce on your heels, “I should actually get going this time. Just wanted to give you that but…” He doesn’t respond, something you’re getting used to. You wonder where the man who rambled about reading with his sister at Nan’s went, but decide now is the best time to make your escape. As you start to walk toward the street, you turn, “The restaurant looks great, by the way. Good luck with the opening.”

“Good luck with the opening.”

Inhale. Four seconds. Exhale.

"Let it rip, Bear."

Inhale. Four seconds. Exhale.

“-a complete waste of fucking time.”

Inhale. Four seconds. Exhale.

“I’m really sorry you feel that way, Carm.”

Natalie invites you to Friends & Family.

You don’t go.

The next month flies by. Marcus, Richie, and Syd have joined your little group of regulars. Richie even brings his daughter, Eva, whenever he’s able. She’s a joy and absolutely hilarious to have around. Richie has grown on you, the rough edges of him softening after a few cortados.

One night, he had rushed into the shop, Eva in tow, all but begging you to watch her for a few hours. He was supposed to be off for the day, to spend time with his daughter, but they’re understaffed at The Bear. A few weeks in, which confused you, but questions weren’t asked. You said yes - obviously - and had Eva help you with little things around the shop, until you close. The two of you bonded over a shared love of Taylor Swift while making muffins. By the time Richie came to pick her up, Eva was tuckered out in a loveseat, patchwork blanket tucked up to her chin.

“I owe you one,” Richie had whispered, holding his daughter in his arms.

You shook your head, “You deserve to have time with her.”

He scoffed, rolling his eyes, “Yeah, bring it up with the Bear himself.”

You weren’t planning on it. The man is barely on your mind. Except for every time someone from The Bear walks in. They look drained, more and more each day. It’s a certain type of pain, to watch people – that once had so much life in them – lose the light that you felt so harshly the first time you walked into the restaurant. You hear inklings; mentions of a changing menu every night, nonnegotiables, and the like.

It worries you. It’s not your place - you’re more than aware of that. But you’ve come to care for these people. And by extension, some part of you wants to see how he’s doing. It’s an odd - biting -feeling. How strange it is, to know someone through everyone else’s eyes but your own. You have to fight back the urge to force yourself into the places you do not fit. You’re resigned to watching from afar, providing comfort behind your coffee bar. It’s what you’re good at. It might be all you're good at.

Some sick twist of fate decides to upturn it all one Friday night.

Carmy had stayed late, to nobody’s surprise. He’d been adjusting the menu, preparing it for tomorrow, when the flashes hit him. He decides to walk it off, popping another thing of nicotine gum into his mouth. He walks aimlessly, trying to push the overwhelming thoughts out of his head. The street is dark - most places being closed - but light pours onto the sidewalk, just a few feet ahead of him. Almost a reflex, he peers into the windows.

A laugh of disbelief - more a huff of air through his nose - leaves him.

You’re dancing, headphones over your ears, as you mix something in a large bowl. It’s unlike anything he’s seen - from you or otherwise. There’s a sense of freedom in your movements, so different from the few times he’d seen you before. The tightness in his chest lightens, some, at the sight of you so obviously in your element.

And you're looking right at him.

“Shit,” he mumbles. You tilt your head at him, doing a little wave. He lifts a hand in reply, and you point haphazardly at the door. Before he can respond, or walk away – anything, you’re heading around the counter. A click of the door unlocking, and you pull it open part way.

“Hey,” you say, a little loud. With a wince, you pull the headphones off to rest around your neck. Music can be heard – a muffled, upbeat song that he doesn’t recognize. “Hey,” you say again, quieter this time. Silence passes between you, and he watches your nose twitch. “…did you wanna?” You jut your thumb behind you. You’re almost unrecognizable from the first time you met, calmer, somehow.

“Yeah, sure.” The words come out, easier than he thinks, and slips through the door you hold open. You lock it behind him, turning back around to slide behind the counter.

You grab a muffin tin, beginning to fill each one with a scoop of the batter you had been mixing. You make quick work of it, pushing them into the small commercial oven, wiping your fingers on the towel that’s pulled through a loop in your jeans.

Leaning against the counter, you finally look at him, “Okay, Pick your poison.”

“What?”

“Coffee? Americano, latte, cappuccino?” It’s like you’re trying to read him, wanting to crack the spine of a book and see what’s inside.

“I don’t really do the…caffeine.”

You hum thoughtfully, tapping your fingers on the counter in some type of rhythm. “Can I make you something? Low-caffeinated, of course.” He nods. “Anything you hate?” A shake of his head.

You grab a cup and get to work. You’re singing under your breath - the song that’s playing from the headphones around your neck. With your eyes off of him, he takes a moment to actually observe the shop. Warm lighting, with dark wood bookshelves making it feel cozy without being too claustrophobic. There’s smaller tables, with different recommendations for certain genres. A sprinkling of string lights and hanging plants just adds to the homey feeling, one so different from the pristine, white kitchens he’s used to being in. So different from his own restaurant. The coffee shop portion is close to the front, dark marble countertops and a chalkboard menu - swirling letters describing monthly drink specials.

“Alright, order up,” you call out softly.

Carmy walks back up to the bar, eyeing the cup. Warmth presses into his skin as his fingers curl around it. You mention that it’s hot, to let it cool for a bit. Silence falls between the two of you - in a way he finds comforting. Your eyes flick between him and the counter you’re wiping down.

“Do you normally do this?” He asks.

“The making drinks thing, or the staying at the shop way too late thing?” You give a wry smile. “Could ask you the same.”

He scratches at his nose, “Noted.”

The minutes pass; you go about cleaning the shop, rinsing dishes and setting things up for the next day. It’s an art he’s well versed in. The muscle memory takes over for you, and Carmen becomes invisible. It feels nice, to just be in a place where nobody has anything to ask of him. He finally tries the drink. It’s good, milky, if a little sweet, but it eases the last of the sourness in his stomach away. A timer on your phone goes off, and you tug on a flowery oven mitt to pull the muffins out of the oven. Chocolate and spice invades his nostrils, soothing him even more. You grab one, hissing a bit since it’s hot, and put it on a plate, bringing it back over to him. Leaning over the bar, you reach for forks that are in a metal cup, right near Carmy. You’re close, with no care about being in his personal space. It’s only for a second, and then you’re back in your previous position.

“You can have some, as long as you promise not to be an ass about it.” You hold out a fork for him. The words cause him to cringe, but he takes the utensil from you.

He stares at the muffin, running his thumb on the underside of the fork. “How much trouble am I in?”

You shrink back a little, “W-what?”

He’s met you what - twice? Both times felt clunky, an awkwardness to the both of you. Here, it’s simpler. Under the cover of night, huh? A voice that sounds awfully like Mikey’s says in the back of his mind. His family won’t stop talking about you. Or drinking your coffee.

“The Bear,” he mutters. “They talk to you, right?”

You laugh, surprised. “Do you actually want to know?” You hold up a hand before he can reply, “Actually, no. They don’t talk to me. I see things, sure. But I’m not getting anyone in trouble with the boss.” You’re on the defensive, not even for yourself, but for his kitchen.

“They-They’re not in trouble.” One look from you and he deflates, sighing. “Okay, yeah. Just…just say something.”

“I haven’t even been to eat there.”

“You should come,” he says.

Another laugh - a scoff, more-like, “You think I could afford your place?” You bite your lip, pinching the bridge of your nose. After a moment, you continue, gently, “Do you have any fun?”

“Fun.” The word is like poison in his mouth.

“Yes, fun. I know that food service isn't the best, but it’s good to have fun, or to at least enjoy it.” You wave your hands around, “That family meal stuff you guys do? That’s so sweet, and you have a whole family unit going on in that kitchen, or whatever. If this restaurant is supposed to be the rest of your life, you should like it, at least a little bit, right?” Your torso melts into the counter, and you rest your head on your arm. “And like, maybe? Don’t change the menu every night, or something. It’s new, right? You gotta work out the kinks first before jumping in all-” you blow air out through your cheeks.

A beat of quiet, then, “The menu, huh?”

“Eleven thousand for butter?” You parrot back. At his frown, you hold up your hands, “I’m just a barista, what would I know?” You say it without heat, and yet he feels guilt crawl up his throat.

“That’s not-”

“I know, Carmen.” A sigh leaves your lips, “You asked, so I talked. Again, take everything with a grain of salt.” The words get softer, as if you’re talking more to yourself than to him, “Just remember who’s going down with you if it ends up crashing and burning.”

You stab your fork into the muffin, tearing it in half. He follows suit, lifting a bite of it to his lips. Spice floods his taste buds, and he grunts. You blink up at him, fork hanging from your mouth. He’s suddenly starving, and he eagerly gets himself another forkful. “S’good.” He mumbles through the food. Carmen watches as you process his words, pressing your lips together to hide a smile. You two finish the muffin, and there’s an ominous sense of peace that covers him like a blanket. “Thanks.”

“For yelling at you?”

Carmy lets the chuckle spill out, “If that’s what you call yelling…” He trails off, sobering, “Do you have fun?”

You hum, contemplating. “Yeah. I mean, it’s coffee, at the end of the day. It’s just nice to see people, to make their day a little better than it was. I like to try out new things, to create, to get recommendations.” You stop, seeing him staring at you, “What?”

“You’re different…from the other day, s’all.”

You’re perplexed, scrunching your nose, “Well I had a bad day, the first time. And I don’t do…well, with new people.”

“Unless you’re behind the counter.”

Your eyes widen, something flickering behind them, like he’s seen something you didn’t want him to. “Touche.” Checking your phone, you clear your throat, “Alright, we should probably get out of here if we want any semblance of sleep.” He follows your lead, as you flick off the lights, throwing you backpack over your shoulder. He waits while you lock the front door, small key dangling on a keychain. You turn, looking at him, before holding out a paper bag, “Muffin for the road?”

He grabs it, an odd feeling bubbling in his chest, “Oh - uh, thanks.”

You suddenly look sheepish, fiddling with the strap of your bag, “And if you’re out late again, feel free to stop by. If you need a break, or something.” A beat. “Oh, again, take what I said with a grain of salt, yeah? Just - maybe - try to take care of yourself a little.” You laugh nervously, and Carmy sees the truth of his earlier observation. You’re still more relaxed, but the nerves have crept in as you step outside your comfort zone. Something he knows all too well. “Anyways, have a good night - morning.” You shake your head, blowing a raspberry through your lips.

“Night. Get home safe.” He murmurs. You turn on your heel, walking down the street. He tightens his grip on the paper bag.

Take care of yourself.

At least enjoy it.

You should like it, at least a little bit, right?

Carmy doesn’t know if he truly remembers what liking cooking is like. He’s found little bits of it, in moving back home. In Marcus’ eyes as he creates something new. In Syd’s determination to make amazing food. There’s a passion there that he’s lost somewhere along the way.

He sees it in you, and it calls out to him - the tide being pushed and pulled by the moon. A curious feeling, gnawing at his stomach. A hunger for something he can’t make sense of, but he pulls the muffin out of the bag to eat on his walk home.

Carmy keeps showing up at Nan’s, usually late at night. You didn’t expect him to take you up on your offer, yet a smile graces your lips every time he does.

He was right, when he said you feel most comfortable behind the counter. You knew it, but having someone else acknowledge it felt…weird. Like you weren’t playing your part right. Yet it also felt good, to be seen.

Conversation between the two of you still feels stilted, occasionally, but you find comfort in the quiet moments. And the not-so quiet ones; with music playing at just above a reasonable level, you mouthing the words as you dance around behind the bar. The mask slowly slides off when he comes around, and it’s easier to be goofy.

You think it surprises him. He’s not quite sure what to do, when you’re cruising on the linoleum tile you call a dance floor. But he never tells you that you’re weird, or too much. You’ve maybe even seen him bite back a smile. You swear there’s dimples hiding somewhere — a fleeting thought that you let fly away before you linger on it too long.

“What do you think?” You’ve turned the music down, notepad on the counter, your favorite pen in hand. You click it a few times, sound satisfying the little itch in the back of your brain.

“Not sure if I’m a matcha fan,” Carmy murmurs. You nod, writing down his response onto the paper. It’s almost filled — you’ll have to turn to the next page soon — with different drinks you’ve had Carmy try, determined to find the right one. He’s harder to pin than others, something you’re not necessarily surprised by.

That's partially on you. You're unsure of how much to ask. How much could you poke the both metaphorical and literal Bear until it breaks? You've been enjoying your time, but you've yet to ask him how work is going. He doesn't ask you about your personal life, so why would you ask about his?

There's a curiosity there, though. To see what makes Carmen Berzatto tick. You fear the two of you might be a little too similar.

You turn to go back to cleaning your mess — the reason being a fresh tray of cookies cooling on the counter, when he says your name. “Did you get a new tattoo?”

Gaze flashing to the wrap you have on your arm, peeking out from the sleeve of your shirt, you turn bashful. “Oh,” you hum, “I did. It’s been on my list for awhile. I’m keeping it wrapped at work while it heals - god knows I spill everything all over myself.”

“Can I — What did you get?” He’s just as sheepish as you, a boyish glow about him. You’d never talked about tattoos before. His evidence is on his arms; yours are mostly concealed — easy to hide with the oversized button downs and jeans you wear.

You pull your phone from your back pocket, “Here, I’ll pull up a photo of it.” Placing your phone on the counter, Carmy grabs it, zooming in on the two-headed calf that’s found its home on your bicep. The tattoo is fresher in the photo, line work popping out against your skin. “The longest living two-headed calf lived 17 months. Her name was Gemini — a little on the nose, I think. There’s also this poem by Laura Gilpin, that just kinda struck me.” Your ramble tumbles off, a half smile pulling at your lips. “It’s sad, but the kind that makes you hurt in a nice way? If that even makes sense.” You wave a hand around, then reach to take a sip from his cup.

The matcha settles the nerves hiding under your skin, the earthy flavor dancing on your tongue. As you set the cup back on the counter, you point at his hand, “What’s that stand for?” Your own fingers twitch, fighting the urge to brush them across his own. “S.O.U?”

“Ah, sense of urgency.” He says, fiddling with your phone.

You laugh, quickly covering it with a hand, “Sorry, I — sorry, that just makes so much sense.” Before he can speak, you shake your head, “Not in a bad way, necessarily. It’s just so obvious how little work-life balance you have.”

“We’re literally at your shop in the middle of the night.” Carmen huffs exasperatedly, corner of his mouth curling up.

You hold your hands up, conceding, “Okay, I get it. Misery loves company - or whatever. God, we’re both crazy, aren’t we? We should get out more.”

He hums in response, tapping his phone twice to check the time. Anxiety swells up in your throat, and there’s something biting at your heels. The silence doesn’t feel comfortable anymore.

You said something wrong, the little voice in your head whispers. You lost the script and got too close and now he’s pulling back. How can you fix it? You have to fix it.

“What’s your favorite one?” His blue eyes glance up at you. Invisible hand squeezing your lungs, you stammer, “Tattoo. What’s the one you like most?”

His words come out softly, “A house boat. I, uh, got it before leaving Copenhagen. I stayed in one while I was over there, and put out water for an invisible cat.” Relief floods you as he talks. It’s the most he’s spoken about anything, and you see a glimmer behind his eyes.

It feels a little too close to home.

“You really loved it over there, huh?”

As if caught, he clears his throat, “It was cool…different.”

Different from Chicago, you don’t say. “I get that,” you murmur instead.

You knew what it was like, to run away. The need for escape pushing you into flight as the metaphorical dog chases the rabbit.

You wonder what Carmen’s dog was. Or is. If it’s even a dog at all.

“What about you? What’s your favorite?”

You’re pulled from your thoughts. “Oh! Um, it’s silly.” You worry at your bottom lip.

“You don’t—”

“No, hold on, it’s just,” you push yourself onto the counter with the palms of your hands. Carmen leans back as you swing your legs over the bar, letting your feet rest on the barstool next to him. You lean over, pulling up your pants leg to show the tattoo on the right side of your calf. He stares at it for a moment, confusion clear in his gaze. “See, I told you.”

“Is it a moth, or something?”

“Moth-man, Carmen. Mothman.”

“Am I supposed to know what that is?”

“He’s a cryptid. There’s literally stories of a Chicago Mothman.” He peers up at you in amusement, causing you to scrunch your face at him. “I swear on my life Carmen Berzatto, don’t be an asshole.”

“I’m not.” He laughs, and your chest loosens. You got Carmen Berzatto to laugh. “It looks good, the style is nice,” he gestures to your leg.

You smile, “Thanks.”

Nodding, he goes to sip from his cup. He makes a face, pulling it away from him, “Yeah, I don’t like this.”

He holds it out to you as you reach for it, laughter spilling from your lips, “More grass for me.” You drink, and let the cup rest on your thigh, fingers tapping on the plastic lid.

“I’m not…” Your head turns to look at him, watching as he runs a hand through his hair. “I’m not really good at this.”

“...at what?” You whisper, scared if you talk any louder you’ll scare him away.

“Talking? Not working? Who the fuck knows,” his hand leaves his hair and passes over his face.

“I’m not either, really.” You pick at your jeans, “But we’re trying, right? You come by more than I thought you would.”

“Really?”

You snort, “Dude, the first time I was surprised you even came in.” Gently, you add, “And you don’t have to be perfect at conversation to be friends with someone.” His eyes meet yours as you nudge his shoulder with your knee. “I’m weird, you’re weird, that’s okay.”

Carmen rolls his eyes good naturedly. His legs are bouncing, and you can almost see him chewing the word around before it finally leaves, “Friends?”

“Friends.” You affirm. Silence passes between you, until a growl comes from your stomach.

The man laughs, looking all the prettier for it, “You hungry?”

“Starving,” you groan.

He gets up from his seat, grabbing his denim jacket that’s hung over the chair on his left, “C’mon.”

It takes a moment, but it clicks. “Oh my god,” you gasp out, hopping off the counter. With a speed you only have during a lunch rush, you run to the back. You untie your apron, hang it up on a hook, and grab your tote bag. “Wallet, keys, phone…phone!”

“Out here!” Carmen yells. You grin, rushing back out to the front, bouncing on your heels. “You good?”

“As I’ll ever be.” You shake your keys with enthusiasm. He laughs as you both leave, and you turn to lock up. There’s excitement buzzing through you, like caffeine would if your brain weren’t wired a bit funky. A thought cuts through the haze, “Oh shit, I forgot to–”

“I got the trash.” The street lights reflect off his blue eyes.

Your heart twinges a little, “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He gestures with his head, “Now let’s go before your stomach eats itself.”

“Hey Carm?!”

The man pokes his head into the office, one hand wrapped around the door, “Yeah, what?”

Natalie raises an eyebrow, “You busy?”

Carmy scoffs, “Yeah, Sugar, I’m busy.”

It’s lunch time. Marcus has pastries, Tina’s running prep. Syd is around…avoiding him. He tries not to think about it for too long. Richie is who knows where.

Fuck, don’t be an asshole, asshole.

Deflating, he asks, “What’s up? Everything okay?”

“I’m spending my hour of alone time figuring shit out here, while Pete watches the baby.” His sister sighs, glancing down at the paperwork on the desk, “I’m managing. Anyways, that’s not what I wanted to talk about.”

He wants to ask about the baby. His niece. But Natalie barrels over the topic to say, “Were you here late the other night?” He must have made a face because Natalie sighs, exasperated. “I know you stay later than everyone else, doing god knows what, but I got a notification on my phone the other night-“

“What notification?”

She rolls her eyes, “The alarm system, dummy. I get alerts.”

“No, yeah, I get that. But I turned it off.”

It could only be from the other night, when he brought you back to the restaurant. He’s not sure why he did — he almost had a panic attack in front of you while debating what to make. It's strange, how much an environment can affect someone. Nan's feels so comfortable to him now, like nothing can happen to him when he's in those four walls. Where was the last place he felt like that?

You don’t need to impress anyone, Carmen. It’s just me, you had said.

Simple words that cut through him like a knife. You asked for comfort food, so he made you grilled cheese with tomato soup. The little dance you did every time you took a bite relit a fire inside of him that had been burnt out by years of working in kitchens.

“I know. I’m asking because the alarm was set, and then you turned it off again a few hours later.” Natalie unlocks her phone, showing him her screen that has some app pulled up with timestamps on it. “Are you sleeping? Look, I know things aren’t great right now—" Natalie cuts herself off with another sigh.

“It’s fine. Things are fine.” At her pointed look, he holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m working on it, okay? Just…are you good? Do you need anything?”

“About 48 hours of interrupted sleep would be great.” Her gripe falls off into a laugh, which he returns.

Stepping into the room further, he pulls the door closer, just a slim crack of clean white light coming through. “I’ve been a shitty brother lately.”

“No…” Natalie snorts, “Okay yeah, a bit. I love you, though.”

He mumbles the words back, tapping out a rhythm on his thigh, “Maybe I could come by, sometime. See the baby.” It’s a blessing and curse how his chest aches when he sees the way her eyes light up.

“I’d love that, Bear.”

“Yo, delivery!” Marcus yells out, pulling the attention of the Berzatto siblings.

“The fuck?” There isn't supposed to be a delivery today.

Natalie gets out of her seat, “Oh thank god.” She ushers Carmy out of the office, pushing past him into the dining room. He follows after her, confused, only to stop in his tracks.

You’re here.

You stand next to Richie, talking animatedly, albeit shy. You’re wearing clothes he doesn’t regularly see you in, the worn denim jacket catching his eye in particular. It’s clear that you aren't working, yet you hold two cups from Nan’s in your hands, a few drink carriers littering a table.

“You’re literally my savior, thank you.” Natalie pulls you into a hug, and you look at Richie with wide eyes. Carmy has to hold back a snort at your expression.

“You should expect this reaction by now, kid.” Richie takes a sip from his drink when you gape at him in exaggerated outrage.

“Shut up, Richie,” Natalie is barely paying attention, saying the words more out of habit. Grabbing a cup from a drink holder, she says, “You’re coming home with me.”

Giggles bubble from your lips, and you go to cover them with the back of your arm. There’s a pull Carmy feels, instinctual, to urge your arm away from your face and hear your genuine laughter fill the room.

Your eyes meet his, finally noticing that he’s there. The smile you give him is earnest, a gentle hello without words. He forces his feet to move, closing the distance. Carmy blatantly ignores the looks both Richie and Natalie are making. You hold out the cup in your hand - the one you weren’t drinking from - and he takes it from you.

Condensation clings to the sides, his name hastily written on the side.

⋆⁺Carmy!⁺˚⋆

There’s a heart in place of the dot at the bottom of the exclamation point, little stars doodled around his name. His stomach flips.

“Iced?” He swirls the drink in hand, mixing it up.

You shrug, “Thought I’d try something different. It’s hot outside.”

“You off?” Bringing the straw to his lips, he hums at the taste. You’re watching him eagerly, head tilted to the side as you wait for his review. “This is nice.”

Squinting at him, you huff, “Not perfect, though.” You type something into your phone — most likely to add to your notebook later. “Had to run some more syrup by the shop. Saw Natalie’s car on the street so I texted her to see if she wanted something to drink. I have errands to run after this.”

“You a regular too now, Cousin?” Richie barks, and Carmy watches as you remember where you are. Who you’re with.

A protectiveness rises up in Carmen, hating the way you recoil into yourself. “Fuck off, Richie.” He looks over at you, “Hungry?”

“Dude, we got shit to do.”

“Richie!” Natalie hisses at the older man, shoving him back toward the kitchen. She calls back to you, “Thanks for the coffee! I promise I’ll come by when I feel more like a human again.”

The customer service clicks into place behind your eyes, “Take care of yourself! Hope the baby is doing well!” Once it's just the two of you, you sigh, knocking the heels of your boots together. “I should get going.”

Carmen nods, “Can I grab you a sandwich, first?”

“Grilled cheese?” You tease, stifling a smile.

He huffs, shaking his head, “Nah, but Ebra’s got window right now. I could throw something together real quick.”

“You don’t have to do that.” He glances down; you’re pressing your thumb into the middle of your hand. It's uncanny, the semblance of himself that is mirrored in you.

“I know.” He wants to, though. “Give me five minutes?”

A moment of hesitation, then, “Okay.”

“Cool.” And he’s off.

Chaos erupts the minute he’s back in the kitchen.

“Since when did the two of you become buddy-buddy?”

“Can we please get back to work? Richie, respectfully, what are you doing back here?” Syd is working on pasta, flour covering her work service.

“I got shoved outta my space, so here I am,” Richie waves his hands around.

The overlapping voices turn into white noise, and Carmy inhales sharply, “Fak!”

“Yes, chef!” Neil appears out of nowhere. Sometimes Carmen thinks there’s a series of underground passages that makes it so easy to get ahold of him. It’s not that crazy of a notion.

“Go and say hello to them, okay? I’m gonna throw together something, give it to them, and then I’ll be right back.” The last part is meant for everyone to hear, but is pointed more toward Richie. “Seriously, just leave it, alright?”

“I’m leaving it,” Richie snarks, but nudges Fak with his elbow. “Think there’s a drink out there with your name on it anyway. Snag me another one of those apple-donut-things too, eh?”

“Fritters!” Marcus calls out from his station.

Carmy sighs deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. He’s queasy; he’ll have to take some pepto later.

Inhale. Four seconds. Exhale.

Let it rip, Bear.

Neil barrels into you, wrapping you in a hug. He talks your ear off for the next couple minutes; you smile when you need to, laugh when you remember.

The yells from the kitchen are playing on repeat in your ears.

They’re talking about you.

The urge to flee tickles the back of your throat. You thought it would be nice to stop by and bring Natalie a coffee, but then you had felt bad about not bringing anything for everyone else, which turned into you jumping behind the bar to make ten drinks. It’s not like you were going to make Morgan, the barista on shift, make them all.

You always had a hard time not working on your days off.

“You should absolutely come!”

“Yeah, that’d be nice.” You reply, still not fully checked back into your conversation with Neil.

He smiles, “Great! I’ll send you the info!”

Before you can ask what you actually agreed to, Carmy pushes back into the room, to-go container in hand. “Hey, uh, Fak, can you go take a look at the toilet for me?” You barely notice Neil leave, focusing more on how your chest releases as Carmen walks closer to you.

He hands you the container, and you murmur a soft, “Thank you.”

“I’ll walk you out, yeah?”

The thought is nice. Glancing behind him, you see Natalie and Richie watching through the window. “It’s okay, you really don’t have to.” You take a step back just as Carmy reaches out to you. You can’t run, they’d see you. Ask questions. They probably see a caged animal.

“Hey,” he whispers your name, “it’s just me.” He’s repeating the words you said to him the night you were here. You tear your eyes away from the kitchen, looking at him. “Lemme walk you out?”

With a nod, you let him guide you out the front door. The warm summer air washes over your skin, and you take in a deep breath. You count the lines in the sidewalk as you pass them, sipping at your iced latte. “It was cool of you to come by,” Carmy says. “And your jacket’s dope.”

He’s trying to make you feel better.

“Did you just say dope?” You peek over in his direction, catching his shrug. “You’re so old.”

“Fuck off,” he laughs, and your smile widens.

You make it to your car, a little thing that has a new problem every other week. It’s been with you for years, moved with you to five different states. More of a sentimental object, than a real mode of transportation. You mostly used CTA these days if you were able, but it was nice to have a car for when you’re running errands all around the city.

“Sorry if they bothered you,” he apologizes, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“No, no, no,” you push out the words, throat tightening, arms hugging your middle. “I thought I was going to try to be a human today. May have jumped the gun on that one.” Fiddling with your keys, you continue, “It was nice to see you. Thought you might be a vampire or something, since I only ever see you at night.”

The joke causes Carmy to roll his eyes, “Is that considered a cryptid?”

You perk up at the word, “Oh, don’t get me started.”

He smiles big enough for his dimple to appear, “Oh, yeah?”

“Unless you want me to talk for hours on end. I’ll make a power-point presentation and everything.” You might already have one in the works, but he didn’t need to know that.

“You could - I mean, it wouldn’t bother me. If you did, you know?”

You blink a few times, frozen in shock. He looks shy, almost. Like the first time you met him, but there’s something between you now. A plant that will keep growing - might even bloom - if the two of you keep watering it. He keeps pecking away at your carefully crafted walls that let people see exactly how much you want them to.

Carmen Berzatto keeps seeing you. Whoever that is.

He coughs, scratching the side of his head. “I’ll see you later?”

“You know where I’ll be.”

“Yeah.”

You walk around to the driver’s side of your car, opening the door. You slide in, turning the key to let your car sputter to life. You roll the windows down, and music starts to blare from your speakers. “Kick ass tonight!” You yell the words as you pull away from the curb. You spare a glance in your rearview, watching Carmy wave before he starts walking back to his restaurant.

When you're parked outside your apartment, it hits you. You dig into your tote bag, pushing aside old receipts, chapstick tubes, and fidget toys. You cheer to yourself as you pull your notebook out, favorite pen hooked over the cover. Flipping to the back, you stare at the list of drinks you've had Carmy try.

You think you want to keep seeing him, too. Whoever that is.

You scribble at the bottom of the page, circling it twice.

Spiced Chai ~ HOT, xtra cinn

#carmy berzatto x reader #carmen berzatto x reader #the bear fanfic #neurodivergent!reader #— moth writes #spiced chai

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to-the-stars8 · 9 months ago

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The Waynes' Nanny

Batfamily and Reader/ Bruce Wayne x Reader Chapters Ao3

Night Time Routine

The Wayne kids were a hassle to get to bed, but, by the end of it, it was a sweet routine that you liked. By the time seven rolled around, you were getting the younger kids ready for bed, since their bedtime was at eight-thirty on a school night. You usually start with the youngest, Damian. Mr. Wayne was strict about his youngest son’s bedtime, insisting that you make sure you put him, along with all the other kids, to be bed right on time. You, the one actually dealing with the children for the majority of the time, were happy to comply. One sleeping child means your hands were a little less full.

“Which animal do you want tonight,” You asked as you tucked him into bed.

Damian looked at the pile of stuffed animals on the other side of the room, thinking very carefully about it. Confidently, he said, “The lion!”

“Mr. Lion it is,” You said as you plucked the lion from the pile. When Damian had his arms wrapped around it, you scooted in next to him with a book. “Now, do you want Horton Hears a Who, or…”

“Rainbow Fish,” Damian said definitively.

You nodded, not sure why you even asked. This was the start of the evening routine. Damian would make you read a few pages of his favorite book before falling asleep. Since he was a light sleeper, you slowly made your way out of the room to not wake him. Blowing him a kiss, you quietly shut the door behind you.

By nine, you had started towards Duke’s room. Usually, all he would want was to have his aquarium night light on and for you to check the closet and under his bed for any monsters. Simple, though a bit odd.

You propped yourself up on your knees and rested your chin on the edge of the bed. “No monsters under there. Not even the good kind.”

“There are no good monsters, Nan,” Duke said, turning on his side to look at you.

Nan, you loved the nickname they had given you. Initially, it had started as a way for Dick to poke fun, but the younger kids had picked it up. Eventually, it turned from a demeaning Nanny to a sweet Nan.

“Cookie Monster is a monster,” You pointed out with a smile. “And he’s good.”

The smile on the boy’s face made it so clear why Bruce so often called him sunshine. It was a bright, innocent smile that could even make the most brooding man, like his father, crack a grin.

Duke thought for a second, before saying, “He eats all the cookies, so that makes him bad.”

“Glad to see your definition of good and bad is defined so well,” You said as you stood. “Now, get some sleep.”

Blowing a raspberry against his cheek, you made sure he was covered up well before taking your leave. Though, you weren’t halfway out the door before he called you back.

“The bat,” Duke said, pointing at the wiffle bat leaning against the opposite wall. You nodded as you stepped over to grab it before putting it next to his bed. “For the monsters.”

“You’re a dangerous boy, Duke,” You said as you started to close the door. “See you tomorrow, Sunshine.”

The next kids that were to be put to bed were Tim and Jason.

Tim was a bit more tricky since he was always insistent that he could stay up later like any other big kid or adult. It eventually became this song and dance, where you would bribe him with some warm milk and a long negotiation about letting him stay up later. Per usual, Tim would fall for it (or would act like he did).

“I’m glad you finally came to your senses, Nan,” Tim said as he sat on the bed. Sometimes, you thought, that he had a big sense of pride for being so small. “I’m a big kid now, and it’s about time someone recognized that.”

“I don’t agree,” You said as you pulled back his covers.

“Well, I think you’re wrong,” He confidently stated as he laid back. As you pulled the covers up over him, you let him talk. He went into a long spiel about all the ways he was a big kid like Dickie. When he started to yawn and struggled to keep his eyes open, you brushed his hair out of his face.

“Even big kids like to sleep,” You said.

Tim was too tired to argue anymore, and, instead, rolled over. Pressing a kiss to the back of his head, you then turned toward the door to leave.

That’s when you would move onto Jason’s room. Upon entering, you found he was already in bed with a book in his hand. When he noticed you, he put the book aside and instantly scooted more under the covers. Bruce had always described Jason as a cuddle bug, and you were quick to find out why.

He was embarrassed by it, but Jason was the one child who would always sneak into Bruce’s bed. From what Mr. Wayne had told you, he’d come to him yearning for the familial love that he lost, finding it in hugs and love his brothers, sister, father, and now you could offer.

You lay down next to Jason, picking his book up and looking it over. “The Hobbit. I thought you were reading Alice in Wonderland?”

“I finished it earlier,” He said. A bit of suspicion rose in you since he had started Alice in Wonderland the night before, and made a mental note to check on him later in the night to make sure he wasn’t staying up late to read.

“And you’ll finish this one tomorrow, I’m sure, but you need to sleep to do that,” You said, pulling him to your side. Pressing a kiss into his bundle of curls, you gave him one last squeeze before moving to tuck him under his covers.

“Alright, you are as snug as a bug, buddy?”Jason smiled and nodded. You grinned. “Good, now, close your eyes and dream so wonderfully.”

“Night, Nan,” Jason called as you closed the door.

“Good night, Jay,” You said as closed the door.

Now, there were just two more kids to usher into bed. Cassandra was extremely easy to put to bed since she put herself there. She was good at following the schedule Bruce had put out for the kids, so much so that when you went to her room she was already half asleep. You stepped inside and made sure her covers were well tucked around her.

“Good night, sweetheart,” You said softly.

Her sleepy voice came through the quiet, “Good night.”

When you left Cassandra’s room for Dickie’s, you ran into him in the hallway already heading that way.

By the look of his bedhead and half-awake state, he must have fallen asleep on the couch before being pushed to his room by Alfred. “Guess I don’t need to tuck you in, huh,” You asked, stopping him as you fixed his hair. Dick didn’t answer directly, just yawning right into your face. You tried not to act amused, instead giving him a little hug before letting him walk away.

The day was finally over, and, with a long, tired sigh, you went to the TV room to unwind. Throwing yourself down onto the couch, you switched on some late-night show to drown yourself in some mind-numbing haze. At some point, you must have fallen asleep because the next thing you knew you were staring up at Mr. Wayne.

You had woken with a startle, sitting up straight and accidentally bumping your forehead against Mr. Wayne’s. Upon impact, you fell back onto the cushion. “Ow, fuck!”

“Damn,” Bruce mumbled, turning away to rub his forehead.

“What the hell, Mr. Wayne,” You said, sitting up. “Don’t you know not to scare someone awake? I’m starting to wonder if you were really raised in a barn.”

“I was just checking to see if you were sleeping,” He stated.

You shook your head and stood. “I was, though I didn’t mean to. What time is it?”

Bruce looked at the clock on the opposite of the wall. “A little after two. You should get to bed.”

You nodded, starting toward the door, before realizing that Mr. Wayne was up extremely late for someone who had to be working early the next morning. Stopping, you looked at him, “What’re you doing up so late?”

He seemed surprised that you asked. “Oh, uh, I was doing some paperwork. Got a bit caught up in it before I realized the time.”

You chose not to comment on it despite noting that his office wasn’t anywhere near the TV room. Instead, you only said, “You should get some sleep, Mr. Wayne. Only two people in the world willingly stay up this late.”

“Oh? Who?” He asked, amused.

“The President and Batman.”

When you turned to look at him, you noticed he was a little paler than usual and wondered if the truth was that he didn’t feel well. You stepped closer to him, going to feel his forehead to see if it was warm. Bruce seemed caught off guard and reached up to grab your wrist.

“You look sick,” You said.

“I can’t tell if you’re being rude, or if you really mean it,” He said.

“I mean it.”

Bruce stared down at you, eyes looking for something in yours before he pushed your wrist back toward you. “I’m fine, just tired.”

“Go to bed, Mr. Wayne, or do I need to tuck you in, too?” You said, a smile slowly crawling across your face.

He smirked, obviously amused, and shook his head. “I think I can handle it. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

When you left Mr. Wayne, you had a certain feeling in your stomach. There was something he wasn't telling you but brushed it off as a playboy hiding his playboy secrets.

Still, it bothered you a little not knowing.

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sweetiebarnes · 2 years ago

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Bucky Barnes is Loud in Bed

Warnings: (degra)dation, da-d-dy kink, preg-nan-cy kink, lac-tation kink, basically pure filth

A/N: Basically I’ve been thinking about Bucky all day so here you go.

Bucky Barnes is loud.

Imagine how vocal Bucky is in the bedroom. He may not have always been this way. Back in the 40s, he’d let out a noise here and there. But ever since being freed as the Winter Soldier, Bucky can’t contain his noises.

HYDRA muffled his voice for so long that now he loves to use it. The moans he lets out could only be described as pornographic. The things he says in the bedroom would never have been allowed in the past.

No, Bucky loves the way you clench around him whenever he degrades. Once he called you a cumslut and you clenched so hard you practically choked his cock in response.

God, he loves the way you get so desperate for him. He loves the way you will beg for him. He loves how you’re always dripping wet for him before he’s even touched you.

It’s all of these things that spur him on. It’s these little things that cause him to say things like, “Such a pretty little pussy for Daddy. She’s just begging to be fucked. Isn’t she?”

Bucky is the definition of feral. He goes after what he wants and when he needs it. Tony was so close to kicking him out of the compound until he decided to soundproof all the bedrooms.

When the topic of having a baby came up, he was the loudest he’d ever been. The thought of filling you to the brim almost drove him mad. He loved the thought of you round with his baby. The idea of your breath filling up with milk. That night he told you every little thing he’d do to you when you’re pregnant.

He may seem quiet around everyone else, but that brooding super soldier screams in pleasure because of you.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes x fem!reader #bucky barnes headcanon #bucky barnes x reader #james buchanan barnes #Sebastian Stan

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girlsloveupdates · 1 month ago

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Milk Pansa at her fanmeet in Nanning

#23.5 degrees #whale store xoxo #girl rules #girl rules the series #milk pansa #pansa vosbein

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buffetlicious · 7 months ago

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In my previous post, I mentioned that we were going out to eat at the newly opened restaurant in Sun Plaza. This is the Nan Yang Dao (南洋岛) restaurant we patronized, and boy was it packed. We were given just one menu so I gave it to mum to let her choose what she wanted. And she picked the Penang Fried Kway Teow (槟城炒粿条) I wanted to eat so I chose something else. My mum had barely eaten it when one random woman asked if the dish was good. She told her that it was indeed yummy. Stir-fried with bean sprouts, plump prawns, slices of fish cake and Chinese sausage, the kway teow were more savoury than sweet and full of wok hei. The noodles were mildly spicy but nothing we can’t handle.

Originally, this Signature Trio Mini Noodles (招牌迷你烫面) consisting of three different mini sized bowls of noodles were intended for mum but she had chosen hers. From right to left, I started off with the Pork Ball Noodle Soup (吊片猪肉丸面汤). Tasted like our fish ball noodle but with two springy pork balls. The yellow noodles, bean sprouts and shredded cabbage is soaked in the flavourful and wholesome broth.

The next bowl, I tried is the Penang Prawn Noodle Soup (槟城虾面) but the prawn is nowhere to be found! Instead, I get slices of pork, fishcake, bean sprouts and a quarter of an egg. Luckily, the yellow noodles were swimming in umami filled broth cooked with the extracted oil from the prawns’ head and shell.

So, this is where the prawn jumped itself into. The Seafood Curry Mee (海鲜咖喱面) had only one seafood and that is the prawn. The other so-called seafood were mainly prawn rolls or other items made from fish or prawn paste. The spicy curry cooked with coconut milk is rich and flavourful which goes well with the yellow noodles. If you are the type who likes to try many different dishes at once, be sure to order this trio of mini noodles.

To finish the meal, I had the Bear Iced Coffee (小熊冰镇咖啡). Came in a small jug and topped with a cute little ice bear. I love the thick bitter yet not too sweet milk coffee. We were seated next to the glass cabinet filled with lovely and yummy looking Puff Pastry Egg Tarts (酥皮蛋挞). Many customers were seen buying but we had to give them a miss as we were just too full at that moment. But we will order it the next time we are here.

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milkypompon · 11 months ago

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Chapter 2 | Scrawled Nothingness

pairing: Marc Spector x Reader (implied Steven Grant x Reader, implied Jake Lockley x Reader)

summary: Even after a year living with Steven and Jake in the headspace, Marc struggles to quiet the buzzing chatter. He finds himself frequenting Coffee for Two, a place where brewing roasts fill the air and the cookies are as sweet as the barista.

content: coffeeshops, fluff, flirting, angst (mentions of Marc's past)

wc: 2.1k

a/n: Thank you for all the love in the first chapter! I'm so happy summer's started, so I'll have more time to write out more chapters AND get to the fun and silly asks you sent me!! My inbox is always open for unhinged thoughts and requests. Enjoy!

Moon Knight Masterlist || Main Masterlist

Coffee Doodles Masterlist

< Previous || Next >

–

Marc shows up at Coffee for Two at 11:59 p.m. on the dot every Monday night.

Not a Monday morning when people showed up in slacks or pencil skirts for a shot of espresso. And certainly, not a Friday night when teenagers line up for a tooth-achingly sweet drink they found the recipe for online.

Besides, he likes his coffee black.

The closing shift was clockwork at this point after helping your Nan for years — prop the chairs snug against the table, wipe the floors, and cheekily bag up a couple of pastries for the next day’s breakfast.

Your eyes flick over at the clock nearly striking midnight, as you lean the broom against the edge of the countertop.

Marc should’ve been here by now, shoulders pulled back and head tilted down, ready to sweep the to-go cup and splash stick.

You remember that he typically parked a white limo… Maybe he chauffeured for a party, hence the break in the weekly conversation. If you could even call it that. It was more like an exchange of stolen glances and nods before parting again.

The logical part of you yearns to walk back to the apartment sooner than you planned and plop down face-first onto the couch. But a nagging twinge irked you to stay a little longer to see if he’d stroll in as usual.

You could already imagine his face if he saw the sign flipped to close, his bottom lip jutted out into a pout, and a crease between his brows.

You laugh to yourself at the image of Melodramatic Marc instead of Moody Marc then ultimately deciding to give in to the latter. Maybe you’d curse yourself out when you have to wake up in a couple of hours to prepare the croissants for the next day, but you wanted to take your chances right now.

Rounding the corner of the counters, you duck your head under the cabinets and look for the roast you wanted him to try and the materials you need for a pour-over.

You place the paper filter onto the dripper then unfurl the bag of coffee beans and toss just the right amount into the grinder. The crushing hum and toasted smell of the grounds was a welcome change after a day of listening to grating ice and spurting whipped cream. With a kettle in hand and the setup complete, you gently trickle the water into circles, watching the grounds set in and coffee drip down the other end.

You grab a white cup, soon covered with drawings of stars and sparkles, reminiscent of the few you could see from the window. The moon outshined them all, full and on display without a cloud in sight.

You pour the coffee into the well-dressed it (scrawled with Marc’s name in the annoyingly very pink Sharpie) and notch the lid.

Checking the time again, you realize it’s well past midnight.

Maybe it’s time to go home, but you didn’t have the heart to toss the drink away. You take a sip, the liquid barely touches your tongue before you hiss at the bitterness.

How does Marc drink this?

No sugar, no milk.

You drizzle in a couple of pumps and squirts of your preferred add-ons, vowing to yourself to never take it purely the way he does. Drink and purse in one hand, you turn the sign to “closed” and twist the lock with the other.

Hermano, just check if the place for your coffee fix is open. It won’t hurt, Jake rolls his eyes.

Marc mutters, “No, we don’t need another pitstop after the shit Khonshu just dragged us through.”

Maybe they’ll still have those biscuits I like to eat with the tea! Steven's heart flutters at the thought of eating a couple of the raspberry linzer heart cookies.

He concedes. “Fine, but the moment I see the closed sign we’re going straight home. I didn’t ask to be in charge of snack runs, ya know?”

A unison of hurrahs echoes in his headspace, he can’t help but smile. In the whirlwind of events of carrying himself in a country that reminded him of crumbled relationships and even faultier progressions of moving on, the desire to find a place where he belonged was something he hated to admit.

Marc was good at playing the part of blending in for missions. Tugging on a disarming smirk to draw out intel from loose-lipped drunkards at the bar came naturally. As easily as turning on the charm while bargaining at the market for the first edition books Steven claimed was what he’d been searching for his whole life (Oh my days, I need those for my collection!). Or, yet another pair of leather gloves for Jake (Those are fingerless and the straps look cool).

But stripped of bells and whistles created by answering to every whim of humans and gods alike, Marc was just… him.

Steven had his apartment filled with knickknacks and collectibles.

Jake had his car housing his armaments and gadgets.

What did he have?

Marc frowns at the thought as he leaps across the rooftops, the moonlight catching the arc of the cape.

A cot in the storage unit and a fuck ton of baggage that couldn’t fit in his duffel bag.

But maybe Coffee for Two could be his.

As he leaps down behind the shop, his ceremonial suit unravels, tucking in on itself to reveal his black shirt and jeans. Surely, it’d be closed by now, but he still wanted to check.

Marc turns the corner and sees a sign written in big, loopy letters.

closed let's have "coffee for two" tomorrow

He sighs. “Told ya, who in their right mind would’ve kept open for one customer.”

A gust of wind ruffles his hair, Khonshu’s presence stronger than usual.

“Alright I get it, you damn bird! I get that we have another mission–”

A post-it flutters onto his shoe. He bends over and holds it under the streetlamp.

If you’re Marc, keep reading. if you’re not Marc, why are you still reading this?

I think you can keep reading.

“Jake, shut up.”

I drank your black coffee. Don’t know how you drink this. It tastes like battery acid.

Steven laughs out the last two words. Think this sweet ol’ message made up for you looking so miffed, mate! She’s right about it though. I oughtta steep her a good cuppa.

“Hey, it keeps us awake! Your hot leaf juice makes our piss smell like flowers and does nothing else.”

Marc carefully tucks the paper into his jacket pocket.

–

A week after Marc’s absence, he walks in and you greet him with a tired smile as if there was no time lost in between.

“Black?”

He cocks his head up and grins. “Yes, miss.”

That’s new, you note.

“Got any of those uh, berry cookie thingies?” He makes two “Cs” with his hands and connects them, forming a crudely shaped heart.

Your eyebrow quirks up and the air is quiet with stillness before laughter bubbles up in your chest, pointing to what he was referring to. “Oh! The Linzer cookies!”

Marc flashes his teeth. “Mhm, a couple of those with the coffee.”

“I’m a little surprised you liked them. Did the sweetness grow on you?”

“Not for me, actually.”

“Did you want a second drink to pair with it?”

He replies cooly, “Nah, nothing like that. Just, for my brother.”

You give a noncommittal hum and turn your back to him, looking for a box to place the cookies in.

Marc chuckles, the corner of his lips curling. “Woah, don’t come pouncing at me all at once.”

“I just meant to mention that we have a promotion of buy two get the second drink half off for your partner.” You smile to yourself, the view obscured from him. “That’s why it’s called Coffee for Two after all.”

“Mm, right.”

Quietness blankets the pair as you assemble his orders.

He couldn’t recall the last time his headspace wasn’t buzzing with chatter without gut-wrenching aid, a bandaid haphazardly stuck on. Drowning out the noise wasn’t necessarily the problem, it was finding a way to keep a constant peace of mind. At the very least, keep it at bay. The past year was saturated with blackouts and memory gaps, the swirling gold whiskey dipped him into a hazy state. It wasn’t his favorite way to keep the quiet, but it did the job.

Every twist of the cap dragged him back to what was soon to come.

Every whiff of the liquid reminded him how her hot breath, seething with disdain, warmed his cheek.

And the heat he felt after chugging it was reminiscent of how she would hit the other, turning his head to the side.

The soft shifting of the pen on paper brought him back.

“See? Told you I give good service.” You slide the decorated coffee cup and a box of cookies in front of him with a smile.

Marc thumbs over his name, a little surprised you spelled it with a "c" instead of a "k", along with the twisting designs. “Nuh-uh. Think you forgot something again.”

“I worked hard on that masterpiece!” You frown, feigning annoyance. “You should be asking for my autograph.”

“I should be asking for your number.”

You don’t reply for a beat. “Well, are you going to?”

He smirks, pausing to mimic your surprise before saying, “Can you write down your number?”

You nibble your bottom lip, failing to hide your giddiness.

He reaches over to pluck the alarmingly pink Sharpie from the pot and hands it to you. “Think that godawful marker was made from toxic waste. Nothing in the natural world could create that color.”

You scrawl your number on it, careful not to spill the coffee. “Well that ‘godawful marker’ gave you an opportunity to claim that promo.”

“Can I use it now?”

“Not until you call me.”

Marc chuckles and picks up his order. “Well, I’ll be sure to do that.”

“See you when I see you. Monday at midnight again?”

“Or sooner.” His eyes flit over to your hand, knuckles white from the grip on your apron.

“Uh, not sooner. I’m closing for the week. There’s a couple of things I need to sort out… for the shop.”

Marc nods, not bothering to push the matter further. “I have a funny feeling you waited for me to come before you closed.”

You smile, the tension eases from your body.

–

Marc wakes up from the early sun rays filtering between the cracks of the curtain. He grumbles, Jake always forgets to pull it close before going to bed. He knew that if he stood up to fix it, his body would betray him and lose the cottony sleep he felt. With a groan, he flops over to his side, but before his eyes flutter close he catches an unfamiliar cup standing on his nightstand.

He doesn’t remember buying it yesterday and god forbid anybody forces Steven to drink anything quote battery acid unquote.

He picks it up, he notices the drawings… and a set of numbers.

So, it must be–

Marc flings the blanket off of him and stalks to the fish tank.

“Jake! I know you’re there!”

Gus peers at him curiously and releases little bubbles.

“I’m gonna slash your tires if you don’t come out!”

Jake stares back at him and raises his hands in surrender. Ay, you and I both know you wouldn’t do that. My driving gigs are one of the few ways we stay afloat these days.

Marc buries his fingers in his unruly curls. “It was mine!”

What was yours?

“Going to that place!”

I don’t get it–

“Of course you wouldn’t!” Marc bristles. “Couldn’t I just have this one thing without one of you weaseling your dick into my life?”

Hermano, look, I was just trying to help. We thought it was about time you make a friend... or something.

"And you didn't bother asking me first?"

“Oh and remind if I'm remembering this wrong, the last time you set up Steven was when you asked out his coworker to the steakhouse! He’s a vegetarian for god’s sake!”

Don’t get your panties in a twist.

Can we all just calm the “ef” out? Steven appears on the kettle’s reflection. Take a time-out or whatever you Americans say.

Marc fights the urge to raise his voice again in an attempt to dispel the ringing in his ears. If the pair tried to explain the situation, they’d be in for another scolding.

He opens his mouth before they can. “We can’t do this right now.”

Don’t speak for all of us, pendejo.

He fists the cup, it crumbles in on itself and tosses it into the bin.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and my inbox is always open for requests or if you want to chat!

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#moon knight #jake lockley #jake lockley x reader #jake lockley x you #marc spector #marc spector fluff #marc spector x reader #marc spector x you #moon knight fluff #moon knight angst #moon knight x reader #steven grant x reader #steven grant fluff #steven grant smut #steven grant x you #moon knight fic

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