#natasha phoenix trace series

[foreverrandomwritings]

OMG congratulations!! I'll try to contain myself but be prepared for a few of these at least!

starting strong, skinny dipping even though it's much too cold w/ my love Phoenix

What's In The Honeymoon?- Part 5/5

Summary: This is my last installment in my short series "What's in the Envelope/Box/Plane/Vows?". This can be read as a stand alone however. I think it's fitting that @sylviebell was the one to give me the idea for the first part of the series as well as the last.

ALSO HAPPY FUCKING BIRTHDAY SYLVIE💜

Thank you for being such an absolutely radical person and my favorite fellow Phoenix girlie💜

Pairing: Natasha "Phoenix" Trace x afab!Reader

Warnings: Anxiety, alcohol, smut, MINORS DNI 18+, one swear word, public nudity and that's it.

Word count: 1940

Masterlist M's Hundred Celly Masterlist Series Masterlist

Landing in Porto was a huge relief. You had never taken such a long flight before. Your Wife had reassured you throughout the whole thing that she was going to be right there the whole time. She limited her bathroom breaks to make sure she was with you as much as possible to soothe your anxieties. She told you about how exciting it would be once you landed and got to start your fiveish day-long honeymoon.

You had both gone back and forth over where you wanted the honeymoon to take place until you decided on the slow paced city of Portugal. Natasha had found an airbnb overlooking the beach. The sites you had checked told you of the beautiful beach, the amazing culture and tasteful wineries. 

You hadn’t had a problem getting to your residency for the week. The cab ride over was spent staring out the windows. Occasionally one of you would mention something you saw and might like to do. Natasha made a list on her phone so you could go and look back at it later on. The both of you took the night to enjoy dinner at a beautiful restaurant before walking along the beach. 

As the night got colder you convinced your wife to get back to the airbnb. She was quick to agree when you told her what you were wearing under your clothes. She all but dragged you down the beach as your laughter filled the night air. She never failed to make you feel amazing. 

The first full day there was spent going out shopping to grab some souvenirs for yourselves and all the people back home. Then you went to a local market for food for the week. A winery made its way into your plans as you passed it. Noting it in the list to go back later after taking your food back. You spent hours at the beach before finally heading to the winery for dinner and a tasting. 

You enjoyed the night spent listening to the live band sipping on the different wines. Natasha had convinced you to dance with her at some point. You both swirled and twirled across the makeshift dance floor with the other couples both young and old. As a slow song came on she wrapped you in her arms and hummed along to the melody. You would never get sick of the feeling of being so close to her.

The next morning you were awoken to the smell of breakfast and coffee. You got up pulling on a shirt from the floor before padding out to the kitchen. You saw your wife standing at the stove flipping a piece of french toast in a pan before moving to cut up some fruit. You wrapped your arms around her middle resting your head against her shirt covered back. You both hummed at the contact with one another. 

Breakfast went quickly as you had barely been able to keep your hands off of her. She had moaned as you swiped your thumb across the corner of her lip gathering some whipped cream that had missed her mouth. You sucked your thumb into your own mouth licking the cream off of it. Your eyes remained on hers at the action and she was quickly throwing you over her shoulder and taking you to bed. She grabbed the can of whipped cream and bowl of strawberries that were sitting on the table as she went. 

“We’re gonna have some fun.” she said as she gently placed you on the bed. Your eyes lit up as you spotted the food in her hand. She tugged your shirt off your body before requesting you to lay down. Then she got to work dragging a berry across your skin and lapping up the sticky juices with her tongue. She had you writhing beneath her as she circled your nipples with the fruit. The cold sensation making your nipples harden even more than they already were. As the teasing continued you begged her to touch you. She replied by popping a berry into your mouth. You chewed it slowly as you saw her leaving a line of whipped cream from in between your breasts down towards your cunt stopping right before it. 

You shuddered as she licked from the bottom of the line up towards your breasts. You connected your lips to hers the flavors of strawberry and whipped cream clashing together as your tongues fought for dominance. Her’s won as it usually did. You slipped your hands under her shirt grasping at her breasts kneading them in your palms. She ground her hips down at the action moaning into your mouth. 

“Want you to sit on my face.” you begged her as you pulled back for air. 

“Is that what you want, baby girl?” she asked you teasingly as she ran a finger between your breasts. 

“Please, sweetheart. I really want to taste you.” you begged her again as the thought of her slick on your tongue blurred your mind. She seemed satisfied with that because she was working her way up your body before she was hovering above your face. You pulled her down brushing your nose across her clit briefly. 

Then you were devouring her. You lapped at her hungrily, desperate to pull an orgasm from her. Your legs were clenching together tightly looking for friction. She moaned loudly and slipped her fingers into your hair. She started rocking her hips against your face languidly as her orgasm quickly approached her. She had never been with anyone before that could get her to the edge so quickly. 

“You’re taking such good care of me. My beautiful, devoted Wife.” the praise had you moaning into her cunt, your cunt dripping onto the sheets below you. She clenched around your tongue as it harshly darted inside her. Her hand that wasn’t in your hair came up to toy with her nipple as she teetered on the presipe of ecstasy. Her head was thrown back as her orgasm waved through her. She slowed her hips until they were completely still. She climbed off you carefully, a groaning leaving her chest as she saw the evidence of her climax coating your face. You gave her a pleased grin as you licked your lips. You wanted to taste every last drop of her. 

“My turn.” she said simply before she worked your legs open and ran a finger along your folds. She circled over your clit with that same finger once before she was following it with her tongue. Where your tongue was frenzied and sloppy hers was slow and precise. 

She licked at you calmly, wanting to drag out your orgasm. You were already close and she knew that. One of your biggest turn ons was having her cum as she rode your face. So she knew that you were likely to cum within a couple of minutes. But she wanted to try to prolong it slightly. 

Your left leg came up to rest against her back nudging her impossibly closer to your cunt. You moaned as she lightly sucked your clit between her lips. She was addicted to the way you sounded. 

“Sweetheart.” you breathless moaned into the air, turning your head to try and dig into the pillow. 

She looked up at you from her spot between your legs. She could see your hardened nipples and the way you were struggling to hold back your orgasm. But you knew better than to cum without her permission. She tested you though as she sucked on your clit again. Your other leg came up to squeeze against her head. That was the last sign she needed to know you were right where she wanted you. 

As she gave your leg a squeeze with her hand you came undone. That rubberband of tension snapping as your hands gripped at the sheets and your toes curled. You let out a whine as she continued to lick and suck at your clit. As she pulled back she took in the sight of you laying on the bed. The image was something she wanted to ingrain in her mind for eternity. The rest of the day was spent giving each other countless orgasms until neither of you could move much. 

Thursday was your only pre planned day there. Going out on a boat to look for whales and dolphins and such. You had at one point stopped to participate in scuba diving. You took in the sight of life under the water. You spent the night indoors eating pasta that you had made for dinner, drinking a couple of glasses of wine. Before the night ended in your tangled up bodies in the sheets once again. The bliss of being newlyweds was all consuming.

Friday was your last full day there and you had decided to make the most of it. You spent your time crossing off things from your list. Sightseeing a few local places, eating at restaurants that caught your eye, going shopping along the vendor strip. You stopped and danced here and there when there was someone playing an instrument in the streets. As the sun began to set on the water you found yourselves sitting in the sand. 

The night had started to become cold and you were close to asking Natasha to go back to the house until she abruptly stood up. You looked at her questioningly. The look she had in her eyes was one of mischief and you knew nothing good was to come of it. 

“What do you want to do?” you asked her accusingly. 

“I want to go swimming.” She said with a toothy grin.

“Nat we don’t even have our swimsuits on or any towels.” You said as you shook your head. 

“Let's go skinny dipping.” You could hear the excitement in her voice. You groaned at the idea of getting out of your sweater and jeans to slip into the cold water.

“No fucking way am I getting into that water right now. It’s way too cold out.” You told her sternly. 

“Please baby girl. I promise we can get out if it gets too cold. Plus there’s no one around right now so this is the perfect time.” glancing around the beach you saw that she was right. There wasn’t a person in sight. 

“Fine.” you said as you stood up and started stripping your clothes off. She did the same as she squealed in excitement. 

Then you were running into the water, not wanting anyone to see you naked. You wrapped your arms around your wife as you both went neck deep into the water. Your naked bodies slid against each other as the cold water chilled your form. But Natasha looked happy so you dealt with it. You decided to stare up at the sky taking in the stars and the moon.

“Are you ready to get out baby girl?” Natasha’s voice cut through the silence of the night. You hadn’t realized your teeth were slightly chattering until she spoke. 

“Yes please.” you told her and she was holding your hand leading you back to shore. The both of you got dressed quickly before slowly walking back to the house hand in hand. As you laid in bed that night freshly showered you thought about the future you had to look forward to with the brunette laid beside you. Even though you were sad for your time in the country to be brought to a close you couldn’t wait to get back home and make a lifetime of memories with her.

A/N: A litte bittersweet to see the end of baby girl and sweetheart. But so happy to have finished this series, mark off something from my hundred celly and complete my first full week of posting something everyday for my pride month celly. Thank you so much @sylviebell for this ask and all the support you give me!

Tags(open): @wkndwlff @eternallyvenus

[missmarveledsblog]

FLUMPY part 11 ( jake seresin x reader)

summary : with roo , nat and jake gone the remainder of the dagger squad take it as their mission to make sure that the pregnant girlfriend and their friend is taken care of while she is racing to tell her dad before someone else is going to let it slip , dealing with life without jake being by her side isn't as fun and she is counting down the days til he and her favorite people return .

warning: other than my spelling and grammatical error this is a mostly fluffy goofy chapter with the mentions of pregnancy and all the good stuff that comes with it . the men of the dagger squad being big brother goals ,some mentions of an encounter with a shitty human who tries to hurt a dog.

(previous part)

She sat sitting in the car not actually knowing what it was that had her crying . was it the hormones , the fact jake was gone for three months or fact he didn’t dump her there and then . she didn’t know how long it was she was there but the crowds were long gone some even stopped to see was she ok that was til she heard a tapping on her window only to see bob standing there holding container in one hand and smile on his face . 

“ hey what you doing here” she sniffled trying not to look like an absolute mess .

“ nat sent me told me you needed this and probably a hug” he stood shyly only for her to start crying even more. “ shit you want me to bring you good duck park rooster and hangman said that cheers you up” he offered quickly only for her to cry harder. 

“ they know me to well” she sobbed as he pulled her into a hug  knowing or thinking he knew why she was crying . 

“ we can just go home or hard deck i’ll even do a shot with you” he smiled. 

“ i’ll go the hard deck but i can’t drink “ she winced.  “ kinda erm pregnant which with how loud jake yelled it  well i need to see my dad quickly “ knowing some of the men where actually worse with the how lose their lips could be . sure national  and classified secret hold til the grave but moment it came to things of normal like well they turned into a sewing circle. 

“ congratulations really” he smiled widely . 

“ ugh your so cute” she sniffled wiping her nose .  

“ come on leave you care we can come back for it later or i’ll leave mine either way your in no shape to drive”  bob help her out of the car she instantly notice how his touch got softer almost like any pressure would break her making her roll her eyes but hug the WSO  hard . 

The moment she walked into the hard deck all eyes were on her , giving bob a nod she headed over to her dad who sat talking away to penny til his eyes landed on her . 

“ well didn’t think i would see you in this place for nine months” he crossed his arms . 

“ worse then high schoolers” she turned to the officers standing around promptly turning their attention to anything else under her heated gaze .  “ i was going to tell you properly but jake well yelled so loud honestly  surprise you didn’t hear him from your place” she joked smiling awkwardly. 

“ pay up “ penny smirked. 

“ can you two stop betting on my life please it’s a bit odd but also go penny” she rolled her eyes hugging her dad. 

“  i would of rather heard it from you but the free drinks helped “ he chuckled. 

“ hey i want free stuff not alcohol if wanna be generous nacho’s would be awesome” she yelled out . 

“ so i guess jake happy” penny laughed hugging her. 

“ yeah i was so nervous then the whole dock found out got lots of hugs from strangers” she nodded . 

“ well heres a free cola on me  and looks like the guys are waiting for you” penny smiled nodding her head over to the little small group of the dagger squad. 

“ we come over tomorrow anyways go kiddo enjoy” pete kissed her head. 

“ yeah coyote looks more lost without jake than i do “ she teased making  her way through the crowd nodding at the congratulation til she got to the usual spot only for javy to lift her off the ground with a hug  almost spilling her drink but like a knight in shining armour bob took it from her hand put on table . 

“ our baby is having a baby “ he cheered . 

“ excuse me “ she laughed , 

“Oh we decided a while back you were our little sister so not up to you “ fanboy shrugged. 

“ i’ve no say in this?” she asked . 

“ nah .. plus one of us already called mav dad before” payback snickered. 

“ that was once and it was slip of the tongue” bob grumbled. 

“ we even cleared it with rooster” coyote winked  as she hugged the others . 

“ well i’m glad you got his approval “ she rolled her eyes taking her seat. 

“ so as your new found big brothers and future uncle to the baby seresin / mitchell that is growing inside of that tummy of your we are here at your beck and call so even if heartburn or some shit  in the middle of night you gotta call us “ payback informed her honestly it felt like she was being scolded like a naughty child. 

“ even if it’s for ice cream” fanboy added only for penny to bring over a container filled with nacho in front of her. 

“ courtesy of yale” she snorted. 

“Hey thank yale” she yelled mouth watering at the food before her only for more food items to be brought throughout her time in the hard deck that night some by the people that got them or to the point penny sent the delivery man or woman directly to y/n . each time she yell out the thanks to the name on the receipt . 

By the time she and bob got his car and she head home she’d enough  containers to feed  her for the week or least first couple of days .

Jake honestly was  up and down from one moments of being happy then being scared shitless within the space of few hours he was going through a series of emotions.  It  honestly  gave nat and bradley whiplash trying to keep up with him .  one hand he was so excited for  the chapter of his life , he was older almost into his forties so the fact he was going to start a family well it was everything . then it was fact he was actually going to be a father what if he was shit at it or his kid resented him for being in the navy or  what if something left him inured or worse kill in action . then he was afraid of not being there for his girl the fact she was going through three months alone without  him  being at her side. What if something happened and he couldn’t be there for her . now he was sat with phoenix and rooster since honestly the two need to get him to chill out or else get him sedated . 

“She not going to be alone the guys will be there and her dad” nat said softer than the usual tone she would take with hangman of all people. “ plus you and bradshaws got like weird spidey sense sort of thing with her so if you even for a second felt something was off you would … we all would honestly swim back to san diego” .  

“ she is right we knew she was off after that sea food platter and when she gets her period which now isn’t a problem because she can’t have either of those while pregnant” rooster smirked .  

“ he’s got a point” nat laughed, 

“ i’m going to miss three month of her pregnancy of my first child “ he finally said  looking down to his hands . 

“ barely anything happens in first three months” nat tried to play it off. 

“ scan says she 10 weeks so she be what six months when i get back”  he scoffed . 

“ well once your there for the birth meeting your first child , thats the main show my friend plus way you two go at it you’’ll get to experience it again” roo wince considering he caught them in considerably a few compromising times . 

“ honestly i’m surprised she wasn’t pregnant sooner” nat nodded along . 

“ yeah not helping , i just wished it was different i mean what if something was to happen to me “ he asked the two . 

“ i think coyote called dibs on y/ns” rooster said easily. 

“ so did bob” nat nodded along .

“ again not helping” he deadpanned. “ i don’t want my kid to grow up or my girl to be heartbroken trying to explaining   why daddy ain’t around i mean it hard thing to go through” . 

“ here as the only orphan of the group yes it hard  but i turned out fine my mom made life the best even if she was dealing with a broken heart , plus trauma make you funnier why you think me and pretty girl are so hilarious “ bradley winked. 

“ she does say she half way to being batman only Mav in her way” nat chuckled. 

“ look bagman sadly your a good guy and well we do unpredictable shit but your are going to be one of those fuckers that dies like ripe old age shitting in his diaper” bradley patted his back . 

“ i say this with love but don’t comfort people outside of our group but also thanks it weirdly helped “ jake said slightly surprise how it help just now he was counting down the moment he would get to see her . 

Waking up to a half empty bed was something she was never going to get over it . it had  been two weeks since they were gone and still felt like it was going to be forever before they got home . like it was perfect time every symptom decided to come at once leaving her napping during her lunch break or her head in the toilet . since word spread quickly of her pregnancy everyone was almost babying her making her want to honest bite them or something . admiral simpson also got a recruit one who was studying engineering to “Intern for her” which was his way making sure she wasn’t doing anything too strenuous but did mean she had to guide the dude through literally everything.  Luke wasn’t a bad kid and well poor fucker got confused more times then he should of plus calling him kid was a bit much given he was only a couple years closer . she notice kyle and coyote instantly being there too if she so much as looked at something they deemed too heavy. But true to their words one night she rang them crying because well she felt lonely and they all came and watched movie even camped out in the living room like it was a sleep over . whenever she mention of craving something well they would come back later with said thing .  bob even  got her new overalls when the little bump that started to protrude  out took her til she went home to realise what he done  , it wasn’t big by any means but still clothes where starting to get a bit tight . even mama seresin and jakes sisters sent some maternity clothes  down for her to wear and she had to give it to them they found cool stuff . she never wore the pj’s though because at night she would take one of jakes T-shirts wear them to bed was closest thing to having him there .  even during the week the guys including the newbie kyle brought her to the good duck part even making friends with the senior citizens that were there .  she was never so lucky in life as she was now to have the friends she did   when it came down to it moving to san diego and starting fresh was the best thing she ever done. 

Walking with the guys , shopping for stuff to send the guys that weren’t there care package she needed to rest when they spot some sport store honestly she zoned out half way telling them she wanted to rest on bed to knock themselves out . 

“ stupid mutt” was all she heard pulling her attention to a man yelling down at a terrified dog .  instantly she was protective mode hauling her ass off the bench no longer tired .  “ waste of money stupid thing” he spat going to kick the already shivering and cowering dog. 

“ hey asshole” she snapped pushing him away . 

“ mind your business lady nothing to do with you” he growled. 

“ i’m making it my business what fuck is wrong with you kicking a defenseless dog” she spat not noticing that fanboy was already rounding them up the moment he spot her walking off from the bench. 

“ again none of your fucking business chubs now fuck off what i do with my dog is my business”. 

“ and i told you dickless .. can i call you that because you’d have to be a dickless asshole to hurt an animal what pisses me off is if this little guy defended himself he would be branded a monster ,  don’t mind the dickless man you poor little baby “ she cooed down at the dog instantly cowering behind her. “ what if i hit you huh cut you down to size and chubs really dude you look more pregnant that i do “ she scoffed. 

“ listen lady keep you mouth shut or i’ll… “  he started. 

“ or you what , i hope you aint talking to our sister like that pal” coyote stood making himself bigger as the rest followed. 

“ because she can’t hit you in her condition “ fanboy added. 

“ but we can” bob spoke completely different honestly she was a little impressed . 

“ what like i’m afraid of you” the man said yet his face gave it away instantly. 

“ you should be “ payback stood in front of her. 

“ you know what you care so much about the bag of flea take it ain’t worth it” the man rushed off as they walked him til he drove off only to hear her giggling and laughing . 

“ he likes me” she beamed up at them . 

“ please let us be there when you tell jake” fanboy snorted.

“ he’ll get over it , day got better free dog and awesome cool bodyguards … sorry brothers now lets go get this little peanut some new things “ she smiled happily. 

 “ she’s gonna be the death of us “ kyle sighed and they all agreed. 

“ it doesn’t actually have flea’s right we took my car here” bob gulped.

Lucky for bob peanut did not in fact have  fleas but he was skin and bone . peanut was only seven months old pitbull and nothing to him  , she brought him everywhere even to the hard deck letting sit with her and the guys although he was nervous at first when it got busy but soon got use to it even  only place she couldn’t bring him was work and  so she brought him to a doggy day care one of the officers recommended one night at hard deck . two weeks was all it took for the pooch to get use to the new dynamic given it was probably the most attention he’s gotten in his life . now she was sitting on her sofa patiently ( for her ) for jake to call he let her know he had a slot for facetime coming up and she was looking forward to it  almost counting the seconds til she could  finally see him . 

“ now we gotta do this smart ok” she said to the dog currently sitting at her feet only for the phone to ring out and her to rush at it almost dropping it  as she hit the answer button . 

“ hey baby” god even his voice made her insides melt. 

“ jake i missed you so much “ she almost cried she was so happy to finally see and hear him . 

“ i missed you too hows baby” he asked nervously. 

“Growing and currently kicking my ass i mean of course they would given they’re half you , look ” she giggled holding the sonograms up . “ i sent some in care package so you’ll get to see it for yourself  i asked them kept gender surprise til your home so we will get to see it together “ she cooed. 

“ darling …. Tell me something and tell me truth” he asked his eyes coming closer. 

“ anything ask away “ she smiled sweetly. 

“ why is there a dog sitting beside you “ he asked wondering if weeks at sea was making him see things only for her to see peanut was in fact sitting beside her . 

“ well long story short , we were shopping for the care packages and well the guys went to soon store while i wanted to chill out on bench this douche was kicking him and then he called me chubby like dude looked like he was carrying quads anyways after fat shaming and threats boom free dog isn’t he a cutie” she cooed. 

“ darling don’t those eat babies” he whispered . 

“ oh my god your like the shelters … jake seresin are you dog racist” she gasped .

“ dog racist?”. 

“ these dogs are sweethearts it media and dumb ass idiots that make them like monster but peanut is a sweetheart better then the chihuahua in his daycare i think that dog hates me” she winced.

“ dog daycare darling how long is he there?” he chuckled.

“ oh like two weeks , we watch golden girls with miss wilson too  she knitted him a  little cardigan he’s still skinny as hell but he’s coming along greatly” she smiled softly kissing the dogs head. 

“Well i guess i can’t wait to meet him and tell rooster we have a dog now,” he chuckled 

The two chatted trying to fit in everything in the limited amount of time before he had to say goodbye only now peanut was added in to which confused the hell why the phone was talking to him but still wagged his little tail . when the call did end he got up in her lap and licked away the tears that fell down her cheek. 

“thank fuck you're here” she smiled sadly hugging him closely to her.  Only two more months to go before jake was home . 

part 12

taglist : @harrysgothicbitch @djs8891 @darksparklesficrecs @emma8895eb5eb @sarah-bear706318

[ereardon]

The Backup [Masterlist] — Full length series

Summary: No strings attached sex never works, right? You and Jake Seresin have fallen into a bad pattern of seeking each other out for sex after dates go awry, but a year of being friends with benefits with Jake hasn’t been good for your dating life. Especially when the two of you are hiding your antics from your lifelong best friend Coyote and the rest of your tightly knit friend group. But what happens when you decide to take a step back and end the cycle with Jake to focus on your dating life? And why is it that all of the sudden Jake looks more irresistible than ever when you know he’s off limits? 

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Status: Series is ongoing!

Overview:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

[floydsglasses]

𝙳𝚊𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚜 𝚆𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚢𝚙𝚎𝚜

{All Daggers included} Side note I've been watching too much Red Dead Redemption on YouTube so that's why I'm gifting you all this, ENJOY!

𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕝𝕖𝕪 "ℝ𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣" 𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕨 - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕟𝕤𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 A gunslinger is a hero-of sorts. He can come in many package's but one thing that each character has in common is their quick draw of their gun. He is someone you would want on your side in a fight wither its a battle of word's or bullets

𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕖 "ℍ𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟" 𝕊𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕚𝕟 - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕣 A rancher is the owner of a ranch, a spread of land where animals are raised, usually the Rancher is more wealthier then common town folk usually shown dressed more proper, but dont let that keep you away. They can be seen often working their own ranch and as well as employing those in desperate need of a job.

ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕒 "ℙ𝕙𝕠𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕩" 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕖= 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕪 ℍ𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣 A bounty hunter is a freelancer who assists law enforcement by pursuing wanted criminals for the price on their heads. Because of their line of work usually they are someone you dont want going after you. Know one thing, if the word's Wanted Dead or Alive are on parchment know you should be afraid.

ℝ𝕠𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥 "𝔹𝕠𝕓" 𝔽𝕝𝕠𝕪𝕕 - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕓𝕝𝕖𝕣  The Professional Gambler is someone who emphasizes the "skill" part of the equation. They often are scanning everything and everyone, able to read people better then most. Usually they make their living through betting their money, and often come out on top.

𝕄𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕪 "𝔽𝕒𝕟𝕓𝕠𝕪" 𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕚𝕒 - 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕠 In simple term's its the Hispanic version of an outlaw. Often a bad guy, but recently they can be seen as a robin hood of sorts for the people, going against the corrupts government. He is quick with both a knife and gun, and certainly someone who can be your friend or foe

ℝ𝕦𝕖𝕓𝕖𝕟 "ℙ𝕒𝕪𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜" 𝔽𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕤𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕙 Someone who shapes tools, weapons and other items out of iron and steel, so called because iron is a "black" metal. Specializing in creating weapon's, bullets, and horseshoes. They are a very neutral person and always willing to show off their craftsmen's ship

𝕁𝕒𝕧𝕪 "ℂ𝕠𝕪𝕠𝕥𝕖" 𝕄𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠- 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕊 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝 Often someone who will uphold the law and will not be easily persuaded by the local politics like the sheriff would be, they have usually a good moral compass and will make sure he get's his man. They have the power to deputize people, and form posses

So how do we feel about this return to mood boards, I am happy with it, we need more western au's of these dork's, I would die if I ever saw any of them like this

TAGGED: @fairyheart @sebsxphia @vivwritesfics @sugarcoated-lame @sailor-aviator

[mrslectermoriarty]

Headcanon Series #20

I need the Daggers to have a TikTok Account, hear me out!

Coyote: "Were the Daggers, of course we look amazing in our flight suits." He does a twirl and strikes a pose. Applause behind the camera.

Cut to Halo: "Were the Daggers, of course we managed to get good callsigns." In the background someone yells “Fuck off, Egg White!”. Halo gives the camera a pointed look. “We definetly good the good call signs.”

Cut to Fanboy: "Were the Daggers, of course our CO is the Navy's greatest pilot." He holds up a picture of Maverick lying on the ground, he stumbled over his open shoelaces. “But seriously. He is.”

Cut to Fritz: "We're the Daggers, of course we've been at least once at Top Gun." The camera zooms out, so we can see the base he’s standing in front of. He does a thumbs up. “Crazy place!”

Cut to Hangman: "We’re the Daggers, of course we're the best of the best." Rooster in the background gives him the finger. Hangman doesn’t see it. Chuckling behind the camera. “What’s so funny?”

Cut to Phoenix: "We're the Daggers, of course we blackmail each other with embarassing photos." Bob is sitting in the background. He looks up into the camera and gives it a serious nod.

Cut to Omaha: "We're the Daggers, of course we look back at our academy days in shame." Fritz walks by and grimaces.

Cut to Payback, in a bar: "We're the Daggers, of course we loose a shit ton of money to each other when we play pool at the hard deck. Well, some of us." He smirks. Groaning behind the camera.

Cut to Bob: "We're the Daggers, of course we have a group chat." His phone lights up and he shows the screen to the camera. We see a group chat that gets new messages every couple seconds. “Guys? You know we’re all on the same base right now? We can actually talk to each other.”

Cut to Yale, it’s night by now and he’s standing in front of a dimly lit house in otherwise darkness. There’s whispering in the background. "We're the Daggers, of course we continue the tradition of raiding the CO's liquor stack."

Cut to Harvard, inside of a house. Looks like a living room. Everyone is standing in the middle of the room and shouting; it’s loud. Harvard looks bewildered. "We're the Daggers, of course our CO is married to an Admiral and didn't tell us about it. He also didn't tell us about one of us being his legal child." Cut to the zoomed in background where we can see a blurry figure standing in a corner with a glass in its hand. Cut to Harvard, now in selfie mode and close to his face. He whispers: “That’s the fucking COMPACFLT.”

Cut to Rooster in the same living room. He has a small, awkward smile on his face while Phoenix stands a bit behind him and looks pissed. "We're the Daggers, of course it never gets boring with us around, I guess." Hangman sneaks into the frame, kisses Rooster and runs away, yelling something like “it never does”. Rooster stands there, too stunned to speak. Behind the camera: “Wait, did he just-“

Cut to Maverick sitting in a comfortable looking armchair, elbows on his knees and a beer in his hands. He’s laughing into the camera and speaks with a soft voice: "They're my Daggers and of course they’re family." “No no no, you’re supposed to say- what, did you just call us family? Guys, Mav just called us his family!” Happy shouting erupts in the background and Maverick is being group-hugged by several aviators around him. The camera shakes and the video ends.

Beautiful inspiration, I must say…

[ofstoriesandstardust]

a red rose grew up out of ice frozen ground (n.p.t.)

note: this my contribution to valentine's day fics although i know it's a bit early for that. this series is forever and always for @cottagecori

warnings: poetically soft, brief reference to the waiting room series but can be read standalone, brief alcohol mentions

word count: 1.9k

“Isn’t it romantic how all my eulogies eulogize me?”

“What’s got you all in tizzy?” Payback says, sliding down on the couch across from her in the rec room. 

She huffs for what her friends think is the millionth time, turning her helmet in her hands. 

“I wanna get out of here.” She mutters, scuffing her boot on the ground. 

“Why? You got some Valentine’s dinner date you’ve gotta run out to?” Hangman drawls, leaning against the back of the couch she’s seated on. 

“Maybe. Why’s that any of your business?” She snaps, glaring down at her helmet. 

Bradley huffs out a laugh. “Now, don’t tell me you’re nervous.” 

She glares at him in return, causing the boy’s shoulders to shake even more with silent laughter. 

She was nervous, but maybe not for the reason her friends think.

“You are nervous.” Bob clarifies in a soft voice, adjusting his glasses. She kicks at the ground some more and shrugs. 

“I’ve never been with someone on Valentine’s Day.” She admits softly. “And I didn’t even think we were going to do anything because she’s so busy with school, but she insisted we have a romantic dinner at home, but she won’t give me any insight to what she has planned and now it looks like we’re going to be getting out of here late and I just-” She groans, scrubbing her hands over her face. 

Hangman shifts off the couch behind her, leather squeaking as he does. “I think you’re overreacting.” 

Her head snaps back to him, a glare already on her face. “Bagman-” 

“She’s enamored with you.” He says, like how someone says the sky is blue and grass is green. “You can do no wrong.” 

Later, if Mav asks, she’ll deny being the reason behind a shiny new bruise on Hangman’s forearm. 

-

You fiddle with your earrings nervously as you glance at the clock. 

Natasha had texted you that work was running late, which you honestly hadn’t minded, making the afternoon rush of getting out of class and changed and getting set up at her house less of a rush and more a fast-paced hustle. Still, now that you had somewhat set up for her return to the house, you were starting to second guess the plan you’d set in place. 

What if Natasha didn’t like it? What if she thought it was silly or immature? What if she didn’t want to spend anymore Valentine’s with you? 

You couldn’t really afford to go out to an expensive dinner but you’d been the one to want to celebrate in the first place anyways. Maybe Natasha would have preferred that to what you had planned? 

You’d just wanted to spend time with her. You just wanted to show her how much you loved her for loving you, for sticking by you through all the shit of the last few months. 

You knew it hadn’t been easy for her, ever since you’d found out about your relationship to Pete, but she’d taken it all in stride. You knew the sour turn your friendship with Bradley had taken had put a strain on her relationship with the mustached man, as much as she had tried to pretend like it hadn’t. 

You-

You don’t get to finish that train of thought, startling as you hear Natasha in the entryway. 

“Love?” She calls out, and you can hear her drop her keys in the dish by the front door. 

“Kitchen.” You call back. 

She appears a few moments later, hair falling over her shoulder. 

You feel a bit breathless for a moment, taking in the woman in front of you. 

Her hair is a bit darker than normal, signaling she must have showered after training for the day. Natasha very rarely let her down, always keeping it tied back or in a braid, so you could see the soft waves as it falls over her shoulder. The velvet-y, low cut, open-back black dress doesn't leave much to the imagination.

Natasha knows it’s one of your favorite dresses of hers, with easy access to draw patterns on her back in public and getting to undo the strings at the top of her shoulders at the end of the night. 

“You look good.” You blurt out, eyes wide. You’re resisting the urge to reach out and touch her. 

You’re still struck sometimes at how a woman like Natasha is with someone like you, that you get this girl all to yourself. 

“So do you.” She says, a bit breathless as she pushes some hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry work ran late. I hope I didn’t cause too much upset to your plans.” 

You shake your head jerkily as you swallow, giving her one last lookover as you attempt to get your brain back online. “Not at all.” 

She lets out a little laugh at this, stepping a bit closer. “Well, will you tell me what we’re doing now, at least?” 

You falter, glancing back at the fridge. “Well, I- now that you’re here it feels a little stupid.” 

She lets out another laugh, stepping even closer to you. You can feel her body warmth as she almost touches you, but not quite. “Stupid? If you planned it, I doubt it could be stupid.” 

You must make some kind of look on your face because she frowns. “Don’t make that face-” 

You sigh, clasping your hands together. “Well, okay- I- growing up we didn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, but when we could afford it my Mom would always get heart-shaped pizza from somewhere. And I found this recipe online, to make your own mini heart-shaped pizzas, and I thought it could be a fun activity for the two of us to do together- but it’s stupid isn’t it?” You groan, face falling into your hands. “I should’ve just tried to cook something, this is so dumb-” 

“It’s not dumb. I don’t think it’s dumb.” Natasha says at an alarmingly fast rate. 

“You don’t?” You ask, words still muffled by your hands. You can feel the heat in your cheeks, the embarrassment prickling at you. 

Natasha gently takes your hands away from your face. “Not at all. Put on some music, open that bottle of wine from Napa I’ve been saving, and pull out those chocolate strawberries I made for you last night from the fridge, and we’ve got ourselves a lovely little date.” 

“You… you made those for me?” You blink up at your girlfriend. Your pretty girlfriend. 

Truthfully, you’d seen the strawberries in the fridge when you’d been putting the perishables from your grocery run in there, but you hadn’t thought they’d been for you. 

“Well, I’d had to contribute something here, didn’t I?” She says with a full laugh this time. 

You shrug. “Spending time with you is enough for me-” 

She cuts you off, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. You sigh into it, pulling your girlfriend closer. 

“You’re so cute.” She mutters, beaming at you after you pull away. You blush, practically preening in Natasha’s grip at the compliment. “And I love you, very much.” 

-

A few hours and a couple glasses of the good wine later find you laying on a checkered blanket on Natasha’s living room floor, soft candles lit in the room as the playlist you had made for her plays softly in the background. 

The mini heart-shaped pizzas had been a hit and the remnants of the chocolate covered strawberries are scattered around on plates. Your feet are tucked up into Natasha’s lap, her thumb brushing over your ankle as the two of you just talk. 

It feels good to be with her like this. It had been exactly what you’d wanted. 

Natasha makes you feel warm, safe. Like you can just be a little kid again. Like you can laugh with her for the rest of your life. 

“Can I ask you something?” She whispers softly. 

“Anything.” You respond. 

You’d tell her anything she wanted to know. You’d bare your soul to the girl you loved. 

“Would you ever want to move in with me? Like here?” She asks, a soft smile playing on her face. 

You push yourself up a little, trying to prop yourself up more. You’re a bit breathless as you stare at her, mind whirring. 

“Natasha Trace, are you asking me to move in with you?” 

Her smile turns a bit lopsided, the only tell of her nerves in her eyes as she looks away from you with a shrug. “I guess it depends on your answer.” 

You swallow, unsure of what to say to her. 

Sure, you’d spent a few nights (more than a few nights) at her place and she’s spent an equal amount of time at yours. 

But- you’d be living at Sam’s family house almost as long as you’d been back in San Diego. It’d been safe in a lot of ways, especially when Sam and Fran had been back in town and living there too. 

Living with them had never felt like a third-wheel, but just friends hanging out. 

It was safe, in so many ways. 

And if you moved out, and in with Natasha, you put that safety at risk. You weren’t sure if you’d be able to go backwards. 

But-

Damn it, you loved Natasha. You loved waking up next to her in the mornings and tracing the lines in back, running your fingertips over that one mole that you knew made her squirm. You loved getting to make breakfast with her and have her bring you coffee just the way you liked it while still in bed. You loved getting to spend your days with her, running errands and cooking and everything in between. You loved getting to be tucked into her at night, to be held, to be loved. 

The thought that you could have all of that, all of that laughter and love with Natasha, all the time, whenever you wanted it, was almost too much for your heart to bear. It felt like the realization of something that had felt so out of reach for you. 

You could have all of it. 

You almost want to laugh, with how giddy the idea makes you but you didn’t want to make Natasha think you’d found the idea of living with her silly. 

“Tell you what.” You say, pushing yourself up into a seated position. Natasha lets your ankle go willing, but she isn't without your touch for long as you scooch across the blanket, knees knocking against hers as you crowd her space. “I think that if I move right now, I’ll lose my mind.” 

Natasha nods, eyes shiny with hope as you talk. You know that she understands the truth in them, that moving your whole life at the height of the semester would very well be your undoing. 

“But,” You say, a bit breathless again, trying to slow yourself down to get all the words out. “I would love to live with you. Live with you here.”

“Yeah?” She says, her smile growing. 

You nod. “How about this? Let me get through this semester, and this summer, when things slow down a bit and I’m not in as many credits-” Natasha makes a noise in the back of her throat at the mention that you’d never really be free of grad school until you finished next year. “-I will be all yours.” 

You don’t think you’ll ever really tire of the way Natasha’s eyes light up. You don’t know how anyone could.

[lewmagoo]

greek gods series ; athena

[dear-reader-letters]

Possible Editions to the List of Characters

Hello Dear Readers!

I have been thinking about adding to my list of characters in the coming months. I have been contemplating adding the following

-Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso)

-Roy Kent (Ted Lasso)

-Jamie Tartt (Ted Lasso)

-Sam Obisanya (Ted Lasso)

-Tony Stark (Marvel)

-Natasha "Phoenix" Trace (Top Gun: Maverick)

-Ron Weasley (Harry Potter)

-Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter)

-Fred or George Weasley (Harry Potter)

-Harry Potter (Harry Potter)

-Angus MacGyver (2016 MacGyver)

If these new additions interest you please let me know by commenting or messaging me! I want to create quality letters and don't want to spread myself too thin but If there seems to be interest in characters I can add them to my list.

[torchflies]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *big deep breath* HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Okay I think I'm good. Maybe. Until the next chapter at least.

God, the Dino Dads are going to be so devastated when they find out. Clearly, Bradley is, good ol' Phoenix telling him, at least Jake didn't the choice not too

Phoenix and Javy are the real MVPs of this fic. Thank you, Nonny!!!

I'm so glad you have FEELINGS, and those old coots are never going to let Jake out of their sight. It will take a whole extinction event for Jake to get some peace and quiet 🤣🦃

[sarahsmi13s]

Baldur's Gun

Everything you did, everything you sacrificed - it was worth it, for this...

look you guys, i know i have a problem but just... hear me out okay

the tadpole is strong and i had to do a little something to mesh these two. i know this little mini series won't click with everyone and that's okay! i just thought it would be fun to make it and share it with you guys! and again, i couldn't thank @lovinglyeternal enough for this new hyperfixation 😂

this is also a little gateway into another moodboard progect i have in store!

let the fun begin!

A Cunning Vampire

A Master of the Weave

A Loyal Servant

A Forged Soldier

A Kindhearted Warrior

A Fierce Soldier

A Gentle Giant

[foreverrandomwritings]

Controversially Young Girlfriend- Part 2

Summary: CYG gets lost trying to find the cafeteria to meet her girlfriend for lunch. Thankfully a friendly face helps guide her in the right direction. 

Pairing: Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x Controversially Young Girlfriend

Warnings: None?

Word count:872

Masterlist  Series Masterlist

Admiral Simpson turned the corner heading towards his office. He had just gotten out of a meeting that left him feeling absolutely exhausted. He just needed to get back to his office and then he could eat his lunch. That was his plan until he saw a familiar face standing in the hallway looking utterly lost. He called out her name to get her attention. 

“Mr.Simpson, how are you doing today?” She asked as she turned toward the man, a hopeful smile on her face. She hadn’t been within these walls in years, not since her mom would occasionally bring her to work with her when she was a child. 

“I’m doing quite well. What’s got you on base?” He asked her inquisitively. With one of her mothers being a Judge Advocate General she had the military ID to get on base. But he knew that her mother wasn’t on a case that he had knowledge of. 

“I’m here visiting my girlfriend for lunch.” She said holding up the bag of food in her hands.

“Who would that be?” He looked through the halls for anyone he might suspect it to be. The fact it was a woman narrowed the list down exponentially but he still came up empty. 

“Phoenix.” That reply shocked him. He had obviously met the aviator on many occasions and he wouldn’t have guessed her for someone that would date so young. Hangman or Rooster would’ve been his first thought had she not said her girlfriend.

“I didn’t realize you were dating one of my aviators.” He said as he looked at his daughter's best friend in front of him. He could remember her losing her first tooth in tandem with his daughter. Both of them having worked on pulling them out together. To see her today looking so grown up made him a little winded. 

“Well I wasn’t aware I had to update you when my relationship status changed but if you must know it’s been a couple of months now.” She replied, giving him a sweet teasing smile.

“Would you like me to escort you to the lunch room?” He asked her as he nodded in the direction of the cafeteria.

“That would be great. I always seem to get lost here.” She said as her shoulders deflated, relief washing through her. They talked casually, catching up as they made their way to the mess hall.

“Admiral Simpson.” The aviators surrounding the table stood and saluted the man. 

“As you were.” He replied as CYG slipped away from his side walking towards her girlfriend. She placed the food on the table and slipped into a seat between Phoenix and Payback. 

“Found your girlfriend wandering the halls lieutenant.” He spoke to the front seater. She looked sheepish as the woman squeezed her hand.

“Sorry sir, won’t happen again.” She told him hoping to keep clear of a scolding.

“It’s quite alright. I always enjoy seeing my bonus daughter.” He said with a shrug. The dagger squad all looked at each other in surprise at the reply.

“Known her since she was in kindergarten actually.” She and his daughter had been quick friends and remained two peas in a pod ever since.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than standing here and harassing me? What would Tracy say if she saw you now?” CYG sassed him, at the mention of his wife his face turned slightly red.

“No need to get her involved in this. I’ll be on my way now. See you at the house for dinner tonight. ” He replied quickly, turning around and heading away from the group. No way was he going to get scolded by his wife for embarrassing the young woman who was basically an extra daughter at this point. He’s made that mistake in the past and didn’t dare go there again.

But he also couldn’t help but worry for her. He had seen how worried his wife had been through all of his deployments. He didn’t want CYG to go through the same thing while her girlfriend went away to fight for their country. The thought of keeping the Aviator stateside briefly crossed his mind. Though he quickly shook it away, that wouldn’t be fair to Phoenix. She had worked her ass off to get where she was and pulling orders wouldn’t help her any. He would just have to be sure to be there for CYG when the orders eventually came. No one knew just how soon that would be. (He did call Phoenix into his office later that day and warned her against hurting CYG)

The aviators around the table grilled CYG for most of lunch about her relationship with their Admiral. She just rolled her eyes and answered what she could. She really appreciated the man who had become a support system for her throughout her life. He had taken a father figure roll for her quickly after meeting him. Not that she needed another parent, her mothers had always been very immersed in her life and unwaveringly supportive. But she truly appreciated the older man and his wife taking her in as one of their own. Just as her parents had done for his daughter.

A/N: This is such a fun little series. I’m super excited to write more for it. I know I’m going to write Phoenix’s first deployment while they were dating. But if anyone has any other ideas let me know, I’m all ears.

Tags(open):  @sylviebell​ @wkndwlff​ @eternallyvenus​ @loving-and-dreaming​ @princess76179​ @kmc1989​ 

[ssprayberrythings]

Christmas Through The Years - Part Two

Home Sweet Home

' Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female!reader '

I know Christmas has passed but it's still the holidays so enjoy!

Approx. 1.7k words

Warnings: none just fluff and Christmas festivities!

__

Jake and I were coming up on 3 years. These last three years were filled with so much love and laughter, and some arguments, however, the highlight was definitely when we chose to move in together earlier this year. Jake already kept half of his stuff at mine, the only downfall was that my place was a bit of a drive to base which was why we decided to sell our apartments and move together into a house on base.

We ended up falling in love with a cute 2 bedroom house with 2 baths, one of the bathrooms being an ensuite to the master bedroom which both myself and Jake loved. The backyard was a decent size, definitely big enough to host BBQ parties. At the end of the day, it was a great starter home and, we were just excited to start this new chapter of our lives.

Christmas was fast approaching and although this wasn’t our first Christmas together, it was our first in the new home so, of course, we bought everything new to make our home ready for the holidays. We started with getting a tree which brought forth the argument of whether we should go with a real one or an artificial tree. Jake was used to getting a real tree meanwhile I was used to getting an artificial tree.

After going back and forth with each other about the tree we decided that we would get a real tree up until we had children then we’d get an artificial tree to make holidays easier with little ones. Jake had made a comment on how his parents dealt with him and his sisters and still managed a real tree, which earned him a look that said ‘if looks could kill’ and he didn’t say anything further on the topic. Once we had our tree chosen and set up in the house, the rest of the preparation for the holidays was a breeze.

For our tree, we had our mothers send us some of the personal ornaments that we had back in our childhood homes. Included in my ornaments was the one I made out of macaroni in the 2nd grade. I'm guessing my mom had put the picture in the middle of it. The photo was of me holding my childhood cat in front of a Christmas tree, no doubt on Christmas morning.

Jake's mom also sent some of his homemade ornaments. We also had ornaments from my niece and nephew and a few from Jake’s nieces. Alongside our personalized ornaments, we bought plain red and silver bulbs. The only thing our tree was missing was a star as there was a specific one I wanted but couldn’t find anywhere therefore we agreed to keep the tip of the tree bare until we had the right star.

The next couple of days we also worked on decorating other parts of the house, Jake hung the lights outside with the help of Javy, and I made sure the path leading up to the front door from the driveway was done along with the display by the door, careful not to go overboard. I also made a stop at Target one day and got a couple of cute Christmas-themed throw pillows and a matching blanket then just some simple decor we put throughout the house.

By the third week of December, our house was 100% Christmas ready and it was nice sitting back at night surrounded by the Christmas spirit.

Jake and I had decided to host Christmas dinner for the dagger squad as everyone was staying local this Christmas. When we were both free next we took a trip to the grocery store to make sure we had everything we needed and before we knew it, it was already Christmas Eve.

__

Currently, Jake and I were cozied up on our couch, wearing our matching Christmas pajamas, and two cups of hot cocoa sat on the coffee table in front of us. We had decided to exchange gifts tonight instead of tomorrow morning to ensure we had everything made on time for when everyone showed up. Jake had just opened a new game he wanted, and he stated we would be playing tomorrow after dinner.

“Okay babe your turn,” he said as he passed me a box that had a beautiful red bow across it. I opened the box and lifted the tissue paper, seeing the coat I had spotted in a store window one of the days we were at the mall. I had made a comment on how pretty it looked as it was one of those buttoned coats and was a shade of red, my favorite color.

“Oh, Jake! I love it! ” I told him as I unfolded it and stood up putting it on “It’s so warm and it fits perfectly” I did a bit of a half twirl showing it off with the biggest smile on my face “Thank you!” I leaned over giving him a quick kiss on the lips before taking it off and resting it on the arm of the couch “I’m glad you like it, I like making my girl happy” he told me causing me to blush. He knew whenever he referred to me as “his girl” it gave me butterflies.

When we were done opening our gifts, I went to stand up when Jake stopped me and handed me another box “Jake what is this? You already got me too much” I told him as I held the box trying to figure out what else he possibly could’ve gotten me "There’s no such thing as too much when it comes to my girl” he replied as I shook my head, a small blush making it's way back to my face.

I carefully took the wrapping paper off and was met with a plain white box, I furrowed my eyebrows looking at Jake skeptically “I promise you’ll love it, just keep going,” he told me chuckling, I trusted him and carefully opened the white box. Once the box was opened, I reached in to take out the stuffing and the gift itself.

My eyes felt immediate tears once I unraveled the padding protecting it, seeing the exact star I wanted for our tree. It looked perfectly identical to the one I had when I was a kid that unfortunately broke when I was 13. Putting the star on was always my favorite part, but after it broke, it never felt the same putting a replacement on top.

“Where did you find it?” I asked Jake taking my eyes off the star and looking at him as he smiled at me “I called your mom asking if she remembered where your father got the original star and when she told me the name of the store, I tracked the owner down and asked if they had anything resembling the star you had as a kid, unfortunately, they didn’t so I had to resort to looking at antique stores and enlisted the help from some others” he told me as I stared down at the star again.

“It looks exactly like the one that broke when I was a teenager,” I told him tracing my fingers along the points “That’s because it is” he stated as I looked back up my eyes wide “I showed my Ma a picture of it seeing if any of the stores back home had anything similar and that's when she remembered that my grandma had the same one just sitting in her box of Christmas decorations," he told me.

I just stared at him listening to every word "My grandma hasn't put a tree up since my grandpa died so my Ma had to go get it out of storage but once she had it, she dusted it off and mailed it here" he finished smiling.

“Jake I don’t even know what to say” I was completely speechless “You don’t have to say anything but I think we should put it on the tree before it’s officially Christmas,” he said as he glanced at his watch, seeing it was five minutes until midnight.

I got off the couch careful of the star in my hand. As I was going toward the tree I turned around and looked at Jake, “I want you to put it on,” I told Jake smiling “But I got it for you babe” He responded confused by my request.

“I know and it means the world to me but you mean just as much to me which is why I want you to do it" I replied smiling, he returned the smile and got off the couch meeting me at the tree gently taking the star from my hands “I love you, you know that?” He said, I just smiled and nodded.

He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before turning and reaching up being careful as he situated the star on top of the tree. Once he knew it was secure, he took a step back admiring it. I took this as an opportunity to wrap my arms around Jake's waist and admire the star with him.

“I love you too,” I told him referring to what he said a few minutes prior. He kissed my head wrapping his arm around me and bringing me more into his side. “Merry Christmas babe,” he told me as he caught a glance at the clock “Merry Christmas” I replied looking up at him and seeing him already looking at me, he leaned down and connected our lips.

__

The next day as we welcomed our friends into our home, almost everyone commented on how gorgeous our tree looked, especially the star that sat on the top. We had a beautiful dinner with everyone, then once everything was cleaned up, we all sat around the living room laughing and enjoying each other's company.

When the night was over and another Christmas had passed, Jake caught me on our way to bed admiring the star. He walked over wrapping his arms around my waist and hugging me from behind

“You know someday I hope when we have children, we can share these moments with them and someday pass down the same star,” I told Jake, he smiled thinking about the future, and even though I couldn't see the smile with my eyes focused on the tree and my back to him, I knew what he was thinking at that moment. He couldn't wait either.

____

Oh my goodness, I hope this part is just as good as the first part! I think I'm getting better at this whole writing and editing thing so I really hope you enjoy this part!

I have part 3 written I just need to do some heavy editing but my goal is to have that on here by New Years' Eve/New Years' Day and then in that time I can work on part 4!

Regardless enjoy & let me know your thoughts !! <3 <3 >3

Taglist: @teacupsandtopgun

[ereardon]

The Backup Ch. 10 sneak peek

Bob paused. “It’s weird, you know,” he said quietly. “Without you guys here. Feels like something is missing.” 

“I miss you too.” You sucked in a breath. “How’s Jake?” 

“He’s, uh, in Texas.” You frowned into the phone. 

“Texas?” 

“He took a leave of absence,” Bob said. “Went to visit his grandmother at their ranch.” 

“When was the last time you talked to him?” 

“Two, maybe three weeks ago? Said he needed some space from the city.”

“From the city,” you whispered, “or from me?” 

Bob sighed. “You want the truth?” 

“Slice me open, Floyd,” you whispered. 

“He said the city is haunted by the ghost of you,” Bob said quietly. “That you’re around every corner. And even though he knows you’re in New York, a part of him always thinks you’re going to show up at his door.”

Masterlist here

[floydsglasses]

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 2- DAGGER EDTION

{All Daggers Included-Marvel Only}

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆 "𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿" 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘄-𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹/𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗸

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰.”

𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 "𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗺𝗮𝗻" 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗻-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗱/𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗹

"𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦'𝘴"

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮 "𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘅" 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲- 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗮𝘁/𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘆

"𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘰��𝘴! 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 -- 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 '𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘊𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴!"

𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 "𝗕𝗼𝗯" 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱-𝗛𝗮𝘄𝗸𝗲𝘆𝗲/𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻

"𝘈𝘴 𝘔𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘈𝘴 𝘐 𝘏𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘈𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘐𝘵, 𝘐𝘧 𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘞𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘖𝘯𝘦, 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘜𝘴 𝘔𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘛𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘐𝘵."

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 "𝗙𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘆" 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮-𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿/𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁/𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘆

"𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘶𝘱."

𝗥𝘂𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗻 "𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸" 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵-𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹

"𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘦."

𝗝𝗮𝘃𝘆 "𝗖𝗼𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗲" 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼-𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁/𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘯… 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘷𝘦"

[jackiequick]

Ex in the flesh | Pre-Marvel Phase 1

Uncle-Nephew: Jason Underwood & Tony Stark

Ex-romantic pairing: Jason Underwood x Sophia Trace

Summary: There are some faces you don’t expect to run into, in the middle of the day and sometimes it’s a feels a odd memory loss in the water.

Timeline: Pre-Iron Man (2008)

Character mentioned: Godson Rei Stark, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Maria Stark, Peggy Carter, Maria Winter and etc.

Note: Jason’s alias here is Thomas Logan Mitchell

——

It was early one afternoon when it happened. Their home in Malibu staying high on the rise as the windows were open bringing in the cold September breeze. Tony was in his lab as always tinkering with his toys as Pepper was given the afternoon to do some stuff for herself.

She definitely deserved it.

The household was mess. Goodness gracious how did they like that happen? Well that answer was the little menace, aka Anakin Skywalker Jr, Rei Stark. He was only 6 years old. But he was a little cocky dramatic tornado of a child.

The boy had so much energy it bewildered anyone who walked by him. He acted like he owned the whole house, technically he did due to it being his property one day, but that’s not the point—he didn’t care to do much. Always sending a tiny glare and a real cheeky grin to whoever he sees unfit to be in his area. He can could sense either a person’s attitude and godly annoyance from a mile away.

Thankfully he had people who he actually liked in his life, so it easier to find a comfortable ground with the kid.

Jason was in the kitchen sipping a glass of water and trying to figure out what to make for lunch.

He was thinking fries and chicken nuggets would work for his godson. Until he realized they were out of animal chicken nuggets and Rei favored those one than the normal nuggets. He couldn’t blame him, he liked those one too.

“Bubba?” Jason called out, hoping he would take the normal ones today, “Come here for a second!”

The pitter patter of sandals can be heard, the brunette came to stop and yelled in return, “What?!”

“You want chicken nuggets for lunch?”

“Yes. With fries. Extra crispy fries!”

“Haha. I got good news and bad news for ya, bubba. We’re all out of the animal nuggets.”

“Noooo! I want the animals ones.”

“We don’t have them, bubba.”

“Please. Just go to the store, pops!”

“Rei. It’s late and it seems like Pepper forgot to buy them.”

“No it’s not. It’s early. Mommy says the store is not far away.”

“Fine. We will go the store.”

“WE?! I don’t want to go papa..”

“Yes, we. Now come on, I’ll let you get a toy from vending machine and—”

The second those words hit Rei’s ears he went racing to the front door to remove his sandals and change into his street clothes until he realized he needed some help with his jacket. His godfather rolled his eyes, fixing the kid’s jean jacket and tied his shoelaces correctly. He told JARVIS to let Tony know they’re heading out before he left with the boy.

————

He let Rei choose which color car they would ride in. Black one with the gold accent seemed to be his favorite. Jason rolled his eyes and nodded as he strapped him into his car seat. One the way to the store, they played some more. A mix of pop, hip hop and rock.

In resulted into a jamming session on they’re way there.

It had Jason smile seeing Rei enjoying himself. He tends to forget about the fact that he’s just a kid sometimes due to how smart he tends to be and cleverness he holds onto. He sometimes fights with Tony to share more time with his son and let him just be a kid, reminding how on he single-handedly help Maria raise his nephew more often than not.

And he’s glad he wins that argument. Because the more time Tony spends with Rei the better.

Rei Stark may be a little distant from other kids, wanting to play alone at times but when he’s in his element—which is building things and just be a creative kid in general—he shines like a diamond. It’s incredible to witness how his mind tinkers in ways, he doesn’t even understand.

Once they reached the store, it was a different type of thing.

The aisles were nicely decorated with eye catching items from cereal to pretzels. Along with the section of fruits was nearby the pastries.

He first let Rei explore. Let his sweet tooth get a look at the delicious offer and his favorite fruits. He got to pick out some to take home. It was good, he seemed like he was enjoying himself. He told his godson to stay close meanwhile he looked at the cereal options before they grabbed the animal chicken nuggets.

But Jason should’ve known better because the second he turned his face to reach for Captain Crunch cereal, Rei scurried off to other end of the aisle to find god knows what! His eyesight zipped through the hall looking for him until he heard it.

“You’re not the boss of me lady!”

Yup. There he was at the corner of the aisle holding up bag of tootsies rolls and sending a tiny glare to the women, who was trying to reason with him. It sounded like the women was asking where the heck his parents were. Jason slide down, placing a hand on the kid’s brown fluffy hair and racing his fingers crossed to calm him softly.

“Bubba, why did you leave me standing?” He asked, looking down at him.

“I saw one lady holding a bag of tootsies rolls and I wanted one.” Rei told him like it was obvious.

“You had to ask me first before going off into the store.”

“I wasn’t that far!”

“You left me hanging bud.”

Then the women spoke with a smile and light scoff, “Hanging, huh? Sounds about right. No offense but the kid was just messing around.”

“Look sweetie, thank you for standing here and wondering about his parents. I can it from here.” Jason replies, raising his head to finally registering the woman but stopped surely.

Both adults stood there quickly examining one another faces in the store lights. The bright warm lights brought up every the women’s face. From her deem eyes to makeup nice reaching her lips. Her bouncing pushed back curls were set in place by a low ponytail as she held close a worn out bomber jacket that hung over a burgundy shirt.

Out of the people he would’ve expected to see today. She wasn’t one of them. He would’ve loved to be caught up in the aisles by an old friend or that lovely short lived ex girlfriend from years ago.

But not her! Anyone but the blind date he agreed on going to get out of the house and stop the protests from the ladies in his life to actually have a social life. It was one date or something like that, in which he cut short rather quickly.

Nonetheless here stood that ex-something of his.

And honestly he sorta regretted it. He was a jerk and he knows it.

“Wow, didn’t expect to see you here today.” Said the brunette with a small smile, decided to stay civil.

“Yeah well, it was an emergency to stock up on food.” Jason replied with a nod, a tiny smile curled his face.

“I can see that, nothing to worry about. You look…good.”

“I am good, Trace. Real good.”

Rei watched both adults thinking, he recognized her voice from a phone call and spoke up, “Wait who are you? You uh sound familiar.”

“I’m Sophia. An..old friend of your pal here—” He replied with a smile looking down at the kid, finding calmer down.

“He’s not my pal. He’s my pops, lady.”

“Pops?”

“Duhhh!”

Sophie paused trying to register what she heard thinking, ‘Mitchell has a kid?! He moved on fast!’ and sighed. The boy looked nothing like him, but the glint of wanting to be somewhere else like at home and not in public, was absolutely similar to the man. Other than that, he looked more like he possibly resembled the mother than him.

Strong enough genes.

“He’s your pops? Wow Mitchell, uh congrats.” Sophie said with a smile, feeling a little bitter wishing it wasn’t his son.

“Relax, Trace!” Jason repiled noticing the story on her face as he picked up Rei deciding to fix his glasses and teased, “I’m not with the mother. So you still have another shot with this.”

“You’re hilarious. That train left the station. It’s fine, you look content and that’s actually kinda cute.”

“What? Life a little miserable once I left?”

“If I’m correct, you didn’t exactly return my calls. And no, it’s not miserable. I’m better off without looking for a someone else.”

“Aww, you’ve got a lot better things to do than worry about me, i bet..”

“Yeah, but you wouldn’t be so bad either.”

The way Jason and Sophie smiled at that last comment, a hint of blush carried onto both cheeks.

Rei joked in his signature tone, “Aw, a compliment and a smile. Can we go please?”

“Yeah, Bubba. You wanna go grab the cart for me?” He asked, with a little smile only for him.

The boy simply nodded as he was put down, scurrying away toward the shopping cart not without sending another glare to the women. Once both of them were sure the kid was gone, they dropped the awkward moments to send a gentle glares deeply to one another.

Almost concerned glares if you asked anyone who can sense the unfinished tension between them.

“Where the heck have you been?” Sophie asked, leaning in with light smirk attached to her glare.

“Oh please. Last time I check sweetheart, you’re didn’t even come straight to me for answers.” Jason added with a match look.

“Really? That’s your play? You’re the one leaves behind a trail off unwanted promises for a date! I called, I texted and asked around. Nothing.”

“Did it ever occur to you that maybe we weren’t even able to get anywhere, with our whatever we had? You were way out of my league in the first place and sat high on your little cloud that you needed to be brought down a peg.”

“Ohhh funny you say that, cause you needed a little push to realized your not the most interesting man in the room or did you forget that? Our first date, you decided to take it as a favor for a friend but afterwards you liked it! You liked it a lot!”

“I did not! I was being nice, a gentleman with you because you seemed pretty alright in my books.”

“Pretty alright?”

“Yeah you’re half bad.”

“So you liked it?”

“I would say I didn’t hate it.”

Both grinned at that last comment, as a smirked laced their faces. They found each other rather attractive after everything.

The real reason, Jason didn’t follow up on that date was because he felt stupid, insecure and didn’t want to let himself be heartbroken again after so many times. He was just defending himself with an act.

That he cut it off too early but he also knew it wasn’t gonna last in the first place.

He was a complete idiot, a jerk and terrified of starting something new. Especially with the life he lives and the things he had done, he feels like he doesn’t deserve it. None of it.

It was a gut wrenching guilt he carried that made him feel that way, like it’s better to be alone sometimes.

Most importantly he didn’t want to bring anyone into this life either. But he should’ve gone about it a different way than he did, he regretted how he ended it. He wants a second chance.

A small push.



“You left sorta me hanging around for a bit afterward. It actually bothered me.” She admitted with a sigh, dropping the act.

He sighed and nodded, “And you left me questioning, you know that? Uh look, I’m not good at this..”

“Yeah well me either, I got busy. Real busy with my classes and students.”

“I can tell. The eye bags underneath your eyes. You should rest, I mean it.”

“I know I should rest..and I’m sorry too for not taking the initiative to come to you for answers…I wasn’t exactly ready for it..”

“Look, it was something I wasn’t ready for either..I was busy too. I’m sorry, I was complete jerk and I apologize for my inconvenience..and just my attitude towards this point..”

“But you did it. We both did.”

“Yeah I know, I don’t know why we did it but we did it. By all accounts, I think I owe you a second date..”

“Oh definitely you do haha! Yeah and it was—”

Both were cut off by Rei’s racing toward them almost slammed the wheels of the shopping cart against Sophie’s shopping cart. He did it on purpose, Jason was sure of it and he sigh, kinda not proud of him for that.

Yeah, Rei was trying to save him from having this conversation to try and explain himself to Sophie. He’s always thankful for the saves from the kid, but he wished his godson didn’t save him this time.

However he was definitely getting dino nuggets today for at least coming with him to the store.

Rei yanked his godfather’s arm, dragging him down the aisle as Jason shrugged sending ‘I apologize for him’ look to Sophie. She just shook his head chuckling and walked away. They pair turned around waving at each other as they separated into different aisles.

The rest of the trip went somewhat smoothly getting everything they needed from the store and more. The ride home however was quiet, with the radio station blasting music and the bit of traffic up ahead. It was mostly small talk made in the car anyways.

Until Rei said something that confused the blonde.

“She was pretty.” Said the boy, playing with his action figure that he left behind earlier.

“Who was?” Jason responded, looking at the rear view mirror.

“The lady. She was pretty.”

“The same lady you were being a little rude too? Which wasn’t nice by the way, I should’ve corrected you on that.”

“I’m sorry..I will be nicer. But yeah that lady! I was just testing if she can handle us.”

“Wait what? You were testing if she could tolerate your rudeness? Rei.” 

“Sorry! And yeah, she passed. Did you dump her? Who set you up?”

——��

Jason chuckled at his questions like he was being interrogated by the kid. To be honest, he knew he would ask him eventually. He was a smart kid and he could tell something was up even if he admitted it or not.

He sighed and answered him, “First, it was your mother who set us up. I did it was a favor when you little, she wanted me to head out of the house and have a night off to myself. It was a blind date.”

“Ohhhhh! It was mommy?! Wow what did you do, that she set her up with you?! She is way too pretty!” Rei exclaimed with a surprised look.

“Ouch!” Jason joked, “If you like her so much why don’t you date her?”

“Nahhh!” Rei replies giving him a grossed out, goofy smile.

“But to answer your second question, yes. I did dump her. I should’ve been nicer when I did.”

“Daddy says that’s kinda a dick move, JJ! You dumping her is mean.”

“Rei watch your language! Don’t say that word again, alright?”

“…okay. Sorry I won’t say it again, but that was kinda mean though! Mommy wanted you to date her! Why stop?”

“Bubba, you don’t get it. You’re too young.”

“Tell me! Please!”

He sighed knowing he always tries to tell him everything depending on what it is. Even if it meant dating. Rei was wondering and it was something innocent that every kid wants to know. They want to be part of conversation, even if they don’t understand it all.

Jason took a deep breath and told him, “Alright, alright I will tell you. Your uncle JJ is a dummy, okay? A bit dummy for not going along for more dates. She was nice, but I thought she was out of my league and way too good for me. I was thinking I wasn’t good enough.”

“And? So what? You were scared?” Rei asked like it was the most obvious thing in the world, but his tone had confusion.

“Yeah I was scared, and it’s a normal feeling to be scared. I lived and loved a lot of people, buddy. I didn’t know if I could go try it out again.”

“I think you should try it out. She got good taste in food, I saw she got Oreo cookies in her shopping cart and gummies too!”

He chuckled, “You only care about food, do you?”

“Yup! Food is always welcome in my mind.” Added the boy with a shrug.

——

Jason then asked something that was more of a honest question for his godson. Something that added to why he refused to date. His life and family he created. It was a hard way to put into words what he meant but he still tried.

So he asked, “Do you think she would be good enough to be with us for a while? Good for us, i guess? You know, handle our lives?…My life? I don’t want to bring her into this crazy world of ours..”

Rei thought for a second, he snorted at his way of wording everything and how he tried to water down what he meant.

His godfather watched him for a moment before he made a turn into another lane. Rei had a cute little thinking face where his nose would wrinkle a little like his father, Tony, but his eyes would narrow down like his mother, Maria. It was something Pepper and Peggy pointed out recently every-time they saw him think of something.

“I think she’s okay, for now. She is pretty, looks smart I think and uh, she is friends with mommy.” Rei said with a shrugged, trying to piece together his thoughts.

“Plus she got some attitude like you..” Jason added with a smile.

“I do not have attitude!”

“Yes you do, bubba.”

“Whatever.”

“Okay bubba. Whatever you say, you want to watch a movie when we get home?”

His eyes light up hearing that, “Yes please! And give me your phone, please.”

“Haha—wait why?” Jason asked with a chuckle.

“I’mma call her for you! ‘Cause you are always busy and said you are dummy.”

“Rei, you are not calling Sophie.”

“Someone gotta do it duh! You say it is okay to be scared but we gotta be brave sometimes, right JJ?”

“Don’t use my logic and words against me, child!”

The boy laughed knowing he won today as the phone was tossed over to him with the contact open to the girl in question. There was a mutual conversation between the two, because it was true.

Sometimes you need a little push to do something, even if it doesn’t always turn out well. If you ain’t gonna do it for yourself, sometimes will always do it for you. It’s something the blonde used to preach a lot, even though it wasn’t advice he didn’t always take for himself.

It was the sad part about advice but it was the truth. Sometimes you don’t take your own words too heart.

———

Moments like this, he knew Rei was the one of the coolest and smartest kids in the world. But he wouldn’t exactly tell him all that too often because according to Peggy, they’re godson’s ego would grow two sizes too big if they did.

But they love the Stark boys nonetheless.

As he left to enter the road leading to the house, he could hear Rei’s voice talking with Sophie on the phone. He could’ve sworn he heard a chuckle or two escape his mouth as his tone tried to remain calm. There were moments he heard Rei give a snarky or rude comment and joke about something in his signature tone of voice.

It was a little out of character for the kid since he didn’t like anyone very often, always giving a rude attitude towards the person that crossed his path and always liked to stay in his zone. Be a homebody and be around people he already knew instead of meeting new people.

Jason blamed himself for that, it was like Rei inherited that part of him.

But this side of Rei, where if determined he will find the confidence within himself and talk to the person, make conversation with them if it meant he got something in return.

That was something he inherited from his mother and grandmother. Maria Winter and Maria Stark.

Because Rei knew if he got his godfather a date with this girl, come Christmas time, he will get extra presents from both adults. Plus he might have another person who makes his Pops somewhat happy for a little while.

He may not always show it, but he very much appreciated Jason and grateful for having him in his life. The least he can do see him enjoy himself every once in a while with someone else, but not too much because at the end of the day that was his pops. No one else’s.

~~~

The rest of the car ride was pretty nice. Music blasting from the radio, the sun shining through the clouds and the small noise the came from the car after Rei finished his small chat with Sophie. According to him, he liked the girl and Jason chuckled at his nod of approval.

The duo were just chatting, even after parking in front of Mansion and walked inside with grocery bags, they kept discussing topics. More like Rei kept rambling on about the movie he wanted to watch, what he wanted for dinner and the idea he had for the garage. Jason just chuckled nodding and responding announcing to Jarvis they’re back home.

As Jason was putting away the groceries and getting started on lunch time, Tony walked in ruffing Rei’s hair. Tony turned to face the two and raise an eyebrow as he asked, “Okay your a good mood. Spill.”

Rei rolled his eyes and shrugged, “Nothing, dad. Relax.”

“Yeah bubba, we just went out to go some shopping. You hungry?” Jason added with a smile.

Tony nodded replies that he’s starving, sitting down next to his son. Jason told them lunch would be started soon, he just needed to change his clothes into something more comfortable, walking out of the kitchen.

Rei smiled leaning back waiting for him be out of hallway and upstairs as Tony grinned taking out the chicken nuggets and fries from the freezer with ease. Once Tony made sure his uncle out gone, he whipped his head towards Rei and asked, “Okay kid, what do you know?”

“I ain’t telling.” Rei replied with a matching grin waiting for his end of the bribe.

His father sighed, “Alright, two weeks at Disneyland park next month.”

“And?” His son added with a tune waiting for more.

“Ice cream after dinner while Pepper is asleep.”

“Much better!”

“Now spill, squirt.”

“JJ saw his ex girlfriend at the store.”

“He did?! And what happened?”

“They talked and whatever. She’s pretty much a nice girl.”

“You met her?”

“We talked for like less than 20 minutes. She is one mom’s old friends.”

Tony thought for a moment trying to remember of ex girlfriend’s Winter friends as his eyes shined, “You mean the one that looked like Disney princess with some attitude that came that last year’s New Years Eve party? Always wears a ponytail and a cute burgundy shirt?” 

“Yeahhh? That one. How did you know? Don’t tell me you dated her? Gross!” Rei asked millions of questions with a weird face.

“No of course not! Not my type, I remember her cause she brought us ticket to the Mets game last year. I think your mom and her always get their nails somewhere close by when you were a little.”

“Ohhh! Oh—that was her?! ‘Baseball girl’ you called you?”

“Yup kiddo, that’s the one. I didn’t know JJ liked her.”

“I guess so! He was a chicken and dumped her, I had to call her and see what she is like.”

“You set your godfather up on a date? You’re definitely my kid!”

That was when Jason walked back in the kitchen wearing sweatpants and his favorite t-shirt noticing how they sorta got quiet when he walked inside. Seeing them getting along very well and grinning towards one another.

It was a nice surprise to see them acting like silly gooses but it was odd even the faces they were making.

He gave them a confused look waving his hand in the air and asked, “What you guys talking about?”

Both of them looked at one another then back at them as they replied, “Nothing!”

~—~~—~~

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[ofstoriesandstardust]

and i can wish all that i want but it won't bring us together (n.p.t.)

note: this is my Christmas present to @cottagecori who listens to everything i have to say

summary: How it began.

the waiting room series

warnings: quote unquote affairs, swearing, alcohol, bisexual reader, non-linear storytelling, told from multiple perspectives, this may not be your cup of tea and that's okay!

word count: 3.9k

December 2021

Your hand shakes as you move to wipe away the tear that began to fall down your face. Sam’s hand finds yours, squeezing. 

“I’m sorry.” You hear your best friend whisper. “You didn’t deserve this. I’m sorry.” 

-

May 2021

Meeting Natasha had been like coming home after a long day, warm and safe. 

You’d only been back in San Diego for a week and a half when you’d run into her on your first day volunteering at the U.S.S. Midway. They’d been having an event for certain Navy personnel and needed extra hands, which is how you'd ended up meeting her. 

Even dressed in her formal blues and her hair pinned back in a tight bun, you’d been left more than a little flustered by her striking beauty, much to the amusement of the other volunteer you’d been working with. 

She’d been kind, chatting with you as there was a delay in the program, her nimble fingers brushing yours as she takes a booklet from you. 

You’ll blame the redness of your cheeks on the beaming sun atop the retired Naval aircraft carrier before you’d ever admit such a short interaction had left you feeling so much. 

But Sofia knows, as you will come to learn that she always does, and mentions that a bunch of the younger volunteers, kids of Navy officers, are headed to a local Navy bar for the evening. Invites you along with the promise of a good evening. 

And you know, in your soul, that you don’t typically enjoy nights out. Not in packed, crowded bars, certainly not surrounded by drunken military men. 

But this part of your life is supposed to be different and it will never be different if you don’t make decisions you normally wouldn’t. 

So with a twinkle in Sofia’s eye and a warm smile on her face, you link your arm with her and follow her off the looming ship on the shores of La Jolla. 

-

In hindsight, you should’ve known. Should’ve taken the twinkle in Sofia’s eye for mirth and laughter and trouble, but you can hardly bring yourself to care as Natasha’s mouth slots against yours. As one hand rests in your belt loops and the other soft yet firm against your cheek. 

The loud music in the bar seems to drown out in the corner you’re tucked away in, any and all thoughts fleeting as Natasha’s surprisingly soft lips press against yours again and again. She’s all you can focus on, the warmth spreading through your body as you think about how good it feels to be doing this again, to be doing this with her. 

-

Falling in love with Natasha is simple. 

It’s easy, like falling asleep. 

She’s as kind as she is strong-willed, a duality that shouldn’t exist together but does. 

You can see, even from easy conversation, how much she cares about this team that she’s stationed with, how much they’re family to her. 

She’s older than you, not by much, but enough to make you feel like she’s one of those real adults you always joke about with your friends. It’s something that should make you insecure, dating someone who had their life and shit together but never does. Natasha isn’t like that, would never make you feel small. 

Her friends might, a few of them making teasing comments about if you’re even of legal drinking age the first time she brings you back to the Hard Deck, but you know that you have always looked younger than you are. 

(You’d worked with middle schoolers in your freshman year of college and they all thought you were 14. You knew.)

But still, Natasha is there, warding them off with a witty comeback and a hand on your back, something that settles your nerves more than any amount of alcohol ever could. She didn’t have to do this, you knew, remembering the way your ex had let you sit there as you got torn apart by his friends. 

But Natasha isn’t him. She’s kind, and warm, and light. She listens to you on your good days and your bad days, makes you coffee on late nights as you slouch over books and an open Google Doc, and brings you groceries when she knows you’ll be too busy to remember to do it yourself. 

She makes sure you always feel seen and heard. She goes to the airport with you to pick up Sam and Fran when they move back to San Diego and joins you on game nights with your cohort and your friends from the Midway. She supports all your dreams, no matter how small they may seem to other people. She has your friends from college giggling over a margarita about how they’re impressed you finally managed to date someone who’s nice to you. She makes it a point to be at all your presentations and always read through the drafts of your thesis when it feels like your eyes might melt. 

In short, Natasha loves you. To her, it’s simple and honestly, how could you not love her in return? 

Natasha knows you and loves you. She loves you because she knows you.

Which is why it feels like a dagger cut so deep when Natasha admits to you that she knew. 

-

November 2017

His fingers tremble with rage as he sets the paper down, barely breathing as he struggles to meet his partner’s eye. 

“How long?” He whispers. 

“Tom-” 

“How. long.” He grits out. 

Pete sighs. “Since August.” 

“Three months.” He whispers. “Three months and you hid this from me the whole time?” 

“You were sick Tom, I needed you to get better. You never would if you had known. And- And I hardly know anything as it is-” 

“You know enough.” He spits out, eyes unable to look at just one piece of information on the papers scattered out in front of him. “And this girl? What do you plan to do?”

Pete sighs again. “She’s my daughter, Tom. I have to know her. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t.” He whispers, a fact that is making bile rise in his still-healing throat. 

“No.” He says with a quick shake of his head. “No. If you want to stay married to me, she stays out of our life.” 

-

July 2021

“Okay, thoughts?” You say, stepping out into the living room. 

“You look pretty!” Fran exclaims as Sam nods his head in agreement. 

You weren’t sure what was appropriate attire to meet Natasha’s friends, other than Natasha telling you to wear whatever made you most comfortable. You’d been through six different outfits, each one being pulled off faster than the last. 

“But we’ve said that about all of them.” 

You heave a sigh, flattening out the skirt of the dress. “I know but-” 

“No buts. You look incredibly pretty and Nat is going to like you just as much as she did yesterday.” Sam says firmly. 

You sigh again, glancing ​​at him. “I wish you guys were coming with me.” You admit quietly before plopping down on the couch next to Fran. 

Fran leans over to straighten the straps of​​ the dress, as she offers you a knowing smile. “You’re gonna have a good time. Sam and I can entertain ourselves for an evening, you know.” 

“I did live here for a while, remember!” Sam shouts from the kitchen.

When had he gone into the kitchen?

You hum as a knock sounds at the door, signaling Natasha’s arrival. You push yourself off the couch to answer her, unable to swallow the smile that spreads when you realize she’s brought you flowers. 

“You didn’t have to.” You whisper, taking the bunches of sunflowers from her. 

“I wanted to.” She says, pressing a kiss to your cheek before you can go far. She shuts the door behind her, following you into the foyer and then the living room. Fran brightens as she sees Natasha. 

“Let me take these from you.” Fran offers, before extending her other hand to Natasha. “You must be Natasha. I’m Fran. Sam’s in the kitchen. Babe, do you have a vase?” 

“I don’t know.” He calls back. “Why would we need a- oh.” Sam gives you a grin as he appears. “Yeah, let me see if I can rustle something up. Why don’t you kids get out of here?” You roll your eyes, ignoring the flaming of your cheeks as Natasha takes your hand, bidding your friends farewell. 

Nat’s right hand finds your thigh, drawing circles into your skin with her thumb as she pulls out of your driveway. 

“So remind me how you know Sam and Fran?” 

“Sam and I had a mutual friend, his old co-worker and a friend of mine from college. We ended up really hitting it off and ended up dropping the friend that introduced us, as awful as that makes me sound. They’re just visiting for the weekend and I’m actually staying in his family’s place right now.” 

She hums. “That’s very kind of him.” 

You huff out a little laugh. “You’re telling me.” 

-

The Hard Deck is less noisy this time around, although your eyes still struggle to adjust to the dim light of the bar as you push your sunglasses up to the top of your head. 

Natasha guides you past the bar, promising to return later as she directs you to the pool table in the back. Her hands are firm against your shoulder blades as you walk. 

“Boys.” She calls, earning the attention of the men crowded around the pool table. They all turn, catching sight of you and you have to fight not to curl into Natasha. “This is my girlfriend.” 

The tall one, the blond, grins, being a little too sharp around the edges for your liking. “Are you sure she should even be in here Phoenix?” 

Her thumbs press into your shoulders as if to say breathe, relax, i got this. 

“Pretty sure you’re the one that likes them below the legal drinking age Bagman.” 

“Back off, Seresin.” A brunette says, pushing him out of the way. “I’m Bradley.” He says, extending his hand to you. You take it, giving him a soft smile. 

You’d heard about Rooster, Nat’s best friend. “Nice to meet you.” 

“This is Bob and Fanboy.” Nat says, pointing to your left. “Behind them is Payback and Coyote. The irritating blond is Bagman.”

“Hangman-” 

“The rest of the crew will be in shortly.” You wave to the boys, struggling to not make yourself feel small in their looming presence. “It looks like Mav is over at the bar, why don’t you come with me? I want to introduce the two of you.” 

You nod, intertwining your fingers with her as the two of you walk back towards the bar.

“Mav.” She calls, earning the attention of a shorter man.  A fond smile blooms on his weary face, turning from his conversation with the bartender. 

“Lieutenant Trace, to what do I owe this pleasure?” 

“Mav, this is my girlfriend. This is Captain Pete Mtichell, my commanding officer.” 

Pete’s smile almost seems to fade at the sight of you, but he must think better of any immediate negative thoughts as he extends a hand. “Nice to meet you.” 

“You too.”

Mav lets your hand go, turning to the person sitting next to him, an older man with graying hair. “Tom, this is Phoenix’s girlfriend.” 

The man, Tom, frowns at Pete. “I can hear Pete.” 

Natasha lets out a little laugh. “This is Tom Kazansky, Captain Mitchell’s husband.” 

Tom tips his head in greeting. “Good to meet you.”

-

October 2020

He watches the careful rise and fall of his husband’s chest. 

Up. Down. 

Up. Down.

Up. Down. 

He can tell by the stillness of his body his husband is nearing sleep, even though the bruising from two different emergency ejections had left him favoring his left side and sleeping in an awkward position. 

He swallows at the reminder at the near loss of his husband. 

The seed that had been planted when the Darkstar crashed - which felt ages ago by now - had bloomed, its ivy wrapping tight around his lungs. 

It choked his lungs every time he breathed, thorns cutting deep, the thought that Pete might die and die resenting him for never being able to know his daughter. 

“Pete?” He whispers. 

His husband stirs, blearily looking at him in the dim light of the bedroom. 

The dim light of their bedroom in their nice house by the ocean. The dim light of their bedroom in their nice house by the ocean, where they had comfortably lived and loved and laughed, something she had never known. 

“Tom? What is it?” 

“I changed my mind.” 

He catches on to the shine of Pete’s wedding band, even as he tries to move, letting out a low hiss as he does. 

“Changed your mind? Changed your mind about what, baby?” 

“I’ve changed my mind. If- If you want to know her. If you want to find her again, I’d be okay with that, I think. I want you to be able to know your daughter.” 

-

April 2021

His brain is swimming with information, his heart clenching every time a portion of it gets processed. 

“So, you found her?” Ice says quietly. 

Mav hums in affirmation. “She’s graduating college this year. In a month.” 

“It’s crazy to me Pete, really it is. That you have a daughter out there.” His Mom says after a minute.

“And I could know her.” 

Pete’s trying to explain it to him, the private investigator, the affair, the daughter, and all he can feel is that ache in his chest where the scar of betrayal still sits, unhealed and raw. 

A daughter.

“You- you’re fucking with me, right Mav? A daughter?” 

Mav’s face falls in that way that it does, his shoulders deflating a bit before shaking his head. “No, B. This is real. I have a daughter and I’m trying to find her. I- I think we did.” 

Bradley has to bite his cheek to keep his initial words from leaving his mouth. “This is bullshit.” 

“B, I understand that this is all new, especially with the mission having not been that long ago-” 

“No, it’s bullshit Mav. You knew where I was for over a decade and you never once tried to find me or contact me. You’ve known about her for five minutes and suddenly you’re hiring a PI to try and find her?”

Mav lets out a little breath. “I’ve known since 2017.” 

Bradley chokes on his spit. “And what the fuck makes now such a great time?” 

“Well, for starters, she was a minor when I first found out about her existence. Her Mom never would have let me anywhere near her. Plus, Tom was not on board with the idea of having her in our lives-” 

“Oh, and he is now?” Mav opens his mouth to keep talking but he beats him to the punch. “I mean, we don’t even know that she wants you in her life, Mav! For fuck’s sake Mav, you’d probably screw her over before you ever got a chance to pretend to be her Dad, given your track record. You’ll be two for two fucking up your pseudo kids before they hit 30.” 

“Bradley.” His Mom says sternly, coming into his swimming vision. He presses the heels of his palms into his stinging eyes, wondering when he had started crying. “Bradley, baby, I think you’re a little sensitive to the situation, you’re not seeing it from Pete’s point of view-” 

“I don’t need to. I hope for that girl’s sake you stay away from her.”

-

December 2021

Nat plays with the strap of your nice dress as you both watch the blond pilot amble his way towards the two of you at Pete and Tom’s small holiday get-together. 

Your head rests on her collarbone as she appears before you, grinning like he has a secret. 

“I think I found out why Roo has been fighting with Pops.” 

Coyote and Fanboy overhear Jake, leaning in to hear him as they crowd around the armchair you and Natasha are sitting in. 

“Eavesdropping, are we Bagman?” Nat asks, fingertips moving from your strap to your shoulder to begin grazing your arm. You snort, leaning further into your girlfriend. 

“Maybe.” He says hurriedly before waving her off. “Apparently, dear old Maverick had some kind of illicit affair back in the day and has a daughter as a result.” 

Javy chokes on his drink as Mickey’s eyes widen. Natasha rolls her eyes. “You need to get your ears checked.” 

Jake shakes his head. “No, no, I’m serious. Mav has been trying to find her since last year after the mission happened. I guess he did and is trying to get in contact with her.” 

“So how is any of this Bradshaw’s problem?” Javy asks. 

Jake shrugs. “Not a clue. But, I mean-” 

Speaking of him, Bradley appears in your vision rather abruptly. 

“Why did your parents get a divorce?” 

You blink, beginning to feel confused at the sharp question from the boy in front of you. “Um, my mom cheated.” 

“So, you know then.” 

“Know what? Know that my Mom’s a piece of shit?” You let out a nervous laugh, starting to feel unsteady as you pull away from Natasha. “Yeah, I’ve known that.” 

“So then you know Mav is your biological father.” 

You blink again. “What- is this some kind of like- prank?” 

Bradley’s gaze hardens. “Why the hell would I joke about this?” 

“Rooster, man, what are you even talking about?” Coyote asks. 

“I mean, are you just like- pretending to like my friend so you can get closer to Mav?” 

“Bradshaw, whoa-” Natasha says, pushing herself off the chair. 

“No, Nat! She’s probably just using you to get closer to Mav and that’s so fucked up.” 

It feels like the room is spinning as the yelling catches Pete’s attention, bringing him across the living room as people have begun to watch what's unfolding. 

“Hey, cut it out, all of you. What is going on?” 

“Is it true?” 

You hear yourself ask the words, suddenly feeling too big for your own body. 

It takes Pete a moment to understand but when he does his face falls and it’s enough. 

It’s enough. 

“Oh my god.” You mumble. “Oh my god. I think I’m gonna be sick.” 

You push yourself off the chair, pushing at your sternum as if it will relieve the pressure there. 

Natasha grabs your arm. “Hey-” 

“Did you know?” 

The hesitance in her eyes answers your question but the whispered “I had my suspicions.” takes your breath clean from you. 

You don’t remember leaving the party. 

You do remember pressing at your sternum over and over, pressing harder with each ring on your phone that passed. 

You remember collapsing on to the curb of a sidewalk blocks from the party, the grief insurmountable. 

You remember begging Sam to come pick you up and choking on sobs as Fran whispered soothing words through the phone. 

You don’t remember much after that.