#next thing you know im going to be taking walks around my neighborhood to the sound of wild side or something

[cruesuffix]

blasting the crue and deep cleaning the fuck outta my tiny ass room…this is the life i guess

[tyunni]

NISHIMURA RIKI B☆YFRIEND HEADCANONS...

ㅤㅤㅤㅤenhypen masterlist | library | ni-ki bf hc part 1

a/n: man when will it be may over riki era... probably never. anyways pt 2 to my riki bf headcanons post 😭 p.s. i DID post this on a side blog a while ago to try out tags so if u saw that no u didnt lol

genre: fluff ☝️ warnings: not proofread, kissing, if you want me to add anything please let me know!

idrk how to start this off so we're just gonna get str8 into it yeah lets GO

he is so whipped for you it's actually concerning. everyone can tell he is absolutely head over heels for you. from the way his eyes sparkle when he looks at you to the way he can't shut up about you, it's just so obvious.

he adores you, honestly.

he can't help but smile when he sees you, always admiring you. doesn't matter what you're doing; be it you brushing your teeth, eating food, putting your shoes on, or sleeping. doesn't matter! he's watching you with hearts in his eyes and a grin spread across his face from ear to ear.

his heart swells whenever you hug and/or kiss him. he may not act like it, but he is so soft for you it's actually insane. he melts in your arms the second you wrap them around him. feels safe and content, closing his eyes as he buries his head in your shoulder.

physical affection is very very important to him, it makes him feel special. he enjoys it more than he likes to admit, to be honest!

he loves loves loves kisses!! you littering kisses all over his face? he's down. him littering kisses all over your face? he's down. a kiss on his cheek? absolutely! giving him a big phat smooch on the lips?? you just made him the happiest boy ever!!!!!

(more under the cut!)

if you cup his face in your hands and just enjoy the moment as you get lost in each other's eyes he will get all mushy and lovey dovey. it's moments like these that make him realize just how in love he is with you, how much he cherishes you, and how he wants to show you he appreciates you.

riki isn't really the best with words, it's a bit awkward for him to verbalize his feelings toward you... and also impossible as well, because he simply can not describe the overwhelming amount of love he has for you.

but whenever the time calls, he can list a thousand reasons as to why he fell in love with you. from your beauty to your personality, he notices things about you even you don't notice, and it never fails to make you smile (which is basically all that matters to him)

3AM dates with riki? 3AM dates with riki.

it's a must, honestly. whenever he can't sleep he almost always messages you. he doesn't like to bother you, but he can't help it! he's so bored and you're his s/o, who else would he spam at like 2 in the morning??

he's always amused when you answer him & complain about how you were about to go to sleep and how he disturbed you. but he knows you're lying by the way you're refusing to leave when he tells you he won't mind if you go to bed and that he can always just go back to scrolling through tiktok.

"oh you're sleepy? okay 👍 i'll just go back to tiktok then" "NO DONT GO IM NOT GOING TO SLEEP YET"

and when he offers to go snack hunting at a 24 hour convenience store, who are you to refuse? and even if you were to refuse... too bad he's literally at your door right now, open up y/n <3

sometimes he doesn't even message you beforehand, he just randomly shows up at your house and the next thing you know you're taking a walk while everyone else in your neighborhood is sound asleep.

tries his best to be super cliche romantic with you. says he does it only cuz he knows you want him to do it, when in reality a part of him has always wanted to recreate those overused cute scenes in romance movies.

he will never admit to it, but sometimes he purposefully sets your dates on the days he knows there will be rain. he checks the weather beforehand just to make sure it's a rainy day 😭

but why? you may ask...

so he can take off his warm jacket and drape it over your figure when he notices you shaking and shivering beside him. so he can pull out his umbrella - specifically the smallest umbrella he could find at the dorms so he has an excuse to pull your body against his side and protect you from the rain droplets that slowly fall onto the top of your head.

and most importantly, so he can walk you home, discard the umbrella once he reaches your doorstep, watch as the rain drops glide down from your head to your face. and then he leans in and gently wipes them away from your features as he smiles softly when he notices your breath hitch at the close proximity. his hands then find their way to your cheeks, thumbs wiping away more droplets as the rain gets heavier and heavier. and at this point neither of you care that your clothes are basically drenched. all that you can focus on is how he's so gently holding your face in his hands, how he's looking into your eyes with so much love and adoration, and how he is so close to you that you can admire all the pretty moles that are scattered across his face, thinking that it's impossible for him to get any closer. but when he tilts his head and somehow shortens the proximity even more you can't help but flutter your eyes shut as you feel his lips lightly graze over yours. but he doesn't kiss you. he simply smiles before completely pulling away, grabbing his umbrella and walking off.

Yeah HE'S ANNOYING 😑😑😑👎👎👎

and when u run inside your house pull out ur phone and proceed to spam him telling him he can't just do that & that if he pulls that shit on you ever again ure gonna break up w him...

yeah he just smirks 🧍‍♀️ bcuz he knows u dont mean it- OF COURSE U DON'T- he's got u wrapped around his finger, there's no way out, i fear...

but let's not pretend he's not wrapped around your finger... cuz he is.

if you suddenly call him to hang out or tell him you miss him he is basically running to your location!!

but not before pretending that he's too busy and complaining about how you're so "needy" and "obsessed" with him, but in a lighthearted manner obviously.

he would rather step on a bunch of spikey nails with his bare feet than upset you with his words. and if he feels that his words affected you in a bad way he will kiss you all over your face and reassure you that he didn't mean it like that

he's soft but just for you 🫰

well... maybe not just for you but he's definitely the most comfortable showing you his soft side 🫶 you're basically the only one he doesn't feel awkward sharing his lovey dovey mushy thoughts with

even though he's confident now, just like the first few months of your relationship, he still gets shy around you. he thinks it's embarrassing, but you think it's cute :)

for example, when he tries to call you new pet names that you two aren't usually used to.

the second the word sweetheart left his lips he immediately turned away from your figure, hid his face in his hands and cringed at himself for even contemplating calling you that. you had to practically beg him to turn around because he was refusing to look at you for a good 5 minutes 😭

"that was so bad, y/n. why did i say that?"

and then he whines about it to you so if you want him to shut up you have to hold his face and give him a quick kiss

one time you tried shutting him up by putting your hand over his mouth... but it backfired. he licked your palm 🧍‍♀️ so naturally, you used his shirt as a tissue and wiped your palm on him while complaining about how gross he was

yeah... a kiss it is.

speaking of kisses, he loves them

more specifically, he loves catching you off guard with them.

you two could be play fighting with pillows, watching a movie, bickering, cuddling, simply talking and suddenly his lips are on yours?

mostly he pulls this on you when you two are playing video games and he feels that there's a chance he might lose to you

he puts down his controller, gently grabs your chin, squishes your cheeks so your lips pout and gently puts his plush lips on yours.

inevitably, you close your eyes. biggest mistake you've ever made.

with one hand still squishing your cheeks and his lips still moving in sync with yours, he uses his other hand to pick up his controller and beats your ass in the game

when you hear the victory cheers coming from the TV you quickly open your eyes and gasp in shock at the sight of the screen.

you call him a dirty cheater, which is true...

but is it really cheating if he's kissing you?

"you cheated!! you were kissing me just to distract me, what the hell?!"

"it's not cheating if you don't get caught 😁"

"that doesn't even apply to this scena-"

boom! he kisses you again.

he's a shithead. but he's your shithead.

©tyunni please don't copy, translate or repost any of my work!

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[sturniolosangel]

pretty boy

warnings: fluff, sub!matt, lowkey-highkey public sex, kissing, handjob, blowjob, edging, cuming more than once, matt cums on his shirt, dirty talk, not proofread as always

an: hey guys! sorry i haven’t been posting i broke my phone and got covid for a second time🙄 but im going to combine my kinktober list with kinkmas so trust me they will all be out before new years. as always i🤍u

summary: matt out did himself on valentine’s day and reader wants to make him feel good….. for as long as possible

matt’s hand were tying a blindfold over my eyes gently sitting me in the passenger seat feeling his fingers move my hair around to make sure he didn’t tie my hair into it.

“baby where are you taking me” i giggled out. “you’ll see it is valentine’s day after all” he spoke softly finishing the knot on the blindfold. i heard him start the car leaning my head back feeling the soft headseat hit the back of my head.

time skip…

i was about ready to go to sleep since i couldn’t see all i could do is focus on sounds until i heard the car stop fully and matt take the keys out. i sat up hearing matt get out the car opening my door. i felt his fingers touch my skin helping me get out the car.

my feet hit the ground matt’s hand sneaking around my waist steading me. i stood there, his hands moved up my body to head slowly taking the blindfold off. i opened lids my eyes readjusting to see the beach in the distance and looked to my right to see matt holding a basket with a smile on his face.

“baby… this is to much you didn’t need to do this” i spoke softly looking at him. “of course i had to. you’re my literal life” his grin growing. i grabbed his face an connected our lips showing how much i really appreciate it.

before we left to walk to beach i made sure to grab the gift bag from the backseat full of gifts i got matt. his hand took mine as we walked down the sand dragging onto my feet. matt walked us to a certain closed off spot decorated in flowers, candles, and a beach bed covered in lights.

i felt like i could cry, i felt so appreciated. “what do you think love?” he said laying the the basket down. “i love it and you so much more than you’ll ever known” i replied sitting down on the beach bed. matt leaned back with the basket in the middle of us laying next to me. just looking at the sand and the waves colliding.

matt slowing starting taking things out the basket. in contained my favorite fruits, cheeses, and even the wine i only get to treat myself. god he really did know me.

as the sun started to set matt handed me a gift bag and i reached down to grab my gift bag. we exchanged gifts both smiling at each other. i started to slowly take the paper off the top and saw 3 gifts.

the first was a camera i’ve been wanted for a while but i felt was to expensive to even buy. i felt tears build in my eyes as i opened the next gift it was almost an exact replica of the promise ring matt got me years ago in high school that i ended up losing. i smiled at the last gift it was a photo album of all the pictures me and matt took on polaroids, digital cameras, etc.

“baby you have no idea how much this means to me” i pull him it a kiss. “open yours now i wanna see your reaction” i whispered against his lips pulling back. matt started to open his gifts there was 4 gifts.

the first one was a really expensive chain he’s been asking for. the second one was a new vlog camera for him and his brothers videos. the third one was a “promise ring” from me to him. the last one was tickets to the neighborhood. “love, this is insane you know i could have bought all of this” he said quietly.

“i know but you know i love spoiling you” i held eye contact with him. he whined pulling me onto his lap. he leaned his head all the way back his head hitting the beach bed. his hands wrapped around my waist as i stabilized myself with my hands next to his head.

i looked down forcing his lips against mine our tongues colliding. “i think you deserve a reward for how good of a boyfriend you’ve been huh?” i questioned. “please” he dragged out.

i slowly started to kiss down his neck as i kneeled in front of him since the beach bed was pretty big he was all the way at the top sat up and i was near the bottom in between his legs. my fingers gently slid under his waist band to pull his pants and swim trunks down just below his groin.

“fuck..” he quietly whispered leaning his head back. i wrapped my soft fingers around his dick letting a string of saliva drop from my tongue onto his tip. my thumb rubbed the spit around his tip then down his dick my hand now pumping up and down.

matt whimpered his hand brushing through his hair as he tried to focus on the sound of the waves instead of cumming right then and there. i smiled lowering my head, my tongue licking the vein up his dick to his tip swirling my tongue. “baby… please…” he groaned needing more.

“mhm matt what do you need…” i looked up at him biting my lip knowing what he needed just egging him on. “your mouth….please” matt spoke bucking his hips against the air. i nodded my head taking a deep breath in as i took him in my mouth.

his dick hit the back of my throat as i slightly gagged groaning against him. “feels so good” he whispered throwing his head back. my hand going the same pace as my head since he was so big i couldn’t fit everything into my mouth. i looked up to him focusing on every little whine and movement he made.

“im gonn- shit!” he moaned out his back lifting off the bed slightly his warm sticky release shooting down my throat as i pulled my mouth away swallowing letting my hand move up and down gently. “can’t… to much” he whined catching his breath.

“you can take it baby, been such a good boy for me. need you to feel good.” i seductively spoke my hand slowing down its pace. matt nodded his head groaning from how sensitive he was. i scratched my nails over the painfully red tip leaking precum infront of me as my thumb brushed over the hole lightly applying pressure.

“must hurt so bad huh baby?” i sarcastically said giving him a fake pout. “so painful.. but need more” matt spoke softly looking down at me. i smirked wrapping my hand around his dick slowly wiping his precum on his shaft.

i quickened my pace squeezing his dick to add more pressure my fingers caressing every vein looking down my hand and his staff were covered in his pearly-white liquid. “so pretty matt-so fucking pretty.” i spoke my other hand brushing against his torso. i could feel the pressure building in his stomach, approaching his second climax.

his dick twitched in my hands, almost warning me of his orgasm. his mouth parted as he moaned out, extremely loud. “close fuck’’ he warned, his stomach tightening. i pulled my hand back rubbing his thighs making matt whine. “not yet, need you to be patient” i whispered bringing hand back up to his dick it twitching under my fingers.

“so mean to me” he whimpered bitting his lip. “i know im the worse” i rolled my eyes adjusting how i was jerking him focusing more on his tip rubbing in a circular motions.“please i need to cum, can’t hold it back” he begged his fingers gripping the blanket he had laid out.

“go ahead baby you earned it” i spit on his dick adding more wetness as i moved my hand faster. “thank you…. thank you” he blabbed many guttural moans, his dick twitching uncontrollably against my palm.

“there you go, good boy” i breathily spoke as matt’s cock spilled out loads of cum onto your hand and covering his shirt. i squeezed him making sure every last drop came out of him. his breath got heavy as he rode out his high matts brown hair was a mess and he was sticky with sweat.

i licked his cum off my fingers pulling his pants back up laying next to. “you okay matt” i questioned him as he was trying to catch his breath. “yeah.. just felt so fucking good” he replied looking at me. i giggled leaning down to softly kiss him lips.

after he had relaxed and calmed down i pulled my dress over my head showing my swimsuit from matt telling me early to wear one. i grabbed his hand sitting him up my hands removing his shirt. “come on baby we ain’t at a beach for nothing” i smiled as i hopped off of the beach bed and ran into the ocean.

matt rolled his eyes getting off the bed tugging his pants down to reveal his swim trucks running after me into the ocean wrapping his arms around my waist pulling me into the water. i held my breath our bodies fully submerged into the water. i leaned my head up laughing as matt came up right after me.

“you’re so annoying” i spoke jokingly wrapping my arms around his neck. “as if you aren’t” he replied bringing me closer the water warming us up. i shook my head kissing him gently.

liked by yn.yln, christophersturniolo, nicolassturniolo and 6,975,912 others.

matthew.sturniolo: baby girl, look where we made it girl. @/yn.yln

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liked by matthew.sturniolo, christophersturniolo, madisonbeer and 4,755,292 others.

yn.yln: pretty boy, you did this with me boy. @/matthew.sturniolo

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[starringthesturniolos]

bite me(part 8)- Matt Sturniolo

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8

summary- matt has always hated your guts, but everything changes when he wakes up and finds out your his mate.

contains- vampire!matt x reader, enemies to lovers, SMUT, themes of death, dark themes, high school au! (18 yrs old)

A/n: I'm going to write this in second person because I feel like it's easier for smut idk. im a new writer lol

"I dont know matt, I feel pretty hot!" you say as he pulls into his driveway. paranoia swept through you as you thought of going into heat and every little change in temperature had you worried. after all, the first symptom of being in heat is feeling hot all over, according to Matthew who is doing nothing to calm your nerves. instead he rolls his eyes at you much to your annoyance.

"its because I turned the car off y/n." he stares into your eyes before continuing. "look I don't want to scare you more than you CLEARLY already are but-

"Okay then maybe don't say it." you give him a fake smile gesturing to your head. ignorance is bliss, and you almost wish he didn't tell you anything about heat at all. he could have just let it happen but noooo. now its all you can think about.

"you don't have to be nervous. I said I'd take care of you didn't I?" matt says indignantly as you and him walk out the door. he slams his car door and puts his hand on your forehead. "you feel fine, so do me a favor and shut up." your about to roll your eyes but his next words stop you. "when the time comes, I will fuck the shit out of you and you'll go back to normal. got that?" he says it so casually like you and him were just going to take a stroll around the neighborhood. even so your thighs clench together and your body heats up. if this is already how I respond to him, how the fuck is it going to feel intensified ten fold. you think to yourself. as you and matt walk through the front door, your thoughts go to the gutter. you think about the way he's going to fuck your aching cunt so hard and fast. how he's going to fill you up so nice.

suddenly its not just hot any more, its burning. there's a pressure in your core so strong it feels like your going to pass out.

matt turns to you slowly and watches as you grip the wall, your body giving out. he walks over to you briskly and picks you up and into his arms. pathetically, you moan at the very non-sexual contact, but were so hot you couldn't even think to be embarrassed. you look up to see matt, and his eyes show his concern but also his lust. "matt" you whimper and his eyes start to shift from blue to a color so dark it almost looks black. you squirm to relieve some of the ache between your legs at the site. normally, it would scare you but nothing could scare you away from him right now. not when he has everything you need.

"I know, baby." he coos, moving the hair off of your already sweaty forehead. " I can smell you" he says as he carries you off into his room. he sets you on the bed and you whine at the loss of contact, your body heat flaring even hotter from the lack of contact. no wonder they call this thing a "heat".

"matt! please touch me, I need you!" you almost cry. he immediately reaches for your thigh running his hands up and down on it soothingly. your body relaxes slightly, but your cunt practically leaks at the simple touch. you can feel a puddle start to form underneath your butt, your underwear completely soaked. "shit" he breathes out shakily. "making a mess on my bed already" he says in a husky deeper tone. a tone similar to the one from when he found you and kit two days before. a tone that revealed the monster in him was about to take the reigns. his veins turn black as ink like they did before and he sniffs the air heavily. "fuck!" he groans at the smell of your arousal. suddenly your on his lap facing down with your ass up in seconds. "gonna stretch you out first." he says gruffly as if he was holding himself back from fucking you into his mattress right now. he runs his hand up and down your slit collecting your juices before putting it in his mouth. your hips jerk like crazy in response trying to recreate the pleasure from matts simple touch. without his touch, your pussy felt like it was literally on fire. "matt do something, please! fuck me already!" you whine desperately tears already streaming down your face. he slaps your ass hard and you moan out from the pain and pleasure. he grabs your throat and slaps your ass again eliciting another moan from you before leaning down. "shut up, brat. I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want to you, whenever I want to do it. do you understand?" he says lowly into your ear and your legs shake from the display of dominance. his words ring through your head and just like that your cumming, hard. you hadn't even been touched but you were screaming Matt's name and writhing as if he had just given you the best time of your life. matt freezes in shock from what just happened, but when he processes it he laughs. "coming undone from just words, sweetheart? didn't know you had it in you" he smirks and you start to feel his hard and throbbing dick through his jeans. you couldn't even begin to speak as you continue to ride your high as you writhe against him uncontrollably. your stomach strokes his cock everytime you move and he lets out a deep groan.

finally you come down from your high, but even though you just had an orgasm it did nothing to suffice the pressure in your core, in fact, it intensified even more. "it hurts, it hurts, it hurts" you cry as you go limp on his lap. "I know, baby, I know" matt rubs your back before flipping you over onto your back. he pulls his dick out of his pants quickly and lines himself up. you ogle at his dick and moan at the sheer size of it. matt grabs your chin and makes you look away from down there to his eyes.

"I was going to stretch you out, but fuck I don't think I can wait anymore. and something tells me you don't want to either." he says before pushing into you completely never losing eye contact with you. his eyes go from the dark blue to bright red and his fangs protrude when he feels you around him. your cunt tightens at the sight and he hisses out in pleasure. "gripping me like a vice, you like having a monster take you?" he grips your throat demanding an answer but your too far gone to even think of an answer. all you can think about is that you want him to move. his cock was nestles inside you but it wasn't enough. you try to move your hips in hopes of a little friction but his other hand grabs at your hips stopping all your movements completely. "do you?" he repeats his tone darker than you ever heard it before.

"yes!" your pitch raises "now please." you whine, heat all consuming. “good fucking girl” he breathes out before starting a brutal pace and going deeper than anyones ever been before. your muling and shaking uncontrollably in minutes and matts groans only add fuel to your fire. “yeah take it just like that. fuck, ur making me feel so good” he groans out and your cunt starts to spasm around him. he grabs your hand and presses it into the matress and you look up at his dangerous red eyes.

“your close, i can feel it. let go with me baby” he growls and you immediately come undone. your orgasm explodes out of you and you start to squirt uncontrollably on his dick. “fuck” matt moans before spilling all his cum into you. you orgasm again from the feeling of being filled up and he hisses at the overstimulation. finally, the haze you had been in lifts a little and settles into something manageable.

wordlessly, matt pulls you into him and your body relaxes even further. he kisses your temple and sighs when he sees your dropping eyes. a warmth spreads in his chest at your vulnerable state. a state no one would see but him. a state you would only let him help you with. just when it looks like your going to fall asleep on his chest, you shoot up slightly, maintaining your tired expression.

“mmm, wheres chris?” you sigh looking matt directly in the eyes.

matts pov.

what. the. fuck.

why is she thinking about chris right now when I am right here. when i’m the only one she should be thinking of. anger ripples through me even as i stare at her beautiful face, so i clench my jaw and walk out the door despite her protest. her heat should be under control now, so i don’t want to disturb the peace she can finally feel with a big argument. i desperately look for a distraction for the rejection i somehow feel, when suddenly i know the perfect option. i instantly open madi’s contact. she’d love to know how y/n’s doing and i know how much she LOVES knowing tmi shit. after three rings she picks up and smirk knowing shes going to want to know ALL the details. instead i am met with a cautious voice on the other side of the phone.

“hey matt” she says as if theres something shes not telling me. “hey?” i answer confused by her strange tone. she takes a deep breath and thats how i know shes thinking of a good way to say something. she wants to tell me something but she doesn’t know how. what the fuck is she hiding? i stay silent and patiently wait for her to continue and have my unspoken question answered. she takes the hint

“so you know how chris got the same spell you guys did??” her voice raises in pitch and if i had a pulse it would have raced. this is the second time chris’ name has come up in unexpected ways.

“yes..” i say skeptically.

“and you know that i was actually able to get rid of the bond entirely bc it was so weak right?” i roll my eyes, gripping my phone and tired of her dancing around the point.

“yes, madi. what the fuck do i need to know that your not telling me.” i spit out.

“a new mate has been given to him”she says like shes bearing bad news. and my mind wanders. this is supposed to be a GOOD thing. he finally found a mate he can actually be with and care about the way he’s always wanted too. out of all three of us, chris has always been the most fascinated by the concept of mates. he was slightly terrified but slightly interested in the concept of being consumed by love. a love that is mutual. and now he can finally have it, and yet it feels like somethings wrong. and then it clicks and my breathing stops. i have a horrible thought and her words ripple through my head.

“where’s chris?”

a woman in heat is ONLY able to think of her mate and no one else. its one of the first things vampires and witches are taught about the overwhelming experience women have to go through when they are mated. my mind connects the dots before she even finishes. rage and loss pours into me in gallons.

“its y/n” she says before the front door opens. chris walks in, his eyes searching the house to find the only girl i ever wanted to call mine and mine alone.

bbernard-03

@sturnthepot

@hoeformatt

@sturtriple16

@faygo-frog

@sturniol0s

@katie-tibo

@cindylcuwho

@l3an

@chriwssv4amp

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[sturniolo04]

Christmas in Boston C.S.

Husband!Chris x Wife!Fem!Reader

A/N: If you don't like the preadded name in my stories, you can either add your own name or not read it; it's up to you :)

For as long as you can remember Boston was the place you and Chris called home. It became a tradition when you two got married and moved to LA for the sake of his career with YouTube with his brothers, the family would always return during the holiday season around Christmas time.

It was the week before Christmas and the whole entire month of December had been hanging out with your guys conjoined families Christmas shopping, baking cookies, and having cozy movie night. You honestly never wanted the warm cozy feeling to end.

"chris hows the married life"

nick jokes as you all are crowded in the living room by the fireplace getting ready for yet another Christmas movie night.

"you already know its great"

he states rolling his eyes annoyed that he even asked that stupid question considering you two had been married for a 1 and a half.

"you should be asking matt that since he just proposed to my best friend savannah other there"

you plyafully giggle as you guys direct your attention towards the couple cuddled up in the corner of the couch you guys were lounging on.

"ahhh"

savannah exclaims as she cover her face blushing leaning her head into matts chest.

"when are you guys wanting the wedding to be'

nick questions chuckling.

"we are thinking next fall right babe"

matt hesitantly responds and questions savannah to get confirmation as she nods her head as he places a kiss on top of her head.

"movie night time"

marylou and your mom squeal entering the living room with their husbands following.

"What Christmas movie are we watching tonight"

jimmy asks as they all find their seats on the couch on the other side of the room.

"um we thought about Elf since it is an old time favorite"

nick shrugs since he was holding the remote.

"look i can juggle the ornaments"

chirs exclaims attempting to juggle the glass ornaments.

"chris stop being stupid"

matt complains shaking his head as his brother with savannah giggling.

"dont drop them please"

you huff out as you are focused on decorating the tree in the house with nick and as if on cue, chris misses the ornament completely in which it shatters across the front room floor.

"Chrissss"

matt and savannah exclaim dragging out the 's' in his name. You and nick turn around looking at the ornament glass mess all over the floor.

"oops"

chris shyly speaks out as he holds the other two ornaments in his hands close to him looking at everyone sheepishly.

"clean this shit up"

nick groans out.

"what happened here"

savannah's mom exlcaims walking into the front room with marylou and your mom following close behind.

"chris dropped the ornament and it broke"

matt huffs out looking at his mom as she chuckles knowing Chris has always been the one to break things on accident.

"sorry i am going to clean it"

chris sighs out.

It's now the day before Christmas Eve and you and Chris decided to take a couple stroll to look at the neighborhood Christmas lights and quite frankly you guys had been spending a lot of time surrounded by friends and family and wanted some time for yourselves.

"come here you"

chris playfully states as he brings you in to wrap his arm around your shoulder.

"hi how are you doing"

you giggle at his playfully actions as you two began walking down the sidewalk.

"im doing amazing loving being back in Boston"

chris states taking a deep breath out.

"yeah definitely reminds me of all the memories we've created in Boston alone before LA and everything you know"

you quietly reply snuggling a little more into his side.

"yeah like remember all the lacrosse games you went to when we were dating in highschool"

he simply states as you giggle.

"yeah after you finally grew the balls to ask me out after freshman year"

you giggle out again.

"hey dont judge me i mean i knew you my whole life and quite frankly I don't know why it took me until sophomore year to ask you to be my girlfriend"

chris chuckles.

" i know why because you thought I was pretty"

you joked playfully with him.

"yeah i do think your pretty"

he chuckled rubbing his mitten-covered palms over your shoulder and arm.

"we also got engaged in boston too"

you slightly blush at the memory.

"oh shit that's right"

he chuckles as he begans gazing at the colorful Christmas lights upcoming.

"yeah and it was the cutest thing ever with all the flowers and the LED letters that spelled out 'marry me' "

you sigh out.

You guys let a comfortable silence fall over you two gazing at the Christmas lights on the houses in the neighborhood.

"hey question"

chris slightly sighs out as you shift your attention back towards your husband not knowing where his question was going to land on the spectrum of chris questions.

"yeah what you thinking in that brain of yours"

you giggle out gazing up at him as he meets your gaze smiling.

"are you ready to have kids you think"

he softly questions you.

"i mean yeah im ready if you are"

you smile softly at him as he smiles at you.

"i mean im ready but i didnt know if you wanted to wait longer I just think it would be really cool to have the title of being parents"

he sighs out contently as you admire him gushing about you two being parents.

"do you want to go back and-"

you slyly state getting a random burst of sexual confidence.

"wait- seriously you want to go back and-"

he trails off responded as you nodded your head smirking up at him.

you two snuck back into the back upstairs to chris' childhood bedroom seeing everyone is fast asleep abnormally early. You two were giggling as chris pushed you against his door closing it shut as he leans down to lock your guys lips in a passionate and sloppy kiss. You trails your cold fingers through his hair on the back of his head bringing him closer to you to deepen the kiss you two were sharing

“Fuck ”

Chris groans out as he feels you tug on his hair. you both start loosing your clothes as you two walk your way to his bed. Chris allows the back of his legs to meet the footboard and then proceeding to sit on the bed. You straddle his waist you two now being only left in your under garments.

Chris trails his make out he was sharing with you to trail down your neck to you stomach, kissing close to the waistband of your black Victoria secret underwear. You gasp at the sudden contact of his cool lips touching your warm skin.

“Chris”

You huffily moan out leaning your head backwards stuck in complete bliss. Chris flips your over so your back was now on his bed and he was hovering over you. You giggle quietly at the sudden action from him. Chris begins to pull your panties down you helping him do so by shimming your hips from side to side to get the off quicker.

“God your so perfect”

Chris whispers mainly to himself more so admiring the sight of your wet core in front of him. You press you lips together to muffle you exasperated sighs as he begins to trail his tongue through you slick folds, carefully not to wake anyone so you two don’t get caught.

Chris speeds up the pace of his tongue as he continues to maintain his determination to get your wet enough for him. Your chest began heaving up and down rapidly and Chris knows exactly what that means.

“Ugh fuck Chris I’m g’nna c’m”

You whine out as Chris trails his free hand that isn’t gripping your waist to place it over your mouth knowing when you reach your peak you are not quiet.

“C’m f’me”

Chris taunts drawing you closer to your orgasm knowing exactly what tips you over the edge. You place tight grip on his wrist that is covering your mouth as you flutter your eyes close letting your orgasm take over your body.

“Holy fuck come back to me babygirl”

Chris breathes out seeing you recover from your orgasm knowing it takes you a minute to come back to reality.

“You back with me princess”

Chris questions sweetly making sure you were fully here with him before you two went any further. You nodded your head giggling.

“Yeah you ready to put a baby in me”

You tease him as he leans down to rubbing his nose against yours as he just chuckles removing himself momentarily to slide his boxers off.

“So ready”

He groans out as he runs his cherry red tip over your sensitive folds from your last orgasm as you whine slightly from the sensitivity. Chris proceeds to push his thick length inside of you as you feel him stretch your walls allowing your mouth to drop in an ‘o’ shape as you feel every inch of his dick.

“Yeahh”

Chris groans out feeling how tight your walls squeeze around him mimicking your face in complete bliss.

“Shit”

You strain out quietly as he bottoms out inside you. You open your eyes to gaze up into his hungry ones giving him the green light to start slowly rocking his hips into yours.

You and Chris were sexually active being married for a decent amount of time and not to mention you two were extremely active even when you guys were just dating and every experience was worth the wait and was absolutely mind blowing each time but, this time it was different. More sensual. You could feel the pure and genuine connection you and Chris shared through the movement of your bodies in sync with each other.

Chris kept rocking his hips and keep a steady pace that allowed you to feel every inch of his perfect dick.

“Taking me so well like you always do m’yeah”

He Chris groans out as you couldn’t help but moan quietly in response due to being completely lost in pure bliss from the extremely pressure you were feeling in your tummy. Which meant you were close and so was Chris from his sloppy thrusts starting to become more notable.

“Fuck I’m g’nna”

You huff out arching your back up to collide with Chris’ bare chest as your orgasm washes over you quickly. Chris places a tight grip on your hip with his free hand as he feels his high crashing into yours.

“Oh my fuck”

Chris groans out as he stills his hips as he can feel his length twitch and pulsate inside of you painting your inside white with his cum.

Chris shifts his body to lay down next to yours being careful not to pull out of you just yet knowing how sensitive you probably still were.

“How was that”

Chris breathes out still trying to catch his breath slightly as he nuzzles his head in your bare shoulder being sure to leave soothing kisses along it.

“Amazing as always”

You giggle out.

“Good”

He replies leaving a kiss on your temple.

“Good morning you two”

Marylou greets you and Chris as you two were the last ones to join them downstairs for Christmas Eve breakfast.

“Morning”

You chirpingly state as you two take a seat at the table sitting across from Matt and Savannah.

“How were the lights last night since I know you two went on a walk”

Nick asks you two.

“Good I always love going to see the lights we’ve made a little tradition out of doing so”

Chris replies to his brother.

“Yeah you two should had came along”

You states to Matt and Savannah seeing you two did invite them to tag along last night.

“Next time we wanted to stay in Matt room and hang out”

Savannah giggles leaning her head on Matt’s shoulder.

“Well we are going to finish some Christmas shopping if you guys want to tag along or go do something as a group that’s fine”

Savannahs mom states as your mom and marylou agrees

“Um well so you guys want to do anything maybe go ice skating”

Nick suggest looking at us.

“That would be so fun then Chris can finally teach me how to skate”

You giggle nudging him a little in the shoulder.

You and Chris have been making the most out of your baby making plan taking advantage of every alone you two got through family and fiend activities. From the shower to the occasional evening rounds in his childhood bed to even that one time you on the kitchen counter when everyone was out of the house.

It was now Christmas Eve and you weren’t feeling the best not completely realizing what it could actually be. You and Chris being complete oblivious to your actions prior to the unknown feeling.

“I don’t feel too good”

You sigh out setting your fork down on your dinner plate at the table.

“Oh no what’s wrong sweetie”

You mom questions as everyone’s attention shifts towards you including chris.

“I’m not sure I just feel like super sick in my stomach at the moment”

You groan out placing a comforting hand on top of your stomach.

“Is it maybe something you ate”

Matt questions since you guys technically had dessert before your traditional Christmas Eve dinner.

“I’m not sure I’m just gonna go to the bathroom”

You state quietly removing yourself from the table.

“You want me to go with you’

Chris questions worried.

“No it’s okay I got it”

You responds heading to the bathroom as Chris gets up anyway knowing you.

You get into the bathroom and immediately start spewing the contents from dinner out of your stomach leaving you shocked

Maybe it was something I ate

“Baby you okay in there”

Chris calls knocking on the door to the bathroom

“I’m yeah I think so hold on”

You responds getting yourself together before exiting the bathroom to be met with his concerned face as he embracing you in a hug.

“What’s wrong”

He questions leaning back to look down at you.

“It was something I ate for sure I just threw up my dinner Chris”

You pout out.

“Oh no that’s not fun”

Chris pouts along with you as he runs his palms up and down your arms comfortingly. You guys thought that was the last weird thing to occur until you were getting ready for bed and you and Chris were brushing your teeth together in his bathroom, when the taste of your toothpaste started to make you gag.

“Why are you gagging”

Chris chuckles out.

“I don’t know’

You slightly giggle out not thinking too much of it until it happened again a little more intense this time.

“Baby are you sticking your toothbrush to the back of your throat”

He chuckles out again as you let out another gag.

“It’s not like it my dick”

He laughs as you gag again which made you rush over to the open toilet leaning over it gagging a couple more times throwing up the snack you and Chris made together a little earlier that evening.

“What”

Chris questions after he rinses his mouth out looking over to you with a unreadable expression with your hand over your mouth.

“Chris I just threw up”

You gasped.

“You’re kidding”

He asks as you shake your head ‘no’

“What’s going on do you think’

He trails off coming over to you as you look up at him.

“I have no clue’

You pout out and I don’t have any test here.

“It’s okay we can get some tomorrow”

He states simply running his palms up and down your shoulders comfortingly.

“Hey where are you two going this early in the morning”

Jimmy asks to you and chris seeing no one else was up just yet since it was Christmas Day.

“Hey dad we just have to pick up something from the starte real quick we will be back before we open presents and everyone gets up”

Chris responds quickly as he remain to have a tight loving grip on your hand walking you out the door to the car.

“Okay then hurry back”

He replies.

Time skip

You two get to the store and are sitting in the parking lot after grabbing what you guys needed.

“Chris what if I’m not”

You pout out looking over at him.

“Hey if you are not that’s okay we can try again”

Chris coos places his hands lovingly in the side of your face cradling it and then proceeding to leave a kiss on your forehead as you softly squeal out an ‘okay’.

“And quite frankly I would love to try again you with if you aren’t pregnant’

Chris chuckles pulling out of the parking lot as you let out a little giggle.

You two get back to the house to be greeted with everyone in the kitchen almost as if hey were waiting on you to get back.

“Hey where did you guys go”

Nick questions you guys

“To the store”

You reply as you begin the head upstairs with the plastic bag in your hand.

“Okay we are getting ready to exchange gifts”

Savannah let’s out as Chris follows you upstairs.

“Okay we will be down in a second let us change back into comfortable clothes”

Chris replies back before getting upstairs.

“Okay take your time you two”

Marylou shouts

Chris gets to his room immediately knocking on the door knowing you were in there.

“Did you pee on it”

Chris questions you after you left him into the bathroom as you mod your head biting your nails.

“Hey it’s okay how long do we have to wait”

Chris reassures you removing your hand away from your mouth.

“Um 20 more seconds”

You reply looking at your phone at the timer you set. You two nervously wait in the bathroom for your timer to go off after you guys get into comfortable clothes it not taking to long to do so since you two literally put on the clothes you had on before you left,

Your timer aggressively rings alerting you that the test results were in.

“Here goes nothing”

You breathe out picking up the test flipping it to see a pair of double vertical lines saying you are ‘pregnant’ you covering a hand over your mouth in shock.

“What”

Chris questions nervously as he walks over and grabs the test from you as you shakily breathe out and touch your stomach. Chris chewing on his gum softly as he observes the test looking at the box to see what the results meant. He looks up at you wi his jaw dropped.

“Baby you are-“

Chris gasps

“I’m pregnant”

You cry out as he comes up and hugs you lifting you up in his arms as he rocks you two comfortingly in pure contentment.

“Holy shit”

He breathes out as he set you down back on your feet as you wipe away your stray tears giggling.

You and Chris head down stairs into the living room where everyone is sitting comfortably on the couches.

“ hey you two long time no see”

Matt chuckles out.

“Um’

You trail off.

“What’s up you two’

Your mom asks. You look up at Chris and then back at everyone

“I’m pregnant”

You giggle out holding up the test in your hands.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP RIGHT NOW”

Savannah screams as she and Nick get up and running over and hugging you.

“Oh my goodness we are so happy for you two son”

Marylou squeals out hugging chris.

This Christmas season was definitely one you and chris and the whole Boston family wasn't going to forget.

Taglist

@spicymuffins03 @mintsturniolo @dirtylittleheart333 @emely9274

@stayingstromboli @wh0resstuff @ksturnz @aaliyahsturn @chaoswithus

[eternalxvenus]

୨⎯ Like a good neighbor, Gojo is there ⎯୧

summary: You've just moved into a fixer-upper in a quaint neighborhood, excited to start building and designing your dream home. Everything's perfect…or would be, if it weren't for that gorgeous but obnoxious Satoru Gojo next door, who you fight with practically every day.

cw: smut 18+, satoru gojo x f!reader, smut, a little fluff, a smidgen of plot if you squint, gojo is annoying, no curses au, gojo is stupidly rich, pet names (baby, sweetheart), oral f!receiving, p in v, light choking, squirting

word count: 1.5k

notes: this is my first time writing smut so pls bear with me… the tile is bc that logo has been stuck in my head all damn day </3, im also debating on making a part 2… and lastly HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

You woke up to the sound of birds and wind, the sun shining brightly through your uncovered windows. As you stretched your limbs out with a groan trying to fully wake up, you thought about all the things you had to do today.

The clock shown 9:15am. Getting out of bed, the house was warm thanks to the summer morning. After doing your morning routine and eating breakfast you decide that you’re next project for the house will be painting the outside porch railing. You already had the paint, opting for a soft brown color.

Outside the air was warm and almost humid. The half empty coffee cup rested on the small table you had out there. Your clothes were already stained and rugged from previous projects done on the house. You picked up a paintbrush and promptly started on the porch.

About an hour or so later you were still painting, a light sheen in your forehead as you hummed a song stuck in your head. This was the peace you were looking for.

“Heyyy Y/N, how’s your morning going?” You roll your eyes, recognizing the all to chipper voice. Your neighbor Satoru Gojo. He was the most non-peaceful thing about the entire neighborhood. You tried to ignore him, but of course he was already making his way over. “I said good morning, what’s wrong too tired to speak?” he inquired.

A loud huff leaves your mouth. “No Gojo. I just don’t want to speak. To you at least.”

“Ah don’t be like that. I know what’s got you in a sour mood. It’s that ugly paint color isn’t it? Looks like shit— literally.”

“Gojo please do not come over here starting nonsense. It’s a pretty neutral brown. Now go away and leave me be.” You pick up the paint can and move to the next part of the porch. Gojo watches you lazily as you move about. He’s uncharacteristically silent and you almost forget that he’s even there. Glancing up to give him a look that says ‘What?’

With a no good smile on his face he says “Have lunch with me Y/N. Take a break and i’ll make us something good.”

You thought about declining but you were really hungry. As if on command your stomach growled rather loudly. “What’s the catch? You berate all my artistic choices thus far?” you deadpan.

With a hand over his chest in mock offense Gojo replies saying, “I would never!” He starts walking over to his house beckoning you to follow. “C’mon i’ll make us some sandwich wraps.”

You follow Gojo into his house and i soon as you step inside you see the stark contrast the inside has compared to the outside. Everything looks modern and sleek.

Gojo clears his throat before speaking. “Have a seat wherever. I’ll get started on the wraps.” You give a brief nod, walking into his living room to get a closer look at the decor. Fifteen minutes later, Gojo walks in empty handed.

“I put the wraps in the fridge. I usually let them sit in there about 10-15 minutes before eating so they have a better crunch and don’t get as soggy.” He plopped down on the couch stretching out his arms and legs. His eyes kept moving down to your ass as you walked around. “Come sit and let’s talk.”

You sit down next to him, making sure to leave a good amount of space between you both, before he scoots you closer by the hips.

“You know, I’ve never had such a pretty neighbor before…” Gojo’s voice is smooth and filled with seduction. Your heartbeat picks up as he places a hand on your thigh squeezing lightly.

“Gojo… what are you doing?” You ask in a breathy voice. His touch had an effect on you and you hated it. The last thing he needed was an ego boost.

“Oh come on Y/N, why do you think i’m always coming to bother you? I needed an excuse to see your pretty face.” He lowered his head to place light kisses along your jaw and neck. You moved your head to the side to give him better access. It couldn’t hurt to have a little fun…

Gojo moves from your neck and looks into your eyes. You see the dark lustful look in them before he pulls you in for a heated and bruising kiss. It’s all tongue and teeth, both of you barely stopping to get any air. You can feel the heat and arousal rushing through your body as he pulls you into his lap. Lifting his hips up slightly you can feel that he’s already hard and definitely not small. You break the kiss to pull off your shirt and Gojo nearly rips off your bra before taking one of your hard nipples into his mouth while working the other between his fingers. “Ah… Gojo-”

“Satoru” he says breathing heavily and looking into your eyes. “Please call me Satoru.”

“Satoru… don’t tease.” you nearly whine.

“Fuck… i need to taste you.” Without missing a beat Gojo lays you down on the couch, making quick work of getting your jeans and panties off. “You’re so wet, this all for me?” his lips formed that cocky smirk. “Shut up and do something.” you say squirming. He grabs your hips to still you then lowers his head to taste your arousal. “You taste better than I could’ve imagined… so fucking sweet.” He goes straight into it, sucking your clit into his mouth and teasing your hole with his tongue like he’s starved. Your hands immediately find purchase in his hair. You tug slightly making Gojo moan which only adds to the knot that’s already forming in your stomach.

You try to lift your hips but he has you in an iron grip. Heavy pants and moans slip past your lips as you feel that familiar sensation or your orgasm. “Ah! Sa-satoru! Fuck i’m gonna cum!” he continues working his tongue on your clit as he inserts two of his long fingers inside of you, curling them to hit that spot that has you seeing stars. Gojo eagerly licks and sucks all that you’re offering as you slowly start to come down from your high. He kisses your thighs and slowly makes his way up to your face. “I could eat you out all day” he breathes out. “But right now I wanna be inside you.”

You watch as he takes off his pants, seeing the wet patch on his boxers from his precum. After removing the rest of his clothing he now rests in between your legs, stroking himself as he rubs his tip against your clit. You buck your hips trying to get more friction but Gojo won’t budge. “Tell me what you want.” he whispers aligning himself with your entrance. “Satoru just fuck me please!” You say impatiently. The only warning you have is Gojo saying “If you say so.” before sliding his cock in until he bottomed out.

He threw his head back with a groan. “Shiiiit baby you’re so fucking tight.” He gave you a moment to adjust then started fucking you at an almost inhuman pace. All you could do was moan not able to form anything coherent. You felt Gojo’s hand come to your neck and squeeze just enough to heighten the force of his thrust. “You take me so well… this slutty pussy just keeps sucking me in.” His free hand slipped down to rub harsh circles on your clit causing you to practically scream. “Satoru! Too much!”

“You can take it baby i’m almost there. I want you to cum for me.”

Gojo keeps up his unrelenting pace and overstimulates your clit. You can feel him throbbing inside of you as his thrusts start to stagger and get sloppy signaling he was close. “Fuck baby I’m gonna cum… gonna cum all over those pretty tits.”

“Please Satoru! Feels so good… fucking cumming ah!” You feel a gush of warm liquid between your legs just as Gojo pulls out whimpering while spilling his cum all over your stomach. “F-fucking shit! Fuck baby…” you both lay there panting as Gojo gives you small feathery kisses. After a minute or two he gets up to grab a towel to clean you up with. He’s back in his boxers and had one of his shirts for you to wear. You blush taking it with a small “Thank you.”

Once you’ve sat up and slipped on the shirt you notice the wet spot staining the couch. “Shit… sorry about your couch Satoru. I’ll give you the money to replace it.”

Gojo laughs at your concern for his couch. “Don’t worry about it sweetheart.” He moves you both over to a the other side of the couch that isn’t ruined. “No really i’ll replace it, how much was it?” He mumbles something that you don’t understand. “What?”

“$3,600.”

You stare at him in shock. “Satoru what the hell!” He dismisses your shock with a wave of his hand and lays you both down. “I told you don’t worry about it. Right now just lay here with me.” Just as you both got comfortable and closed your eyes, your stomach growls loudly.

“I guess now would be a good time to get those sandwiches.” Gojo laughs.

likes, comments, and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[typicalopposite]

( read in full on ao3 )

chapter one | chapter two

Pairing: BuckTommy - JonahTommy(past)

Rated: M

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Abusive relationship ; manipulation ; emotional trauma ; dom/sub undertone ; forced heart conditions

(Fair warning this chapter is 13k 🫣 I was going to split it… I changed my mind… i apologize for any inconvenience! To make it easier to follow … italics are flashbacks — present day is Buck POV / flashbacks are Tommy POV … up until the last lil bit!)

It has felt like this shift has gone by in slow motion, and there is still another hour before it ends. 

Buck feels like he is on pins and needles as he mindlessly wanders around the lofted section of the 118… anticipating another long call to drag out the already drawn out morning. He is jumping into action the moment he hears the ring— it takes him a moment to realize it’s just his phone. 

It’s Lucy.

His mind is racing to every worst case scenario and his hands are shaking when he brings the phone to his ear. “H- Hello?”

”Buck! God I hope you picking up means you’re still at the station…” 

“Uh, ye- yeah… I am,” Buck replies, already taking the stairs down two at a time. “Why? What— whats wrong?”

”It’s Tommy—” Nothing more really needs to be said after that; he is leaving now regardless… But he knocks on Bobby’s door and steps inside anyway, putting the phone on speaker so they both can hear Lucy continue. ”He got a weird call… and he started getting really upset about it. He wouldn’t talk to me— next thing I know he is dipping out without an explanation and Cap just said he asked to go home.” There’s a pause, then a sigh. “He seemed really upset, Buck… I— I’ve never seen him like that.”

”Go,” is all Bobby says; it’s all he has to say. Buck turns on his heels and leaves without even changing out of his uniform first.

He pulls his Jeep to a stop behind Tommy’s truck and sees the front door sitting open. Not a good sign since Tommy has learned the hard way about opening his home to the many strays in his neighborhood— one destroyed couch later and he swore he was getting a screen door and no more feeding them inside. He still hasn’t got that screen door and yet now his front door is wide open. 

Buck walks up the steps of the porch about to call out when he is hit with the scent of Lysol and bleach wafting out of the house. It's so strong Buck’s eyes start to water and he holds his breath as he enters the house. The hardwood floors are drenched like the cleaning chemicals have just been poured out and left. 

“Tommy?” Buck finally manages around the hand covering his nose and mouth from the fumes. “Babe…”

There’s mumbling coming from the bedroom and Buck makes his way down the hall— carefully because the floors are slippery— and finds Tommy on his hands and knees next to a bucket with a scrub brush clenched in his hands. Bleach spots are covering his dark jeans and the skin on his hands is red and irritated…. He seems unfazed by both, and everything as he scrubs, all the while saying something Buck can’t quite make out.

“Tommy,” Buck tries again. He reaches out and touches Tommy’s shoulder, causing him to jump in response. “Hey— Hey, it’s just me…”

“Oh,” Tommy looks up at Buck through eyes as red and irritated as his hands. “H- Hi. Sorry… I was just—” He looks down at the floor and starts scrubbing again. “I won’t be long… I just— It needs to be sterile… it’s— it’s im- important that it’s completely s- sterile in here b- before we— we start… I won’t be long. I just— it needs to be sterile…” He is scrubbing back and forth, dipping the scrub brush and repeating, absolutely soaking the floor. 

“Tommy…” Buck tries, again; and again he doesn’t get much by way of a coherent response.

“I’m— I’m almost done, baby… then we can… we can do whatever you want, okay?” 

“I don’t want to do anything, Tommy… Lucy was just worried about you, I’m worried about you.”

“Why? I’m— I’m fine.” 

“You’re clearly not…” Buck sighs. Tommy continues to scrub dip scrub dip and Buck finally grabs his hand. “Tommy stop! What— what are you doing?!”

“Stop it! Let me go! It— It has to be sterile!” Tommy cries out, trying to snatch his hand back. “He’s— He’s going to be so mad if it’s not ready— It has to be ready when he gets home! It has to be—” His breaths are coming in short fast gasps and at some point he reaches up and wipes at his eye, instantly hissing in pain from the bleach water. 

Buck springs into action hooking a hand under Tommy’s arm and hoisting him up and into the bathroom to flush out his eye. “Here, let me,” he says, guiding Tommy to lean over the sink so he can splash water up onto his face. He does it a few times then checks with Tommy on how it feels. 

“Better,” Tommy says. He washes the bleach water off his hands, and leans heavily against the counter. “I’m losing my mind…” he says with a sharp sarcastic laugh. “Which— that’s exactly what he wants.” Buck runs a hand over Tommy’s back, and he thankfully loosens some of h the tension at the touch. He looks at Buck, eyes red and puffy. “Jonah called the station today… He— I don’t even know how he managed it… but he did— he asked for me, and I didn’t— I didn’t know it was him until—”

Buck wants to be angry— he is angry— but he needs to calm Tommy down right now. He pulls him into his arms, and presses kisses to his temple and his cheek. “I got you,” he says when he feels Tommy let out a shaky breath against him. “It’s okay…” 

“It’s not okay,” Tommy says, and Buck’s heart breaks at how small his voice sounds. He reaches into his pocket and grabs his phone, then leads Tommy out of the bathroom, and the bedroom, and the house, into the fresh air, while he calls Athena. 

He hopes the call to Tommy’s station will help them get Tommy out of the trial… but Athena unfortunately says it won’t. Jonah calling Tommy is not against the law because Tommy chose to not report any of the abuse he suffered, and a phone call alone isn’t grounds for a harassment accusation. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tommy waited outside the restaurant, nerves rattling, chewing on a cuticle until he was sure it was about to start bleeding. It had been almost a year since he’d been on an actual date, and he wouldn’t even be on this one if Howie hadn’t been so annoyingly insistent. 

He talked him into downloading that silly dating app… talked him into taking his profile seriously… and talked him into taking the date with the seventh guy he matched with. Seventh because a.) the first six he’d quickly declined without even really looking at them, and b.) because Howie is almost comically superstitious. “Sevens a lucky number man! Come on. Give this one a try.” Tommy rolled his eyes, and said he’d look it over when he got home. 

He did.

And reluctantly he agreed to the date.

He was almost certain he’d been stood up— five minutes late isn’t typically cause for concern, but his expectations were very low and his heart was still on the mend from its last break. That made five minutes feel like five hours, and he was starting to contemplate leaving when the guy finally arrived. 

Jonah. 

Still fairly new to California, and a paramedic with the Glendale Fire department… so he was a first responder like Tommy. He understood the job, that was intriguing enough. He held out a hand and Tommy shook it. 

Pale blonde hair and bright blue eyes… he wore a flirtatious, but friendly, grin and a fedora. Tommy thought he shouldn’t have become so easily smitten with his charm… but damn was it hard. Tommy held the door for him, pulled out his chair, and let him order the wine— Jonah leaned in, lips curling up as he asked, “Do you ever just sit back and let yourself be the one taken care of?” 

Tommy was at a loss of words. 

Because he rarely did. 

So he decided to dial it back, and Jonah slid into the role with ease. He paid for the meal, ran his hand down Tommy’s arm and laced their fingers together, and even was the one to pull Tommy into a kiss before the Uber came to take him away. 

Their next date he did much of the same. 

The date after that Tommy let Jonah take him home… take him to bed… take him apart. Jonah quickly became everything Tommy thought he had been missing. 

It made it so easy— too easy for Jonah to become Tommy’s everything. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buck holds the door open for Tommy as they walk inside the Courthouse. He dips his head like he does every time Buck does anything for him— a look always crossing his face, like he is uneasy, or isn’t sure how to react to it— before he finally smiles and thanks him. 

Buck used to take a little offense to it. He loved the pampering Tommy gave him, he’d never gotten that before… but he loved being the one giving, and doing. He loved spoiling and showing off his partner, but Tommy always got that look, so Buck tried to limit it. 

Knowing what he knows now, he thinks he finally gets why it’s so unsettling for Tommy, and Buck is hellbent on reconditioning his boyfriend’s brain. Soon he will be able to shower him with affection and it won’t make him think a request, or some level of abuse is going to follow. He quickly returns to Tommy’s side and wraps an arm around him; Tommy immediately leans into the gesture, and Buck presses a kiss to his temple. 

Tommy has progressively gotten more solemn since Jonah’s call— even more since he told Buck about the significance of the date the trial is on. “This year was going to be different…” he’d said. “I wasn’t going to have to think about it, or him… and now—” He sighed deeply and let his head fall into his hands. “It’s like I can’t escape him… no matter how hard I try.”

They reach the DAs office and Tommy collapses down into one of the chairs after being greeted. The DA is a shorter man, with a serious face. He doesn’t seem unfriendly but he doesn’t seem too approachable either. Talking to the DA would help them prepare for what could be coming, Athena said, and Buck wants nothing more than for them to get through this day as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

Still, he knows to keep his expectations low. 

As Athena had already informed them, Jonah’s call would get them nowhere by means of avoiding the trial. “However…” the DA went on to say. “We can try to prepare you for questions Mr. Greenway’s lawyer might hit you with.” Tommy takes a deep breath and nods, and the DA begins with some routine questions: What is your name? What is your relation to the defendant? Do you know why you were called here today? 

“I’m actually not sure…” Tommy admits. 

“S- Surely this man can’t think you would speak on his behalf… he— he tried to…” Buck stops speaking when Tommy slowly moves his eyes to him. This isn’t his business to tell, so he will let Tommy decide what to share with the DA and he will stay close for support. 

Tommy sighs, and he retells his story. The DA listens, brows pulled tightly together. The story’s hard to hear, Buck can attest to that… but he is on Tommy’s side— this man doesn’t even know Tommy. There’s a pause once Tommy has finished giving the DA the gist. A long pause.

“Why would you allow him to do something like that to you, Mr. Kinard?” 

Buck snaps into protective mode, an arm wrapping around Tommy’s back. “Hey, that— that sounds like you're blaming him—” 

“I can assure you I’m not,” the DA sighs. “But, sir, do you honestly think the defendant's lawyer is going to be any friendlier?” Buck settles back into his seat with that; Tommy squeezes his hand, and he gives him a quick apologetic glance. He doesn’t want to make this any worse or more awkward for him… it’s just— he can’t stand the thought of people putting him down either… This wasn’t his fault, and yet Buck knows Tommy thinks a part of it was. “I know the question is heavy, and hard to answer… but please, if you would; help me to understand.”  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It wasn’t long before those bright blue eyes turned cold, and that warm inviting smile felt like it was masking something that made Tommy’s instincts scream at him to turn and run. Soon the care he insisted on giving came with a price, and that price grew and grew. 

Favors became demands that soon were expected without question or prompting. The kind voice that had melted Tommy’s insides could so quickly fill with venom it left Tommy reeling from the whiplash and always wondering how he let himself get here. He was a little relieved Jonah wanted to keep their relationship private… Tommy was so embarrassed with himself for how absolutely toxic he let things become. He was so embarrassed with himself for being too weak to walk away. 

So weak in fact when Jonah suggested living together, he didn’t hesitate to say yes. 

“Nice going, stupid…” Jonah spat on their first night in the new apartment. Tommy had taken the day off to unpack, Jonah had a shift until 8pm. He just wanted to have dinner ready… but Jonah came home upset, and Tommy neglected the time trying to tame his temper. This led to that and even with the small fire quickly snuffed out, LAFD was contacted and en route to the apartment. 

Thankfully it wasn’t the 118 who responded…

Instead, when Tommy pulled the door open as far as the chain lock would let him, he was met with 133 on the helmets and faces he only knew in passing. “Uh… hey! It’s— it’s Daryl right?” 

“Hey, Kinard?!” The man seemed shocked to see a fellow firefighter at the scene of an alarm call, Tommy couldn’t really blame him. He was so embarrassed— maybe that was a good thing since the flush of his cheeks hopefully hid the redness Jonah’s hand left behind. He wasn’t always physical, and he always apologized eventually… Besides, it was deserved… It was fine.

“Y- Yeah… sorry w- we— I just moved in, and it’s been a long day... but everything is under control.”

“Mind if I check anyway?” Daryl asked. “Not that I don’t believe you…” he quickly followed it with. “It’s just my captain will be all up my ass if I don’t…”

It’s protocol. Tommy knew that. Jonah knew that. But no one knew Tommy and Jonah were together… “Uh, yeah… of— of course,” Tommy said, then slowly pushed the door shut. Jonah scowled at him and took off to the bedroom. Tommy could keep him in the kitchen— that’s where the fire was, that’s all he needed to see… Tommy hoped. 

Thankfully it was, and Daryl assured him again it was nothing personal. “It's just… you know… the job.” 

“You’re fine,” Tommy said, trying to slowly walk Daryl back to the door. “Rules are rules… Sorry you had to come out here for nothing!” 

“Oh that’s fine; it killed time, and I didn’t even have to do anything since you already had it under control! I’ll see you around Kinard.” 

Tommy pushed the door closed behind him

And waited for Jonah to wander out of the bedroom. He didn’t. He waited for Jonah to call him into the bedroom. He didn’t. He took a deep breath and made his way to the bedroom instead. “Baby…” he said, pushing the door open. “He’s gone, Jonah…” Tommy stopped just inside the room, staring at Jonah standing ominously beside the bed. A black bag sitting on top of the mattress.

“Must be nice to get recognition for what you can do…” Jonah said bitterly. “To have people know you are actually good at your job…” 

“Baby… you’re amazing at your job! You know that.”

“I know that I know that, Tommy,” Jonah hissed. “It's them! My captain, my coworkers…”

“I know it,” Tommy counters. “I know that you are the most skilled paramedic out there. LAFD would be lucky to have you…” 

Words that should have never left his lips! But he hadn’t known— could never have known Jonah would leave his department for Tommy’s… 

“They would be… wouldn’t they?” Jonah said, slowly turning to face him. “Do you feel lucky to have me, baby?” 

“Of course…”

Jonah walked over to him, his hands held out to Tommy and Tommy quickly took them; he quickly latched on to the first hints of affection after Jonah had been so angry earlier. “Would you let me take care of you? Let me repay you for the sweet thoughtful gesture… even though you failed miserably and now we have to order take out.” Tommy didn’t even flinch at the insult laced compliment. He was so embarrassingly used to it… 

Jonah reached up and cupped Tommy’s cheek, still tender from earlier… Tommy leans into the touch— craves the gentle touch. “I’m so sorry…” he whispered.

“I know you are,” Jonah replied. “That’s why you’re going to do what I ask now, right?” 

“Anything.”

“Good boy.” 

He should have said no. He should have walked away.  

Jonah led him to the bed and pushed him down to sit on it. Then he leaned down and began kissing him. It quickly heated up and Jonah eased Tommy’s shirt up and off; he gently eased him back to lie on the bed, climbing on to straddle his hips. He continued kissing him, kissing over him, while Jonah managed to keep Tommy pinned down to the bed like a weight with a simple ‘Don’t move’. Tommy was defenseless against his orders. 

Suddenly Jonah was digging through the bag with one hand, pulling things out and sitting them beside Tommy’s body. He finally broke his lips away from Tommy’s skin and hovered over his face. “I want to try something with you, okay? But I need you to trust me…”

Tommy nodded.

“Use your words, Tommy.”

“I- I trust you.” 

With that Jonah pushed up enough to grab one of the things that were now touching Tommy’s side. A rubber tourniquet… he began to tie it around Tommy’s arm. “You know I would never hurt you, right?” 

Tommy nodded; Jonah glared. “Y- yes. I know that.”

“I’m good at what I do.”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“You’re a- amazing… at what you do baby. The best.” That made Jonah smile. He leaned down and kissed Tommy again, softly this time. Tommy tried to chase after him as he pulled away but he held him in place with one hand. “Jonah…” he practically whined. 

“Patience. I need to get everything ready.” Tommy watches as Jonah pulls on a pair of latex gloves, popping them to his wrist with an almost playful grin. He nervously laughed at it, and tried to steady his breathing. Then Jonah picked up a little glass bottle and a syringe…

“Jo- Jonah… what— what is that?”

“Shhh… you said you trusted me? Right?” Tommy didn't respond. Jonah didn’t seem to mind, too focused on drawing the liquid up into the needle. “I’m going to prove to you how good I am at saving lives.”

He puts the bottle down and flicks the syringe, squeezing the medicine inside up until a drop comes out of the tip. Then he begins to bring it towards Tommy’s arm. “I- I already know how good you are… you— you don’t have to prove anything to m- me.”

“Oh but believing and seeing are two completely different things, baby. I’m giving you the chance to see my skills in action.” 

Tommy could have fought him off. He should have fought him off. He laid there instead frozen out of fear… and obedience. “I- I’m scared… Jonah,” he admitted, partially anticipating it to piss Jonah off. It surprisingly didn’t.

“Here… I’ll hold your hand,” he offered smiling and there wasn’t a single trace of love or compassion… Tommy had never seen a more insincere smile— it was enough, it would have to be. Tommy stared at Jonah’s face, at that smile… and clung to the memories of the very beginning, when things were good, and the made up future he knew he’d nerved have.

It started to work so fast. Tommy gasped and began to hyperventilate. Jonah leaned over him and kissed his cheek. “Jo- Jo- Jonah…” Tommy managed, feeling a tear slip from his eye. “L- Love you…” just in case he never got to say it again.

Jonah didn’t say it back.

Tommy’s eyes closed.

Then he felt a sharp jolt as life rushed back into his body. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was like just talking about Jonah drained every ounce of energy out of Tommy. Not that Buck could be too surprised, every new story was so heavy and intense— he imagined reliving those nightmares would be draining. 

They ran into Athena near the front entrance of the courthouse, and Tommy nudged Buck’s arm when he stopped to talk. “No rush,” he quickly said before Buck could excuse them. “Just gimme the keys.” 

Buck knows Tommy desperately doesn’t want extra attention given to him from all of this, so he doesn’t press to wait, or insist he just go with him and instead just hands him the keys to his Jeep. Tommy thanks him with a soft, tired smile, leaning in for a kiss, and getting a hug from Athena as well. She runs over his back before pulling back so he can go.

“How’s he holding up?” she asks once he’s gone.

“Barely,” Buck sighs. “This is— it’s so much bigger than what we knew… Jonah was— he is a monster. He put him through hell… and now—” Athena gives him a look like she gets it; he knows she gets it after her nightmare with Jeffrey Hudson. “I just don’t know what to do to help him.” 

“Trust me Buck,” Athena says, reaching out to squeeze his arm. “You’re doing more than you think just by being there for him— with him. He knows you have his back, and Jonah is going to prison… He can not hurt him anymore. This is nothing but a hurdle.” 

Buck nods. “You— you think we could have some extra security in the courtroom for the trial? Just— just as extra precaution.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks ‘Thena— what the hell!?” Buck gasps and leans his body over to better see around Athena and out the front doors where Tommy is standing at the foot of the stairs. He glares at the side profile of a woman with long wavy red hair standing in front of him. “Taylor…” Buck hisses and is moving without another word to Athena. “You have got to be kidding me,” he says loudly, taking the courthouse stairs two at a time. 

She turns and flashes him that camera ready smile, and Tommy looks beyond relieved. “Hey Buck,” she says nonchalantly. “How’s it—”

“Save it,” Buck snaps back, and she actually looks surprised by the hostility. “Hey… are— are you okay?” He asks Tommy, who nods despite looking peaked and nauseous. Taylor looks back and forth between them; her curiosity is clearly peaked. “Come on, sweetheart…” Buck says, ignoring the way her eyes widen at the pet name and her grin stretches. “You don’t have to talk to her…” he says, gently nudging him to walk away from Taylor. 

“Wow,” she exclaims, more so under her breath, brows raised, causing Buck to give her an exhaustive, questioning look. “I did not see that coming. But… I’m happy for you.” 

Buck sighs at her friendly demeanor— the obliviousness as if she is doing nothing wrong. He knows she likely doesn’t think she’s doing anything wrong. “What are you doing here? Why are you talking to him?”

“I’m covering the trial,” she says point blank. “It was my story after all.”

“No…” Buck scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief. “No, Taylor, it was definitely not your story… you just made sure you were the one who got to tell it.”

“Buck—”

Tommy shifts beside him, and Buck sighs. He told Tommy that he and Taylor had dated… how it ended when she went behind not only his, but all of their backs and shared the story after being explicitly asked not to. He knows he didn’t have a leg to stand on with who hurt who more in their relationship; he’d cheated on her. It wasn’t about him, though… had he been the only one hurt by her rushing to get the credit for the story, he could have let that go. She hurt his family. 

He isn’t letting her do that again. 

“Don’t…” he cuts her off, unable to hear her excuses disguised as justifications. “You don’t care about the people who were hurt by him, you only care about your story.” 

“This story is my way to help everyone hurt by Jonah. Telling their story. T- Telling Tommy’s story!”

“You don’t even know Tommy’s story.” 

“I do actually…” she says.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He’d only just been released from the hospital, and had nowhere to go. He couldn’t go home— back to the apartment. Too many memories, and pretty much none of them were good. So he sat on a bench outside the hospital and scrolled through his phone, looking for a cheap hotel. 

Footsteps approached and he had half a mind to ignore that they were clearly approaching him. He was so tired, and sore, and— fuck, a million other things… He just wanted to be alone. For once in a long while he craved the loneliness he knew was waiting for him. He can’t be hurt if there’s no one to hurt him. 

“Hey, Kinard— uh, T- Tommy…” 

Tommy sighed and looked up at Daryl. His hands tucked deep into his pockets, face pulled into a deep frown, his expression like he had a million questions and was unsure where or how to start. “Hey,” Tommy replied. 

“I came to check on ya, after— after I heard about everything…” he explained. “Your place was all taped up; I— I thought…” he broke his eyes away and turned them to the floor, as he shuffled from one foot to the other. “I went out to Harbor and they said you were in the hospital…”

“You— you didn’t mention that me and— and Jonah were—”

“Nah, man…” Daryl quickly replied. He almost sounded offended Tommy would ask. “I knew you two were on the low… I wouldn’t— Fuck Jonah, I wouldn’t do that to you.” 

Tommy smiled up at him, trying to retain the facade he was holding himself together… at least until he was alone, so no one felt the need to pick up the pieces he is fully to blame for getting broken. “Thanks…” 

There’s a silence that builds between them until it’s louder than the sirens of the ambulance turning into the ER… and the bustle of commotion all around them. It makes Tommy’s ears ring. Finally Daryl just spits it out. “Did— Did you know?” 

“No…” Tommy answers. A part of him wants to be upset at the question, but how can he… He should have known, he should have stopped him. “Not until… just before he—”’

“You were in the hospital… be- because of him?” Tommy nods. “Did he— Did he do what he did to Han… to you?” Tommy doesn’t respond. Daryl’s eyes are watery; he sniffs and rubs a hand under his nose. “I— I always suspected he was— you just… you had that look, you know? I’ve seen it plenty of times; they— they want out but they don’t know how to leave. I hate that I never asked.” 

“I would have denied it.” Tommy looks up at him. His own eyes are starting to get misty and he shrugs, offering a weak smile. “I loved him too much… I— I would have denied it…” 

Daryl nods. He wishes Tommy well, and walks away. 

A few nights later Tommy sees him talking to Taylor Kelly about working with Jonah. He never mentions Tommy, or his connection to Jonah; no one does. The officers, and detectives working the case promise he will be kept anonymous, and won’t be called in to testify. 

It’s like Tommy is given a clean slate, to start over and forget all about Jonah Greenway. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Who told you?” Buck demands, and Taylor sets her jaw, seemingly unfazed by the rise in his voice. “They had no— no right to tell it. You have no right to know it.”

“Like it or not I’m covering this trial, Buck… And in doing so I do have a right to the information surrounding it, and so does the public— including those who were directly subjected to Jonah’s reign of terror. Even if that’s not what he refers to it as…” 

“You— You talked to Jonah?!” Buck practically yelps in disbelief. 

“He asked to talk to me actually…”

Buck steps back, gawking at Taylor. “So I guess he is the one who brought Tommy into it.”

“He did,” she says. “But I didn’t buy it for a second… none of the things he said— I want to hear Tommy’s side of the story. I want to share Tommy’s side of the story with the rest of Jonah’s victims.”

“I’m not a victim,” Tommy— who has been extremely quiet the entire time— finally says. Buck wraps an arm around him, tries to object and Tommy tenses, pulling away. “I’m— I’m not… I’m not. I wasn't forced to— to let him… I let him because— because I’m weak.”

“Tommy,” Buck tries, and Tommy shakes his head.

“I should have— I could have stopped him. I didn’t and someone died, Evan…Howie almost died. Now it’s all coming out and— and I deserve this…” He looks from Buck to Taylor, with red rimmed, teary eyes; his breathing coming in sharp gasps.

Buck recognizes the panic attack immediately; he’s had multiple since getting the summons. He pushes past Taylor to get Tommy the rest of the way to the Jeep. He opens the door and ushers Tommy onto the passenger seat. “Just breathe, Tommy. You’re okay,” he says softly, one hand rubbing over Tommy’s back the other holding his head steady so he keeps his eyes up on Buck’s. 

“I- I should be— be on trial with him… Evan. I- I should be in prison with him,” he cries before clutching at his chest. Buck tries to assure him that’s not true and everyone— Hen and Chimney… even Claudette’s family— would say the same, but Tommy shakes his head. “Ev- Evan it— it hurts…” he gasps, tapping on his chest. 

“I know, sweetheart, you just have to steady your breathing, so you can calm down, okay?” He runs his thumb over Tommy’s cheek, leans in so he can press their foreheads together. “I’m right here, I got you… you’re safe. I’m here. I love you.” 

Tommy finally exhales, shakily. “I love you too…” he replies, sounding exhausted. 

Buck’s heart is breaking for him, then out of the corner of his eye he sees Taylor, notices the recorder still in her hand, the red light still lit. 

“You’re seriously still recording?!” Buck snaps, before stepping away from the Jeep so he can close the door and put something between her and Tommy. “You have no idea what he’s been through, Taylor… You may think you're helping, but— but you’re not.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

36 year old male. No known health problems. Suffers from cardiac arrest after being rescued from an oil rig collapse. Dies in the back of an LAFD helicopter during transport to Presbyterian.

Tommy listened as their medics tried time and time again to resuscitate him. He listened to the loud buzzing of the flatline until they called it and turned the machine off. Then came the silence. Respect to the departed, and all that… but Tommy hated it. In the silence his thoughts had freedom to get loud. 

A heart attack… at 36? They’d clip your wings so fast… 

Tommy couldn’t remember another time in his career that a simple transport took so long. When he finally returned to Harbor Station he could feel his pulse in his eyeballs, and he still had fifteen hours to go. It was only his first day back… He got a couple concerned questions throughout the rest of the shift; he brushed them off. Somehow he managed to get through it.

He got back to the airBnB he was staying at (just until the loan he’d taken out for a fixer upper on the outskirts of the city cleared) early the next day and crashed through the front door. His breathing was coming in gasps and his heart was pounding. Jonah’s voice was in his ear telling him everything he’d done wrong, everything the medics had done wrong. I would have saved him, his voice said. Who’s going to save you? 

Tommy made it to the bedroom, got over to the bed and tried to just lay down. He curled up on his side, closed his eyes… It did not help. It felt like there was a weight on his chest, pressing him down into the mattress and pinning him in place. Unable to move, unable to breathe… 

This is going to be how you die, Tommy… All alone.

At the foot of the bed were the few suitcases filled with everything he owned. Somehow he managed to move down the bed to reach them and got the first one open. He dug around the clothes inside until his hand bumped against the bag with the defibrillator he’d used on himself. 

It took him a minute but he got it out, set it up, and attached it to his chest… all the while it felt like his heart was over pumping blood to his head, and it was about to explode. 

He clutched at his chest, trying to suck in a breath. He collapsed back onto the mattress once everything was ready, trying to slow his breathing. The machine whirred as it came to life, scanned his heart, and Tommy waited anxiously. Shock not advised. Tommy exhaled and ripped the pads off… He curled back up on his side and cried. 

Cried because he was apparently okay.

Cried because he really wasn't okay…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s a little chilly in LA the morning of the trial. The sun is hidden behind a blockade of thick clouds, casting a dreary kind of lighting over the city. It’s fitting, Buck thinks. 

The first thing he spots as they pull into a parking spot is Taylor’s van parked up by the courthouse. She changed her approach from live coverage to an overview after the trial. Buck wonders if it’s because they didn’t greenlight the live coverage, or if, perhaps, she’d had a minor change of heart. He hurries around his Jeep to Tommy, sliding an arm around his back protectively as they start up towards the courthouse entrance. 

Taylor is on the other side of her van giving what Buck assumes is an intro piece. They walk past her with Buck giving a warning ‘Don’t even think about it’, when she spots them and seems to be about to approach them.

The courtroom is already filling up; families of those Jonah had hurt, come to hopefully see their loved ones receive some kind of justice. Also among them are those who Jonah had attacked— both unknowingly, and knowingly. Hen and Chim wave at them when they step through the double doors. “Can we sit in the back?” Tommy asks, eyes locked on the defendant’s chair— still empty, for now. 

Buck tightens his hold, pulling Tommy closer to his body so he can press a kiss to his temple. “Of course.” Still the distance doesn’t soothe Tommy’s nerves much, and the closer the clock brings them towards the trial, Tommy starts getting more antsy and anxious in his seat, so Buck wraps an arm around his shoulder. “Just focus on this side, your family… me. Ignore him.” Tommy nods and relaxes into Buck’s embrace, and just closes his eyes. “I got you,” Buck assures him.

Almost the entirety of the 118 shows up. The 217 come as well; Lucy stops at Tommy and hugs him before finding a seat. Sal even drove down for support to his old friends. He smiles at Tommy, sitting down in front of him and Buck, cracking a joke about catching Jonah outside the courthouse to Buck that makes him laugh, and Tommy rolls his eyes with a soft smile. 

“So how about that crew that has your back when things get hard?” Buck whispers in Tommy’s ear. 

He smiles. “I’m sure Hen and Howie— and the others—  are very grateful to everyone for being so supportive.”

Buck feels his brows pull together. “They’re here for you too, Tommy.” That gets him a look of distress more than relief. Buck is sure he hears him  mumble ‘I doubt that…’ but he doesn’t question it. 

The side doors open, getting everyone’s attention, and Jonah is led into the courtroom handcuffed and shackled, bearing a maniacal grin that makes Buck’s stomach turn; how could he look so smug— so happy. His eyes scan the courtroom and eventually find them tucked away in the back corner, and the grin widens. He does his best to lift his hand, and waves. 

Jonah looks between Buck and Tommy, laughing when it seems to click that they are together. Tommy eventually lifts his eyes, meeting Jonah’s and as soon as he does Jonah blows a kiss in their direction. Buck tightens his arm around Tommy. “Just don’t look at him,” he whispers, and Tommy nods, turning his eyes back down to his hands. He picks at the dark blue polish on his thumb nails; he had let Jee paint them the day before… It helps stop him from biting them.

The judge enters, they rise for her and sit back down… and the trial begins.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He should have died that night.

Tommy sat on the porch swing he just finished installing. Tested that it would hold his weight then kicked off with his feet. He looked out at his little section of the quiet neighborhood and wished it felt more like home. 

He’d wanted this with Jonah. He’d suggested buying a house when Jonah brought up living together… but Jonah never wanted permanence with Tommy. He sees that now. He didn’t want anyone to know they were together, so when he inevitably wasn’t able to resuscitate him one day— or he just didn’t want to— he could leave and it would look like Tommy’d had a heart attack. 

Except when that day actually came… Tommy survived. 

He should have done something…

When Hen was telling him what they found, he should have taken that information and stopped Jonah before he ever had a chance to go attack them. He knew where Jonah kept his bag of supplies. He could have hidden it. He could have refused to go get it. 

He’d known what Jonah was capable of… he’d seen it first hand.

“You have no idea how much you help me, baby.” Jonah had said one time as they prepared for their little game of life and death. Tommy always said the last time would be the last time… and yet he always ended up back in that chair… “You’re helping me keep my skill set sharp… if I didn’t have you, who would I have to practice on? It’s not like I can just… use an unsuspecting person on a call…” 

“You— you wouldn’t—” Tommy countered quickly, but Jonah leaned in and kissed him, before sticking the needle into his vein. 

“You are so special to me. You help me so much…” he said.

That shut down every alarm he’d set off. Now, instead, Tommy felt important— he felt like he was vital to Jonah.  

He should not be free…

The letter in his hands felt heavy as he continued to ignore it in lieu of focusing on his surroundings. The cool breeze, the neighbors out talking, the kids riding bikes.

Numerous calls from the prison to his cell, until he changed his number, and then the letters started coming in. First they were addressed to the apartment, and came mixed in with his other redirected mail. The one he was holding, however… was made out to his new address. 

That made Tommy feel sick. 

He didn’t open it. Instead he ripped it up and tossed it in the outside trash can.

A few days later a man showed up at Harbor. 

Wiry shoulder length hair, and wide bloodshot eyes. He walked right up to Tommy and said he’d been chosen by the Angel of Death. He said that he defied him by not dying that night. He said one day the Angel would be back for him. 

His captain said the man sounded crazy and called the police to come take him away. 

Tommy slept with his defibrillator that night… He attached it and randomly checked just to hear the ’shock not advised’ message. Then he would settle enough to just about fall asleep, before his heart rate would pick back up— memories would flood back in… and he’d have to check again. 

Shock Not Advised. 

Shock Not Advised.

Shock Not Advised. 

Shock Not Advised.

Shock… Advised…

“Huh…” Tommy mumbled, half asleep. He turned the machine off then back on and waited. 

Shooock… Adviiiised…

The words were not the machine's usual mechanical voice. This voice was garbled and distorted. This voice… sounded like Jonah

Shhooock- ck- ck… AAAAd- Adviiis- sed… Advi- viseeed…

Shock… Advised… Advised… Advised…

Shock…

Shock…

SHOCK!

It was yelled right in his ear and his eyes shot open. His thumb over the button, tense and ready to press it. He snatched it away and ripped the pads off his chest… grabbing the machine and carrying it to his closet. With tears in his eyes, and his heart pounding perhaps the hardest it ever had before… he shoved the defibrillator to the back of the top shelf. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chimney is the first to be called up.

“Please state your name for the jury,” the DA says, stepping around the table and towards the stand.

“Howard Han,” Chimney replies, his friendly smile on full display despite the situation at hand. It stays put through the DA’s list of questions, through his retelling of his version of the night he and Hen were attacked, then how he saved them by fighting back. “Well I had already been killed and brought back upteen times, upteen and one might have been the real deal… I had to do something,” Chimney jokes. 

Buck watches Maddie sigh and run a hand over her small bump; Karen pulls her into a hug. The details of that night hang heavy over everyone’s head. It causes him to cringe as Chimney continues to light heartedly crack jokes with the DA, making light of it… It causes Tommy to tense and shift uncomfortably next to him. At some point he just leans forward as if he’s resting his head in his hands… but is really covering his ears. 

“Hey… I’m alive,” Chimney says after the DA apologizes for his questions and for bringing up difficult memories. “I get to leave here and go home to my beautiful wife and daughter, about to be two daughters— so save your condolences for my sanity, I’m tripley outnumbered here—” the courtroom erupts into laughter. “Those memories mean nothing to me anymore.” 

Buck looks to see Jonah’s reaction… or lack of more like. He’s not even donning his crazy grin anymore. 

The DA takes a seat. 

The defense attorney stands up. 

“You never worked with my client, is that correct Mr. Han?”

“That is correct,” Chimney replies. “He was at the 118 in my absence; he was transferred very close to my return. I hardly knew the guy…”

“You were familiar with his partner at the time, though…”

Chimney looks at the man confused, and thinks for a moment. “His partner? I— I mean I know of him… Daryl Richards, I believe.”

“No,” the defense attorney laughs. “I’m talking about his romantic partner.” 

“Like I said, sir… I hardly knew the guy,” Chimney says, and the defense attorney smirks, opening his mouth like he’s about to dive into an explanation. “However, yes. I do know that he was with Tommy at the time of all this,” Chimney says first.

“Did you know this at the time?” 

Chimney sighs, looks over towards Buck and Tommy sympathetically— though Tommy is still hunched over and doesn’t see it. “I did not,” he finally admits.

”Is it correct that you used to work with Thomas Kinard, on the 118? You even stayed in touch with him once he left.” 

“That’s correct.”

“Would you call your relationship that of friends?” 

“We are friends. Tommy is a very good friend.”

the defense attorney nods along, twirling a pen around on one hand as he pauses before the next question. “Then why didn’t you know about his relationship with Jonah… until now?”

Buck tightens his arm around Tommy. “What the hell is he going for here…” he mumbles under his breath.

Chimney quickly deflects the somewhat accusatory question with a shrug. “I’m not owed insight into his love life, I don’t care if we were the absolute best of friends.” The teasing tone of his voice is gone, and he’s having quite the staring competition with not only the defense attorney, but Jonah too. Buck watches him go from glaring at one to the other.

“I knew he was in a relationship at the time, and the person wanted to keep it quiet. Tommy respected him enough to do so, and I respected Tommy enough to not pry. That's all there was to it.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Come on, man! You can’t keep this from me, we're buddies!” Howie practically whined. Tommy smiled around the opening of his beer bottle and rolled his eyes. Tommy was quite a few dates into his and Jonah’s relationship and Howie was curious about… ‘who it was that had him smiling like that.’ 

“He’s, uh— he’s very private, and he’s not fully out yet.” 

Howie threw his hands up, quickly defeated. “You know what, I don’t even care…” he said. “All I care about is that you’re happy, and as far as I can see mopey Tommy is no longer reeling from his heartbreak and this new cheesy Tommy is absolutely adorable.” Another eyeroll, except this one, is accompanied by a deep blush spreading across Tommy’s cheeks. “Speaking of adorable,” Chimney continues. “Look at her,” he breaks out a picture of Maddie, deeply sleeping on the couch— her mouth hanging open, her hair a mess. “Morning sickness is really kicking her butt.”

“She’s gonna be kicking your butt if you keep taking pictures of her without her knowing, then showing them off… and I’ll hold you down so she can!” 

“Hey now, you’re supposed to be my friend here, traitor!” 

Howie laughed; Tommy laughed. Both were so happy with their lives at that moment… both would lose that happiness so very soon... At least Howie got his back…

*

Tommy knocked on the door to Howie’s hospital room. He’d just been discharged moments earlier, but Howie would probably be here another day or so. “Hey…” he said, pushing the door open, and walking inside. 

“Hey Tommy!” Howie said brightly, despite the peakedness in his eyes. Jonah had really done a number on him, it made Tommy sick to his stomach. “What brings you in?” 

Tommy could never tell when Howie was just fucking with him, or is serious. So if Hen had told him everything, Tommy wasn’t sure. The facade never let up, though. Howie never mentioned Jonah more than a remark about the incident, then in true Howie fashion he was on to other— much happier— topics. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once Chimney leaves the stand, and is walking back to his seat, Tommy finally lifts his head back up. He quickly averts his eyes from Chimney, looking back down at his hands, at the window… at the jurors. Chimney bypasses his seat and comes right over to Tommy’s, pulling him into a hug. “I love ya, man.”

Buck hears Tommy suck in a sharp shaky breath. He nods into the embrace and mumbles something inaudible, but Chimney smiles at it and returns to his seat. 

The next person called up is Hen. 

Again the DA sticks to the source material. Asks about her time working with Jonah, his transfer, and Claudette’s untimely death. He has her explain her suspicions, and her findings… and finally, once again, the court is hearing her own recount of that night. 

Again… the defense comes for Hen’s friendship with Tommy. “So Mrs. Wilson… tell me about the call you received the day of the attack.”

Hen sighs, likely since she already talked about the call with the DA. “Jonah called me—”

“So sorry to interrupt you, Mrs. Wilson… but not that call.” Hen stares at him confused. “The one before that. Is it true you received a call from Mr. Kinard before you spoke with my client. He was upset with you… for digging into my client's past.”

“I’m sorry, I’m confused how you even know about that…” Hen says without answering. 

“The cameras…” Tommy whispers, then laughs sarcastically. “I- I always… suspected…” he continues, looking at Buck. “He would know things: things I’d done while he was gone, people who came over, things that were said. I knew he had cameras on me… I just never found them.” 

The defense requests Hen just answer the question, and the judge presses that she does as well. “Yes. I spoke to Tommy that day, and— and he was upset I was digging. Yes.” 

“He asked you to drop it, correct?”

“Yes.”

The attorney gives another drawn out pause. He walks over to his table and takes a sip of water, and Buck catches him locking eyes momentarily with Jonah. “Were you aware Mr. Kinard encouraged my client to get to know you, Mrs. Wilson?” 

“I was not,” Hen says. 

“How does that information make you feel?” 

Hen narrows her eyes at the attorney. “I don’t understand… Am I supposed to feel a certain way from that?” She doesn’t give the man a moment to counter her statement with more questions before saying, “Tommy is a friend. Jonah was my partner. It makes sense he would like for us to get along.”

“But you didn’t even know they were together.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

The defense attorney scoffs. “Did it not matter when you were being attacked? When you were watching your best friend have his heart stopped and restarted, over and over and over.”

“That had nothing to do with Tommy,” Hen snaps back. “I- I don’t understand these questions. Jonah is the one on trial, not Tommy. Why is this suddenly about him?”

“I’m just trying to see the full picture here, Mrs. Wilson,” the man says, calmly. “That perhaps— at the very least— my client isn’t the only one at fault…” 

Buck nearly leaps out of his seat at that, and Tommy holds on to him tightly to stop it.

“Jonah is the only one at fault here,” Hen says. “I almost lost two friends that night, because of him,” she looks directly at Tommy as she says that. “He deserves to rot in jail.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hen pulled up out front of Tommy’s house. 

He walked out of the garage where he’d just finished setting up his Muay Thai mats and a workout bench, and waved at her. “Sorry for my rugged appearance,” he teased, gesturing to his haggard appearance: a stretched out and holey shirt with the sleeves ripped off, and some tattered gym shorts. “Wasn’t expecting visitors…” He never expected visitors. 

“Chim said your new place was niceee…” Hen laughed. “I needed to see for myself.”

They navigated to the kitchen island, sitting on the barstools with glasses of sweet tea, catching up. “How’s Howie doing?” Tommy asked. 

“He’s better,” she replied, resting her head on one hand. “How are you doing?”

Tommy shrugged, and sighed. “I’ve been through worse,” he said… and he had… but at the same time, this hurt was so different. It was deep rooted, and he wondered if he’d ever be truly free from it.

*

It didn’t take long for Evan to almost have him free from it. He worked tirelessly— and in the beginning… he didn’t even realize he was doing it— chopping away at the bigger roots, breaking them up and killing them.

“Still managing to keep up?” Hen asked approaching him after Evan announced, at one of Bobby’s summer barbecues, that he and Tommy were going on a vacation away together. Just a few months in and dropping an insane amount of money to have Evan all to himself for four days and three nights… yeah, he would find a way to manage for that. “He’s a lot to handle… I’m sure,” Hen laughed, looking over to where Evan was playing with all the kids. 

“Yeah, well… He’s worth every bit of it. Besides, I’ve handled way worse.” 

The two were silent for a while, then Hen smiled and nudged him with her elbow. “I’m happy for you, Tommy,” she said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buck paces back and forth in the hall. 

They were dismissed for lunch and Bobby offered to go grab everyone some food; Buck doubts he’ll be able to eat anything. He is too pissed. “What is he— is he trying to pin this all on Tommy?! Is that even legal? Can he do that?! Jonah is the one on trial here!”

Maddie has taken Buck’s place beside Tommy, and is currently trying to distract him from the meltdown Buck can’t seem to stop himself from having by talking to him about the pregnancy. He smiles sympathetically— appreciatively. 

“Jonah is facing life without the possibility of parole…” Athena says. “His lawyer is probably hoping if he can deviate some of the blame to someone else, the jury won’t be able to agree on that.” Buck sees Tommy flinch at that, knowing he is the ‘someone else’. 

Suddenly the doors pull open and the DA hurries out. “Great! I was hoping you all hadn’t gone far,” he says. “So change of plans. Tommy… I’m calling you up before Bobby.” 

“What?!” nearly the entire group says unanimously.

“B- But I thought I wasn’t going up until the defense had the floor,” Tommy adds.

“You weren’t,” the DA replies. “But I don’t like how his attorney keeps bringing you into the narrative. If I don’t get you on that stand to tell your side of the story… before he labels you as an accomplice… your side might not matter to the jury.” 

Not surprisingly after that, no one has much of an appetite once Bobby returns with the food. Everyone just sits and stares at their meals, solemnly waiting to return to the courtroom. 

The DA calls on Tommy as a surprise witness when the trial starts back up. The defense doesn’t seem to care, and the judge allows it. Buck wishes he could walk him to the stand, but the only comfort he can offer is a quick kiss before he goes. 

Just like in his office, the DA asks Tommy a series of common questions; the same ones he asked Hen and Chimney. Then he explains that the defense is making it seem like Tommy was an accomplice in the defendants reign of terror, when in fact he was not; he, too, was subject to it. He turns to Tommy and apologizes for asking him to share what was surely such a difficult time in his life, but he feels it is only fair given how the defense keeps implying Tommy played a part. “If you would, share with the jury exactly what your role in Mr. Greenway’s life was.” 

“A mistake.” Jonah suddenly blurts out, earning him a gavel strike from the judge and his lawyer hissing for him to be quiet. But the word seemed to have an effect on Tommy. 

“Please, Mr, Kinard…” the DA urges him to share his story, and once again— in front of his friends and family, and a bunch of strangers— he does. The courtroom falls into an eerie silence as he tells how they met, how they connected… how they quickly went from a normal couple to the toxic mess they were in the end. “I am so sorry for all you went through, Mr. Kinard. Just… one more question. Did you have any idea Jonah was going to attack Mr. Han, and Mrs. Wilson.” 

Tommy shook his head, a tear falling from his eye. “Not until it was too late.” 

The DA thanks him, and offers a smile… before passing the baton to the defense. The man pushes up to his feet and greets Tommy. “I thought we’d be having this conversation much later, but… no time like the present when it comes to justice being served, am I right?” He doesn’t wait for Tommy to respond before he is walking around the table and towards the stand. “You had been dating my client for quite some time at the time of the incident, isn’t that correct, Mr. Kinard?” Tommy swallows and nods. “I need you to verbally answer the question, sir.”

“Y- yes… almost two years.” 

“And how long had these… games— or, role plays, as you called them— been going on for?” 

“A- A while…” 

“Please elaborate on how long a while is,” the attorney says, crossing his arms.

“It— It started about seven months after we got together. Right after we moved into our apartment.” 

The attorney nods along with the information, walking towards the jury as he says, “That’s more than a year you allowed this man to enact these— would you say, experiments on you.” Again Tommy only nodded. “Out loud, Mr. Kinard.”

“Y- Yes…” Tommy replies, bringing a shaking hand up to wipe his eyes. Bobby has moved to Tommy’s spot, and has a hand resting on Buck's arm, ready to grab him if he moves. 

“So for more than a year, you were aware of what Mr. Greenway was capable of.” Tommy looks up at him, opening his mouth to speak, but no words come out. “For more than a year you were aware he had access to propofol. You were aware because you allowed him to use it on you. You allowed him to stop your heart, so he could then revive you… as part of some pretty dark game between the two of you,  and yet you never suspected he might do it to someone else.” 

“I- I didn’t…”

“What about when you called Mrs. Wilson, and she told you what she’d found.”

“I didn’t believe her at first.”

“At first?” 

Tommy tries to steady his breathing, wiping furiously at his eyes. “No. Not until Jonah said what he was going to do.”

“And you just… didn’t try to stop him.” 

“I- I called the cops on him.”

“You did…” The lawyer agrees, but is looking at Tommy like he’s got two heads. “Why didn’t you just stop him from leaving.”

“I couldn’t,” Tommy gasps out. 

“Why wouldn’t you just stop him from doing this things— playing these games— these role plays, if you weren’t actually enjoying them.” 

“I— I couldn’t!!” 

“You couldn’t… or you chose not to.”

“I wanted to stop him!” Tommy cries out. 

Buck wants to leap across the courtroom, scoop Tommy up and run out with him. He’d expected it to get ugly… this is almost too much to bear. 

The attorney steps close to Tommy and leans himself against the stand by his arms. “You have a very troubled past, so I’ve heard, Mr. Kinard… perhaps you got off on power finally being in your hand, just the same as Mr. Greenway did.”

“That— that’s not true…”

“Then why didn’t you stop him,” the attorney repeats. “He was going to attack two of your so-called friends… and you did nothing to stop him.”

“I wanted to…” 

“But you didn’t. You let him leave. You let him attack them. He almost killed Mr. Han, after the man saved your life… Perhaps that’s what you wanted him to do.” Tommy looks at him with tears in his eyes and shakes his head. “Use your words, Mr. Kinard.” 

“He told me not to move,” Tommy snaps loudly. “I s- swear I didn’t know he was going to do this… but I couldn’t have stopped him regardless.” He breaks his eyes away from the attorney and looks towards Chimney and Hen. “I’m so- so sorry…” he cries then keeps repeating I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry… until his eyes lock on Buck’s, and he finally seems to be able to take a deep breath. 

“Someone needs to stop these questions…” Buck says softly. 

“He told you not to move,” the attorney repeats, ignoring how Tommy only nods at that. “Let the jury note that Mr. Kinard is more than twice my client’s size…” he says with clear humor laced through this voice. The DA objects, the judge allows it. Buck is getting more pissed by the second. He watches the defense attorney turn and look at Jonah. He watches Jonah’s smile widen, and he nods approvingly. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The control Jonah had over Tommy was… embarrassingly strong. 

Tommy was so eager to just make him happy— keep him happy— so when he wasn’t, Tommy was upset by it. Jonah targeted that reaction and played with it. He built on it and poked at it… until before long, all he had to do was yell at Tommy for long enough and his heart would give out. 

It took time… and Jonah still needed to administer a little propofol at the end to fully seal the deal. But it was like a fun pastime for him. He would go from sweet and attentive to screaming in Tommy’s face and calling him every name under the sun— until Tommy was crying and gasping for air, overwhelmed and on the verge of passing out. 

Sometimes he would pass out, only to wake up from Jonah shocking his heart back. 

After Jonah… Tommy didn’t think his heart could handle much of anything anymore… much less falling in love. 

There was one time with a guy who approached him during Karaoke Trivia Night. He was bold… brave, but not in a good way. He pushed boundaries the moment Tommy tried to set them, and took with no intention of giving anything in return… It boiled to a head by the third date when the guy started going off about some minor mishap with their meal and began screaming at their waitress. 

Tommy tried to de-escalate the situation but only it caused him to turn his annoyance and anger on Tommy; calling him too soft and a pushover. Tommy felt like there was a vice around his lungs and he couldn’t draw in enough air to give proper oxygen to his brain. He ended up in the ER, and single that night. 

No more… he told himself after such a disaster. 

Sal, at some point, tried to set him up with one of his cousins. Lucy offered to introduce him to a former colleague she thought was his type. He thanked them and declined. Howie teased the idea of getting back on the dating apps… but instead he introduced him to Evan— unintentionally, of course… But he set him up with the best thing to ever happen to him. 

Not that it was always smooth sailing. 

He only just managed to stop a panic attack from happening during their first date. He told himself he’d read Evan wrong— he was good at that it seemed— and he tried to cut him loose before he got too entangled in the idea of the sweet, big hearted, impulsiveness that was Evan Buckley. 

Then he got the text. Meet me for coffee? And just a moment later it was followed by a pls :) He was so adorable,Tommy couldn’t help but humor whatever he had in mind for the meeting— even if it was just closure. 

Of course, it was so he could apologize… and then immediately invite him to Howie’s wedding— which he was already invited to, but he definitely didn’t mind being Evan’s date at all. 

Evan was kind… in a way Tommy had never known before. He was patient and attentive. He was clingy— holy fuck, he was so clingy… but not in a bad way. In a way that made Tommy feel special, and wanted… and loved.  

Tommy felt loved by Evan…

And it made it so easy to love Evan in return. 

Throughout the six months Tommy was so wrapped up in all things Evan… he was completely blindsided when his past came back to haunt him. He should have expected his little bubble to burst eventually…

He opened his door to his mailman handing him the certified letter calling him in as a witness in Jonah’s trial. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey! That— That’s enough!” Buck yells, jumping up to his feet regardless of Bobby’s hold on his arm. 

“Buck sit down,” Bobby hisses, tugging on him. 

“No… he— he is getting off on this. Look at him!” Buck gesture wildly at Jonah, who laughs— he actually fucking laughs. Buck clenches his jaw and starts out into the aisle as the judge bangs her gavel down in protest. 

“Sir, do I need to have you removed from this courtroom?” 

Athena beats him out and stops him before he can start towards Jonah. “Outside… now.” 

“B- But Athen—”

“Now, Buck!” 

She gently grabs his arm, and leads him out into the hall… Buck turns to see Tommy watching, panickedly, as the doors close. He sighs and plops down on a bench waiting for her scolding… it surprisingly doesn’t come. “Athena… he— he is trying to— I don’t know what he’s trying to do. But he’s acting like Tommy is—”

“We all knew this was going to be hard, Buck. For everyone… but mostly for Tommy.” 

“I can’t stand seeing him upset like this,” Buck replies. “Knowing I can’t— I can’t do anything to help him.” 

“Keeping yourself calm is helping him… not winding up in jail… is helping him.” She raises her brows and smirks. “Remember what Chim said… at the end of the day we all get to walk away… Jonah doesn’t.”

Buck wants to agree, though he doubts it will be that simple— the door cracks open before he can pick one. “Buck…” Taylor says and her voice is carrying a concerned tone that has Buck instantly back up on his feet. “Your man’s not looking too good up there…” She steps aside and lets Buck back into the courtroom only for him to see Tommy gripping the arm of his chair with one hand and his chest with the other. He’s Gasping for air, and both Hen and Chim have been allowed up to try to check on him.

Jonah, leaning forward like he’s trying to see better, looks thrilled. 

Suddenly Tommy's eyes pop open, so wide they look like they might fall out of his head and he looks at Jonah. “Please… please please please… Jonah. H- Help…”

Buck looks at Jonah who dons an innocent smile as he holds his hands up as high as the cuffs will allow him and shrugs. “No can do, baby…” he says. Tommy gasps and tries to stand up from the chair. His eyes are still locked on Jonah as he continues to plead for help from him. 

“We need some help in here,” Chimney yells towards the cops standing guard by the door. A couple ran out to get paramedics, but haven’t returned. Those left try calling them on the radio. Hen tries to guide Tommy out of the chair… he doesn’t budge, his eyes don’t move from Jonah’s. 

“Fascinating isn’t it…” Buck hears Jonah say to his lawyer, who looks equally as upset at the sudden turn of events as everyone else does. “After all this time he still knows who has control of him.” 

“J- Jonah…” Tommy whimpers from the stand. His lips are starting to turn blue and Buck hears a mayday call from one of the cops walkies that there  is a disturbance in the lobby. Paramedics are being held up by a group of “crazy people saying the Angel Of Death will have his revenge”. 

“Let him help…” Buck blurts out, thinking it just might be the only way. Hen and Chimney look at him in shock. His attention is only on Tommy, who looks about ready to pass out. “He— he needs Jonah…” he says, and tries to pretend the thought doesn’t hurt. “Let Jonah help him.”

The judge rolls her eyes, but allows Jonah to be led to the stand. His handcuffs are undone so he can reach up and cup Tommy’s cheek. “Oh, baby…” he says and Tommy leans into the touch. “You’ve been so good for me,” he coos. “So predictable. So weak.” Tommy doesn’t even flinch, but his breathing doesn’t steady either. “Just like all the other mistakes.” 

“W- What…” he gasps.

“Except your mistake was staying alive… when you were meant to die.” Tommy’s brow furrows as he tries to pull away from Jonah. “At least I actually get to watch it happen now.” 

Buck feels like all the air sucks out of the room as Tommy’s eyes widen, then flutter closed, and he stops breathing. “Get him away,” Hen screams, and the deputies re-cuff Jonah and pull him to the side of the courtroom. Hen and Chimney get Tommy out of the chair and onto the floor, and Chimney starts CPR. 

“W- where are those paramedics?” Buck screams at the cops. 

“No pulse…” Hen says at the same time, and then Buck is moving to the front of the courtroom. off to the side Jonah is laughing… and Buck just wants to rip his head off. A hand grabs his shoulder before he can march over to him; Bobby is there telling him Jonah’s not worth it… he needs to get to Tommy.

Buck listens, and goes instead to where they have Tommy laid out on the floor. He takes his hand and brings it to his lips. “H- Hey sweetheart,” he says. 

Hen checks for a pulse, looks at Chimney and shakes her head. 

“You- You’re safe now, we— we got you. You're gonna be okay, okay… you have to be” Buck says to him. 

No pulse. 

“You know what I— I had planned for that date, for our anniversary? I was going to tell you my lease is up in a month… I was hoping you would consider living together… be- because I want that, so bad. I love you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, sweetheart. I need you to wake up so I can tell you that, okay? 

“Let us through,” the paramedics yell, finally getting to the courtroom. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You are nothing,” Jonah used to say when he’d get mad at Tommy. “Without me you will forever be alone.”

Tommy had truly believed that. Until Evan.

Until Evan he pictured a life of loneliness and a broken heart. 

With Evan, Tommy imagined the most beautiful life. A home finally full of happiness, and love, and laughter. A man who might someday be his husband. Who looked at him like he hung the moon. Who treated him like he was worthy of good things. 

He saw a future. He saw children. He saw them growing old together, and turning gray. He saw the things he’d only ever dared to dream, finally becoming a possibility… For the first time in his life he was truly happy with no strings attached, and he deserved that… right?

“You are nothing…” Jonah used to tell him.

“You’re my everything,” Evan says instead, and he sounds like he’s crying. Tommy can feel Evan’s hand in his, and his hand is trembling… 

The cool metal of shears slide up his skin as his shirt is cut open. Nodes are placed on his chest and he is checked for a pulse. “No pulse…” he hears. “Clear…” he hears. 

“I love you…” he hears. It’s all he needs to hear…

He opens his eyes, and he takes a breath. 

*

At the hospital, after he is thoroughly checked and Evan is given the green light to go full cling mode… he does just that. Hen gives him hell about laying on top of Tommy. “It’s okay he’s like a weighted blanket,” Tommy laughs, willing to argue with anyone who seriously tried to pry Evan off of him. 

“I was so scared,” Evan says… again, peppering his cheeks and eyes and nose and forehead with kisses, before coming back to his lips. 

Tommy smiles, and holds Evan to his chest. He lets  him rest his head there and listen to his heart, so he knows it’s really beating. 

The hospital wants him to start seeing a cardiologist. Eddie is quick to chime in with a suggestion; Dr. Salazar… Evan laughs against Tommy’s chest saying that Eddie is only saying that because he has a crush on her; but he recommends her as well, from his own experience, as does Howie, and Bobby. “It’s kind of sad that you all have a designated heart doctor if you think about it,” Tommy deadpans. 

Athena slides into the room, and makes her way over to Bobby, letting everyone know Jonah’s lawyer quit. He said he was told grilling Tommy would make him confess to being a part of Jonah’s work… he didn’t know it would cause him to nearly die. She also says Tommy has done his part, and will not have to reappear when the trial picks back up to conclude… although she’s sure Jonah’s little power stunt won’t sit well with the jurors when it comes to lessening his sentence from life without parole. 

“What about me…” Tommy asks. “Will I be charged? Or— Or lose my job?” 

“Why would you,” Evan rebuts, lifting his head to look at Tommy. “You— you didn’t do anything.” 

“I doubt everyone feels that way…” Tommy sighs.

“Then they can keep their very wrong opinions to themselves,” Hen says. “I don’t hold anything against you.”

“Neither do I,” Howie says, with that bright smile. 

“The ones who matter, have your back…” Evan says, pressing a kiss to Tommy's jaw. “We all love you.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One month later

“Do we have to do this right now,” Evan pouts, dragging his feet behind Tommy as he enters the closet. He comes right up behind Tommy and wraps his arms around his body. “There are so many things I would rather be doing to you— I mean with you— on our day off.” Tommy feels Evan’s lips curl into a smile against the back of his neck.

“You… are a menace,” Tommy laughs, turning in the embrace to face Evan. He leans in and kisses him, slow and passionately, until Evan is sighing into it. “Soon as we’re done, I’m all yours.” 

That gets him a deep pout, and he nips at the jutted out lip before turning and moving clothes over to make room for Evan’s, and pulling out things to get rid of. He reaches up to the top shelf, all the way to the back… and pulls out the defibrillator. 

Evan stares at it, running a hand across Tommy’s shoulder. “Here,” Tommy says after a long pause. He hands the machine to Evan who looks at it confused. “Donation pile.”

“Are— are you sure? Wh- What if—”

“I don’t need it anymore,” Tommy says, feeling the tug in his cheeks from the smile that’s spreading across his face. “I know my heart is in good hands.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@sunnywithachanceofbi @weewookinard @xtarmanderx @racerchix21 @sad-girl-hours23

@laundryandtaxesworld @swagmaster9k @iphyslitterator @adian-ua @littlepaws9

@exhaustedpirate @unhingedangstaddict @quintessenceofdust88 @mrhappyjavaman @bibibievansbuckley

@owlgirl495 @babygirltommykinard

[esmedelacroix]

Coffee Shop Love Pt. 2

synopsis ! He's as stern and cold as the snow falling from the sky blanketing the bustling streets of Nueva York, Miguel O'Hara stumbles upon a hidden gem of a coffee shop just around the corner from Alchemax. Only problem is the annoying-as-shit charming barista.

cw ! no use of y/n, fluff, age gap

Coffee Shop Love Masterlist | Miguel O'Hara Masterlist

It was a busy morning at the shop. You and your morning shift staff (of two insufferable high schoolers)rushed around making coffees and serving guests that swarmed for breakfast. Despite the Mug & Muffin being such a small shop, the morning rush was brutal. It wasn't your fault you were such a social butterfly and everyone in the neighborhood knew you. "Hey Baby, could I get an iced peppermint mocha-" Mr. Smith started before trailing off.

"With extra whipped cream to go?" you finished holding up his drink you had prepared in advance. You snuck a little sugar cookie and his bag and sent him off.

Mr. Smith was your sweet old landlord. He had Alzheimer’s so you often helped him remember his coffee order, on top of when your rent was due.

Just after Mr. Smith had left you were writing inventory down during the calm before the next storm(the lunch rush) when your thoughts were interrupted by a deep, rich voice. Smooth like honey he asked, "Good Morning Baby, could I get a hot black coffee to-go?"

Your head shot up at the tall man towering over you. His broad shoulders almost completely shading you from the light outside.

"Miguel, good morning," you replied practically gawking at him. Your lips parted as you took in his slightly messy hair.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" he asked starting to rub his mouth.

"No no, I'm just shocked you drink coffee at a normal time. Kind of thought you were a vampire," you said as you began to take his order down.

"Very funny," he smiled, rolling his eyes.

You whipped up his brew without him having to ask for it. Something told you he was the kind of guy you always took his coffee hot and black. Either to impress women or because his tastes were genuinely rancid.

You handed him his drink with a smile as he paid. To which he replied, "Thank you, Chula[Cutie], Have a good day,"

And with that, he headed out to Alchemax. He left your legs feeling like jelly, you didn't know what that word meant but it was still hot when he said it.

As you sat in your shop late at night bored out of your mind, asking yourself the question you asked yourself every day. Why am I still open? Who buys coffee at 8 pm? Your answer walked through the door. This time not getting caught in the mistletoe. "You really have to take that down. Do you know how tiring it is to duck into this store?" he quipped as he walked up to the counter.

"Take down the mistletoe? Never, it's a holiday decor necessity," you explained, while already starting to make his order.

"What's the purpose of it anyway?" he asked trying to make his point.

"You seriously don't know what mistletoe is? Miguel, if two people stand under the mistletoe together, they have to kiss, it is the sweetest most romantic thing ever," you explained passionately.

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," he replied, as he took his mug of black coffee and paid.

"What the Grinch? Why do you have such a shortage of Christmas spirit?" you asked him.

"Well, I've never really celebrated Christmas since I was like twelve years old, and I have no recollection of my life past 20," he explained.

"Ugh, you old fart, your no fun," you teased.

"I'm not that old," he rebutted.

"Really? Because you seem like you’re 35," you guessed.

"Well, I'm 37 but that's besides the point, Im pretty young," he insisted.

"If you're young, then im a newborn," you chuckled silencing him.

"Oh come on, it was funny! I'm 39," you admitted rolling your eyes playfully.

"Smartass," he mumbled, hiding his smile. He buried himself in his work like the night before. You continued cleaning up and packing up the extra baked goods for the day. There was one piece of coffee cake left, and you weren't going to eat it (you had eaten like 26 cookies that day). "Miguel, would you like some coffee cake with your drink?" you asked hopefully.

"I thought I already told you, I don't like sweet things," he answered, eyes still glued to his screen.

"Yeah, but you never know until you try, maybe you just haven't had the right one," you nagged. He sighed while taking off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Will you stop asking if I take it?" he teased while looking up at you trying not to smile. You rolled your eyes and brought a plate to him with a fork.

"Yes, this one's on the house," you sighed.

"Oh, I was never going to pay to have my tastebuds assaulted, no worries," he joked.

"Just zip it and eat," you snapped trying not to give him the satisfaction of your laughter and failing miserably.

You put on a Frank Sinatra vinyl on your record player to get into the holiday mood as you cleaned up the shop. Mopping the sticky matted black and white tiled floors. Something always spilled during the breakfast and lunch rush.

You looked back at Miguel, and to your surprise, the plate of coffee cake was cleared. No crumbs were detected on the plate. His mug of coffee was always finished in record time, yet his head was resting on top of his laptop. He was completely knocked out sleeping like a baby. While his nose was continuously hitting the spacebar.

You took his plate and mug as quietly as you could while gently taking his glasses off. You finished off your chores and gave the extra boxes of baked goods to a volunteer who would take them to the soup kitchen for you. You even walked up to your apartment to shower and change into your Christmas pajamas.

You slipped on your reindeer slippers and walked down the stairs to the shop and to your surprise, Miguel was still slumped over the table. It was beyond the closing time you shook his shoulder trying to wake him up. His eyes slowly fluttered open. "Miguel, you gotta get up, it's way too late," you whispered softly. He brought his head up still taking in his surroundings and fully waking up. You helped him pack his stuff as he was still registering where he was.

He had keyboard marks on the side of his cheek, making you chuckle to yourself as he was completely oblivious to the fact.

He didn't hide his embarrassment very well, but you found it cute, he even blushed ever so slightly. He thanked you and you handed him a hot chocolate with marshmallows to-go. "Before you say you don't like sweet things, just try it, you drink way too much caffeine, and it's very cold tonight," you said.

"Thank you, Baby," he lazily smiled before taking a test gulpsip.

"Oh great, I can feel the sugar rushing through my bloodstream already," he joked. You rolled your eyes at him and hit his arm playfully.

"Now I think I understand why people call you Baby, I mean look at this outfit," he teased motioning at your slippers.

"I let you sleep in my shop and this is what I get in return?" you sighed dramatically.

"Well your chairs aren't the most comfortable and they probably added to my back issues. So I think you owe me," he reasoned.

"Oh yeah? What would you like? It's okay to ask for another slice of cake," you teased.

"Tempting. But I was hoping to get your number. For business purposes of course," he suggested.

"Sure but just for business," you agreed as you typed your number into his phone.

"Definitely," he confirmed as he saved your number under the contact name, 'Annoying Barista' and showed it to you.

"Get out of my shop!" you exclaimed while giggling and pushing him out. You finally got Miguel out and watched him walk to his car. He suddenly turned around and said "Stay warm Baby, goodnight,"

"Goodnight Miguel," you called out to him waving before closing the shop door and locking up.

You smiled to yourself self replaying your interaction in your head while doing a little happy dance. You little weirdo. You thought, collecting yourself and looking out the window to make sure no one saw your little happy dance.

-> Next Part

taglist:

@br0-please @jewelz-teehe @iite-cool

[renren-006]

SkyScraper | Peter Parker (AG) x Fem Reader

plot: peter or more so spiderman saved your life...you got curious as to whos under the mask

warning: violance, fluff

word count: 949

a/n: heyyyyyy!!! going to be trying out some new story ideas and please don't feel afraid to ask for request or to comment!! i want to hear if you guys want more of these characters!

Peter had always had a crush on you, but because he thought you walked on sunshine, he never told you or said anything to you. He always watched you in the halls and admired you in class, but he never got the courage to talk to you until he saved you one night. Although it wasn't Peter, she thanked him.

“Oh my god, your Spider-Man” you said, clutching whatever it was in your arms. Your dress was flowing in the wind but you felt so hot underneath the masked stare. 

“You alright miss?” Spiderman, Peter, asked you. His thoughts were running wild; wanting to take you home, go beat the guys up that got their hands on you, and kiss that scared look off you. 

“I am now,” you said, shaking.

“You want me to walk you home,” he asked you; a nod was all he got in return. He proceeded to let you lead the way as he strolled behind you, making sure no one else dared walk up to you. No one did, of course, and you felt entirely safe with Spider-Man's presence behind you. He felt familiar, like a boy you knew who watched you in the hallways. You finally turned to see him again when you reached your door. 

‘Thank you…Spider-Man,” you told him; he nodded his head and was about to launch back into the New York neighborhood when you asked. “You remind me of someone I know.”

“I'm sure I do” He said. He sounded nervous. 

“His names peter….” you said, “‘Peter Parker. I know he watches me, and that he likes me. I also know he lives close by” telling him these things made the masked man shiver. How you knew, he wouldn't ever know unless he asked

“Well goodnight Y/N” he said and swung back to the skies of New York. you watched the boy swing away, wondering how he in fact knew your name. Unless this masked hero was in fact Peter Parker. 

The next day Peter showed up with a bruise on the side of his face and a busted lip. The more you started paying attention to the boy in front of you the more the identity of the masked web slinger became more clear. That entire week the number of unexplained injuries started adding up. The naps in class were more regular this week compared to the ;ast and his watchful eyes on you were less frequent.

Friday came around, and you decided that sneaking out of your house to find Peter or Spider-Man was a good plan; you didn't realize how wrong you would be. You walked around the streets of New York in jeans and one of your good jackets, keeping the chilly breeze off your skin. You didn't notice the three guys following you until one of them kicked a can, and you whipped around to find them only a few feet behind you. You ran, you refused to scream hoping to lose them. You kept zigzagging in and out of different alleyways when you made the mistake of running into a dead end. Seeing you stuck, the three men turned down your ally and smirked. However, they didn't get far before a web attacked itself, the wall beside you, and Spider-Man swung down. 

“Ya know, running after a girl into a dark alley is really rude of you guys” he said, before they started charging at him. “Wow you guys cant even punch” the fight ended soon after that and he walked over to you.

“And what are you doing out here?” He asked you. 

“I know,Peter,” you told him. He stumbled over his feet when he walked over to you. 

“I don't know what…” he started to say before you walked over hands outstretched towards his mask which he didn't stop until he grabbed you and launched to the roof of the building. Once you landed you stubbled away. 

“Don't do that” you told him, clutching your chest. 

“Im sorry, Im sorry” he said walking over, you put your arm out.

“If you're not Peter and I'm an idiot, just tell me. Don't make this…” You stopped, not really knowing where to continue. You didn't want to feel like a fool thinking Spider-Man was Peter, but the signs kept adding up. “You're not,” he said, shedding the mask and revealing that it was Peter underneath. He had scratches down his face, probably from some other fight. You moved towards him; the beating in your heart had calmed down from the launch but was now racing from seeing Peter's face. You brushed a hand over his cheek. 

“Does anyone else know?” you asked him. 

“Just you” he said, still watching your face Pete walked back. You were forced to separate your hand from his cheek. “How did you figure it out?”

“You're not the only one that can watch their crush Peter” you told him. “The naps in class, the busted lips or the black eyes, or even the lips when you walk around school” 

“You noticed?” He asked walking back over getting closer and closer to you. “You have a crush on me?” “I was worried about you. Yea I do”  you told him. 

“How long?” 

“What?”

“How long have you had a crush on me?”

“A few years” you told him. “You were the bad boy nerd in my class who never listened when told not to skateboard and who always pissed off Flash for no reason. You intrigued me, and you were cute”

“Well, I'm glad I intrigued you,” he said, leaning into that tall building in his Spider-Man suit and kissing you.

[eenkleinleven]

do you (or anyone else) perhaps know how much Jude and Willem would do their weekly walks?? Im so curious about how long that would take in NY

I love this question because it allows me to combine two things I love: A Little Life, and looking at maps. I picked out a couple of passages describing some of Jude's walks and I've reconstructed them to the best of my ability below the cut.

In short: none of these walks are, like, impossible. They're more than doable, actually. (Save for one at the end.) Still, it's insane that Jude was going on such long walks every Sunday. Completely inadvisable.

I should note up top that Google's walk-time estimates reflect a pretty leisurely pace.

I had to estimate where the theater would be, since there's not really any theaters on Irving, but it's a fairly short street.

Total distance: 8.7 miles

Estimated time: 3 hours and 18 minutes

That's a long walk.

I should note that he probably passed Andy's office (which is described as being a few blocks north of Madison and 75th) on this route. For reasons that probably come down to zoning, all sorts of specialists have set up shop around there.

There's an anxiety-inducingly expensive restaurant on 59th which sort of fits the bill for the one described here, not too far from what I can only term the "Corporate Law Office District" from 51st to 58th between Lexington and 3rd Ave, so I went with that. I also estimated where on Greene Street they'd be heading, but that estimate is based more on a sort of convoluted hunch I have which isn't worth getting into. I have my reasons.

Total distance: 3.3 miles

Estimated time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

This isn't terrible. I've basically walked this route in 45-50 minutes. But not a good idea for Jude!

I picked a random gallery in Chelsea for the next one, since you have to get away from 8th Ave and 14th a bit to actually get to any galleries.

Total distance: 1.9 miles

Estimated time: 43 minutes

I think Willem made the right call here. It's not a bad walk--it's actually really nice--but a lot can go wrong in 40 minutes.

Now, the mention of having walked every neighborhood in Manhattan stood out to me. This means, among other things, that he schlepped from Lispenard all the way up to Inwood. And back. Assuming that he'd take a different route going back, this gives us:

A 24.2 mile-long walk, which would take a little over 9 hours.

Certified nutjob behavior.

[boyswanna-be-her]

Let me preface this by saying that I'm recounting all of this kind of mundane shit about BFR for myself because guaranteed I'm going to be trying to understand/recap this narrative while im lonely in colorado. And honestly I know it's gonna be easy for me to forget details and second-guess shit that feels so obvious to me in the moment. So if you don't want a blow by blow of this absolutely PG romantic relationship, just skip this one for now.

Today was really nice and the first day in a little while where I haven't had anything pressing to do. It was pouring at the clinic today--has been all week. Yesterday I sat in my front seat w BFR and we smoked a joint together and made fun of the one wet protester until the rain passed. Great morning.

We had lunch together at one of my favorite taco spots in my old neighborhood, and then we had to walk back to the thai place where we ate dinner the night before bc they'd left their sunglasses behind. We went to a coffee shop for a while where they patiently waited for me to be done with a working meeting on my laptop. Then we took a walk in the park in between rain. It was just seamless, idk. There's no question that we'll go do the next thing together. When the rain wouldn't let up at the park, I suggested we go to one of my fave places in the city, and I drove us to a giant used bookstore that was a few miles away.

I didn't realize until we got there that they'd never been before!! I try to take everyone I can there if they're from out of town, and it is ABSOLUTELY my favorite place to both take a new date and have a special date with an established partner. I don't feel guilty about taking basically everyone I've ever dated there--a good date is a good date. There's a lot of built-in conversation to be had and it's easier than a bar and free to wander around. We accidentally killed an enormous amount of time there, and we shot the shit about 20th century history which is my jam, so amazing to talk abt it w someone who can hang, READS, and doesn't have anything to prove in terms of static knowledge recall.

We hung out for a little while but they had yoga and I wanted to head home so we split up after that and it felt... weird? Like it always feels like there's this last step we are missing to our goodbyes. They forced a hug one time when we were saying goodbye from the clinic, but it was really early on and RIGHT when I was coming to terms with being attracted to them (like second time seeing them after having the realization) which means I was in ultra robot mode, and also assumed it was one-sided and they were just trying to be nice. Like I literally think I did a one arm side hug and they were so dejected they never tried again. Now we're weeks later and it feels weird that we're not kissing goodnight or something.

But I had the evening to myself and finally broke down and talked to someone from my real life about them. He was very affirming that I'm not insane, and just recapping the timeline to someone made it make more sense in my mind. I didn't even have to present half of my evidence for my friend to say yeah, that's going in A Direction. I just second guess it all for a variety of reasons, but for example when I screenshotted a text and sent it as evidence that I feel like they text me like a coworker sometimes, my friend pointed out that nobody in the history of neutral coworkers has ever crafted such a long and careful text. Which. Touche.

This morning we were back out at the clinic bright and early. My friend was supposed to join us but she couldn't at the last minute. Instead she dropped into the chat and asked if someone could fill in for her. If I didn't feel like we were already attracting attention (spoiler: we are), i would've REALLY preferred to jump in and say "noooo worries, no third wheel needed please." But we are getting a little visible. So I didn't. And BFR's friend jumped in to take my friend's place volunteering with us.

I ended up being really happy the friend was there though! The two of us are more like a couple when there IS a third person there, although the vibe can be a lot to navigate sometimes and I often have to shut down and take some time to myself. It wasn't unwelcome to have him there though. It makes the vibe between me & bfr more apparent, pronounced, whatever. We already have such a shorthand in common which 😍 wrow, communication fluency.

I invited his friend to lunch with us, and he accepted, and it was fun--I took them to my favorite Greek place which is legit like three blocks from the clinic.

Friend went on his way, the two of us moved to the next location: their favorite spot to work. I also love this location bc you can watch the afternoon rain and vape furiously on the porch without getting wet. Like I said, today was the first day in a while where neither of us had much to do in the way of work. They have been threatening to inflict their favorite board game on me for a while now, and it finally happened today. I am notoriously uninterested in board games (more like bored games amiright) but the combo of my biggest fan being excited to teach/compliment me on how AMAZING i am at it (rofl lying but ok) and the inherent fun of the game meant that I, uh, had a lot of fun, unfortunately.

We did two REALLY close rounds, and in the second game they almost fully missed a work call they had at 7:00 (I remembered bc i am insane but I also didn't mention it until 6:50 bc I thought maybe they were goofing on me and pretending like they'd lost track of time). Turns out they had been planning on muting and barely looking at the meeting anyway bc they didn't wanna stop playing--which is flattering but I'm also like "[Redacted], i already very much want the best for you, INCLUDING not becoming completely codependent and risking your living bc im so charming and fun" so there was a lot of me pausing the play and asking about the meeting.

By the time that was over, we were already butting up against the time we were supposed to meet their friends to lift tonight. We hadn't eaten dinner but they offered to feed me at their place which was perfect. We went straight back and holy shit their homemade leftovers were delicious.

Their friends came on time to lift and the first thing out of the mouth of the one who knows me better was "you and [redacted] have really been spending a lot of time together huh?" The two of us made eye contact and kinda laughed and BFR said "yep" and both made the 😬 face and the friend wouldn't let it go and repeated "you guys spend all day together now..." and my 😬 face couldn't get any more intense and he said "all day... today..." i said "yep we're pretty codependent." (I'd made the same not-joke yesterday when I was very truly pointing out that I don't remember what to do with my alone time anymore, and they not-jokingly replied "yeah we've ruined each other." Which like. At least we're aware.) Only later did I realize that BFR mustve been talking to the friend about it bc I definitely wasn't and there was no public talk about it in our shared discord so 👀 bitch i see u chatting in private abt me.

Lifting was incredible as always. Their friends who are a decade younger than us and sometimes join us, sometimes don't, really crack me up and I have such a good rapport with one of the guys that I think I lift better with him around (the one who was giving us a hard time tonight). He dishes out the abuse I give him while lifting, which I love. Between him and bfr, I feel like a fucking all-star lifter in that little garage gym. They talk positively about my form when they don't even realize I can hear them. Even so, BFR will not hesitate to call me out when a lift looks bad or I need a cue.

So yeah. It's nice. Hanging out at their place, being fed, getting let in on a LOT more inner details than I got in the first months of knowing them. That's all lovely. I always try to text them and let them know when I've had a lot of fun with them, and that's just basically turned into a nightly check-in. On Sunday, I got a very coworkery (imo) message from them about enjoying our time together, thanking me for my "wonderful company," thanking me for spending so much time together, thanking me for attending so many events with them, and saying that they are "definitely down to keep hanging out in the future." At the time I felt like "that's a weirdly formal way to put all this" but getting home to tonight's much more neurotic message made it make more sense (along w the feedback from a trusted friend who makes good points). Like it was a careful message because they are being exceedingly careful with me. They know some of my more obvious damage (all the psychic sucking chest wounds are hard to ignore after a few weeks of learning about me, and i've been going out of my way to be quite "warts and all" with them). They value our time together A LOT. And the more that I understand our similarities, the more I know that they're also likely really fucking scared to endanger the chemistry of this friendship by introducing ANY other dynamic.

Im finally getting to the end here. Tumblr will probably eat this entry. I'm posting it before a full edit--RIP anyone parsing this.

But the message that I came home to tonight was FINALLY a little more vulnerable, and essentially said that if I want to spend LESS time with them, I'm going to have to tell them that straight up, and that that'll be ok, but if so they need to lnow because this is the amount of time they want to spend with me (all of it), and they don't anticipate that changing.

So! Guess I'll puke and die now! Literally spent five minutes last night considering how I could smuggle them to Colorado with me. Also I haven't had anywhere to put this but since this is an all-bfr all the time blog now, we are going to go on a trip together to chicago in August! There's an actual reason to go other than lovefest vacation (pretty much a work trip for them that I've been asked to tag along for) but as we are actually finalizing the trip plans, it definitely feels more than a little bit like we are going on a lovefest vacation. Which is all the more reason why it would be great to not be hella conspicuous (even though it's a little fun being hella conspicuous).

Like I didn't need another human to come validate my existence, but I *did* need to meet someone who could threaten the idea that I'm ready to die alone. It's nice. It's all nice!! I'm definitely not crying and throwing up!!!

[asktheplethaura]

If Only , If Only - Unicorn Wars Fanfiction

(((Chapter Twenty-One)))

(("P-A-R-A-K-E-E-T" . . . "PENGUIN!" :D))

~~

The dense forest ahead of them was so much darker at night. Coco still couldn't walk, but he had a weapon ready just in case. Now that Azulin was gone, everyone suddenly felt considerably less secure than they were before. The Mimosin brothers carried the younger troupes but huddled close to each other, looking around with obvious expressions of paranoia.

The sounds of the wild animals moving about made them turn their heads in every direction- unsure of whether or not someone was going to come running out of the bushes at them. 

Gordi looked saddened, but a bit more determined than usual. His pink eyes concentrated on the ground as he kept his fist clenched. His nails dug into his palms. He couldn't help it, he didn't know whether or not his brother was okay, and due to the circumstances, they were unable to check- unless they wanted something to go askew. 

He nearly let out a loud grunt of disapproval, but kept it to himself. "We are going to get him back. We just weren't in the time or place to do anything to him to make sure things worked out in our favor." Sargento sighed, before glaring. "Otherwise I would not have left him with that freak up there."

Pandi looked over to Sargento- before tilting his head. "You know him?"

The bigger, rounder bear let his eyes fall to the ground- using his machete slash through several of the leaves and vines in the way. 

"Regrettably. It seems he may not remember me, though. When we both were young, he was notorious for mutilating small animals and neighborhood pets." Sargento  shook his head. "He was deranged from the start."

Gordi was suddenly right next to the sergeant, his pink eyes narrowed.

"Then why the hell would you leave Azulin with him, bound or not?! We already saw how he overpowered him the first time, what if he is already dead and we just don't know it...!"

Sargento tilted his hat down, before huffing. 

"I didn't like the idea- but we needed to start getting back to camp. On top of that, Sergeant Scruff is close to one of the generals. We would not be able to beat him and get away with it, especially if we left marks. There was little other options and I didn't want to. Azulin has a razor blade- I am confident we can put it to good use. I have been doing my best to make sure we don't get too far ahead either...."

The risk Sargento took was calculated and well thought out. That didn't stop the lingering fear that something would, however, go wrong- just as it had been several times during this trip.

This did not comfort Gordi in the least- making the pink bear start pacing with the medical supplies and a stern look on his face. 

"My bother BETTER be okay." Gordi started, his timid nature almost completely melting away for a second. "If Azulin dies. I will not let you live this down." Gordi and Azulin may have been twins, but Gordi only being slightly older made a big difference to the pink bear- especially if it concerned a situation that could very well walk a line between life and death. 

Normally, Sargento would have made some kind of snippy remark back to someone who was trying to intimidate him. However, in this situation, there were three notable things stopping him. 1, he understood where Gordi was coming from in terms of protectiveness. 2, it was too serious of a situation for them all to start quarreling, especially now. 3, Gordi was actually intimidating when he showed no fear. His normally sweet, tentative nature being replaced by dead-serious malicious intent.

So, with a hesitant nod, Sargento looked around the group, before gesturing for all of them to stop. 

He knew very well he said they would all be taking no breaks- but none of them were doing well. Carrying already ill soldiers, dealing with intense emotional stress, some of them being injured themselves in one way or another. None of it was going well at all.

Nearly all of the men collapsing immediately not even worried about the shade or any possible substance to eat. 

During this time, Gordi went to start treating all the wounds he could, with his limited medical supplies. Noting that almost the entire troupe of the Lone Owl were critically underweight. It would explain why they were easy to carry in the first place. 

Sonrisas was standing off to the side, keeping watch with Pandi- who seemed to be lost in thought. Gordi was still treating the injured and unwell. Padre was off in the corner, looking at the book dedicated to his faith with a bit of a far-off stare that could only be dubbed as unusual. Coco was sitting on the grass, seeming to contemplate a cigarette before putting it away. Achuchones adjusted the little yellow necktie he liked wearing, seeming to also be pondering something. The Mimosin siblings were both hugging each other, seeming to be in the middle of an emotional breakdown.

In short, even if he did not say it it out loud- he was immensely worried for the rookies. He didn't hate them, he never would. But being hard-in-teachings and gruff with the newbies was something he was by default. Being in the military was no joke and while he wished there was time to learn and pace having fun or taking breaks- he probably would have found a way long ago. 

If his troupe got special treatment- he would be out of a job. If they didn't learn the dangers of battle and build up all of their senses- they would be let go, or die in the field. 

This, being their first major mission, proved that. 

The bigger bear found himself at a loss of what to think. He had no way to help, beyond leading them back. They hadn't even been in the field long enough to read a proper forest manual yet, to gain knowledge on survival tips, and the safeties of outdoor consumption. It was as if they were all sent out here specifically to die for no reason. There were plenty of other troupes with more experienced soldiers.

"Sir- we are ready to go-" Blackie interjected, the Grizzly bear leaning against the tree as he finished walking over. "I haven't heard Azulin or that sergeant around for a while... do you think it's possible we went too far ahead?" 

Sargento Caricias narrowed his eyes in the direction they had walked from, watching as it only got darker due to the time. "I know we are too far ahead. Knowing Sargento Scruff, he is not letting Azulin rest. The only thing I do know is that I will owe him a huge apology and compensation when we all get back to camp..."

"I hear shouting in the distance..." One of the soldiers from the lost Lone Owl Troupe mumbled, partially asleep. "Are we almost to... the camp yet?"

((To Be Continued))

[blackoctober-blog]

Black October 2.0

Cloverfield October 31 1963.

It was cold halloween night in Cloverfield. All the kids were trick or treating with their parents. Only one kid wasn't doing it. Alex Grove. Alex was rather specific kid if it comes to hanging out with other kids. He wasn't very liked in his school or neighborhood. Mostly because he acted bad or as some people say like little devil. Alex had weird hobby. He liked staring at his mom window. He also liked torturing poor animals. Poor parents didn't know what to do with him. They tried so many psychologist and so many therapist but nothing worked. Oh it was like hell for them. All the neighbors were making fun of Grove family. Not long ago Alex started hearing voices that told him that he must kill His family. Every night he had terrible nightmares about bloody rituals and druids. He wasn't very talkative child but rather quiet. Alex was only child that his parents had and they truly loved him. Now it's halloween and Alex is walking towards his house. Before he came in to the house he heard his parents talking about him:

Miss Grove:I don't know Honey. Mabye we should wait and give it another chance.

Mrs Grove:No i made up my mind. Alex isn't good or safe for our family. Especially with our new miracle. I don't want to think about all those horrible things he could have done to our little princess.

Miss Grove:But Alex is our son. Don't you think we should try helping him.

Mrs Grove:I think we did everything we could. Now let's somone take care of him.

Miss Grove:I hope he ends up in the house that will show him as much as love we did.

They hugged each other while Miss Grove was clearly upset about this whole situation. Alex didn't understand much but he did understand that they want to replace him. He was upset, angry and knew what he had to do. He needed to kill this baby. Then it will be just him and his parents again. He went to the backdoor and waited for his father to go out. Then he quietly sneaked in and patiently waited for perfect moment. He saw his mom doing laundry and this was it. He knew that his mom is going to go upstairs so if he's going to push her hard enough so she will fall directly at her stomach the baby will be dead. Yes that's what he's going to do. He sneaked upstairs and waited for his mom to come. As his mom was taking first step downstairs she felt strong pushing on her back. She turned around and saw Alex.

Miss Grove:Alex? What are you doing?

He didn't answer he just stood there waiting for her next move. His mom was very close to falling and that's what he wanted.

Miss Grove:Alex! Help mommy! Please!

Alex:Goodbye mommy.

And it happened. He pushed Miss Grove with all his strength and she fell down braking her neck and receiving massive skull injury wich caused inside bleeding. It was fast but yet painful death. Poor Miss Grove. All she wanted was to have happy family and now this? Where did she go wrong?

Mr Grove:Alex! What did you do!?

Mr Grove came back home and saw something he was worried about the most. His own son killed his wife.

Few hours later:

Police officer:I'm sure it was an accident. I mean how can 6 year old child kill someone?

Mr Grove:No it wasn't an accident. He did it on purpose. I'm sure.

Police officer:Well we could put him in mental institution but im not sure if 6 year old would fit in? Are you sure you want this.

Mr Grove:Do I have any other option?

Police officer:Well if you want we can put Alex in military. When he turns 14 he will be able to join army as his punishment.

Mr Grove:Well ok. Let's do it.

Police officer:For now we will keep Alex in insolation.

Mr Grove:Thank you sir.

Mr Grove walked away leaving Alex with his new psychiatrist.

7 year later:

Mr Hill:I really don't know what to do with him anymore. He's terrible. He treats other kids like some kind of objects.

Police officer:Is it really that bad? I mean what did he do?

Mr Hill:He beat up one kid so hard that he broke his teeth and all because he wanted to sit with him. I don't know Mabye I'm not good enough for him and I can't make him better?

Police officer: Look we don't really have anyone else who would want to work with him. You just have to go through this last year and then Alex will be gone to the military. Can you do this?

Mr Hill:Yeah I guess.

Mr Hill agreed but really wasn't sure if he wants to do this. He would rather work with nice kids than that little devil. He was just hoping that this year will go fast.

Alex was sitting in his room writing in his notebook. He was writing everything in there. From bad feelings to those he couldn't explain. It was like his own secret diary. He heard door opening and Mrs Hill came in.

Mr Hill:You really fooled that judge yesterday did you Alex?

Silence

Mr Hill:You know you can fool everyone but not me. I'm not going to stand here and watch as you ruin everything. I make sure you get punishment you deserve.

1 year later:

Police officer:Well this it Alex. Today is the day you join the military. I hope this will teach you something. Hopefully your new Trainer will be able to bring on good path of life. Good luck.

Alex was left with his new Military trainer who wasn't very happy to see him. Let's just say he was not going easy with people like Alex.

After few weeks of constant Alex insult and acting like total jerk to others his trainer had enough and quit and possibly committing suicide. It wasn't like Alex had changed over this few years but he learned how to use people so they do what he wants. He also learned how to cope with others feelings. This is how he got out. He pretended he changed and that he's good now. Well not exactly.

September 27. 1976.

Suzanne was at home preparing some dinner for herself and Alex. Of course Alex was at work. Well he's working to make some more money. Suzanne started to notice sudden change in Alex behavior. He became more chaotic and stressed. This also affected Suzanne. She became more depressed and tired. She was doing everything she can to make Alex feel better and yet she felt like he doesn't appreciate it. Time passed and Suzanne started to remember that Jill said something about Alex cheating on her. Suzanne didn't want to believe this. She quickly shrugged this feeling off and returned to her tasks. After she made dinner she decided to clean up a bit. She decided to start with Alex office. While she was cleaning the drawer she found something strange. Some kind of document. She knew that Alex hated when she was going through his stuff but she just couldn't help it. She grabbed the document and started reading it. She was shocked to find out that her loving boyfriend killed his mom and ended up in military. Why Alex never told her that? Why was he hiding it? Oh so many questions. She heard door opening and quickly went downstairs.

Alex:I'm home. Is something wrong?

Suzanne:How could you lie to me!?

Alex:What are you talking about?

Suzanne:I'm talking about this!

She threw documents at Alex in anger.

Alex:Shocking. You were going through my stuff again even when I clearly told you not to do that!?

Suzanne:No i was just cleaning and I found it. Now explain yourself!

Alex:You want the truth? I tell you the truth. I killed my mother and it was not intentional. I only wanted to be her only child. I hate sharing.

Suzanne:You're sick Alex!

Alex:Don't worry darling soon you will be with her. I just need to cut you up nicely.

Alex took the knife and went directly at Suzanne. He was pointing knife at her threatening her.

Suzanne:Stay away!

Alex:Suzanne I'm just going to give a little mark nothing else and then we can forget about this whole situation.

Suzanne:STAY AWAY!

She spotted a broken glass on the floor and picked it up

Suzanne:Stay away or I hurt you with this!

Alex:Don't be foolish you can't hurt me. Give me back the bottle.

Suzanne:No!

Without warning Alex pulled out the bottle from Suzanne hand and turned it against her. Alex came close to Suzanne face and cut her cheek with broken glass bottle making huge scar on her right cheek.

Suzanne:Ahh! My cheek!

Suzanne started crying because of pain but also because she was betrayed by her own boyfriend. To her luck Jill was jogging around in her neighborhood and heard everything.

Jill:Stop right there! Leave her alone!

Alex:Wha-

Before Alex could react Jill had hit him with lamp.

Jill:Oh Suzanne my poor girl. Come on let's get to the hospital.

Few hours later

Police officer:I'm so glad you called us. This could have ended worse.

Suzanne:I just want to forget about this whole situation.

Jill:I take her to my house for the night. Thank you officer.

Suzanne and Jill walked away to Jill car.

October 30 1978

Suzanne just went out of the house. She had school today and today is halloween. Oh she loves halloween and autumn. Everything about autumn was beautiful. The colors, leaves and all this aura. Right now she was wearing her favorite turtleneck and long skirt. As she was walking away she heard her dad saying something to her

Suzanne dad:Don't forget to drop the keys off to the Grove house!

Suzanne:I won't!

Suzanne dad:They're coming to see it today.

Suzanne:OK!

Suzanne walked away from her house. While walking down the street to the Grove house she heard little boy voice. It was Tommy. Little boy Suzanne was babysitting tonight.

Tommy:Hi Suzanne!

Suzanne:Hi Tommy.

Tommy:Will you come over tonight?

Suzanne:Same time same place.

Tommy:Can we make pumpkin, watch horror movies, eat popcorn? Will you read to me?

Suzanne:Sure sure sure.

They walked together till Tommy stopped Suzanne.

Tommy:You shouldn't go in there. It's haunted house.

Suzanne:Don't worry. Watch.

Suzanne showed Tommy that she's putting the key under mat. What she didn't notice that somone was watching her as she walked away from the house.

Suzanne:See nothing bad happened.

Tommy:Johnny said that it's haunted house. He said that bad stuff happened in there.

Suzanne:Well Johnny probably won't make to the 5th grade. I have to go but see you later.

Tommy:Bye.

Suzanne walked away humming something under her nose not aware that someone is watching her.

At school:

Teacher:And that's where the book ends. Unhappy couple committing suicide because of love.

Suzanne really tried to focus on what was teacher saying but the view outside was much more interesting. Then she saw something strange. Man standing outside looking directly at her. No she must imaging things. She looked again and man was still there. Looking at her. It looked like he was scanning her with his eyes. She closed her eyes for a moment and opened them again. He's gone. What was that?

Teacher:Suzanne?

Suzanne:Yes?

Teacher:Answer the question.

Suzanne:Oh the motive of unhappy love in Rome and Julie can be compared to our times in many ways. It can be taken as depressing love with no way out. It's like a torture.

Teacher:That's right. Unhappy love can't be fixed. It will always be like a torture for those who experience it.

Suzanne felt weird after her lesson. She just hoped this day won't get worse. Luckily for her Rose was walking with her.

Rose:Wow Suzanne i have never seen so much books. You're going to need shopping cart.

Suzanne:Are you going to halloween party tonight?

Rose:Oh totally. I just don't know if I have enough time to get ready. I have to get my hair done by 5:00 and I need to pick up my dress. I be totally wiped out.

Suzanne:I don't think you have enough time to do anything.

Rose:Totally.

Suzanne:As Usual I have nothing to do.

Rose:Well it's your own fault and I Don't feel sorry for you.

Jill:Hey Suzanne, Rose! Why didn't you guys wait for me?

Rose:We did 15 minutes. You didn't show up.

Jill:That's not true.

Suzanne:What's wrong Jill? You're not smiling.

Jill:Jake dragged me into boys locker.

Suzanne and Rose:Exploring unexplored territories?

Jill:Just talk.

Rose:Sure sure.

Jill: Jerk got caught throwing eggs at principal window. He won't go out tonight.

Suzanne:Aren't you babysitting tonight?

Rose:The only reason she babysits is because she needs a place to do it with Jake.

Suzanne:Shit

Jill:I have a place to do that

Suzanne:I forgot my chemistry book.

Rose:So who cares. I always forget my chemistry book and my math book and my English book. Who needs books anyway.

While Rose was talking Suzanne saw the same car that was outside the window today and same guy staring at them.

Rose:Isn't that Dave Vonage.

Suzanne:I don't think so

Rose:I think he's cute.

Jill:Hey Jerk speed kills!

The car stopped.

Jill:What? You Don't know a joke?

Again car drove away.

Suzanne:You know Jill someday you're going to get us all in big troubles.

Jill:I hate guys with car and no sense of humour.

Rose:No kidding.

Jill:So Rose what time should I pick you up?

Rose:I don't know yet I have to figure how to get rid of my brother from the house.

Suzanne:Aren't you babysitting Lindsay Smith tonight?

Jill:Yes I do

Suzanne:Oh that's great because I'm babysitting Tommy Salisbury. We can keep each other company.

Jill: How terrific I have two options. Sit with you or watch Rose screw around.

Girls walked together down the street until they got to Rose House.

Rose:See you

Jill:Bye

Suzanne:Bye

Now two girls were walking together until Suzanne saw somone behind the bush.

Suzanne:Jill look.

Jill:Look where?

Suzanne:Behind the bush.

Jill:I don't see anything.

Suzanne:You know that guy that you yelled at earlier? I think he's fallowing us.

Jill: Son of bitch.

Jill walked straight to the bush where creepy man was supposed to be:

Jill:Hey creep!

But none was there.

Jill:Oh Suzanne I think he wants to talk to you. He wants to ask you out.

Suzanne was confused now but she quickly walked where Jill was standing

Suzanne:He was standing right there.

Jill:Poor Suzanne. Scared another one way. It's a shame that you don't have anyone yet.

Suzanne:Boys thinks I'm too smart.

Jill:I Don't. I think you're wackos. Now you're seeing man behind bushes? You should go out more.

Suzanne:Mabye.

Jill:Yeah I bet you made small fortune from babysitting. You could use it. Well home sweet home. See you

Suzanne:Bye

Suzanne said bye to her friend as she walked away. The feeling of that someone is watching her was still with her. She turned around to see if someone was following her but none was there and then she bummed into someone.

Suzanne:Ahhh!

Mr Bradley:I'm sorry Suzanne I didn't mean to scare you.

Suzanne:Oh Mr Bradley I'm so sorry I didn't see you there.

Mr Bradley:Its ok. Hey its halloween after all so I guess one good scare is meant to everyone. Right?

Suzanne:I guess. Goodbye Mr Bradley

Mr Bradley:Goodbye Suzanne

Mr Bradley walked away leaving Suzanne. She finally got to her house. She was about to open the door but she heard something. The kids were already collecting candy. They were all dressed up in cute Halloween costumes.

Suzanne:Well kido I thought you outgrew from superstitions.

She walked inside the house.

Suzanne:Hi mom!

Suzanne mom:Hi Honey. How was school?

Suzanne:Oh it was alright as usual.

Suzanne mom:Are you babysitting tonight?

Suzanne:Yes im babysitting Tommy tonight.

Suzanne mom:OK just make sure to stay safe oh and call me if something will be wrong.

Suzanne:OK thanks mom.

Suzanne went to her room. She felt cold wind so she decided to close the window. Then she saw it. Some man was standing in her backyard watching her. She quickly closed the window and backed away in fear. Then she heard the phone ringing.

Suzanne:Hello?

Silence.

Suzanne:Hello? Who is this?

She heard nothing so she decided to put the phone down. Then it ringed again.

Suzanne:Hello?

Jill:Why did you hang up?

Suzanne:Jill? Was that you?

Jill:Yeah

Suzanne:Why didn't you say anything. You scared me.

Jill:I got my mouth full. Are you still freaking out about that guy outside school?

Suzanne:Yeah kinda.

Jill:Oh Don't worry about him. I'm sure it's nothing serious. Listen I pick you up at 5:00 ok?

Suzanne:OK. Bye

Jill:Bye

Suzanne ended conversation with her friend and went to lay on her bed.

Suzanne:Calm down. It's nothing.

At the police station:

Mr Hill:I'm telling you that he should have stayed in that hospital. He is dangerous.

Police officer:We Don't know what he's going to do. He's probably in town looking for new job.

Mr Hill:A man like him don't need a job. He only needs to kill. That's his main purpose. I'm going after him.

Police officer:Fine but you better be wrong.

Mr Hill drove away from the police station. He really hoped that his predictions were wrong.

Back to Suzanne:

Suzanne took a shower and now was getting ready for tonight babysitting. For now she was in her bathrobe. She went downstairs because she heard doorbell ringing. Before she opened the door she checked if it isn't that creep again. No it was Rose. Suzanne opened the door but before she could say anything Rose rushed inside.

Rose:Quickly! Shut the door! Shut the door!

Suzanne:What's wrong?

Rose: That guy was following me.

Suzanne:Are you sure?

Rose: Yes im sure. I couldn't see him very well but I think It's Jack Cole. His brother has a car like this.

Suzanne:He was standing outside school today starting at me.

Rose:Jack Cole was staring at you?

Suzanne:Well somebody was.

Rose:Mabye he wants to ask you out for a date?

Suzanne:Shut up!

Rose:What I'm sure someone would want to ask you out.

Suzanne:What do you want?

Rose:Oh Suzanne the school dance is today and I have nothing to wear. I was hoping maybe you have this new jacket you got for your birthday?

Suzanne:I haven't even wear it yet.

Suzanne looked outside to see if none was there.

Rose:Suzanne! Stop worrying it was Jake Cole. God you're paranoid.

Then the phone ringed again. Suzanne was so scared to answer but maybe it's something important.

Rose:Oh just answer its just a phone.

Suzanne picked up and to her relief she heard Jill voice.

Suzanne:Hi Jill. What's up?

Jill:Suzanne i need a small favour from you. I need to borrow something for tonight and I have nothing Intresting in my wardrobe. Could you help me out?

Rose:Oh but you promised!

Suzanne:Hi. Rose is here. She asked if she can borrow my jacket.

Jill:Rose is a creep.

Rose:Oh! I'm offended!

Jill:Suzanne are you still freaking out about that guy in your backyard?

Suzanne:Yeah a little.

Jill:Well if he comes to you tell him to go away and if he's cute ask him out.

Suzanne:I have to go.

Jill:Wait do you have that black skirt?

Rose:Bye Creep!

Jill:Bye.

Suzanne put the phone down and smiled.

Rose:So where's the jacket?

Suzanne:In my room.

Rose:I go find it myself.

Suzanne:Promise me you won't ruin it.

Rose:I promise.

Suzanne:Yeah right.

Suzanne returned to watch the view outside while humming something under her nose.

Back to Mr Hill

Mr Hill:He's close. I can feel it. You better be prepared for him. Because I'm his doctor. No no no radio or TV. We don't need another tragedy. Just make sure to keep people safe. Alright thank you.

Mr Hill ended hid phone call and started thinking about the way to stop Alex. He spotted Alex dirty military uniform in the bush.

Mr:Oh no.

He rushed back to his car and drove away.

Back to Suzanne:

Suzanne went out from her house. She was now wearing blue shirt, long bell-bottoms and dark blue sweater. She had a bag full of stuff for Tommy. Pumpkin, movies, popcorn. She sat on a stone post and waited for Jill to pick her up. She looked around and saw kids playing around and having fun. Finally after 10 minutes of waiting Jill has arrived.

Jill:Hurry up!

Suzanne quickly got into the car and they drove away together. While driving Jill pulled out joint from her purse.

Jill:I stole it from my boyfriend. Here try it.

She gave Suzanne joint to smoke. Well Suzanne never smoked before so it was a little bit hard for her.

Jill:What's the pumpkin for?

Suzanne:Oh I brought it for Tommy. He will have something to do.

Jill:I always said that you would do great camp counselor. I even thought about it myself.

Suzanne:That sounds nice. I guess I could give it a try.

Jill:You still spooked by that guy?

Suzanne:I wasn't spooked.

Jill:Yes you were!

Suzanne:I wasn't! Somebody was standing in my backyard.

Jill:Mabye that old neighbour?

Suzanne:Mr Lawrence? No he's 70 years old.

Jill:He still can watch. My dad!

Suzanne:What?

Jill:My dad is standing there! Get rid of it!

Suzanne threw put the joint out the window but she started coughing from all that smoke.

Jill:Stop coughing! Be natural.

They stopped where Jill dad was standing. There was Loud alarm noise in the shop.

Mr Bradley:Hi girls.

Jill:Hi dad. What happened?

Mr Bradley:What!?

Jill:What happened!?

Mr Bradley:Oh somone broke in. Stole couple of ropes and knives. I think kids might have done this.

Jill:You always blame everything on kids. It's hard to live with cynical dad.

Mr Bradley:Aren't you going to be late?

Jill:What!?

Mr Bradley:Aren't you going to be late!?

Jill:And he's shouting.

Mr Bradley:Bye girls.

Girls drove away leaving Mr Bradley with loud shop alarm. Then Mr Hill came by. He wanted talk to Mr Bradley.

Mr Hill:Mr Bradley?

Mr Bradley:Yes?

Mr Hill: I called you earlier. Could I talk to you.

Mr Bradley:Just a minute.

Back to Suzanne and Jill:

Jill:What's wrong with you?

Suzanne:I'm sure he knew.

Jill:What? No.

Suzanne:Did you see the look on his face? I'm sure he smelled it.

Jill:He always has that look on his face.

Suzanne:Yeah. Say are you still going to that prom in November?

Jill:Suzanne i didn't know you had stuff like this on your mind. Anyone special on your mind.

Suzanne:Shut up!

Jill:Mabye Paul would go out with you?

Suzanne:I would rather go with James Carter.

Jill:James Carter? Oh I knew it!

Suzanne:Shut up. I'm too shy to ask him.

Jill:I can help you.

Suzanne:No no.

Jill:Suit yourself.

Girls arrived to their babysitting houses. They said goodbye to each other and went away. Both Suzanne and Jill were told what time should they put kids to bed and everything they needed.

Mrs Salisbury:The phone number is on the fridge. Just call if you need anything.

Suzanne:OK.

Tommy parents went out to have romantic dinner together. Now it's just Suzanne and Tommy.

Suzanne:You want to go trick or treating?

Tommy:Yes!

Suzanne:Ok. Oh look I think Lindsey is going with you. You won't be alone.

Lindsey:Hi Tommy.

Tommy:Hi Lindsey.

Suzanne:Hi Jill.

Jill:Hi Suzanne. I have to go pick up my boyfriend. Can you babysit her for a while?

Suzanne:Sure.

Jill:Thanks. I call you back in two hours. Bye

Suzanne:Bye. Bye Tommy

Tommy:Bye Suzanne.

Suzanne went back to the house. While she was alone she can start carving pumpkin for Tommy.

Few hours later:

.Suzanne was preparing a pumpkin for Tommy while he went trick or treating. The pumpkin wasn't small but rather large. She craved eyes and mouth for now the rest is up to Tommy. Her friend Jill promised to call when she will be with her boyfriend but its been like 2 hours already since she left. Suzanne was worried because Jill never took that long to call her. Suzanne got very strange feeling since she got home from school but she decided to shrug it off, sit and relax. After about 3 hours of waiting for phone call from her friend she decided to start netting. It calmed her a bit. Tommy was still trick or treating with his friend Lindsay. Soundly a phone ringed. Finally she thought to herself:

-Hello?-Asked Suzanne holding the phone firmly.

-Silence

-Hello? Jill are pranking me again? I understand that it's halloween and all but comon-Said Suzanne almost sure that's her friend Jill.

-Still silence.

-Call when you have something proper to say. Goodnight!-Shouted Suzanne through her phone unwere of the fact that she wasn't talking with Jill but someone who wants to get revenge on her.

Back To Mr Hill and Mr Bradley:

Mr Bradley:This is the house?

Mr Hill:Yes. Nobody had lived here since 1963. Some people say that the house is haunted.

Mr Bradley:Can you blame them. Bad stuff happened in here.

Mr Hill:Stop! Look. What is it?

Mr Bradley:Looks like dead dog.

Mr Hill:We have to find before he does something worse.

Mr Bradley:Agreed.

Back to Suzanne:

A bit later Suzanne has been able to put kids to sleep and have some free time to herself. She decided to watch some TV and mybe do something with her knitting skills. After hour of watching TV and knitting she heard a phone ringing:

-Alright. Alright. I'm coming. Jezz. Hello?

-Did you lock your windows and doors.

-What? Jill are you trying to prank me again? Hello? What a weirdo-She thought to herself before putting the phone down.

Why are people even doing stuff like. It wasn't like Jill haven't pranked before but never like that. Something is clearly wrong. She decided to wait a bit for another phone call. 15 minutes has passed and another sound of phone has ringed:

-Hello? Who is this?

-Did you lock your windows and doors?

-What do you want?

Silence in the phone disturbed her more she listened to it. Police. She remembered that on the fridge was the emergency call number in case something happened. She went to the kitchen to get the paper with number and then returned to her sit. She quickly dialed the number at waited for somone to pick up. Then she heard a woman voice:

-This the emergency call service. How can I help you?

-Hi. I need to contact the police immediately.

-Is this emergency?

-Quite.

-The number is 9-1-1

-Thank you. Goodnight.

She waited a few minutes and dialed the police number:

-This police department. How can I help you.

-Yes hi. Um I've been receiving phone every 15 minutes and i think it's a man trying to scare me.

-Did he threatened you? Said something obscene or disgusting?

-No. He's just calling me and asking if I closed my doors and windows. Ita disturbing at this point.

- Listen there's not much we can do here but I recommend whistling.

-Well I guess I can give a try. Thank you. Goodnight.

-Goodnight

The night was chill and rather calm for halloween in Coverfield. All kids already went home with lots of candy's and other treats. Just like other kids Tommy and Lindsey were already sleeping while Suzanne was still up and still was knitting. Strange feeling was still in her head. She felt like someone was watching her since she got here. No it's probably just her head messing with her. But that phone call earlier and what's wrong with Jill. Why she didn't say anything or at least called her earlier. Mybe somone is trying to prank her or at least scare her. The phone ringed again:

-Hello?-Asked Suzanne with voice toned down and slight discomfort.

There was slight breathing in the phone but not that kind of breathing that makes you relieved that someone is alive and talking to you. No. It was that kind of breathing that makes you question your own safety. The one you hear when you're alone at night. Creepy one.

-Hello? Please stop calling me. I don't know who you are or how you got this number but if you don't stop threatening me I will call the police-Said Suzanne before she hung up the phone.

Something isn't right today. Mybe she should go check if Jill is back. She took the keys to The Smiths house and went upstairs to check if kids are asleep. Then proceeded to go downstairs and lock the doors behind her.

Suzanne took the keys to Smiths house and carefully closed the door behind her. The autumn wind was chill and nice. She stopped for a second to admire dark house from afar. She then proceeded walking towards it slowly and unsure if this the right thing to do. She then stepped on the porch and quietly ringed the door bell:

-Jill!? Rose!? Anyone in there!?

Nothing but silence. The front doors were locked but she remembered that there were other doors that were always unlocked.

Suzanne walked to that darker house. Called for Jill and Rose, nothing from their voices. She would feel as something bizarre happened, but she didn't know which was....

Suzanne tried to open the main door, but it was locked - except the other entraces from the house. "Why would just one door be locked and the rest be unlocked? I must get a check." She thought. Suzanne walked close from the opened window that came from the kitchen. She entered from the house.

- Jill, Rose!! Please, stop kidding me. This prank went too far!! - She yelled furious. No voices. Frustrated, she beats the table - Feeling headache by stress and concern, Suzanne took glass of water and drink it, trying to calm her down a bit.

Suzanne kept looking to the whole house, both from living room, kitchen, halls and many places from the 1st hall. Suzanne found a flashlight and took it. "Damn, where's everyone else...?" She thought, still mad and tired.

She turned her head up and look upstairs. So she walked to the 2st floor.

- Jill! Rose! The game's over. Come here and tell me now. - She was completely impatient and tired from the whole shit.

- Fine! I'll gonna have some conversation to you, girls. - She kicked the wall and walked, looking by the all doors. Once again, nothing. After tired to looking everyone and don't have any responses, Suzanne found the last room with some small lights there. She walked a bit faster, thinking the she finally found the girls.

She turned the flashlight. There was broken glasses in the ground, a wine bottle having the whole liquid dropped.

Suzanne thought that maybe her friends made a party without her and they were all drunk and made a prank to try to scary her. She sighed.

She opened the door and found many bodies on that room. Suzanne's eyes widened and she got terrified, because those bodies were realistic enough to be fake. "Oh no..." She whispered, feeling shocked.

On bedroom, there's a dead body from a 30s woman and having on paper "R.I.P Nancy Grove" And walked back to door. Suzanne found another three or four people that she knew: Jill, Rose, Jill's boyfriend and then James.

When Suzanne recognized all those lifeless bodies being her best friends, Suzanne screamed scared and ran outside, leaving the bedroom. Downstairs, she stopped against the wall and started to sob and crying.

Behind her, it appeared a shadow figure. The arms wrapped around her and dry her tears slowly.

- Hello, baby... - She recognized that familiar voice.

- Alex??! - She asked shocked. Alex grinned psycho to her.

- Missed me, baby..? - Suzanne jumps quickly.

- What are you doing here? And why... Why did you do that??!! - She was furious and screaming while tears kept rolling down.

- I just came to take back which is mine. And this included you.... - He said while sliding the fingers on her face. Suzanne bites those fingers so hard enough to bleed it. Alex screamed from pain and slapped her, making Suzanne to fall and ran away.

- You're gonna pay for that, you bitch!! - He yelled aggressively as he cleaned the blood and wore his mask. Suzanne run to all doors to escape but most of them were locked. The only last door that she found was the same from where she entered.

- Suzanne..... - He called in fake sweet tone. - Baby... - Suzanne were still crying and feeling in despair. After he found her, he walked, coming closer to her.

- Please, go away... - She claimed in low tearful tone. Alex grinned, holding a knife, Suzanne tried to open the last door.

He waves the knife, making another cut to Suzanne - but this time in her leg. As closer he was approaching, Suzanne found a medium empty pot and broke at Alex's head, making to roll some blood in his face.

As he was distracted from pain, Suzanne punched so hard the glasses from window and jumped outside.

She ran faster and yelling for help. The poor girl was weak, hurt and couldn't stop crying. As she fell on ground, Alex also jumped outside, once again approaching to Suzanne. But this time, instead a psycho grin as she saw earlier - he was more aggresive and really diabolical. Suzanne ran away again and tried to beat some neighborns' door, no response.

- Please!! Somebody help me!! Please!!!! - She yelled as much her organs got, still crying in despair. Suzanne returned to the Smiths' house and punches so hard, screaming for Tommy's name. At first, the boy didn't listen once he was asleep. Suzanne took a rock and throwing at his room, breaking the window.

The boy didn't understand at first but after he opened the door, allowing Suzanne to enter. So, they closed the door and the lights turned off.

- Listen, I want you and your sister to hide ourselves. Okay? - Tommy nodded and ran away. Suzanne ran to hide another place, breaking sound could be heard from outside, Alex kicked the door, and looking everywhere.

Her plan now was to call the police while kept hidden from her insane ex-boyfriend. But she noticed the phone were already cut and broken.

- Shit! - She whispered lower as possible. Alex once again stabbed her back, and they fell on floor, having a fight between Alex trying to murder Suzanne and Suzanne holding his hand that have the knife. Suzanne used her strenght to punches his stomach and making Alex to vomit a bit of blood. So she ran again, now in upstairs to hide in closet.

At closet, she took pepper spray and some scissors. Alex walked upstairs, trying to find her, as he came closer to it. Alex breaks the door, making a cut and punching it, he looked there and found a terrified Suzanne. Suzanne sprayed pepper on Alex's eyes that made him to put the hands on and then, Suzanne stabbed him many times to the scissors - 20 times at his heart.

When she thought he was dead. She ran faster to find the kids. Few miles apart, Suzanne met Tommy and Lindsay and they hugged tighty.

She took the kids and explained about calling the police and then, tell their parents to meet at police station.

The kids warned Suzanne to watch behind, Alex was coming close again.

Suzanne pushed him away and both Suzanne and the kids ran to hide away. In the living room, the detective had arrived. He was holding the gun and found the kids crying in fear about a masked man trying to murder Suzanne. The detective ordered the kids to wait from him inside the car with his peer.

When Alex was finally closer to murder Suzanne - her shirt was completely ripped. The detective ordered Alex to step aside, the killer got up and tried to fight against him but the detective shot Alex many times, first by legs, arms and after his body.

And when Alex was closer to fall - the detective shot for the last time and Alex fell down.

Then, the detective went to meet Suzanne - she was crying and hiding her face between her arms.

The detective comforted her and he took her. The detective warned his partner to warn the police and make a local investigation.

At police station, the police chief explained Suzanne that the kids are safe with their parents - homewer, when their men walked to look at the area when Alex fell, it was revealed that Alex's body wasn't there.

The end.

[therightonewillstayy]

So as we know Zach is in New Zealand until September. Before we dated I used to be a whore lmao like having 3 guys on rotation having sex 4-5 times a week. When Zach and I started dating it went to 1-2 times a week and then we're he's away at school I only see hime once a month. Now I'm going on 1 month, no dick :( so sad for me. I really enjoy sex and even as an ~emotional woman~ I never get too attached. Casual is okay with me.

Instead of cheating I'm just going to fantasy about this one guy who lives in my neighborhood, who I keep running into. The following is a false situation. The only things that are true are how we get and when I saw him again (I did not share my phone number with him). Lol for legal reasons I feel like I need to state that.

One of my favorite antique stores is closing, they have been in the city for 28 years and the owner decided to sell the building. This was the last weekend they were open and it was also my payday weekend. I budget $50 to spend on whatever I wanted. I put on a red polka dot dress that was a halter top and a white cardigan and walked out to the bus stop. My dress was long and it was windy, I sort of felt like Marylin Monroe but I had biker shorts on so I wouldn't flash anyone. I held my dress down while waiting for the bus about 10 more minutes.

A guy was walking over, wore all black, 5'11, dark blonde hair and a five o'clock shadow. He was attractive. If say he's in his mid to late 30s. He sat on the bench I was standing next to. I was reading all of the event posters to see if there was anything that looked worth going to.

"I hate working nights, but ya know gotta make money" he said, his voice was a little raspy but not like a traditional Pittsburgh accent.

"oof nights do suck, I hope it's not slow for you" I replied.

"no, it's actually going to be one of our busiest days"

"well then it should go back fast."

"I hope so, I also work as a carpenter most days but this is the season to make money because I don't like to work in the winter time."

God I wish it were me I thought, im living from paycheck to paycheck.

"good for you" I said with a smile I wasn't sure how else to contribute to the conversation.

"you smell good, I like that perfume and I see you took a shower and all that jazZ, where are you headed off too?"

I felt myself blush, my boyfriend can't smell so he never compliments me and I get gifted expensive perfumes from my parents.

I laughed, "yeah all the jazz, thank you--"

"of course, you're welcome"

"I'm heading to an antique store in the strip, they are closing and having a huge sale so I want to see what's going on"

His eyes got big when he looked at me, " oh my god, that one in the strip is closing? If I would have known I would have gone! I like collecting mid-century things"

I smiled, "that's so cool! I collect Jeanette glassware and the occasional wedgwood."

"I live in the towers and have an extra garage space for my collections plus when people move out they tend to leave a lot of cool things behind and I just take those"

"oh good to know, I am moving in August maybe I'll see if there's something I want."

"where are you moving to?"

"oh uhhh just a half mile away from here, there's an apartment with a balcony"

"I'm Scott by the way, and you are?" He stuck out his hand. I saw that we had a wound on his thumb

"My name is Meg" I shook his hand, he had a firm grip.

"Pretty name" he got up and that's when I heard a bus rolling up. 75, I was waiting for 87. "Well this is my bus. See you around."

"Bye Scott, have fun at work!" I smiled and waved. He looked back at me and smiled. He got on and the bus drove off.

I was smiling, men don't approach me often and so I felt giddy. I'll probably never see him again but nice to meet someone in town.

--

Thursday rolled around and I decided it was going to be in the 60s today I will wear a skirt and a long jacket. I missed the first bus so I had to wait for the next one at 7:13. Even though I am wearing a long jacket I'm still afraid of flashing people when though I do have booty shorts under so it's not like anyone will see my hole. Lol

I pick up a free newspaper to see what is happening this weekend. I looked up a saw a white pick up truck slow down and roll down the window. Oh God a cat call at 7am, I'm too old to deal with this (I'm 25 lol). I see it has supplies and tools on the back as well.

The truck comes up to me, I recognize it's Scott.

"Hi Meg! How are you!" He says in the passenger seat and a big grin.

I smiled back, "getting ready to go to work Scott, how are you?"

"Much better since I get to see you this morning."

"you're so cheeky"

"I bet you like that about me." And sure he was right, but I'm dating someone so I can't just agree. I smiled.

"meg, what are you doing Friday? Give me your number." I mean my bf is in new Zealand. I don't have any plans with my girl friends...is it wrong to want to make a new friend? Probably because we both know this flirting. But I enjoy the validation, I rarely talk to my bf. I know I'm in the wrong and yet I find myself giving him my phone number.

The light turned green, "I'll text you. Dress something like you are right now." He looked me up and down and waved as he rode off. I blushed and waved back.

Fuck, I'm in trouble.

Although I'm not all of the blame, this skirt makes my boyfriend go insane. He can't keep his eyes or hands off me. I love when he undresses me, he put so much care into appreciating my body. He's so gentle. I miss him.

After work I walk to the bus stop and I see three guy behind me. This time I don't have a jacket on. I check my make sure my skirt is pulled down and look back at them. All of their hands turn down and they look so guilty as if they weren't playing attention to my hands running over my curves.

Maybe it's just my whore mentality but every now and then I enjoy being looked at like a piece of meat. Especially corporate men. They all had hands in their slacks, one looked up at me and made eye contact and immediately looked down. God, I want to be fucked so bad. I need to go on a walk when I get back.

-- for clarification and legality the following did not happen--

3:05pm.

Unsaved number text me "Hi Meg, this is Scott. I'm thinking dinner at J. Tambellini maybe gelato after, and if desired a night cap at my place."

I'm wet already, what is this guy reading my mind? Italian, gelato and walkies and drinks?? That's all I need to be a happy girl. I need to control myself. I have to tell this guy I have a boyfriend, a good one, he just...far right now. I close my phone. I'll text him when I'm on the bus to back home.

4:15 on the bus.

"Sure, I'll be home around 5:15pm, what time is dinner?" I sent, that looked detached right? Like ugh sure whatever, right? God I can't believe I'm over thinking a tone of my text. I taught myself better than that. I didnt save his number.

I look down at what I'm wearing, it's cute. Red two piece with a black cardigan. But the restaurant we are going to see nicer. I'm probably just going to wear my black date night dress that Zach loves.

" 7pm is the reservation do you need a ride? I know you take the bus. Just let me know I can come get you. Don't worry I don't drive a truck." He texted me back 2 minutes after. I cannot give this man my address. Also bold of him to assume I just ride the bus bc I don't have a car. It's actually that I have a car but hate waiting and paying attention in traffic. Especially bc I travel during rush hour. Nice to know he doesn't drive a truck. But the restaurant is a 10 minute walk and I'll be fine. I will be a little chilly so I won't sweat, the streets are well lit too.

5:15pm I get home.

"thanks Scott, don't need a ride. See you then." I texted back . Oh and ps I have a boyfriend. I should have said this but I catch myself shaving my legs and trimming everything else. I'm delusional. And I believe in karma. My boyfriend doesn't deserve this. But nothing will happen...right?

I set an alarm for a 45 minute nap. Before I shut my eyes I send my boyfriend a quick miss you and love you message and some memes. It's Saturday afternoon and I know he's going hiking with his friends over there so he'll be busy. I send him a picture to show him how hot I am. My eyes and face are from a 90s inspired makeup video, he loves that look and my hair is natural but half up and it frames my face perfectly. Kiss kiss I caption it.

6:50pm I wake up. With heels one it will probably take me 15-20 minutes to walk there. I'll be late which I hate doing but I want to make him nervous. I'm so evil. I see a text from him and send a heart. He asked if I was on the way. I'm sure he will understand.

I walk making sure I hold my skirt down. I'm wearing shapewear this time and there this cute lace that is at my mid thigh to smooth out my whole look. When I sit down it saves around the edge of my dress. I know a lot of men like a little tease.

I get to the restaurant at 7:05. Scott is sitting at the patio with two chairs next to each other facing the street as if we will be people watching tonight as well. I see he has flowers, hydrangeas I might add, blue and white ones, my favorite. God, maybe if I just give him head it won't count.

"Meg! Hi! You're here. Did you walk? You look amazing!" He said is raspy voice pulled on my heart strings, I love men who are expressive. Stoic men are great in anime but not in real life. He grabs my hand and kisses it. Our eyes meet. He smiles, I feel myself blush. His lower hand gently rests on my lower back and he guides me to my seat.

"I've always wanted to go here" I said, " just haven't had the time"

"I'll be sure to show you a good time then for your first experience." He smiled, I noticed he hasn't let go of my other hand. His hands feel rough compared to my smooth skin. I feel the callous as he's tracing my fingers.

"I don't want to break your heart," I said, he gave me a questioning look. "I can't eat gluten, I don't want my tummy to hurt" I said in a childish way.

He laughed, " well respectful I have no idea what that means but I know the chef so I'm sure we can get you something."

Our waitress came over. He order escargot as our appetizer, I was surprised not many people like snails. And ordered a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanc. God, this man is speaking my love language. When he left he looked at me.

"You don't have to eat the snails, it's one of my favorite dishes here. I hope you do like white wine." He smirked.

"I like snails and Sauvignon Blanc. You got lucky this time." I smiled.

"oh" he held the flowers toward me, "I got these for you. It was the closest flower that compared to your beauty."

I didn't want to tell him they were my favorite flowers, his ego is already at the amount I like. " Thank you, that's so sweet of you."

The wind blew and I smell a hint of cologne. If my nose serves me right that Ralph Lauren Polo Black. I hope he's got a back up tonight. This Man deserves to be fucked.

"now you are the one the smells good, is that Ralph Lauren?" I asked, tilting my head a little and gazing into his deep green hazel eyes. He smiled, "it is actually. I wanted to match you on your level of class."

I laughed, "Don't mistake me as a classy girl. I can be silly too."

Our waitress came over with the bottle of wine and showed him the label, he approved. She was about to pour him a glass.

"May I have a sample before I commit?" I asked. She poured me about two shots of wine. I swirled and smelled and notice there was a lot of legs. It was crisp, refreshing and a lovely flavor palate. This was a dangerous scene.

"Is this one okay?" She asked looking a little panicked.

"it's lovely, perfect, thank you so much." She poured both of our glasses. And set the bottle in between us.

"I'm guessing you drink wine often then?" He asked raising his glass.

"yes, I'm also just...uhh... particular in what I drink. I prefer old world wine compared to new world." Our glasses clinked.

"To wine and new relationships" he said.

"To wine and new relationships." I agreed with him. Our escargot came out, I haven't eaten it in a while. So I watched him and did the same. We started talking about collecting things. He also goes to the goodwill and gets a lot of wall decor there. His ex comes over every now and then to see the dog they have and apparently compliments him on his taste. He found this mid century kitschy bowl that he found and a painting over his headboard both at Goodwill. His ex...so he is also attached to someone else. That's a good sign for me.

"my ex also collected things when we were moving just like you."

I smiled, "I know it's a bad habit but it was only because of the sale."

Another glass of wine was poured.

"I think it's an endearing habit." I wonder what his ex looked like. Similar to me? I do that too. Look for people who remind me of the one I first fell in love with.

"to be fair I have gotten rid of a lot but I am a collector"

"I understand, like I said my second garage is filled with antiques and china. I always make sure it's organized too. We should go see it afterwards." He said putting his rough hand on my inner thigh rubbing my knee. I'm surprised we aren't getting a flood warning. I'm soaking. We looked at the menu. I should get fish. That way I will get insecure about the smell and won't do anything stupid.

"What do you get here?" I asked him flipping my hair back and resting my hand on his shoulder rubbing his shoulder and dancing on his collarbone. He smelled so good, intoxicating, forbidden.

"usually whatever the special is. But she didn't say so I was thinking of getting the handmade mafalda Giancarlo. What can you eat?"

"I was just going to get the summer salad" I said without thinking, what happened to my fish plan??

"oh so you can't eat the pasta?"

"unfortunately."

"well maybe a steak or chicken or veal would interest you? He makes it perfectly. I promise. A Scott guarantee."

I smiled, "I promise I'll be okay, salad is perfect." He nodded.

Our waitress came over and he order for me and made sure to no gluten, that was nice. Cute but not necessary, there was no croutons on the salad. Another glass of wine was poured.

"How often do you come here?" I asked

"I used to work here, he taught me a lot. Now I'd say once a month. Usually just for pick up though. I don't enjoy eating alone in public." So he knows how to cook...that's a plus.

I felt his hand move up and flirt with the edge of my skirt. I gasped a little. He learned into my ear and whispered, "I see your sensitive." I felt myself blush, with the wine, his smell, the perfect weather. I succumbed to temptation. I wanted to fuck him, hard. The type of sex that makes you question God's existence and your own purpose. He kissed a corner of my jaw. If we weren't in public I probably would have moaned.

"So you think another bottle of wine or..?" He asked.

"I wouldn't mind having a red, a cab would be great."

"You understand me, Meg. I like that." He smirked and signaled for a waiter. A different one came over and went to go grab a Cabernet Sauvignon. A perfect pairing for my salad. Scott made sure it was Italian. That was nice of him. The waiter took the bottle away and our glasses and brought us new ones with wine in them and set the bottle down.

"So you don't work at all in the winter?" I questioned.

He laughed, "Well I'll say this. I don't need to work everyday but I pick up odd jobs. Travel. Spend time with family. How about you?"

"I work in corporate and unfortunately make work the validation of my life."

"that is unfortunate, pretty girls shouldn't have to work." He said removing his hand from my thigh and putting a hair strand behind my ear.

"I'm not sure I can stay in the house and craft all day. I'd get bored."

"I'm sure I could find a way to entertain you." His hand slid under my skirt. His thumb messaging close to the warmth.

I should tell him, but God I want to be touched.

His hand goes back up to my knee. I'm so flushed right now. Our food is being set down and another glass of wine has been pour. 4 glasses already? And I have to walk home? I'm setting myself up for trouble. Wine makes me so horny already. And now I have this man treating me and touching me the way I want and crave. Nothing will happen. You are better than this.

"oh my god, yours smell so good." I grab a fork full of salad.

He slowly removes the fork from his mouth. I wish I was that fork. My salad is delicious. The leaf's are crunchy and smooth and flavorful, it truly tastes like summer.

He tells me a story about growing up in downtown Pittsburgh and how different yet same it is. He said that liberty Ave used to be filled with sex shops and porn videos, he and his friend would sneak peaks walking home. His mom would always yell at them. He wasn't sure how she knew but she knew. And I replied mom's just know. We clinked our glasses and a laughed, mom so always know.

Towards the end of our meal I notice he had a little bit of sauce on the corner of his mouth. I grabbed his chin, "Stay still" I whisper. He froze. I licked the sauce and gave him a kiss where it was. I saw the goosebumps on his arms and I wasn't sure this that was the wind picking up or me. He grabbed my thigh.

"Your going to be trouble for me, aren't you?"

"your favorite worst nightmare, probably." I replied.

Final glass of wine was poured.

Scott asked for the check, "So how are you feeling? Gelato? If not I have some at my place we can eat later. We can check out the antiques in my garage."

What if I just blew him in the garage?

"ummm" I really should have said something. But also maybe he would give me antiques. God I'm such a whore. But I love history. "can I run to the restroom quick and then we can go see antiques?"

He grabbed my hand, " Of course, it's through the door to your right" and kissed it. His lips weren't chapped. Zach's are an I always have to remind him to use chapstick or something. It's not fun kissing chapped lips, it hurts. I stand up slowly. I am drunk but I am not a fool. I make my way to the restroom, hopefully I looked graceful. Well maybe when I get out he will have left because he decided that I remind him too much of his ex and he needs her now. And then I can return to my apartment. Faithful.

I take my rings off and put them in my purse. I check my purse, wallet with ID and cards, phone, keys, and lip gloss and my saving grace: baby wipes. I piss. And stretch, okay just for antiques nothing else. Your mother didn't raise this way. But then I thought. My mom knows that I'm kinda in love with someone besides Zach. And she's just like no worries, you're young it's okay. And that's probably what she would say too. God, meg, now here you are justifying and assuming. Get a grip.

I clean myself up, put on some deodorant and a little refresh.of the perfume. And walk out.

He's waiting outside by the gate. He looked so handsome. A knot Polo, probably a good will find, with slacks and brown leather loafers. His hair was styled. He looked down at his watched and pressed a button.

"I set the timer for 5 minutes and then I was going to check I'd you were alright." Oh God that probably means I wasn't graceful going to the bathroom.

"oh, thank you. I feel better." This is true. Being full of liquids and good food. I needed to get something out. He held out side hand and I took it. We walked to his apartment. About 5 minutes.

"Wait, this isn't your antiques are?" I said. Frowning.

he laughed, "Don't worry I promise you'll see them. I have go up to my apartment and get the key."

Oh, I should stay down here then.

"is it okay if I stay in the lobby? I can't to elevators right now." This was a lie. But I cannot be in a private place with him...though I want to.

He kissed my hand again, "don't miss me too much then"

I was suddenly cold, his warmth left me. I looked around the lobby. Much better than my apartment....which did not have a lobby. It has some work stations, art fixtures, pretty lights, funky chairs. I wonder how much rent was here..and I'm pretty sure he has a 2 bedroom. He worked hard for it, that's for sure. I felt like Lana. In love with possibilities but faithful to herself.

I felt a hand and wrap around my waist and pull me close. Scott lifted my chin to his attention, he smelled so good. I wanted to mess up his hair. "Did you miss me?"

"Every second felt like an eternity." I said, on autopilot. How cheesy, me admitting that I miss a man of any sort. He kissed my nose and grabbed my hand. "Let's go then"

We walked down a hill, next to the building. And into the garage. It was so wild to be inside of here. Outside it looked grunge, no windows. But inside felt like I was inside a car show. I wondered which one was his.

"my car is on the floor below, in a private section. The garage is just right here." There was a row of 5-8 storage looking unit. I was nervous to go in. A private and small place is not where I should be with him. He opened the door a led me in.

"Oh my god" I said, he was worse than my mom. Lots of collections and bowls and china sets. "Dude! This is so cool!!" He really did keep it clean and organized. He had so many colors and eras. I was so impressed. He also have a lovely green couch. This area felt bigger than it was on the outside. I let go of his hand and walked around the shelves. I heard him sit on the couch. This space was climate controlled too.

"Scott, you have an amazing eye." I said looking to him through the gaps.

"thank you."

I spun around the aisle. Ugh I wanted everything! This is a new goal of mine now. To make money and be still organized. I returned back to Scott but didn't sit down. I was wearing shapewear, yes, but it has a purposeful crotch hole big enough to do anything without take anything off. That's where I probably made my Mistake.

"Come, sit down with me, Meg, will you?"

I went to sit in the middle section and he moved over and guided my legs and hips to where now I was sitting on top of him, facing him, legs straddled on both sides of him. His hand rested on my lower back, messaging. My arms wrapped around his neck. He was eye to eye with my cleavage and a golden cross. He kissed it. I let out a deep breath I didn't realize that I was holding my breath. I looked around to see if there was a camera or something.

"Don't worry, I won't fuck my girl here. I just want to be close with you." He said placing his hand on my jaw and guiding it to his attention. I felt myself get wetter with each moment. My girl? Me?

I relaxed my hips on top of his cock, I felt it pulsating beneath his clothes. I was going to be in trouble. My trace his ear, down his neck and on her collarbones. His arms were study and tones.

"So you're telling me there is a camera in here?" I leaned into his palm.

"Yes, I gotta make sure my things are safe." Makes sense. But it would be kinda hot to fuck in here with a camera even.

So I asked, "well, who monitors the footage?"

"Now look who's the cheeky one is now," he smiled and kissed me deep. I felt his hand grabbing my ass and controlling my hip movements. His other hand made it's way to my breast. I felt my nipples getting harder. He tasted of wine and desire. I ran my hands through his hair, he moaned. I kept kissing him only breaking for small breaths. His hand made it's way to my long hair, he grabbed it and pushed me in closer. His other hand went to my neck and turned my head and he started to kiss down the side of my throat to my chest.

"you said you couldn't go on an elevator but I can tell you want to ride."

"I lied" I said

"about which part" he asked kissing my wrist. I grabbed his hand and did the same thing. I started suck on his finger.

"Fuck, meg." I felt his cock jump, like it was going to break the zipper it's contained behind.

"I can go on an elevator, but I'm allergic to dogs." I said moving his hand down my dress into my bra.

"hmm, so it's good news that I don't have the dog this week? And that I cleaned?" he said gently rubbing my breast and pinching my nipple. I left out a soft moan.

" I guess that makes you the luckiest guy in the world."

He smiled and pulled me in for another deep and longing kiss. My lips felt plump and I felt dazed. He kissed me as if I was the one he's been looking for, as if I was his girl forever.

We made our way to his apartment. No kissing or touching on the elevator. I made him stand opposite of me and we just looked at each other, undressing one another with our eyes. He lived on the 10th floor. And again his apartment was clean. I will never let him come into mine, I'm so messy.

"Drink? Gelato? Your call."

"Water would actually be great."

"sparkling or still?" Wow maybe...I died and this is heaven. Everything is so perfect.

"Still is perfect"

He pours from a glass bottle he had in the fridge. He just like me for real. I looked around his apartment, it looked like an interior decorator was here. He had a lot of antiques here too, including that one bowl he was talking about when we first met.

Again his arm wraps around my waist and he hands me a glass of water. It's Jeanette glassware..not the style I have but another line. He kissed me forehead and I see him make himself a drink. I walk over to his bedroom, we exchange glances as I walk in. He does have a head board. I take off my shoes, leave them besides his. The carpet is rich and luxurious.

I lay down on the bed on my side. This duvet cover is a light olive and probably the softest one I have ever felt. It basically just called me poor.

"Enjoying yourself?" He said holding an old fashioned in his hand.

"Yes, you make one strong glass of water." I smiled and took a sip. I noticed he untucked half of his shirt.

He started walking over to me, rubbing my ankle, he took and sip and said, " I like how you look in my bed. I hope it happens more often." He was still holding a hard-on. I sat up and set my water down on the bed side table, he followed.

"Scott" I said in a sweet voice.

"hmm?"

"I don't think I ever said thank you for the meal it was--"

"oh there's no need" he started to say, I stood up and pressed my finger to his mouth.

"Don't break my eye contact." I kissed him and started undoing his belt. He hands went for the strings of my wrap dress. I looked up him and got down on my knees. I moved his pants down. I started to rub his shaft before I removed his underwear. I could barely touch my fingertips together when I pulled him into my mouth. He gathered my hair but didn't do anything thrusting or pushing. I spit on his cock and sucked on the tip and with every forward motion I went a little deeper until I was able to reach my hand at the base.

"Fuck ...Meg..you can't do this to me like that" he moaned

I sped up a little until I felt I got sloppy enough then I went back to just sucking the tip for a little bit and then deep throating him completely. He moaned and I felt him shake like he was holding back. I moved back and looked up and him and kissed his tip. I saw his heart melt.

He whispered, "Can I fuck the pretty face of yours?"

I smiled, still rubbing his shaft, he lowered my chin and said, " open wide" I did and stuck my tongue out. I felt him hit the back of my throat. I didn't have a gag reflex but I faked it, he helps with a man's confidence in bed. And I wanted to be fucked good.

"Jesus" he cursed. Still holding my hair white slamming the back of my head into the side of the bed where the duvet still fell. I wanted him to finish in my mouth but not yet. And I guess he read my mind because he stopped.

He held his hand out, "stand up, I want to show you something." I nodded and grabbed his hand to stand up. I reached the bottom of his shirt and he immediately pulled it off. He took off my dress slowly admiring the lace, and each seam. God I wanted him inside me. He grabbed my legs and lifted me on to the bed, I was sitting on the edge. He kissed me passionately and undid my bra one hand while the other was rubbing my thigh.

I grabbed his left hand and sucked the two middle fingers.

His other arm secured my back and move me further on the bed and him on the bed. He's so strong I thought. Those two fingers travelled down.

Before inserting he asked, "May I?"

I nodded and he slide inside me, "God your drenched." And kissed me. His thumb gently rubbed my clit. I felt myself lose control. He started kissing my neck, "Scott, fuck me please." His switch his finger for his cock. He was bigger than most, he entered gently and looked at me as if to make sure I was okay. And the truth was, I was in ecstasy. I started to moan a little louder with each thrust.

"Do me a favor and take a deep breath." He said.

I did and as soon as I was about to exhale he started to choke me. I think I came just from that motion. He kissed me and said "now exhale" I got such a rush. He hand went from my throat to my breast.

"That's a good girl, now you can have a taste." He put his fingers inside my mouth and we kept making eye contact. He started to thrust slower and whispered in my ear, "I'm going to cum soon... Where do you want it?" I wanted to say inside me, but I recently just got off birth control. And his current movements made me cum again.

"Scott," I gasped, "I want it on my chest."

He smiled, "of course." He went hard into me and grab my hand and held it has a grip the sheet. I felt myself going numb, I came again. He pulled out and finished on my chest. I pulled him into my mouth and he moaned deeply and collapsed to the side. We both were taking deep breaths. I giggle.

Oh God. I'm in so much trouble.

[ihateeverything101]

hehe the morning is annoying because of him, i wish i could do things exactly how i wanted. but that's ok, im no relationship can you do exactly what you want all the time, there are compromises.

anyways i'm getting ready to go on a little walk around my neighborhood. i'm nervous bc people can see me, im gonna wear shorts so my hairy legs will be out, and general safety of someone stealing me or something. im excited too!!!

maybe you can help me decide what to do today!! i'm going to walk, then shower and smoke and move on to my next things.

1.)part of my thinks after my walk it would be nice to do a workout, i haven't done one in months.

2.)a second part of me wants to clean intensely, to the point where it is almost a workout, there are so many things to clean and organize. Katie is moving in here in a week so that is stressful and things need to be prepared for her.

3.)i could have fun, take a nap after my walk and roll around in bed doing nothing. drink early and listen to fun music. do computer things shopping or playing games. i haven't played games in such a long time.

4.) i have a lot of things that need to get done heslth and doctor wise. i need more birth control, glasses, a dentist visit, and probably some other things as well. so i could try to get some of these things straightened out

5.) watch youtube shorts all day. hehe jk but they've been sucking me in lately!! there is a guy who knows a lot of different languages and i enjoy watching his videos. another person i've been enjoying is a vietnamese girl that lives with her german boyfriend and how their cultures are different heh

and Dog Dsddy! silly but cute too

[raainy-daze]

Hidden In Plain Sight

halloween special !

2012 raph x gn!reader

summary: do you ever wonder about what’s really lurking around on halloween? what can so easily walk among normal people without even earning a second glance?

well, you hadn’t until you realized this principle could probably apply to your mutant boyfriend. the hard part, really, was convincing him to help you babysit.

word count: 2302

warnings for some swearing

a/n: welp, here you have it guys. by far the longest oneshot that is going to be in these seasonal oneshots. i don’t know if it’s because i had this more planned out, or because raph’s my favorite, or what. yknow actually now that i think about it it’s probably because im out of town and i write better in hotels for some reason. OH WELL whatever the reason, happy halloween!

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

Ah, October, the month of spooks and scares. There’s a chill in the air, and celebrations have begun.

The moon was rising in the sky. It was a beautiful sight. It wasn’t full, but maybe the was a good thing. A full moon on All Hallow’s Eve would be quite the omen.

The crescent you had instead was arguably more beautiful, really. The clouds also quite added to the atmosphere. You would’ve grabbed your phone to take a picture, but you knew it would just come out blurry.

“(Y/N).” You were pulled out of your musings by a voice next to you. “That child is staring at me.”

Your attention was drawn to a child standing a few feet away from your front porch. A little girl dressed as Wonder Woman, her eyes were wide, and her father was distracted talking to one of the other neighborhood parents. Raphael was staring right back at her. He’d been on edge all night, and you could imagine why. He wouldn’t exactly be used to being up top without hiding, or even having any kind of attempt at a disguise.

“It’s fine. Kids don’t have a great grasp on ‘special effects makeup’.” You finger quoted around the cover story. “I had a friend do zombie makeup last year, little kids did not like it.” You reached aside for the candy bucket and held it out, attempting to ease the tiny Wonder Woman out of her fear. “Hey! Want some candy?” Only on Halloween was that not creepy.

With some encouragement from her father, she tentatively approached. “Trick or treat.” She held out her basket, and you dropped a Snickers in it. “Thank you!”

“See? She’ll forget by next week.”

You and Raphael were sitting on your front porch, handing out candy to the first trick or treaters of the night. For the first time in basically ever, Raph was without disguise in plain sight. It was Halloween, so you doubted mutants would bring much attention to themselves, especially with how good people were getting at costume makeup. It took significantly less convincing to get him to hang out with you tonight than you thought. You suspected some part of it was likely to spite Leo’s warnings, but hey, a win’s a win.

“So, when’s the kid going to be here?”

“Oh, Angie?” You checked your phone. “Any minute now, I think.”

“Trick or treat!” You looked back up and smiled, passing each child a piece of candy. “Why don’t you take a turn for a bit?” You held the bucket out to Raph, who only narrowed his eyes at it. “Alright then, geez. Grump.”

“Hey, I’m not a grump!”

“Yeah, sure, hun.”

Over the course of the next few minutes, you’d pass out candy to trick or treaters. When you saw a certain little girl in what you could only assume to be a yeti costume approaching, you set the bucket down atop a paper sign you’d made, which instructed those who read it to take two pieces.

“That’s Angie.” You nudged Raph, still sitting. “Hi, Angie!”

“Hi, (mr/ms/mx) (Y/N!)” She waved a hand at you eagerly. Mrs. Milner trailed behind her daughter, practically jogging to keep up. Her hair appeared somewhat frazzled. The woman herself often seemed somewhat frazzled, really.

The Milners were family friends, and you babysat Angie on the weekends more often than not. She was a sweet kid, if a bit hyper.

“(Y/N), hello!” Mrs. Milner smiled at you. “It’s good to see you. Thank you so much for this.” She reached into her purse before noticing Raph. “Oh, who’s this?”

“Mrs. Milner, this is my boyfriend, Raphael. Raph, Mrs. Milner.”

“And Angie!”

“Yes, and Angie.” You watched as she reached into the bucket on the porch, pulling out two Starburst candies.

“Oh, it’s very nice to meet you. Your costume is very impressive. Are you a samurai alien?”

“Uhh, sure.” Watching Raph stumble as he attempted to adapt to this environment was… well, it was entertaining to say the least. It seemed like everything cut him off guard. “Ninja, technically.”

“Oh, I see!” Mrs. Milner pulled out a wad of cash from her purse and handed it to you. “Thank you again, (Y/N), it means a lot.”

“No problem! I’ll drop her off at your house in a couple hours.”

Mrs. Milner gave you a grateful wave of the hand and began strolling off. “Have fun! Angela, be good!”

“I will!” Angie waved back at her mother. You were pretty sure she already had one of the Starbursts in her mouth.

“Hey, no more candy until we’re done, okay?”

“Okay,” she spoke with her mouth full. You turned back to Raph, who was standing somewhat stiffly.

“It’s alright if you want to go on home, Raph. You don’t have to stay.”

“No, no! I’m fine! Why wouldn’t I be fine?” As per usual, he immediately jumped to the defensive.

You shrugged. “If you’re sure. It’s fine if it gets a little too much, though. Angie, you ready to go?”

“Mm-hm!” The girl instantly jumped up from her gremlin crouch on the porch. She was practically jumping up and down; you couldn’t help but wonder how much candy she’d already had today.

With that, you were off. From the moment you began crossing the street, Angie was pestering Raph with every question she could think of.

“Why are you coming with us?”

“Because (Y/N) asked me to.”

“Why is your face green?”

“Face paint.”

“What are those?”

“Sais.”

“Can I hold them?”

“No.”

Angie ran up on her own to the first house. She was outgoing enough that you usually could just stand back and keep an eye on her.

By the third door down, Angie had already successfully begun tearing at Raph’s nerves.

“How is it that one kid can talk so much?”

“She’s six, she doesn’t have a filter yet.”

“Hey, cool costume, dude!” Every time someone passed and made a comment on Raph’s ‘costume’, he seemed to tense up a little more. This time, he instinctively reached for your hand. You gave it a squeeze. “You’re sure you don’t need a break?”

“What, you calling me weak?”

“Being overwhelmed isn’t the same as being weak, Raph.”

You were met only with a huff. Angie came running back up to you. “They’re giving out full size candy bars!” She waved a Hershey bar in your face. This house gave out candy bars every year, but you weren’t going to point that out.

“That’s so cool!”

And so you continued around the neighborhood. Angie started asking you to go up with her at the more creatively decorated houses. You couldn’t help chuckling at the giant skeleton in the Delaney’s front yard. Where do you even get a lawn decoration that size?

“Trick or treat!”

“Oh, now aren’t you the cutest… white monkey?”

“No, I’m a sasquatch.”

“Oh, I see!” Mr. Delaney dropped a small bag of M&Ms in Angie’s basket. “And what are you supposed to be, (Y/N)?”

“I’m the scariest thing of all. A normal person.”

Mr. Delaney chuckled. “Oh, remember when you were little and you came in that Disney costume? Oh, which character was it…” You glanced back at Raph, knowing you’d be here for a couple minutes. Mr. Delaney’s nostalgia always took up a bit of time for Halloween.

By the time Angie successfully got you away from the old man’s stories, Raph seemed to have eased up a bit. He didn’t flinch at people anymore, at least. Angie ran ahead again, to no one’s surprise. “Hey, stay close!”

“I will!”

You slipped your hand back in Raph’s. “Well? How’s all this?”

“I have had three different people try to start a conversation.” Time for your favorite game! Is Raph pissed, or does he just have resting bitch face? “People up here are too social.” He’s pissed! You weren’t sure the ‘resting bitch face’ theory ever proved true. “Other than that, it’s pretty okay though. But I swear to god, if that kid asks me one more question-“

As if she heard that statement and decided she did, in fact, want to drive Raphael to the brink of insanity, she ran back up to the two of you, attention directed at him.

“Mr. Raph, what’s your favorite candy?zl

He seemed to just stare in disbelief at Angie. You wanted to say you had enough faith in him to not loose his temper in front of a child, but maybe it’d be better to step in anyways.

“Raph likes Twix. Twixes? Twixi.” You paused. “I don’t know the plural.”

“Pretty sure the answer is ‘none of the above’.” Raph raised a non-existent eyebrow at you.

“Shut up.”

You came up to the Carters’ house. The Carters were known for one thing around the holiday season, and that was how all-out they went on their decorating. Whenever you watched Christmas with the Kranks, you couldn’t help but think of the Carters.

This year was certainly no different. The trees across the front lawn were covered in fake spider webs, and the arch over their front door had been decorated to look like a mouth. You even thought you noticed some fake blood smeared here and there.

Angie had hidden herself behind you, just as most six year olds would. ���Spiders. No.”

“They’re not real, Angie.”

“But spiders!”

“Do you want to skip this house?”

Angie looked up at the house, as if examining every risk factor. “No…”

“Well…”

Raph tapped your shoulder. “I’ll take her.”

Of all the things you weren’t expecting. “You sure?”

“You’ve asked me that, like, two dozen times over the last hour.”

You took that as a yes. “Okay then.”

Raph crouched down. “Oi. Kid. Come on.”

“But I don’t like spiders.”

“Does anyone like spiders? Look, they’re not gonna hurt you. And hey, if they wanted to hurt anyone, they’d go for the kid in front first. You’d have plenty of time to run away.”

Angie narrowed her eyes. “But they can’t move.”

“Exactly.” You could practically hear the ‘says who?’ he bit back.

Angie had been coaxed towards the door within just a couple minutes. You stood on the sidewalk, trying to process what the hell just happened. Raph never would’ve done something like this without an ulterior motive. Or at least an ulterior motive to use as an excuse. Especially not in front of so many people, even if they were strangers.

Your questions were answered when he came back into sight, munching on a Kit-Kat. You should’ve figured.

“The spiders didn’t eat me!” Angie smiled at you.

“Yeah, I see.”

Raph handed you the second Kit-Kat in his hand. “Grabbed one for you, too. If you’re going to take a kid trick or treating, you should at least take advantage of it. I mean, c’mon.”

You laughed, unwrapping your own chocolate. “Fuckin’ bastard.”

The Milners’ house was just on the next block. You let Angie collect candy from the last couple houses, and then you walked up to her own porch with her. You rung the doorbell for her, and were quickly answered by Mrs. Milner.

“Trick or treat, Momma!” Angie threw her arms open.

“Oh, well what a surprise!” Mrs. Milner laughed. “Did you have fun?”

“I had lotsa fun! Look at all my candy!” She held her candy basket up to her mom. You smiled and looked up to Mrs. Milner.

“Was she good?”

“She was great. Good luck with the inevitable sugar rush!” You quickly briefed Mrs. Milner on the night, Angie occasionally interrupting with her own story. You were astonished that Raph made it through the entire interaction without any sarcastic comments.

Just as Mrs. Milner was about to shut the door, Angie exclaimed, “Wait!”

She stepped up to you and Raph again. She set one of your favorite candies in your palm, and a Twix in Raph’s.

“Happy Halloween.”

You grinned. “Happy Halloween, Angie.”

“Happy Halloween, kid.”

You and your boyfriend began the walk back to your house. “See? She’s not so bad.”

“Yeah, sure. She still talked my ear off.”

“But she gave you candy.”

Raph didn’t respond, probably due to the fact that he was in the process of chewing said candy.

You fished around in your pocket, and pulled one of the two twenty solar bills Mrs. Milner had paid you with and handed it to Raph. “Here you go. You helped, so you get half the pay.”

Raph looked down at the money, and back up at you. “(Y/N)?”

“Yeah?”

“How often do you think I actually use money?”

You paused. “… Just appreciate the feeling. Money, capitalism, yay. Isn’t that nice?”

Raph grinned. “Yeah, sure.”

As you climbed back up on your porch, you picked up the nearly empty bucket you’d left. The last trick or treaters of the night were beginning to filter out, so you thought it was a good time to take the rest for yourself.

“Come on, you enjoyed yourself, admit it.”

“Okay, fine, I enjoyed myself. You happy?”

“Very.” You grabbed your keys and inserted them in the door. “Tell the guys I said hi, okay?”

Raph nodded. He took a step in the direction of the street, but quickly backtracked and gave you a kiss. It wasn’t long, more a peck than anything, but you always enjoyed any kind of kiss from him.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. Don’t let the bed-ghouls bite!” And Raph vanished into the night.

You glanced one last time at the sky. You internally said ‘fuck it’, and pulled out your phone to take a picture. It came out blurry, just like you were expecting, but it was a nice way to commemorate your first Halloween with Raph.