#oc x frankie morales

[jolalibrary]

"you missed halloween." "I know, blue. can I make it up to you?" "how do you feel about the three of us wearing some sheets?"

undisclosed chapter of with no strings attached aka @luxurychristmaspudding asked me how far we're going and i said, what if we make them canon...

[raspberrybesitos]

birthday girl | frankie morales x plus size latina reader

Main masterlist

Rating: 18+ MDNI

Word count: ~3.5k

Summary: It’s your birthday, and Frankie celebrates his favorite girl.

Warnings: established relationship, unprotected PIV (wrap it up y’all!!!), oral (f receiving), fluff, pet names (princesa, bebita, querida, hermosa, baby, etc), Frankie being in love, slightest hint of insecure reader, reader is female, reader is plus sized, reader is Latina, but no mention of hair type/skin color/height, reader understands Spanish, NO USE OF Y/N, translations available at the end.

A/N: it’s my birthday meaning this is completely 100% self-indulgent lol no other reason behind this. i wrote it with me (a plus size latina) in mind, but i hope you can still find relatability in it! y’all know Frankie is one of my favorite P boys, and i’ve been thinking about him a lot lately. shoutout to @mandoisapunk for hyping me up to post this one ilysm <333 anyway, happy frankie friday!! i hope y’all enjoy!! i’m off to pamper myself, then get plastered at the club 🪩💃 this was written very quickly. not beta’d, all mistakes are my own. 🏃‍♀️

Divider by @saradika-graphics

Daylight peeks through the blinds, bleeding through the curtains. A gloomy morning, typical around this time of year. Stirring in the sheets, you feel around for your boyfriend. Instead, you’re met with cold sheets on his unmade side of the bed.

He must’ve been up a while ago.

You swipe your phone from your nightstand, catching a glimpse at the time while unlocking it.

10am. He’s definitely been up for a while.

Frankie is an early riser, waking with the sun. While you prefer to sleep in as much as you can, being a night owl and borderline insomniac.

Rubbing your eyes, you scroll and respond to the birthday texts you received throughout your sleep. A few missed calls, you make note to call them back later.

Sitting up, you stretch and let out a yawn. The urge to crawl back under the covers grows strong as the chilly air hits your skin. Just as you’re about to get out of bed, you hear those unmistakable footsteps.

The door gently swings open, there stands your Frankie - beaming with a tray in hand.

“Happy birthday, hermosa,” he says through his dopey grin as he walks towards the bed, balancing your breakfast. You let out a soft hum, touched by the sweet gesture.

“Babyyy, you didn’t.”

“But I did. And I don’t want to hear any complaints, it’s your day, let me spoil you.”

“But you always sp-,”

“Ah ah! Let me spoil you, bebita. It’s what you deserve. I even made your favorite,” he says, setting the tray down in front of you. A tiny gasp bubbles over your lips.

“Frankieeee,” you whine, bottom lip jutted out as tears well in your eyes.

It’s a simple meal, nothing extravagant, but not one you make too often with how time consuming it can be. Your favorite childhood breakfast - chorizo con huevo y frijoles and homemade tortillas - one your abuelita would cook on the mornings you went to her house as a little girl.

You’d told him about it one morning when he found you downstairs making tortillas from scratch to go with breakfast. A labor of love from both of you, as you taught him the same way your abuelita had shown you - a way to honor her legacy.

He remembered.

“You remembered,” you whisper, voice wobbly as you’re overwhelmed with the simple, sweet gesture. Glossy eyes meeting his soft gaze.

“Of course, baby. I remember everything you tell me,” he says, leaning down and placing a soft kiss on your head.

“How did you make the tortillas?” you ask.

He chuckles, sitting down beside you.

“I told you, I remember everything you tell me,” he says while fishing out a crumpled up index card and placing it in your hands. It’s got all your abuelita’s instructions, measurements, and ingredients scribbled on it in his chicken scratch.

He’d written everything down.

“Wrote it all down after that morning. It took some trial and error, and they’re nowhere near as perfect as yours and your abuelita’s, but…”

“I- Frankie…” you sigh, tears pricking your eyes as you’re nearly rendered speechless. Cupping his face softly in one hand.

“This is the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you,” you sniff, a stray tear cascading down your cheek as you smile at him through watery eyes.

He swipes his thumb on your cheek, wiping away your tear.

“Of course, baby.”

You capture his lips in a languid, sweet kiss. Sighing into each other as you wrap a hand around his neck, carding your fingers through his hair. Frankie cupping the back of your head, deepening the kiss.

Parting for air, he rests his forehead against yours - toothy grins adorning your faces.

“Come on, princesa. Eat before it gets cold.”

The two of you share breakfast in bed before getting ready for the day.

Frankie spends the rest of the day spoiling you - taking you to a surprise nail appointment he’d booked. He’d headed home unbeknownst to you, setting up something else.

He picked you up, and the two of you landed in Barnes & Noble. Letting you go rampant, Frankie bought every book you wanted. He’d tucked them away safely in his trunk, reminding himself to take them out in the morning. You’d both decided to grab some dinner before heading out to the bars with some friends.

The bars are loud, particularly this karaoke bar. Although he despises karaoke, his love for you trumps his disdain. Seeing you sing your heart out on stage with your friends - the people who always show up for you - makes his heart swell. Your happiness is his.

Frankie nurses a glass of whiskey the entire night, allowing you to have your fun with everyone. He can sense your exhaustion, your telltale yawn is his silent cue that it’s time to call it a night.

Bidding everyone good night, you and Frankie walk hand-in-hand to his truck. Heading home after a day well spent. Giddiness radiating from both of you on the drive home, excited to finally have some privacy.

You two could barely keep your hands off each other the second you stepped out of the truck. Both of you stumble into the house, giggling through the tender kisses. Frankie tosses the truck keys onto the table in the foyer and flicks on the lamp before cupping your face again. Both of you refuse to part for air as he attempts to stealthily guide you into the living room.

Something brushes against your head, making you break away and whip your head around. A soft gasp is punched from your lungs, your eyes glimmering at the sight in front of you.

Balloons hang throughout the living room leading into the kitchen as a bouquet of flowers sits on the coffee table. Frankie grabs your hand, pulling you out of your trance, weaving through the trail of balloons as he leads you into the kitchen. Tears well in your eyes at the gesture. A small cake in your favorite color sits on the table, next to a card and another vase of flowers - tulips specifically, your favorite flowers.

He fishes for a lighter in his pocket, showing you how prepared he was for this moment. Lighting the candles, he pulls you into his embrace, your back flushed against his chest.

“Surprise, princesa,” he whispers. A watery chuckle bubbles from within your chest, sniffling while he softly sings his own rendition of ‘happy birthday’ in your ear as he sways you side to side. The glow from the candles illuminating the blinding smile on your face.

“Make a wish, birthday girl,” he whispers, placing a tender kiss to the shell of your ear.

You close your eyes, wishing for this love, this life with him for eternity. Leaning forward slightly, you blow out the candles before falling back into Frankie’s arms. He gives you a gentle squeeze before turning you around to face him.

Gently kissing you, you yelp in surprise when he swipes frosting on your nose.

“Couldn’t resist, sorry, bebita. Que le muerda,” he says with a wink. Playfully scolding him, you reach behind you to scoop frosting on your fingers and smear it on his cheek.

Frankie smirks, “Oh you think that’s funny?” You nod, snickering as you lick your fingers. He reaches for the cake, gathering more frosting on his fingers. Smearing it all along your lips and chin, you burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Normally, you hate the tradition of taking a bite of the cake - it usually leads to having your whole face smashed into it, makeup ruined. But with Frankie, it’s not done with malice, not done to embarass you. It’s playful, fun - like the life you’ve built with each other.

Before you can retaliate, Frankie swoops in and slots your lips together. The sugar from the frosting combined with the glass of whiskey he had at the bar makes for a full-bodied kiss. Giggling like a pair of school kids, you and Frankie clean each other up with some paper towels.

"You missed a spot, bebita," he says, gesturing to the bottom of your lip.

"Oh!" You swipe your lip. "Did I get it?"

He grins. "Almost. Let me help you, hermosa," he says before crashing his lips onto yours.

Shared laughter resumes as he guides you into the living room, never letting your lips part. He accidentally bumps into the coffee table as he moves onto the couch. He smiles into the kiss as you laugh at his clumsiness. He plops down, grabbing your hips and tugging you onto his lap.

His large, rough hands squeezing your plush thighs before giving your ass a firm squeeze. Eliciting a surprised hum from you, you part from him with heavy eyes and a dopey smile. Frankie mirroring your expression.

“You have a good day today, baby?” He asks softly, timidly awaiting your answer.

You fervently nod. “The best. Thank you so much, baby - for this, for everything.” You say, gesturing to his hard work.

“Of course, bebita. Least I could do,” he rasps against your skin, littering kisses along your neck. A content sigh leaves your lips, basking in the love he showers you in daily.

“Baby?”

He hums in response.

“When did you find the time to even do all this?” You ask, carding your fingers through his hair as you straddle him, his lips still connected to your throat. He lifts his head, locking eyes with you.

“Did it all this afternoon while you got your nails done. I bought all the balloons and blew ‘em up on my lunch break yesterday and just kept ‘em all at work. The flowers, I went right after I dropped you off at your appointment to get them before I went to pick up the balloons and your cake from my fridge at work. Knew I could surprise you one day,” he explains with a wink.

You feel your heart grow 10 sizes bigger, a swarm of butterflies flutter throughout your tummy.

He’d done all this for you.

Tears sting your eyes again, a soft smile on your face - one only reserved for him.

“Frankie,” you whine in protest, your gaze shifting to the side as guilt floods you.

As if he can read your mind, Frankie grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“Uh uh. I don’t want to hear it. I wanted to do this for you. It’s your special day. Now I know this day isn’t the easiest for you, but I want to make it easy. I want to make everyday easy, the same way you make loving easy. You deserve the whole world and more. And I’ll work everyday to give it to you. Let me celebrate my favorite day, my perfect girl. Because on this day those years ago, the world got brighter. And 2 years ago, my world did too.”

Overwhelmed by his devotion, you shamelessly let your tears fall. Love seeping from your eyes and onto your cheeks, Frankie draws you in gently. Kissing you with such tenderness, cradling your face as if you were the most delicate diamond in the universe, your cheeks wetting his. He pulls back, swiping those tears, mirroring each other's small smiles.

“I love you, bebita,” he says, his voice hushed and husky.

“I love you too, Frankie. Thank you for today, for all of this, baby. This was the best birthday I’ve ever had, all thanks to you. You always make me feel so loved, and I hope you know just how much I love you. Eres el amor de mi vida,” you choke out.

“Of course, baby. I’d do anything and everything for you, princesa. Loving you is the easiest thing in the world. I do know how much you love me, you show me everyday, bebita. I’ve got you, baby. Always. Eres mi amor, mi luz, mi vida, mi luna y todas mis estrellas. Eres mi todo. Te amo mucho, con todo mi corazón, bebita,” he whispers against your lips.

Melding your lips together, your combined hums ring in the air as you vehemently consume one another.

He shifts his grip to your thighs, tightening his hold on you as he rises to his feet.

“Frankie, stop! I’m too heavy, you’re gonna hurt your back!” You yelp as he carries you up the stairs, the whispers of insecurity creep into your head.

“Hush, bebita. My back is fine. I’ve never thrown it out any of those other times I carried you before, and I’m not about to start now. You’re never too heavy. ‘Sides, how many times have I tossed your sexy ass around in bed? Hm?” He asks as he turns the corner, leading you to your shared room.

He immediately rids your mind of any insecurities as he’s met with your silence. Bashfulness coursing through your veins as you tuck your head into the crook of his neck..

“Exactly. That's what I thought,” he says as he kicks the door open, tossing you onto the bed. You yelp as you bounce in the air, Frankie’s pupils dilate - blown black and wide.

Your head resting on a pillow with dress ridden up your thighs, exposing your panties to him as your breasts nearly spill over the low neckline.

He pulls your shoes off, his following suit as tosses them off to the side. Snaking his hands up your thighs, he grabs the hem of your tights.

“I’ll buy you a new pair,” he warns before yanking them down, tearing them in the process. It’s unbelievably feral, how swiftly he ripped the tights in two. You gasp as another wave of arousal pools in between your thighs.

He hovers over you, hands trailing up your tummy and cupping your breasts. He captures your lips in his, patience thrown to the wind as his tongue invades your mouth. Sucking in your bottom lip between his teeth, you moan as he bites down. The slight sting only sending more slick to seep from your weeping cunt.

You eagerly fumble with the hem of his shirt as you moan into his mouth. His chest rumbles with a small chuckle, before parting from your lips. He quickly yanks it over his head and tosses it to the floor, refocusing on your lips.

He snakes his hands down to your waist where your dress is bunched up. Slowly raking it up your body, you lift yourself up so he can pull it off you. Frankie licks his lips. He knew you’d been wearing one of his favorite lacy bras, but it’s such a sight for him every time.

Sloppy kisses are exchanged while he slickly maneuvers to unhook your bra, lifting you slightly and discarding it on the floor. He kisses down your bare breasts, sucking a nipple in his mouth while he fiddles with his belt. Frankie releases your nipple with a lewd pop and shucks off his jeans and briefs, his hard cock throbbing.

Both of you bared naked, on display for each other.

“So fucking beautiful, baby. The most beautiful woman on Earth,” he rasps, nearly to himself.

Heat radiates throughout your body, your heartbeat thrumming in your ears and a fire simmering in your belly as he slides down to position himself in front of your bare sex.

Frankie insatiably licks his lips, feasting his eyes on your glistening folds. As if he’s about to devour the finest meal. He peppers kisses along your soft thighs, making you twitch under his grasp.

Your clit throbs, aching for attention. Whining, your hips buck up into his face as he presses a tender kiss to your mound.

“I got you, bebita,” he whispers against your core. He dives in, tongue licking languid stripes up your folds. Frankie groans at the taste, something he’ll never get enough of.

Flicking your clit combined with the vibrations of his groans draws out a high-pitched moan from you, your head sinking further into the pillow. His tongue prods your entrance, slurping up your slick.

“S-so fucking good, Frankie. A-always so f-fucking good to me,” you keen as the flames in your belly fan into a fully-fledged fire. Panting and whimpering, you squirm beneath his hold as he relentlessly flicks your pearl.

He grips your thighs tighter as he suckles your clit between his lips, humming into you. Stars burst behind your eyes as you're engulfed by your orgasm.

“I’m gonna cum, Frankie! I’m gonna-,”

You're cut off by a never-ending stream of moans, babbling incoherently about how good Frankie is. Tugging on his hair as you fall over the edge.

He lets out an animalistic groan as he laps at your slick, slurping up every last drop. Savoring the tangy sweetness seeping from your aching cunt, his eyes rolling to the back of his head at the taste. He takes great pleasure in getting you off.

A thin sheen of sweat covers your body, glistening in the warm glow of the room. Frankie presses a chaste kiss to your thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze before towering over you.

Your eyes heavy and glossed over with bliss. Whimpering into him as he presses his lips to yours, tasting yourself on his tongue.

“Sweeter than any fucking cake, bebita,” he jokes, getting a giggle out of you. You bring him down to meet your lips again. Humming as you feel his hard length graze against your bare sex.

Precum weeps from his tip, lightly smearing on your mound. A soft moan slips from you as Frankie lines his cock up with your pussy. He swirls the tip around your mound, gathering your slick on his cock as he teasingly prods your entrance.

“Frankieee, please. Need you inside me,” you whine, rutting your hips seeking relief.

“Relax, hermosa. Like I said, I got you.”

He slowly slips inside, your dripping pussy welcoming him in with ease. Your walls flutter around him, adjusting to his size. Moaning in tandem as he slides home, bottoming out. He’s so big, he’s already kissing your cervix.

You clench around him, panting as the sting from the stretch of his cock morphs into pleasure. Frankie lets out a moan, huffing as he tries to keep his composure.

“Don’t do that, baby. Or else it’ll be over before it even started,” he grunts above you.

“Then how about you fuck me, Morales? ‘S my birthday, I want you - need you, baby,” you whine.

“Oh I’m gonna fuck you, baby. Gonna have you fucking stumbling all over the place after this,” he slurs, nearly drunk on just being inside your warm walls.

Without preamble, he swiftly draws his hips back before slamming into you. You unabashedly scream, not caring that your neighbors will probably hear you.

Your noises drive Frankie wild, spurring him on to bring you to your orgasm. His pace picks up, unrelenting as he cants his hips into yours - pushing himself deeper and deeper with each thrust as he hovers above you.

His chest brushes against yours as his thrusts grow sloppy.

“Feel good, bebita? Huh? Feel me here, in your stomach?” He taunts, pressing down on your stomach as he punches your g-spot. The added pressure makes the coil in your belly tighten, burning white hot as he fucks in and out of you.

“Answer me, baby,” he growls against your lips, the angle he’s at hitting that spot just right.

“Y-Yes, Frankie! Feels s-sooo fucking g-good! Gonna feel you for d-days,” you shriek, hiccupping as tears prick the corners of your eyes. Squeezing around him as your second orgasm rapidly approaches.

“That’s right, baby. Your pussy feels so fucking good, so fucking tight. I could live between these fucking thighs. Like you were made for me,” he babbles, moaning as you clench around him.

“Made for you, Frankie. Only you,” you whisper, the air being punched from your lungs with every thrust.

“Cum for me, bebita. Dámelo, wanna see your gorgeous face when you soak my cock. Come on, baby,” he grunts, holding out on his orgasm - set on making you cum first.

His words toss you over the edge. The coil snapping in your belly as you writhe beneath him, riding out your orgasm, gushing all over his cock.

“Fuck yes, bebita. Good girl, good fucking girl,” Frankie grits as he continues to fuck you through your high. His own orgasm not far behind.

“Cum, Frankie, f-fill me up, baby, please!” You beg breathlessly as you come down from your high.

He moans, chasing his high as he ruts into you. Moaning in tandem as he fills you with his load. Both of you sticky and clammy, covered in sweat and cum. He topples over you, caging you in between his broad biceps.

Small lingering kisses trail along your neck as you bask in each other's proximity and warmth. The post-coital bliss sinking in. You wrap your arms around his taut back, running your fingers through his disheveled curls.

“Love you so much, Frankie," you whisper into his ear.

“Love you so much more, princesa."

Translations:

Que le muerda - bite it

Eres el amor de mi vida - you are the love of my life

Eres mi amor, mi luz, mi vida, mi luna y todas mis estrellas. - you are my love, my light, my light, my moon and all my stars. You are my everything

Eres mi todo - you are my everything

Te amo mucho, con todo mi corazón, bebita - I love you so much, with all my heart, baby girl.

Dámelo - give it to me

hehehehe can you tell Frankie is rotting my brain?

this was definitely my most vulnerable piece yet, as it contains aspects authentic to me so i was very nervy to post. like i said, i hope you found some relatability, and enjoyed!

anyway, happy frankie friday!! thank you so much for reading!! 🩷

tag list: @nostalxgic @sweetercalypso @undrthelights @gracieheartspedro @sapphic-gardn @bastardmandennis @party-hearses @tinygarbage @mandoisapunk @pedrostories @harriedandharassed

[pimosworld]

Santa’s a home wrecker

Pairing-Triple Frontier boys x f!reader

Summary- A little kiss leads to a Christmas morning misunderstanding.

CW-18+, Fluff, so much fluff, Kissing Santa, Pregnancy hormones, tf boys being great parents, polyamorous relationship, navigating a mixed family.

WK-1.6K

A/N- Set in the story of us universe but obviously in the future. We jumped way ahead here folks but I hope you love this fluffy snippet into their future lives.

Not beta read

[Series Masterlist][Main Masterlist]

It’s a little easier now since they let you sleep on the end, but it’s still a chore to roll out of bed with your heavily pregnant belly in tow. You sit on the edge for a moment trying to soothe yourself as the kicks come in quick succession. 

  You try as quietly as you can to make your way out of the bedroom, stealing a glance at Ben’s large form sprawled across Frankie in the most uncomfortable way. 

  You're wrapped up in your fluffy red robe, an early Christmas gift from the boys that you’ve been living in for the last month or so while you grow out of everything else you own. 

  The house is quiet and warm as you shuffle down the hallway and smells like cinnamon apples from the pies you made for Christmas Day. 

  A peek into the spare bedroom shows you a glimpse into most of your nights when it's Santiago’s turn to put the kids down for bed. 

  He’s snoring in the chair that sits between Camila and little Santiago’s beds. Both children slumbering away as they dream about the most exciting day of the year. 

  Some rustling is coming from the living room and you round the corner to a site that will never cease to make you smile. The boys take turns being Santa every year and they never do anything halfway. Your arms are crossed as you lean against the wall staring at the rich, dark red velvet material bent over in front of the tree. Deliberately placing gifts from the giant red bag in various spots. 

  You let out a low whistle as you make your way towards the bearded man. “Santa has a nice ass.” 

  He chuckles and stands gesturing with his arms for you to come to him. It’s a bit of a struggle now to be held but he still makes you feel all warm and fuzzy as you sway in the living room in front of the lowlights of the tree. You humm as he rubs your belly, somehow the kicking stops as if the baby taking up home inside knows whose hands are caressing you. 

  “How’s mama doing?” He asks as he kisses your neck, the fluff from his beard tickling you slightly. 

  “I’m tired…someone keeps kicking me.” You sigh into his touch as he drops to his knees, his fingers kneading that spot in your back that he knows pains you throughout the day. 

  “Hey little guy.” He speaks so softly in some adorable voice he’s made up. 

  “He’s a big guy, Will…a very big guy.” You know well enough having been told ad nauseum Miller babies are big.

  “Hey big guy…I need you to give your momma a rest so she can enjoy tomorrow okay?” He holds his ear to your belly and nods. When he looks up at you all you can make out is those piercing blue eyes nestled between the red hat and white beard. “He said okay.” 

  A small tear escapes as he kisses your belly and stands again. You can’t even blame it on the hormones. 

  “Go lay down, I’ll bring you some tea when I finish here.” One last kiss to your lips and he’s shooing you away so he can complete his Santa duties and enjoy his peanut butter cookies special request. 

  ****

  Frankie stacks the pancakes high on the plate next to the stove, as he moves on to the eggs and bacon. 

  Ben hasn’t said a word just eyeing the food as you enjoy your morning tea, surprised the kids haven’t graced you with their presence yet. 

  Santi’s creaking bones enter the kitchen before he’s seen as he cracks his back in the hallway. Frankie laughs from the stove as he flips the bacon perfectly somehow never burning it. 

  “Laugh it up hermano.” He leans down and kisses your forehead before heading over to the fresh coffee pot. 

  “I’m not the one that keeps falling asleep in the chair.” 

  You hear the sound of hurried footsteps down the hallway as Camila quickly emerges into the kitchen beaming from ear to ear. She barrels into Frankie hugging him from behind as he reaches around and ruffles her long black curls. “Buenos Días papá.” 

  “Buenos Días mi amor.” 

  Frankie kisses her forehead and she makes her way over to you and Santi to say her good mornings and receive hugs and kisses. 

  She climbs into Ben’s lap forgoing an open seat as she waits for breakfast to finish. The way the two of them could eat you were worried about welcoming another Miller into the household for lack of food resources. 

  “Good Morning daddy.” She wraps her little arms around him and it’s a feeling he’ll never get used to. 

  “Good morning honey.” She stole your nickname early on when she could look so sweet at them and instantly get her way. 

  There was a rule from the beginning that there would be no distinction unless medically necessary between the fathers. They were all fathers and that’s all that mattered. 

  “Sweetie, where's Santiago?” She looks slightly uncomfortable as she leans in and whispers something in Ben’s ear. 

  “He’s not coming?” Ben looks over to you as Santi looks to Frankie now done cooking breakfast. 

  She leans in again whispering something as Ben’s eyes widen. He has to bite his cheek to keep from laughing at the situation that he knows will need to be handled swiftly. 

  “He doesn’t want to open presents from a home wrecker.” 

  You’re grateful you hadn’t taken a sip of your tea or it would’ve been all over your new robe. 

  Frankie flicks off the stove and heads over to the table. “How do you even know that word, young lady?”  

  Ben leans in whispering something in her ear and she relaxes slightly. 

  “Well…ugh.” She’s in the hot seat by way of Santi much like her father often does to other people. You lay your hand on hers and wince slightly cursing this baby for picking the most opportune moments to make himself known. 

  “Camila it’s okay, you can tell me…you’re not in trouble.” 

  “Tia Marí said Tio John kissed a homewrecker and that’s why they’re not together anymore.” It comes out all rushed and flustered and you're trying not to giggle at her panicked confession. 

  Frankie points at Santi while he still looks on confused. “Your sister is off babysitting duty for a while.”

  Santi scrubs his hand down his face. “I'm still not following.” 

  Ben places his hands over her ears so she can’t hear. “Will was Santa last night.” He grits out as she giggles.

Santiago must have woken up and seen you kissing “Santa”.

  “Daddy I can’t hear anything.” He starts tickling her as she squeals in delight. 

  “Good because if you did, you wouldn’t get any presents.” They continue their giggles as you let out a long sigh. 

  “We’re gonna eat breakfast while you two go handle that.” Frankie starts serving up plates as Ben and Camila clap in excitement. 

  ****

  Santiago is face down in the blankets when you enter his room. He was a deep sleeper so it was pretty obvious when he was pretending. His little breaths are coming in shallow like he just ran here and plopped himself down. 

  You have a seat on the edge as Santi sits in the chair beside him. 

  Santi rubs his back hoping to calm him a little before he speaks. “Hey bud, you want to tell me what’s wrong?” 

  Inaudible mumbles come from the pillow and you bite down on your tongue at the mirror image. Payback for all the time Santi made someone chase him for a simple misunderstanding coming back ten fold. 

  “I didn’t hear you mijo, que pasó.” He slowly rolls him over as Santiago rubs his red eyes. 

  “I…don’t want…I don’t want.” He’s sniffling and Santi tries to calm him so he can catch his breath. 

  “Deep breaths bud.” 

  He shakily inhales and wipes his little hands on the blanket. “I don’t want Santa to break up our home.” 

  You could kill Maria for almost ruining Christmas morning, but you know one day you’ll get to tell this hilarious story to your children when they’re all grown up. You let Santiago take the reins even though you did kiss Santa. This was not your mess to clean up. 

  “Santiago, no one is breaking up our home. I love your mama very much.” Santiago crawls over to you as you wrap him up in your arms, kissing his unruly brown locks. 

  “You promise?” Your heart breaks a little as those little puppy dog eyes look up at you. 

  “Yes we promise.” He exhales as he relaxes in your arms and you look up at Santi incredulously. 

  “Santa is my friend…he’s allowed to kiss your mama.” Santiago looks up at his dad with pure shock written all over his face. 

  “WHAT!” He balks at him as you burst into a fit of laughter. 

  “HO, HO,HO…” The boisterous sound echoes down the hallway from the living room. 

  Santiago scrambles off your lap as you fall back with an oomph. Your belly won’t allow anymore movements like that so you succumb to the comfort of his tiny car bed, as his father chases after him. 

  ****

  Camila is standing in front of the tree as Santa hands her the first gift. 

  “Well hello little boy, would you like a gift from Santa?” 

  He runs up to him with his hands on his hips as he pokes him in the surprisingly hard belly. “Next time just drop off the gifts and go.” 

  Will looks up confused by his son's words as Frankie and Benny are losing it in the kitchen. 

  Santi stands there in the same stance. 

  “Don’t worry I’ll explain later.” 

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[violentdelightsandviolentends]

Tranquility.

You're not good at keeping secrets from the boys. Turns out, Will isn't either.

Pairing - Will Miller x female reader. Benny Miller, Santiago Garcia, Frankie Morales x female reader.

Age Rating - 18+

Warnings - Brief allusion to sexual content. No cursing in this one!!

Word Count - 4.3k

Author's Note - hi lovelies. here's another triple frontier fic for you all!! i love writing these boys so much. we all know by now that i am a total will girly, so it's no surprise he takes the lead in this one. but all the boys are included - i can't leave them out <3. as always, if you have any specific requests or thoughts, send them over!! lots of love x

my other triple frontier fics - Tethered, Time, and Home Is Where The Heart Is.

Masterlist. Requests.

“Baby, we gotta go!”

“Coming!” you yell, running down the stairs with a duffel bag in your hand. “Almost forgot my toothbrush.”

“You’d forget your head if it wasn’t on your neck,” Will winks, nudging you with his shoulder.

“Shut up, Miller,” you tease, no real malice in your voice. You lean up to peck his lips gently, before he takes a step back.

“We can’t be late again. I can’t make up another excuse – last time was bad enough.”

“That was literally your fault! You were the one that couldn’t keep your hands off me, like some sort of teenage boy,” you laugh.

“It was the green dress’ fault, not mine. I don’t regret it,” he chuckles.

Will winks at you again before picking up your bags and walking outside to pack up the car.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

Four days by the lake with your boys sounded like complete and utter bliss. When Frankie had suggested it, initially, everyone had laughed it off. Realistically, it wouldn’t work. You all struggle to plan a day off at the same time, never mind multiple. It sounded like a sweet little idea. Nothing more.

Then, life got stressful. Work was tough on everyone, families causing issues, deadlines looming – the mundane routine of every day wearing the five of you down. Eventually, it was Santiago that snapped.

“We’re going to that damn lake house,” he exclaimed one evening in Benny’s backyard. “I don’t care what we have to do. I don’t care if we all have to call in sick. We are going to the lake house.”

He looked around at his friends, expecting them to instantly shut him down. Instead, he was met with unanimous nods of agreement.

That was months ago. It was a logistical nightmare, working out your schedules to intertwine with each other, but you did it. You were ridiculously ready for four days of swimming, drinking, sunbathing and laughing with your favourite people in the entire world. It sounded like the well deserved break everyone needed.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

Will’s warm palm meets the bare skin of your thigh as he drives. The roads are long and monotonous, but you don’t care. Everything is an adventure with him.

“You still sure about not telling ‘em?” he asks, blue eyes flitting over to you briefly. He’s got a gentle smile on his face. He always does when he’s with you. It’s like his default setting.

“Yeah, I think I am. Are you?”

“Yeah. Think we should live in paradise a little longer.”

“Paradise, huh?” you tease, squeezing his hand.

“You know it is. I’m on cloud nine every moment I’m with you, baby.”

His words make your head spin, and you’re glad you’re sitting down already. You wonder everyday how you got so lucky. It’s rare, to know with full certainty that you are someone’s favourite person in the world. The centre of their universe. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. Mostly, it’s astounding. It warms up your bones, settles itself carefully into your ribcage, pumping your heart to the beat of Will’s love. What a gift.

Which is why you’ve decided to keep the two of you a secret from the boys. You know that it won’t change anything between the group, not really – but you’re a little worried nonetheless. It’s scary, altering a dynamic that works so well. The five of you, stuck like glue, know each other like the lyrics to your favourite songs. You know each others strengths, weaknesses, favourite ice cream flavours, middle names, star signs, families – everything. It’s the kind of friendship that binds you together for life. Changing that in any way would break your heart. Will’s too. You know, deep down, that they’ll be perfectly accepting. But the fear still lingers, ugly and unwavering.

Also - you and Will didn’t take the most conventional route into a relationship.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

The two of you met in Delta Force. Co-workers, first. Comrades in arms. He had your back, you had his. You saved each other’s lives countless times. You’d stitch up each other’s wounds, carry each other back to base, share your water even though you only had a drop left. You were a team.

Then, you became friends. It’s hard not to, when you’re thrown into a life-or-death situation. You spent 24 hours a day together, wherever you were sent – sometimes Asia, sometimes South America, sometimes Africa. You got to know each other, learnt one another’s quirks and habits and likes and dislikes. The five of you bonded quickly and effortlessly. It made you a slick team, your missions running like clockwork. You could all predict each other’s movements, finish each other’s sentences. It’s what made you so successful, so revered.

After Delta Force, you became friends outside of work. Forced proximity friendship is one thing, but actually making the time to see each other back on home soil is another. You were worried that you were going to drift, and all of the trust built would perish. That wasn’t the case. The five of you quickly adjusted to being home together. You’d all spend Saturdays in Frankie’s backyard, Friday nights on Santiago’s porch, Sundays in Will’s kitchen. You’d pop by and see Benny on a Wednesday night after work, ready to watch another episode of that reality show you both couldn’t get enough of. You’d see Will any chance you got. Sunday morning farmers market trips and early swims and pancakes for breakfast and why don’t you just stay over? It’ll save you driving home.

You’d been best friends with Will for years before you realised how you felt about him.

It’d hit you, all of a sudden, one Sunday morning. You drove over to Will’s to pick him up, ready to go to the flea market downtown. You were going to grab lunch after, maybe cook some dinner together later. Just an average day.

You let yourself in to his house using the key he’d had made for you years ago. You had keys to all the boy’s places – just in case. You found Will at the stove, shirtless, golden skin on display. Whatever he was cooking smelled heavenly, and you wondered for a minute how it was fair that he was talented at everything.

“Morning, Miller,” you sing, throwing your bag down and striding over to him.

“Morning, sweetheart,” he replies, turning around to face you. He opens his arms and you step into his space, wrapping yourself around him and resting your head on his bare chest. You inhale, breathing in his scent deliberately. He smells like warmth and sleep and sunshine and promises.

You take a step back, craning your neck to look at him. The morning sunlight is gleaming through the windows, casting a gold hue across the room. Will’s hair is glowing, illuminating him like some sort of halo. Angelic boy.

Those ocean blue eyes survey you carefully. He rests his hands on your hips, pulling you in closer.

“What’s on your mind? I can see it runnin’ a mile a minute,” he murmurs. You try to look down, but he catches your chin with his thumb and forefinger, gently guiding you back up.

How do you explain that you’ve just realised that you’re completely, utterly, irreversibly in love with Will Miller? That it’s just dawned on you like a sunrise, warm and promising? How do you tell someone that you’re quite convinced you’ll drop dead if you don’t kiss them immediately? Is it even possible to explain these feelings? Is it possible to put all of these emotions into words? Are there enough words in any language to explain the enormity of what you’re experiencing?

Instead, you simply say,

“I’m in love with you.”

Will’s pupils blow wide, and he sways slightly, as if the weight of your confession has knocked him off balance. You steady him by cradling his face, forcing him to look at you.

“You don’t have to say it back,” you continue. “But I’ve kind of just put the pieces together, and it seems stupid not to tell you. You of all people know that life is short and fragile and can change in the blink of an eye, so I just thought –”

Will cuts you off by smashing his lips against yours. The kiss is passionate and tender and so full of love you’re convinced you could get drunk off it. He pulls back for air and looks at you earnestly.

“Don’t have to say it back? Sweetheart, do you know how often I’ve dreamt of you saying those words to me?”

You can’t help but break out into a grin. You feel like you’re floating, levitating above ground, held up purely by the love William Miller has for you.

“You have?” you ask, disbelief written on your features. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I was waiting for you,” he beams. “I knew you’d figure it out eventually.”

You smile at him ear to ear before jumping into his arms. You kiss him again, legs wrapping around his waist to anchor yourself, closing the distance. He spins around the kitchen with you in his arms, the joy of being in love filling the room.

Suddenly, Will puts you down.

“Stay here,” he tells you, before sprinting upstairs.

Usually, you can predict Will’s every move. But not now. Now, you’re more confused than you’ve ever been.

He returns, placing a kiss to your forehead, before getting down on one knee in front of you.

“Marry me,” he says, complete certainty in his voice. You’ve never heard him this assured.

“Will… what?” you ask incredulously. You confessed your love for each other ten minutes ago, and you’ve skipped straight to marriage, apparently.

“Listen. I know it’s crazy. I know it seems fast. But we’ve loved each other for years, sweetheart. I realised when I met you that I was never, ever going to love anyone else again.”

He pulls out a box from the pocket of his pyjama pants and opens it to reveal a gorgeous diamond ring. It’s understated and it’s elegant and it’s just so you.

“I bought this two years ago. Maybe you think I’m insane, and maybe you’re going to run out of that door the minute I stop talking. But I’ve never been surer of anything in my entire life.”

You’ve been trying to catch your breath unsuccessfully for the past few minutes. It feels like everything is moving in slow motion, and your brain is trying to keep up.

“Will, we aren’t even technically dating,” you tease playfully. You already know your answer. You just like hearing him bear his truth to you like this.

“We’ve been dating for years, technically,” he rallies. ��Everyone always thinks we’re a couple. We’re together every weekend, we go on dates, you sleep over… we went grocery shopping last week!”

You grin, remembering how you’d jokingly argued over whether to get the red or the green grapes, and how you’d ended up getting both. It was all so domestic it made your heart ache.

The two of you sit in the silence for a minute, Will still on one knee. He’s looking up at you like you hung the stars in the sky just for him. There’s no doubt in your mind what you’ll say.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, Will. God, yes. The easiest yes of my entire life.”

He jumps up to grab you, spinning you in circles. You kiss him with so much force he stumbles backwards. Will takes your left hand, and carefully slides the ring onto your finger. It looks like it’s always belonged there.

You always knew it’d be Will Miller. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

That was months ago. The other boys know that you and Will spend a lot of time together one on one, so no one has suspected anything out of the ordinary. You have no doubt they’ll be happy for you both, but you’re content to keep everything a secret a little while longer. It’s easier, that way. It means you and Will get to keep living in your bubble of bliss, unphased by the outside world. You’ll tell them soon enough. You’re just trying to savour every last second.

“We’ll tell them soon,” you reassure Will, interlocking your fingers with his where they rest on your leg. “We’ll make it a whole thing, if you like. It feels like something that warrants a celebration.”

“Oh, definitely,” he grins, turning his eyes back to the road. “We’re almost there. So, you’re gonna have to act like you’re not totally head over heels in love with me for four days. You think you can manage?”

You scoff playfully, and squeeze his hand.

“I’m sure I’ll be okay,” you tease. He chuckles, and the melody of it is music to your ears.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

You arrive at the lake house only ten minutes late, which you and Will agree is not entirely unacceptable.

“Finally, they’re here!” Benny yells as he bounds over to the car. He envelopes you in a bear hug, picking you up off the ground accidentally.

“Frankie is inside,” Santiago reassures when he catches you looking over his shoulder. You turn to give him a hug, and he kisses you on the cheek. Old habit.

“Santi, did you pack bug spray? You know the mosquitoes love you,” you wink, running your hands through his hair affectionately. He has greys coming through, and they suit him beautifully.

“Yes, hermosa, I got your text reminding me,” he smiles. “Thank you.”

You and Will grab your bags and make your way inside, where Frankie is making margaritas.

“Hola, mi amor,” he greets, wrapping his arms around you. “How was the journey?”

“All good, Francisco,” you reply. “I have a very reliable chauffeur.”

Will laughs from behind you, and it makes your knees weak.

“Bad news, you guys!” Benny interrupts, jumping to sit on the counter. “You two have to share a room, since you were the last ones here. Finders, keepers, and all that.”

That really isn’t the inconvenience that the boys think it is, but you and Will play along nonetheless.

“Damn it. He snores, you know!” you laugh, looking over to where Will is pretending to be offended, hand over his heart.

“That’s what you get for being late, losers!” Benny retorts, throwing his head back in amusement. Everyone laughs along with him, and all the tension melts from your body.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

It’s day one, and you’re already struggling. You’re all relaxing on the dock, soaking up the sun’s rays. Will is wearing his forest green swim trunks with a ridiculously small inseam, his strong thighs on display. You so badly want to kiss them, lick them, bite down on them in the way you know he likes. Instead, you sip your margarita and settle for ogling him over the rim of your sunglasses.

He dives into the lake elegantly, and a bead of sweat drips down your neck. He breaks the surface, coming up for air, and pushes his hair back, water cascading down his golden skin. He’s glowing, beaming, gleaming in the sunlight like an ancient marble statue. You’re practically panting. Santiago notices.

“You okay, hermosa?” he asks, giving you a once over.

“Yeah, Santi, I’m good. Just super warm,” you lie. He seems to buy it, because he moves to grab his book, fanning you with it. Admittedly, the light breeze does cool you off, and distracts you from Will. Double win.

“Thank you, kind sir,” you joke, as he pretends to tip his hat towards you.

“You should join us!” Benny shouts from the lake. When did he even jump in?

“Yeah, come on, darlin’” Will chimes in, watching you with a slight smirk on his face. He’s not going to pass up the chance to see you sun soaked and dripping wet.

“Fine!” you huff jokingly, pulling your oversized t shirt (which you’re realising belongs to Frankie – when did you steal that?) over your head. You’re left in a bikini that leaves little to the imagination, the bright colour accentuating your skin beautifully. You look good. You feel good.

Will looks you up and down and takes a deep breath. You’re just friends, remember? He’s trying to convince himself, attempting to make the act somewhat believable. You break him out of his thoughts by running along the dock as fast as you can, and diving into the lake with a surprising amount of grace.

The five of you spend all afternoon in the water. Benny thinks it’s hilarious to pick you up, placing you on his shoulders before jumping backwards, sending you both flying through the air. You all play catch, laughing when Frankie misses the ball and accidentally punches Santi right in the stomach. You and Will easily fall back into your old habits of being friends, but you can’t help but notice the way his eyes linger just a second too long every now and again. You’re sure nobody else clocks on, all of the boys too busy splashing each other like children.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

When the evening comes, you all shower and dry off while Will and Frankie make dinner. You, Benny and Santi curl up on the couch, trying to warm each other up after hours of being in the water. You eat, you laugh, and you all swap stories about the things that you’ve missed since you last saw each other properly. It’s bliss. Perfect tranquility.

The sun sets, and you all move outside to the deck. Santi starts a campfire, and the five of you grab beers, settling into the warmth of the crackling wood. Everyone is relaxed, not a care in the world. You wish, for a moment, that life could always be like this. As if reading your thoughts, Will reaches out and brushes your cheekbone with his thumb in a fleeting moment, before retracting his hand as if nothing happened.

“I’m gonna make us some warm ciders,” Frankie decides, rising from his chair.

“I’ll come and help you. You always put way too much alcohol in - these idiots can’t handle it,” you signal towards where Benny, Will and Santiago are sat. They all scoff at you, laughing because they know it’s true.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

You sit atop the counter next to where Frankie begins gathering his ingredients. When a strand of hair falls into his eyes, you move it away gently.

“Will you let me cut your hair tomorrow? It’s getting in your way,” you ask him softly.

“Of course, mi amor. Wouldn’t trust anyone else.”

He smiles at you, and your heart swells. You love this man so much - some days you wonder how you got so lucky. All five of you are bonded for life, best friends until the end. But there’s no denying that you and Frankie have always understood each other on another level.

He stops making the drinks, moving to stand between your legs. He looks at you intently, as if he’s trying to solve something.

“I like seeing you happy like this,” he murmurs.

“How can I not be?” you whisper back. “I’m with my favourite people. I have everything I could ever want.”

“Yeah, but this is different.”

You scrunch your brows in confusion, and he chuckles. He begins to draw slow circles just above your bare knee. You can tell he’s thinking carefully.

“It’s Will, isn’t it?” he asks, gentle smile on his face.

In this moment, you could lie. You could feign innocence, deny it with your life, maintain that you and Will are just friends. But what’s the use? Why hide the best thing that’s ever happened to you from one of the people you love the most in the world?

“Yeah,” you grin. “It’s Will.”

He’s practically beaming at you now, equal parts proud of himself and you.

“Knew it,” he murmurs, careful to keep his voice down. “Did something happen?”

You realise now that there’s absolutely no point in lying to Frankie. You’ve come this far. Might as well tell him the truth.

“We’re engaged,” you whisper, grinning from ear to ear.

He pauses for a moment, processing the news. You can see the shock registering on his face. Then, he lunges forward, wrapping his arms around you.

“Oh my god, hermosa! You’re kidding!”

He’s squeezing you so tight you can barely breathe. You hear a shout from the boys outside and remember where you are.

“We haven’t told anyone yet. We’re just living in our little bubble of happiness for a while.”

“Hey, I get it,” he reassures. “I’m so happy for you. Both of you. I knew it’d happen eventually. It was just a question of when.”

You hug him again, so overwhelmed with love. What a miracle, to be loved like this by so many brilliant people.

“We’ll tell everyone soon, I promise. We were thinking of making it a party, a whole celebration.”

“Of course. Just tell me when, and I’ll be there.”

He pinches your knee playfully, before making his way back to his drinks, smile still plastered across his face.

“Hey, Francisco?” you murmur, still aware of the volume of your voice.

“Yeah?” he turns, giving you his full attention.

“So, I know it’s not traditional, but, I mean, when have me and Will ever done traditional?” you both laugh, and you continue. “I was just thinking – and you don’t have to say yes… I’d love it if you did, but really, you don’t have to – “

“Spit it out, mi amor,” he teases gently.

“Will you be my best man?”

He stops in his tracks, suddenly serious, and you’re worried you’ve made a mistake. Then, he breaks out into a grin, practically running over to bear hug you again.

“Of course I will,” he confirms into your ear. “I’d love nothing more.”

“I love you,” you tell him earnestly.

“I love you too, hermosa. So much.”

Frankie kisses you on the forehead once, then again, and begins to pick up the drinks he’s made.

“They’re gonna get suspicious if we’re gone too long. You know how they get,” he winks, leaving you alone in the kitchen.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

You sit in your happiness for a little while, just basking in the glow. You’ve never felt so at peace.

Will wanders into the kitchen, immediately coming over to stand in front of you. His warm palms find your hips, and he leans in to kiss you softly.

“Hi, sugar,” he murmurs against your mouth.

“Hi, handsome,” you mutter back.

“You okay? You disappeared,” he asks, fingers moving in warm circles on the bare skin of your waist.

“I’m good. So good,” you smile, kissing him again.

It’s then you realise what you’ve done. You broke the rule – don’t tell the boys.

“Will?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“I have something I need to confess.”

He pulls away so he can see your face, and smiles at you gently, before putting the pieces together in his head.

“You told Frankie, didn’t you?” he asks, still smiling.

There’s a pause before you bare your truth.

“Yes. I’m sorry! He kind of figured it out himself, and he asked, and I didn’t have the heart to lie to him. He’s my best friend, he can see right through me at any given moment. I know I was the one who said we shouldn’t tell them and I know this makes me a hypocrite and I’m sorry – “

Will cuts you off - just like that day in his kitchen - by smashing his lips to yours.

“It’s okay. Sweetheart, it’s okay,” he reassures when you pull away.

“Really?”

“Yes. I promise.”

He rests his forehead against yours, and allows you to breathe him in. Then, he chuckles softly.

“What?” you ask.

“We’re idiots,” he replies.

“I mean, yes. But why?”

He chuckles again, clearly amused, before answering,

“I totally just told Benny and Santi while you were in here telling Frankie.”

You process the information, before bursting into a fit of giggles. He joins you, the both of you laughing like fools.

“You’re kidding!”

“I wish I was. Benny made a comment, said he’s kinda noticed that something has changed, and I just sort of confessed.”

You’re both laughing so hard your sides hurt. What are the chances? It all feels like fate. The two of you, together. The timing of the evening. It couldn’t have worked out any more perfect.

“We’re idiots,” you agree, throwing your arms around his neck. Will pulls you off the counter and spins you around, making you shriek. It’s the most beautiful déjà vu.

✵  ✵    ·　 ✵ 　　 *  · ✵

The two of you make your way back out to the deck. As you walk over to the boys at the campfire, you’re suddenly caught off guard by two of them rugby tackling you, the three of you barrelling into the ground with a thud. Benny and Santiago are crushing you beneath them, shouting as they do it.

“Congratulations!”

“Hell yeah, sweetheart!”

“How did you even keep this a secret for so long?”

“Yeah, when were you planning to tell us, huh?”

“Can’t believe you’re marrying my brother. Oh my god, we’re gonna be family!”

“The five of us are already family, Ben.”

“Yeah, but, like, legally. Brother and sister!”

Benny’s hair is in your mouth and Santiago’s knee is in your ribcage and your earring is caught in someone’s shirt and the grass is scratching your back and you can’t breathe. Will and Frankie are watching from a distance, chuckling. You wouldn’t change it for the world.

Tranquility.

[joelswritingmistress]

Oh Captain, My Captain: Chapter 10

Joel Miller x f!reader

Summary: Your brother covers for you after spending the night at Joel's place while on vacation. You suspect everyone is on to your lies, though you put it in the back of your mind when you go to meet Joel that evening.

You felt like a new woman when you walked back into your temporary vacation home. A smile lingered on your face as you peppered the stairs that led up into the living room area where your brother sat trying to instruct your sister on how to do something on the Playstation.

"Well, well.." Your younger sister turned briefly in your direction before re-engaging in the game, "Where have you been?"

"None of your business," you said lightheartedly as you slung your purse down over the back of one of the chairs at the small high top table against the wall. As you scampered into the kitchen to retrieve an apple from the fridge your sister continued with her teasing.

"Someone's got some extra pep in her step."

"Maybe I do, so what." You took a bite of the fruit and sat cross legged on the couch opposite the two of them.

"Mom was asking questions," your brother informed you.

"Like what?"

"I held her off a little, but-" He stopped mid-sentence when the door opened and then shut at the bottom of the stairs. You exchanged a glance and a few seconds later your mom and aunt wandered up the stairs, chatting with smiles.

"Hey, Mom." You smiled, "Aunt Jo."

"Well, hello, Ms. Thing," Aunt Jo said with her hands on her hips, "Feeling okay?"

Before you could answer your brother intervened, "She hasn't thrown up since like 11 last night."

Thrown up? Oh! The cover up. Got it.

You put a hand on your forehead, going along as best you could with whatever lie your brother had told your parents. "Yeah. I.. woo.." Why am I such a terrible liar?

"Threw up?" Your mom asked, her eyes widening. "Honey, if I'd have known you were throwing up I would have come over. I just thought you were a little under the weather." Her eyes met your brother's with just mild accusation.

"Oh, I didn't tell him I actually threw up until today," you butted in, trying to cover for him now. "I think it would have grossed him out."

"Yeah I would've jumped ship and stayed at your place," he added, motioning to your mother.

Aunt Jo looked back and forth between the two of you, pointing a finger in each of your directions. "Why do I get the feeling that you two are hiding something?"

You took another bite of the apple and shook your head. "No," was the lone word that left your mouth with the oversized bite in it that you began to chew.

"I'm the intuitive one," Aunt Jo added, "I used to lie for the two of us all the time." She nodded toward your brother with a grin, "I was like you. I was the better liar."

You and your brother looked at one another again and exchanged a laugh.

"And it was usually over boys." Aunt Joe nudged your mother and it made your laugh a little louder.

"Mom, sneaking out to see guys before Dad tied you down?" You asked.

"When are you gonna teach me, Aunt Jo?" Your sister asked.

"Never," your mother added, smiling, "That's ancient history."

"So, who's the guy?" Aunt Jo asked, causing you to falter for just a second. Your mother hung open and you took a bite of your apple. When you didn't answer, she snickered. "I knew it."

"I just grabbed some dinner with an old friend," you lied. "Nothing romantic."

"Who?" Your mother asked.

"Um.. Rafe," you lied, name-dropping one of the people you used to see on vacation every year in the Vineyard. Your parents and his parents had become friendly over the years.

"Oh." Your mother raised her eyebrows. "Oh, okay."

"We have zero chemistry so don't even starting thinking anything happened." You weren't about to disclose your relationship with Joel in this setting in front of everyone. You would talk to your mother privately.. and soon. But not right then.

"Rafe?" Your brother asked, squinting his eyes and scrunching his nose in disbelief.

"Yeah." You bit your apple again and stood up, walking back into the kitchen. "Like I said, it was just to catch up."

The group finally seemed to leave you alone, at least for the time being; though you knew individually they would all have their questions. Your siblings both knew you had spent the night at someone's place. You figured you would start there and tell them the truth so they wouldn't think you had the hots for your old friend - who they were fairly certain you weren't particularly fond of to begin with.

You removed the phone from your pocket and looked down at the screen, smiling when you saw a text message from Joel.

We on for tonight? He asked.

A smile formed on your face and you began typing away.

"You were never a huge fan of Rafe," Aunt Jo interrupted, smirking to herself when she knew she had caught you off-guard in the middle of the message.

"Oh, yeah.. I know. I was just being nice," you lied.

She eyed the phone in your hands and then looked you back in the eye, still grinning. "Okay."

You smiled back and then sent Joel another message before hurrying to your room to get showered and pack a bag. You knew you had to talk to your mom. She had always been in your corner, even if she didn't realize how serious you were about your art. There was never a time she didn't have your best interests in mind; and that was the part that scared you a bit. Would she try to push you away from Joel because you lived so far away? Because of his age? Or because of his income?

A sigh escaped your lips and decided you'd get to it whenever you could get to it.

***

A knock at your door made you jump and you hurried to open it. Both of your siblings stood there looking for answers without asking a single question.

"Okay, fine," you said quietly, noting your mother and aunt had left, "It's not Rafe." You indulged in the cliff notes version of your budding relationship with the boat captain.

Your siblings hadn't given you a hard time, though your brother did express his concern.

"From a guy's perspective," he began, but you quickly silenced him and explained that Joel was forty. He wasn't just toying you around or looking for a summer fling. While he didn't wholly buy it, he put up his hands and let you win.

"Forty?" Your fifteen year old sister shouted. The age difference must have seemed astronomical to her. "That's like.."

"He's thirty-nine," you corrected her, "And that makes him fifteen years old than me."

"The exact amount of time I've been alive!" That one made your brother laugh, but he ultimately was the voice of reason and, currently, your rock of support.

"Look," he said, "You've always been a free spirit." His lips twisted into a smirk when he said, "But, and don't run with this too far, I think it's cool."

"You do?" You asked.

He shrugged. "Yeah. You don't just follow the crowd and.. I think it makes mom and dad respect you."

"What?" His words were more than you had expected, "Really?"

"I said not to run with it."

"So, gut feeling," you couldn't believe you were asking your slightly-younger brother this, "What do you think?"

"I don't know the guy," he said, "But if you think it's right then go for it."

A smile formed on your face. One person's approval was all you needed for a little confidence boost. You hugged your brother, "You're an old soul, yourself, sometimes you know that?"

He scrunched his nose at your sign of affection. "Ehh.. I guess. Next time I need something.."

"I got you." You pointed at him and smiled before checking the time and heading out into the evening to go meet Joel.

Walking out that front door made you feel free. Not that it was stuffy or anything. It just meant that you were on your way to see, what felt like, the man of your dreams. 

You got to the docks early, catching Joel in between shifts as he wandered from the boat back to what looked like an oversized shed for boats that had two giant bays, enclosed a dock up the middle and looked outward into the ocean.A little giggle formed in your throat as you stalked him unsuspectingly. 

Joel took off his hat, wiped his forehead with the back of his arm and replaced it on his head as he entered the pavilion-like structure.

You snuck up behind him and wrapped your arms around his midsection, making him jump and curse at first until he saw it was you.

"Hi," you said with a little laugh, making him chuckle. Joel's eyes smiled right along with him.

"Hi." He pulled you into his arms and the two of you shared a long, closed-mouth kiss.

"I know I'm about fifteen minutes early-" You smiled into his lips when he kissed you harder, sending your back into the wooden wall behind you. "Don't get yourself fired," you whispered.

"I've earned a makeout session in my twenty-something years here," Joel whispered against your lips.

"Well, okay, then," you whispered back, linking your arms around the back of his neck as the two of you kissed heatedly in a nook of the place. You closed your eyes when he slowly raised your arms above your head and pinned your arms against the wall. Your eyes closed and all you could hear was your own heavy breathing.

"Stay over tonight." Joel's lips grazed yours as he spoke.

You would be his willing prisoner if he asked, and so you replied without hesitation. "Okay."

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

@untamedheart81 @readingiskeepingmegoing @buckyrino @megangovier @fifia-writes @armybts20137 @urbancowboyjoel @pedropascal111 @brittmb115 @beltzboys2015-blog @itscatrodriguez-thepearl @mellymbee @alex-does-art-things @gothcsz @sarap-77

[morchilluv]

or both im sorry i forgot to add it!

[the-blind-assassin-12]

INTRODUCING: TERRIFIC TWOSDAY because what's better than one rec? that's right, two.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! ... Or should I say TWOSDAY? In an effort to get through my TBR list and to shout about things I've been meaning to shout about for far too (two) long, I am going to be turning every Tuesday into Two Recs Day. I'll be highlighting two works in each category that I loved and that I know you'll love, too (2)! Check them out, and remember to show some love to the creators!!

Two Series Recs: This week, I am going with two series that are currently in progress. I know that finished works often get a lot of focus. As they should! I can tell you first hand that seeing a whole series through to the end is a TALL ORDER. But you know what is also very freaking cool? Hopping on board while the train is still in motion, catching up with previous chapters and waiting excitedly to see where the train is taking you! So without further ado, here are the two trains that I recommend you all hop on this week.

LIMINALITY by @something-tofightfor

Frankie Morales x F!Reader

Wolf AU + “forbidden romance”

9 Parts in so far (plus extras + POV switches)

Thrills. Chills. Swoons. Moons. This story is brimming with excitement and adrenaline… not to mention the heat. (Frankie is a whole entire menace, as he should be.) All the guys are here (yes, that does include Tom 🙄) and they are all captured so perfectly, as is their friendship with one another and with Frankie. It features a very confident, brave, badass reader, ancient lore, supernatural elements, family business, and one heck of a connection between our main characters. Every chapter flies by and leaves you wanting - needing - more, and now is an excellent time to let yourself get hooked on this one, because the action is only ramping up from here!

PASSENGER by @whatsnewalycat

Din Djarin x OFC!Charlie

Modern Trucker AU + dog Grogu

6 Parts in so far

Are you looking for a new OC to fall in love with and want to protect with your life? How about a morally gray long-hauler who moonlights as a bounty hunter? Well you’re in luck because this story has BOTH. It’s also got incredibly high stakes juxtaposed with really sweet, human moments. Charlie is one of the most charming OCs I’ve ever met (which happens to be one of her rules to live by- all of which are good advice for anyone to follow, IMO) and Din’s characterization is so very well done - as is Grogu’s. The theme of delivering the bounty vs doing what’s right is very present and extremely well done, and watching these characters warm up to each other and blur the lines is truly a treat. Get caught up and hitch a ride for the rest of the journey, because I know it’s only going to get better from here!

Two One Shot Recs:

GREATEST OF ALL TIME by @gnpwdrnwhiskey

Dieter Bravo x OFC!Ava

Meet cute + “Do you believe in aliens?”

Dieter needs a break from work and the hullabaloo that comes along with it, and has enlisted the help of his assistant to book him a solo getaway so he can just relax, reset and revive the vibes. Sounds great, right? It is, until he gets turned around and off the beaten track in the middle of the desert and meets the enigmatic Ava and her faithful pal Goat… who might be more than your average Great Dane. After a misunderstanding about where he’s supposed to be, Dieter realizes that the airstream desert oasis under the stars is exactly where he’s meant to be.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTERS by @sixhours

Joel & Ellie

Part of an existing universe

Even though I’ve not yet read the series that this one shot takes place in, it’s immediately gone on my list due to this little interlude. This is such a good character study of Joel and of Ellie - of what they’ve been through, what they want for each other, and how their relationship has grown and changed. It’s got some really beautiful lines and heartwarming/heartbreaking feelings. I love these two forever and ever, and this little slice of life shows just how much they love each other, too. Joel Miller is Dad of the century. Period. The end.

Two Art Recs:

Ezra & Cee Jammin’ by @thekawaiifruitworld

Literally every time this artist draws these two, my heart grows ten sizes to accommodate how much more I love them. JUST LOOK AT THEM! So goofy, so happy, so whole and healthy and and and..!

Joel Strummin’ by @nic0o-o

I whimpered when I first saw this masterpiece, and you will, too. Just go. Just go look. Look at his beauty. I dare you not to be in your feelings about this man after seeing this piece.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Pedro Pascal Characters Masterlist

Javier Peña - Narcos

Blue Scoops Universe (hiatus)

From Things Lost* (series, complete)

The Sun Also Rises Uni (hiatus)

Comfort*

Give me More*

Frankie Morales - Triple Frontier

Sinner’s Refuge

What Dreams are Made Of

Din Djarin - The Mandalorian

Ambrosial

Gardens of Babylon Universe* (hiatus)

Joel Miller - TLOU

Sweet Nothing Universe (hiatus)

Warm Embers: The Kindling | The Crescendo*

[penvisions]

the melting point {chapter 14}

Pairing: Frankie Morales x Baker! Reader (ex EMT! Reader)

Summary: The group takes the day off and goofiness ensues on the beach!

Word Count: 3.8K

Warnings: slight sexual tones, teasing, play fighting, play wrestling, kissing, love confessions (oh yeah, i went there)

A/N: just a little something to get back into the swing of things with this story, these characters mean so much for me but it is one of my less angsty fics and my life has been a little hectic so it was hard to focus on them, but they are back and i hope you like this installment

ao3 link || series masterlist || main masterlist

The restaurant was fancy.

It must’ve taken a lot for Frankie to get a reservation here, you mused as you were led by the hostess to the bar to get a complimentary drink while they cleared a table for you. You were in a black, sleeveless dress and chunky heeled boots. Frankie was in a dark green button down that had faint, black paisleys dotted on the fabric. The lighting was low and soft, creating a nice environment to take in the way he looked across the booth from you. He had forgone hid cap tonight in favor of slicking his hair back in a delicious way.

“I’m so glad I can finally do this, you deserve it.” His smile was a little shy as he looked over the menu in his hands at you. You felt a blush creep up to your cheeks, a nervous giggle sparking into the air. You had no idea why you were nervous, this was Frankie. One of the most easy-going people in your life, one of the most important. But your revelation of feeling so much for the man had been in the back of your mind since it had made itself very apparent. Your nerves were alight with the realization, turning you into a bashful mess of a person.

The drinks had just been delivered to the table and your appetizer order was placed when a server was approaching you with a cool, professional air.

“Excuse me, but there is someone requesting to stop by your table.”

You and Frankie shared a puzzled look, unsure of who would know where either of you were let alone ask to approach. He was stealthy as his eyes roamed the visible part of the restaurant but when he didn’t notice anything out of place, he brought them back to you. Your expression was slightly controlled though there was a furrow to your brow that he could see behind the frames of your glasses.

“Request accepted, I’m curious.” You smiled politely but not unkindly at the server who had begun to shift their weight from foot to foot, the situation obviously being something they had yet to encounter.

It was a few minutes after they left when the food critic from the other night approached the table with a martini in her hand.

“Darling! I’m so happy to have run into you out in the wild,” You stood as soon as you recognized her, wanting to properly greet her. The drink in her hand was lifted away from her middle as you both leaned in and embraced loosely. She leaned in and did the whole air kiss to both sides of your face and you mimicked her friendly greeting with a smile. You were glad to see her, truly.

“I’m so glad you came out the other night, it meant so much to me!”

“Of course, I never pass up a chance at something new and exciting in this city.” She took a sip from her drink and her eyes wafted over the table, making sure you had your own. “It was such a good time, but you simply have to introduce me to this handsome gentleman. You two were the focus of attention once things had concluded.”

“Oh! This is Fransisco Morales, he’s-“

“Her boyfriend,” He had stood, sliding himself out of the booth at the attention. He took her hand but was pulled forward in a loose wrapping of arms around his shoulders and the same movement of air kisses she had done with you. He didn’t seem phased by the forwardness of the woman. Being cordial and kind, though you could see the twinge of pink that had bloomed on the back of his neck. You tried to keep the wide smile from taking over your entire face, warmth washing over you at his words. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“You two are the cutest!” She held her drink up and you retrieved your own from the table as did Frankie, clinking the glasses together in a toast for whatever notion she had popping into her head.

“I’ll let you two get back to your evening,” She caught sight of the server approaching the table once again with your appetizer and two sharing plates. “We’ll be in touch, I’ll let you know when the article is due to come out, should be next months edition and a blurb in the paper!”

She was gone in a flurry of her long dress, short gray hair catching the low light as she sauntered off as if she hadn’t just told you incredible news.

“Querida, did she just-“

“The next edition. Holy-oh my god. Frankie, she’s going to put my event in the next edition of Edible,” A poof of air left the booth as you settled heavily into it.  He busied himself with unwrapping his utensils from the cloth napkin and reached over to do the same for you. “That’s-I think I’m going to cry.”

His head shot up at your words, concern flitting across his large, brown eyes as he watched you bring a hand up and press a finger to the bridge of your nose just below where your glasses sit. You closed your own eyes and he could tell you really were trying not to shed tears. He was standing and rounding the table in heartbeat, situating himself beside you with an arm wrapped around your shoulders, the first bite of the evening forgotten on his forgotten fork.

“It’s okay, sweet girl.” He pressed a kiss to your temple, resting his forehead against the side of your face after he did so. “This is good news, you did such a good job with the event and she loved it. Let her tell the world. You deserve to be seen.”

“Frankie, I-“ You turned to look at him, resting your forehead against his own as he ducked his head down to allow you to. “This is so amazing. I never anticipated any of this….I never anticipated…you.”

“You’ve got me, sweet girl.”

The rest of dinner went smoothly, filled with easy conversation and jokes, anecdotes about childhood antics and favorite fall activities. When the bill was asked after, by a very gentlemanly Frankie who insisted on paying, the server told you that it had been taken care of.

You found yourself pressed up against the side of his truck outside the restaurant, his plush lips devouring your own before he began to trail open mouthed kisses down the length of your neck.

-

The next few weeks flew by, the end of summer approaching fast despite it meaning little in the way of a weather change. You had hit a few milestones.

With the bakery, you had hired two more counter employees. Allowing you to teach Louise the basics of the kitchen and how to mise recipes she wasn’t comfortable or confident in completing herself for you to pick up. You still did a majority of the decorating, something she was struggling to get just right, but she and the girls delighted in sampling the treats that didn’t make it into the case. The September issue of Edible had come out and in it was an article on your bakery with a blurb about you and the upcoming events similar to the first one you wished to host in the remaining time frame of the year. It brought an influx of tourists in and allowed you to make the most of your time in the kitchen. The last farmers market would be the one after next and you were excited for the lull of responsibility. It was still a lot to be around so many people, the shop filling and lines becoming a normal occurrence on Saturdays.

With your injury, you were free of those pesky stitches and had gotten back to standing and walking normally. You hadn’t been cleared for running quite yet with your knee still a little tender, but had picked back up with the arm and upper body workouts to keep up some of the muscle tone you had left over from working in the medical field.

With Frankie, things were great. He was more attentive and you had actually gone over to his home for family dinners with Lex a few times. She was always excited to make desert with you while Frankie cooked dinner, she liked you and she had told you as much after each meal. Once you’re cleared for it, she wanted to go hiking and camping with you. Something she and Frankie did once a year.

It was Sunday and you were so excited to be going to the beach with your friends, everyone deeming the last drawl of summer something to celebrate. You were checking the tote bags over and over again, Lex following your every step as she ‘helped’ to make sure everything was set for the trip. It would be a few hours drive down to the coast, Frankie’s truck loaded down with umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, and a cooler or two. His backpack was the heaviest, while Lex and you had opted for tote bags for your own things.

She had shown you the packet of temporary tattoos she spent her allowance on earlier that week and had all but dragged you into her bathroom when you arrived the night before for dinner. She had insisted you help her apply them to her arms and legs with childish joy, the flowers and butterflies ‘soooo pretty, we’re going to match!’. Frankie had watched from the doorway as you two sat on the lip of the tub and made sure they were exactly where she wanted them, a soft smile on his face the entire time.

You had looked over to him at one point and blushed upon seeing the goofy way he was watching you and his daughter bond. Thinking about it now made butterflies blossom in your stomach, nervous excitement encompassing you as you thought of how happy he looked in that moment and that you had brought that side of him out.

She was already in her bathing suit, a one piece that she had thrown a pair of shorts over and a baseball cap much like her father’s. Her new brightly colored temporary tattoos on display much like your own as you were in similar clothing.

“Tio Santi! Look, I got a hat like papa’s and tattoos like Pastel!”

She had taken to simply calling you ‘cake’, it was rather endearing and you loved the nickname. You were beginning to love her like she was your own, quiet nights in her family home helping to establish a close bond. You would both tease Frankie about his cheesy movie choices but then get way into them and gasp at all the jump scares, Frankie was a big fan of monster B-movies, something about the hokey nature of them riveting to the beautiful man.

“Oy dios mio, you do, mi amor! You look perfect!” Pop leaned down and caught her mid lunge at him, hugging her tight and swinging her around. He would be riding with you and the Morales’ family. While Will, Benny, Morgan, and Luciana would be riding together. Everyone was coming, it was going to be a good day.

-

The sun was warm on your skin as you laid out, bikini allowing for all of your tattoos to be out in the open and it was a good feeling. The shade of your sunglasses allowed you a bit of privacy as you gazed out over the amazing setup the guys had assembled out on the sand. Morgan was beside you, laid out much the same way you were atop a large blanket that had been put down on the sand. Off to the side was a collapsible shade and some lawn furniture. There was a table set up as well, where the guys had loaded down with stuff to grill and snacks. You had even made some cookies and the cooler was full of plenty of drinks.

Your gaze was trained on a shirtless Frankie, who was currently trying to show Lex how to balance on the boogie board she had insisted on bringing along, but every time it gained buoyancy, she let out shrieking laughter and bailed out. It was a rather funny scene, Frankie too large to show her how to operate it properly. With a grin you stood and removed your sunglasses, but you had grown up around the ocean so you felt comfortable without the aiding prescription.

“Lex, wanna try the board with me?” You moved to pry your surfboard from where it had been settled in the sand, already waxed up and ready. She looked over to you and quickly ran off from her father. He heaved a sigh, smile on his face even as he dove to retrieve the board she had abandoned as a wave began to pull it along into the ocean.

“Pastel, that’s dangerous! Papa said that waves can be scary!”

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll keep you safe if you wanna go out. Or do you wanna watch me first before you make up your mind?”

“I wanna see you do it! Papa isn’t the best at balance.”

“Hey! That’s not fair! I’m more attuned to the sky, and you know that, Alexia.” His hands were on his hips the second he deposited the abandoned board underneath the shade. His mock serious voice had her giggling and she ran over to him and jumped up, he caught her and proceeded to fake body slam her in the sand. “You think your papa isn’t strong? I’ll show you.”

Benny appeared beside them, leaving Will and Pope to start the grill and make sure it was all set for cooking. He slide into the sand and acted as a referee for the play fight, watching for any ‘infractions’ as close as possible. With a very real groan, Frankie found himself the target of a hard kick and he laid out on his back, Lex quickly took advantage and climbed up on his chest and raised her arms in victory.

“We have a winner!!” Benny make a racket as he cheered on before scooping the girl up into his arms to allow Frankie the chance to catch his breath. You kneeled down beside him and placed a chaste kiss to the corner of his lips.

“Wow, you really lost to a child. How’s your ego?”

“’s fine, got you to help inflate it.”

“Oh-o, is that right?”

Suddenly he was lunged up and forward, pinning you in the sand much like he had done with his daughter, his swim trunks hushing with the movement. His hat went flying from his head when you managed to gain your bearings and he found himself on his stomach with your hips straddled over his backside, his hands pinned behind his back. You were giggling like mad, the sound only fueling the way he felt so encompassed by you, his cock stirring in his trunks. He was thankful you pinned him down on his stomach, because he was sure to never hear the end of it if he popped a boner in front of literally all his friends. No matter the stimulation of his beautiful girlfriend easily manhandling him and pinning him down in a mock fight.

“We have another winner!! Mante – one. Fish – negative two.” Benny announced as he set Lex down atop the blanket beside a watching Morgan and Lucianna, handing drinks to each of them.

“To be fair, I woulda let her pin me down too.” Pope hollered as he used a pair of tongs to carefully place slabs of ribs atop the grill, the sizzling immediately smelling delicious. His words made you realize the way you were sitting left very little to the imagination, your bikini bottoms having ridden up high on your thighs, pulling the fabric taut over your bottom half. The momentum of movement having jostled your chest and Frankie was quick to tell him to shut up as he glanced over his shoulder at you.

“Sweet girl, you gotta get offa me or I’m gonna have to drag you away…”

“Nope, gotta show Lex what’s what with the board.” You made a show of leaning down to place your hands atop his shoulders, whispering in his ear as you did so before pushing off of him. You were well aware that he could feel the softness of your chest along his back and the wetness that had gathered at the front of your bikini bottoms as you did so, but you winked at him before gripping the board and taking off toward the shoreline.

He just lay there for a moment, not moving.

“Fish, you good?”

“Just…give me a minute.”

Laughter rang out from the entire group.

“Papa, you got beat by two girls. But it’s okay, we still love you.”

More laughter sprung up.

-

You were wading out on the water, getting a feel for the current and watching as small waves built up before cresting in just the right way. A shadow out of the corner of your eye caught your attention and another person on a board drifted over to you. It was Mark and another person, boards facing your own as they approached. There was the sweet, smiling face of his daughter settled in front of him, a friend of his beside them on his own board.

“Well, hello hello!”

“Hi, nice cake lady!” The little girl enthusiastically waved at you, her wet hair hanging in a mess from the top of her head. “Daddy won’t let me surf all by myself, but this is still so cool!”

“Howdy,” You smiled at them, aware of the way his friend’s eyes were trailing down you body and focusing on the way your bottom was securely sat were you straddled your board. “It’s a good day for it, I’m sure he’ll let you take over if you ask nice enough, sweetie!”

“That event really was something, sorry I had to leave so early,” Mark seemed more reserved, though no less focused on you. “Someone had a lil anxiety about her first sleepover-“

“And daddy came rescue me!” She was so cute with a slight blush on her face. “This is uncle Randy!”

“Pleasure to meet you,” You reached over and extended a hand toward the man. He looked remarkably similar to Mark, same dirty blonde hair and tall build. He was attractive, but not your type, too young for you, you mused. He leaned over to take your hand in one of his own, a wide grin showing his teeth.

“Mark goes on and on about you, about your bakery. Pleasure is all mine.”

“Oh gosh, it’s just a way to pay the bills, but thank you all the same.”

“Looks like a wave is beginning to crest, daddy!” The little girl pointed off into the distance.

“Well, boys, gotta catch this one. See y’all later!”

You maneuvered your board to face the shoreline and began to lean down across the top of it, paddling to line yourself up as it neared. You pushed off, board catching the current that it was creating as it gained momentum. You faintly heard to two men chatting as your board moved with the wave, gaining speed. The wave crested, creating a tunnel at the far end and you jolted up to your feet, stanch wide for balance. The race against the curling of the tunnel had adrenaline coursing through your veins in the only way that surfing could provide you and a large smile broke out across your face. You reached a hand out and the tips of your fingers caressed the curve of the wave as you rode it out.

The tunnel closed in around you and you wiped the board up the wall of it before managing to escape the chase of it after you, the board bouncing with the force of the whitewash behind you. You rode along it for the faint few minutes of its life before it waned. Lowering yourself back to the length of the board as it vanished into the smooth ocean once again, you looked out toward the closer shore and spied the group of people you called family cheering you on. Lex was atop Frankie’s shoulders, her arms waving over her head as you faintly made out her excited words of being next.

The rest of the day was just as lovely, the cookout exquisite. Mark, Randy, and Sophia, you learned was her name, joined your group and even brought over their own modest set of chairs and towels to make it a larger group. You took Frankie’s hand with your own and guided him down to the shore where the sun was beginning to set. He was watching you with such a soft look that it made your heart stutter in your chest and the words were bubbling up before you could help it.

“Frankie, I-“

“I love you, sweet girl.” His plush lips gave voice to the very same thought that had been consuming you for days now. You felt heat rise to your face despite the familiarity you had with the man beside you, and you ducked your head to brush your hair back behind an ear. One of his hands came up to cradle your chin and he lifted your face so he could see the shy smile you were sporting. “I mean it, I love you so much and I want to make you happy.”

“I-I love you too, Frankie.” You leaned into his space, his arms wrapping around your body to pull him flush against his front. His lips found yours and you could feel the wide smile he adorned himself. You teased him as you parted, the feel of him all-encompassing and making your body buzz with warmth and a heady, dizzying feeling you wanted more of. “I’m so lucky I death glared at you the first time we met and got your attention.”

His full body laugh jostled you and you tucked your head into the crook of his neck and your own, soft laugh mingled in the air with his own.

previous chapter || next chapter

taglist: @tanzthompson @clevergirl74 @sullyosully @bitchwitch1981 @anoverwhelmingdin

[lulutaylorsimaginarium]

The Chain

Summary: When the guys get stuck in a situation and hunted down by a drug lord. Frankie makes a call he really doesn’t want to make to the only person that can help them

Words:1,508

Warnings: “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the right age to handle mature themes. We handle our own triggers with kindness and grace

AN: Mind any grammar mistakes even though the story has been checked. The author is dyslexic and it is the wonders of her brain.

AN2: A little Gabby and Frankie, for those who requested it long ago xx

THE CHAIN MASTERLIST

Nineteen

Nineteen

Frankie had called all the guys on his way to and back from the Lola’s strip club alleyway. They weren’t aware of all the details but they knew they needed to get back as fast as they could. Which took longer for Benny, since he had to sell the car before heading back over the border.

Santiago and Will had just paid for the van and were half an hour into the drive home when they got the call. They drove all night. Breaking any laws they could to get their faster

They didn’t know what they were walking into but were picturing the worst.

Only for them to walk through the front door to find Frankie and Gabby asleep on the sofa. He couldn’t have wrapped his arms around her any tighter then he was. Her face buried in his chest. A big purple bruise along her jaw and that was all they could see at this point but they somehow knew there was more.

Frankie hadn’t explained but seeing them together like this. Both Santiago and Will knew it had to be bad.

The polar opposite of the way Gabby and Frankie had been before they had left.

Frankie felt something above them. His arms instinctually wrapped protectively around her before his eyes flew open. He saw Pope and Will before moving  from under Gabby, lying her back down and kissing her temple. They could see all the damage on her. The bruises on her arms and the marks  and cuts on her hands. She had put up a good fight no matter what happened. Even though proud they were not at all surprised that she had fight in her.

Not knowing what happened made things much worse.

 Frankie ushered the guys on to the front porch before getting an onslaught of questions.

No he didn’t know who it was

No it wasn’t one of Rojas’ men

Yes, she had been the one to do it

No he hadn’t counted the rest of the money. He had other pressing matters.

Pressing matters that were currently sleeping in the next room.

No, nobody was going to find anything

Yes, they would have to talk Gabby into selling this house.

No, he didn’t know how.

Yes, she was banged up and couldn’t hear much but at least she was sleeping.

 Santiago noticed the change. He didn’t know what had changed but there was something more going on but it wasn’t the time nor the place to ask.

A green hatchback started driving up the dirt road and up the driveway. They were all on guard til Benny unfolded his long body out of that thing.

As Benny got up on to the front step they all heard banging in the kitchen.

She was up and they were all in the same place.

But what now.

Things had definitely changed

The brothers didn’t notice it as they walked into the house.

The look that Santiago and Frankie gave each other.

 The gauntlet had been thrown

The game was on and they knew it wasn’t important right in this very moment, but it was on.

#

Frankie walked back into the house with Santiago close behind. Will was standing close to her, checking every mark on her. She just chuckled sweetly

“Don’t worry. I’m tough”

“No doubt about that”

“Coffee?” she asked

“Yeah, its been a long night all round”

“Is there any other kind?”

She got everything ready. The coffee machine beeped and she poured the coffee as if she had been doing it for them every morning of their lives.

“Can you hear?” Frankie asked softly

“Better then yesterday. Still not great” she said sipping her coffee “We’ll probably need to move this money faster. We don’t know if this guy told anyone about it. So the faster we move it the better”

“Listen, I don’t care about the money anymore” Frankie told her, with a little more attitude then he intended.

Gabby put her hand on his chest and smiled softly at him. Before he pulled her closer.

“We’re going to be okay. Its just one final push and we’ll be over the line. Yeah?”

“Yeah” he barely uttered before she looked at everybody else

“You guys hungry?”

“Staving” Benny answered enthusiastic

“Take a load off”

The three guys went and sat at the dining table with their coffees.

“I’ll help” Frankie told her quietly. She nodded her head and thanked him  before filling up both their cups and getting to work.

She was playing the denial game. The nothing-happened game. The distraction game and they were willing to play along because they didn’t know what would happen if they didn’t.

Maybe that was what she needed right now.

One big happy family.

And that. They could do.

Santiago watched them from the table. The moving around each other, the delicate dance they did. The little touches that they didn’t even notice as they cooked with each other. The air was charged with things unspoken.

When breakfast was ready they sat at the table, Frankie’s arm resting on the back of her chair. Stealing each others food. Having full on, secret conversations through tiny glances.

It was intimate 

Things had shifted and Santiago could see it.

#

Will , Benny and Santiago moved outside into the garage and went to work. Santiago went into the storm shelter and counted what they had left.

Leaving Frankie and Gabby in the house alone.

Even they knew there was tension between them.  She was in uncharted waters. She didn’t know what she was feeling. She didn’t know if it had always been there. She knew that life was in the way. She didn’t know if it was real or if she just needed comfort from the person that she trusted the most,

She was confused by it but also didn’t care.

Gabby didn’t notice him walk up behind her til Frankie wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer

“You need to slow down”

“I’m okay. I promise” she told him looking back “Where did you put him?”

“Nowhere. He’s gone. You don’t have to think about him anymore”

She pulled his arms tighter around her

“We both know that’s not going to happen”

“Gabs, you need to..”

“Sell the house. I know. Florida may be my only opinion right now” she chuckled “I’ve been told you need a babysitter”

“Sorry for ruining your life”

“You saved it. Twice”

“I’d do it again” he told her running his fingers along her jaw “Over and over and over. I’m in love with you, Gabby. I always have been. It’s the wrong time to tell you. I know that. I thought you died yesterday. I don’t expect anything to change. I don’t expect anything from you but I just need you to know that. So you know that. Okay?”

She nodded her head and watched him struggle not to kiss her. How come she had never seen this before. Had it always been so clear.

Gabby turned around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pulling him closer, if that was even possible. He lifted her up and sat her on the kitchen bench before she wrapped her legs around him, not even Gabby knew why.

Maybe it was the past few weeks. Maybe it was the things unsaid that were finally told, but they stayed like that for a long time

#

Later that day, the guys were all outside hard at work pulling things apart putting it back together.

She would have taken a moment to appreciate the view if she was in her right mind. Even commit it to memory but she was going stir crazy.

Thankfully her car had already been pulled out down the driveway. She kinda wanted to sneak out unnoticed but she knew them better then that by now.

She actually got the key in the  car door before Frankie caught up with her.

“You okay?”

“Yeah just stir crazy. Going to go for a drive. Get out of my head”

“Might get some looks from people. Don’t worry about it, okay?”

She hadn’t even looked in the mirror today. She had no idea what she looked like.

“I won’t get out of the car” she nodded her head before looking up at him “Does it look bad?”

“Gorgeous”

“Frankie”

“If you need us. Call. If anything feels off . Call”

He opened the door for her and helped her inside, closing the door again

“Yes, dad”

“I’m serious”

“You always are” she teased

“You flirting with me?”

“A little”

“Never stop”

She chuckled and looked away shaking her head.

“Be careful”

“Call” he told her “I’m serious”

He watched her until he couldn’t see her anymore. He wouldn’t have wanted anything like  the past few days to happen to them ever, let alone again. Especially to her but things had changed, shifted between them.

He saw it.

He felt it and so did she.

The problem was that they weren’t the only ones who had noticed.

[jolalibrary]

to @morallyinept, i love you. i love adrift with you. and i hope this sums up a little bit of their island time. lots of love, your jojobean

adrift with you (Frankie Morales x OFC Jude)

…marooned on an isolated island in the middle of the ocean, still recovering from an addiction, his chances of survival are bleak; but he’s not alone on the island, and soon he’s running towards a different kind of life - a life with fellow survivor, Jude, fighting right beside him every step of the way.

submission for flora + fauna challenge

[guess-my-next-obsession]

Meet Me In The Hallway, Chapter Three:

pairing: frankie morales x f!reader

rating: E (18+ only, lots of pining, these two being clueless, a lil angst, a shitty date, one cigarette, alcohol consumption, jealousy, public sex?, fingering)

wc: 3.7k

series masterlist | frankie masterlist

Three Months Later

“Katrina, get back here!” Frankie called out in the busy grocery store, his daughter running ahead of him as he walked into the store with Santiago at his side. “God, need to get her on a leash.”

“Daddy, there’s samples!” Rina excitedly announced as she stood in front of an older employee handing out samples for some sort of dip.

“Sorry,” Frankie apologized to the woman with an exhausted sigh.

“Please, daddy?” the five year old begged with round eyes and a pout. Frankie caved with a sigh, grabbing one of the plastic cups with dip and a chip placed in it, handing it over to his daughter.

“What do you say?” he asked his little girl, watching with mortification as she mumbled a ‘thank you’ with her mouth stuffed.

“Thank you,” he repeated more clearly and gave the woman another apologetic look.

“Spoiled,” Santi sang with a shake of his head as they continued on through the store.

“Yeah, well, she’s dealing with a lot of change right now,” Frankie replied with a sigh. “Just want to keep her happy.”

“Was just kidding, Fish.”

Santi watched Frankie as he pushed the cart, his head forward, his eyes unfocused as if he was lost in his head. He’d been like that a lot lately, though Santi couldn’t really blame him. It’s not easy losing a parent, especially when it’s your only one.

“Has Dylan told you about her date tonight?” he asked, hoping to distract his friend for a while. Frankie turned to Santi with a furrowed look, his head shaking. “Yeah, guess this guy’s been coming to the shop every day at lunchtime and she finally agreed to go out with him.”

“Why wouldn’t she tell me that?” Frankie asked.

“I don’t know,” Santi shrugged. “Surprising. You two are so buddy buddy.”

“We just get along well,” Frankie dismissed. “Easier to talk to than you idiots.”

“Right,” he chuckled, the sound earning him a confused glare.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” he chuckled again and held his hands up in defense. “She’s just…attractive, and—���

“Haven’t noticed,” Frankie lied horribly, instantly tensing at the memory of Dylan’s face—the plumpness of her lips, the hazel of her eyes, her golden skin and honey colored hair.

“Oh, come on.” Santi watched with a smirk as Frankie filled the cart aisle by aisle, ignoring the ribbing by his best friend. “Man, look. You can admit she’s a babe—“

“Rina, watch out, they’re trying to get through.” Frankie gently tugged his daughter from the center of the aisle before forcing her to sit in the cart much to her dismay.

“Listen, I love Imelda, but even I’ve thought about—“

“Pope,” Frankie sighed. “Enough.”

“You know when she looks really good? When she walks around in that robe—“

“Santi. Enough.” Frankie gave his friend a stern look, desperate for him to change the subject to literally anything else.

Anyways, Santi was wrong. While Dylan did look good in that robe, Frankie liked her best when she stayed up too late with him smoking in the backyard, the patio lights illuminating her lazy but maddening smile, her worn sleep shirts that hung on her frame like a dress driving him crazy. He liked her best when he got her giggling, her head tipping back, her nose scrunched as she let out an accidental snort. He liked her best when she teased him, when her eyes would roll at one of his stupid jokes, when she played with his daughter. That’s when she looked “really good”.

“Maybe…” he paused, reconsidering his thought. “Maybe it’s time I tried to…I don’t know…”

“Get l-a-i-d?” Santi spelled the word given Rina’s presence. “Yeah, I think so. Why don’t you come out with me and the boys tonight?”

“Uh, because it’s your stupid triple-date,” Frankie sassed. “I’m not gonna be able to pick someone up with a bunch of women around. Besides, I’d have to make sure I can get a sitter—“

“Listen, I think you need to prepare for the fact that you might not be able to pick someone up, full stop. You’re rusty. And grumpy.” Santi smirked as he pat his friend on the back. “And I told you, Imelda’s little sister is down to babysit whenever.”

“Fine. I’ll come along, but…I swear to god, you guys better not do that thing you always do.”

“What thing?” Santi laughed out the question.

“Where you embarrass me, pendejo,” Frankie replied with an eye roll.

“Fine, fine. I promise we’ll let you do your thing. Maybe if you get laid you’ll be less of a sad boy.”

“Yeah.” Not unless he gets Dylan out of his head. “Maybe.”

“Len!” Dylan called upstairs for her sister who was shut up in Benny’s room. The pair had reconciled a few days after their fight three months ago after Benny sat down with Dylan and let her know how much he liked her younger sister. Since then, she’s basically been over every single day and most nights, becoming the house’s eighth tenant.

“What?” she snapped as she opened the door.

“I have a date tonight,” she replied. “Can you help me pick out something to wear?”

Lennon smiled and nodded before coming downstairs.

“So,” Lennon started as she flipped through her older sister’s closet while Dylan sat at her vanity adding waves to her honey blonde hair. “Who’s this guy?”

“I don’t really know,” she chuckled. “He runs a tattoo shop down the street from my place. Comes in all the time, always flirting but also always leaving a good tip. When he came in the last time, he asked me out, and frankly, a girl has needs.”

“Yeah, I figured you were going to go to someone else for that. Someone we know. Single dad maybe?” Lennon hinted with a smile pointed at her sister. Dylan rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” she snapped. “Frankie’s a good friend.”

“He doesn’t have to be just a good friend,” Lennon countered. “Could be a good boyfriend, too.”

“You think I haven’t thought about that?”

As if on cue, Frankie, Santi, and Rina came in through the front door with a loud bustle.

“Not a word,” Dylan warned, pointing at her sister who was now smirking. “I’m serious, Len.”

“Okay, okay.” She held her hands up in surrender.

“Dyllie, Lemon, look what daddy got me,” Rina rushed into the bedroom holding a small bouquet of wildflowers.

“Those are so pretty, Rina!” Dylan smiled as she set her curling iron down on the counter. Frankie appeared in the doorway, offering Dylan a soft, nervous smile as he handed her a bouquet of her own that he had hidden behind his back.

“Heard you were going on a date tonight,” he began as Dylan accepted the flowers with a look of shock. “Thought I’d bring you some flowers in case your date doesn’t.”

“Oh,” she lifted her eyes to Frankie’s, unsure of whether or not this gesture meant what she thought (and hoped) it did.

“Oh—no. I didn’t—I wasn’t—I just think you deserve flowers. Women, in general. And men too, if that’s their thing—no judgement, you know. Gay rights—“

“Thanks, Frankie,” Dylan interrupted his panicked rambling with a chuckle. “This was very sweet.”

“Yeah, it’s…no problem, Dyl.” He scratched his neck and took in a deep breath as an awkward silence passed over the room. Frankie broke the silence with a pat to the doorframe and nodded at her. “Have fun…curling your hair.”

“Thanks,” she laughed and shook her head at him as he slowly and painfully awkwardly disappeared into the hall, Rina following behind. Lennon had to cover her mouth to stifle her snort of laughter, her eyes wide as she looked at her older sister. “Shh.”

“He’s so into you!” Lennon whisper-yelled.

“Stop,” Dylan scolded with a smile on her face as she sniffed the flowers in her hand. “I have a date.”

“Again, why?”

“Because it’s more simple than fucking my roommate,” she whispered back.

“Fair point.”

It was around 8:30 in the evening when Dylan emerged from her bedroom with Lennon. Frankie, Benny, Santi, and Santi’s girlfriend, Imelda, were all sat on the giant sectional in the living room watching Benny’s movie night pick: Rocky IV.

Frankie, already distracted by the looming thought of Dylan going out with someone else tonight, noticed her almost immediately, his posture straightening a bit as he took in the sight of her in a form fitting little black dress and heels, red lipstick painting her plump pout as she nervously dug through her purse.

“Do I have everything?” she mumbled to herself or to her sister, Frankie wasn’t sure. “Alright, whatever, wish me luck.”

“He’s here?” Lennon asked as she rounded the corner of the sofa to find her spot on Benny’s lap, pulling everyone’s attention to Dylan. Santi let out a whistle while his girlfriend mumbled something along the lines of “god damn” as the room took her in.

“You clean up nice,” Benny offered as Dylan playfully rolled her eyes at her reception before being startled by the honking of a car parked by the front of the house.

“Dyl, is this guy seriously honking at you?” Lennon asked with a chuckle of disbelief.

“Len,” she sighed, warning her sister to keep her thoughts on the subject to herself. “It’s not the 1950’s. He doesn’t have to show up at my doorstep with a bouquet of roses.”

Frankie blushed at her words, feeling embarrassed for having gotten her flowers earlier. He wasn’t sure what came over him in the store. One minute Rina was pointing out the wildflower bouquets and the next he was adding not just one to the cart, but two. Santi teased him about it the entire way home, but Frankie felt a surge of confidence, almost certain that this date of hers would be the final push he needed to make a move, but the minute he saw her sitting there, curling her hair at her vanity, that confidence vanished into thin air.

“Uh-uh, it’s not even about that,” Santi chimed in. “It’s just about putting in effort and making a good first impression.”

“Yeah,” Frankie found himself verbally agreeing much to the surprise of the rest of the room who all turned to look at him. “Just…you know…call us if you need anything.”

“Aren’t you guys going out to the bars?” Dylan asked with a smile pointed directly at him, as though she was silently praising him for his attentiveness. He lived for that smile.

“Yeah, but Will’s DD-ing,” Benny replied in his deep, casual voice that clearly had won Lennon over. “Just text one of us.”

Another honk sounded and Dylan watched as her housemates grew irritated at her date’s lack of decorum.

“I’ll go so he can stop,” she announced meekly, suddenly filled with worry that perhaps this date wasn’t going to end how she hoped. Still, she persisted and walked out of the house, hoping that the group inside wouldn’t think less of her for going out with such a character.

“Can you believe that?” Imelda turned to Santi and spoke. “I mean, if I looked like her, I wouldn’t settle for that.”

“She’s got her needs,” Lennon replied with an eye roll, her words piquing Frankie’s interest. “Least that’s what she told me. I think she knows it’s not gonna lead to anything. Girl just wants some dick.”

Frankie cleared his throat, drawing stares from both Lennon and Santi.

“Thirsty?” Santi teased, earning a punch to the arm.

“Quit it,” Imelda scolded her boyfriend. “Frankie’s allowed to have a crush. Hell, I have a crush.”

“I don’t—“ Frankie began to deny the claim but became too flustered with all the eyes on him. “Men and women can be friends.”

“Until they fuck,” Benny retorted with a smirk.

With that, Frankie stood to walk back to his bedroom where his daughter was fast asleep, desperate to be left alone by not only his jealousy but his friends that seemed to be able to read him like a book.

Though he tried to rid the image of her in that daringly short dress, his eyes taking more of her body than he’d ever been shown to him before, he couldn’t shake it. She looked so good. And who was getting the privilege of admiring her tonight? Some douchebag who didn’t even walk up to the door to greet her.

It wasn’t fair, and yet he knew that be it this guy or the next, he’d have to witness his friend—this unexpected beauty who looked like she came straight out of the seventies rock scene, who also had a sense of humor and a similar trauma-derived pessimistic outlook on life—go out and get her “needs” met.

He was confident that he could meet all of her needs and more if he could only just work up the nerve to make a fucking move. But the friendship was too valuable at this point to risk over something as unsteady as romance. He cherished their friendship, the ease in which they could talk about all the shit going on deep down that felt too mushy to talk about with Pope or Benny or Will or Lennon. He couldn’t risk losing her. He wouldn’t risk it.

“So,” Dylan smiled, albeit nervously, as she watched her date stuff his mouth ungracefully at the restaurant she had to pick out given that he hadn’t planned anything. “You been living here long?”

“Nah,” he shook his head and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “You?”

“For a while,” she replied, feeling her appetite fade as he continued to feast as though he hadn’t been fed in weeks. “You know, you seemed different when you asked me out. Wasn’t really expecting…this.”

“Expecting what?” he snapped defensively.

“You’re just…different than I thought you were gonna be,” she shrugged.

“I’m a tattoo-artist, not a knight in shining armor.” Dylan chuckled, not at the poor attempt at humor, but at his audacity. Resting her napkin on the table, she stood and grabbed her purse. “You’re really going?” he asked, more insulted than he was concerned about her.

“Yeah,” she replied indifferently, pulling her phone out and dialing Lennon’s number as she walked out of the restaurant. After reaching her voicemail, Dylan sighed, a throbbing ache emerging in her head. She tried Frankie next and thankfully, it went through.

“Hey, everything good?”

“No,” she sighed, not realizing she was so close to tears until she heard the voice of the one man she’d grown to trust. “Can someone come get me? Or—what bar are you guys at? I’m downtown, I could just walk.”

“We’re at Red’s, where are you?” he asked over the noise in the background.

“Uh—“ She turned around to read the sign of the Mexican restaurant she was standing in front of. “I’m at The Cantina, sound familiar?”

“Yeah,” he replied. “You’re just about a block away. I’ll walk over and get you.”

“No—“

“Too bad, already outside.”

When Frankie spotted her, he felt a smile creep onto his face. She was holding a cigarette to her lips, her eyes scanning around the street before landing on Frankie as he waved at her down the sidewalk.

“Didn’t know you smoked cigarettes,” he spoke as the pair met halfway.

“I don’t,” she replied, ashing her cigarette out on the trash can before throwing it away. “Only on rare occasions. Like going on a date with a total fucking weirdo.”

“Yeah, how was that?” he asked, his hands tucked in his pockets as they turned around and walked back towards the bar.

“He was gross. And boring. And an asshole at the very end,” she replied in a chuckle. “Should’ve listened to you guys and just stayed at home.”

Frankie shrugged, his smile returning. “You never would’ve known if you hadn’t gone.”

“I’m just so fucking—“ she sighed, shaking her head as she caught herself from over-sharing. “It’s just hard being lonely all the time. Was hoping for maybe one night of—whatever.” She sucked in a sharp breath as they arrived at the bar. “Doesn’t matter now.”

Frankie had to physically clench his jaw to stop himself from letting everything spill out then and there, choosing instead to watch her as she walked in and caused their entire table to light up. He wondered if she knew what spell she cast on everyone. If she did, she carried the knowledge humbly, earning his heart even more.

“So, the horn guy sucked?” Lennon asked, drunk and obnoxious but still as pretty and put together as ever.

“Yeah,” Dylan chuckled and sat on one of the barstools at the table, Frankie coming up to stand beside her, close enough for her to feel the warmth radiating from his body. “S’okay. Wasn’t that cute anyways.”

“Hey, m’gonna go get another beer. You want anything?” Frankie asked with a tap of his hand against Dylan’s hand. Dylan’s lips parted as her breath hitched, her eyes quickly meeting his.

“Uh—yeah, sure. Beer’s good.” She composed herself as quickly as she panicked, offering him a smile and a nod before turning back to the table while he walked off. But no matter how hard she tried not to watch him as he walked away, her eyes kept wandering back to him as he stood at the bar. She watched as a petite little brunette that hardly looked old enough to drink walked up to him and batted her long eyelashes, smiling and giggling at everything he said.

“Oh,” Santi sang, pulling the rest of the table’s attention to Frankie and the girl. “She went up to him, too.”

“Think our boy is finally gonna get lucky tonight.” Will lifted his beer up. “To the end of his sour fucking mood.”

“Cheers,” they table sounded, besides Dylan, that is. She found herself too busy clenching her jaw at the thought of Frankie with someone else, her eyes locked on the scratches in the wood of the tabletop rather than her group.

“Hey, I’m gonna go to the restroom,” Dylan whispered into her sister’s ear.

“Want me to come?” she offered, but Dylan earnestly shook her head.

“No, I just need a minute.” Lennon’s eyes grew sympathetic, a frown forming in her face as she cupped her older sister's cheek.

“I’m sorry, babe,” she cooed.

“S’okay,” Dylan managed, forcing a sad smile onto her face, her eyes brimming with tears. “Be right back.”

“What happened? Choked?” Santi teased as Frankie came back to the table with two beers in hand.

“No, she was just way too young. Not into that.” Frankie set Dylan’s beer down in front of her empty seat before looking around. “Where’d Dylan run off to?”

Lennon waved him to come over and he obliged, leaning his ear over so that she could speak.

“She saw you with the sorority sister. Ran off to the bathroom.” Frankie looked at her confused, his brows furrowed with concern.

“What—“

“Frankie, you’re not an idiot,” Lennon drunkenly slurred before being handed a glass of water by Cassandra. Frankie’s expression didn’t budge, forcing her to sigh dramatically. “Or maybe you are. She wants you, dummy. And we all know you want her, so…go fucking get her.”

Frankie nodded, a look a determination mixed with anxiety taking the place of confusion as he swerved through the crowded bar to the bathrooms. As he arrived in the dark hallway lit by a singular neon beer sign, Dylan stepped out and bumped into him.

“Oh—oh. Hey,” she sniffled, her eyes reluctantly meeting his.

“You’re crying,” he noted.

“Yeah.” She nodded.

“Why?” he asked, his fingers twitching at his side as he fought the urge to reach up and wipe the remainder of tears off her cheek.

“Something silly,” she shrugged.

“Was it—“ He interrupted himself, unsure of what the right thing to say was. “I’m…I have this crush on you, Dylan…and, god, this is awkward—I don’t know what to do here.”

Dylan looked like a deer in headlights as she stared up at him, listening to him very choppily detail his feelings for her.

“Just trying to say, I guess, if you feel the same…you should tell me,” he continued, his eyes frantic as they studied every inch of her face.

“Are you drunk?” she asked after a beat of silence.

“No,” he shook his head. “Are you?”

“No.”

Dylan’s head was spinning as Frankie’s hands made contact with her hips, walking her backwards back into the private stall with his lips crushed against hers. He only left her to shut and lock the door behind him, but as soon as he turned around he was right back on her, holding her frame tight to his as he crowded her back against the sink.

“I’ve wanted this so long,” Dylan confessed in a hitched gasp when Frankie’s fingers slipped beneath the hem of her dress. “Fuck, I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Me neither,” he sighed out against her pulse before sucking a mark onto it. “Fuck, you have no idea.”

Frankie’s fingers slid over the lace of Dylan’s thong, up and down, up and down, until he slipped beneath the fabric to feel her slick on his fingertips.

“Shit,” she gasped, her brows stitched together as she looked down between their bodies, watching his forearm flex as he circled her clit. “Frankie, fuck. It’s so good.”

Her praise pulled a soft moan from his lips, his head pulling away from her neck to watch her as he slid his fingers lower and curled them inside of her. Dylan’s eyelids fluttered closed, her pouty red-stained lips forming a perfect circle as he targeted that soft spot deep inside that she could never reach with her own fingers.

“Baby,” he moaned, shaking his head in reverence as he watched her high crest, her chest heaving as he kept working her up and up and up. “You’re so beautiful. Fuck.”

“Frankie,” she warned, peeling her eyes open so that she was meeting his stare. “Frankie, oh my god.”

He nodded, a smile growing on his face as she started to squeeze his fingers.

“That’s it, querida,” he hummed, watching her as she fell over the edge with a silent cry. “Fuck, that’s it. So fucking beautiful when you cum, baby.”

“God,” she sighed, resting her head on his collarbone as she grabbed his wrist to halt his movements. “Too much.”

Frankie smiled and slipped his fingers out of her, bringing them up to his mouth and sucking them clean.

“Shit,” Dylan felt an aftershock of pleasure as she watched him hum at her taste. Before she could say anything else or offer to return the favor, a loud banging sounded on the door, making her jump. “Fuck, guess we should hurry up.”

“Yeah,” he nodded, shuffling over to wash his hands while Dylan adjusted herself in the mirror. “So…”

“I know,” she chuckled. “Let’s just…take it day by day? Doesn’t have to be anything…serious, you know?”

“Okay,” he agreed, though truthfully, he’d agree to anything she proposed. As long as he got to kiss her again. “Day by day. Nothing serious. Sounds…good.”

“Good.”

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[pimosworld]

The ties that bind

Pairing-Dave York x f!reader x Frankie Morales

Series Summary-Dave is a private investigator who tracks down soulmates. He's tasked to find Frankie's, but what happens when he finds you and wants you all to himself?

CW-18+,NSFW,MDNI, Fluff, teasing, shower sex,Dom Dave, MMF dynamics, voyeurism, Unprotected piv,Protective best friend.

WC-3.6K

A/N- Happy Frankie Friday. I know it’s been awhile but I have not abandoned these three. New chapters will be slow going because life happens but I still have a lot in store for them.

[Main Masterlist][Series Masterlist]

Not beta read

Chapter VII

You don’t remember the last time you woke up this peacefully. It almost feels like you’re dreaming being squished between these two bodies under a mountain of Egyptian cotton comforters. All you can see in a cloud of fluffy white is two distinct brown mops of hair. You want to run your fingers through it, the way you did last night. You think better of yourself and decide not to wake them for your own personal reasons. 

  Speaking of not waking them. You’re in a precarious position, you try to sit up against the headboard to extract yourself from the covers but a large hand pins you down. Frankie huffs a little and slides even closer to you. He seems to be still in dream land as does Dave so you quickly drape his arm across you. It buys you a moment to slide up just as he gravitates towards the other man. It makes you laugh how desperate he is for a warm body to snuggle up to. It’s a little bit more of acrobatics to climb over them as you land softly on the carpeted floor. 

  The only clothing item of yours in reach is your tight black dress from the night before so you opt for Dave’s dress shirt. You glance down at your phone tossed aside on the loveseat and curse yourself when you see a litany of notifications. You definitely need to call your best friend and fill her in on the details. Maybe not all the details but at least let her know you’re okay. 

  Alicia

  So? 

  Call me

  Missed call

  Are you alive? 

  You better have got dicked down by one of them

  I’m just kidding 

  Missed call 

  Only slightly kidding babe

  I’m gonna come down there and bang on your door

  Incoming call

  “Hello.” 

  “Oh my god, why do you even have a phone?” You feel slightly bad at the panicked tone. 

  “Sorry.” You say in a hushed voice. 

  “Why are you whispering?” 

  “Just…let me step outside.” You glance around and see the two men still sound asleep and head out into the balcony. 

  “Outside? Outside where?” Her shrill voice cuts in as the morning sun blasts you. 

  “The balcony Alicia.” You glance down hoping no one can see you but it seems way too high for anyone to notice. 

  “Those rooms don’t have balconies.” She says. 

  “The penthouse does.” All mischief in your tone as you hear her sharp intake of breath. 

  “The fucking penthouse!” She shrieks and you instinctively turn around as if they can hear her through the phone. 

  Your laugh sets hers off as you bounce giddily on your feet. “Yes, that’s what I said.” 

  She takes a deep breath and you prepare yourself for the influx. “So what was it like? I mean did you even do anything or did you guys just talk?…Who am I even kidding of course you didn’t just talk. Did you fuck both of them?” She’s completely spiraling now and you can’t even remember her first question. “Holy shit did they fuck each other? I’ve always wanted to be with two guys, you just checked something off my bucket list.” 

  “Okay, okay, breathe.” Your stomach hurts from laughter as you fidget with the hem of Dave’s shirt. “I’m not sure how me doing something checks it off your bucket list.” 

  “So you’re saying?” You shake your head at the slight lilt in her tone. 

  “I’m saying….I had an amazing night and I’d like to talk to you about it in person.” She groans but concedes. Much like your friendship you always understood each other. 

  “You know? It’s a beautiful day to hit the beach.” 

  You sigh as you look out onto the horizon. The aquamarine shore gives way to the dark blues as the water grows deeper. “Ya it is, we should go.” 

  “Yes…all of us should go.” Her insistence leaves no room for argument and you wouldn’t dare pass up an opportunity to let her blow off a little steam. You may have forgiven them but you know your best friend had some words for them since that night at the bar. 

  “Okay babe, I’ll talk to them when they wake up and come up with a plan.” 

  “When they wake up!? Your pussy must be molded from the gods if you fucked them to sleep.” 

  You groan as the balcony door opens and you nearly drop your phone. “Text you the deets, gotta go.” 

  You hear the tail end of a sentence as you hang up the phone. Dave is smirking at you as he leans in the doorway, dressed in his black boxers and nothing else.In the daylight he’s a marvel. His thick thighs that bracketed you between him. His defined waist and the small tuft of hair just below his belly button, his toned chest and that smirk he’s giving you because you realize you’re staring. 

  “See something you like?” His morning voice drops with want and you bite your lip as you nod your head. 

  He crosses his arms over his chest as he dips his chin. “Well I see something that belongs to me.” 

  “Oh sorry.” You gesture down at the shirt and your exposed thighs. “It was the first thing I saw.” 

  “I wasn’t talking about the shirt hummingbird.” He stalks toward you, wrapping his arms around your waist as he pins you against the window. You’re too high up for anyone to see anything but his body shields you as he runs his hands along your thighs, dragging his shirt up with them. He dips his head as you wrap your arms around his neck bringing him into you. It’s so much better than that first kiss, it’s uninhibited as you moan into his mouth. The cool contrast of his hot hands and your body against the cool window is exhilarating. Frankie would be getting quite the show if he was awake. 

  You snake your hand down his chest to palm his cock through his boxers and he whimpers. The sound almost brings you to your knees. 

  You push him back gently as you glance over your shoulder…it would be selfish to wake Frankie and you certainly can’t fuck on this balcony, at least not the first time with him. Sensing your thoughts he pulls your chin to face him. “You want to take a shower?” Your words are still caught in your throat so you nod as he releases your chin. He takes your hand in his as you glance down at your phone. You blink twice seeing the time still counting down on the call. I thought I hung up? 

  You raise the phone to your ear and give him an apologetic smile. “Hello?”

  “So you’ll give me the details after the shower.” You give her a hushed yes as she laughs on the other end. “Molded from the gods.” 

  “Okay bye.” 

  ****

  You’re leaning against the bathroom wall admiring the way his back flexes as he turns on the water. Holding his hand under the stream until it’s the right temperature. In your haste last night you didn’t really get a chance to look around the room. The large ceiling to floor windows and the marble tiles. The crushed velvet couches and the large work desk. It’s the most expensive room you’ve ever been in. The large dual shower with the rain water setting makes it look so luxurious. You may be getting ahead of yourself but you could get used to this. 

  “As much as I love the way you look in my clothes, I need this off.” He steps in front of you, his large hands work the small buttons of his shirt as he pushes it down your shoulders. His hands are cold from the water and he sees you shiver as his fingers graze your exposed breast. His lips find your shoulder as the shirt falls to your feet. He leaves little open mouth kisses down your arm and across your chest as he backs you up into the shower, helping you over the small ledge so you don’t trip. 

  “Well I need those off if you’re going to join me.” You gesture at his boxers and he slowly drags them down his thighs as he holds your eye contact. It’s hard to concentrate on one thing as your eyes flit down to his cock settled heavy between his thighs. His hooded gaze as he stares you down, challenging you to stay focused. 

  He steps into your space, the steam rolling off him as he steps under the water. His hands find your waist as he pulls you into him, dipping his head to your neck as he breathes in your scent. The water cascading off his body onto yours as he holds you close. It’s pure torture as he teases you, his cock between your thighs as he grinds your hips into him, the tip just barely brushing against your clit makes you gasp and he catches it with his mouth over yours. 

  “Dave please.” You whimper as he uses your body and he chuckles against your mouth. 

  “Patience hummingbird…we’re supposed to be getting clean.” He’s enjoying this, the slow build of anticipation as he turns you to face the water. 

  He squeezes some of the fancy hotel soap in his palms that smells like tea tree and vanilla. His lathered hands work their way over your shoulders and across your rib cage as you lean back into his broad chest. You can feel him achingly hard against your back but he has all the patience in the world apparently. He cups your breast in one hand as he rolls your nipple between his fingers, reveling in the way you hiss through your teeth. 

  He’s got you so keyed up you forget that you have cards to play as well. 

  You reach back, stroking his length as he thrusts into your hand. You chuckle as he curses under his breath while you steadily work him over. “You want to play this game sweetheart?” He grits out as his hand travels south, one arm snaking around to trap you against him. 

  You’re pinned but you can still manage to move your wrist as he dips his fingers between your folds, rubbing your clit with his thumb. An inaudible sound escapes you and you clamp your hand over your mouth. 

  “Don’t be quiet now hummingbird.” He growls in your ear as he pumps his fingers in and out. He pulls your hand away from your mouth as you pant out his name. 

  “I don’t want to wake…fuck.” You try to gather yourself as he curls his fingers. “Frankie.” 

  “Oh honey you fucked Frankie already.” He taunts you as he takes you apart. His words and his actions have you on the precipice of your climax. 

  “Fuck I’m so close..” The wet sounds of your bodies rubbing against each other and the cascade of the shower have thoroughly disguised your eager onlooker. 

  “Come for him.” You gasp at the sound of Frankie’s voice as Dave chuckles in your ear. Your hand grips his wrist as you try to cling to the last bit of sanity you have left. He swallows your cries with his lips as your head falls back to his shoulder. Relishing in the way he has you wrapped up so tight against him. If not for his strong arms holding you up you’d be in a puddle on the tile floor. 

  The sound of the other shower springing to life registers as Dave whispers praises in your ear. These men are seemingly already in some kind of easy morning routine where they can peel all your layers back. It’s almost not fair how comfortable they are sharing you when you wanted them to squirm a little. But you asked for this. 

  Dave’s hands haven’t left your body as the steam builds clouding your vision. His fingers grip and pull at your waist as you feel the faint evidence of their hands on you from the night before. It’s like he’s burning his memory into you, not wanting to let you go for fear that this is all some dream. He spins you around and presses you against the cool tile wall. You gasp and he chuckles as he flashes those pearly white teeth at you.  The stark differences between him and Frankie have you reeling. You can tell he’s having too much fun playing with you as he stares at you with those deep brown eyes. The water drips off his dark hair as it rolls down the slope of his nose. He’s fucking beautiful.

  You don’t know which way is up as you brace your hands against his chest when he dives down to kiss your neck. You can hear a groan from across the room as he wraps your leg around his hip, angling it just so that he can continue his torturous teasing. The slick sound of Frankie working himself over as Dave glances back and bites down hard on his lip to keep from coming at the sight. 

  “How rude of me.” He pants out as he turns your body slightly, nearly lifting your other foot off the floor. “I’m blocking the view.” 

  You let out a soft moan as Frankie’s eyes bore into you while Dave stretches you open. Notching your thigh higher up on his waist as he rolls his hips into you. You just might pass out from the sensations as shivers rack your body. 

  “Dave…fuck, it’s so…” He takes the words out of your mouth as he picks up the pace, practically working in tandem as Frankie feverishly fists his cock. You struggle to keep your toes on the ground as the lewd sounds of your moans echo off the walls. 

  Dave slows his pace as he glances over his shoulder. “I bet he’s thinking about how fucking tight this pussy is.” 

  Fuck. Frankie thinks he might have died and gone to heaven or he’s getting dangerously close to passing out from the steam and exertion. He doesn’t want to come before you but the way Dave is whispering in your ear and pushing you against the wall, he’s not sure how much longer he’s gonna last. The ripples in his back as he flexes his muscles. The way he grips your thigh and the way your toes curl when he hits that spot deep inside. It’s better than any porn he’s ever watched. He knows what it feels like to be inside you, to know what it sounds like when you’re close to the edge. 

  Your mouth hangs agape against Dave’s arm as your eyes rove up and down Frankie’s body like it’s a work of art. You look like a similar figure as the water rolls off the both of you and you cling to him for dear life desperately trying to keep your eyes from rolling in the back of your head. 

  Dave’s lips meet yours in a soft and sweet kiss. A complete juxtaposition to the way he’s dismantling you before you’ve even had your morning coffee. 

  “I think he wants us to come first hummingbird.” He smirks at you as he leans in whispering in your ear. “Maybe next time you’ll let us fuck you together.” 

  Frankie doesn’t hear the last part, but he can hear you as you come apart for the second time. Dave’s strong arms holding you against the wall as he works you through it. He can see the brief stutter as he fills you up and that sends Frankie over the edge as he lets out a loud groan and spills onto the tile below. 

  You’re floating as a blast of cold water washes over you and you faintly hear Dave curse, or Frankie you’re not entirely sure at this point. Your nerves frayed and your body spent from the overstimulation. 

  ****

  Two sets of the saddest brown eyes are looking down at you when you come to. You’re wrapped in the fluffiest white robe you’ve ever seen in your life and seem to have been deposited back in the bed. The looks of horror turn to utter confusion when you start laughing at their still slightly damp appearance with matching white towels wrapped around their waist. 

  It’s like the beginning of a wet dream you’re sure you’ve had before, two gorgeous men, half naked standing before you and all you can do is manage a small smile to let them know you’re okay. 

  “Jesus Christ hermosa…you scared the shit out of me.” Dave quickly shoots him a look of disapproval and Frankie corrects his previous statement to “us.” He’ll have to get used to that of course. 

  “I’m so sorry, I got a little carried away.” The bed dips as Dave sits down next to you, cradling your head in his large palm. 

  You place your hand on the outside of his gently brushing your fingers along his knuckles. Hopefully reassuring him you’re perfectly alright. Better than alright in fact. “Don’t be sorry honey, that was amazing.” 

  He’s slightly more taken aback at the pet name. Perhaps the first time you’ve used one with him. He wants to relish in it but maybe you’re just delirious from nearly getting heat stroke, or maybe it’s just comforting to you. Either way he’ll never correct you. 

  “Don’t encourage him.” Frankie is still standing above you, looking less than amused. He hands you a glass of water as you sit up against the headboard. 

  “I seem to recall someone else encouraging as well.” You raise an eyebrow at him and he seems to concede defeat at that. He joins you on the other side and you feel pleasantly cozy, trapped between them. 

  Dave looks down at you slowly, as you start to close your eyes. “We’re gonna have to set some ground rules, seeing as though we almost killed her.” 

  Frankie just hums in approval as he glances down at you. 

  You’re just gonna rest a little more and hope Alicia isn’t too mad that you want to spend a few more moments in your penthouse paradise. 

  ****

  You can tell she wants to say something 

  You could always read your best friend like the back of your hand. It’s almost driving you nuts that she hasn’t said anything. Instead she just smiles at you as you walk hand in hand down to your favorite spot just near the edge of the water. The boys in tow behind you whispering to themselves, yet everytime you turn around they just offer you the same smile as if everything is perfectly normal. 

  To the outside world everything is. It's just two couples, setting up camp in the white sand on the perfect sunny day. The aquamarine waves gently kiss the shore, calling to you as you take off your swim cover up. Not missing the way Alicia’s eyes dart to a few forming bruises on your exposed body. 

  You shoot her a look of drop it and she concedes as she takes hers off and lays it out along the sand. She knows you won’t be joining her as you silently fall into your normal beach routine, her laying out in the sun as you walk towards the waters edge. 

  “So…is Po-I mean Santiago be joining us?” Frankie finally breaks the silence as he nervously adjusts his cap, glancing over to Dave who looks like he’s going to make a break for the water to join you. 

  “Nope.” She pats the sand on either side of her and you hope for their sake she at least had a goodnight.

  You turn your back to them and walk confidently toward the water until the warm sand starts to meet the waves and you dig your feet into the cold dense grit. The sound of the water as it gently kisses your calves and the seagulls above you are all you care about at this very moment. 

  ****

  “She looks happy.” 

  A firm statement Frankie can tell as Alicia keeps her eyes trained on you standing in the water. Dave glances over waiting for her to continue, not wanting to speak until he’s certain he’s supposed to. She has a protective air about her that he respects and also is genuinely terrified of. 

  They both know how fiercely you love each other and with that comes a lot more at stake. Frankie knows more so than Dave that Santiago and Alicia’s relationship thriving is directly tied to how they proceed. She would never put you through the torture of  continuing to date his best friend if things didn’t work out between the three of you. 

  “I don’t think either of us could come back from another heartbreak.” She picks up a small handful of sand and watches it fall like a slip of an hourglass. 

  “We don’t intend on breaking her heart.” Dave says as sincerely as he can without letting on his nervousness. 

  “I’m sure you don’t intend to…but you didn’t intend on lying and you both did a bang up job of  that already.” She levels him with a look and he opts to bite his tongue on that one. Frankie has the decency to look embarrassed even though Dave really should have come clean. 

  “Well consider that our first and last fuck up.” 

  You turn to them seated on the beach. Shielding the sun from your eyes with one hand and waving them over with the other. The brightest smile on your face as you silently plea for them to join you. 

  “I’ll consider it if you keep making her smile like that.” 

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[romanarose]

GUYS!!!!

A year ago I commissioned a piece from a friend but her screen broke and she didn’t have the money to replace it for a while. That’s totally fine, life happens and now I got this nice little treat!

Francisco Morales, my OC Jana Fernandez, their daughter Rosie Morales Fernandez, and newborn baby Max!

These are my dear characters from the Leather and Lace universe!

Their story takes place mostly in Take Your Time, dealing  with Frankie’s struggle with addiction, fatherhood, guilt, and getting back together with his ex-girlfriend Jana

This picture is a Clemson to the future, after Jana gives birth, her pregnancy being something she annoynced in Wills story

Any nice words will be passed along to my friend!

[joelswritingmistress]

Oh Captain, My Captain: Chapter 4

Chapter Summary: After reliving your unexpected first kiss, you agree to meet Joel again for another boat ride. While you're trying to remain level-headed, your hormones are in overdrive as you wonder where things are headed between you.

Joel x f!reader

The kiss was innocent enough. Closed mouth, a peck that lingered with eyes pressed shut. You could taste the Narragansett beer he'd be drinking down at the beach. But sparks went off like fireworks inside of you.

When you pulled back and opened your eyes, Joel's lips, his luscious lips, twisted into a smirk. His eyes, playful and kind, lingered on yours.

"Goodnight," you spoke with a smile of your own and glowing, hot cheeks.

"Goodnight."

"Will you be okay to get home?" The question felt silly but you couldn't help but ask. It made him chuckle.

"I'll be fine."

"Okay." You nodded and realized he was leaning back in.

"Okay," he echoed, closing his eyes again as he planted a second kiss on your lips.

You didn't want to part from him. Never in your life had you wanted to jump someone's bones so badly right after you met them. You'd never had a one night stand or slept with a guy right away, it just wasn't your style. But Joel. Joel would have been an exception to every silly little rule you'd penned in your imaginary rule book. You didn't want a one night stand. You wanted a one-hundred night stand - or more.

Calm the fuck down, you told yourself.

"Six o'clock tomorrow night?" He asked, still lingering close to your lips.

You swallowed hard. "Six o'clock."

"I gotta leave the dock then so don't be late." He smirked with another wink that made you swoon.

"I won't be late."

You hadn't realized your fingers were entwined with his until his hand parted from yours. You managed a deep breath, said your goodnights again and then headed upstairs.

...

"Taking the boat out to Block Island today," your Uncle Mark explained as he sipped on a fruity drink beside you on the beach. "Any interest?" He smoothed out his graying mustache.

You couldn't risk being late to meet Joel, but you pretended like you were thinking about it. "I might do a little shopping out here tonight."

"No problem. You kids are getting too old to hang out with the old dudes, anyway." He gave a laugh. "To be honest I miss being young and hitting the bars. Being able to do shots without feeling it for four days."

You gave a laugh. "My shot taking days are ending. Some beers and maybe a rum runner or two I can get behind, though."

Uncle Mark laughed and you gave him a fist bump. He was the funniest family member you had, and before you left the beach the two of you snuck in a shot of Fireball he kept in the cooler, just for good measure.

On the walk back from a day in the sun your brother caught up with you. "So, uh, who's the guy?" He teased.

"What?"

"Who's the guy?" He repeated with a smirk. "Late night. You asked me to lie for you. I did. You're not joining us on Uncle Mark's boat."

You chuckled and shook your head.

"I knew it."

"I'm meeting a guy tonight for dinner."

When he started singing the Grease song, Summer Lovin' you laughed and hit him. Sometimes your brother could be okay, despite his cringy antics.

"Thanks for covering for me last night."

"Yeah, yeah. You've had my back before and you always bought me beer before I could buy it myself." He laughed. "Just don't get kidnapped."

"I'll be fine." You smiled.

The vibe of the week had shifted tremendously. You went from being bored and then feeling guilty for being bored to completely alive.

Everyone had gone to Block Island on the boat, and your mother was the most disappointed that you decided to stay. A part of you felt guilty again because you knew she was trying to hold onto the bond you'd always had with her. Your parents weren't bad people, not by a long shot. You were just feeling a need to spread your wings now that you were fully submerged into adulthood.

Speaking of adulthood, you finally felt like you were able to let yourself go - socially and romantically. It was time to explore all avenues of your love life and Joel Miller was in your crosshairs.

You tried to pull off a look that showed you were trying but not too much. You put on some makeup, lip gloss and straightened your hair. You sported a sundress for the boat ride again and some flip flops.

At five-thirty you began the short walk down to the docks and saw the now-familiar boat beginning to approach the dock with a short line of people waiting to take their cruise. The crew from the hour before began to exit the vessel and, as they piled off, the first people in line piled on.

You held your breath. Butterflies were in your stomach and your eyes scanned the boat frantically. The excitement and anxiety wouldn't get back to an even keel until you saw him.

The dock rocked beneath you as you paced toward the boat. You spotted one of Joel's friends from the bar securing a rope from the boat to the dock.

Where is he? Where is he? The phrase peppered in your mind as you neared The Mist of the Sea. Your heart rate climbed and then, as the first passenger went to climb aboard, the captain emerged with a hand extended to help them on.

You swallowed hard. He looked even better than you remembered, sporting the same hat over a T-shirt that hugged his rugged upper body. He smiled genuinely as he helped the passengers aboard.

And then it was your turn. When your eyes met Joel's you noticed his Adam's apple rise and fall in his throat. His lips tightened on the corners at first and then a smile formed, big and bright, on his face.

His warm palm secured your hand to his, and when his fingers wrapped around your hand you felt a hit of infatuation. It was already addicting.

"Welcome aboard," Joel greeted. He grinned, and you smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Thank you, Captain." You allowed him to guide you aboard. Everything felt great in that moment. Perfect, even. You hadn't felt so naturally happy in a long time.

"The view from the top deck is stunning," he said as you headed for the ladder.

"Thanks for the tip." You glanced over your shoulder at him and felt your flirtation was successful as you took the ladder to the top deck.

Others had begun to get seated but you managed to make your way close to the front of the boat to be close to Joel.

He eventually made his way to the top, subtly letting his knee graze yours as he passed. A moment later he was on the boat radio, capturing the crew's attention as he promised a relaxing and informative forty-five minute ride around the island.

You enjoyed the ocean breeze, and of course the view of the captain. But you couldn't wait for whatever came next. Joel was so close, yet so far. After the hours of conversation and the pair of kisses the night before, you couldn't help but crave more. Selfishly, you wanted Captain Joel all to yourself.

He was really in his element. Joel was friendly and energetic. He had people laughing and asking a question here or there. He really was an islander, and you could hear the passion for the place he lived in every little detail he provided. It was dreamy.

I could do this over and over, you thought to yourself.

The forty-five minutes came and went. You tried to soak in as much of the history and little tidbits of the Island that you could. When Joel finally eased the big sea vessel back into its spot by the dock, he thanked everyone for joining and motioned for you to come to the front as the others piled out.

"So, what'd you think?" He asked. "Better the second time around?"

"I'd say you nailed it," you said with a nod, letting your hand drift across the steering wheel. "You got a standing ovation. They seemed to like you."

Joel gave a little grin and motioned to the wheel. "Think you could drive her?"

You huffed a laugh and positioned both hands on the wheel, looking out at the sea. "I'd probably take us to Ireland or something."

Joel laughed lightly and crept in behind you. He placed his hands over yours on the wheel.

You swallowed hard and your pulse quickened when you felt his body gently brush against yours from behind. You were struggling to fight the impulses you wanted so badly to act on. But to be fair, Joel knew exactly what he was doing.

"If I said starboard which side is it?" He asked.

"Um.." your brain was practically shut down and your body was working overtime. You went to move your hands on the wheel to the left but Joel caught you as you did and forced your hands in the other direction.

"Close," he teased. The laugh he let out ricocheted down the side of your neck. It caused you to turn partway to look at him.

For a second or two neither of you said anything, and then in a boyishly cute fashion, Joel simply said, "Hi."

"Hi." You breathed the word back and your gaze alternated, in rapid fashion, from looking into his eyes to down at his lips and back again.

That was when Joel recognized your hesitation and took the initiative. He grabbed you by the side of the face with one hand and kissed you. This time he *really* kissed you.

It was fierce and hot. Your tongue fought for dominance with his, but ultimately Joel took over with ease. You gasped when you took a breath and then dove back in for more.

Fuck, how would you stop? There wasn't a part of your body that had the will to stop.

And then came a whistle from below. It jolted both of you back to reality and you suddenly remembered where you were.

"Joel!" A voice called up. "You good?" It was one of the deckhands.

"I'm on my way down!" Joel called back. He turned back to you and sighed through his nose. His hand still rested on your cheek. "Come to dinner with me."

You nodded, knowing full well how crimson your face was and swollen your pupils must have been.

"Do you feel comfortable coming by my house first? I just have to take a quick shower. I'll be in and out in five minutes."

Joel's house? Him showering? Naked. With you there.

"If not," he went on, "That's fine. I could meet you at the restaurant-"

"No, it's fine," you blurted before he could suggest anything else. "I'll go with you."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." You couldn't hold back a smile.

Joel smiled back. "Alright, let me just get this boat secured and then we'll go."

"Okay." You took a breath as he exited your personal space. It felt empty without him there, especially in the throes of infatuation. Still, it gave you a second to process what the immediate future would hold as you tried to keep your cool about going to Joel's house.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER 5

[redahlia-writes]

you make loving fun. | frankie morales x ofc

five. songbird

content (for this chapter): family feels (a lot), implication of cheating (in previous relationship), references to a past bad relationships, parenting, benny is their honorary child actually, talks of pregnancy and fertiliy, self-doubt, some suggestive language

word count: 5.2k

a/n: this chapter is a little shorter than the previous ones, with more, kind of quicker scenes, but i really wanted it to be out there before i start exams because i don’t know how soon i’ll manage to write the next one. i love my silly little family

reblogs and feedback are always greatly appreciated. you can send it here, too

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“Well, Camila’s crying so I’ll have to keep it brief or I might start doing the same. My brother and Pope said a lot about you, but they forgot the most important part: your heart. Your big, wonderful heart that had space for all of us, for Alba, for all our shitty baggage. Sorry, I know, I’m sorry, I just–I think we take it for granted sometimes, how much you’ve done for us, too. Not just by loving Frankie the way you do, but by being there for us–for me. You took care of my bruises when we’d only just met, you spent nights awake on your couch just listening to my complaints even though you had work in the morning, you overfed me on multiple occasions, and–I warned you I was going to cry. Alright, Cami, you–I love you, thank you for everything, but mainly for being you and taking care of us when you really, really didn’t have to. And Fish–Frankie, thank you, too. Yes, because you brought Camila into our lives, but also for you. You were the first of us to make it out, to get your shit together–sorry, again, I’m sorry–what I’m trying to say is you made me realize love was still a possibility for people like us, that we could have a new life, if we put in the work. I’m grateful for that, and I’m grateful for you–both of you. Now, maybe we should go back to some of those stories Pope was mentioning–”

The Sunday morning crowd made the café feel smaller, a little more chaotic than they were used to, and Frankie did not lose sight of Camila as she gathered their orders while he sat at the small table with Alba–the same table they always sat at, from that first morning still hungover. The people there had started to recognise them, smile at them, linger in small-talk, so it wasn’t all that odd one or the other would be held back for a few moments.

But Frankie noticed the tight line of Camila’s shoulders, the guy in front of her wrapping his arms in a quick hug–she seemed to try to reciprocate, but her arms were stiff at her sides, back pinched together. He frowned, while Camila nodded and responded to whatever it was the other guy had told her, and her gaze flickered towards him and Alba, a tight-lipped smile in their directions even with her eyes a little wider–it took him everything in him to not get up and reach for them both, especially when the guy’s eyes moved from him to the child and back, eyebrows slightly arched, and back further to Camila.

The talk was cut short by a blonde woman pushing a stroller and simultaneously holding a second child on her hip. Camila’s posture went even more rigid, though her gaze softened at the two kids, and with a quick movement of her head she gathered the small tray and walked away, a goodbye thrown over her shoulder as she made a beeline towards the table.

When she returned to the table, sitting between Frankie and Alba, she exhaled heavily and reached for one of the fuming cups of coffee–he bumped his knee with hers, making her glance up with a worried gaze. He frowned again.

“You okay?” he asked, soft enough that some tension left her but not so much so she couldn’t hear him from above the noise.

“Yeah–yes, of course,” she tried and failed to plaster on a smile, another sigh escaping her afterwards as she sagged in her seat. Frankie placed his hand on the table, palm up, and she immediately let her own fall into his, picking it up to bring it up to her face. She brushed her lips to his knuckles in a quick kiss, and he leaned in closer.

“You can talk to me, baby. What is it?” he reassured softly, and this time her smile was true though softer, pushing her cheek against the back of his hand and looking up at him. She cleared her throat then, taking a slow breath in.

“That was Jason,” Frankie looked back towards the man, then at Camila again. “Yes, that Jason,” she added before he could ask. “The very same.”

The same guy who’d broken up with her after a decade because he was bored; the same guy that didn’t like when he could hear her–in their everyday life, or in the bedroom, the reason why she had started singing a little louder, had stopped holding back; the same guy that, despite the years, had still an influence on her sorrys and her fears, although less so now. The same guy who had told her he didn’t want a family, but now pushed a stroller out of the café.

“With a kid?” was the first thing he could ask, baffled.

“With two kids,” she replied, bringing the cup up to her face. “And a wife. Of almost three years, give or take,” she added before taking a sip, flinching at the warmth of the drink.

“Of–wait, what?” he frowned again, glancing over his shoulder as if he could still see them.

“The first kid, too–he’s around Alba’s age, little older maybe,” she smiled at the kid that waved her hands at the mention of her name, placing down the cup to give her the other hand.

“Mila,” he called gently, bringing his chair closer.

“I’m fine, honey, I swear, just a little–” she trailed off, then scoffed with a grimace. “It’s not even confused–it’s not like I didn’t know,” she shrugged, turning to look at him with a softer smile, almost to reassure him. “I did not lose anything after he left, only gained. The loss was all before.”

“You don’t have to do that,” he said gently, leaning in to rest his chin over her shoulder, their joined hands falling onto her lap. “You can be disappointed–God knows I wouldn’t be if I found out Sophie has a family now.”

“I don’t think I am, though,” she admitted, tilting her head to look down at him still resting against her. “It feels odd, sure, but I don’t think I care,” she brushed her lips to his forehead quickly, then turned to kiss Alba’s hand, pulling a giggle out of her just as she tilted her head against Frankie’s. “I have all I need, Frankie.”

That same night, when Alba was fast asleep and the house was quiet, Frankie reached towards the other side of the bed and found it empty. Still half asleep, he pulled his head up from the pillow and turned to look at the vacant spot, patting it lightly as if to make sure before sitting up.

“Mila?” he called, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He waited for a response a few moments longer before getting up, padding quietly outside the room.

The door to the bathroom was open, lights turned off, and when he looked to the other side he saw Camila sitting on the floor by Alba’s ajar door, her eyes wide as she nibbled her bottom lip, crossed legs bouncing ever so slightly in agitation. Frankie walked up to her quietly, and when she didn’t look up towards him–when she kept staring at the door instead–he kneeled by her side, ignoring his legs protesting at the movement and position.

“Camila, baby, what’s wrong?” he asked softly, reaching to take one of her hands she fidgeted over her lap, picking at her nails. She blinked rapidly at his touch, gaze flickering unfocused for a moment from the door to him before lingering on the tilt of his head.

“Sorry,” she murmured, giving a quick squeeze to his hand. “Did I wake you?”

“No, I was just wondering where you were,” he shifted back slightly, trying to alleviate some of the pressure to his knees. “Did something happen with Alba?” he asked then, and Camila shook her head quickly, offering him a tight smile.

“It’s nothing, go back to sleep,” she reassured. Frankie didn’t budge, arching his eyebrows slowly, and she sighed, looking down. “You’re awfully stubborn, Francisco.”

“And you’re sitting in front of our daughter’s bedroom and staring at it as if it’s about to catch on fire,” he retorted, returning her smile a little wider–there was a flicker in her expression he almost missed, a light quiver of her bottom lip and her gaze shifting back towards the room. “Come on, let’s get up.”

She hesitated just a moment longer as Frankie stood up, offering her both his hands, and then let him hoist her up and wrap his arms around her, pulling her up–enough so that when he walked forward and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her legs dangled just above the ground. She chuckled softly, letting her forehead fall to the curve of his neck.

“You’re gonna strain your back, Frankie,” she murmured, and he scoffed lightly.

“Are you calling me old?” he put her back down at the top of the stairs, hands sliding down her sides and back into her hands as she chuckled again, eyes fluttering open.

“I would never,” she said in mock offense, tipping her chin up. He caught her pouting lips in a quick kiss before leading her down the stairs, their hands joined behind his back.

He could feel her hesitate every now and then, lingering a step behind and turning her head before he squeezed her hands, encouraging her forward without turning to look at her. She’d done the same for him the times he’d woken up from a nightmare, clinging to her breathlessly until she woke with a startle, shushing him gently and coaxing him up and out of the bedroom, the kettle already on the stove before he fully came to it sitting at the kitchen counter–he did the same now, her eyes following him around as she sat on the counter itself.

The silence that accompanied his presence seemed to be doing part of the work already, her posture relaxing as her legs dangled and rocked slowly–he slotted himself between her knees before placing the fuming cups at her side, the tags of the tea bags wrapped around the handle. When he looked up at her, her eyes had softened, hands searching for him again now that he was within reach.

“Wanna tell me what’s wrong?” he hummed the same question she asked him those nights, his hands running up and down her thighs slowly, a soothing motion that had her leaning forward. Frankie kissed her cheek, chaste and delicate, coaxing a quick smile out of her.

She basked in the feeling a moment longer, eyelids shut as she rested her hands over his, palm to knuckles–he hooked his thumbs between her thumb and forefinger, stopping rubbing her legs when she tapped against the back of his hands, exhaling slowly.

“He changed his mind,” she murmured, looking back up at him. Frankie frowned lightly.

“Who?” Camila sighed again, tilting her head back.

“Jason,” his name sounded almost like a groan, and Frankie kept his frown up a moment longer. “Or maybe he didn’t and he just happened to knock her up, the poor girl,” she scoffed, shaking her head lightly. “Or it was just me he didn’t want a family with, which–fine by me, that’s not what bothers me.”

“What is it, then?” drawing small circles over the back of her hand with his thumbs, Frankie brought her gaze back to him, his head slightly tilted, his eyes soft.

“He changed his mind,” she repeated, a worried edge in her voice. “So what if–if Sophie does, too? What if one day she just changes her mind and wants Alba back, and–she’s still her mother, Frankie,” the last sentence was whispered, eyes wide and glossed over. He sighed softly, letting go of her hands with one last squeeze to bring his own at the sides of her face, pulling her closer to kiss her forehead.

“She surrendered parental rights, you know that,” he started, voice gentle–still, Camila scoffed softly, looking down at her hands as she began picking at her nails again. It used to be a sore subject for Frankie, the way Sophie had cut ties so drastically, the I don’t want to have anything to do with either of you–not even for his sake, but for Alba’s, the possibility she might search for her mother one day and have to face the reality of the situation, maybe blame it on him. But not ever since Camila had entered their lives.

“She carried her, still, she–” a shuddering breath caught in her throat and she shook her head again. “Where would that leave me, then?” her voice cracked, cheeks flushed. Frankie picked up one of her hands again, stopping her picking, and bringing it up to his mouth, a delicate kiss to her knuckles.

“You’re her mom, Mila, in all the ways that matter,” with their joined hands, he brushed across her cheek, stopping the few tears that had escaped her. “How about this,” he said then, pushing gently underneath her chin to make her lift her gaze, “we’re going to take the day off work tomorrow, keep Alba home, and go sign some papers. I think it’s about time.”

“What?” it was her time to frown, sniffling slightly as he locked their hands together, fingers intertwined still under her chin.

“We’ve lived together for over a year now, no? That’s enough time,” he said, shrugging a little. He tilted his head when she did, too, as if perplexed, and smiled softly. “You are her mother, Camila. Just because you didn’t carry her doesn’t mean you’re not,” he added, careful to hold her gaze.

“I know,” she sighed, then shook her head again with a soft groan. “God, I know, I know–I just can’t help but think she’s not mine, and that terrifies me.”

“She’s yours just as much as she’s mine,” he let his free hand brush across her cheek and through her hair, pushing the dark locks away from her face and, in doing so, keeping her head upright. “And I meant what I said–we can go tomorrow morning, and it’ll be down on paper, too.”

“What about Alba? If she doesn’t–” Camila sounded a little breathless still.

“Mamá?” Alba sounded just like Frankie when she called her that–the same tilt of the voice, the same accent, too. She stood at the entrance of the kitchen and rubbed her eyes, hair standing on edge from where she’d rested on the pillow while she slept.

“Hi, sweetling,” she wiped her cheeks and eyes quickly, and Frankie helped her off the counter so she could walk up to the child. “What is it? You alright?”

“You weren’t up,” Alba pouted, arms extended towards her as soon as she was within reach. Camila picked her up right away, holding her on her hip–the kid let her head fall on her shoulder, buttheading her chin gently as she settled into the curve of her neck.

“I’m sorry, baby–dad and I were craving something warm,” she said just as softly, gaze flickering towards Frankie–he was holding both their mugs now, his eyebrows arched and that same smile softened furthermore, looking at them with a shimmer in his eyes. “Did something happen?”

“Sueño,” she mumbled, one of her hands wrapped around the collar of Camila’s pajama shirt.

“Buen sueño o mal sueño?” she asked, slowly rubbing her back as she began rocking side by side. Frankie got closer, her gaze lifting up to him, as he focused a moment longer on Alba.

“Bad,” the child said, a clear pout in her voice. Camila brushed her lips to the top of her head, sighing softly.

“How about,” she said, hoisting her up a little over her hip so that the child would look at her, “tonight we protect you in the big bed?” Alba was already nodding, tugging the collar of her shirt as Camila smiled. “Is that what you wanted? To stay with us?”

“Yes,” she nodded again, and Frankie chuckled softly, leaning in to leave a kiss to Alba’s head first, then Camila’s.

“Come on then,” he said, his voice softer than before. “Mama and I can have our drinks upstairs. Do you want anything else?” Alba shook her head, arms winding around Camila’s neck as she cuddled against her once more–Frankie looked at the woman then, still smiling, and gently bumped their hips together. “I think that answers your question,” he added in a whisper, to which Camila sighed.

“Thank you,” she murmured, and Frankie leaned in again to press a gentle kiss against her lips, brief and tender.

“Song,” Alba demanded, tugging Camila’s shirt twice with a tight fist.

“Song?” she asked in return, one last look towards Frankie before she turned for the stairs. The child nodded firmly, making her chuckle. “Of course, baby.”

Frankie lingered a few steps back, watching their heads bent together, dark hair of one and the other blending together as Camila began humming a song soft-voiced–she’d first sang Songbird for Alba to calm her down during a thunderstorm, both of them curled up on the child’s small bed (Camila had then complained about a backache). He’d watched the tears dry up on Alba’s face as the song went on and then started again, Camila’s gentle caresses across her face and head to soothe her furthermore, until she’d fallen asleep in spite of the storm raging on. When she could not sleep, Alba would ask for the song again–Frankie had tried, too, but she’d just started giggling, claiming it was not like mama’s. He couldn’t argue with her.

That night, he stayed awake a while longer, watching them sleep–Alba was curled into Camila’s chest, head notched underneath her chin, still clinging to her shirt. Camila had one arm wrapped around her, keeping her close, and the other extended towards Frankie, fingers hooked into the sleeve of his shirt as if in the process to bring him closer yet.

When sleep crept up to him, he turned to his side, sandwiching the little girl in the middle of them, and wrapped his arm around them both, leaving one last kiss to each of his girls’ heads.

Frankie believed he was seeing double. Maybe triple. 

Camila held Alba’s hand tightly in the middle of the airport, while her other arm was wrapped around a woman’s shoulders with such strength he could see the strain in her muscles, head bent towards hers and a light shake in her shoulder, as if she was about to cry.

“Ya, ahora, ¿dónde está mi nieta?” the woman said, a gentle pat to Camila’s back as she pulled away. It was uncanny, really, the way the two looked alike–Camila’s mother hair had more gray, tied in a knot at the nape of her neck, and lines crossed her face, but other than that it seemed like a mirror. And Alba, with her dark curls and big brown eyes, a continuation of the picture. “Hola, muñeca,” Emilia said softly, the words almost lost in the chaos of the place.

Alba clung to Camila’s arm, shuffling to hide behind her leg when the woman bowed to her height, pressing her cheek into the fold of Camila’s skirt. The women chuckled softly, and Camila crouched down next to the child, one arm wrapped around her to keep her close while the other rubbed gently at her chest.

“Don’t you recognise her, nena?” she asked gently, a smile on her reddened face. 

“’puter,” Alba said, wide-eyed, shying towards her mother’s touch. Camila's smile widened, holding her close to her side.

“That’s right–you saw her in the computer, that’s my mama,” she nodded, encouragingly.

Video calls with Camila’s mom had been frequent, Frankie shying away more often than not until Emilia demanded to see him, the same scowl on her face that Camila had when something did not go the way she’d planned it. She’d given him the talk over video call, met Alba and Santi, too–they’d celebrated one of Camila’s birthdays with her on the screen, and eventually invited her over for the next one.

They hadn’t seen each other physically in years.

“Mama?” Alba frowned, looking from one to the other. Emilia was smiling, too, her eyes shimmering as she watched the scene play out. “Yaya?” Alba asked then, and Camila scrunched up her nose with a soft laugh.

“Yes, sweetling–your yaya,” she nodded again, dropping the hand that was resting over her chest before tilting her head. “Wanna say hi?”

“Hi,” the child said, wide eyes lifted towards the older woman while she still partially hid behind Camila’s skirt, fist tightened around the folds. Frankie chuckled from his position a few steps behind, shifting forward to rest his hand on top of Alba’s head.

“Cami was the same,” Emilia shook her head softly, looking up at Frankie, grinning almost conspiratorially. “Tímida,” Camila huffed, a pout pulling at her lips as she stood, picking Alba up with her. Her mother arched her eyebrows as if to highlight her point, then stepped forward, opening her arms. “Come here, you.”

Frankie shuffled forward, placing Emilia’s back down carefully before leaning into her embrace–she was quick to pull him down, the hug leaving him slightly breathless in the tight wrap of her arm, one hand patting his back right between his shoulders.

“Gracias, mijo,” she whispered, a kiss to his cheek that reminded him all too much of his mother’s. “Me la has traído de vuelta.”

His breath stuttered, gaze flicking up to Camila’s face–she held Alba against her side, the girl looking up at her face while she looked at them, eyes shimmering and face flushed. Most of all, I missed my mother, whispered in the nights they’d spend talking about the days before.

Before–that’s how their lives were timed now. Before and after them.

Before, Camila had left home for college, to find a job, and had gone back once in 15 years. Before she didn’t miss home, but she did miss her mother, especially those days when she felt particularly alone. Lovely. Left back. Frankie would wish they’d met earlier then, perhaps their lives would’ve been different then, both of them less beat down by it.

“But we wouldn’t have Alba then.”

Alba clung to her, wide-eyed, a crease between her brows that made her look so much like Camila as she looked at her first, then Frankie and Emilia. Emilia, still patting his back with words of gratitude he’d heard before through a screen. You brought her back to me, as in you brought her back to life.

“Come on now, let’s get home,” she said, walking up to them. Emilia mumbled something that sounded vaguely like impaciente, fondness in her voice as she released Frankie and turned around, hooking her arm with Camila’s. At the same time, she reached for her mother’s bag, gently nudging Alba towards her father. “You got her?”

“Yes,” he picked the child up, not wanting to risk the airport crowd. Alba’s arms fastened around his neck, a small pout forming on her face as she watched the other two walk ahead. “What is it, nena?”

“Is mama sad?” the little girl asked, her voice small. It took Frankie everything to not start laughing, the earnestness of her question catching him by surprise. “She’s crying,” she added, a justification of her pondering. He chuckled softly, leaving a quick kiss to her cheek.

“She’s not sad, sweetie–those are happy tears,” he explained softly, and the frown returned to the girl’s face. He reached up to smooth his thumb over the crease, something he’d do with Camila, too, when she focused too much on papers from work. “See, she hasn’t seen her mom in a long time, and now that they’re together again–that makes her happy.”

“Oh,” Alba kept pouting slightly, then tightened her hold on Frankie abruptly, bringing herself close to him. “I wanna keep seeing mama,” she said quickly, clinging to him. Frankie couldn’t help his laughter again, louder this time, to the point Camila looked over her shoulder with a questioning look. He smiled at her.

“Don’t worry, your mama’s not going anywhere.”

The backyard was lively with chatter and soft music, sun setting slow above their guests. Friends from Camila’s work would come and go, old friends from her college days who seemed to adore Frankie stayed longer, chatting mostly with her, or her mother, or Frankie himself, or the boys who, as always, had arrived first and would be the last to leave.

With Alba on her hip, a glass in her other hand, Camila laughed with Will and her whole face brightened up. Frankie smiled, silently walking up to them–Will was the first to notice him, reaching out for Alba and turning her around before she could spoil the surprise, but said nothing otherwise. Not until Frankie shifted forward, wrapping both his arms around Camila and pulling her back against his chest–she squealed and extended her arm as the drink spilled from the glass, letting out a laugh right after as he placed her back down.

“Let’s go bother your uncle Santi,” they heard Will tell Alba, while Camila turned to look up at Frankie. Her face was bright, cheeks flushed with laughter and smile lines etched at the corners of her eyes and mouth.

“Hi,” she hummed, the empty hand falling to his hip while she curled the other over his chest, glass now half-emptied held carefully between them. Frankie leaned in, leaving a quick peck to her mouth.

“Hi, cumpleañera,” she scrunched up her nose, following the slow rocking rhythm he’d set with his arms wrapped around her, fingertips tracing slow lines up and down her spine. “So–your mom just ambushed me.”

Camila’s eyes widened as she leaned into Frankie’s embrace, her head tilted back to look at him–her smile faltered slightly, brows knitting with worry as she mumbled a, “Oh, God.”

“Asking if Alba’s getting a sibling anytime soon,” he went on, slightly amused. Camila groaned softly, her head falling forward against his chest, her eyes screwing shut before the impact–chuckling softly, he wrapped his arms around her tighter, rubbing her back.

“I’m so sorry,” she mumbled with a light shake of her head. “I asked her not to, but–”

“Baby, it’s alright,” he pressed the words with a kiss to her temple, nudging her head to look back up. Eyes big again, a small pout formed on her lips as she did, and he left another kiss to her forehead before shifting slightly. “Have you ever thought about it?”

“Have you?” she asked tentatively, her voice unbelievably small. Frankie shrugged.

“Few times,” he admitted, and she tilted her head to the side just a little, inquisitive. “Alba’s almost four and–I don’t know, maybe it’d be nice for her to have a sibling. Not now, but maybe eventually.”

“Eventually?” it was her turn to chuckle, while a flush slowly crept up her neck–she looked around at the people around them, celebrating her, the ridiculous pile of birthday presents resting by the growing rosemary plant. “We’re not getting any younger, honey.”

“You calling me old?” she scoffed with a playful push against his chest that did nothing but make him laugh, his grip on her never faltering as he stepped back, bringing her with her and resuming the slow almost-dancing. “Is that what worries you?”

“Maybe,” she nibbled her bottom lip, taking a moment before looking back at him. “My mom had me when she was really young, and I always thought after 30 I just wouldn’t–” she sighed, leaning a little more into him, the hand holding the glass sliding up and past his shoulder, so they were standing chest to chest. He kept caressing her back slowly, tenderly, encouraging. “I did think about it.”

“You never said,” she sighed again.

“You forgot to feed yourself multiple times when we first started going out, Frankie,” he grimaced. “You were so worried for Alba, all the time, I just–I didn’t think you’d want to do that again.”

“Of course I was worried,” one of his hands traveled up her back, resting underneath her hair right between her shoulder blades. “I thought I was gonna have to do everything alone, I was terrified of fucking up.”

“Well, we could still do that,” she pointed out, and Frankie let out another laugh, shaking his head. “We could!” she protested, words cut short by the quick kiss he left on her lips.

“I don’t believe that–and I know you don’t, either,” he spun them around carefully, turning his head to where Alba was, playing with Santi under Will’s careful gaze, her laughter loud and contagious. “Look at her. I think we’re doing a pretty good job.”

“Yeah,” she rested her head against his chest, looking at them a moment longer. Though he couldn’t see it, he heard the soft smile in her next words. “Yes, you’re right.”

“We don’t have to make any decision now, baby,” he murmured, brushing the nape of her neck. “There’s no expiration date.”

“There is, actually,” with her cheek pressed against him, the words came out a little slurred. Frankie scoffed, the low rumble of his laughter bringing her closer, as close as she could get.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” he chided, the feeling of her cheek being lifted with her smile widening making him shake his head. “Still, if one day we’d want to, we can try.”

“And if it doesn’t work out?” she didn’t move, her steps getting smaller, the music almost forgotten in favor of simply moving together. Frankie shrugged again, the movement small.

“Then it doesn’t work out,” again he guided her head back so she could meet his gaze. “I love our family as it is, Mila. You and Alba–this is more than I ever thought I’d get. I must’ve won some sort of existence lottery for having found you,” her smile returned, wide and a little trembling at the corners.

Lowering his head, his hand still cupping the nape of her neck, he kissed her tender and slow. Camila relaxed fully in his arms, her body almost limp in his hold as the arm over his shoulder curled around his neck, and he ignored the condensation dripping from the glass down to his shirt, deepening the kiss furthermore, making her lean backwards in a mock dipping motion. She chuckled into it, but didn’t tighten her hold.

She trusted him not to drop her.

“Although,” he mumbled, so close still she could feel the words twisting his lips even after he’d broken the kiss, “I am starting to think of giving it a try. Just now.”

“Now?” she giggled again, the tip of her tongue darting between her lips. He nodded.

“They won’t notice if we’re gone a few minutes, right?” brushing his lips across her cheek, he shifted until he was murmuring in her ear. “Bedroom’s just upstairs. Don’t even need to get you out of this dress.”

“Francisco,” though she was reprimanding him, he could still hear the laughter in her voice. She pulled her head back to look at him, cheeks red, and he grinned. “Behave,” she scolded.

“It was worth a try,” he shrugged, and her laughter returned more vibrant than before, head tilting back as he straightened them both. “Come on, Benny’s dying to give you his present–I haven’t seen him this excited in ages.”

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