#please tell me she likes ice cream I didn’t double check
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salt-n-salt · 4 days ago
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lowkey don’t got fart to post but uh .. best i can do is cheeked up shane w whack colors……
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bluejutdae · 11 months ago
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• best friend Stray Kids saving you (or being saved by you) from a bad date | Felix x you
Chan | Minho | Changbin | Hyunjin | Jisung | Seungmin | Jeongin
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genre: romance, best friend to lovers
warnings: none, except that i am not satisfied at all with this but I’ve read it so many times I’m starting to hate it. I might edit heavily later
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The moment you park outside the restaurant Lixie is in, you press the call button. Faking an emergency is not too hard, you talk about a friend getting injured and at the hospital, exaggerating your tone and almost making Felix laugh.
He’s out in less than five minutes. Under his bright smile there’s something you can’t decipher. He gets in your car and just his presence makes you happy. Everyone loves Felix, and you’re not immune to his charm either. He’s always kind, generous, sweet and funny. You’re really lucky to have him in your life.
“Ice cream?”
“Yes, please.” It’s so funny to hear his deep voice in such a childish tone.
You don’t press for answers about his date during the drive to your favorite ice cream place, you put on some music and sing loudly with him. Save for that indecipherable look in his eyes, he seems pretty normal.
You take your ice creams and decide to take a walk on the riverside. The wind is pretty chill, but neither of you mind too much. It’s him who brings up the date he was on.
“The date… it was like a blind date. But I didn’t know it was a date until it was too late.”
“Uh- what?” It doesn’t make sense: how did he manage to go on a date without knowing?
“Hannie.” Yeah, maybe it makes sense. Jisung means well, but most of the time the execution is, at best, messy.
“How did he get you?”
“He begged me to go on a double date on the premise it was just because this girl he wanted to go out with was wary of going out alone with him so she’d bring a friend with, but we were supposed to be just wingmen. Or so he told me.”
He licks his ice cream and shakes his head.
“About 10 minutes before we were supposed to meet he called and told me it was a lie and it was a blind date…”
You’re not sure as to what to say. It is very on brand for Jisung, but you can also understand how frustrating it can be for Felix. He’s a sweetheart, he must have felt guilty for having unwillingly misled the girl.
“I couldn’t just leave and stand her up. She knew nothing about the lie, so it wasn't her fault.”
“Was she nice, at least?”
He nods, but he seems almost distracted. “She was nice. Pretty and funny, to be honest.”
“Why didn’t you stay, then?”
He slows down to a stop, and the moment you notice you turn around to look at him, a question on your face. He cleans his mouth with the small napkin and exhales with a small grimace.
“Lix?”
“Because I like you. And I’m not interested in other girls.”
He likes you. Felix likes you. And not in a friendly way. In a like like way. You weren’t expecting that.
“I-“ you start, but you don’t know how to continue that sentence. What do you say to your best friend who just said he likes you? Do you even like him? You’ve always been pretty good at keeping your feelings in check, so after knowing him, when it was clear you were headed towards just being friends, that’s what you set your mind -and your heart- to. He’s your friend, and you didn’t even ever consider more.
“I’m sorry. I’ve kept it from you for a while but I couldn’t anymore. That’s why Jisung insisted on this date. He was trying to distract me.” He turns slightly to watch at the river flowing fast but quietly. “Things don't have to change. If you don’t feel the same it’s okay, but I’d like to stay friends if you’re okay with that. I don’t wanna lose you.”
The idea of Felix losing you is ridiculous to you, nothing is ever gonna make you distance yourself from him. You try to tell him so by hugging him. “Lixie, we’ll always be friends, no matter what.”
You speak into his jacket, and maybe it’s easier this way.
“I thought we were only meant to be friends, so I didn’t even consider looking at you in a different way.” You can feel him tense under your hug. “Wait, wait, listen to me please.” Still hugging him you try to look at him, a smile on your lips. He’s your best friend, he’s the best person you’ve ever met. Being liked by him is an honor, and if you think about it, trying to be something more it’s not something that you hate.
“You’re my best friend, Lix. You know I love you, and I think you’re perfect. I never let myself think about you like that, but I know that if I give it a chance, it’d be so easy to fall in love with you romantically.”
“You don’t have to make yourself like me.”
“Don’t be silly. I’d be lucky to love you. Give me a chance?”
He’s smiling now, and he’s so so pretty like this. He’s always pretty, you tell him constantly, but when he smiles it’s his best look.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure Lixie. Let me take you out on a date? I promise to spoil you…”
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you out?”
“It’s okay. You can ask next time.” You kiss him on his cheek and hold his hand, making him resume your stroll.
He really is easy to love, and not even a month later you ask yourself how you ever managed not to be head over heels in love with your best friend boyfriend.
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basicbatboys · 2 years ago
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Could you do a supper fluffy 25 with Jason Todd?-the boy needs love and a break and s/o that’ll help him in the cutest ways✨
Thank you for this request!! What has it been, a year? I'm finally in a place where I can begin writing again and was more than happy to write up a blurb for this request. Please excuse how choppy it is, I'm getting used to letting my words flow again!
Request 25 was: "And yet, that's not the craziest thing that's happened to me today." Jason comes home and tells you all about his day :) I hope you enjoy!
Jason walked inside, his usual stride effected by a limp. You stood in the kitchen, making a midnight snack. As he entered, you did a double take. The front door? What the hell? 
You were met with Jason Todd, one of your ‘two’ boyfriends, the other being the Red Hood who usually entered around this around time through the window. 
You stared with your mouth open as he limped toward you, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Hey babe.” He smiled, manually shutting your mouth with two fingers. “Don’t catch flies, they taste bad. I swallowed one on my bike earlier and somehow that wasn’t the weirdest thing that happened to me today. I got stabbed by a little girl AND Black Mask called me ‘sweetheart’.” He shook his head and put his hands on his hips. “‘Sweetheart’, for fuck’s sake. Do I look like a sweetheart to you?”
You were snapped out of your trance and slipped into a low giggle, rolling your eyes and setting down the spoon you were holding. You walked over to him and placed your hands on his waist and pressed a kiss to his jaw. “You do look like a sweetheart to me.” You teased, placing a hand on his chest and giving it a pat. 
“Need first aid? I can grab the kit-” You moved from him to retrieve the first aid kit (heavily bulking with supplies) from under the sink but he stopped you. “Nope, the doctor got to me first. No need for a naughty nurse roleplay tonight.” 
You smiled and stood back upright, leaning against the counter with your arms crossed. “Last I checked, we’ve never banged after you’ve gotten hurt.”
He shrugged and grabbed the pint of ice cream you’d been assaulting before he walked in. “Not for lack of trying. You’re just afraid you’ll hurt me with your… aggression.” He teased, taking a bite. You watched him visibly relax and a smile slid across his face. 
“God.” He breathed. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back home with you. You’re just, well, you’re a sweetheart.” He said with a wink. 
Jason has mentioned this before, how much he loved that he could relax around you and let his softer side show. He said he didn’t even know he had a softer side until he got close to you. It made you feel wanted- like you were worth something. And you certainly felt the same way. Jason was everything to you, he was your respite and so much more. 
You watched him finish off the ice cream and breathed a heavy sigh, stretching your arms out. “I think I want to sit in the bath. Do you want to sit in the bath?” You asked, moving your arms forward to rest on his shoulders. 
He closed the gap between you and gave you a kiss. “Can’t wet my stitches but I would love nothing more than to sit on the bathroom floor and watch you relax.” 
You smiled brightly and kissed him again, moving toward the bathroom. You opened the door and started the bath, stripping off your clothes as he walked in. 
“Helloooo nurse.” He cooed, leaning against the doorframe as you took off your clothes. “Aren’t you a sight to see. God, I’m a lucky man.” He grinned. 
You rolled your eyes and smiled, slipping into the bath as he sat on the floor. When the water was high enough, you shut it off and slid down lower. You couldn’t think of anywhere else in the world you would rather be. Your eyes drifted shut and you breathed slower. This was everything you could ever need. 
“So… Tell me about this little girl?” You asked, popping open one eye and smirking. 
“She was a little bitch.” Jason clarified. 
You both laughed and settled into the silence. Jason was home. 
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sariahsue · 1 year ago
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Let Me Count the Ways
Chapter Eighteen - A Talk (FINALLY)
[Ch 1] [Ch 2] [Ch 3] [Ch 4] [Ch 5] [Ch 6] [Ch 7] [Ch 8] [Ch 9] [Ch 10] [Ch 11] [Ch 12] [Ch 13] [Ch 14] [Ch 15] [Ch 16] [Ch 17]
Chat Noir pulled up the screen on his baton, but Ladybug’s telltale dot was nowhere on his radar. He stowed his weapon away for the twelfth time in as many minutes and stared out over the river. Two more minutes here, and he would move onto another location. 
The plan was simple: stay out, stay visible. 
After the akuma battle, he’d quickly recharged Plagg and went to hunt down Ladybug, though he knew she’d already fled. She would want to avoid him, there wasn’t a patrol for another two days, and they’d just had an attack. If he didn’t lure her out, he wasn’t sure when he would see her next, and if he didn’t see her, he couldn’t kiss every inch of her face and tell her that he loved her until he forgot every other word, like he so desperately wanted to do.
So he stayed out, roving from park to tourist trap to shopping mall, being seen by as many people as possible. His movements would get reported to the Ladyblog, and maybe she would come when she heard he was waiting for her.
An hour later, she did.
“I’m so sorry.” Ladybug watched her own wringing hands. 
“M’Lady–”
“Please.” She jerked her head up to face him, but her eyes were closed. “I read too much into your reactions, and I saw what I wanted to. You never reciprocated. I can see that now. I’ll be mature about this and not bring my feelings for you up again.”
Practiced speech over, she peeked one eye open, her face still scrunched tightly against his impending rejection.
When it was clear that she wasn’t going to speak again, it was finally his turn. But he couldn’t think of anything to say. There were plenty of things he wanted to tell her, but no words could do them justice. Instead, he reached both hands out to her. She didn’t move when he cupped her face, but he felt her sharp intake of breath when he kissed her, so he retreated faster than he would have liked and kept her head in his hands so she couldn’t get away.
“I love you.” His words were still slow in coming, but it was a start. “I never stopped loving you.”
Her eyes so close to his, he saw how they flickered with hope. 
“I’ve been keeping myself in check,” he confessed, “so I wouldn’t make you uncomfortable, but there’s never been a second that I didn’t want everything you were giving me.” 
The hope still flickered, smoldering, not yet the burning blaze that he was hoping for, so he kissed her again.
And she finally responded.
He was done holding his feelings in. 
When her lips moved against his, he matched her. When she tilted, he turned, until he felt the perfect angle, and it was his turn to catch his breath. One of his hands left her face to slip down her back, fingers tracing a line across her hips. Every point of contact was hyperaware, from thigh to chest to mouth. Her breathing was an uneven echo of his own, her hands skimmed his body.
He didn’t realize she’d been walking him backward until he stopped, one heel hanging over the lip of the building. The thrill of kissing her mixed with the thrill of vertigo, and he had to grab both of her hips and push her away (only a little) before she could send them both over the edge. Death by true love’s kiss. What a way to go.
Ladybug rested her nose in neck, breathing him in, as his pounding heart started to slow to a more comfortable pace.
“I love you,” she said. “Will you go out with me?”
His heart was back to beating double time.
“Oh. Ice cream was a date. That’s why you were so nervous. We were on our first date.”
She pulled back, startled, to stare at him, and then laughed. “I can’t believe you didn’t realize that before. Why else would I ask you somewhere for food, in public, with a set time in the future?” 
Chat Noir drew his claws against her sides, and she shivered. That he was the cause of her reaction was amazing. “In my defense, I was telling myself you had no interest, and to stop thinking that you wanted me like that.”
“I want you like that.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and brought their bodies and faces close together. “But you didn’t answer my question. Do you want to go on a date with me? With food, in public, in the future?”
He kissed her before responding. “Why not now?”
---
Author's note: Next chapter is the last one! An epilogue of sorts!
Tag list: @clawsout83 @trippingovermyfeet @tbehartoo @yoonjae20 @random-cartoon-fangirl
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startanewdream · 3 years ago
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Hey so you know how much I love Eyes Glistening and your Jily AU and Baby Mia.. if you didn’t already well know that I do!!! So much <3 x
This is a little prompt, if you will. Absolutely no pressure as I know you don’t always find it easy to write her.
A special moment between Harry and Mia? Maybe some classic overprotectiveness?
<3
Xx
Hey! ❤ I will write more of Harry being overprotective later, but for now, please enjoy this sweet moment of truth between Harry and Mia (also tagging @anagpotter because I promised a happier story):
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Sometimes Harry thinks Mia looks more like their father, with her hazel eyes she inherited from him, and also with the eyesight problems that make her wear glasses ever since she was five; at other times, when the sun catches her dark hair and makes it sparkle in auburn like their mother’s, Harry sees a miniature Lily Potter there.
But when Mia is mad, really mad, he sees himself at 15 in her expression, stormy and unreasonable, prone to screaming if you push it too much, but otherwise staying in deadly silence. Harry isn’t sure which option is better—that sparks a jolt of sympathy for his parents—, but he tries to be the good big brother anyway.
“Do you want to check the new broomsticks?” he asks in a chatty happy voice as they walk hand-in-hand through Diagon Alley.
“No.”
“Ginny said there’s a new Firebolt model coming.”
“Nice.”
“It’s already on display in the store—are you sure you don’t want to—”
“No.”
“Okay… Do you want to stop for ice cream? Mr Fortescue is always—”
“I’m fine.”
She is not fine, that Harry knows. His sister is only eight, too young for teenage moods, but she looks as sourly as one, with her expression closed and uninterested.
“Do you want to go back? I know the Burrow had more fun with everyone there—”
“No.” Now Mia looks even more resolute. “I don’t want to be there. I want to come with you.”
“It’s just a quick visit to the bank—goblins aren’t fun, and I know that you’ll miss Teddy—”
“He is stupid.”
Harry stops, blinking. As far as he remembers, Mia and Teddy always got along very well, with him pampering and protecting her as an older brother who was closer to her age (something that made Harry jealoust a little , though he’d die before admitting it out loud).
“Did you two fight?”
But Mia sets her jaw, without answering.
“Is it because he is leaving for Hogwarts?” Harry tries, remembering a young redhead girl chasing after the Hogwarts Express, where four of her brothers were.
Mia looks at him as if she can’t believe how silly her brother is. “Why would I bother? I’m going soon!”
“Well, maybe three years is a long time.”
“And there’s Vic and Domi and Monty and Al—"
“Okay, okay, I got it. Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you two will make up—”
“He is a liar.”
“Who?”
“Teddy. He lied to me, and I told him his nose would grow and he made his nose get smaller, but I know he will be just like Pinocchio!”
“You are losing me here, Pumpkin.” Harry kneels in front of her, ignoring everyone around. “What did Teddy tell you?”
Her hazel eyes are shining with tears that are only kept at bay by her stubborn expression. “He said you died—but you didn’t! I’m seeing you right here in front of me! You’re not a ghost!”
“Oh.” Harry’s smile flickers. He looks around, feeling now the eyes of everyone upon them—or maybe he’s imagining things. “Let’s get ice cream.”
“I don’t—”
“It’s for me,” he assures her. “I need a mountain-size double-chocolate sundae.”
Mia doesn’t look fooled, but she follows him to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, where Harry gets a private booth for them. Mia is restless, her legs bouncing in the chair (not quite reaching the floor yet), but Harry waits until he gets the first scoop, feeling the taste of chocolate in his mouth—even after so many years, chocolate still gives him some boost—before talking.
“I am not dead.”
“I know that.”
“Just wanted to be clear. I’m not a ghost, not an Inferi, not that glitter-in-the-sun vampire from that movie poster you crush on—”
“Oh, shut up,” she says, face flushing.
He chuckles for a moment, before taking another scoop, not wanting to look at her. “But Teddy wasn’t lying.”
“But if—”
“He shouldn’t have said like that, though, you are too—”
“I’m not that young!”
“For some things you are, Pumpkin,” he says tensely. “I know we’ve talked about the war and why it meant for your family, but… some stories are heavy. And this is one of those.”
She picks a spoon, taking a bite of the sundae. “How heavy?”
Harry takes a moment to answer this. While their parents have told Mia about the war, any part of the story involving Harry was always up for him to discuss as much as he felt comfortable. It was a battle inside him, his belief that lies and half-truths would only lead to more problems, versus how much he hated to be set aside, to be seen as something other than a father, a brother, an uncle.
He always wanted to be just Harry.
“Heavy,” he insists. “Let me begin with the most important part: I am alive. I got to live and to meet you and to marry Ginny and everything works well in the end.”
“I know that—”
“But when I was seventeen, I thought I would die. I sacri—no, I don’t want to say like this. There was a part of Voldemort inside me, and that part needed to die, so when I meet Voldemort, I… I let him kill it.”
“And you lived—and Teddy is a big liar.”
“Hmm, no.” He takes a deep breath. “You see, for Voldemort to kill it, he needed to kill me. And I didn’t know I would still live afterwards, I didn’t know our parents’ protection would still work, so, for a minute, a tiny infinite minute—”
“You were dead,” she finishes for him, eyes staring unblinkingly as if she expects him to disappear. “But why? How could you do this? Mum and Dad—”
“Mia.” He holds her trembling hand over the table, smiling as calm as he can. “Remember what I first told you? I lived. I survived.”
“But you thought you wouldn’t.”
“Yeah. It wouldn’t work otherwise, I think.” Harry sighs. He picks another bite of the ice cream, shivering for reasons that had nothing to do with the dessert. “I did for them. Mum, Dad. Ginny, Ron, Hermione, everyone I loved.” He watches as his sister picks the sundae, her face troubled in a new way now. “I don’t want you to be upset.”
“And I don’t want you dead.”
“That’s something we have in common,” Harry assures her, smiling, but she remains sober. “I remember thinking that my will to live had always been greater than any fear of dying; that’s still true, even more now when I have so many people I love around me.”
“You… Voldemort is gone, right?”
“Yep.”
“So you won’t have to die again?”
Harry sighs. “Well, I don’t fancy being immortal, so, yes, I will die someday. But I’m hoping it will be someday in a distant future, when I’m very old.”
“You’re old,” she says, her voice almost teasing; Mia is trying, he can see, but her smile fails and then she rounds the booth to hug him, letting him pick her up as she doesn’t let ever since she was five (around the time that Teddy also stopped). “I don’t want you dead,” she repeats, her voice trembling with the fear that she can’t help but admit.
“Oh, Pumpkin, I promise you I’m doing everything I can to stay alive,” he says, brushing her hair. “I’ve not been your big brother long enough. I still have so much to annoy you.”
She sniffs. “You don’t annoy me that much.” She dries the tears in her face, watching him. “Al says I’m lucky I have a nice older brother.”
“Even if I’m the much older brother?”
Mia smiles as she sits next to him, looking more at ease. “No one else’s brother buys them strawberry milkshake. I have the best brother.”
“I didn’t get you a milkshake,” Harry says, confused. Mia stares at him, her face almost innocent until Harry smirks as understanding hits him. “Oh, okay, I will get you a milkshake. Smart one.”
“You truly are the best, Harry.”
He messes her hair as he stands up to get another round of ice cream, just for good measure; Mia complains as always, though this time is only half-heartedly. Harry wonders if, as sometimes he does, his sister is just considering that the alternative—the world in which the other isn’t there—is just more unbearable than any small annoyance they might have with the other.
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gliphyartfan · 3 years ago
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@yandere-linked-universe @stars-for-thought @linked-heroes @ice-cream-writes-stuff
@imprisioned-in-the-hole I loved your prompt and couldn't resist! Hope I did it justice!
Wind has a strong presence in this one, that wasn't planned by the way.
Enjoy!
'I'll be fiine guys.'
She totally should have saw this coming.
'This is Wars' era, wandering the market won't that bad.'
Yep— these past few days had been too damn calm for the all of them,
'I'll be gone for an hour! Two hours tops! Promise!'
Of course something like this was going to go and happen.
'This. fucking. sucks!' She grunted, slowly slide down the rope she made out of the sheets in the room she was trapped in.
This is what happens when you jinx yourself.
'Everything will be fine!' Oh suuure, the first hour was delightful.
Saw some items,
Chatted with some folks,
Even got to pet a few dogs!
But the second hour-
'His Grace wishes to discuss some things with you.'
'Sorry, you got the wrong person. Plus I don't feel comfortable with-'
'That wasn't a request.'
'...-!!'
She should have know there would have been someone behind her.
It's always when it's out of your mind that it happens.
And now she was trying to escape her own wedding. And the crazy Duke that wanted to marry her.
She wasn't a hero damnit!
'I'm gonna get lectured so badly after this!' She grunted as she reached the end of the rope, her feet dangling in the air for a moment as she tried to figure out what to do next.
'Damn you laws of physics and gravity!' She whispered to herself.
Physics and gravity decided to take her insult personally as the rope loosened its hold on the railing, causing her to fall into the bushes two feet below her.
'Urk-branch! Branch!' She hissed in pain, reaching underneath and removing the branch poking at her back.
As she rubbed the area, brushing the crumpled sheet from her head, she checked her hand to make sure she wasn't bleeding.
Before she could plan her next move, she stilled as she heard the heavy thuds and clanks of armour approach nearby.
The movement came closer, she used her place in the bushes to keep hidden. Slowly parting the leaves next to her with one hand, she used what visibility she had to discover that yes, it was a pair of guards and the conversation that flowed through the air confirmed they weren't Hyrule guards.
Drat.
'Is the Duke really gonna marry that girl?'
'Seems to be the case. He's been very pleased with himself too. Looks like he's trying to get the wedding done by tonight.'
Double drat.
'I don't blame him, you've seen that girl? Bet he's eager for the wedding night.'
Okay. NO.
'Haha! A beauty like that for a wife would be quite the status boost.'
The guards walked past the bush and it's hidden occupant.
Had they looked back, they would have seen a displeased glare directed their way.
(y/n) huffed and looked around, trying to remember where the exit was.
With another glance around, she picked up her dress and slowly made her way out of the bushes, pausing momentarily before taking off the heels she was forced to wear
'I can't run and climb in this dress.' Trying to think about what to do next, she looked down at her clothes.
'Hmm...'
--
'WHERE IS SHE.'
'Link please-'
'Don't tell me to calm down Zelda!'
Wind bit his lip as Warriors marched up to the princess' face and growled.
'Impa is having her men search the castle and surrounding areas, we will find her.' Zelda tried to reassure him, taking a step back when he glared.
'It's been a WEEK and you have nothing to show for it!' He ran a head through his hair, taking a deep breath to calm down.
'You know I've been busy with-'
'With the Grand Duke of the farther kingdom who is here as a token of peace and unity between kingdoms.' Warriors recited irritably. 'Yes, very understandably important when someone went missing under the watch of YOUR men.'
'She was last seen in the market, we have blocked the gates and are inspecting every individual leaving the city.' Zelda gave Warriors a look.
'And might I remind you that they are also your men?'
'Apparently not anymore with how you let them slacked off!'
'Excuse me-'
Wind sighed as they started arguing again.
They were getting nowhere.
'This is going nowhere.' Wind turned and saw Hyrule coming up next to him, watching the arguing duo.
'Any luck with the others?' He asked quietly, not surprised when Hyrule shook his head.
'Twilight is using Wolfie to catch any scents but the storm has made that difficult. Time is with Legend and Wild speaking to the merchants and Four is with Sky speaking with the guards.' Hyrule replied, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
Wind felt the same way.
None of them were able to sleep well since she went missing. The only reason they slept at all was because they needed to be rested enough in the event a fight comes their way.
But the lack of her presence was deeply felt.
'Any luck here?' Hyrule asked hollowly, already knowing the answer but still asking.
Wind simply gestured to the still arguing duo.
'Is she even still in town?' He couldn't help but ask, not wanting to think of the possibility that she was far away, but it was necessary.
'She has to be,' Hyrule reassured,smiling weakly. 'The town went on lockdown almost immediately.'
Wind returned Hyrule's smile with a weak one of his own.
They turned back to the duo, feeling more tired as they listened to the princess justify her duties.
'I am already dealing with the Grand Duke and I can't give anymore of my attention to this than I already have.' Warriors just gave her a look.
'I wouldn't be bothering so much if you allowed me access to his guest quarters.' It was Zelda's turn to glare at him.
'You know I cannot do that, he is a guest and has nothing to do with her disappearance.' Only Wind and Hyrule noticed the way Warriors hand twitched, as if desiring to reach for his sword.
Not that they could blame him.
'I am not accusing him Princess,' he said through gritted teeth. 'I am merely requesting-'
'That I allow you access to his quarters.' The displeased expression on the princess' face only matched the captain's.
'Annnd they're arguing again.' Wind muttered, watching them fall back into another verbal brawl.
'The only place we haven't looked is the guest wing.' Hyrule whispered, wringing his hands.
'You think we should sneak in?' Hyrule looked at the arguing pair and nodded.
'Yeah...it's better than assuming nothing is there.'
'Alright...Wars!' The angered captain looked at them, a scowl on his face.
'Rulie thinks he has a lead at the market so I'm heading out with him.' Wind kept a casual look on his face, staring Warriors in the eyes.
Warriors was quiet for a brief moment before he grunted and turned back to arguing his case with the princess.
But he was less tense than he was a moment before.
He understood what they were going to do.
'He'll keep her distracted.' Wind murmured, tugging Hyrule out of the room.
'And Impa?' Wind sighed and rubbed his shoulder.
'Still searching the market place I bet, we gotta be quick.'
And with that, they both headed to the guest wing of the castle.
---
The guest wing wasn't too far away, probably for the convenience of whatever foreign guests came to visit.
But it was walled off and the Grand Duke's personal guard was patrolling the area, forcing the duo to sneak their way in.
'I really hope we find something.' Hyrule whispers, the two stilling as a guard passed by their hiding place.
'Best place to look is the most obvious place.' Wind reassured. 'And the most obvious place is a area that's being guarded by enemy guards.'
Hyrule didn't correct him about the guards.
If she was here, they were enemies.
'Let's look through the rooms! Top or bottom floor?' Hyrule hummed.
'We're good at escaping from higher levels, and there's only two floors, let's start low and move up.'
They worked together, both alerting the other when a guard was close.
Soon they snuck passed the majority and reached the first set of rooms.
Then the second set.
Then the third.
They moved up to the second floor and quietly searched through each room.
It was in the Grand Duke's room that they found incriminating evidence on his desk.
'I can't read this language,' Wind whispered harshly as he glared at the papers in front of him. ' but I know (y/n)'s name anywhere!'
'Take it, we can sure it to the princess.' Hyrule whispered back, keeping watch at the door. He tensed when he saw a couple of guards round the corner. 'We need to go!'
'This is the last room and we haven't found her!'
'We found evidence and that's a better than what we had before, now move!'
It took some time to shuffle out the window and climb down, but they were successfully able to make their escape from the guest wing without notice.
'A lead, that's good.' Wind gasped, hands on his knees as he caught his breath.
'But still no (y/n)' Hyrule bite his thumb nervously. 'I hope she's okay...'
'We can't lose hope!' Wind grunted, stretching his back and sighing.
'Let's go, we need to show these papers to the others before we give it to the princess-'
The sailor went rigid, eyes snapping forward, widening.
'What's wrong Wind?' Hyrule asked worriedly, hand on the younger teen's shoulder.
The teen bit his lip to keep his expression from crumbling and his breath was shaky,
'(y/n)...?' Hyrule's own eyes widened and his head snapped to look when Wind was staring.
There, in a torn dirty white dress, no shoes, and messy hair, was their beloved goddess looking around, visibly distressed.
'(y/n)..?' Wind raised his voice, hope as visible in his tone as it was in his eyes.
Hyrule's heart felt such relief as their beautiful goddess' head snapped in their direction.
The smile she gave them was simply magnificent as she immediately ran toward them.
The moment she was close, she wrapped her arms around the both of them and began to cry, relief filling her.
'You have no idea how happy I am to see you two!' She hugged them closer.
'WE'RE happy to see you!' Wind sighed happily, resting his head in her shoulder, both him and Hyrule hugging her as tightly as she was hugging them.
Just having her in their arms was a blessing they treasured so much.
'Where have you been? How did you escape?' She sighed and shook her head.
'I'd rather tell it one time.' She looked around.
'Please tell me the others are near by?' She whispered, absolutely exhausted and didn't want to deal with any more drama.
'Well...no. They are looking for you in town. We snuck into the guest wing to look for you.' Hyrule answered apologetically, heart clenching when she sniffled.
Wind frowned for a moment before he gasped in excitement.
'I'll rally them up!' Hyrule and (y/n) looked at him in confusion as he reached into his pouch.
'Wild has the slate! And if he has the slate-' he pulls out what he was searching for.
'Then we can reach him with this!' (y/n) tilted her head.
'A...stone?' Wind grinned at them, the pirate's charm dangling from his fingers.
'A COMMUNICATION stone!' (y/n) gasped in delight and gave Wind another hug.
'Call him! Call him!' Wind laughed and activated the stone.
'Um, I've been meaning to ask...' Hyrule quietly said to (y/n) who looked at him innocently. '...About your..outfit...'
Wind ignored them for a brief moment as Wild's tired voice came from the pirate's charm.
'What is it sailor?'
'Guess who me and Hyrule found!' Wind grinned as he heard gasps.
'You found her?! Is she safe?!'
'They found her?!'
'She's okay! We're by the-'
'HE WANTS TO MARRY YOU?!'
Wind turned his head so fast, he winced at the pop he felt, the loud yells coming from his charm filling the air.
'WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS?!!' (y/n) winced as she realized the panic she just caused
'Uh-'
He couldn't help it, Wind laughed, soft and just a little hysterical.
Of course an insect had to pop up when they let their guard down.
---
'Where is she.'
'Sir, we have our men searching for her this very moment.'
'I want her found by TONIGHT, the wedding will go as planned.'
'Of course sir!' The Grand Duke scowled as his guard walked off.
He is so close to raising his status.just another day and he would have been on top of the social world. He sneered, like a child, storming down the halls of the guest wing.
'Should have simply left with her when I had the chance.' He ran a gloved hand down his face.
To think he had one of the heroes of legend in his grasp only for her to have slipped through his fingers.
He'll have to make sure to teach her a lesson.
'Sir!' He sighed irritably, turning to see another one of his guard approaching him.
'What is it? Did you find her?' The guard looked nervous.
'Sir, Princess Zelda is requesting your presence in the throne room at once.' The Grand Duke tensed and stared at the guard.
'Are you sure?' The guardsman nodded, stepping back when the Duke growled.
'Of all the times...' He looked back at the guardsman. 'Continue looking for the girl.'
After the guardsman nodded, he decided to get it over with and headed to the throne rooms.
--
--
'Grand Duke, thank you for coming at such a short notice.'
'Your Highness.' The Grand Duke bowed to her, as he rose he noticed the nine gentlemen standing to either side of her.
The heroes of legend.
The Grand Dukes greed brought to mind the rise in his status at what might be a possible meeting with the legendary nine.
He was to arrogant to realize the cold looks he was receiving from them.
She smiled, nodding in greeting. 'I apologize for disturbing your day Grand Duke, I understand how frustrating it can be, but I heard of a strange rumor recently and I had hoped you would clarify it for me?'
'Please rest assured Princess, I will do all that I can to assist you.' He said, smiling openly, the perfect gentleman.
'Splendid. Now,' She dropped the smile. 'Did you conspire to abduct the heroes' companion and force her to wed you?'
The Grand Duke froze, paling as the question registered in his head.
'Wha-'
'Ah. Before I continue, allow me to properly introduce the gentleman before me-'
'There is no need your Highness,' calmly interrupted Time, coldly gazing down at the nervous Nobleman. 'He is as aware of our identities as we are aware of his.'
'I-'
'And you seem to be very aware of the identity of our most dearest companion.' Legend hissed from his place next to Time, glaring daggers at the unsettled man.
The Grand Duke's expression twisted into fear, anger, and panic.
His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he cleared his throat. 'I'm sure I don't know what you're speaking of.' He calmly answered.
'Perhaps a misunde-'
' A misunderstanding? I'm sure.' Warriors scoffed, looking at Zelda with a raised eyebrow.
She sighed "Lets not fool ourselves here, we all know what this is about.' She stared sternly at him. 'You abducted the young woman known as (y/n) and were conspiring to wed her for...status?'
'She isn't very happy about being kidnapped.' Wild said casually, as if he was not wishing he could jam a bomb down the Grand Duke's throat and detonate it.
It seemed the arrogant man could barely handle being talked down in such a way. His clenched fists trembled in anger.
'I will not allow such accusations to be made against my person!' He looked at Zelda, face flushed in anger.
'If you believe that our kingdoms will be allied after this, I assure you that-'
'If your kingdom is full of noblemen like you, than Hyrule would benefit by NOT allying with you.' Warriors interjected, ignoring Zelda's stern look towards him, looking down his nose at him.
'You have no proof!' Warriors sighed and nodded.
'I suppose I don't.' He was silent until the Duke looked smug before he matched his expression with one of his own, pointing behind the Duke.
'But she's proof enough.'
'Oh, so I'm demoted to proof now, am I?'
The Duke went rigid, his mouth snapping shut on the words just spoken as he slowly turned his head-.
An dispassionate look directed right at him.
'Apologies my Angel.' Warriors smiled softly at her. 'No insult meant.'
'Hmm.' She raised an eyebrow, a brief glance at Warriors before looking at the Grand Duke.
'(y/n) I ask for complete honesty.' Zelda commands. 'Was the Grand Duke the man behind your abduction with intention to force you to wed him?' (y/n) nodded.
'Yes your Highness.' Zelda closed her eyes and sighed.
'Very well, I will arrange for his departure tonight.' The Grand Duke's face a unique combination of red and enraged yet also paling.
'T-This will not stand! When my king hears of this-.'
'We have already sent your king the information of your crimes.' The princess proclaimed to the unsteady nobleman.
'Y-you-'
'You are no longer welcomed within the borders of Hyrule Kingdom and are henceforth outlawed from ever returning. Impa shall escort you to the guest wing to retrieve your belongings.'
Zelda then turned and strode away, but not before sending an apologetic glance at Warriors.
He simply returned her look with a blank one.
(y/n) walked passed the royal knights that now surrounded Grand Duke and made her way to the group.
'I'm so glad you guys found me.' She said with relief in her voice.
'You ended up saving yourself dear.' Time chuckled, reaching up and cupping her cheek. 'And we were panicking like we lost our minds.'
'I was panicking when Wind and Hyrule popped up.' She admitted. 'Trust me, I was so happy and relieved to be found by you guys.'
'We'll always find you (y/n)!' Wind chirped, wrapping his arms around her waist, causing her to giggle.
'Well I guess it has it's uses.' She clapped her hands.
'I'm hungry and demand all the cuddles! I hated this week!' Wild was already pulling out his slate and looking through his inventory.
'I'll make a meal that'll taste so good, you'll forget this week ever happened!' (y/n) grinned in delight.
'That's what I want to hear!'
The Chain surround her as they guided her out of the throne room, the angry cries of the Grand Duke not worth notice.
Yet two members of the group lingered behind.
And they were eyeing the fuming nobleman with calculating eyes.
'We could have been a bit more...hands on with his punishment... ya know that don't you old man...?' Wind commented, his treasured wind waker in one hand.
'As enjoyable as it would be, I don't want to spend a moment longer away from Her.' Wind sighed but nodded in agreement , crossing his arms, tapping his wind waker against his chin.
'So the storm will kill him?' Time nodded, inspecting his Ocarina casually.
'I have more than enough magic to conjure one strong enough.'
'You've already had Wild damage parts of the ship correct?' Wind nodded. 'Than once I summon the storm, make sure the winds finish the job.'
Wind hummed. 'Kay.'
They both looked at the shrinking form of the dead man walking.
'Ugh, I hate bugs.' Wind huffed, a disgusted look on his face.
Time stared at the Duke until he could not see him no more.
'Hm..So do I...'
That night, the group of nine celebrated the return of their most beloved member, lavishing her with their affection and as she requested, all the cuddles she asked for.
(That night, reports were received by two kingdoms that notes a vicious storm appeared as the Grand Duke's ship sailed beyond the Hyrulian sea borders. Destroying the ship beyond recognition. There were no survivors.)
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Crushes and Coming Out
Written for @needybeast and @whotfamitho because they both drew bi Sweetbers
Ao3
“It’s spring, it shouldn’t be this hot,” Barry complains as they file out of the dugout after practice wraps up.
Sam silently agrees with him. Carrying his bat across his shoulders, he asks, “Anybody wanna go out for ice cream after we hit the showers? My treat.”
A chorus of agreements rings out amongst the group. Grinning, Sam turns to double check with Duke, only for his voice to catch in his throat.
Duke’s head tilts back as he pours the rest of his bottle of water on his head. Sam could have dealt with that if Duke was still wearing a shirt. Instead, he watches droplets of water race down Duke’s tanned, toned chest.
“You okay, Sweets?” Duke’s twangy drawl does something to Sam that he can’t put in words. He finally raises his eyes to meet Duke’s bright hazel ones, watches him brush his damp, dark curls off his forehead.
Sam can’t remember how to fucking breathe. 
Everyone else has already trudged ahead, muttering and swearing about how hot it is. Duke stops beside Sam, reaching out a hand to shake his shoulder gently.
The closeness, the proximity, the fucking electricity that shoots through him finally breaks Sam out of his reverie. Laughing awkwardly, Sam steps back.
That had been the first moment Sam realized he wasn’t as straight as he thought. He didn’t dare tell a soul though. Why did it matter? He had a girlfriend, it’s not like he was going to take Duke Keane to prom instead of Charlotte (though when he saw Duke in his tux, he half-wished he had). 
It didn’t help that the following Sunday, he had agreed to go to church with Charlotte and her parents. It had been the most uncomfortable hour, shifting on the pew as the pastor preached about the sin of sodomy from behind the pulpit. Sam still remembers the way the pastor said homosexual, as if it carried every ounce of fire and brimstone in hell. Seared into his brain, he vowed never to tell another soul.
It doesn’t matter.
Yet, here he is twenty years later, recently divorced, with an entire cache of men he’s found attractive stashed away in the depths of his mind.
Tonight, he’s sitting at the Birdhouse with his girlfriend, smiling slightly in amusement at the sight of her nails. “Why don’t they match?”
“What do you mean?” Zoey wiggles her fingers. The pink, purple, and blue polish glints in the low light of the bar. “Of course they match. It’s the colors of the bi pride flag.”
Sam’s entire body tenses at that. “... you’re bi?”
“Don’t tell me you’re a homophobe. That would put a bit of a damper on our relationship,” Zoey quips. Still, her voice shakes slightly.
Immediately, Sam reaches out for her hand and squeezes it. “No! No, no, no. It’s okay. More than actually.” He smiles kindly at her. Before he can continue to reassure her, a familiar, drawling tone catches his ear.
“Well if it isn’t Sam Sweetly!”
A warm, broad hand claps him on the shoulder. shoulder. Sam looks up into the familiar warm hazel eyes of Duke Keane. God, he gets more and more handsome every time Sam sees him. He smiles and maybe even leans into the touch a bit. “What’s goin’ on, Keane?” He asks.
Zoey frowns in confusion as Sam scoots over on his side of the booth to let the man sit next to him.
“Glad to see you’re not wearing those stupid sunglasses all the time anymore, Sweets,” Duke teases, bumping his shoulder against Sam’s good naturedly. He notices Zoey and extends a hand for her to shake. “Douglas Keane, nice to meet you.”
“Please,” Sam snorts as the two of them shake hands. “No one calls you Douglas except your ma. How is she, by the way?”
As they catch up, Sam catches a glimmer in Zoey’s eyes that evolves into a full fledged twinkle. When Duke finally leaves their booth, with Sam casting a discreet look after him, Zoey leans forward. “You have the hots for him,” she says with a cat-like grin.
Sputtering, Sam stares at her. “Wha- No, are you- I’m not gay!”
“Didn’t say you were,” Zoey says with a shrug. “And I have some pretty hard evidence that you’re not.” She snickers as he flushes at the innuendo. “But there’s no heterosexual explanation for the hearts that replaced your pupils while you were talking to Mr. Keane.”
Unsure what to say, Sam takes a long pull from his beer. Then another. Zoey doesn’t press, instead just waits patiently. “I, uh… I’ve thought Duke was cute since high school. I was dating Charlotte though, so nothing ever happened.” He shrugs.
“...is he the only guy you’ve ever thought was attractive?”
Unbidden, his mind starts listing off all the men he’s found attractive: Bill Woodward, Gerald Monroe, Duke Keane, several men he’s only seen in passing, Ted fucking Spankoffski for whatever fucking reason. Biting his lip, he shakes his head. “But I-”
“Hey,” Zoey interrupts him gently. She wiggles her nails again. “You don’t have to put a label on it. Now or ever. If you don’t ever want to be ‘out’ that’s okay. I love you.”
At her words, he relaxes. “I love you too.” He glances over at Duke sitting at the bar and sighs. “I think bisexual is a pretty good description.”
“I agree.” Zoey raises her glass of screwdriver. “Happy coming out, babe.”
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disturbedbydesign · 3 years ago
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The Widow and the Wolf - Chapter 2
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Pairing: Bucky Barnes x dark!exWidow!reader
Summary: After Natasha Romanoff took down the Red Room, the former Widows scattered to the wind. Raised to be a killing machine and released into the world with nothing and no one, you decided to use your newfound autonomy to take down the bad guys of your choosing. But now Natasha is riddled with guilt for leaving you on your own. She wants to recruit you, rehabilitate you, make you part of a team again. But the rest of the squad has reservations, and no one is more against you than Bucky Barnes.
Warnings: Graphic violence; Mentions of domestic violence, rape, pedophilia, human trafficking, child sex trafficking; eventual Dubcon (not Bucky); eventual smut; slow(ish) burn enemies-to-lovers. [More warnings will be added as necessary but these are the Big Bads.] 18+ only, no minors.
If you prefer to read on AO3, you can do so here.
Chapter Two
It’s almost midnight by the time Garcia is officially gator food, but you’re too wired for sleep. You head out, driving the hour and change to Miami, with a stop on the way to clean yourself up a bit in a gas station bathroom. You check in to the swanky South Beach hotel you’ve decided to treat yourself to, because you’ve earned it. The world is a better place without that man in it, the impressionable young girls of Miami are a bit safer tonight, and that’s enough for you. For the moment, it’s enough.
Your next target is a man you’ve been searching for for a long time, and he’s your own personal project, but tonight you aren’t going to think about him. Tonight you’re going to allow yourself a moment to breathe, to celebrate your victories—a party of one, as usual, but satisfying all the same. You don’t have that much time left before last call at the clubs so you get yourself together quickly and hit the spot closest to your hotel. Even at this time of night, there’s a line to get in, but one look at you and the bouncer is opening that velvet rope and beckoning you inside.
The place reeks of sweat and unchecked hormones as you make your way to the bar, the booming bass drowning out any and all thoughts you might have, which is exactly the way you want it tonight. You order a double vodka rocks and you wait to see what kind of man will approach you this evening: angel or devil. Of course, none of them are really angels, not in the club at this time of night, but some are far worse than others.
You have no problem with decent men. There’s nothing wrong with trying to get laid. It’s normal, it’s natural—you know that now. You’ve even learned to enjoy consensual sex with strangers. At first it was difficult for you—your body having belonged to others for your entire life. But it wasn’t long before you started to enjoy the power of choice, of having control over what your body did and who with.
A man approaches you—brown hair, blue eyes, muscular—and you hate that your first thought is of him but you can’t help it. The Winter Soldier had always been the stuff of nightmares—a ghost story to some, but the Widows knew better. He was terrifying, yes, but the few people who had seen the man’s face and lived to tell about it had always remarked on how handsome he was, even with that cold, dead-eyed stare. You’d seen pictures of him after he came out from under all that brainwashing, and they had proven the reports correct, but you’d never seen him in person until tonight. You couldn’t stand the sight of him in some ways, but in others…
You turn to the attractive stranger and smile, waiting to see what he’ll do.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he yells over the music. You raise your nearly full cocktail in his direction and he smiles awkwardly. “That’s the best line I got,” he says, and he introduces himself with a name you don’t commit to memory.
You give him a fake name and he reaches his hand out to shake. He’s got a disarming personality, but that doesn’t mean you trust him. You know better than anyone that there’s no better tactic than to appear non-threatening. Still, he’s incredibly attractive and you’re in the mood for a party of two tonight.
You let him talk for a while—about his job, about his family—and you pepper in a few lies here and there. He hasn’t laid a hand on you or invaded your personal space in any way that isn’t necessary among the crush of people at the bar. When the bartender signals last call, you decide that he’ll do. You’re rarely wrong about people, and even if you are, you could snap his neck like a twig if necessary.
You allow him to walk you out, expecting him to make a move, but he doesn’t. He just stands there with his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans, rocking a bit awkwardly on his feet.
You smile and tilt your head. “Nightcap?” you ask, and he follows you like a puppy to your hotel room.
You don’t want another drink and neither does he, but he waits for your signal before he tries anything. You try not to make it all seem transactional, but it’s not like your heart is in it. You let him kiss you and touch you, albeit briefly, and you pretend to enjoy it even though that’s not what you want. What you want is to be on top of him, using his body for the pleasure of your own, and it’s not long before you’re doing exactly that. Your beautiful stranger certainly doesn’t mind, not even when you close your eyes and allow yourself to think about someone else inside you—what his face might look like all twisted up and blissed out, what sounds might spill from his pretty lips, what the cold metal might feel like against your hot sweaty skin.
You make yourself cum and then kick him out (kindly). You’re gone by sunrise. You’ve got places to be.
*****
Natasha sits cross-legged on her couch, a pint of ice cream in one hand and scrolling her tablet with the other. After Miami, you’ve been a ghost. None of her usual contacts have been able to give her anything useful. You’ve gone underground, and she knows she won’t find you if you really don’t want to be found. Whoever your next target is, it has to be somebody big if you’ve covered your tracks this well.
She doesn’t regret not taking you in, even though Bucky had complained the entire ride back about how leaving you there was a mistake. But, as she’d told him, you have to want to come in. Trying to force your hand is not only incredibly dangerous, it defeats the purpose. Natasha doesn’t want to retraumatize you; she wants to help you. There’s no point in trading a floating cage for a gilded one.
She doesn’t realize she’s finished the pint until the spoon hits the cardboard. When she goes to pull another one from the freezer, her phone rings.
“What’s up, Rogers?”
Steve’s voice holds a barely contained anger that Natasha knows well. “You need to come in.”
She should have known Bucky would rat her out, but it still pisses her off. “Steve, it’s getting late. Can we do this in the morning?”
“I don’t know,” Steve replies. “Are you gonna steal another jet in the middle of the night?”
“Technically, I didn’t steal-”
“Natasha, please,” he says, and she can picture the set of his jaw on the other end of the line.
She sighs. “Alright, fine. I’m leaving now.”
When she gets to the tower, most of the usual suspects are gathered around the conference table. Steve looks pissed. Tony looks amused. Sam and Wanda look concerned. And while, to anyone else Bucky would be wearing no expression at all, Natasha can tell that he’s feeling a bit guilty—as he should, he gave her his word. He mouths “I’m sorry” when she sits down at the table and she raises an eyebrow at him that he knows to translate as a middle finger.
Steve tries to speak but Natasha cuts him off. “Save me the lecture, Rogers. I’m not going to apologize.”
Steve’s voice is stern but not unkind. “This needs to be a group decision, Natasha, and as of right now, you’re the only person who thinks this is a good idea.”
“That’s not actually true,” she says. “Wanda? Do you want to tell Steve what you told me?”
Wanda looks a little shocked to be called out but she answers, if a bit hesitantly. “It sounds like she needs help, Steve. Like she’s lost. I… I know what that feels like—when everyone thinks you’re a monster.”
Wanda and Nat’s eyes both turn to Bucky, looking for any recognition whatsoever that he, too, knows exactly where they’re coming from, but he’s completely stolid. Underneath his blood is boiling and he feels like he wants to crawl out of his skin, but the surface remains placid.
Tony pops a blueberry into his mouth and swivels in his chair to face Natasha. “So, let me see if I’m understanding this correctly, Romanoff. You want to bring in one of your former compatriots who has spent the last… what?... year or so on a globetrotting murder spree? Am I getting the general idea here, or am I missing something? I have to be missing something, because if I’m not missing something, this is categorically batshit.”
“It’s more complicated than that, Stark. But essentially, yes. That’s exactly what I want to do.”
Tony laughs. “Wow. OK. Well, Rogers—you and I rarely agree on… well… anything, but I gotta say, I’m Team Cap with this one.”
Natasha crosses her arms and huffs her displeasure.
“I’m sorry,” Tony says, looking around and addressing the room, “but don’t we usually catch mass murderers? Isn’t that kind of our thing?”
The longer the conversation goes on, the more uncomfortable Bucky gets. It wasn’t lost on him that Tony’s eyes lingered on him when he threw out the term “mass murderers,” and he’s learned that it’s better to just let Tony go off when he feels the need. Still, he needs to get out of the room. He needs to take a walk, get some air, push all thoughts of you and this whole mess out of his mind, because if he doesn’t, he thinks he might go crazy.
“Are we done here?” Bucky asks.
“No,” Steve replies. “Sam? Anything you want to say?”
Sam takes a minute to gather his thoughts. “Look, Nat, I understand where you’re coming from on this. I really do. And it would be different if she was willing to come in on her own. But it sounds to me like she isn’t interested. She wants to be doing exactly what she’s doing. You can’t rehabilitate that. You just can’t.”
Steve looks apologetically at Natasha. “I’m sorry,” he says, “but it’s a no. I’m not necessarily saying we go after her-”
“I am,” Tony interjects. “I’m saying that. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Steve glares at Tony and it shuts him up. “Leave it alone, Tony.”
“You’re seriously telling me you want to leave this girl on the streets knowing what we know? Come on, Rogers.”
Everyone starts to raise their voice at once—everyone except Bucky, who is already sneaking out and halfway to the door—when Natasha shouts, “Enough!”
She takes a deep breath and blows it out, speaking softer now. “I’ll find her and I’ll bring her in, whether she wants to come or not. But it stays in this room—no cops, no agents, just the team. When I get her here, I’ll figure out what to do with her.”
“Fine,” Steve says, and the rest of the team assents. “Buck, you go with her.”
Every cell in Bucky’s body is screaming not to do it, but he never could say no to Steve. He grunts his agreement, refusing to even look at Natasha before storming out of the room and out into the humid mid-August evening. He walks all the way from Midtown to Brooklyn, but he still can’t shake the malaise that’s settled over him ever since Natasha first came to him with her plan.
Bucky knows that he should understand—and, in a way, he does—but he just can’t bring himself to feel anything for you except disgust. Natasha sees something in you that he just doesn’t see. All Bucky wanted to do when he finally got free of it all was prove to everyone that he was a good man—that he was not the things that he’d done. It took a lot of work and a lot of time, but he’s finally in a place where he’s separated himself from the Winter Soldier. That isn’t who he is; it never was.
Steve always knew that, and Natasha hadn’t taken much convincing. The others, though—some of them still don’t fully trust him, and if he thinks about it for too long, it cuts deep. So when Bucky thinks of you—free now, but still violent and bloodthirsty and absolutely unrepentant—it makes him sick. After all the work Bucky has done, how can Natasha look at you and him and think that you’re the same?
Not everyone comes out of their traumas unscathed. Sometimes people can’t come back from the things that have happened to them. That’s you. That’s who you are. You’re not good, you never will be, and as sad as it may make him, Bucky truly believes that you are beyond redemption. You don’t need to be saved; you need to be stopped.
Bucky gets a text as he unlocks the door to his Brooklyn Heights apartment. He’s been waiting for it, hoping for it, and now he has it. Natasha doesn’t know where you are yet, but he does. One of his contacts in Bucharest has a line on you, and he’s not going to let you get away this time. Much as it pains him, he doesn’t trust Natasha to keep her word to the team and take you in against your will. No, Bucky is going to handle this himself. You may be a Widow, but you’re no match for the White Wolf.
CHAPTER THREE >>>
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girlwiththereapertattoo · 4 years ago
Text
begin again - part two
Jax Teller x female!Reader
Summary: Y/N is back in Charming and gets a visit from a ghost of her past.
Word count: 2,5k words
Warnings: Bad language and a mention of a family member’s death (I can’t think of other warnings but feel free to point them out)
Author's note: For reference of Y/N’s childhood home, this is the house I was picturing. It’s only the exterior, you can go wild with the interior. HERE
Beta read by @crucifixedbitch
PART ONE
💀💀💀💀💀
Four Years Later
Never in a million years did you think you’d find yourself back in Charming and yet here you are. Life happens though and certain situations are out of your control, like the passing of your mother. You came back for her funeral, and since you’re her only surviving family, you’ve been left with the task of taking care of her affairs, including the selling of your childhood home. You look around, taking in the messy sight before you.
Stacked boxes fill the small, relatively empty, kitchen space. Eventually, all these boxes will end up in storage until you figure out what it is that you want to do with them. A costly decision, but there’s no way you’re lugging them back to Charlotte with you, and apparently, no one’s looking to buy used furniture in Charming.
“Mommy?”
A sleepy S/N’s standing at the entryway clutching his favorite toy in one hand whilst the other rubs his eyes. He shuffles over to you and throws both arms around your legs then buries his little face in them.
“Hey, ace! How was your nap?”
“It was good.” His voice comes out muffled and small. “Mommy, can we watch a movie?”
You scoop him into your arms and spin him around before you set him on your hip. “I’ve got a better idea,” you press a loving kiss to his forehead and hug him to your chest. “Why don’t we leave the house for a bit? We deserve a break from all this packing, don’t you think?”
He perks up. “Can we get ice cream? Please.”
“Ice cream… with sprinkles!”
The suggestion earns you a double kiss to the cheek and the title of ‘Best Mom in the World’! Once you set him down, he dashes out of the kitchen and down the hall to the bedroom to grab his shoes. In the meantime, you grab your keys and purse from the breakfast table and wait for him at the front door.
“Ace?”
After a stretched pause, he calls back.
“Is everything okay?”
Concerned, you make your way down the hall and find a frustrated S/N sitting on the bedroom floor, struggling to fasten his sandals.
“Need a little help with that, ace?”
He shakes his head with a huff. “I can do it myself.”
You know better than to push him when he gets this way and so you patiently wait. It takes him a moment but he gets it done, and he looks quite pleased with himself.
“Do you have everything?”
“Yep.” He makes his way over to you and links his fingers with yours, “Do you have everything?”
You chuckle. “Yes, I do.”
You say a little prayer as you leave the house — may you not run into SAMCRO.
💀💀💀💀💀
A lot has changed since the last time you were here. Most of the small shops and restaurants have been shut down or replaced, including Hanna’s Diner, which has now been replaced by Benny’s, a fifties-themed diner. Cringe. It’s not really your style but S/N insists on eating here because the servers are on roller skates. Wanting to be inconspicuous, you ask to be seated in a booth on the far end of the restaurant.
Your waiter hands you a menu and gives S/N a picture to color in and a cup of Crayons. You order yourself a beverage, a milkshake for S/N, and whilst you wait for your order to arrive, you help S/N color in his picture. You’re engrossed in the task, joking about with your son, when your name is suddenly called by a familiar voice. Your heart lurches in your chest, a shiver traveling down your spine at the recognition — Gemma fucking Teller.
“Shit,” you murmur.
You focus your attention on your son, hoping she gets the message loud and clear: you’re not looking to make conversation with her. As her heels click towards you, you heavily regret leaving your house today. What were you thinking? Charming’s such a small town, you were bound to bump into a ghost of your past and it just had to be Gemma. She stops beside your table but still, you keep your head down.
“Jesus Christ, it really is you.”
Left with no choice, you force yourself to look up at the woman who once made your life miserable. “Gemma, hi.”
She smiles but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hi, sweetheart. I thought you might be back in town. I heard about your mother, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you coming over,” you muster a smile.
Gemma glances down at S/N who’s engrossed in his coloring. She looks back at you. “Cute kid. Is he yours?”
“Yeah, he is.”
“Who’s the dad?”
You look away from her. “I think you should leave, Gemma.”
“It’s Jax, isn’t it?”
Your silence is all the confirmation she needs.
“Does he know?”
“Gemma,” you plead. “Don’t do this.”
“He deserves to be in his son’s life, Y/N.”
“Oh, spare me the crap.”
She opens her mouth, preparing to fire back at you but you cut her off.
“We’re not doing this, Gemma. Not now, not ever.” You abruptly rise from your seat with a huff and grab S/N. “I’m only going to tell you this once, stay the hell away from me and my family.”
You slam the money that you owe for the drinks you ordered — but didn’t get to enjoy — onto the table, and march out of the diner.
💀💀💀💀💀
“Come on, ace, it’s bedtime.”
“But Mom!” he protests, throwing his head back and whines. “Only five more minutes. Please.”
S/N’s nighttime routine’s simple: bathtime before dinner, he’s allowed twenty minutes television time after dinner, then he’s got to brush his teeth, and once he’s in bed, you read him a bedtime story. It’s the same routine every night, with a few exceptions, and yet every night is the same struggle.
“We can’t keep doing this, ace.”
His eyes remain fixed on the television screen, lips parted, completely entranced.
“Ace..?”
He slowly tears his eyes from the screen, his face splitting into a toothy grin, “Yes, Mommy?”
“It’s bedtime.”
It looks like he might object, negotiate more time, but with a defeated sigh, he slides off the couch and walks over to where you’re standing. Together, you make your way to the bathroom for S/N to brush his teeth. He’s just rinsed out his mouth when light knocking sounds from the door.
“Who’s that?”
You shrug, “Probably one of Gammy’s friends coming to check on us. Why don’t you go to the bedroom to pick a book to read, okay?”
He climbs off his step stool and leaves the bathroom. The knocking sounds again and you announce that you’re coming. You open the door to find Jax Teller standing on the other side with his hands shoved deep in his jean pockets. A stunned expression flashes across his face as he takes in your appearance.
“Hey.”
“Jackson, hi.” You step out onto the porch and pull the door behind you, leaving it ajar. “What are you doing here?”
Well, that’s rude. You don’t intend for your question to come out so curt and direct but what the hell is he doing at your door? Gemma, it’s got to be Gemma, and if he’s been talking to Gemma, then he must have questions. Questions you’re not entirely ready to give him answers to. You just wish he’d picked a better time to drop by.
“I, uh, heard you were in town and I thought I’d come by to see you before you left.”
“Uh, thanks. I–”
“Mommy! Mommy!” S/N yanks the door open before you can stop him and joins you on the porch, quickly retreating behind you when he sees the man at the door. With a small voice, he tells you, “I found a book to read.”
“You did?”
He nods, his eyes fixed on Jax.
“Good.” You pick him up off the floor and press a kiss to his cheek, “Go wait in the bedroom, okay? Mommy will be there in a minute.”
You set him on the ground and he scurries back into the house, leaving you alone with Jax once again.
“I can come back another time if y–”
“No, come in.” You catch yourself off guard. Why the hell are you inviting him into your home? “Unless you’re in a hurry. I just need to put S/N to bed and I shouldn’t be long…”
“Do what you gotta do, I’ll wait.”
You let him in and he makes his way over to the living room. In the bedroom, S/N has already tucked himself under the covers and he’s paging through the book, reading from memory.
“Are you ready for storytime, ace?”
He turns to you. “Is the man gone?”
“No,” you make your way over to the bed, “he’s still here.”
“Is he Gammy’s friend?”
You chuckle as you settle on the bed beside him and press a long kiss to the top of his head. You accept the book that he hands to you and read the title aloud, “A Tiger In Space by Micki Lee.”
He nuzzles into you, his head resting on your arm as he listens to you read for him, occasionally chiming in to comment on the illustrations.
“Goodnight, ace,” you press a final kiss to his forehead, “sweet dreams, I love you.”
“Goodnight, Mommy,” he yawns and shuts his eyes.
You quietly make your way out of his bedroom, leaving his nightlight on, and make your way to the living room, bracing yourself for what’s to come. You find Jax on the couch, fiddling with his pocket chain. When he hears you walk in, his head jerks up.
“Hey.”
“Hi.”
“I’m sorry about your mom.”
You stand awkwardly, unsure of how to handle yourself. And to think the man has seen you naked. “It’s alright.”
“How long you in town?”
“Not long,” you shuffle your feet. “I have to take care of a few things before I head back. I’m putting the house up for sale.”
“Well if you need anything…”
“I know who to call. I appreciate the offer.” You give him a tight smile, “I’ll definitely keep it in mind.”
“Anyway,” he pushes onto his feet, “I should get going.”
A wave of relief washes over you as you walk him to the front door, glad that the awkwardness was coming to an end. “Thank you for stopping by.”
“It was good seeing you.”
“Likewise,” you open the door, and with a final smile, you bid him farewell.
“I guess I’ll see you around.” He steps out onto the porch and turns to you. “I’d really like to be a part of the kid’s life.”
You’re stunned speechless, unsure of how to respond to his request but you don’t have to. Jax turns and makes his way back to the tow truck parked outside your house. You watch him drive off, frozen in place, and as you shut the door, you wish you’d said more to him.
💀💀💀💀💀
Jax’s sudden reappearance in your life has you off-kilter and for a good portion of the next day, you don’t exactly know what to do with yourself. You’re overcome by a wave of emotions, inundated with the memories of the girl you once were. It feels like a lifetime ago but it’s only been four years. Jesus. Your love was epic, meant to last lifetimes, but shit doesn’t always go according to our plans.
In the years you’ve been apart, so much has happened. Your mother would often give you updates on Jax and the Sons. News of his incarceration affected you more than you cared to admit because a part of you always hoped that he’d see the light and distance himself from the club. ‘It’s a good thing you got away when you did, he’s a violent man. You had no future with him,’ your mother would remind you every chance she got.
You stare down at the vibrating phone that rests on the couch next to you, your boyfriend’s name glaring back at you. Worn out, you toy with the idea of allowing his call to go through to voicemail, for the fifth time this evening, but it’ll only bite you in the ass.
“Babe, hey.”
“Jesus, Y/N, where the hell have you been? I thought we agreed that you’d call me at eight.”
“I’m sorry, I was clearing out the basement and the service’s really bad down there.”
You lean into the couch, bracing yourself for an outburst that never comes. Instead, he asks about your day and S/N. He tells you that he misses you, and offers to fly to Charming to assist you with the packing. He also tells you about the puppy he saw today and how he immediately thought of S/N.
“The house feels empty when you’re not here,” he concludes.
“We miss you too. Especially S/N.” B/N came into your life shortly after S/N was born, he’s the only father he knows. “I don’t think he likes Charming very much.”
“I don’t blame him. When are you coming back?”
“Next week, I hope.”
At that moment, you hear the loud rumble of a motorcycle pulling up onto your driveway and you just know it’s Jax.
“Honey, I hate to cut this short but someone’s just pulled onto the driveway.”
“At this hour?”
“Can I call you in the morning?”
“Is it safe?”
“It’s probably a friend of my mom’s.”
A light knock sounds at the door.
“I don’t like this.”
“I promise to call you in the morning. I love you, goodnight.”
You hang up before you catch his response and toss the phone back onto the couch. Jax has his back turned to you when you open the door.
“Jax?”
He turns around and flashes you a heartwarming smile. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No,” you return his smile and step out to join him on the porch, “is everything okay?”
A serious expression settles on his face, “We need to talk, Y/N.”
It’s about S/N, you just wish he’d let it go already. “Jax, I–”
“Hear me out.”
You sigh, “Fine.”
“Look, you don’t have to tell him that I’m his old man but I’m sure he’s getting restless with no friends. He can always spend time with Abel.”
“Jax–”
“I just want to get to know my kid better, Y/N, that’s it.”
After a long pause, you ask, “You’re not going to back down from this, huh?”
He chuckles, “No, not really.”
“I’ve got conditions.”
“I’m all ears.”
“The playdate happens here.”
“Alright.”
“And you can’t stay long.”
“Fine by me.”
“And no Gemma,” you cross your arms over your chest, “you can’t tell her about this arrangement.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes. Bring Abel tomorrow around noon, he can have lunch with us. He got any allergies?”
Jax’s smile widens, “None. Thank you for agreeing to this.”
“You left me with no choice.”
“I mean it, Y/N, I appreciate it.” He leans over to press a kiss to your cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
You roll your eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
💀💀💀💀💀
PART THREE
tag list:
@princesssterek @derangedcupcake @furiouscopshepherduniversity @crucifixedbitch
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ardent-musings · 4 years ago
Text
“The Sweet Ones”
Neville Longbottom Smut
based off these two requests
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Look, this is gonna be fucking long since I quite like Neville peep my username
EVERYONE IN THIS STORY IS OF LEGAL AGE AND CONSENTING
Warnings: NSFW 18+, dom!neville, swearing, spanking, oral sex fen receiving, restraints, rough sex, vaginal sex (WRAP THAT SHIT UP).
“No! Tell me you’re joking!”
You laughed alongside Ginny on a couch in the Gryffindor common room. It was well past midnight and by this time everyone was either asleep or in bed trying to fall asleep. You would be doing the same, except for the fact that you and Ginny were sharing far too many salacious details of your relationships to even think about bed.
“But toys, ties, he gagged you with your underwear?”
“But toys, ties, he gagged you with your underwear?”
Ginny once again nodded as she brought a hand to cover her now flushed cheeks.
“Well, you know what they say, it’s always the sweet ones who are down with that kind of thing,” she chucked a Bertie Bott’s bean into her mouth, “but you know all about that.”
“I do?”
Ginny took her attention off the box of sweets to stare at you pointedly, “If there’s anyone softer then Dean, it’s Neville. Now tell me, what nasty shit have you guys tried?”
This was not how you pictured your evening going, you started out talking about Quidditch. But apparently Ginny in her chaser uniform really got Dean going and then the conversation spiraled out of control. You were fine listening to Ginny’s filth but when it came to your own, there wasn’t much to share.
“Nev is sweet, through and through, Gin.”
“So you mean...”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“Really? That surprises me. I mean, he’s so gentle normally I figured there had to be something else going on.”
You started to grow warm from the way she depicted Neville in bed. Ginny went through a list of kinks the herbologist would possibly be into and with every new submission your heart pounder heavier. Some of them sound intriguing, and you let Ginny know which ones you would be interested in trying, although that was wishful thinking.
“Look, it’s not like I don’t wanna try these things. It’s just that Nev is,” you paused thinking of the right word to use, “he’s vanilla.”
You two continued talking for a bit longer, depicting how your sex life dulled in comparison to Ginny and Dean’s and how you wished for more. Neville was always good to you during sex, but sometimes you wished he’d lose control just long enough to have his way with you.
The fire started burning lowly in the logs, signaling it was time for both of you to go to bed. You and Ginny went to your respective dorms, feeling both riled up yet frustrated at the same time.
Down in the common room, sat Neville who had come out of his hiding spot near the portrait door. He heard everything; how he was too soft, too gentle, too passive. Neville assumed you picked him because of those things and it never occurred to him that you would like to see another side of him during sex. Knowing that you wanted him be anything other than polite sent his mind in overdrive. He went to bed hyperfixating on every kink, pet name, position you fantasized about and stored it for later use.
The next day went normally. You went to classes like typical but when you sat next to Neville during dinner you could tell something was off. By now he would’ve been telling you about his new favorite plant, it changed everyday. But today he was sitting, jaw clenched as he held your hand beneath the table while refusing to look at you. You figured he had a bad day and left it at that.
Dean came running up to you, grasping a foot long of parchment before dropping it in front of you.
“Please, I’m desperate, I have no idea what any of this means and Charms is your best class. Please help.”
You rolled your eyes, but took the boy’s paper and began critiquing his assignment, sharing your expertise. It was all very normal, until Neville took your hand that was in his and placed it on his leg. He had never been so brazen, especially in public, but you looked at him and smiled as you squeezed his thigh. Neville’s intense glare sent a shiver down your spine as it was accompanied by a smirk. It was unusual but wonderful.
The longer you spent with Dean, exchanging information and jokes from time to time, the more handy Neville was. He was now resting his hand on your thigh, twiddling the hem of your skirt between his fingers and occasionally dipping them beneath the fabric. Suddenly you couldn’t focus on anything but Neville.
“Uh, Dean,” you stuttered as Neville’s hand moved higher, “yeah, I’ve gotta go, I forgot I got detention.”
Dean’s brows furrowed, you never got detention. He didn’t get to question you though, as you pulled Neville up and out of the Great Hall with you. His teasing touches on you had your mind set on only one thing and you were ready to head to Gryffindor tower.
Neville had another thought in mind, instead he pulled you down a corridor and into a lesser used classroom. As soon as the door closed, he grabbed your hands and held them above your head, dipping down so his breath tickled your ear.
“I heard what you told Ginny last night,” he groaned lowly, his nose grazed your jaw. “Didn’t seem too shy about sharing exactly how disappointed you are with my performance, huh?”
Your eyes widened at his comment, feeling even hotter beneath his stern look. You tripped over your words, but your mumbling was instantly silenced as soon as Neville pressed his body fully against yours.
“No need to say anything, darling. I already heard it all. Apparently, you would like me to ‘fuck you like I hate you’ yeah?”
His lips were now ghosting over your throat, nipping along the way, unable to mask the quiet moans.
“Is that what you want, petal?”
Neville pulled away for a moment, his usual soft eyes offering you a look of the boy you adored. He waited patiently for you to give him the green light.
Breathlessly yet excitedly you nodded at him, “Yes, Neville. That’s what I want.”
“Sure you wouldn’t want someone like Dean to take my spot? You seemed pretty impressed with him last night.”
“No, Neville, I want you. Just you.”
He kissed you softly making you melt into his touch, savoring how he tasted like the vanilla ice cream from dinner.
“Then be a good girl for me. Hop on the desk.”
You shivered from how demanding his tone had become, but your breath caught in your throat once he unknotted his crimson tie and wrapped it around his fist.
You got onto the professor’s desk and noticed how there were no quills or ink wells. No one had been here for a while.
Neville sauntered towards you with a smirk, standing between your thighs.
“Shirt off.”
You complied again, feeling exhilarated from the boy in front of you proving himself to be more.
He held your hand, diving in to kiss you with so much force that you nearly fell backwards. It was messy and hard, but somehow so him.
One of his calloused hands raised to massage your breast, expertly teasing your nipple through the thin material of your bra. His lips left yours to trail down your neck to suck on the swell of your chest.
“Mind if I have a go with this?” He held his tie in front of you, waving the fabric with a wink.
You smiled widely and nodded, giggling as you presented your wrists to him. Neville’s chuckle bursted at the gesture, making him shake his head in joyful disbelief.
“Fuckin’ hell, I’m lucky,” he commented as he wove the tie around your wrists, double checking to make sure it wasn’t too tight.
You let out a yelp as he flipped you over so you were laying on the hard wood, belly down with your hands pinned beneath you.
Neville flipped your skirt over, grabbing the tops of your thighs and digging his nails lightly into your skin.
“I’m gonna give you a rundown of my plans, sweetheart,” he hummed as he gripped the straps of your panties, tugging them down your hips but not fully off. “First, I’m gonna spank your ass you like you deserve. It’s what you deserve after gossiping with Ginny last night. Then, I’m going to eat your pretty little pussy and then,” he pressed his body against your back. You could feel just how hard he had gotten and it made you wiggle your hips, just trying to get any friction, “Then I’m going to fuck you like the filthy little thing you are, sweetie.”
Without another seconds notice, Neville gripped your underwear and ripped it off of you, his large hands cupping and rubbing your ass meticulously. You could feel yourself growing wet already, just hearing Neville speak so openly and bluntly about handling you was making you ready.
“Give me the go, and I’ll make your ass red, baby.”
You groaned desperately, nearly lifting to your knees to get closer to him, “yes, please.”
Neville slapped you, not too hard, just enough to gauge your reaction to the new action. If your moan was anything to go by, he figured he could go a bit harder.
He alternated from side to side, reeling in the way you started to grind against the desk with every hit, practically mewling at his hands. Neville had never pictured doing this, but he couldn’t deny how pretty you sounded as you allowed him to use you the way he wanted. He could’ve gone longer, but the sight of you dripping down onto the desk looked too good to ignore any longer.
Your yell echoed in the room as Neville suddenly pressed his tongue against your pussy, licking up the evidence of his effect on you. He pulled you so close, ensuring that your hips lined up with his face; Neville had settled on his knees behind you.
His tongue began relentlessly feasting on you, growling into you which made your eyes roll back. He had gone down on you before, but this was different. Neville wasn’t doing this to make you feel good, he was doing it because he craved the taste of you on his tongue.
You couldn’t imagine feeling any better, Neville’s hands were holding you open, reminding you of the gentle sting on your ass. But when Neville wrapped his lips around your clit and filled you with two fingers, your hips rose as did the heat in your body.
Neville was mesmerized by you gasping beneath him, repeating the motions that left you writhing and crying for him. He never liked seeing you cry, but the soft wetness coming from the corner of your eye made him feral.
You couldn’t hold back anymore, and with a final suck at your clit and a thrust of his fingers, you came hard against him. The feeling made your whole body shake, only making your clit oversensitive as it met the hard desk. Neville started to massage your legs, calming you from your high before placing a soft kiss to your glowing ass.
He slowly turned you back around, grabbing your tied wrists and holding them above you, tying the rest of the fabric to the knob on the desk drawer. Your chest was still heaving and he couldn’t help but moan at the smell of your sweet sweat and the way your back was arched.
“Still have it in you to take my cock, honey?” He bit at your collarbone as he unclasped your bra and let it rest by your bound hands. Your exposed chest was being fully loved by Neville, his lips trailed your skin as you searched for your answer. “You said you wanted it rough, didn’t you? If that’s true, then we’re not done here.”
His tone was cheeky, but his darkened eyes alerted you to the hunger that still festered in your boy. He couldn’t keep his mouth off you, his swollen lips reached yours again, your whimper was silenced by his kiss as he pulled off your skirt. 
“Actually, hold on, Nev.”
His big soft eyes searched yours, suddenly worried by your objection. 
“What is it, love? Did I do something wrong? We can st-”
“No, it’s just,” a blush fell over your cheeks as you looked up at him, “Can you take off your shirt? I feel a bit uncomfortable being the only naked one.”
His panicked look disappeared at your request, and with one fell swoop his sweater was off his body, leaving him to just take off his pants. You loved Neville’s body. He was insecure some days, but he was perfect. His arms were muscular from lifting bags of soil and fertilizer and his back and legs were wonderfully firm. And you needed him.
He smiled as you whined, wriggling against your restraints. Once his trousers and briefs were off, his full body was on display for you. He made no move to cover himself, instead he just grabbed his cock and slowly stroked it against your pussy. 
“I’m not going to go easy on you, doll,” he groaned, “this is what you wanted.”
“It’s what I want. Please, Neville,” you were mindlessly pleading for him to do something, you were aching for him to move. “Fuck me like you own me, please.”
Neville let out a low growl from the pit of his chest and without warning, he lined himself up and fully sank into you. By this time, the sounds coming from you were loud and full of desperate cries of Neville’s name. He was living up to your request, pulling all the way out to piston back in at a mind numbing pace. 
“That’s right, honey, let everyone know who fucks you like this. Is that what you want?”
“That’s what I want.”
It took all of your focus to mumble those four simple words. As Neville rocked against you, his hand now wrapped around your throat, no clear thought ran through your mind. All you could focus on was how good Neville was making you feel. 
You screamed once he started rubbing at your clit in timing with his thrusts, and you both knew you’d be done for. Neville kept thrusting deeply, his head falling back at the way your tightened against him. 
“Fuck, baby, I’m close. Cum with me, baby. Do it.”
His grip on your throat tightened as did your legs around his waist. They were curled around him, doing everything you could to help him get you there. After a soft whimper from Neville, your body erupted. You moaned loudly, overwhelmed by his movements as your rode out your high. The air was heavy as you panted, and your squeezing around Neville’s cock made him cum right after you. He whined as his hips frantically met with your hips until his own orgasm died down. 
His hair was sticking to his forehead in sweat, absolutely out of breath as he laid his head on top of your chest. Before you could even ask him to, he released your hands from the binds and placed tiny kisses to your wrists. 
“Neville, holy shit.”
Your boy chuckled at you, his eyes warm and wide from your time together in the classroom. 
“Was that okay?” 
“That was amazing. Better than I could have even imagined.”
Neville’s bellowing laugh made you giggle beside him, basking in the comfort of your boyfriend and wiping the sweat from your neck.
“Well good, love,” he left a kiss to the tip of your nose, “now you can update Ginny about it all. Let her know that her theory about the ‘sweet ones’ is true.”
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vixenpen · 4 years ago
Note
Dabi smut with a teacher. Like in some quirkless au or something (He’s scarless but hella pierced and tatted), he had to pick up kid!Shoto one day and he sees his hot black teacher (Sis got thickness and curves for days, even in simple clothes) So he consistently picks up Shoto (even when he doesn’t have to) just to hit on her and when he finally scores a date with her, he’s at his limit after seeing her in casual wear and how amazing her personality is.
I LOVED this request. I had so much fun writing it and the details were amazing! I hope you enjoy
Hot For Teacher (Dabi x Black Reader) Quirkless AU
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“Ah, come on kid,” Dabi sighed, expelling a stream of smoke as he waited at the curb for his baby brother to get out of school.
He rolled down the window to air out the car and watched the stream of middle schoolers burst through the double doors and head to their respective busses or cars.
“Shooo,” Dabi groaned, “where are you? I got shit to do, kid.”
He enjoyed hanging out with his youngest sibling, and he had no problem picking the kid up, but he also had a business to help run. If he didn’t get back to the shop in an hour and a half like he’d promised Hawks, he’d get an earful about responsibility and time management and blah, blah, blah.
He leaned back in the driver seat, deciding to give Shoto another fifteen minutes before he texted the kid.
Just then another wave of kids exited the building, Dabi’s bright blue eyes scanned them before landing on the finest woman he’d ever seen in his life.
Her cream colored silk blouse popped beautifully against her rich brown skin and a pair of slacks hugged her wide hips. Her makeup made her dark eyes sparkle and red lipstick painted her pouty mouth.
Dabi sat up, turquoise eyes running up and down that beautiful body of hers as the sexy teacher strutted past to talk to parents and wave good bye to students. When she turned around, his eyes slid down to the fattest ass he’d ever seen and he licked his lips.
Damn it must be hard as hell for her students to concentrate in class.
She turned again and began walking back towards the school. Fuck! If he didn’t stop gawking he would miss his chance. He couldn’t let that happen.
Holding his cigarette between his lips, Dabi quickly stepped out of the car and took leggy strides to catch up with the teacher.
“Excuse me.”
She turned around, her big dark eyes landing on him. Immediately Dabi knew she was sizing him up and wasn’t impressed. She gave that same disapproving teacher look Fuyumi gave whenever she was put off by someone.
Regardless, he flashed her his most charming smile. He may not be a goody two shoes like these other khaki wearing dads out here, but he knew he looked damn better than any of them.
“Sorry to bother you ma’am. I was just hoping you could help me out.”
“Sure,” she smiled back, showing off a pair of pretty white teeth. “Let’s start with that cigarette. It’s against our school policy to be smoking on the premises so if you could.” She cocked a brow expectantly.
Dabi cocked his own pierced brow back in response, but quickly stubbed out his cigarette on a nearby janitor’s cart and threw it away in the accompanying trash can.
Her smile widened. “Great. Now, how can I help you?”
Dabi chuckled. “Well, ya see, I just got this new phone and cleared out all my old contacts. Ya know, new year, new me and all that,” he shrugged, “anyway, my contacts are pretty empty now. So, I was wondering if I could get yours.”
She let out a little snort of amusement.
“That’s your pick up line? How many Girls have had the misfortune of hearing that one?”
“You’d be the first,” Dabi smirked back. “Figured the usual ‘hey beautiful, what’s your name’ line wouldn’t exactly help me stand out.”
“Trust me, you don’t need help standing out.” She replied, eying him again.
“Then that means I’m ahead of the game, right?” He held out a hand, “I’m Dabi.”
Tentatively, the teacher shook it. “Ms. Y/n.”
“Ms. Y/n, huh...” Dabi repeated slowly, his eyes ran over you with a barely masked longing. “Not ‘Mrs’?”
“Not yet.” You replied.
“How soon are you looking to change that?” Dabi asked, his smirk growing a bit smaller and more intimate.
“Who said I was looking to change it at all?”
“Certainly not me,” he replied, “that’s why I asked. I would love to talk more about how much you don’t want to change it over dinner sometime though.”
You fended off a smile. You were not about to give this over confident asshole any encouragement.
“Sorry, but I make it a point not to date my student’s parents.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not a parent then.”
“Oh? So you just like to stroll on the campuses of random middle schools and hit on the teachers for fun?”
Dabi chuckled again.
“I’m here to pick up my little brother. Ah, hell, speaking of which, I actually could use your help with that. Kid hasn’t come out yet and I’ve already been here over half an hour.”
Your pretty face immediately crumpled with worry.
“What’s your brother’s name?”
“Todoroki Shoto.”
“Oh!” You looked surprised. “Shoto. I think I saw him headed towards the baseball field. I think the team has practice today.”
“Dammit! Really? Well, I better go say hi to the kid anyway. You mind, uh, leading the way?”
“Sure.” You shrugged.
Turning, you took the lead and guided Dabi towards the baseball diamond behind the school. You could feel the man’s eyes on your ass the whole way, and couldn’t help but put an extra switch in your hips as you did. Much to his appreciation.
You had to admit the man was fine as hell. The black undercut with lines cut in the side, his multiple piercings and even the colorful tattoos you saw peeking from under his fitted black tshirt were hot as hell. However, you had long since given up on bad boy types. You preferred nerds. Still a little light flirting wouldn’t hurt anything, right?
“There he is.” Dabi stated once the two of you verged on the field. He held up his hands to his mouth and called out: “Yo, Sho!”
The boy looked up, heterochromatic eyes widening in surprise.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had practice today you little half and half?”
“Why don’t you ever check mom’s texts?” Shoto shouted back. “She told you to come later.”
You snickered as Dabi pulled out his phone and checked his text messages.
“Huh. Well I’ll be damned.” He muttered to himself. “Alright, kiddo, I’ll be back in an hour!”
“Can you stop shouting and leave now?! I have to concentrate.”
Dabi laughed before turning back to you.
“Anyway, thanks a lot for your help Ms. Y/n.”
“Just doing my job.”
“Still, I would love to thank you properly. Maybe over coffee.” He said, sounding hopeful.
“Before it was dinner.” You quipped, playfully.
“I know. I‘m just planning for future dates.”
You giggled, shaking your head. “It was nice meeting you, Dabi.” With that you turned and strutted off.
“I hope you know I’m gonna keep trying until I get a yes or no.” He called after you.
As you entered the school’s back entrance you could hear Shoto shouting: “Can you please stop hitting on my teachers? I have to see them everyday!”
Unfortunately for Shoto, his plea seemed to go in one overly pierced ear and out the other because almost everyday since then, Dabi made it a point to stop and talk to you when he came to pick up Shoto.
“Hey there, Ms. Y/n. My contacts are filling up fast. You sure you don’t wanna reserve a spot?”
“Sorry Dabi, but my no dating policy extends to immediate family members as well.”
“I hated to cancel our reservations, but you’re left me no choice, Ms. Y/n.”
“Nobody told you to make reservations, Dabi.”
“Dinner was lonely the other day. If only I had a beautiful black queen to keep me company.”
“I’m sure There are plenty of black queens out there that would have loved to accompanying you to dinner.”
“Yeah, but they wouldn’t have been you.”
Dabi was unrelenting. Always complimenting how amazing your outfits looked on your skin tone, how flattering your make up was, or if you wore a new hairstyle or new jewelry.
You couldn’t lie. The attention was both flattering and refreshing. Since becoming a teacher, you usually only got hit on by studious academic types. Attractive yes, but straight laced and all the same with their game
Unfortunately a disturbing amount of married dads also tried their luck with you.
But Dabi was different.
He may have been a far cry from your usual type, but he was always perfectly respectful and even funny. Not to mention he was much closer to your own age than other men that came on to you.
He must have started bribing Shoto for help or asking him about your interests too. Because sometimes when he would see you, he’d have a new book to give you or your favorite iced tea from a cafe you always frequented. Which, admittedly, was pretty damn cute.
The tatted up alt boy was actually growing on you. So one day, when both of you least expected it, you finally agreed to give him your number and go on a date.
That was the first time you ever saw him straight up smile. Not smirk or grin. He actually beamed. Just like a little boy who’d been told he could have a puppy.
Ok, ok. You admit it—he was cute.
Hopefully, that charm would extend over to dinner.
When the big date came, Dabi cleaned himself up. Opting out of his usual dark attire for a deep blue fitted Ralph Lauren polo and skinny khakis. He even took out some of his piercings in an attempt to look more presentable. He thought he cleaned up pretty nice if he did say so himself, but it was nothing compared to what you strutted in wearing.
Dabi had gotten used to your stylish but conservative work attire. He was so used to your hot teacher look, that he forgot you probably had some regular clothes in that amazing wardrobe of yours.
And damn did you pick out the most show stopping dress you had. You wore a wine colored dress that cut low in the front showing off those juicy tits of yours and stopped above the knee. The heels you wore made your thighs look even yummier and your ass was jiggling out of control with every step.
Down boy. Down boy. Down boy.
He scolded himself.
“Well, don’t you clean up nicely, Dabi?” You teased.
“I’m Touya tonight, beautiful.” He struck a pose like a GQ model. You laughed. “Dabi was that guy that kept hitting on you, Touya’s the guy that’s gonna try not to screw it up.
“Oh,” you ran a manicured finger along his solid chest, “well, I agreed to a date with Dabi, but I guess Touya could be fun too.”
Dabi licked his lip, and your eyes fell on his tongue piercing, hungrily.
“Depending on how well the night goes, you might see Dabi come out later tonight.” He replied, suggestively.
You rolled your eyes, but could feel your cheeks (and your pussy) warming.
“Boy! Come on.”
Dabi as Touya opened the door to the restaurant and ushered you inside.
The restaurant he took you to was definitely a high end place; complete with soft candle light, a jazz quartet, and a maître d’.
The chemistry the two of you had definitely translated over dinner.
Dabi was just as funny as he always was and he was genuinely interested in getting to know everything about you. He hung on to your every word about the funny things your students did in class. He enjoyed hearing your college stories. He even knew some of the books you enjoyed reading and could talk literature easily.
You discovered that he was the co-owner of a tattoo and piercing shop. He was the oldest of his siblings. And he enjoyed traveling and learning new things.
Dabi enjoyed vibing with you. He loved that your personality and sense of humor was just as amazing and substantial as that body he wanted a piece of so bad.
Dinner rolled into drinks and lasted well into the night. By the time the two of you were done it was damn near four A.M.
From that night on, you and Dabi became practically inseparable. He picked you up from school right along with Shoto for dinner after work, swung by with coffee, bought you any and everything you wanted (he does come from money after all) and after a year of dating, you became more than just a ‘Ms.’
Pt.2
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princehrry-writings · 4 years ago
Text
Stella’s first time alone with Harry
ahhhh!! i've been wanting to write some extras for daddy? and this kind of just came to me. i thought it would be a good first extra to start it off. send in any thoughts or requests you have for this little series!!
wordcount: 2370
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It was very last minute. Y/n had been called into a last minute session and while she usually would bring Stella along, she knew the people around the artist she was working with were going to be doing an abundance of drugs and drinking various alcohols while they worked and she wasn’t about to bring her 4 year old around all of that. She didn’t mind it but her baby didn’t need to see that.
So she called Harry. Ever since they became official and he became a more permanent piece in Stella’s life, he’d been wanting to spend more time with her to bond. He was taking this whole father thing very seriously and Y/n could honestly cry, it was so cute. He wanted to be there when she went to bed and when she woke up. He wanted to make her breakfast in the morning. He wanted to comfort her when she woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare. It was adorable how bad he wanted her to be comfortable with him.
Of course he didn’t want to overwhelm her, so he knew he had to take it slow and Y/n had told him this a few times now.
She’s still not used to being around someone so often, so it may take some time for her to really warm up to you. She explained. Of course there had been that night on the couch when Harry had confessed his feelings and all of this had begun, but that was kind of a one time thing as she hadn’t done that again. There were times where she still shied away from him, where she wouldn’t let him near her. Y/n had never exposed her to this much male attention before so she understood why Stella was still weary. She would be too if all the sudden her mom started bringing this dude she’d only met a few times around more often.
He had agreed before Y/n could even finish her sentence.
Of course I’ll watch her tonight, Love! What time should I head over?
He was there at 4:45. Y/n had to be at the studio at 5:30. This gave her enough time to make sure Stella would be ok here with just Harry and to make sure Harry had all the right emergency contacts and little tidbits he needed before she had to go.
“Ok baby, you gonna be ok with Harry tonight?” The mother asked her baby, crouched down to her level in front of the door, ready to cancel if the girl were to say no.
“Yeah mommy!” Stella smiled shyly, holding her mom's hand lightly, twisting back and forth. Y/n smiled and nodded, kissing her baby’s forehead and standing to her full height.
Harry stepped up to her, giving her a light kiss on the mouth, pressing his forehead to hers when he pulled away.
“We’ll be ok tonight Love. Won’t we Stell?” He smiled down at Stella, reaching down and pushing back her crazy baby hairs from out of her face. The child giggled and quickly nodded, hugging her moms legs before she shouted an excited bye mommy! and ran back to the living room, where her favorite movie Princess and The Pauper was playing. Harry and Y/n could hear her singing “I’m just like you, you’re just like me. It’s something anyone can see.” although it sounded more like “I just wike you, oou just wike meee, somefin anyone can seeee.” Y/n almost dropped everything to stay home at that. She loved hearing her little Stella sing, and now she didn’t want to miss anything while she was gone.
“Send me pictures so it feels like I’m here with you guys!” Y/n pouted, stepping into Harry’s open arms, resting her head on his shoulder. He pressed continuous kisses to her forehead, rubbing his hand up and down her back. He didn’t want his girl to be sad, but he understood that she didn’t love the idea of leaving Stella, even if she trusted Harry would take care of her. She hadn’t left Stella to go to work in years, she’s not used to it anymore.
“Ok Lovie, you’re gonna be late. I’ve got this, I’ll call you if anything goes wrong, I’ll send you all the pictures, and I’ll be waiting with open arms and a glass of wine when you come home.” His last kiss landed on her lips, deep and passionate, telling her all the things he wasn’t able to say with words. She nodded, leaning into his touch one last time before heading out the door.
Harry took a deep breath once her car had left the driveway, walking back into the living room to see Stella sitting quietly on the couch, watching her movie.
“Hey Stella, mind if I sit and watch the movie with you?” He asked. She shook her head, patting the spot next to her like she had seen her mom do before. Harry smiled and went to sit next to her. To his surprise, the baby laid her head down on his thigh, sticking her first finger in her mouth and let herself drift off to sleep while the movie played. Y/n had told him she usually took a nap right before dinner, which was at 6 for her. He smiled down at her, watching as her little chest rose up and down in steady, even breaths, wishing nothing but good dreams on her.
The man reached for his phone, snapping a quick picture and sending it to his girlfriend.
out like a light🥺 he attached to the message, not expecting a response as he knew she was still driving.
When the clock hit 5:30, Harry gently moved the girls head off his leg and set her up on the couch, sticking a pillow on the edge just in case she rolled around in her sleep, and went to start dinner. When he had first gotten there Stella had requested Mac n Cheese for dinner so he got to work boiling the water and measuring out the milk and everything that needed to be done, periodically checking back to where she was sleeping.
When it was finished he tiptoed back over to the couch, crouching down to her and smoothing her hair back, pressing light kisses to her cheek. Whispering, he said “Stella, m’love, time f’dinner. Wake up, baby.”
The girl stirred, letting out little whines and stretching out her little arms and legs. Her eyes peeled open, still riddled with sleep and he wanted to cooe at her and wrap her up in his arms. She’s just so adorable.
“Mac n cheese?” She mumbled and he breathed a laugh through his nose.
“Yes baby, I made mac n cheese for you.” He brushed his thumb over her small cheekbone, knowing she was always extra cuddly when she first woke up, even with Harry. She extended her arms out to him, a silent plea to be picked up and he obliged because how could he say no to this little cuddlebug? She nuzzled her little head into his neck and he walked them into the kitchen.
Stella was quite small for a four year old so she still sat in a high chair. Harry set her in, knowing she was big enough that he didn’t need to fasten the straps because she wasn’t really a jumpy child, and set a small bowl of mac n cheese with a baby fork on the tray in front of her. She said a quiet thank you just like her mommy taught her when someone does something nice for you and began eating.
Harry watched as she hummed little tunes to herself and ate her mac and cheese, not making too much of a mess.
“Hawwy?” She spoke up after finishing a bite of her food.
“Yes baby?”
“We have ice cweam please?” Harry laughed, seeing the little smirk on her face.
“Does mummy usually let you have ice cream?” He asked, knowing full well she would say yes no matter what the truth was. Just as he expected, she nodded her head feverishly with a big smile on her face. He pretended to think for a moment before agreeing that they could share a bowl of her favorite, double fudge brownie, once she finished her bowl of mac n cheese.
When she did finish, Harry wiped her hands and face off and swept her up into his arms. He set her on the counter, telling her not to move while he got the ice cream from the freezer and a bowl from the cupboard.
Standing next to the little girl sitting on the counter, swinging her legs back and forth and wiggling around with excitement, he scooped enough for the two of them to share and got out a spoon. Stella perched perfectly onto Harry’s hip and wrapped her little arms around his neck while he walked back over to the chair he had been sitting in while she ate her dinner. He settled her on his lap, spooning the sweet treat into both of their mouths so that she wouldn’t make a mess of herself. Ice cream is a little messier than mac and cheese. Stella didn’t make a big fuss even though when she asked nicely to feed herself, Harry said no.
Harry could see that Stella was still tired despite her nap from earlier as she rested herself back against his chest, her eyelids drooping shut every once and a while. She slowly began turning herself around until she sat facing his chest, little hands fisting his shirt and fell back to sleep on him. He chuckled lightly and finished the bowl of ice cream before standing up slowly and laying down on the couch with her sleeping on his chest. He threw the blanket on the back of the couch over them and closed his eyes, savoring the cuddles she had decided to share with him.
Harry’s eyes opened to the sound of Stella’s quiet cries. There she laid on his chest, still asleep but starting to stir around. He sat up, cradling her to his chest and rocking back and forth, smoothing hand up and down her back, trying to coax her out of her nightmare.
“S’ok baby. Wake up Stell.” He cooed into her ear, pushing her hair out of her face. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open and she took a deep breath, lifting her head off of his chest.
“Hi baby.” He said with a smile, wiping the tears that had managed to escape down her rosy cheeks.
“Hawwy?” She mumbled, nuzzling into his neck, her fists clenching his shirt.
“I’m right here Petal, s’ok. You’re safe.” He whispered. She never talked about her dreams. He figured it was because she was a 4 year old and didn’t remember once she woke up. She just knew they were scary. Whatever it was, he made sure she knew he was there to protect her. That as long as she was with him, nothing could hurt her.
“Mommy home yet?” She asked, keeping her little head where it laid. Harry sighed, hoping his answer wouldn’t further upset the girl.
“Not yet m’love. She’ll be home later.” He reminded her. Stella didn’t say anything, just nodded her head.
Her eyes closed once more and she drifted back off to sleep.
A few hours later, Harry had dozed off again, Stella still cradled on his chest. Y/n quietly walked into the living room, seeing the two of them asleep on the couch.
This time she really did start crying because it was so cute, but also because she was happy that Stella finally had a father figure in her life. She tiptoed over to them, quickly snapping a picture before leaning down and pressing a kiss to Harry’s forehead. He stirred, opening his eyes to see his girlfriend hovering above him with a smile on her face.
“You promised wine!” She feigned a pout and Harry chuckled in his half conscious state, sitting up slowly while supporting Stella’s sleeping frame against his own.
“Sorry darling, I got a little wrapped up…” He smiled. Y/n returned it, leading them up to her room so they could lay her down and have some time to themselves before they turned into bed.
“Mommy?” Stella woke up when Harry laid her down.
“I’m here baby, go night night and I’ll see you in the morning ok?” The mother said, placing a kiss on her childs forehead and tucking her in.
“Hawwy?” She mumbled, causing Harry’s smile to reappear.
“I’m still here baby. See you in the morning, ok?” He asked, placing his own kiss on her forehead. She nodded, falling back to sleep and cuddling into her blanket.
“Did you two have fun?” Y/n asked quietly, cuddling into Harry as they sat on the couch, each with their own glass of wine.
“We had a lovely time. I’m surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did because she convinced me to give her ice cream.” He chuckled. Y/n followed, imagining the puppy dog eyes her baby probably gave him to get her way.
“Of course she did!” Y/n set down her finished glass, “Sugar doesn’t really make her that crazy so that doesn’t surprise me.”
“Thank you for letting me watch her tonight. I think she’s more comfortable with me now!” Harry beamed, leaning in to kiss his girl since he hadn;t gotten the chance since she’d been home. She leaned into him, indulging herself in the kiss. A content hum resonated from her chest before she pulled away.
“Thank you for wanting to be a part of her life. You will never know how much that means to me!” Y/n pecked her boyfriend's lips a few more times before she suggested they turn in for the night.
Laying her head on his chest in bed, she took a deep breath, letting his cologne lull her to sleep and trying not to get too excited at the little family they were building.
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fleckcmscott · 4 years ago
Text
Coffee & Donuts
Summary: Arthur’s thrilled to be part of a crowd. Though the evening doesn’t go perfectly, Y/N’s flirtations make it sweet.
Warnings: Smut
Words: 4,602
A/N: Alright. After the heart wrenching angst of my last piece (which I love, by the way; don't get me wrong! 😂), I had to write another story in which Arthur and Y/N are happy and together. It's inspired by one of Arthur's visions during their kiss. I hope you all like it! Special thanks to @jokerownsmysoul for beta-ing!
If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!
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Parties and celebrations weren't foreign to Arthur. He'd worked plenty, enough to make him realize what he'd been missing out on. He was well-versed in pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and balloon animals. But as an adult, those activities didn't satisfy. He wanted to be included rather than paid. Connect with people, introduce himself. Discuss his experiences and pursuits. Feel sufficiently at ease to loosen up a little and have a good time.
Now he was a guest - a certified guest - at Patricia Gorman's fifty-sixth birthday party. The first party he'd been invited to since being the weird kid in class who'd rotated between three worn out sweaters and could never afford a gift.
He'd been a tad apprehensive about going to Burnside. Gotham's nicest borough had a reputation for high rents and low tolerance. When Y/N and he had entered 2E, however, Patricia's greeting ("You made it!") and the apartment were thoroughly welcoming. Crocodile brown walls and forest green shag carpet made the spacious living room a cozy hideaway. Marigolds leapt across the polyester of the T-cushion sofa and its easy-chair companion. The floor lamp's amber, crimped glass shades cast the spacious living room in a glow borrowed from warm autumn days.
Patricia's husband, Robert, was out on an emergency call. An HVAC had gone haywire in a residential building in Hinckley. Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson had been by for lunch. That meant the only other guests were Matt - Y/N's old boss - and a bottle-blonde in a black halter dress and spike heels, who Y/N introduced as Laura. ("She's Matt's ex-wife," Y/N later disclosed. "He's been trying to win her back since I moved to Gotham.") Both shook Arthur's hand when he offered it, and he felt a little thrill whirl his stomach when Y/N laid claim to him by telling the woman, "This is my husband."
A collection of appetizers served as dinner, a fun and novel menu. The slow cooker meatballs Y/N and he had lugged over on the subway were a bit tangy; he still couldn't believe the recipe called for grape jelly. The deviled eggs with paprika, a pleasant mix of savory and sweet, was a dish he'd heard about on television. Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches were light and airy, a good match for his iced tea. Only the artichoke and spinach dip gave him pause. Its beans and hot sauce made his taste buds wince.
That unpleasant flavor was quickly forgotten when Y/N pulled him to sit next to her on the sofa, so Patricia could open her presents. She proudly showed off the orange, clay ashtray her grandson had made for her. Arthur, having successfully kept the secret of her light smoking from Y/N, chuckled at Patricia fibbing she'd put candy in it. She thanked Matt and Laura for the champagne, wrapped in a silver bow with a simple "Happy Birthday" tag. The bottle wasn't popped. Upon peeking into the large giftbag Y/N placed on her lap, she made a soft sound. The Dazey whirlpool bath, which attached to the side of the tub and had three strength settings, was a hit. She announced her plans to try it in the morning. The dark blue Rexbuilt briefbag was intended to replace her cracked, leather briefcase, Y/N explained. Patricia ran her fingertips along the expanding inner compartments, the personalized planner that included the credential "CLA" after her name, and flipped through the included steno pads, eyes brimming.
She sipped at her cocktail and put an arm around Y/N. Melancholy tinged Patricia's voice. "At my age, the people in your life tend to stay the people in your life. Whether you like them or not." She reached further and patted Arthur's knee. "I'm glad an old dame like me gets to call you all friends." His throat clenched in gratification, though he wasn't daring enough to squeeze her hand and thank her for deciding he was a friend.
Still on top of the world an hour later, Arthur sauntered to the red and white enamel dining table to serve himself a second slice of upside-down pineapple cake. The evening had gone well, better than a guy with a natural inability to mingle could've expected. He bobbed his head to the beat of "Come Fly with Me." It was a happy coincidence that Patricia's taste in music aligned with his. She'd regaled him with tales of seeing Sinatra and Count Basie on her and Robert's honeymoon in Vegas. Arthur took a bite absentmindedly, wondering how long it would take for him to save the money to surprise Y/N with plane and concert tickets.
The daydreaming didn't last long. Matt's plodding footsteps preceded him, followed by a long sigh as he propped himself on the beige stone of the dining area's accent wall, across from the u-shaped kitchen. He held out a Budweiser and smirked. "Marriage is a hell of a lot of work."
Pleased that he was being treated like one of the guys, like a regular husband with a regular relationship who got to speak about his regular wife, Arthur accepted the beer and considered the comment. Matt's sentiment was hard to grasp. Dr. Sally had said marriage could be difficult, and Y/N's first hadn't survived the ripples of her life. But it didn't feel like work with her. Their arguments were minor. Her nagging him to find a primary doctor for annual check-ups, even though he'd survived this long without one. Or back in Missouri, when he'd told her to stop shielding him and trust he could take anything she had to give.
Arthur adopted a similar nonchalant posture and jutted his hip against the table's edge. "I like it. It's easy to take good care of her." He wasn't able to completely erase the smugness of success from his tone.
"You're what? Two years in with the most headstrong woman in Gotham? She's great and all, but she spikes my blood pressure." Matt slapped Arthur's back and let out a hearty guffaw. "Give it five more and you'll be in my office trying to avoid alimony."
"Don't. Say that." Arthur crinkled the can in his grip and glared up at him.
"Hey," Matt started, withdrawing even as he tried diplomacy. "It was just a joke. I didn't mean anything by it."
Flinching, pulling at the cuffs of his red sweater, Arthur fought the surge of anger in his veins. It wouldn't do to lose control and cause a scene. Of course Matt's comment about them splitting up was supposed to be a joke. But Arthur didn't find it one bit funny. Even with his complete faith in her and his firm belief that they were meant to be together, the possibility that she'd stop wanting him hurt. It didn't occur to him that the implication of the punchline could be that he'd get sick of Y/N.
With a muttered apology, Matt walked to the others in the kitchen. Arthur glanced over to see her laugh tipsily, until she grabbed her stomach and swatted Patricia's shoulder, a stark demonstration of how much he and Y/N differed. She always knew how to respond to people, the right comebacks. Appropriate timing and levels of interaction. It seemed she was in her natural element, the loveliest swan on a lake. Whereas after years of therapy and practice with her, he was still a fish out of water, flopping around on the shoreline in hopes some stranger would take pity on him and throw him back into the sea.
Maybe that was the real punchline. Eventually their contrasts would no longer complement each other and instead become a chore.
Scowling, he ambled towards the record player stationed before two double-hung windows. Increased the volume to drown out the intrusive notions. It didn't really work. He settled on a grounding technique he'd practiced, all the while lamenting that he couldn't handle a party without needing it. His attention went to the spinning LP, the needle following its grooves. The bright blue album cover, where Ol' Blue Eyes beckoned him, the scuff marks on the cardboard's corner edges. He acknowledged the spider plants sat on the windowsill, worried a papery leaf until it broke off. He stared out the window, taking in the whole of the city. Pinpricks of light dazzling in the darkness.
"Gotham's beautiful at night," Y/N said from behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to watch her approach. Her cheeks glowed with alcohol and good cheer, the collar of her ivory blouse unbuttoned. "There's a life behind every light out there. Ten million of them. Here. Try this." She offered her hurricane glass, filled with an off-white slush.
He sipped the pina colada with cautious skepticism and grimaced as soon as it hit his tongue. The blend of pineapple and coconut tasted of cheap sunscreen and tropical imitations, the kind advertised in smudged brochures for bad cruises to islands with made up sounding names. "No, thanks."
Snorting, she shrugged and embraced his back at the waist. "How are we doing?" she asked, curling into his side. After a few seconds, she prodded him. "Had your fill of Matt?"
"He was just joking." Arthur rubbed the back of his neck and sighed.  She set the drink next to the record player and brought her hand to his, trailed it over the inside of his wrist, up his forearm. She pecked his chin and nudged him until he turned to her. As soon as their gazes met, the concern in hers told him she'd continue to pepper him with questions. But he wasn't about to let his misplaced doubts spoil her evening. And he knew the perfect way to distract them both.
A new song started. An oldie that sang of Jupiter and Mars, playfulness among the stars. He cupped her cheek, thumb sweeping the corner of her mouth. "Dance with me," he said. Before accepting his proffered palm, she laid a sloppy kiss on him. With a flutter of her eyelashes, she grinned, and his smile grew to match her own. As he held her side, led her in a slow, swaying circle, he marveled at her. At her ability to soothe every molecule, every lingering ache. Self-assurance welled in him, chased away his earlier dejection. He cradled her to his lanky frame, trembled and felt himself blush. She was the only woman for him. That was as certain as his cigarette habit.
Despite Patricia's reassurances she was fine, that Robert working late wasn't unusual, Y/N insisted on staying until he got home. Though Arthur would have preferred they take their leave an hour earlier, being allowed to smoke inside blunted his grumbling. The disarming flirtations she bestowed on him also didn't hurt. She'd pour herself a drink (four in total, if he counted correctly), help Patricia make a plate of leftovers for her husband, then throw him a wink. Whisper and cackle while cleaning, then kiss his temple.
Around midnight, Patricia put her foot down. Ushered them out with a promise to call and a hug fierce enough to crush his ribs. She raised a brow at Y/N's unsteady gait, grasped Arthur's arm, and said with a wry, tired smile, "Make sure you put that woman straight to bed." His dark brows shot up and held. Had she intended a pun? Or had Y/N's spare caresses caused the interpretation? Either way, he liked being trusted to take care of her. And the hint of arousal that flared in his belly.
By the time they stumbled into their apartment, that arousal had reduced to a dull exhaustion. She kicked off her heels on the way to the bathroom, calling a slurred "night!" as she closed the door. Yawning, he put dish soap and hot water in the crockpot, scrubbed burned bits of sauce from its rim, turned it upside down on a towel to dry. Once he'd brushed his teeth for one minute rather than the recommended two, he tossed his sweater, trousers, briefs, and socks in the hamper, and went to the bedroom. He found his blue pajamas in their usual spot, the chair in the corner, and slid them up his skinny but toned legs. Tucked in next to her, he was carried to sleep on waves of fatigue and her quiet, wet snoring.
~~~~~
A tickle threatened to rouse him. Whispers along the waistband of his bottoms. Heat snuggled his back. Delightfully drowsy, he cuddled deeper into cozy, cream-color sheets, already returning to a pleasant, dreamless slumber. But a rumble of exhaust, likely from a bus that needed a new muffler, dragged him to consciousness. Arthur grumbled and tucked his arm under his pillow, not ready to transition to a world of overcrowding and concrete, commotion and bad jokes.
Yet, Y/N's insistent grazes continued, luring him with promises of placid pleasure. Her toes wiggled at his heel until he made space for her to slip her foot between his ankles. The corner of his mouth quirked. He was reminded of last night's playfulness, her endless teasing. The way he'd held the crockpot as a shield to fend off her advances on the train home, her forwardness to the point that he would've preferred having a laminated card to present on her behalf. Forgive my wife: she has a condition. It causes frequent and uncontrollable displays of affection.
Nimble fingers edged lower, loosened the tie of his pajamas before dipping beneath the loose elastic to lace through his dark brown curls, darker than the chestnut hair on his head. Her knuckles ran over him, lazy caresses full of intent. Up and down, up and down. Delicate. Deliberate. The blood racing to his groin, the pleasant swelling, made his abdomen twitch. Soon full and heavy, the sensitive tip straining the cotton seams, he pressed his lips together. When she skimmed the tender skin resting on his inner thigh, he flexed the muscle at the base of his erection. It bobbed and hit her wrist and she let loose a girlish giggle, more intoxicating than wine.
With her left leg draped over him at the knee, she undulated against his rear. Plush lips brushed the boney knobs of his spine, damp breath fanned the nape of his neck, labored, needy. Pebbled nipples grazed his back through the thin nylon of her nightgown, taunting and compelling. He made up his mind to throw an arm around her, to yank her on top of him. To eagerly take part in her seduction.
But she withdrew from his bottoms to palm his stomach and plant a gentle kiss to the shell of his ear, whispering, "Sleep tight." The mattress shifted and she rolled away from him. He furrowed his brows. She rarely relented this easily - other times he'd awakened, hard and aching, enveloped by the captivating wetness of her mouth. What was she up to?
Covers rustled. Her calf bumped his. And the opposite of what he'd assumed occurred. Instead of light footfalls leading out of the room, there was silence, silence that seemed to stretch on and on...
Until a hitched gasp gave her away.
Touching herself. She was touching herself. She'd just been all over him, acted like he was some sort of model on the cover of Vue magazine, and now she was touching herself. Right beside him! Ecstatic to have inspired such brazenness, he grinned and fisted the pillow. Her fleeting, stifled moans tangled him in knots, implored him to give her what they both burned for.
He flipped in her direction, his hand shooting under the sheet to grab hers. "Gotcha."
Eyes wide, she gaped at him in surprise. But adoration softened her expression as she entwined their fingers. "How long have you been awake?" she asked.
"Long enough."
He stretched to rewind the shades, the diaphanous curtains staying in place. Sunlight diffused over them, wrapped around her face, lent her disheveled hair a warm luster. He twirled a feathered lock and pecked her eyelids. "Finishing what you started on the subway, hm?"
"Me?" Y/N brought his knuckles to her mouth.  "You're the one who came to bed without any underwear."
"Well, it was a late night." The pad of his thumb tugged at her bottom lip to reveal the pink tip of her tongue. He bent to claim it. "I was lucky to find my pajamas."
Chuckling, she broke their connection. "Did you have a good time?"
"Yeah. The cake was good. And the music. Everyone was nice."
"Patricia loved having you there. She thought you were very sweet." A pause as she mapped a dimple. "Matt said he'd upset you. Something stupid about breaking up?"
Vague shadows of discomfort flashed through Arthur, a frustration he'd mostly moved on from. He did his best to ignore it, waving her concern away. "Don't worry about it."
"He was just jealous, you know." Her nails ran along the small of his back. "He wants Laura to look at him the way I look at you."
Arthur had spent so much of his life yearning for change, to understand his purpose in the world and improve himself. The idea that a man with a good education, a successful career, and no disabilities could ever be jealous of him was, frankly, bizarre. But he didn't correct Y/N, instead locking her praise within his heart, preserving it for when he needed it most. He boosted himself on his forearm and fiddled with her V-neck, traced its button loops as he slipped the plastic knobs through them. "And how's that?'
A hint of scandal glimmered in her irises. She arched into him as he eased a strap down her upper arm to reveal her shapely breast, the lilac fabric momentarily catching on its taut peak. "Like I can't get enough of you."
He huffed at that, fondled her faintly before his lips met the velvety skin of her chest. A tonic comprised of the musk oil she'd dabbed on before the party and distinct sexual wanting wafted to his nostrils. He licked at her nipple, the bumps on her areola, and drew it between his teeth. She whined softly and lifted the bottom of her nightdress to her waist.
Hurriedly, he yanked on the waistband of her cotton panties, pushed them past her knees. She kicked them off while he knelt to lower his bottoms. Straddling her, he pumped himself back to hardness and opened the drawer of her nightstand. He searched haphazardly until he retrieved a small, glass bottle of lubricant. (She'd ordered it from a mail catalog, both of them a bit too bashful to walk into an adult shop, even together.)
She snagged it from him and poured half a teaspoon in her hand, then palmed herself. He moved between her legs and she grasped his length, coating him with the warm, slippery liquid. He pushed forward into her. Gradually, slowly, savoring every millimeter of her enticing heat. He noted the stretch of her mouth, the jut of her jaw, the lifting of her upper lip. "Mmm..." she breathed and begged him to keep going. When he did, her head tilted back into the pillow, eyelids falling shut. A smile cut across her cheeks as she purred her satisfaction. "Arthur, I love you."
His touch wandered down the curve of her thigh. At the sight of her subtle writhing beneath him, the sway of her slightly uneven breasts in time with his languid thrusts, he pushed her knee into the mattress, splayed her wider. He grunted lowly. "Look at me."
Their gazes met but didn't hold for long; hers dropped to where they were joined. She caressed right above his pubic bone. "I love seeing you like this." Her fingertips walked a line up his sternum to his chest. "And touching you like this." She wrapped her arms around his middle and drew him to her, locked their lips in a greedy kiss. "And making love like this."
He snorted. "I think this is the only reason you married me."
"Well, not the only reason. There's your good hair, too."
"I've been thinking about cutting it. Trying something new."
"Don't you dare." She tugged at his loose curls, wore her best pout. "What else would I hold onto when we're doing this?"
Laughing lightly, he bumped his nose to hers. Falling into her was like falling into his old fantasies, the ones that'd sustained him through years of isolation. Dates at diners, at comedy clubs, at donut shops, at home. Their shapes had changed as he'd matured, his role in them, his aspirations and infatuations. But they'd remained a warm comfort nonetheless, a place that felt like belonging. And now he belonged with her. Hunger filled him. Happiness. And love. So much love, more than he'd ever believed he'd carried in him. He bucked a little harder. "You feel so good," he murmured. "You make me feel so good."
A strained cry left her and her pelvis answered his steady rhythm with demands of its own. Her calves rose to squeeze him closer, encircle his narrow hips. They were pressed together so tightly; it felt like they were one flesh. He never wanted it to stop. But a dizzying euphoria had ignited, one that eclipsed the romantic yearnings of his heart, twisting his desire to last all morning into the desperate drive to possess her. Gasping, Arthur raised himself to his knees, delving deeper with each push. Their foreheads met and he grit his teeth at the scald of her, the texture of her walls. She fit as though she'd been made for him.
He supposed she was.
Pressure began in the base of him, building and building in terrific torment. The muscles of his inner thighs contracted inward. Tingling climbed his shaft, his tailbone, his spine. He wove his fingers into the sheet, his grip a vise that wrested its corner from the mattress. She kissed the spot where his jaw met his neck, all the while murmuring encouragements for him to let himself go.
Bliss shot through him, from the tips of his toes to the follicles on his scalp, and his back stiffened as he whimpered and poured into. Fever engulfed his frame, sublime in its frenzy, leaving him in a heady stupor. Aftershocks made him tremble. Once, twice. Until, sated and spent, he landed on top her. He closed his eyes, ribs rising and falling as he forced air into his lungs.
A minute later, he swallowed and looked down at her. "You didn't come."
She carded through his sweaty locks. "It's all righ-"
"Shh." He slid out of her and settled at her side, reached between her legs to swipe at her core. "I'm not done," he declared, tracing the edges of her entrance, slick and swollen. One of his favorite things about getting her off was demonstrating his prowess in bed, how well he'd learned with her. His thumb met her plump clitoral hood, and he felt her throb beneath his ministrations.
Nails biting his bicep, she rocked upwards. A bewitching blush crept up her breast, her neck, spread across her cheeks. Shallow pants hit his face, short puffs suffused with high-pitched whines, utterly irresistible. He circled her nub at a steady cadence, tapping when she'd shiver, and she clasped the back of his hand. He swirled his tongue around her nipple, sucked the pretty peak, and lowered the other strap of her nightgown to bare her completely. A hushed plea fell from her lips. "Please, please..."
Suddenly, her vulva grew white hot and she seized, her hips stuttering with each flutter of his touch to her folds. She thrusts her breasts towards him, a sharp moan caught in her throat. Liquid pooled against his fingers, proof of her rapture that made him wish, with mild amusement, that he could be an unmedicated young man again. He would've gladly taken her a second time.
Giggling and rubbing her temple, she released a long exhale and opened her eyes. He brushed her hair back and grinned, completely smitten, like the first time he'd heard a joke and understood the punchline. The light brown picture frame on his nightstand caught his attention, and he regarded the wallet size photo in it, one of the shots of Y/N from the booth at Amusement Mile. The last thing he looked at before turning in each night. He lay his head her shoulder and hummed, listened to the drum of her heart.
She smooched his hairline and wriggled out from beneath him to stand. Her nightie had been reduced to a crumpled stripe of lilac cinched about her waist. It felt tawdry and shameless and he wanted to see her in it for the rest of the weekend. But she peeled it down her legs, wrinkling her nose when it got stuck on her thighs, and stepped out of it one foot at a time. She dropped it on the floral bedspread and retrieved her bathrobe from the closet. "Meet you in the kitchen," she said, opening the door.
The sun had risen higher, its beams slanting across the covers. He basked in it, catlike, then swung his legs over the side of the bed. He pulled on his pajamas, got a new pair of socks from their dresser, and made his way to the kitchen. He washed off the remnants of Y/N's arousal from his fingers, popped open a prescription bottle and took a tablet. He poured water into the coffeemaker, grabbed the can of grounds from the second shelf, added three scoops to the paper filter. Their three-tone brown mugs sat in their spot next to the machine, waiting to be filled.
When the glass coffeepot was half full, Y/N emerged from the bathroom, chuckling to herself. She opened the breadbox on the opposite counter and took out a wax paper bag. "Do you have any idea how dull this morning would have been if we'd never met? I'd have read the Sunday paper, had a drink. Probably worked on a file." He handed her a couple dessert plates, watched her put a donut on each one. "I wonder where you'd be. What woman you'd have breakfast with, what jokes you'd be writing, what magic tricks you'd have learned."
"Um..." At first he wanted to ask where this speculation had come from, if Matt had let her in on exactly what he'd said. But the confident slant of her smirk told Arthur she was teasing. He tried to play along but winced. No matter how appealing, how extraordinary she found him, his gut told him there wouldn't have been another woman. There'd be no more stand-up routines, no more Carnival. He certainly wouldn't be taking care of Penny. He'd likely be locked up in the hospital, maybe even dead. Without an anchor, his life would have lost what little sense it had.
Y/N was one of his anchors now, hooked into the sand alongside his material, treatment, the ability to pay bills. He seized her hand and squeezed it tight, unaware he was squishing her fingers. "I don't wanna think about it," he said quietly.
She sidled up to him and pulled him to her side. Rubbed his flank soothingly and pecked the corner of his mouth. "Don't worry." She took his chin and guided him to look at her. The intimate comfort of her smile helped him believe her next words, even before she spoke them. "I'll always be here."
~~~~~
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study-coffee-chicago · 3 years ago
Text
Country College (A Halstead Brothers + Halstead Sister Imagine; Part of AU-gust)
A/N: Thank you for reading! Remember to like/reblog and comment! I'm also donating all the proceeds that from my buy me a coffee account to Save The Children to help the children of Afghanistan. Buy me a coffee link here.
Also, here's the playlist of songs I listened to while writing this and some of these songs are actually mentioned in the imagine in case you guys wanted to listen while reading: Country College AU playlist.
I went on vacation and I swear, this entire imagine was based on stuff I did in Tennessee and country songs I listened to while there.
Anyway, enjoy!
"You got everything?" Jay asked you at six in the morning.
"For the last damn time, Jay, yes, I have everything," you answered as you jumped in the passenger seat of his truck and put your backpack at your feet and your tumbler of coffee in a cup holder.
"Jesus. I was just asking because I will not be turning this truck around," he said as he moved around the basket of snacks in the backseat so that the two of you could reach them easier. "Someone's cranky."
"Yes. When I finally got to sleep at 12:30 last night and had to wake up at 4:30, I'm gonna be cranky. Please tell me we're stopping for coffee."
"You already have coffee," Will said as he walked up to the truck. "Why do you need more?"
"Shut up. I know for a fact you drink way more coffee than I do, Mr. Med Student."
"Jesus, Jay. You sure you're gonna be able to put up with her for eight and a half hours?" Will asked.
"I dunno, man. Maybe I'll make her ride with you," he joked.
"Yeah, no way in hell that's happening," Will said.
"In all seriousness," Jay started, "stop for coffee in about an hour and a half?"
"Sounds good to me," you agreed.
"Same here. I only have to ditch you guys when we get like eight hours in," Will said.
"Gonna be weird not having you on the drive down, man," Jay mused.
"Yeah, but at least we can meet up at the rest stops and we'll  be in the same state."
"Are we gonna go?" you asked. "If you two were just gonna talk, I could've slept for an extra ten minutes."
"Holy shit," Jay muttered. He turned to Will. "Guess we should get going then."
"Yeah, see you in an hour and a half. Don't piss off the driver too much, Y/N."
You rolled your eyes. "Goodbye, Will."
Will got in his car and Jay got in the driver's side of his truck.
"Eight and a half hour drive plus traffic," Jay started as you both pulled out of the driveway, "so how do want to split it up?"
"I'm tired and I wanna sleep and I don't want to drive through Knoxville because I have no idea where to go," you answered as you pulled your headphones out of your backpack.
"Okay, Miss Sassy Pants. You can drive in the middle, through Kentucky. Might hit traffic, but we'll hit traffic in Tennessee, too, so we'll both have to drive through it. Just please, do not crash my truck."
"Relax. I know how to drive. Just make sure Will stays on your ass the entire time so we don't lose each other."
***
"And, we're officially in Kentucky!" Jay announced. "Time to change the music. At the next rest stop, we'll pull over and go to the bathroom and grab some lunch."
"Jay! You can't be on your phone while you're driving!" you yelled as he reached for his phone in the cup holder, which was also acting as the GPS...even though Jay claimed he could get there without it.
"Y/N, I'm fine. I've done this for three years now. I think I know what I'm doing."
"If you say so."
He turned on a song you didn't know.
"Got a truck, get it lifted," Jay started to sing.
"The hell is this?" you asked.
"Country music. Gets changed from pop to country the second we cross the border into Kentucky. Now, shh. This is a good song. You'll like it. It's upbeat."
Jay drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and sang quietly to Redneck Be Like by Thomas Rhett as he drove while you listened. He was right. It was a pretty good song.
"All day in the sun, always havin' fun, always gettin' stuck in that muddy river. Always got a buzz, always double cup..."
"You'll know the next one," Jay promised.
"And you know this how?" you asked.
"Because it's on Tiktok. When we get there, Adam and Hailey are gonna have to teach you some southern culture."
"So, I'm gonna need a definition of southern culture."
"You'll see when you get there. Now listen. I know you know this part."
Yeah we fancy like Applebee's...
Jay was right: you did know this song. It was Fancy Like by Walker Hayes.
"On a date night," you sang along. "Got that Bourbon street steak..." Jay joined in. "With the Oreo shake. Get some whipped cream on the top, too. Two straws, one check, girl I got you. Yeah we Bougie like Natty in the styrofoam..."
Five minutes later, you pulled off to a rest stop with a McDonald's nearby. Jay and Will filled up their vehicles while you ran inside to go to the bathroom. Once you were inside McDonald's and at a table eating, you asked Will if it was true that he and Jay always changed it to country music when they crossed the border into Kentucky. Will said yes, so you knew you were in for a long car ride. Then, you and Jay switched so that you were now the one driving and you were off again.
***
Hours later, Will took a different exit to get to Nashville and gave you and Jay a salute to tell you goodbye when he changed lanes and then took the exit.
"Not long now," Jay told you. "You excited?"
"Yeah, but a little nervous," you replied.
"Oh, don't be nervous. They're all really nice. And you've already met Hailey, so that helps."
"Yeah, she was nice. She had a cute little southern accent, too."
"One of the many reasons I fell in love with her in the first place."
Before Jay left for a weekend last summer to meet Hailey halfway and then stay in a hotel for a weekend to spend time with her, he finally told you the story of how he and Hailey met.
"Hey, we're goin' to the marketplace," Adam said on the first weekend of their junior year. "You and Will up for it?"
"Uh, Will's studying like normal. I'm up for it. Kim coming, too?" Jay asked.
"I promised her ice cream, so yeah, she's comin'. Baby, you ready?" he yelled down the hall.
"I'm coming, Adam!" Kim yelled back and then walked out of the bathroom.
"Let's go and make some bad decisions," Adam stated, causing Jay and Kim to laugh.
"We can't even buy alcohol yet, you dummy," Kim said.
"I may be a dummy, but you love me." Then, Adam gave Kim a kiss on the cheek.
"Please stop before I puke," Jay said and made a gagging face.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Let's get outta here."
***
Kim was laughing at a horrible joke Adam made while he had his arm slung around him. He had taken off his signature cowboy hat and had let Kim wear it because she forgot her sunglasses. Adam said he felt naked without it on.
They were walking towards Kilwin's when Jay spotted it: a homeless guy next to a blonde who couldn't be more than college age.
"Man, look," Jay pointed.
The three walked faster.
"No, this is for my friend back at the dorm," the girl explained.
"Lady, I'm hungry. Can I please just have your leftovers?" the guy asked.
"I'm sorry you're hungry, but this is for my friend."
The guy reached for the food.
"Hey, that girl sits behind me in my women and the law class," Kim stated.
Jay, Adam, and Kim took off on a run.
"Hey, baby," Jay said and slung an arm around the girl. He leaned in close to her. "Just go with it," he whispered in her ear. "You got Anna's food?"
"Yeah," the girl said hesitantly. But then, she realized that this guy was trying to help her out. And, he was pretty sure that the girl with him sat in front of her in her women and the law class. "Yeah, I've got her food."
Jay raised an eyebrow at the guy and then looked at Adam as if asking the man to try the two of them.
"Alright, well y'all have a good night now," he said and then turned around and walked away.
Once the man was a few shops down, Jay took his arm off of her. "Sorry about that. Just thought you might need some help," he said.
"Was greatly appreciated, thank you, uh..."
"Jay."
"Jay, well I'm Hailey. Nice to meet you."
He didn't miss her cute little southern accent and he loved it.
"You getting ice cream?" he asked.
"No, I uh was just textin' my roommate to tell her I'd be back soon."
"Well, I-- we'd feel much better if you came into Kilwin's with us. Just so that creeper doesn't come back."
Hailey smiled and agreed.
Kim and Hailey started talking about their class while Adam and Jay ordered their ice cream. Then Kim ordered.
"You want anything, Hailey?" Jay asked.
"Oh no, I'm fine, thank you, though."
Jay nodded, but then turned to the worker. "And can I also get a single scoop of chocolate in a waffle cone, please?"
"Sure thing." As she scooped it out, Hailey looked at Jay and he just shrugged.
When they got to the cashier, Hailey pulled out some money and tried to hand it to Jay.
"I've got it," he said.
"But--"
"Hailey, it's fine. I can pay for a little ice cream."
She loved the way her name rolled off his tongue.
"Okay." She took her ice cream cone.
"Hey, Hailey," Kim began when they walked out of Kilwin's. "Do you have friends you need to meet up with?"
"No, I was just gonna head back to my dorm," she replied.
"Oh, did you drive?"
"No, I walked. It's only like a twenty-minute walk from the sophomore dorms."
"Well, after all that, I'm pretty sure we'd all feel more comfortable if you rode home with us."
"I don't know..." Hailey trailed off.
"Those dorms are only like five minutes away from the house we stay at. And, it's on our way there anyway. Please, just come with us."
Hailey sighed. It would be a lot faster than walking. "Okay."
Then, they finished their walk to Adam's truck and the two girls got in the backseat and the two boys got in the front.
And that is how Jay Halstead met the sweet Georgia peach that is Hailey Anne Upton.
***
Jay, Adam, Will, Kim, and Hailey were all at a sports bar one Saturday night in October. It was loud, it was rowdy, everyone was going crazy over the football game on tv, and Hailey was totally over it. And Jay noticed.
"Hey," Jay whispered from his seat next to her. "You wanna get outta here?"
She turned and raised an eyebrow at him. "You'd wanna leave and not finish the game?"
In the past two months, Hailey had been spending a lot of time with Kim, and by default, she had been spending a lot of time with Adam, Jay, and Will. She will admit going over to their three-bedroom house they all rented together was a lot better than being stuck in her small dorm with her roommate. So, she went over there quite a bit to study with Kim. And, turns out she and Jay were both law studies majors, so they had a lot of the same classes, but they were in different sections, so they did a lot of studying together, too. And, she knew like most college boys, Jay loved his football. Not as much as Adam, but he watched it whenever one of his teams were playing. Which, was Chicago or Tennessee.
"Yeah," Jay started, "it's kinda loud in here anyway. And, it's just Tennessee playing. I'd be more likely to stay if the Bears were playing."
"Okay, let's get outta here. I know a great little diner we can go to for milkshakes. Pretty sure they're open until 11 and it's only 10, so we should be able to make it."
"Adam," Jay said over the game. Adam turned to face Jay. "Me and Hailey are gonna get out of here. I'll see you back at home."
"See you," Adam said and then turned back to his game.
"Guess we know where his loyalties lie," Hailey laughed.
The two of them stood up from their chairs at the table.
"You better get my friend home safe, Halstead!" Kim yelled.
"Yes ma'am," he said, borrowing a line from Adam. "You've got nothing to worry about."
Then, the two of them made their way out of the local sports bar and to Jay's truck.
***
"You've gotta be kiddin' me," Hailey said as the two of them walked up to the diner. "They're closed. Closed at 10 and not at 11. I'm really sorry, Jay."
"That's okay. Got anywhere else you wanna go? Or I can just take you back to your dorm if you want?" Jay suggested.
She sighed. "Just take me back I guess."
The two of them walked back to Jay's truck and got in. Hailey gasped at the song that was on the radio.
"What?" Jay asked, quickly turning to look at Hailey.
"This is my favorite song!"
Lights go down, wheels go around. I'm taking you home. Hoping for a slow song to come on the radio now.
Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis continued to play through the speakers of Jay's truck.
"What's it about?" Jay asked.
"Slow dancing in a parking lot."
Jay listened to a few more lines and then decided to turn up the radio and jump out of the car.
"Jay, what are you--"
But he was already at her side of the car and pulled her door open.
"Dance with me?" he asked, sticking his hand out for her to take.
"What?" she laughed as a huge smile grew on her face.
"You said the song's about slow dancing in a parking lot and we're in an empty parking lot, so, why not recreate the song?"
Hailey laughed once more and shook her head and then grabbed Jay's hand. He helped her out of his truck and then she wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist and they swayed to the music.
"Slow dance with you. Spinning you round by the Walmart sign and moving our feet over the painted white lines. Getting close to you. Making the most of whatever we got, even if it's just slow dance in a parking lot," Hailey sang quietly.
"Spin," Jay said as he held his hand up.
"What?"
"Spinning you round just like the song says."
Hailey laughed and reached for his hand and did a spin.
"Beautiful," Jay complimented.
"Yeah, right. That's was probably the messiest spin known to man."
"Well, um, it was beautiful. You're beautiful, Hailey."
She was glad it was dark so that Jay couldn't see the heat that rose to her cheeks.
"You're somethin' else, but thank you." She rested her head on his chest as they swayed to the rhythm of the rest of the song.
The song ended and the broadcaster started talking.
"Can I kiss you?" Jay asked.
"What?" she pulled away from his chest.
"I asked if I could kiss you. Was that too much? You know what, just forget--"
"Yes, Jay, kiss me," Hailey smiled and then she and Jay both leaned in.
It was just a peck, but it was their first kiss and despite it being in a dark parking lot late at night, it was still magical.
"You know," Jay began once the quick kiss was over, "there's a Walmart across the street. What do you say we go grab pints of ice cream from there and then you can show me your favorite country songs?"
"I'd like that. Adam didn't show you enough?" she asked.
"I've only got like thirty I like. I need to expand my horizons."
"Okay, let's go."
They held hands in Walmart and then picked out their respective pints of ice cream. Then, they went back to the parking lot of the closed diner and Jay plugged in the aux, allowing Hailey to show him her favorite country songs while they ate their ice cream from the pint and even shared with each other.
Hailey knew nobody would have a first kiss story like that.
Then, at the beginning of the winter semester, Hailey's roommate decided not to live in the dorms anymore. Hailey couldn't afford to pay for a dorm all by herself, so Kim offered to let her stay with her, Jay, Adam, and Will. So, that's how she ended up living with her boyfriend and sharing a room with her best friend, Kim Burgess.
"We're here," Jay announced. "Well, actually, we're a few streets away, but that's one of the lecture halls on your right."
You looked out the window to see a big red and brown brick building with white pillars on the steps. There was also a white sign telling you what building this was.
"Wow," you said in awe. "It's like those old-fashioned colleges. I love it."
"Well, we'll give you a tour and help you find your classes sometime this weekend before classes start on Tuesday. That way, you aren't getting lost on the first day. But, we'll head to the house for now and get all unpacked."
"Sounds good to me."
Five minutes and a few back roads later, you pulled up to a simple two-story brick house.
"Alright, let's get our stuff out and get inside," Jay said.
You stepped out of the truck and started grabbing some stuff out of the back seat.
"I'll jump in the truck and hand you the suitcases. Think you can grab them when I hand them to you?"
You nodded.
"Halstead!" you heard someone shout and you and Jay both whipped your heads around to see Hailey and Adam walking out of the garage and toward the two of you. Adam, well who you assumed was Adam, was carrying two cowboy hats and he and Hailey each had one on themselves.
"Catch!" Adam said and threw one to Jay where he was standing in the box of the truck. Jay easily caught it and placed it on his head.
Adam walked over to you.  "And one for you, darlin'," he said as he placed the hat on your head.
"Thank you," you said. "But I thought Kim was darlin'," you said. It'd make sense because if this guy was in fact Adam, then he and Kim were dating.
"You didn't tell her?" Hailey asked Jay.
"Didn't think there'd be a need to." Jay shrugged.
"Tell me what?" you asked.
"Well, Adam calls every girl darlin'," Jay explained. "It's just normal for him. And, down here, you're gonna get a lot of huns, sweeties, and sweethearts. A lot of waiters and waitresses do that here."
"And what do they call you two?" you asked, motioning to Jay and Adam.
"Sir," they said in unison.
"Oh, and you'll occasionally get a ma'am," Hailey added. "But, that one's rare because we don't look old enough to be called ma'am."
"Okay. And, uh, not to be rude, but what's with the cowboy hats?" you asked.
"It's a tradition we just started last year," Adam explained. "We unpack, wear cowboy hats, and drink moonshine. Oh, I'm Adam by the way, darlin'."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Y/N."
Jay handed you a suitcase and you set it on the ground. Then, you did the same thing with two more suitcases.
You grabbed your backpack from the front seat, your duffle bag from the back, and your two suitcases.
"Here, I can take those two for you," Adam said.
"Oh, okay," you said and then allowed him to take the two suitcases from you. So this is what Jay meant by southern hospitality since Adam was from Tennessee and all.
"Jay, lemme take your suitcase," Hailey said.
"Baby, I've got it," Jay argued as he jumped out of the box of his truck and closed the tailgate.
"The hell you do," she argued. "I see all your other stuff in the backseat and that basket of snacks you gotta carry in, too. Just lemme take your one suitcase."
"Let 'er take the suitcase, Halstead. Best to listen to your lady," Adam said.
"I like Adam already," you laughed.
He let go of one of the suitcases and tipped his hat. "Thank you, darlin'."
This caused all four of you to laugh and then you all went inside carrying both yours and Jay's stuff in one trip between the four of you.
***
"Shine in the fridge?" Jay asked after you and he had brought all your stuff to your room.
"Shine, Jay? How southern do you get when you're here?" you asked.
"Oh, he gets pretty southern, hun," Hailey said.
"See?" Jay asked as he pointed to Hailey. "Told you you'd get called hun."
"So, Adam's thing is darlin' and Hailey's is hun?" Hailey nodded. "And it's because you're from Georgia and he's from Tennessee?"
"That's right, darlin'," Adam confirmed and then turned back to Jay. "Yeah, shine's in the fridge. And Kim just texted and said she's on the way back with pizza."
"You got apple pie flavored shine?" Jay asked.
"Hang on. I'm just gonna grab 'em."
The three of you sat down on the bar stools at the counter and waited for Adam to pull them out.
"Alright," Adam started after he put the bottles of moonshine with sip lids on the counter. "We have peach for Miss Georgia Peach." He passed the peach bottle of moonshine to Hailey. "We've got apple pie shine for me and Jay. We've got strawberries and creme for Kim because that's her favorite." He turned to you. "And for you, I got you blackberry because it's not that high of a proof, so it's not that strong." He slid the jar to you.
"Nuh uh," Jay said quickly and grabbed the bottle.
"What the hell, Jay? Give it back! Adam said it's for me, not you!" you argued.
"Last I checked, you're only eighteen."
"Last I checked, Dad's not here. And I know for a fact you drank before you were 21, so pass me the blackberry shine, please."
"I'll take the first sip and then you can have it." He made sure the straw part was open and then he took a sip. "Adam, that shit's like a chaser compared to the apple pie one."
"I know. That's why I got 'er that one," Adam said.
You heard a door shut.
"Pizza's here!" Kim announced.
She walked into the kitchen with three boxes of pizza.
"I got us three pies," she said as she set them down on the counter. "We got one pepperoni and green olive, one supreme, and one meat lovers." She turned to you. "And you must be Y/N. I'm Kim. I see Adam already got you started on that Tennessee moonshine."
"Nice to meet you," you said. "You're from New York, right?"
"Yup, not New York City, though. More upstate."
"Of course she's from New York, Y/N!" Jay exclaimed. "Who else would call pizza a pie except for a true New Yorker?"
"I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks, Jay."
Jay raised his bottle of apple pie moonshine in a fake cheers and then took a sip.
"Now that's the strong shit I need to start off this semester right," he announced and then set the bottle down.
"Oh, and if your brother didn't tell you yet, he turns into a borderline alcoholic when he's at school," Kim told you.
You laughed. "He didn't tell me that, no."
"Better than being a caffeine addict like Kim and Hailey here," Jay argued.
"Shut up," Hailey said. "You know you're a caffeine addict during finals week just the rest of us."
"I was a caffeine addict in high school, so we'll see what happens," you shrugged.
Kim grabbed a stack of paper plates and set them on one of the pizza boxes. "Dig in. Oh, Y/N, did Adam get you the blackberry flavored moonshine?"
"He did. Haven't tried it yet because Jay has yet to give it back to me."
Kim quickly reached down and grabbed the jar of moonshine.
"Hey, Kim! She's only 18!" Jay protested.
"So? I know you drank an insane amount during your freshman year. So shut it." Kim popped open the sipping lid. "Taste."
You took a sip. It did taste like blackberry, but it was also sort of strong, but it didn't burn your throat that bad like you had read in books that alcohol did.
"This is actually pretty good."
"I know, right? And, me and Hailey will let you try ours when we help you unpack," Kim said. "But, do not try the kind the boys have because it's nasty."
"Baby, I don't know what you have against apple pie moonshine, but it's good," Adam said and then took a sip of his moonshine. Kim rolled her eyes. Adam leaned across the counter. "The New York in her is coming out, darlin'."
"Oh, shut up," Kim said and reached over to steal Adam's cowboy hat off his head.
"Baby, now I feel naked without it," Adam argued and tried to reach for the hat.
"Sucks for you. Now eat your pizza before it gets cold."
***
"Morning," Jay said when you walked into the kitchen the next morning. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good. it's nice not having to share a room with anyone like you and Adam, and then Hailey and Kim have to. It was fun having them help me unpack last night, though," you said.
Last night, Kim and Hailey had helped you unpack and when you mentioned that you didn't really know any country music, Hailey pulled up all of her favorite country songs to play for you. You especially liked Girl in a Country Song by Maddie and Tae. They showed you the music video for that song and it was about how, in most country music videos, girls had to dress up in little skimpy outfits and have the boys just stare at them all day. So, in their music video, they changed the roles, and the guys had to dress in skimpy clothing in the music video. It was pretty funny and the song was catchy.
"Let me guess," Jay began, "Hailey showed you some good country music?"
"Yup. The songs she showed me were pretty good, pretty upbeat. Didn't sound like a cat being put in a blender like old-fashioned country, so I guess that's good."
"What do you have against old-fashioned country, darlin'?" Adam asked as he walked into the kitchen.
"I dunno." You shrugged. "Too slow for me and I just don't like the voices I guess."
"You know what we ought to do, Jay?" Adam asked and Jay raised his eyebrows, silently telling adam to continue. "We should show her all the songs that are mentioned in What's Your Country Song."
"Wait, wait. I think I know that one. I think Hailey played it for me last night. Is it the one that mentions Chatta- Chatta..."
"Chattahoochee?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, that funny word. What even is that anyway?"
"It's a river that runs through Georgia," Jay answered. "Pretty sure Hailey used to go tubing down it like we're gonna do today."
You furrowed your eyebrows. "We're going tubing? Like behind a boat?"
Adam laughed. "Christ, Jay! Do you tell her anything?"
"He doesn't," you answered. "So, explain, one of you."
"Alright, I'll do it," Jay said as he poured milk on top of a bowl of Raisin Bran. You looked at him intently. "What we do is, the first Saturday that we're all together before school starts, we go on tubes and float down the Tennessee River. We bring a cooler full of snacks, sandwiches, booze, and water, and a waterproof speaker and we just have a fun time. Oh, and this year, you're the DD."
"Me?" you asked as you pointed to yourself. Jay nodded. "But I don't know where to go! I haven't even been in Tennessee for a full 24 hours yet!"
"Kim's like the mom of the group," Adam supplied. "So she'll still be pretty lucid and could probably drive if she needs to. But, she'll at least be able to give you directions on how to get back here."
You sighed. "Good. That makes me feel a lot better."
"Where are the other two girls anyway?" Adam asked. "They're usually up a lot earlier than we are when we go on the river."
"I think they were a little buzzed last night," you said. "Might still be sleeping."
While you were unpacking, you took a few sips of your jar of blackberry moonshine, but not a lot. You'd never really drank before, much less drank moonshine and you didn't really feel like puking from being drunk or having a killer headache from a hangover...at least, that's what you thought happened from what you had read in books and seen in movies and tv shows. But, Kim and Hailey had each finished like a quarter of their jar, so they had been buzzed last night. They weren't drunk because they could still walk in a straight line and knew what they were talking about, but they did have little dopey smiles on their faces while they helped you unpack.
"She's right," Kim said as she and Hailey walked into the kitchen. Hailey's hair was wrapped in a towel, alerting you that she had just taken a shower. "Adam, can you grab me an Advil?" She took a seat on a stool and put her head in her hands. "My head is fucking killing me. I didn't even think I drank that much."
Adam laughed. "You do this every semester, baby. First shine of the year and you always drink a little too much." He handed her the pills and a cup of water and Kim quickly washed the pills down.
"I just need some coffee," Hailey announced.
"We know, you don't get hangover headaches," Kim groaned.
"Yeah, but I feel exhausted all day. Everyone goin' for coffee? I'll make a bigger pot if that's the case."
Everyone said yes and Hailey started on the coffee.
***
"Okay, we got the tubes, the speaker, swimsuits are on, we have the towels, cooler," Jay rattled off as the five of you sat in his truck. "Anyone double-check the cooler?"
"I did," Hailey said. "We got water, the same shine from last night, some white claws, the sandwiches me and Kim made for everyone, chips, and a few other snacks."
"And I threw in a little first aid kit with bandaids, alcohol swabs, Neosporin, and other stuff. And I've got the sunscreen, too," Kim said.
"See, what'd I tell you, darlin'?" Adam asked as he turned around from his spot in the passenger seat. "Kim's the mom of the group."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Kim said. "It means I'm responsible and prepared."
"Those two would get so damn sunburned and dehydrated if it weren't for Kim," Hailey said as she pointed to Jay and Adam in the two front seats.
"Thanks, Hails," Jay replied sarcastically. "Real nice."
"You're welcome," she said with a smile.
You leaned your head against the window. You were supposed to get stuck in the middle, but seeing as you got car sick easily, Kim said she'd switch spots with you.
"You okay?" Kim asked.
"Yeah, just, Jay really needs to turn on the AC before I throw up from motion sickness and how damn hot it is in here."
"Least you got that cowboy hat to puke in if you need to," Jay laughed as he reached for the AC. "You better not puke in my tuck or you will be walking home."
Adam smacked him upside the head.
"Ow!" Jay exclaimed and took one hand off the wheel and rubbed the back of his head. "The hell was that for?"
"Dude, be nice! Look at her!" Adam exclaimed.
Jay looked in the rearview mirror and saw you leaning your head against the window with your eyes closed and pinching your nose. You groaned.
"Here," Jay said and tossed you a blue bottle of Gatorade from his cup holder. "Drink this. Get you some hydration and electrolytes."
You took a few sips and then handed the bottle back to him. "Thanks."
"Mhm."
Kim moved the vents so that the AC was blowing on you more. "That help?"
"Little bit, thanks."
"Think you'll be good to go down the river?" Jay asked.
"Yeah, because then I won't be trapped in a hot box going sixty down the road!"
"She's right about that," Adam agreed. "You'll be lucky if you go five miles per hour, darlin'."
"Alright, so the motion sickness should stop. Thank God."
"Just rest your head against the window and listen to some country music," Jay said. "Speaking of that, who's controlling the music on the river?"
"I got it," Adam volunteered. "Everyone give me a song and I'll get the queue started."
***
You had been going down the river for about half an hour now and had finished a bottle of water and eaten a banana, too. You felt fine now. Adam was right, you were going slow enough that you didn't get sick, and you also weren't in the backseat of a truck.
"Hey, Kim," you started, "can you pass me my moonshine?"
"Mhm," she said. You guys had tied a cooler to a tube, which was then tied to Kim's tube. Because, the boys figured that between the five of you, she was the most responsible. They toyed with tying it to your tube because you probably wouldn't get shitfaced (like the boys most likely would) since you were underage, but you had never gone tubing down the Tennessee River before, so they decided on Kim. "Here, Hailey, hold my white claw."
She passed Hailey her drink and then maneuvered the cooler towards her, opened it, and handed you your moonshine.
"Thank you," you said and popped open the sip lid and took a sip. "Ahhh."
"Hey, drink it slow," Adam warned, turning towards you and practically yelling over the music. He and Jay were in front of the three of you girls so they could tell you if there were a ton of rocks coming or if it was super shallow coming up. "Heat makes getting drunk a lot easier because you keep drinking it because you're so thirsty."
"I don't think that's how it works, man, but whatever you say," Jay laughed.
Another song started.
"Hey!" you yelled. "I know this song!"
"Yeah, because it's old as hell," Jay laughed.
"Shut up! I like it!"
Baby you a song you make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise. Down a back road, blowin' stop signs through the middle every little farm town with you.
"And this brand new Chevy with a lift kit, would look a hell of a lot better with you up in it. Baby you a song, you make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise," the five of you sang Cruise by Florida Georgia Line while holding your drinks in pure happiness.
Because of this, you didn't notice Jay drifting off to the side toward the trees.
Jay let out a sinister laugh as he got closer. "C'mere, buddy, c'mere." The black snake stuck his tongue out and hissed. "Yeah, I know, you wanna scare Y/N, too." Jay held his hand out toward the snake. "I'm nice, I promise." The snake slithered and went up on Jay's hand and started up his arm. He turned once most of the snake was on him. He started using his other hand to paddle himself back toward the group. "Y/N!"
You turned and looked at him. You saw the snake on his arm and tears pricked your eyes. "No! No!" you shouted.
Snakes were your biggest fear and knowing that they were in the river that you were in right now was absolutely terrifying to you. And, with each paddle, Jay and the snake were coming closer and closer to you.
"Jay, please, please!"
Adam turned and looked at Jay and then back to you. "She scared of snakes?" You quickly nodded as tears ran down your face. "Jay! Stop! She's terrified!"
Jay laughed. "No!"
He was coming closer and closer to you.
Adam quickly paddled over to you and went in front of you. "I won't let it go near you, darlin', don't you worry."
"Uh huh," you said and grabbed onto Adam's arm in complete and utter terror.
Unknown to Jay, Hailey was making her way to him. But, she was behind him, so Jay couldn't see his girlfriend coming up behind him with her empty bottle of white claw raised high in the air.
He felt it before he heard her.
"Don't." Smack on the head with the empty can. "You." Another smack on the head with the empty can. "Do." Another smack on the head with the empty can. "That." Last smack on the head with the empty can.
"Ow!" Jay yelled. "Hails, stop!"
"Put the fuckin' snake back and stop scarin' the daylights outta your little sister or I will keep smackin' you, Jay!" Hailey told him.
"Fine, I'll put it back," he groaned.
"Hailey, keep that can raised above his head. If he tries to come back here, hit 'im again!" Adam yelled.
"You got it!" Hailey said. "Hear that baby? Your head is gonna come in contact with this 'ere empty white claw can again if you don't get a move on."
"I'm going, I'm going," Jay grumbled.
"Good, then you won't get smacked again."
"Just for all that," Adam started, "you wanna pick the next song, darlin'?"
"Can you play Better Dig Two by The Band Perry?" you asked. "That counts as country right?"
"Sure does, darlin'." He started messing with his phone. "Comin' right up."
"I told you on the day we wed, I was gonna love you 'til I's dead," you started to sing. "Made you wait 'til our weddin' night, that's the first and the last time I wear white."
"Snake's gone! Made sure he put it down and I even watched it slither away!" Hailey announced. "Put me in the ground, put me six foot down," Hailey joined in after she had finished yelling over part of the first verse.
"And, as for you, Jay," Adam started over the music and all of you singing. "You don't get to pick a song for the next hour."
"Son of a bitch," Jay muttered.
"Hey, you brought this one on yourself, buddy. So just sit back, relax, listen to our music choices, and enjoy your shine."
***
One week later
"And we're here!" Adam announced as the five of you pulled onto a long dirt driveway. "You ready to ride some horses, Y/N?"
"I dunno," you said. "I've never ridden a horse before."
"Oh, Adam'll make sure you're super safe," Kim reassured you.
"Okay, so whatever horse I ride won't buck me off?"
"Oh no," Adam said quickly, "we'll put Jay on Buck."
"Like hell you will!" Jay argued from the backseat.
Despite the studying the five of you had to do, you were at Adam's childhood home. Adam's parents had rented a cabin in North Carolina for the weekend since it was Labor Day weekend and needed someone to watch the five horses they owned.
His parents used to own a riding place with multiple horses, but since their kids got older, they stopped doing it because they were getting older and couldn't give the tours anymore. So, they sold most of their horses, left five so that their kids could ride them with their friends, but still kept the house and the land. Whenever Adam's parents went out of town, either he or his sister would come and stay over at their childhood home and take care of the horses. Seeing as his sister was married and just gave birth to a daughter, this left Adam. And, luckily for him, his parents were fine with some friends coming over to help Adam out.
"Relax, man," Adam began, "I'll ride Buck."
"Wait, is he called Buck because he bucks people off?" you asked.
"You would be completely right, darlin'. Which, would be the reason I'm riding him and neither of you four will be doing that."
Adam put the truck in park and you got out of the passenger seat. Yes, you had ridden in the front because Adam said you could because of your motion sickness. Jay wasn't too happy, but it was Adam's car, so therefore it was Adam's rules.
You got inside the house and it had two extra bedrooms, one of which was Adam's childhood room and had an extra twin bed in it for when his friends wanted to sleepover (Because, in Adam's words, it was only girls who shared beds at sleepovers and he said guys didn't do that, so that's why there was the extra bed). In his older sister's childhood room, there was a full-sized bed, so Hailey and Kim would share the bed and the boys said they'd move a couch into that same room for you to sleep on.
Adam opened the fridge once all of you had put your stuff in the rooms that would be yours for the weekend. "Ooooh, y'all, my mama left us some food!"
"Oh, he southern southern now," Kim laughed and walked over to the fridge. "What'd she make?"
"Let's see. We got fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, gravy, biscuits, grits, tater salad, peaches that she canned herself, and apple pie. She must really miss me if she cooked this much!" Adam laughed after he rattled off the food his mom made for all of you.
"Mama's cookin', paper plate, and tater tater salad," you said, quoting a song Jay had played on the way down here that you had taken a liking to and had added it to a playlist and been listening to it a lot the past week.
"Did you just..." Adam trailed off.
"She did!" Jay exclaimed.
"Is it that hard to believe that I know more than two country songs, y'all?" you asked.
All four of them gasped.
"She's southern! She's southern, y'all!" Hailey yelled.
"What?" you asked as you looked around at your brother, his girlfriend, and his two friends in confusion.
"That was yer first y'all, hun!" Hailey told you and pulled you into a hug. "Yer a regular southern belle now."
"Next thing you know, girl's gonna be fallin' for cowboys," Adam said.
"Aw, hell nah," Jay said. "Ain't no way she's datin' a cowboy. No way."
"Shit, Jay just went southern southern, too," Adam laughed.
"What can I say, when my girl goes hella Georgia, I go hella Tennessee," Jay said.
"That made zero sense, baby, but okay," Hailey said. She turned to Adam. "When we ridin'?"
"We can go right now if you want. Everyone good with that?"
You all nodded and then Adam told all of you to put on your cowboy hats.
***
"This 'ere's Maddy," Adam said before he helped you onto the horse. You put your feet in the stirrups. "They feel good? You can reach 'em well?" he asked.
"Yeah," you told him. "Thanks."
"You're welcome, darlin'." He turned to Jay, Hailey, and Kim. "You three remember how to get on the horses since we rode so much last year?"
"We're good," Jay said.
"Hey, baby?" Hailey asked and turned to Jay. He turned to look at her. "You think you can help me on 'im? Pretty sure Diablo's gotten a lot bigger since I rode 'im last."
"Yeah, sweetheart, I got that."
"Did he just..." you trailed off and looked at Kim.
"He did," she confirmed. "She turns into sweetheart around this time every year. Jay gets really southern after only being here a week. Might also have something to do with Adam calling me sweetheart sometimes and he just picks up on it."
Jay helped Hailey onto the huge horse named Diablo and then got on his horse. You were riding Maddy, Adam was riding Buck, Jay was riding Sinbad, Hailey was riding Diablo, and Kim was riding Atta'Boy.
"All y'all need to watch me now," Adam announced from the front. All four of you gave Adam all your attention. "Well, mostly Y/N because she's never ridden before." He paused. "To make your horse stop, just give the reins a little tug. To turn, hold the reins on your right side, and pull towards your right hip, like this." He demonstrated and pulled the reins like he told you and Buck's head turned to the right. "And turn left, do the same thing on the left side. To make them go, just flick the reins a little bit, but they're pretty well-trained, so you shouldn't need to do that. But, if they still won't go, give 'em a little kick. I promise you won't hurt 'em. But, most of all, keep at least one hand on the reins at all times. Oh, and they will try to eat on the trails, but they ain't supposed to, so try and get them to stop by pulling up on the reins if you can.
"Any questions? Everyone sure their stirrups and saddles are good?" Adam finished.
Everyone answered with a chorus of "yeses" and then the five of you were off...that was until Maddy decided she was hungry about a quarter-mile (400 meters) in.
And, to make matters worse, you were in the mountains (because everyone is in the mountains here) and Maddy was bringing you closer and closer to a small ravine.
You did not want to have the experience of trying to control your horse and deciding whether or not to jump off or not and possibly being rushed to the hospital.
"Maddy!" you yelled and tugged up on the reins. Nothing. "Maddy!"
"Pull hard!" Jay yelled from behind you.
"I am pulling, Jay!" you yelled back. "Come on, Maddy!"
Shit, she was still moving towards the edge and trying to eat more.
"Pull to the left!" Jay yelled. You pulled. Nothing. "All the way around! To your left hip!"
You did so and she moved. Finally.
"Now straighten out the reins," Jay told you. You did. "And give her a kick to move."
You did and she continued walking...this time with a huge branch and leaves hanging out of her mouth because she had gotten herself a nice little snack.
"What's with all the yellin'?" Adam asked as he turned his head around and had Buck slow down a little bit. Then, he saw Maddy. "Maddy stop to eat? She acts likes she's starvin', but I promise you she's not."
You kept going and then you started going down a hill.
"Lean forward when going down a hill," Adam yelled back to all of you, "and lean back when going up a hill."
You started going down the hill and kept trying to maneuver yourself so you were in the middle of the saddle. You felt like you were leaning too much to the right, so you kept trying to fix it, but with Maddy still walking, it was kind of hard.
You clenched your stomach muscles to try and pull yourself back to center, but it wasn't working. You tried to push up with your left foot because you were leaning to the right, but that wouldn't work either.
"Just hold on tight, Y/N," Jay told you. "Adam!" Jay yelled as you kept leaning to the right and pulled the reins a little harder to make sure that Maddy would stop.
"What?" Adam yelled back.
"We need a little help back here!"
Adam turned Buck around and he got halfway to you and stopped next to Hailey and Diablo.
"She's fallin' off, you big dummy! You gotta go!" Adam yelled. He flicked his reins. "C'mon, go!"
It was like Buck knew what was going on because the minute he lifted his head up and saw you trying to stay in the saddle, he started coming towards you.
"Buck, stay," Adam said sternly and jumped off him. He walked to your right side. "Now, I'm gonna push your saddle to the left and I need you to lean the same way, okay?"
"Lean to the left?" you asked.
"Yup," he confirmed. "One...two...three."
He pushed up and you leaned to the left, which allowed the saddle and you to be re-centered.
"Can you reach the stirrups okay, darlin'?" he asked. "Or do you need 'em a bit higher?"
"I think I need them a bit higher," you answered. "I thought they were fine, but I guess not."
"That's okay. That's what I'm here for. Take your right foot out."
You did as he said and then he adjusted the stirrups and helped you get your foot back in. Then, he did the same for the left foot.
While Adam was adjusting your left stirrup, Maddy was curious about what was in his first aid bag that was attached to Buck's saddle.
"I ain't got no treats in there, you fatty." He put his hand on Maddy's head. "There's nothin' in there for you. Get out." She started chewing on a drawstring that was on the bag. "Okay, I guess you can chew on that."
"So, to get her to turn, do I just pull like this?" you asked and showed Adam.
"Yes, but put your hand further down the reins when you do that. Works better like that."
"Okay, thanks."
"And, if she keeps tryin' to eat, pull up hard--but not too hard and far that you make her walk backward--and if that doesn't work, give her a quick kick. I promise you won't hurt this little fatty right here."
"Okay, awesome."
"You good?"
"I'm good," you confirmed.
"Okay, so if you ever need to adjust yourself, just grab this 'ere saddle horn." He put his hand on the stub on the front of the saddle. "And put two hands on it...unlike me, and then just push down with your foot on which side you want the saddle to go. Pretty simple."
"Okay, got it," you said.
Then, Adam jumped back on Buck and you were off again.
***
You and Kim were sitting up on the bed in Adam's older sister's childhood room that you were staying in and watching a dumb comedy when Adam poked his head into the room.
"Both you up?" he asked.
"Yeah," Kim answered. "Why?"
"Well, I want to go to the rope swing, and Jay and Hailey both fell asleep spooning while watching some shitty movie in the living room, so do you two wanna go? I'm bringing alcohol."
"Adam, it's like 11 o'clock at night!" Kim laughed. "We won't even be able to see the water!"
"Honey," Adam laughed. "I'll leave the headlights of my truck on! I'm not that stupid to have us jump in blind!" He paused. "You two in?"
"Sure," Kim agreed and then turned to you. "Y/N?"
"Why the hell not? I'm in college, let's go!"
"Alright, I'll let you two get changed and I'll grab the towels and the booze," Adam said.
"Adam, if you're the one driving, you cannot drink a ton!" Kim told him.
"I know! I'll just take like two shots and use moonshine as a chaser."
"You got more moonshine?" you asked.
"Holy hell, Adam," Kim agreed.
"Where do you two think I was the past hour? I went into town and grabbed a few flavors. and, I got both your flavors, too. So, y'all can't yell at me. Now, get changed so we can go before Jay and Hailey wake up and decide they want in on this, too."
***
"You good to sit in the back, Miss Car Sick?" Adam asked you.
"Yeah, you said it's only like a five minute drive, so I'll be fine. Thanks for asking, though," you answered.
"No problem, darlin'."
Then, the three of you were off to this rope swing to jump into a river in the middle of the night.
Five minutes later, Adam threw his car in park and left the radio and headlights on. The three of you got out and Adam grabbed the booze and shot glasses and then you followed him around to the back of his truck. He handed the stuff off to you and Kim to hold while he flipped his tailgate down. Then, he used the flashlight app of his phone to see as he poured each of you a shot of gummy bear flavored vodka.
"Cheers to late night decisions and possibly bad decisions!" Adam toasted.
The three of you clinked your shot glasses together and then took the shots.
"Shit. That was strong," you coughed.
"Chaser, chaser," Adam said as he flipped open the sip cap on the blackberry moonshine.
He handed it to you and you took a few sips.
"Compared to that shot, this moonshine tastes like nothin'," you said.
"See? Told you it had a low proof!" Adam exclaimed. "Now, do you two want me to go first so I can show you how it's done?"
"That might be a good idea, yeah," Kim agreed. "You've only brought me here during the day and it's been over a year, so yeah, you go first, cowboy."
"Oh, that reminds me." He took his signature cowboy hat off. "Hold this for me, will you, sweetheart?" He held the hat out to Kim and she took it from him. "Thank you. Now, watch and learn, ladies, watch and learn."
Kim laughed. "Whatever you say, babe, whatever you say."
Adam walked up to the edge of the river and waded in the water to grab the rope. You and Kim stood on the edge of the river and watched as Adam dragged the rope with him as he stood on a rock, which was right below the tree that the rope was tied to. Then, he cinched the rope between his feet and jumped up and swung forward.
"Yeehaw!" Adam yelled.
Then, after a few seconds, he let go of the rope and fell into the river.
The rope dangled back and forth until Adam grabbed it and dragged it in with him.
"Who's next?" he asked as he held the rope out.
"You wanna go, Kim?" you asked.
"You sure you don't wanna go before me?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Go ahead," you said.
"You nervous, darlin'?" Adam asked you as he took his hat back from Kim and placed it on his head.
"A bit." You looked down at your feet. "Are there snakes in there?" you practically mumbled.
"Oh, darlin'," Adam said with a wave of his hand. "I can promise you that there's no snakes in there. You've never seen a snake in there have you, baby?" he asked Kim.
"Nope, no snakes. I promise. Now, I'll go, and then you gotta go because it's so much fun!"
Kim grabbed the rope and then made her way up onto the rock. She did the same thing that Adam did and soon it was your turn.
"I'm stealing your aux, babe," Kim said as she walked toward Adam's truck.
Adam raised an eyebrow. "I don't know why you can't just listen to the radio like we've been doing, but go ahead, baby."
Kim walked over to the truck and changed the input to aux and then quickly pulled up Spotify. From there, she pulled up the song Like A Lady by Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum. She turned the volume all the way up on her phone, plugged it into the aux, and hit play.
"Lady!" came out of the speakers as well as the opening chords.
You gasped as Kim came running back to you and Adam.
"How'd you know this one of my favorite songs?" you asked.
Ever since Hailey had played it for you on your first night in Tennessee when you were unpacking and sippin' on moonshine, you loved this song. It was all about feeling like a lady while wearing jeans and drinking and being comfortable with yourself and not needing a man.
"Y/N, I follow you on Spotify. I can see what you listen to. Now, go get to it, lady!" Kim cheered.
You smiled and turned around. You walked to the rock and climbed up on it just before the chorus. You grabbed onto the rope.
"'Cause I feel like a lady," you sang loudly to the music. "Sippin' on tequila with my Levis on."
You clamped your feet around the rope and jumped.
You felt weightless for just about one second and then you let go of the rope and fell into the water with a splash.
The water wasn't freezing, it was a little cold, but it was still decently comfortable. You started swimming back to the shore and grabbed the rope when it swung back toward you.
"Hell yeah!" Adam yelled as he ran up to you and took the rope so you could pull yourself up onto the river bank. "You did awesome! Did you like it?"
"I loved it! Let's do it again!" you yelled.
"See?" Kim said. "I told you that you'd love it!"
"I propose a celebratory shot for Y/N's first time jumping off the rope swing!" Adam said and the three of you headed back to his truck to have more booze.
And that is how you learned that you didn't get hangover headaches like Kim, but got hella tired the next day just like Hailey. But, a little hangover (despite not being old enough to legally drink) was all worth it because of how much fun you, Kim, and Adam had.
***
Months later
"Welcome to Chocolate Moose, everybody!" Adam announced and fumbled with the lockbox to get the key.
Since it was exam season, there was a tradition that started during the winter semester of their sophomore year that was where they'd all go up to a cabin (each cabin had a name and yours was Chocolate Moose) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which was an hour away from school, to go study without the temptation of parties and the libraries that were packed as hell and barely had any seats open because everyone and their mama had decided to study there.
He unlocked the door and opened it.
You walked in and were in awe. When you walked in, you saw a small kitchen complete with a stove, oven, microwave, and pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and silverware stored in cabinets and drawers. There was also a small pantry to your right the minute you walked inside.
Off of the small kitchen were the living room and the dining area. There was a circular wooden table with six chairs and there was a tv and a couch that folded out into a bed. Right next to that was a bedroom with a bathroom, which also had its own tv in it.
And, if you walked to the end of the living room, there was a door that led to the first-floor deck that overlooked the Smoky Mountains. On the deck was a wooden table that matched the wood of the deck and six stools, so it would be a nice place to study or eat breakfast or sip coffee in the morning.
The stairs to go to the second floor were above the table (so the table was tucked beneath the second set of stairs). When you got up there, there was a pool table, a bubble hockey table, another couch that folded out into a bed, and a coffee table in front of said couch.
To the right of the couch and coffee table was a California king-sized bed with a trunk in front of it which held the bedding for the pull-out couches. Then, there was a dresser with a mirror to the side of the bed and a closet. There was also a full bathroom with a washer and dryer and a dressing table (so tons of counter space and two mirrors) upstairs as well.
And, there was another deck on the second floor. This one didn't have a full-sized table, but it did have two chairs with a small table between, and a small couch complete with a bunch of throw pillows on one end of the deck. This deck too overlooked the beauty that was the Smoky Mountains.
"Who's that?" you asked fifteen minutes later after you had finished touring the cabin and figuring out sleeping arrangements.
It had been decided that Adam and Kim would take the first-floor bedroom and that you'd take the pull-out couch on their floor. Hailey and Jay would sleep upstairs and you wondered why you couldn't take the upstairs couch like you wanted to because Jay was quick to tell you no.
You knew they weren't gonna try to do the nasty up there since there was no door shutting the upstairs off from the downstairs, so you had no idea why he wouldn't let you sleep on the pull-out couch upstairs.
"Who's that?" you asked again while looking out the kitchen window.
Then, you saw a head of red hair in the driver's seat and rushed out the door to where the person parked their car.
"Will!" you shouted as he got out of the car. "I missed you!" You wrinkled your nose at what he was wearing: a pair of blue scrubs.
"I drove here right after I got off a twelve-hour ED rotation," Will told you. "Hence the scrubs."
"I would give you a hug, but who knows what kinda bodily fluids have been on those."
"Good choice. We'll postpone the hug until after I take a quick shower and change."
Adam, Kim, and Jay came outside and said their hellos to Will, and Jay took Will's backpack, making a joke saying that it felt like he stuffed a ton of rocks in there.
So, now you knew why you couldn't sleep on the pull-out couch upstairs: Will was sleeping there.
***
"Fuck!" you yelled as you felt a bee sting you on the upper part of your left inner thigh.
"What?" Adam asked.
You, Adam, and Kim were outside at the table on the first-floor deck studying while Will was upstairs studying and Jay and Hailey were studying one of their law studies classes at the kitchen table together.
"The fuckin' bee stung me!"
"Well, you were swattin' at him, darlin'," Adam said, which earned him a smack to the arm from Kim.
"Because he was between my legs!" you argued. "What was I supposed to do? Let him fly up my shorts and sting me there? Oh hell no!"
You got up and walked inside.
"Will!" you shouted the minute you closed the door to the deck.
"Y/N! Keep it down!" Jay scolded. "We're trying to study!"
You had made it up the first set of stairs and leaned over the railing. "Well, I just strung by fuckin' bee, so I think I can yell a bit, Jay! Will!"
"What?" he said and ripped out his headphones when you got all the way upstairs. "Med school's no joke, you know!"
"Well, what do I put on a bee sting?" you huffed.
Will sighed. "Hold on. They asked me to be the one who brought the first aid kit and I'm glad I did."
He got up and then came back with a bottle of lotion.
"Put this on it. Should cool down the stinging. Tell me if it gets worse or starts itching."
"Okay, thanks."
You put it on and hoped it would be better soon.
***
Okay, so this bee sting wasn't getting better. It was actually getting worse.
It had been itchy all day and you were currently shaving your legs in your shower. You felt the place where the bee had stung you and it was swollen as if someone had shoved a disk the size of an Oreo in your leg at the place the bee had stung you.
You got out of the shower, got changed, and walked out of the bathroom where country music was blasting and Jay and Adam were playing a friendly (okay, so maybe not so friendly) game of pool.
"Hailey, is my bee sting supposed to be super itchy?" you asked as you sat down on the couch next to her.
She and everyone else was drinking one of their two allotted white claws. Yes, during finals week you had all decided there needed to be a daily cut-off for alcohol so that you could all get your shit done. And, it helped keep everyone accountable since everyone in the cabin was only having two per day...and you weren't spending a ton of money this weekend on alcohol.
"Um, none of mine have ever been," she said. "Will!" He turned to look at her from where he was sitting and intently watching the pool game...mostly to make sure neither Adam nor Jay cheated. "Her bee sting supposed to itch?"
"Not unless she's allergic to bees...and she's not." He stood up. "Go lay on the bed and let me take a look."
"Oh, fuck no! I am not letting my brother look there!"
"Y/N, I'm a med student. I've seen a helluva lot more than a bee sting on your inner thigh. You can even go put on some short spandex if that would make you more comfortable."
You currently had on loose-fitting shorts that you knew would fall back to expose what underwear you were wearing if you let Will take a look. "Actually, I think I'll go do that," you said.
You quickly grabbed a pair of spandex from your suitcase and went back into the bathroom and changed into them.
"Y'all check for a stinger?" Adam asked.
Will must've filled him in when you were changing your shorts.
"Shit," Will cursed. "I knew there was something I forgot to do."
"What kinda fuckin' doctor are you if you forget to check something like that?" you asked Will rhetorically. "Hailey, I'm gonna need that empty white claw bottle to smack Will over the head with like you did to Jay on the river."
"Sorry, hun," Hailey apologized. "I ain't finished with this 'ere can yet."
"I'll hit him!" Jay yelled, putting down his pool stick and grabbing his empty can.
He hit Will on the arm with the empty white claw can as hard as he possibly could.
"The fuck?" Will yelled. "Why'd you do that?"
"I dunno." Jay turned to Adam. "Why were we hitting Will, again?"
"Holy shit," Adam muttered to himself. "Because he forgot to check Y/N's bee sting to see if the stinger was still there."
"Oh, okay. That was stupid, Will."
You laid on the bed and let Will look at the spot the bee stung you. Then, he put on a pair of gloves and pulled out a pair of tweezers.
"Hailey?" he called. She looked up expectantly. "Can you come over here and hold up a flashlight? I think I found the stinger."
Hailey got up and turned on the flashlight on her phone and crouched down next to Will.
"That good?" she asked as she finished positioning the phone so the phone's flashlight was pointing directly at your bee sting.
"Yup." He looked up at you. "Now, I'm gonna put one of my hands above the bee sting, that way you won't be able to see the tweezers go in. Sound good?"
"Mhm. At least this is better than when Jay tried to attack me with a snake!"
Will laughed. "I bet."
Five minutes later, the stinger was out and Will told you to put Neosporin and a bandaid over it just so you didn't keep itching it because he told you the itchiness wouldn't go away immediately.
"I need a drink," you said after you were all done.
Hailey handed you a raspberry white claw from the mini-fridge next to the couch and you popped it open.
"Thanks," you said.
"You're welcome."
"Everyone shut up!" Adam yelled. "This is Jay and Hailey's song...well, they didn't exactly meet at a bar and Hailey wasn't drinking a white claw, but it was a Saturday and those two did ditch us. So, dance you two!"
They tried to object, but Adam dragged Jay over to Hailey and Kim pushed Hailey up off the couch and towards Jay.
"Sittin' over there in the corner, baby, I saw pretty red lips workin' on a white claw," you all sang along to Single Saturday Night by Cole Swindell. And, you'd be lying if you said that this song didn't remind you of the story that Jay had told you about the first time he took Hailey out when she was bored one Saturday night in a sports bar. "Shakin' to a little Shook Me All Night Long. And I thought, man, what a beautiful sight."
You smiled. Four months ago, there'd be no way you'd know this song. But, thanks to your brother's friends and his girlfriend, you knew so many more country songs. But, most of all, if your first semester of freshman year was any indication, you were going to have the time of your life going to college here in Tennessee.
A/N: Thank you guys so much for reading! Again, please remember to like/reblog and comment because I love reading all your comments and seeing that you voted because that means you enjoyed reading the imagine! As always, if you want to be added to my taglist, just tell me and I’ll add you! Again, I am donating all my proceeds on buy me a coffee until the end of AU-gust to Save The Children to help the children in Afghanistan. Buy me a coffee here.
Taglist: @theambracer88 @virtualreader @kelelas-life @celyndavies @brookerz122493 @musicismyescape27 @anotherfan07 @thexplosivegirl@dreamingwithlens @xoxmariaxox @onechicago18 @iamasimpingh0e @i-like-sparkly-things @herecomesthewriterwitch @liampayne88
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ohworm-writes · 4 years ago
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BNA: Brand New Animal Various Relationship Headcanons
bna masterlist
‼ First Date Headcanons ‼
Featuring: Shirou Ogami, Michiru Kagemori, Nazuna Hiwatashi, Marie Itami, Pinga
Warnings: spoilers for BNA!, minor death mention in Marie’s part, anxious shirou
a/n - again, i love BNA, so i couldn’t resist! you can see which are my favorites very clearly~ enjoy!
content below the cut!
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shirou ogami
» !! walk + bookstore viewing !!
» shirou is a bit clueless when it comes to a first date
» even living a thousand years, he’s rarely had a real relationship
» he’ll search up first date ideas, i have no doubt about that
» he’s not really keen on a fancy dinner or movie or that
» he wants something relaxing, something you could do as friends too
» it’s his own insecurities coming in at full force, but it’s what makes him comfortable
» he decides for the first part of the date, he’ll take you out for a walk
» sure, it doesn’t sound all the special
» but remember, it’s Anima City we’re talking about
there’s always something to see
» something to do
» he starts right at your apartment, walking around with you
» he tries to strike up conversation, as nervous as he is about it
» he really does like you, but he’s not all that sure of how to show it
» he’s scared to even take your hand in his
» will it make you uncomfortable? will he be overstepping? what if you never want to go out with him again?!
» if you want that sort of stuff to happen, you are going to have to be the person to initiate it
» if you do initiate it, though, he’d never turn you down
» he’s the quiet type, but a fantastic listener!
» he loves to hear you talk about yourself, the things you love, everything!
» he’s awkward talking about himself
» how does he explain to you that he’s the silver wolf
» that’ll take him a while for him to tell
» maybe after a few more dates?
» anywho, your walking inevitable leads you to a small bookstore in the middle of the city
» it looks small from the outside, but the inside
» it’s a wonderland
» even if it seems like quite the find from a random stroll
» he’s had this all planned out
» he watches your face as you walk inside
» the way your eyes light up
» the way your grin reaches your eyes
» he’s enamored by it
» he’d let you pick out anything you want
» a huge book series? it’s as good as yours
» a single book? that’s no problem
» a weird snake shaped eraser you found at the front? why not!
» whatever makes you happy
» you don’t see it, but he has this smile full of adoration while he’s around you
» when you finally reach your home, and it’s late into the night, only then will he ask you for a second date
» he’s all blushy, but his words come out strong
“I enjoyed today with you, more than I could have imagined. Would you want to do this again soon?”
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michiru kagemori
» !! theme park !!
» michiru is a sweetheart, we know this
» so her bringing you to a theme park on your first date doesn’t seem all too out of character for her
» she’d probably meet you there, seeing as he doesn’t have a vehicle of her own
» and she doesn’t think you want to hang onto her for dear life as she flies the two of you over there
» so meeting up seemed like the more… plausible option
» tons of games!
» no matter what the game is, she’ll play every. single. one.
» those strength games?
» she may have won the top prize for it
» how? she’ll never tell
» loves the co-op games though, they’re her favorite
» very competitive
» it’s lighthearted, of course, but she will try and sabotage you
» she tries to win you tons of stuffed animals
» Y/n: Michiru, my arms are full, I can’t hold any more plushies-
» Michiru: wait Y/n look! that stand has a huge duck plush! i’m winning that for you
» Y/n: Michiru no-
» in all seriousness, she wants to make a lasting impression
» she goes with you on every ride that you want to go on
» the scariest roller coaster there?
» sure! just know she’ll deny you seeing her shaking like a leaf in line for it
» if you want to go on more mellow rides?
» she’s all for it! whatever you want
» towards the end of the night, she goes on the Ferris Wheel with you
» cliché? maybe so
» but it doesn’t matter to her
» she really likes you, and she wants you to know
» she won’t kiss you, she doesn’t want to force you into anything
» but she will thank you for spending your night with her
“If you want, can we do this again? I’d really really like to.”
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nazuna hiwatashi
» !! movie !!
» oh my sweet, sweet girl
» she was so lost on what to do
» 1. you accepted her date
» why? how? she’s not complaining, not in the slightest, but- you? her? why!
» 2. she has no clue what to do for a first date
» she had to search up “first date ideas”
» but in all seriousness, she’s very excited for your night together
» she didn’t want to go out to a theater, so she opted to bring you to her place to watch something
» she bought everything you could ask for
» ice-cream? check
» drinks? check
» popcorn? she’s bought the packets and the stove-top brand
» she’s going all out for your night together
» she has quite the collection, so she’d let you pick out whatever you like
» once the movie is picked, it’s time to get comfy!
» she has so many pillows and blankets
» she not only are some of them placed meticulously around the area in front of the TV, giving you both a comfy space to watch
» but she also has extras in case you get cold or want more comfort! 
» she’s very adamant about giving you your needed space
» she doesn’t want to overstep
» butttt, if she can, she’ll lean up against you and watch the said movie with you
» you both give commentary on the movie as well
» critiquing it, the actors, the scenes, all of it
» it adds for some playful banter between the two of you
» Nazuna: i think the actor could have shown more emotion during the scene, you know?
» Y/n: Nazuna, he was playing a dead man. i don’t think he’d be able to show emotion
» Nazuna: well- still!
» when your night of watching films is over, she’ll bring you home
» it’s a lot more comfortable, especially when you tell her how good of a time you had
“Thank you for being with me tonight, Y/n. If it’s okay, maybe we can do this again?”
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marie itami
» !! haunted location + ice cream !!
» cocky little thing, she is
» while she was surprised you actually accepted her offer, she doesn’t seem like it whatsoever
» she’s very confident, dripping with it
» so, why not impress you with something scary
» she’d found out this warehouse by the docks was actually the death site of several people
» and she also heard there had been ghost sightings, so she took to first chance to take you there
» she may seem all cocky and full of herself, but if something even mildly scary happens
» she’s out of there
» you don’t know that though
» she uses her phone’s flashlight to look around, you by her side
» if you’re scared, she’ll tease you oh-so much about it
» in a loving way
» honestly, no matter what you think of the situation, she’ll tease you
» Y/n, unfazed by the whole situation: are you alright Marie?
» Marie: are you asking me because you’re scared? come on Y/n, you know i’ll protect you~
» queue a broom falling down in the background, Marie screaming and running out of there with you
» after you both leave, she still tries to play off the whole situation
» she leads you to a small ice cream stand nearby
» she sounds annoyed when she pays for you, but she thinks it’s so worth it
» you won’t see it, she’s sly, but she’s staring at you the whole time
“So, Y/n, you free to do this again Saturday?”
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pingua
» !! diner + dancing in the park !!
» pinga, the gentleman as ever, makes your first date classy
» he takes you to a small, family owned diner in the city
» the place itself is cozy, warm, welcoming
» he knows all the workers there
» he gets a booth for the two of you to sit at near a large window
» he spends a lot of the date admiring you
» the way your eyes light up as you talk about something you’re passionate about
» the way your cheeks flush when he compliments you
» the way your eyes are on him so intently when he talks
» he adores it
» speaking of…
» lots, and i mean lots of flirting and compliments from him
» he loves teasing you
» if you bite back, he’ll seem unfazed
» but he finds it awfully attractive
» his idea of a first date is really getting to know the other person
» their likes, dislikes
» the things that make them double over laughing
» the things that make them tick
» everything and anything
» of course, he pays for your food
» there’s no room for arguing with him
» Y/n: Pinga, please let me at least pay for this all
» Pinga: i’ll have no such thing. come on Y/n, dear, allow me
» he’s so nice about it, you can’t even tell him no
» once your dinner is over, he’ll hold your hand and lead you away from the diner to the park nearby
» [ a/n - i like to imagine this is the one in episode 6 where michiru and nazuna have their argument ]
» it’s late, the path is only visible from the streetlamps overhead
» he’d hold your hand tighter, not too tight, and slowly bring you into a slow dance
» the stars are barely visible in the city, but their still there
» he’s so elegant when he dances too
» light on his feet, full of passion
» he’s falling for you
“You know my dear, if you’d allow me, I’d love to do this again sometime with you.”
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lukin08 · 3 years ago
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All Summer Long
Here is my submission for the Summer Lovin @frozines.  A big thanks to @punkpoemprose for putting this together.  Amazing, as always
Rating: T
Words: 5261
Also available on AO3
The bell dinged over the door as Anna pulled it open. She took pause at the sound and looked around. At first glance, the store looked exactly as it had from her childhood. Knotty pine planks lined the walls and ceilings matching the cedar siding on the outside of the building. T-shirts ran across the top of the long back wall, all beckoning tourists to purchase them. The racks leading over to the checkout were full of snacks and hats for anyone unfortunate to have forgotten their own. Anna walked over reading all the fronts of the baseball caps. She had to use all her self-control to not grab the pink and black one that read ‘Boat Waves, Sun Rays and Torch Lake Days’.
After closer inspection, much had changed to Pabbie’s. New floors, a quick serve area that had about every grab and go food you could think of, and most importantly, a bakery and ice cream counter all filled out the large space.
She was flipping through a rack of sweatshirts when a voice called out. “On your left, Red.”
Anna jumped out of the way as a man passed her quickly carrying two large boxes over his shoulder.
“Sven!” A middle-aged woman called, following quickly behind him.
“Gotta go. We’re on fire today!”
“You tell him I need his order today before 5.”
“I’ll try.”
“Do it or you’ll be out of luck next weekend! No pilfering from the store when you run out of supplies anymore. It’s messing up my books!”
“Love you too, Bulda!” He said, flashing her a grin then disappearing out the front door.
The woman stopped next to Anna, put her hands on her hips and sighed. “Those two will be the death of me, I swear.”
“Everything ok?”
The woman looked at Anna and smiled. “It gets busier earlier every summer. Used to be until the third week of June when the water got warm when the crowds started, but we’ve been running full steam since before Memorial Day.”
“Wow. That early?”
“Who would have thought? Guess we aren’t the best kept secret of Michigan anymore.” The woman took a long look at Anna. “Anything I can help you with?”
Anna glanced out the window at the marina. “I actually had a question about an installation for a dock. Do I need to go next door?”
The woman waved her hand. “No need for that. Follow me.”
Anna followed her over to a counter at the other end of the room. The sign above it on the wall read ‘Torch Lake Marina’. There was all sorts of literature on boat rentals and storage and marine services on the counter.
“I didn’t realize the marina was part of Pabbie’s. I had to double check the address when saw it.”
“We purchased it a few years ago. Now what can I do for you?”
“I need to schedule a dock installation.”
Anna gave her the information and after a few minutes she had a time for the next week for the Marina to come out.
“Arendelle. Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in years. There was a family that had a place on Cherry Road named Arendelle. Are you any relation to them?”
“Yes. That’s me… I mean that’s my family. My parents owned the house. We used to come up here a long time ago.”
“I remember your father. He was in here all the time with the boat in the summers. Got along well with my father. How is your family doing?”
That was all it took. One simple question and Anna was off, spilling her guts to a stranger. She explained her parents' passing five years prior and the over ten-year absence due to her parent’s intense focus on her sister’s health. But Anna was back with a vision for the house and being up at the lake this summer was just what she needed. Internally she was screaming at herself to just stop talking. But Bulda kept asking her questions and seemed genuinely interested in what she was saying that Anna just couldn’t stop.
“That all sounds amazing, dear. You must keep me updated with how things are going. Can I give you one piece of advice?”
“Sure.”
“Make sure to take a minute to breathe now and then. You can blink and the entire summer will be over.”
“I will. Some friends from home are coming up tomorrow. I think we are going to head over to the sandbar. It should be fun!”
“Or at least entertaining. The sandbar on the weekend is always good for that.”
-------
This wasn’t what Anna had envisioned for a day out on the water. The morning had started fine. Anna was thrilled to be back out on the water again. To understand the depths of Torch Lake’s beauty and appreciate its deep aqua and turquoise colors, you really had to take it in with your own eyes on the lake. It was even fun at first when they anchored at the sandbar. But things took a turn for the worse as the day went on.
They anchored with a group of boats and the faces were all familiar. The uppity groups she remembered from school, all in the same social circles her family were in hadn’t changed a bit. They played their music too loud, drank too much and Anna quickly remembered why she left Ann Arbor as soon as she could. As much as she was trying to rekindle old relationships, perhaps some of them were better left as old friends.
Fending wanting to check out more of the sandbar, Anna decided to venture away from the group. It was easy getting around. Barring the occasional deep spot, the water wasn’t more than up to her thighs most of the time and in some stretches it was only at her ankles. There was over two miles to walk if she wanted, but Anna was on a mission.
Rumor was there was a pontoon that served food on the sandbar. She didn’t really believe it, but she was intrigued enough to go in search of it. After a few questions and only getting turned around twice between all the boats she looked up at the large yellow and black sign that read ‘Burger Barge’ stretched across the pontoon.
After spotting what looked like the area to order, Anna went up the side of the boat. As soon as the person in front of her was handed the foil wrapped sandwich, she stepped up closer. “I’ll have a burger. That’s all you have, right? Or is there something else?”
The man up at the boat was in front of the grill. He didn’t bother to look up. “A little busy here.”
“I can wait. How long do you think?”
He pointed his spatula down to the end of the boat. “Order in the back, princess. Just like everyone else.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I saw you hand a burger to someone. I thought-“
“Does it look like I take orders here?” he snapped. “Do you see the prices anywhere? You think I’m going to handle everyone’s money and cook all the food at the same time?”
“I’m sorry, I-“
“Do I know you?” He had stopped what he was doing and was staring at her now.
“Excuse me?” Anna tried to make out his features, but his blond bangs hung over a wide bandana covering his forehead and sunglasses obscured his eyes.
“Do I know you,” he said slower, dropping his sunglasses down to get a better look. His brown eyes glared over at her.
Anna crossed her arms in front of her, annoyed at the tone he was taking with her. “You most certainly do not!”
He grinned, which only infuriated Anna. “Good. Line’s at the back of the boat. Get moving.” He pointed again and went back to flipping the food on the grill.
“Well maybe I don’t want to eat here anymore.”
“Suit yourself. Good luck finding something else to eat out here.”
“Rude,” Anna said under her breath. She went to walk away because he did not deserve her business. But her stomach rumbled in protest and what other option did she have?
The line was long and snaked behind a few other boats. It only gave Anna time to stew on the conversation and what an absolute ass the cook had been.
“Hey, Red! From Pabbie’s right?”
Anna was almost taken back at the smiling face in front of her. “Yes. Sven? Did I get that right? I think that’s what the owner called you.”
“You got it. I’m always having someone chase me down calling my name. What can I get you?”
Anna bit her bottom lip looking at the choices. “What do you recommend- the chicken sandwich or the burger?”
“You can’t go wrong with anything, but,” Sven leaned forward. “We’ve got the best burgers on the lake. Trust me, I know the cook.”
“Oh, him.”
Sven glanced behind him then back at Anna. “From here or…somewhere else?”
“A few minutes ago.”
Sven’s face relaxed and he smiled again. “Don’t mind Kris. His bark is worse than his bite.”
“I don’t plan on talking to him again, but thanks.”
“Stick with me Red this summer at the Burger Barge. I won’t steer you wrong.” Sven handed her the burger and a canned drink. “The Coke’s on me. For your pain and suffering.” He winked at her before turning away to take the next customer’s order.
------
The truck pulled onto the driveway, the long trailer behind it making a metallic rattle against the sections of dock it was carrying. Anna got up from her chair on the beach and threw on a shirt over her bikini top, not bothering to button it up. Old shorts and cover up seemed appropriate enough to meet with the dock installers. She was halfway back to the house when two men got out of the truck.
“I don’t know. Go ring the doorbell.”
The voice that got out of the passenger side was familiar, but he was turned away from Anna. She jogged over, waving her hand. “No need. I’m here.”
“Red!” Sven turned and grinned. “We keep running into each other!”
“Hi Sven. And it’s Anna. Anna Arendelle.”
Sven tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you, Anna…officially that is. How was the burger?”
“Best one I’ve had in years.”
Sven laughed. “I knew it!” He pointed across the truck. “I think you’ve met my business partner.”
Anna looked through the windows of the truck and recognized him immediately. He was standing there with his head down, clearly not happy. “Oh no.”
Sven bumped Anna’s shoulder. “Relax. If it makes you feel any better, he’s probably freaking out right now.”
Anna giggled as she looked through the window again and saw the man take a deep breath and go to walk around the truck.
“Anna, Kristoff,” Sven said as he introduced them.
“Ma’am,” Kristoff said.
There was a part of Anna that was pleased with how nervous he looked, but she decided to let him off the hook. “Just Anna please.”
Kristoff nodded. “Anna, could you show us where you want the dock?”
A few minutes later, Sven and Kristoff were rolling the sections of the dock down to the beach. Anna took her place back on the beach and picked up her notebook. Sven made small talk with Anna as she went through her plans for the house. Kristoff, on the other hand, kept his words short and only talked to Sven about what they were working on. Still, Anna found herself drawn to Kristoff, watching him from behind her sunglasses. He was easy to keep an eye on, watching him work in the water with just his swim trunks on, the muscles in his back flexing against the weight of the dock. A girl could get used to a view like that.
“Pay no attention to my rude friend,” Sven said as he leveled the two closest sections of the dock together. “He doesn’t like talking to anyone who isn’t a local.”
“I’m a local.”
Kristoff barked a sharp laugh. “For what, five minutes?”
“Ok. Then how long until I’m considered local.”
“Make it past Labor Day and we’ll talk.”
A little later Sven ran back to the marina to pick up extra posts, leaving Anna and Kristoff alone. Anna watched as Kristoff looked like he was mulling something over. After a few minutes he took a deep breath.
“I’d like to apologize for how I talked to you on Saturday. It was rude and unprofessional, and I shouldn’t have done it.”
“No you shouldn’t have.”
“The guy in front of you was trying to scam me for a free burger. Said the order was wrong. It wasn’t. What a crook.”
Anna laughed remembering the scowl on Kristoff’s face. “Apology accepted.”
“Thanks.”
“So, you aren’t just the Burger Barge’s master chef, I see,” Anna said as she watched Kristoff work.
“That’s just a weekend gig Sven and I came up with to make extra money when we were in college. It just took off and we haven’t stopped. I run the marina most of the time.”
“So that’s connected to Pabbies?”
Kristoff nodded. “Family business. It was my grandfather’s. My mom and dad took it over when I was kid and have been running it for years now. We bought the marina when I came on full time after school.”
“We used to go there all the time. It’s one of the good memories I have of my childhood. Spending time on the lake and going over to Pabbies to get a snack was the highlight of my summers. I was so sad when we stopped coming up to the lake.”
Kristoff was leaning against one of the posts now, watching Anna. “So, what are you doing here?”
“What do you mean?”
“Its just you in this giant house by yourself? Seems like a waste.”
“My sister didn’t want to deal with it anymore. It's all part of her freeing herself from worldly possessions process she’s going through. I couldn’t bear the idea of selling it and I needed a fresh start, so I bought out her half from her.”
“So, you’re just here with no plans?”
“If you must know, I do have plans. I’m updating the house and turning it into a bed and breakfast. And I’m going to run it.”
“Great. For more rich tourists to find the lake.”
Anna shook her head. “No. I want it to be affordable. I want people to bring their families and get to enjoy the lake like I did as a child. I want them to have those memories. As many people as possible. There’s so much land on the property, I was thinking of eventually expanding if it goes well. Maybe even hosting weddings. This house was built to be filled with joy and laughter of many people. I feel it in my bones.”
Kristoff went back to anchoring one of the posts. “Sounds ambitious.” Anna was about to argue with him when he added. “But nice. We need more of that around here.”
-----
Anna wasn’t exactly sure why she was nervous, but she was pacing up and down the landing outside of Pabbie’s waiting for Kristoff. They had struck up a bit of a working relationship, with Kristoff working on several smaller outdoor projects on the house as the main work inside was being done. She looked forward every day when he strolled onto the property after his work at the marina, often staying for dinner when she absolutely insisted. He seemed less and less resistant to stay every time she asked. Today was the most excited she’d been all summer. Her boat had arrived at the marina and Kristoff called her that morning saying it was ready for her to pick up. Now she was waiting for her to bring it around and take it out for a test run.
“Need a lift?”
Anna spun around only to see Kristoff pulling up along the landing with a big grin on his face. He put the boat in neutral and waved at her to come over to the edge. In one strong movement, Kristoff lifted her at the waist and into the boat. Anna let out a small squeak when he put her down, breathless at how effortless Kristoff made that look. He went slowly out of the marina area and past the no wake zone of the sand bar. As soon as they were past the buoy, he turned to Anna. “I’ll take it out then show you where everything is. Then it’s all yours.”
“Sounds great!”
“Where to?”
“Anywhere.”
“Want me to open it up? This baby goes fast.”
“Yes! I love to go fast!”
Kristoff gave her another grin and let open the throttle.
-----
They were out in the middle of the lake where Anna had stopped the boat. She was laying on the back of the boat without a care in the world. The water had been too tempting, and she couldn’t resist jumping in. Safely that is, Kristoff insisted on her wearing her life jacket out in the open water. Now she was laying on the towel, stretched out enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. Anna felt Kristoff’s eyes on her, but she didn’t dare look over.
Kristoff leaned back on the seat, stretching his legs out. “We’ll get the boatlift put in tomorrow then I’ll bring the boat over.”
“Sounds like a plan. Hey, I need an opinion.”
“Ok.”
“How many boats do you think I should have for next summer? I want the guests to be able to go out on the lake and enjoy it. I was thinking about one pontoon, but is that enough?”
“You want my honest opinion?”
“Duh. That’s why I asked you?”
“None.”
Anna lifted her head and looked at Kristoff. “Wait, what? None?”
“You heard me. Boats are a lot of work and you already have one. What you need is kayaks and paddle boards, a couple canoes and maybe a raft for swimming. That’s all. Keep it non-motorized.”
“But don’t you think I should have something?”
“Not everyone will want to use them. Plus, the expense of keeping them up and the insurance is only going to force you to keep your rates higher.”
“Mmm, suppose you’re right…for once.”
“Watch it.”
Anna pondered her options for a few minutes before sitting up, stretching and wrapping the towel around her. “I’ll just have to recommend Torch Lake Marina as our exclusive source for rentals.”
“I think we may be able to work a deal out with…wait, have you come up with a name for the B&B yet?”
“Working on it.” Anna looked up at the afternoon sun, wishing the day could last longer. “I suppose we should head back. I’ve kept you out too long.”
“I didn’t mind. It was nice spending the time with you. Let’s just hope Sven Actually did some work while I was gone.”
Anna tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “It was nice today, wasn’t it?”
“Hey Anna?”
“Mmm?”
“I won’t be able to come out to the house for a few days.”
She sat down in one of the seats, feeling a sense of disappointment that she wouldn’t be seeing Kristoff, but also that he hadn’t asked her something different.
“Of course. Is everything alright?”
“Just gearing up for the 4th. It’s going to be hectic. Sven and I are going to be out on the boat at the sandbar all week. I wish we could both grow an extra set of arms its going to be so busy. But I’ll see you for the fireworks if you still want to go.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Oh wait! I just had the best idea!”
“What?”
“Do you trust me?”
------
“Who thought this was a good idea?” Kristoff was tapping on the wheel of the pontoon waiting at the landing at Pabbie’s.
“This was all you, my friend,” Sven said with a laugh. “Relax. Anna will be fine, and we need all the help we can get this week.”
“She’s late. We should have left by now.”
“Five minutes isn’t going to change anything.”
“Have you seen the boats out there already?”
Sven rolled his eyes then pointed to the parking lot. “There she is.”
“What the hell is she carrying?”
“I’m here!” Anna yelled walking as fast as she could with the large cardboard box. As soon as she got to the boat, Sven grabbed the box and helped her step on. Kristoff was already in the process of untying the ropes and started moving before Anna sat down.
“Don’t mind him, Red,” Sven said. “He’ll calm down once we get anchored in a good spot. What did you bring?”
Anna smiled. “I’ll show you as soon as we get set up.”
She took the short time it took to ferry out to the sandbar to relax. Anna wasn’t sure what Kristoff’s reaction was going to be with the surprise, but she hoped he was open to it.
“Absolutely not.” Kristoff shook his head when Anna showed him the t-shirts that read ‘Burger Barge Torch Lake’ on them with a silhouette of the pontoon.
“Why?” Anna and Sven whined simultaneously.
“How are we going to sell those and the food? And I don’t have the money to pay you for those, Anna.”
“Relax. You have me to help and I promise I won’t sell a single shirt that gets in the way of the food orders.”
“No one’s going to want those.”
“Wanna bet? You take care of the burgers and I’ll stay out of your way and help sell these. You can pay me back out of the profits from the shirt sales. If they don’t sell, I’ll eat the cost.” Sven and Anna stood there holding their breaths. Finally, Kristoff relented, his face softening. “Ok, but the food is a priority.”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
“Don’t start.”
-----
The fire was soothing as Anna sat near it on the double swing. She was bone tired from working these last few days on the pontoon and staying up for the fireworks tonight. But it was a good tired. An ache from an honest day’s work and pure satisfaction. Kristoff came over and sat next to her. He handed her a stack of bills.
“What’s this?”
“Your cut from the week.”
“I don’t need-“
“You earned it. We made more than ever, even splitting it three ways. There’s also the money for the shirts.”
Anna gave Kristoff an impish grin. “I already placed another order. Told you we’d sell out.”
“You were right, and I was wrong.”
“Mmm say that again.”
Kristoff nudged Anna. “Seriously. Thank you for helping us.”
“Anytime.” She rested her head on Kristoff’s shoulder. “How do you do this all the time.”
“You get used to it. Its only for a few weeks in the summer then it quiets down.
“Still impressive.” Anna looked over at the property’s dock and noted the flags flying. “So, who’s the Michigan State fan?”
“Oh that? It’s where I went to school.”
Anna chuckled. “My dad would not be happy with you.”
“University of Michigan alum?”
“Worse, he was the president of the school.”
“The president? Let me guess. You and your sister followed suit.”
“My sister went full ivy league. I pushed back against every expectation and went to Ohio State.”
“Ohio State?! That’s treason. I’d tell you to fly that flag at your place, but it would be like putting a target on your back.”
“Guess I should fly the Michigan State flag then.”
“Nope. Not allowed unless you have someone that lives there.”
“Maybe one day,” Anna said through a yawn as her eyes closed.
The next thing she remembered were warm strong arms carrying her back to the truck to take her home.
-------
“I can’t believe how much nicer it is on the sandbar today!” Anna looked around. There were people, but the masses were gone. There were places to move and not a drunken party every ten feet.
Kristoff was sitting on the back platform of Anna’s boat, legs hanging in the water. “Sven, tell Anna the rules of the sandbars for the locals. Since she isn’t one, she needs to know.”
Sven came over to the group and hopped up on the platform. “Rule 1!” He called out. “Never go to the sandbar on the weekend!” Everyone raised their drinks and cheered. “Rule 2. Stay away from the west side. Only tourists go there! Rule 3. Don’t act like an asshole! And Rule 4. The most important of them all. Don’t engage with the tourists!” Everyone cheered. “Here’s to making it through August everyone. One more week and the summer season is officially done.”
They all clinked their glasses together in solidarity.
The rest of the day was a blast. Anna spent her time talking to everyone, playing games and even making plans to meet up with a few of the girls the next week. It had taken all summer, but Anna felt that she was finally starting to feel at home. She found herself walking with Kristoff later. She also found herself being a little flirtier than usually, a little more playful than normal. Maybe it was her comfort level, maybe it was their seclusion away from the group. Whatever it was, Kristoff didn’t seem to mind.
“I bet I can.”
“No way.”
“Three tries.”
“Three. That’s it. Then you have to admit you can’t do it.’
“Deal,” Anna said in agreement. “Now hold your hands out like that. Remember if you take a step, then I win.”
“And what do you win?” The grin on Kristoff felt dangerous. Anna didn’t want him to stop.
“I’ll tell you after I win.”
She squared herself up to Kristoff, lined her hands up with his, pulled them back and then pushed as hard as she could, contacting his palms. Kristoff stumbled back, surprised at Anna’s force. But then he took another step back, losing his balance as he stumbled and fell into a deep spot on the sandbar.
Anna was doubled over in laughter when he came out of the water soaked and hair flattened down past his eyebrows. “You think that’s funny?” he said, brushing his hair back with his hands.
“N-no, no!” Anna said, trying to talk and laugh at the same time. “I got you. I totally got you!”
“I’ll show you something funny!”
Anna didn’t stand a chance. She screamed in laughter as Kristoff scooped her up and ran. “Kristoff, put me down!”
“Oh, you want down?”
“Yes!”
“Ok.”
Kristoff unceremoniously threw Anna off the edge of the sandbar. Anna screamed, hitting the water. She didn’t stay under long, a strong arm grabbing her, bringing her up. Kristoff was standing just where Anna couldn’t touch the bottom. He held her tight, his hands wrapped around her bare waist.
“You dirty rat. I won.”
“Yeah, what are you going to do about it?”
They didn’t move, locked close together. Anna’s breath hitched at the way Kristoff was looking at her with a want in his eyes. She gave into it too, closing her eyes, leaning in ever so.
“Kris! Anna! Where are you? Time to go! We’re heading out!”
Anna broke away from Kristoff, the moment lost. “We should head back,” she said, walking back to the boat without waiting for him.
-----
“Oh hi, dear.” Bulda was restocking the shelves with shirts. “Anything you need?”
“I was actually looking for Kristoff. Is he over at the marina?”
“He took off early to do some work over at my house for me.”
“How’s he been?” Anna was following Bulda around as she went to clean up the counter near the bakery section.
“Fine. A little quiet. But nothing unusual. Why? Is there something I should be concerned with?”
“No. I just haven’t seen him since before Labor Day and I was wondering how he was.” Anna looked down, wringing her hands. “Bulda, can I ask you a question?”
“Anytime dear.”
“Have you ever tried to do something that you wanted to do, I mean really want to, but then miss your opportunity? And then make it worse because you doubt yourself and over analyze everything. Then make it weird and even more worse by avoiding it all together?”
Bulda stopped what she was working on to listen to Anna. “I don’t know about anything that specific, but I will say that holding something back never helps. Best to just get out what you need to do and move along. Otherwise, it festers.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Anna turned to look across the street at the home on the lake. “So next door?”
Bulda nodded. “In the backyard.”
She knew he saw her, pretending not to notice, then giving in and walking over to the swing.
“Hey.”
Anna patted the seat. “Sit with me.”
He sat, dropping the weight of his body the last few inches with a weary sigh. Neither of them said anything at first as they slowly swayed back and forth.
“Anna, I'm sorry.”
“Kris, there’s nothing to be sorry about."
“But there is. I’m sorry if I read something wrong and made you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t.”
“Then why have you been ignoring me?”
Anna turned to face Kristoff. “The house is finished and the permits came this week. I think I can start having guests this fall. I just need to get the staff up and running and the marketing done.”
“That’s great. But I don’t understand what that has anything to do with what we’re talking about.”
“It does. The house. The project. It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to do something truly for myself. Where I can say this was my idea. This is what I want to do. Do you know how scary that can be?”
“I guess.” Kristoff was leaning forward, elbows on his thighs, clearly concerned with the conversation. When Anna placed her hand on his thigh, he looked up at her.
“There’s other things that I want too. But that’s just as frightening sometimes to trust my feelings.” Anna took Kristoff’s hand and led him to sit back up and face her. “I’m the one who’s sorry. For ignoring you and for ever doubting what I want. Because I know. I truly know there’s nothing more I want right now than you.”
Anna felt Kristoff's whole body go from rigid and defensive to relaxed. He grinned at her, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. “You know I have a rule,” he said resting his head against the back of the swing.
“Still won’t consider me a local. Ridiculous.”
“Well, you did make it past Labor Day, so I guess you are officially a local now.”
“Would you stop talking and kiss me?”
“Gladly.”
His hand cupped Anna’s cheek pulling her into a soft kiss. Anna closed her eyes, grinning through the kiss as she savored the moment, never wanting it to end. A cool breeze blew in from the lake. Kristoff wrapped Anna tighter in his arms as she shivered. It was a reminder of how quickly things could change and this time Anna welcomed it with arms wide open.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, I finally have a name for the B&B.”
“What’s that?”
“The Toasted Marshmallow.”
Kristoff let out a hearty laugh.
“You like it?”
Kristoff leaned down lips brushing Annas. “I absolutely love it,” he said before kissing her again.
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