#read the fic and behave or this is gonna get shut down real quick

[mirabellemoira]

Damn im disappointed Jace almost cheated and only stopped because of what infidelity did to his family, not cause he loves Baela

He kinda emotionally abuses her and ignores her. It just seems like he hates her in this fic. He saw her after 9 months in chains and he just walked past her like huh????

Now pause right there. Like I said earlier, I’m not the author of this. I’m just a fellow reader giving you my view based off what I remember in those earlier chapters. Jace’s personality and traits of his character are formed from the experiences and events he’s lived through. He can both be adverse to infidelity because of his family AND be adverse to infidelity because of his love for baela at the same time.

Id recommend reading the fic (and the tags beneath this post) fully before continuing this train of thought on emotional abuse, thanks ✌🏻

[plainlo-inthemorning]

A Loki TVA/Lokane fic. Rating T.

Previously: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (of 6)

Shine a Light, part 5

He is aware that the love of his life is digging her fingers into his arm and saying his name.

He is aware of Stark standing to his other side, visor off, speaking to someone on the phone. His voice is hard.

But most of all, Loki is aware that all their lives were just changed by a great big terrifying rip in the seam of reality.

Neither Jane nor the Avenger could possibly be completely sure of what they saw. Loki, as much as he desperately wants to, harbors little doubt.

The man he held in a death-grip only minutes ago and who just now disappeared through a doorway conjured out of thin air was somehow … himself.

Another him. Just as the man had said.

After witnessing from afar the double kiss Jane, Loki, who was coming back from a swim, had been more than ready to skip past introductions and just sever the intruder’s head from his body.

But as soon as he had laid hands on him, a torrent of images had flooded his mind – chaotic, confused images that seemed to span past, present, future and beyond.

The shock had made him lessen his grip and the double had used his (his!) magic to throw him off.

With some distance between them and Stark suddenly there as well, Loki had tried to let his rage quell the dizzying realization. Unsuccessfully.

He is still shaking, clutching a dagger in each hand. He drew them instinctively as the other made for the door.

He should have caught him!

“Loki! What did he say?!”

“What?” His thoughts are racing in too many directions to hear her.

“The … man, what was he saying to you?!”

Jane is looking up at him with those beautiful brown eyes, worry and urgency all over her delicate features. Though not fear, Loki notes. His ever-brave wife. Both her hands are now clamped around his wrist.

That thing kissed her.

The daggers disappear and Loki wraps both arms around the mother of his unborn child, almost crushing her to his chest while still staring at the spot where the double vanished.

“It’s okay. It’s okay, love”, he murmurs. He suspects things are very much not okay.

So does Jane, of course.

“Loki, was it … oof, not so tight … “

She wriggles against him, and he remembers his amor. And her condition. He immediately relaxes his arms a bit while letting the leather and metal melt back into the clothes he wore before: Black jeans and a fitted, dusty green t-shirt (his “rockstar outfit”, Jane had called it, when Loki first started switching up his human wardrobe some years ago now). Drops of saltwater still cling to the ends of his slightly curly raven locks.

“Tony! Jane, Loki! What on Earth was that?”

Pepper jumps out of the car parked in front of the house and runs towards them. She must have seen everything as she drove down the road following her flying husband.

“The verdict’s still out, Peps”. Tony nods at Loki. “You wanna chip in here? I just called the boy-scout at headquarters and told him to be on guard for one of the magician’s interns playing a prank”.

Loki shakes his head slowly.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think Stephen had anything to do with this”.

“You’re right, I didn’t”.

All four of them turn around to see the sorcerer step out of a swirling ring of light, his cape billowing around him. The mahogany floor and paneled walls of his Manhattan mansion are briefly visible behind him before the portal closes with a hiss of little sparks.

Strange is wearing an even sterner expression than usual which only adds to Loki’s growing sense of dread.

Tony, however, groans loudly.

“Dude, really? Couldn’t you at least have let us have dinner before party crashing? Not shaming your bachelor lifestyle or anything, but this was couples’ night!”

“Tony!” Pepper hits her husband on the arm.

Strange ignores him.

“I’m afraid the arrival of your surprise visitor indicates that a set of … unfortunate events have been set in motion”.

As always, his voice is as even as if he was reading the weather forecast, but by now Loki has learned to differentiate the (very) subtle nuances between scorn and sincerity. Strange places his hands behind his back and regards them coolly. “I’ve had Wong reach out to Doctor Banner and director Fury. They should be here shortly. Stark, you may want to-”.

Tony narrows his eyes, lip twitching.

“Hey, Bleeker Street, you know I have low tolerance for you showing up and barking orders without giving two f**** for context. How did you even know that something was going down here? By all means, don’t keep us in suspense until the cavalry gets here”.

Strange doesn’t answer, but the way his eyes dart to Jane sends needles through Loki’s heart.

“Let’s go sit down, shall we?” With one eyebrow raised, Strange puts on a suave smile and gestures towards the house. The effect is a little startling.

Jane ducks out from under Loki’s arms. “Jane, don’t you want to-“. She brushes him off.

“Yes, good idea, Stephen. Let’s go sit down”. She motions for Strange to follow. “Welcome to our home. I was actually making drinks before, but I think I need to add a bit more kick to them…”

Her voice is oddly calm, and Loki fights the urge to grab her and magic them both far, far away, not caring that she would be furious with him for making decisions on her behalf.

He’s brought back to the present by an even odder sound as Strange actually chuckles.

Loki is not sure he’s ever heard it before. Then again, it’s not that he really knows Strange when it comes down to it. Like Tony, Loki finds the wizard exceedingly arrogant.

Pepper is the first to follow Jane and Strange across the lawn while Loki and Tony hang back.

“Real ladies’ man when he wants to. Who would have thought”. The billionaire superhero scoffs. His suit has folded itself off and into a briefcase next to his feet.

“Tony-“

“Uh oh. First name basis. So this really is an emergency”.

Loki faces his friend. Often in the past years, as they’ve grown steadily closer outside of “work”, he has secretly marveled at how long they’ve come since someone threw someone else off a building after being called a diva.

And attacking a city with an alien army.

Jane always insisted the two “hotheads” (her word) had a lot in common when not trying to murder one another (be it with weapons or sarcastic commentary), and Loki has to admit she was right. The metal man is fiercely intelligent, and Loki has been enjoying the quick-witted snark between them infinitely more than he ever valued the company of Thor’s band of gullible warrior groupies on Asgard.

“Well?”. Tony is regarding him with eyebrows raised, expectant. “Give me your take on this cause I’m starting to put together some rather outlandish theories myself here that I’m kinda hoping you’ll thwart ASAP”.

Loki draws in a deep breath.

“That thing with Banner at the tower two years ago-“

“Fuck!” Tony exhales, exasperated. “I knew you were gonna say that”. He squints into the distance towards the ocean, his mouth a tight line. It’s a rare day that Tony Stark is caught under a clear blue sky without sunglasses but for once he doesn’t seem to notice.

Loki takes a step closer to him and lowers his voice so they won’t alert the others just yet.

“I told you then and you didn’t want to listen! Everything about Bruce’s story was off. I know he didn’t remember much after Steve took him down, but you all pretty much accused me of trying to get back at him for, well, you know what, and I kept telling you I thought someone had gotten to him! Now-“

Loki searches for the words. It’s beyond absurd.

“That man was a version of me, Tony. I have no idea how, but I felt it. I saw into his mind. It was filled with images from my past and then … other, recent memories. Dark ones. He came from nowhere. Literally. It didn’t feel like a place. I tried to discard it as a trick, you saw that, but…” Loki runs his hand through his moist hair. “Stephen obviously felt something tear open too. And that is not a good sign”.

He has Tony’s full attention.

“Tear open? Could this other you be associated with your old boss? With Thanos?”

Loki winces.

“No, I don’t think he’s involved”, he says sharply. “But I can’t be sure …”

Tony catches his tone pats his shoulder. “Okay, okay. Shake it off. Didn’t mean to suggest anything. Let’s say he’s not. I’d much prefer that, at least until the wizard presents us with an even uglier imminent threat to the universe. Which, judging by the fact that he’s even here, willingly sipping cocktails in your kitchen as we speak, he probably will”.

Tony throws his hands up with a dramatic air.

“And here I thought the most challenging part of this weekend would be to convince you two to come see Hamilton with us in the city next week!”

“Who’s-“

“Never mind. Did you get a look at that gadget your guy was holding? Boy, he looked like an office slave who’d slept under his desk for a month before getting fired, didn’t he? Were you ever into accounting yourself by any chance?”

Loki shuts his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. Immediately he sees the image of the double kissing Jane, his arms wrapped firmly around her supple body. Rage rushes right back through him and his eyes snap open.

“Stark - I can’t. But yes, I did notice the device. It looked like a phone”.

“Yeah, somehow I don’t think it was the new iPhone”.

Tony shakes his head.

“The two of us and we didn’t take him down. Fury’s gonna have our badges”.

//

The director of SHIELD and Bruce Banner arrive barely 15 minutes later through a portal in the middle of the meadow-like lawn, following Wong and both looking grim and out of place as they weave around patches of wildflowers to reach the porch.

“Gentlemen, I trust you’re well”. Loki greets the trio with an only vaguely sarcastic nod as he holds open the screen doors to them, like a good host. Despite what some may still think, he can behave.

He could have just used magic of course, but he figures Banner is freaked enough as it is just by being here. The scientist hasn’t spoken more than five words to him since 2014 and at least three of them were expletives.

Once inside the small living room, Bruce goes to stand by the window and busies himself polishing his glasses with a little too much vigor than seems warranted.

He avoids Loki’s eyes but looks up and smiles wearily as Jane comes over to say hello.

Fury leans against the doorframe to the hallway and crosses his arms, face a closed book, and, by the sound of it, Tony is going through the cabinets in the kitchen trying to find something to spice up Jane’s pre-dinner cocktails.

Pepper is talking to Strange and Wong on the blue IKEA couch (assembled by magic after the attempt to go at it “as a team” turned into a shouting match), and Loki is about to politely ask Strange to please spit it out right this minute, when Jane is next to him, taking his hand.

“We need to talk. Now”.

Her voice is low and steady but her eyes insisting. She squeezes his fingers.

He squeezes back. “Come”.

Loki looks to Fury but he’s focused on Strange who’s listening very closely to something Wong’s saying.

Not letting go of Jane’s hand, he turns towards the kitchen. In the doorway they pass Tony who’s now holding what appears to be a glass of scotch. He must have given up on the gin and tonics.

“Hey, where are you two going? Forget about playing hosts okay, let’s just get started with part two of the evening’s entertainment”.

“In a minute”.

Jane pushes past him, ignoring Tony’s look and dragging Loki with her.

She closes the door behind them.

“Okay, so…” Jane looks around nervously in the small kitchen with the rustic white fronts and old brass handles. She loves that kitchen. They haven’t changed a thing since moving in. Loki reaches for her, but she takes a step back. “Jane, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have gotten there faster. Did he …“

“I need you tell me exactly what he said to you”.

She is absentmindedly opening and closing her fists in the way she does when that brilliant astrophysicist mind of hers is working out an intricate problem in the lab.

Or, Loki knows, when she’s about to deliver him bad news.

He clears his throat. “He said he was me. And that something big was happening”. There. “And then he said he was sorry”.

Jane studies his face.

“That he was sorry? For what?”

“He didn’t say. He stepped through the door”.

Jane is quiet and now it’s Loki’s turn to try and read her expression.

“What did he say to you? I assume he pretended to be me …?”

Jane holds up a hand and bites her lip. Loki swallows.

“Loki, when we were staying at the flat in London, after we defeated Malekith…”

“What?” Loki furrows his brow in confusion. “Why are we-“

“The poison from the monster’s blade, it had you slipping in and out of consciousness for days. You were so feverish…”

“Yes, I know. I was there”. Loki’s blood is slowly turning very cold, but he musters a smile. “And you were amazing, love. Although some might say you took adv-“

Jane interrupts him in the middle of his blossoming smirk. A slight blush appears on her own cheeks.

“Yes, um, it’s not about that day”. She gives him a stern look. “The other day, later, when Thor left after you two went and had your, um, talk … there’s something I need to tell you …”

The door to the living room opens behind them.

“Actually, if you don’t mind, Doctor Foster, I would very much like to hear this too”.

Stephen Strange steps into the kitchen. The door closes behind him.

Part 6

[prophetparadox]

DMC OC Week Day 1: Introduction

(I made this image in a picrew, so it’s not totally accurate to her design but it’s the best I could do with limited options)

It’s officially midnight so fuck it, time to make my first post for this prompt week! I may have just gotten into this series, but I do have an OC and since I plan on writing a fic soon I figured participating in @dmc-oc-week​ was a good way to start! So it’s time to meet my girl Kay! So I’ve filled out an infographic for her, and wrote up a little drabble to go along with this, get ready to learn more about her as the week goes on! Though if you read my stuff on AO3, you’ve probably already seen her a little bit, but let’s get this ball rolling!

Name: Kay [Real Name REDACTED]

Age: Mid-20’s (24-26) (as of DMC5)

DoB: September 26th

Race/Species: Human, mostly...

Height: 5’6”/167 cm

Weight: 117 lbs.

Appearance: Kay has medium length brown hair that goes just above her chest, her left eye is brown but no one knows what her right eye looks like as it’s covered by a dark purple eyepatch and hidden further by her hair covering her right eye. She wears a purple sleeveless top, black capris, a gray hoodie that is usually tied around her waist, light gray boots, and fingerless fishnet gloves.

Personality: Kay is a cheerful albeit socially awkward girl, but she has a stubborn side and isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. Emotion wise, she wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t good at hiding how she feels unless she bottles it up. She tends to be optimistic, but there might be something darker lying deeper... She’s very affectionate towards the people she cares about. That being said, Kay is also rather secretive. She doesn’t open up about her past, being vague and only bringing up as little as possible. It’d take a lot of trust for her to open up about such things. Due to being around Dante for so long, she’s developed a bit of a sarcastic attitude.

Quick Facts/Abilities: Kay primarily wields her axe Fenrir, a Devil Arm, in battle, but she does have firearms training courtesy of Lady and carries around a pistol. Despite her right eye being covered up and hidden, she doesn’t seem to be handicapped by this and behaves as if it weren’t hidden at all. She has a good sense of intuition, being able to know if someone is trustworthy or has demonic power. 

---------------------------------------------

It was always strange when the office was quiet. If it wasn’t a song blasting from the jukebox filling the space with noise, it was the chattering of its employees. Even more rare was when the quiet wasn’t because the power had been shut off. But today seemed to be a rare moment where the power was on but not a sound could be heard. But in all honesty, that didn’t really bother the sole occupant of the office at the moment.

Sitting down on the couch with a book in hand was a young woman known simply as Kay. Without any “work” to do, she had time to finish yet another book she’d had on her long pile of things to read. And with the others still asleep, she could enjoy the peace of the lazy April morning. Though admittedly, she was having trouble focusing on the words. Perhaps it was too quiet? Or maybe it was because she hadn’t eaten breakfast yet? She wasn’t sure. All she knew is that the peace and quiet had quickly lost its appeal. Maybe Dante would wake up soon and then they could-

The phone on Dante’s desk began to ring, sounding louder than usual thanks to the deafening quiet. The sudden noise made her nearly fall off the couch. Quickly stuffing her bookmark into the novel, she leapt up from her seat and dashed for the phone. No one else was around to answer, and it might just be a job! She had to take this chance. She picked up the phone, holding on to the possibility that this would be big.

“Devil May Cry!” she answered, as she had many times before. She listened intently to the person on the other end, unable to hide the grin on her face when they gave the password. “Alright, I think we can help you. What’s the issue?” she asked, grabbing a pen and piece of scrap paper so she could write down the details. This was perfect! She could take this job and-

“I’ll be taking that, thank you!” The voice behind her and the sudden stealing of the phone from her hands snapped her out of her good mood. She didn’t even have to guess who it was, she knew that voice all too well.

“Dante, what the hell?!” Kay shouted, turning to face her ��boss”. From the looks of it, he’d just tumbled out of bed and was woken up by the phone ringing. He didn’t bother answering her, simply giving a cocky grin in response.

“Sorry about that, mind repeating what you said there?” he said, responding to the client on the phone. Dammit, he was gonna steal the job for himself! She seethed in silence as Dante attentively listened to the client. “Alright then, I’ll be there asap, we’ll discuss payment afterwards,” He put the phone back on the receiver and grabbed Rebellion. “Duty calls, Kay! You know the drill, hold down the fort while I’m gone!”

“Of course you won’t let me come with,” Kay sighed, sitting down in the chair already aware this would be a losing argument. But it was still worth a try, maybe he’d come around for once? “I don’t see why, this assignment isn’t that tricky.”

“Which is why you’re staying here. Besides, someone needs to hold off Lady and Trish if they come knocking! And if there’s anyone I trust the office with, it’s you.”

She knew that was meant to be a compliment, but she’d heard it too many times and was getting tired of it. “Come on, Dante, I’m not a kid! I can handle myself out there, you’ve seen it with your own eyes!” she argued.

“Sorry Kay, but my mind’s made up. This is a one man job, you wouldn’t be able to do much if you came. They’d all be dead before you could swing your axe,” He leaned down to tousle her hair, earning him a groan of annoyance from her. “I’m sorry, but I have my reasons. You’ll understand one of these days. Just trust me, would ya?”

There it was, the excuse he always pulled. He always had his reasons that he never explained and one day she’d totally understand it all. That was usually a sign the conversation was over. “Just go already.” she said with the wave of her hand at the door.

“I’ll make it up to you, kiddo. I’ll treat you to something when I get back!” he said as he walked towards the door, trying to make her feel better. It was hard when by treating her he meant they’d get pizza from a fancier joint than usual and she’d be the one stuck picking it up.

“I’m still not your kid, Dante! I’m a grown woman!” she called out as he made his way out the door. Once again, she was left alone in the office.

Kay stood up and made her way over to the kitchen, unable to ignore her hunger and resigned to eating alone. She was so tired of being left behind with no explanation. She’d been fighting demons long before she met Dante, but he just seemed content to make her watch the office and pick up pizzas or coffee. She was getting tired of this, she wanted to see some action again! Go out in the field and kick demon ass! But noooooo, she was stuck here.

Maybe one day she’d be able to head out there again, prove to Dante that she was just as capable as him or the girls, take down demons like she used to. But clearly that wasn’t today. But soon, something had to happen soon. They’d get a job so big that he couldn’t leave her behind and then he’d see! Or at least that’s what she kept telling herself.

But for some reason, she felt as if that hope would become reality soon enough. She could just be getting her hopes up, but she wanted to believe her intuition was right. If only she could see the future and know for certain… Until then, she’d just stay here and hope that someone would walk through the door or dial their number and change everything.

[fatilightwood]

Our story

You can read the fic on Ao3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5: With the help of all my friends

They had that date and then they had a lot more over the course of two weeks.

Alastair had been free of work once he handed in his essay, and Thomas’s professors were giving him a break from assignments.

Life was good, life was incredible.

They had dinner, they had gone to the cinema, and even had breakfast with Ariadne at college. Now Thomas knew where Alastair’s profile picture had been taken. At the outdoor lunch tables. Alastair and Ariadne’s favorite place to have breakfast and gossip.

Thomas had found it calming that talking with Ariadne was easy. He didn’t know what he would do if Alastair’s best friend didn’t like him. Fortunately she seemed to be okay with him. That was good. Because otherwise how could he be with Alastair?

That brought him some other thoughts. Sometimes he’d told himself he was very optimistic about everything. Perhaps even now. Would Alastair want to be with him? Like officially? Bloody hell, they haven’t even kissed.

Was that a bad sign? Perhaps Alastair just hasn’t thought about it. And really, that would be unfair, because Thomas had been imagining it. At least, he didn’t have those thoughts that regularly around Alastair, otherwise he was sure he would look like a tomato all the time. The Carstairs boy hadn’t been really helpful in that area. Thomas suspected he very much liked to make Thomas blush. And then he wouldn’t say a thing, or to try to make a move.

He was still scrolling through his phone when a text came. Speaking of the devil. Or just thinking about him? Whatever. The important thing was the guy he didn’t seemed to be able to stop thinking about was texting him.

He immediately opened the chat and read the message.

He answered quickly.

Yes.

****

Alastair walked excitedly to the place where he was meeting his friends.

It didn’t take him long to spot Ariadne on a table. She was sipping some red liquid from a glass. He waved at her until she saw him.

“Do you think they’re gonna be here soon? I’m hungry.” Ariadne said as soon as he took a seat.

“You want to bribe me so you’re not the only one eating when they arrive?”

“I wouldn’t do that.” She said, shaking his head slowly in fake disappointment.

“Bowl of chips, yes or no? Quick.”

“Yes.” Ariadne clapped her hands. “I love you so much.”

“I know.” He smiled, while he saw Ariadne calling the waiter.

Ten minutes later they had ate almost the entire plate.

“How’s Cordelia?”

“Excited. Remember I told you about her friend Lucie, she just came to our apartment in the morning.”

“Oh, yes. Are they coming tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t want to but I think Layla knew about the party even before us. I don’t think I can stop her but we’ll have to watch those two.”

“I love ruining the fun for the young ones.”

“You make us sound like we’re ancient.”

“Ok, then you’re the only grandpa.”

Alastair glared at her with squinted eyes. “Grace just texted. She says they’ll be here in a few minutes. They were stuck in traffic.”

“They better hurry, cause these ones aren’t going to last.”

“Either way, they would have to order another one.” He said and took more than 3 pieces at the same time.

“This isn’t a competition.” Ariadne said smiling

“But if it were you’d be losing.”

Grace Blackthorn and his brother, Jesse walked into the pub. They waved at the two friends who were already eating.

“Sorry for the lateness, Jesse took more time while readying himself.” Grace said, smiling wickedly at Jesse.

“So it’s this my fault now? We’ve would have been here in time if we hadn't been stuck in traffic.”

“Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten stuck in traffic if we had left the house sooner.”

“You can’t now that.”

The siblings had already taken their seats and were looking at each other with barely contained smirks.

“Well, hello to you guys, Ariadne and I are fine, by the way.” Alastair said.

“But we’re starving, and the chips were good but now I need my chicken wings.” Ariadne said. “But you arrived just in time, we haven’t finished this order yet, want some?” She pushed the dish closer to them.

“Are we gonna order another one?” Jesse asked.

“I could eat some more.” said Ariadne.

“Me too.”

“Then we should order now, I’m starving.”

They ordered pizza and chicken wings, always following the tradition of tasting each other’s dishes.

Eventually, the conversation took the way of gossip. And the latest gossip they all needed was to know more about Alastair’s love life. Their friend had been very cryptic in his texts, Grace and Jesse had to hear the majority trough Ariadne. The siblings were disappointed, that was one of the disadvantages of not studying the same major with them.

“Yes, we’ve went to the movies, we went to the park, and we’ve had other dates.” Alastair said eventually, as if they were forcing information out of him. It was fun to pretend they annoyed him, because everyone knew it wasn’t real. Alastair was glad they had reached this point of trust.

“So, is it real?”

“No, Grace, he’s a hologram, of course he’s real.”

“I meant,” she said, superiorly “it’s official. You found someone who’s actually a catch and you haven’t run away.”

Ariadne smiled and said “She has a point, you know.”

Alastair rolled his eyes. He didn’t need to say anything. He knew his friends were right.

“Shut up. There’s still plenty of time to run.”

“You’re not gonna do it.” Jesse said.

“No, there’s no plan to do it.” Alastair confirmed.

“But, there’s a plan to take him to a date to the museum on Wednesday.” Ariadne intervened.

“Oh my God, you art students are weird. Do people actually go to museums on a date?” Grace joked.

“You don’t get to have a say in that. You had study dates. What the hell is that?” His brother said.

“It’s a good way to get the anatomy learned.” Graced winked.

Jesse looked disgusted while Alastair burst out laughing. When he calmed down he said “Yes, we do that, but in my defense, it was his idea. I told him I liked the pieces in there and Thomas said it would be fun to go there together.” He shrugged.

“Oh my god, it’s more than official, why isn’t he your boyfriend already?” Jesse asked and then took a sip from his beer.

“That’s what I’ve been asking him.” Ariadne said, exasperated. “But this idiot hasn’t even kissed him.”

“You haven’t?” Grace asked incredulously.

“Nope.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“Me neither.” Ariadne intervened.

“This is so weird, you never take so long.” Grace said.

Grace was right, he knew, but this was different. It had been different since the beginning.

After his relationship failed he had tried to date again. He went to dates with some guys, he kissed them, he talked to them, but at the end the result was always the same, he left. One was too clingy, another too arrogant, one made Alastair wonder how he had survived college. Surely someone else had answered his exams. After them, Alastair understood he didn't need a new relationship and he really didn't need to kiss someone he didn't care about. It wasn't fair to them or to Alastair. But now Alastair was in unknown territory because he had never been in this position. He had never met someone like Thomas.

“I don’t know, I— he’s just so sweet, I—”

“So you’re scared to corrupt his kind soul?” Ariadne asked, with air of superiority. She was raising her eyebrow, daring him.

“To be fair he’s so much kinder than me.”

“True. But–“

“What? You’re not even going to disagree?”

“Facts are facts, baby.”

“Guys, we all know that is rubbish.” He pointed at Alastair. “You haven’t run away but you also haven’t given him the opportunity.”

“I am giving him— giving us the chance, perhaps I’m even being too hopeful.”

“I think your hope is well placed, I don’t know Thomas very much but from what I hear, he’s a good guy and he cares a lot about you.”

“We don’t know him, and I know you’ve told us only a little but I believe that is enough for me. I think he’s worth it. And if I’m wrong, I will gladly hunt him down.” Grace said smiling.

Alastair smirked at the thought of slim Grace against muscular Thomas. But he didn’t have doubts about his friend, she could summon strength from only God knows where and give some good punches. He had seen it.

“Yes! Nobody is allowed to hurt my Alastair.” Ariadne agreed.

“I will hold him, and then Grace can punch him.” Jesse affirmed.

“As much as I love this violent show display of protectiveness, I’m gonna say that I don’t want Thomas punched, but of course that’s his decision.” He said, arrogantly.

The group of friends laughed. They all knew Alastair had bad experiences and didn’t want to put his heart at risk. It had been a hard process, but he was getting better every day. Now they all hoped Thomas wouldn’t break his heart.

The serious moment had passed. And Ariadne knew how to set them in another mood.

“You should invite him to tomorrow’s party.”

“Yes, it would be great.” Jesse said.

Alastair had thought about it. He hadn’t decided yet. But he knew it was time to make a decision.

“Only if all of you are going to behave.”

“When aren’t we behaving?” Grace asked, feigning hurt.

“Yeah, behaving like idiots.”

“You’re not helping, Jesse.”

“Go, go.” Ariadne urged.

Alastair took his phone and started typing.

There’s a party tomorrow. I believe it’s a birthday. Honestly, I was just dragged. Would you like to go?

“It’s done.”

When Thomas’s ‘yes’ came they yelled. Alastair rolled his eyes at them. At least three people had turned their heads to glare at them.

[alias-b]

angel cake.

Summary: Former enemies, now friends and maybe lovers, Billy Hargrove and Evie Fenny start teasing in a church confessional. Things take a turn for the heated when Billy's imagination gets away from him. ~Also posted on my AO3

Billy/plus size!OC. Fucking in a confessional. Sin. Filth. Thanks for reading. Weird to write them romantically bc the start of the fic is Rough. They have work to do. Billy Being Nasty In Church. Teaser at later stuff for my new enemies to friends to lovers Billy/OC Fic, Sins of My Youth, that I want to start posting. XOXO.

Billy Hargrove x Evie Fenny

angel cake. 🍰

   “You really have to go to this thing?” Billy’s Camaro roared into a church parking lot. Looked out of place there. Multicolored tulips swept against the spring wind, too pleasant before the fender.

   “Told mom I’d help out. I’m not staying for the festivities, they just need extra hands setting up the food and Easter egg hunt.” Aviators flashed at Evie in the passenger seat.

   Billy with his arm propped in the window. Denim jacket and white button down tucked into tight jeans. Cigarette dangling out his lips. Exceptionally pretty, even against all the pastel flowers and banners set for the holiday. 

   “What a good daughter. Santa ought to put you on the nice list for sure.” He plucked the smoke out to exhale as she brought the car mirror down.

   “Hell, I forgot I had red on today.You have napkins in here?” She opened the glove box to sift through papers. Billy extended his arm.

   “Use the jacket, give me something messy to remember you by.” A wink followed before she took his wrist and smacked a ruby kiss into his forearm, printing the light wash. Eyes flicked as some of the red lipstick got swiped away, leaving a more pink tint behind.

   “Thanks, I guess.”

   “Red is the devil’s color,  Evangeline.” Came some mocking in a horrid southern accent. She scoffed with her eyes elsewhere.

   “You could always come help if you’re going to pout.” She dug around her purse.

   “Not pouting. Churches and I don’t mix. It’s the one thing dad and I agree on.” Billy pulled his shades down and folded them into his front pocket with the cigarettes. 

   “Well, pick me up in an hour, we’ll go catch something scary and sinful.” She applied chapstick and rubbed her lips together.

   “Sinful? I like that.” Billy’s fingers squeezed her thigh, hot on skin and just barely under the little black suspender skirt. Evie wore a brightly colored tee with sunflowers all over it. Her usual green bomber jacket covered in patches. “That new?”

   “The chapstick? No, it’s tinted and smells like watermelon though.”

   “Let me try.” Billy saw her offer the tube and instead pulled her in by the collar for a kiss. Mashing their lips together. He flicked his tongue out for good measure and heard her gasp against his ferocity. It still managed to catch her off guard. A light smack when he parted, tonguing his bottom lip. “Mm, tastes like watermelon too.”

   “Billy, there are people over there.” She pushed his wandering hand out of her skirt.

   “I’d like to see Jesus himself come out and...what the fuck is that?” Billy’s finger lifted so Evie followed it to see the Easter Bunny leaving a lone side door. Lavender fur with white tufts, huge goofy grin.

   “Yeah, they have someone dress up every year for when the kids arrive, which is in about sixty minutes, so I gotta go.” Evie had Billy’s wrist again to check the time. Pecked his cheek and shifting before he about howled. “What?” Her body jumped at the sound.

   “No fucking way!” Billy was scrambling out because the bunny head had come off so a quick smoke could be snuck around back. “No way! Hey, Harrington! That you, amigo? What’s up, doc?” 

   Steve spun on his heel, holding a cigarette in one hand and the bunny head under his other arm. His head fell back with a groan because Billy was leaning up against his chair, bent over to belly laugh.

   “Hargrove?” Steve looked mortified, but played tough. “Are they really letting you within five feet of a church?” Billy was too busy cackling to retort. Fist clenched and head resting upon his arm on the Camaro.

   “The fucking tail.” Billy wasn’t stopping so Evie crossed her arms.

   “What happened to Gary?” Evie approached Steve, head cocking. “Ignore Billy.”

   “I try to… And food poisoning. I dropped Dustin off at home yesterday to help Claudia out and she begged me last minute. I’m getting fifteen bucks for it though. Not bad for the Saturday before Easter.” He flashed a half smile. “Suit kinda smells like potpourri, I-...Is he gonna stop or what?” 

   “He’ll tucker himself out eventually.” Evie turned her head to see Billy unable to get air. “Billy, take a breath already before you pass out!” A huge gulp followed. More wild laughter. “Jeez.”

   “I’m never gonna live this down, shit.” Steve mumbled around his smoke, flicking it. “Asshole.”

   “Might want to get back in, Pastor will have a cow if he catches you smoking in the suit.” Evie took the head to help Steve back into it.

   “See you, Hargrove. Remember to breathe, dick.” The bunny snuck back in the side door. Another round of laughs at the sight of the puffy tail.

   “I wanna kick his ass so bad. You don’t understand.” Billy stretched out, eyes watering and cheeks blushed. Freckles glowing.

   “You short circuiting still?” Evie peered down at her boots.

   “I don’t know what Easter is about, but that...was the best shit I’ve ever seen.” Billy snickered like a little boy with his hand in the cookie jar. Evie only rolled her eyes.

   “New beginnings, Billy.” Heels clicked up behind them so Billy straightened quick to get his composure.

   “Hey, mom.” Evie leaned out from behind the boy.

   Mona Fenny appeared from the main doors, her arms full of bags. Brightly colored plastic eggs packed with treats about to spill out. Hair pumped, unable to move, with a short 60s sheath dress clinging to her body. Yellow and orange print. Something that was definitely noted by the men around. Single and ready at all times. Evie felt her cheeks heat at her mother.

   “New beginnings, Miss Mona?” Billy repeated, one hand sliding into his jean pocket.

   “That’s what I always thought, sugar.” That southern twang thick beyond all reach.

   Billy always liked to poke fun at Evie, she had the slightest Louisiana touch to her voice that came out when she was in a more fiery disposition. She swore it wasn’t true.

   “Evie, they’re trying to get the dessert table set up. I didn’t realize Billy was joining us.” Mona continued.

   “Oh, I-”

   “You know, Billy was actually telling me he’s never been to a real Easter gathering before. Not a church event.” Evie’s sly smile crossed and he shot her a look. “I’m sure those big, strong arms you got would really help out setting up.” Evie came to him and gave his bicep a pat.

   “That’s lovely, Billy. You know the kids just love this event, fun in the sun and more food than you’ll ever eat. Go on inside, you two. We have decorations to get going.” Mona clicked away, peppy in stride.

   “I had a hair appointment.” Billy hissed through his teeth when Evie’s mother was gone.

   “You want to tell my mother that you’re going to get your hair done somewhere that isn’t her salon?” Evie’s lips pressed. Billy’s face scrunched because she had him there. “I panicked, the people here are too much. Please stay.”

   “Your mom never turns her volume down, does she? Looking more like a brunette Sharon Tate than a Dolly Parton.” Billy locked his car, stuffing the scorpion keychain into his pocket.

   “Been like that since dad left, she’s...on the market. Trying to feel good. People notice and they say some not great stuff. She went from dressing like a nun to a model overnight.” Evie was holding her arms close to her chest still, making this unconscious patting motion Billy always noted like she was trying to console herself.

   “Really bugs you, what people think.”

   “It’s a small town, it bugs everyone.” Evie turned, skirt flitting while her curls bounced. “Don’t like all these guys ogling my mom.”

   Doesn’t like that one might replace her dad. Evie peered back at Billy, lips pushed up to appear brighter. He decided he wanted to see her happier without force.

   “I’ll stick around. You owe me.” Steps followed. One hand gave her bottom a firm pat.

   “You know, the Easter Bunny has to do a dance before the festivities begin?” She whispered then. “It’s tradition.”

   Billy perked up like a dog.

   “Right, so, decorations?” He waltzed ahead with a giggling girl in tow. Spotted the moms passing boxes off. All stilling to see him there. Wind sweeping his blond locks like a beefcake out of a romance novel. Shirt open with his saint chain glinting upon his tanned chest. “Ladies.”

   “Hi, Billy.” Came the chorus.

   He ate that up a little. 

   Sunlight was barely felt through the spring breeze. Balloons and streamers glowed every direction. Twisted around Evie’s manicured fingers as she passed them up to Billy to be tied around the banner.

   “Feel like I might float away here.” The wind swept up her unruly curls as she smiled below when Billy peered to see her. Pink and violet balloons. Yellow streamers. She looked like a piece of decadent candy there. “What?”

   Billy snapped out of it.

   “Why do I have to be on the ladder?” He snatched another bundle of strings from her to tie them up.

   “I wore a skirt so I wouldn’t have to be.” Came the cheeky reply. Hawkins residents hurried all over to set up the grassy field.

   “Let’s switch. Although, the view here ain’t half bad. I can totally see down your shirt.” His tongue swept over eager lips as eyes lowered to her breasts. Brows furrowed to glare at him. It was striking how cute she was, even angry. High, apple cheeks and pillowy lips. The sun brought some gold into lush, dark curls. 

   “Jerk.” An arm hanging with streamers covered her chest. “We’re standing next to a church. Behave yourself, you’re fixing to get smited.”

   “God’s got bigger problems than me.” He shrugged, caught his tongue in teeth. Smirked. “Fixin’ to. Your Louisiana is showing.”

   “Shut it, I got too much family down there still. Sometimes it jumps out. I don’t have an accent.”

   “You so do. Just saying it’s cute.” He caught her cheeks flooding all strawberries and cream.

   “Hey, I have to keep my clinically unapproachable ice queen reputation. You’re not helping.”

   “Damn cute then.” Billy’s head cocked. A wink of those sinfully, long lashes. “Hand me another one.”

   Evie’s hand came to his to offer a new bundle of balloons.

   Green grass swept about as parents worked to hide eggs all over and a full spread of picnic food was set out on blue gingham tables. Kids started to pile in so Billy decided it was time to hide around the building after snagging the biggest piece of apple pie he could. Alone, they watched the crowds play beyond a row of vibrant tulips.

   “One fork?” Evie leaned up against the wall.

   “You had my tongue in your mouth this morning, don’t complain about sharing a fork.”

   “Fair enough.” She let him feed her a bite. “That wasn’t so bad, time flew. You want to jet?” A bouncy tune played as Billy craned his neck around the corner after a huge bit of pie. Evie followed his line of sight.

   “Easter is my new favorite holiday.” He let Evie snag the fork to finish off the slice, tossing the plate into the trash. Genuine laughter as Steve Harrington did a jig in his costume across the open field. Billy’s arm slid over Evie’s shoulders. “You think I can pay one of these kids to kick bunny in the nuts?”

   “We’re leaving… Before you traumatize some child.” She tugged at his wrist to sneak in a side door. “Left my coat and purse over here.”

   Absolutely empty and dim save for the morning sun spilling into stained glass. They passed rows of pews to the tables covered in empty boxes. Evie went for her purse and realized she already lost Billy, curiously rooting around.

   “Hey, don’t touch that.”

   “They actually have one of these things? I thought movies made this shit up.” Billy poked his head around the little confessional booth. Hardwood and sleek to touch. Ornate and out of place against bright blue wallpaper. Two doors on either side. “So, everyone’s planning on staying outside right? Should be entertained a few hours, hm.”

   He went in and a lock clicked.

   “Billy, hey.” Evie felt the urge to keep her voice low. “Get out of there. They actually don’t really use this thing anymore.”

   “Doesn’t get use, eh? Too bad.” His snicker was muffled. “Get in the other side, Angel, confess your sins.”

   “I’ll confess that I think the nickname is still silly.” She wiggled the handle and poked her head into the opposite side. Saw Billy’s pretty silhouette through the tiny mesh window. Both sides were cramped like an airplane bathroom.

   “Roomier than I thought.”

   “Some of us have hips here.” Evie huffed at him, the door shut while she slid inside. “Kinda creepy actually, let’s go.”

   “You gotta confess first, it’s the rule.” His wild curls flicked so she plopped into the wooden bench.

   “This is not even sexy, I feel like I’m about to be murdered here.” She pressed her hands on either wall.

   “Better confess quick in that case,” Billy leaned in, she saw his lashes flutter, “what color are your panties today?”

   “Billy.” She covered the mesh with one hand.

   “Do they match the bra?” He continued, voice lowering.

   “I’m not doing this.” Evie lifted her skirt and shifted a lacy pair of shorts aside to see. Billy’s breath drew heavier. “What’s it matter if they match?”

   “If they match, you walked into this church thinking you’d be getting some later.” He said that far too matter-a-factually. “Sinner. What color? Describe them exactly.”

   “You’re being gross.” She knew he heard the band of her little biker shorts snap. Caved. “Purple. Like a lilac.”

   “Cotton?”

   “...Satin.”

   A lengthy hum from Billy at that.

   “And the bra. I’m assuming the same.” He already heard Evie shuffling to check.

   “Ah, shit.” She let her shirt go and he chuckled. “I didn’t even plan that. I wasn’t thinking about it.”

   “Your subconscious knew, Angel. No denying it.” Billy propped his arm up.

   “Okay, what do you have on?” The challenge was easily met.

   “Nothing under the jeans, currently. You should try it.”

   “In a skirt? Without my little shorts? My thighs would rub, I’d be miserable.” Came a whine.

   “I’d massage your poor thighs, maybe blow the hot skin to cool it off if you like.” His suggestion wasn’t helpful. “Spread them and rub some ice to make you feel better. Few kisses all the way up.” That damn low baritone lingered upon the syllables like he might lick them. Evie gave a silent snort out her nose. “You’d probably squirm a little bit like you are now.”

   “I am not squirming.” Evie’s chest lifted, eyes turned to Billy’s outline.

   “Now, Angel, you can’t tell lies in here. The sins are just piling up for you today.” Billy peered around, couldn’t see much in here. Spotted her lips parting, but sound came out. “Betcha, you’re already soaked through those satin, lilac panties.” His purring was met with hard silence before a forcibly huff.

   “Billy...quit it.” She bit her lip this time sounding like she’d smiled. Billy spotted her cheeks lifting, full and blushed all pretty he figured.

   “I’ll confess, it took every ounce of fight in me to get you here on time. Lot of places in this town to stop and...park at for a bit. The one charming thing I discovered about this place.”

   “How sunny side up of you.” She hummed.

   “You would have let me have it because we would have parked for awhile. You’d be late. Probably left your wrecked panties in the backseat and walked around here with fireworks still going off under your skin. We both know it.” 

   “Probably wouldn’t have made it here at all.” Her slow reply was uttered and Billy grinned.

   “See, I behaved.” He got closer to the window. “Confess, Evie.”

   “Confess that you’re a total horn dog.” She drew in to meet him.

   “Confess what you want me to do to you in there.” Billy murmured. She blew a curl out her face at that. “I got it, I want you to be my first.” He’d offered that with huge, glittering eyes she’d caught the glint of. Eyebrows jumped.

   “What? Literally yesterday, we-”

   “I never fucked in a church before.” He got her eyes rolling hard, almost to the back of her skull.

   “Jesus Christ, Billy.” She covered the mesh again, heard him laughing on the other side.

   “Not the name you need to be moaning right now.” Billy smacked the window closed and came out. 

   “Finally, we can go-” Evie had the door open. Still blushing. Chest puffed. 

   Billy appeared from smoke, had his hands on either side before he pushed in. Catching her lips on the way until the door could shut behind them. Cupping Evie’s face so she pressed into the wall. Back of her legs hit the bench and managed to not buckle. Palms felt around the hardwood for something to grab for until fingers bunched up Billy’s jacket.

   She broke for air. Gulped on it before his tongue was back into her mouth.

   “We should…” Lips swelled with kisses. “Go to the car.”

   “Will you make that walk? I know I won’t.” Came the hushed reply. “We could cross something big off the bucket list.” Persuasive lips were already working on her neck, teeth tugged her ear and grazed back down. Billy got a handful of her tits and hummed.

   “Not...Not sure it’s on my bucket list.” She just held onto him. Knees wobbling as Billy massaged through the bra.

   “I’d add it now while you have time.” He pecked her throat. Felt the pulse under tender skin racing. “Confess.” It was a sinful purr. Evie’s head tipped back. Lungs starting to sputter. Billy made her heart a pile of volcanic mush.

   “What if someone comes in?” She let him tuck her curls aside. Lips on her cheeks and jaw. Finding her mouth again. Tasting sweet sugar from the apple pie they shared.

   “We’ll just have to keep it down and pray the party is entertaining enough to keep people outside.” He mumbled, coming out to pull the shirt from her skirt up over the pretty bra she had on. 

   Hands pulled her suspenders forth until Evie molded into him. Kissed back with the same fierce vigor he gave. Felt the chain around his neck while her fingers slipped under the collar of his shirt, four buttons already undone.

   The hard lines of his body sweltered with fire. Whatever resolve she might have had melted away completely. 

   Evie liked how he always cupped her face to look at her features close between steaming kisses. Fingers trailed to work her bra down just enough for her to spill into his touch. Into his mouth. Bruising suckles. Teeth edging across silken skin. Tongue swirling one dark, rosy nipple than the other as she tried to quiet herself and ran fingers into his gold mane. A hiss and Billy’s eyes lifted. Evie’s head was turned aside, teeth in her bottom lip. Eyes shut.

   “Cute when you try to hold it together.” Cool breath against her hard, wet nipple sent a vibration down her spine. Billy licked up her chest to inhale that amber perfume, a floral scent with a touch of vanilla from her lotion. Smelled lush to match him. She pushed his face back into her cleavage, partly to quiet him because he was too cocky.

   Chuckling and breathless, Billy came up to tease her lips. Twisting her nipples just so to elicit a sigh. Low and even, Billy ran his finger over her mouth.

   “Just confess, Angel, it’ll feel so fucking good when you do.” He caught her bottom lip and let it go.

   “Promise?” Evie’s lips parted involuntarily at his touch, let his finger stroke her tongue and slip out. 

   “I promise.” That same hand already hiked her skirt to tug at shorts until they came down. His finger inched under the waistband of her panties, teasing sensitive skin. She pressed into his body, vibrating for more. Swaying. Arms snug around his shoulders to stay upright.

   A shameless sound when her lips collided with his. Thigh hitching around his hips in a needy motion. Not shy about what she desired for one beat because he knew how to coax that side of her out. Billy teased lighter kisses, let his deft fingers dance along her inner thigh. Evie was stubborn and she knew what he wanted. 

  Confession.

   A growl rippled out her tense vocal cords. Trying to reel sound in despite Billy’s inherent ability to make her see new sparks of vivid neon colors here in pure darkness.

   “Okay…” She panted, pulling for him until their foreheads touched. “Okay.” A drunken moment where eyes could close. One beat of peace in obscenity. His free arm tightened around the small of her back so they were flush together. Perfect fit. Every curve to her body sloped easily into him. An almost Biblical fate because of how good they felt together. Evie parted her mouth to ghost it over his. “I sinned.”

   “Yeah?” Billy’s palm inched up to reward her sighs. A smirk crossed. “How’s that?”

   “Because I was hoping you’d pull over on the way here. Would have seen the new underwear in a better light. And I squirmed the whole way. Your loss.” All that cheeky strength simmered down when fingers pushed between thick thighs. Wet satin fabric slipped deliberately against her and Billy moaned at the mere feel. Rock hard.

   “Fuck, you’re soaked, Angel.” His tone thickened.

   Evie wasn’t able to articulate. Face in his chest with her needy fingers tight on his jacket. She played her demure self again. Billy felt her legs tremor, nudged them further apart with his boot.

   “All for me? I wouldn’t call it a loss. You gotta hold yourself up a bit longer, open that mouth again.” He gave her two slick fingers to suck so he could kiss down her tits some more. Plucked and nipped at every sensitive part of her body. “Fucking god damn it, I might give religion a shot after this.”

   “Yeah?” Evie licked the pads as Billy slunk down to marvel. Thought about taking her skirt off, but he decided he liked the way the straps framed her breasts partially spilling out of the bra.

   One hand forced her thigh up until her foot hit the bench. Evie was curved back into the wall, holding the side frame and gripping Billy’s shoulder.

   “Long as I get to go where you’re going, I don’t give a shit about anything else.” A chuckle warmed her leg as he pushed her skirt up out of the way.

   “That sounded oddly sentimental.”

   “Maybe I’ll bring you down to my level instead. Sinner.” Billy’s mouth placed one open kiss against her wet panties. Tongue following the hard swell of her bud. She decided she’d let him there in darkness. Every muscle in Evie’s body jumped at full attention. His divine and equally wicked mouth hummed blissfully. She craned to dig teeth into her own arm. Fists clenching.

   Billy maneuvered her leg over to get the ruined fabric down. Tucked them into his coat pocket and she figured she wouldn’t be seeing them again. Kneeling, Billy scooted closer and pushed her thigh back up, baring her to his mouth. 

   A cry hitched, snuffing out immediately as he tasted her. Filthy, open mouth kisses until her fingers tangled into his hair. Pulled. Billy moaned into her folds. Squeezed her thighs and loved the feel of them. God, he really couldn’t get enough of this girl. Every whine she let him have. Every nerve that wanted him. Needed him to ease the frays and sizzling. He just couldn’t get enough and was fine with following her into the dark.

   “Don’t stop.” Evie whispered. Hair falling into her face while her breasts rose and fell. She licked her lips and savored him.

   The dirty sounds he made against her that barely carried outside the booth. Billy squeezed her breast once he was certain she could stay up so she covered his hand. Craned to suck fingers. A gasp left. Evie’s hips rolled into his mouth. Asking for even more until two fingers pushed inside. 

   Billy moaned when her walls clamped. Pumped through the resistance to massage her nice and deep. Evie was quivering there. Using both arms on the sides to stay up. Shameless working into him now. Billy made a vaguely amused sound and gave an obscene pop around her clit, leaning out with arousal slicking his pink lips. It was music, the sounds her body let flow into crisp air.

   “Damn, no wonder you don’t go here anymore. Fucking yourself so hard and pretty on my fingers like this. You couldn’t make the nice list if you paid.” Being eye level with the sight had his cock twitching almost painfully. Evie’s head was tossed back. Clearly getting herself closer so Billy pulled away. Silenced her whine with a kiss. Let her suck and nip at his bottom lip. “See how fucking good you taste?”

   Evie’s hands were opening his belt. Quick and eager. Billy hitched as one palm slipped in, fingers ghosting trimmed blond hair to ease him out of the denim.

   “Confess, Evie, how bad you want me to fuck you right here.” He spoke as if he still had the upper hand.

   “Bet you I can do it without words.” Evie had his hips, guiding Billy to switch so he could sit. The question died and buried itself the second she sank down to lick precum pooling at his tip. Billy’s hips thrust up, eyes heavy and hooded.

   “That bad?” He shuddered, legs opening so she could lean into him. Evie unbuttoned the rest of his shirt to kiss the steel muscles. Twitching and molten. Nails scraped his skin. Stopped to stroke him idly. Kissing his abdomen, thighs, and tip. Evie traced the lines of vein and muscle. Down his shaft and back up his chest. So many sharp angles to explore.

   Little butterfly kisses while she leaned in until his cock slipped snug between her breasts. Spit slick and beading clear arousal. Billy moaned at the sight and gave a rut as she noticed and started to come out. 

   Hands latched to her shoulders. Billy hummed and rolled her nipple. Felt the weight of her tits and pushed them to squeeze his shaft. Idle fingers stilled to tuck her hair back in a way that was almost tender.

   “You’re pretty like this,” he said thoughtfully, “you’re pretty every which way.” Teeth tugged at her bottom lip. A shy kiss followed. Sometimes, he got so bold, she sank. Learned to savor it. Billy whispered against her. “Have I ever told you my cock looks great between your tits like that?” Frankly, he’d be happy to get off rubbing between her breasts or thighs alone. Fingers digging into supple skin. Evie had become a drug to him. Vanilla and amber immersed him in a high.

   “The occasion hasn’t really crossed.”

   “I’ll have to fix that next time I can lie you down.” Billy let her stroke him again and come up. Hesitating so he had to encourage her. “Get in my lap.” He was already pulling her into him. Smoothing hair back sweetly for lingering kisses.

   She long stopped worrying about feeling too heavy for him. Billy threw her around a mattress like it was nothing. Spread her legs, bent them up how he liked. Marveled at her flexibility. Kissed her obscenely and told her how pretty and blushed she looked. She liked when he was ample with her body. The boy certainly lifted enough weights, a fuller girl with hips was nothing to that. Jeans shifted lower as she straddled him. A kiss before she sank down.

   Billy moaned. A low honeyed sound into her ear. Almost musical. Arms wrapped tighter. Evie thanked God for birth control and moved at his coaxing.

   “C’mon, fuck me. I want it.” Billy kissed her fiercely. Nipples. Collar. Throat. Jawline. Mouth. And each time, he felt that same thrill rush his bones. A palm smacked her ass, squeezed it. Got drunk off the pulsing and little whines she gave him as if they were gift wrapped. “Confession. I want pictures of you. Spread out with my cock in you every way you like. They won’t beat the real thing, but fuck, I can’t...stop with you. Don’t want to.”

   Billy looked vulnerable when he moaned so pretty.

   His knuckles traced the curve of her cheekbone. Evie bounced, gripped his shoulders to stay upright with her spine curving. Unable to respond to something so passionate. Billy had that mode on him, sometimes it came out in odd ways. Filthy words to match his obscene way of caressing and worship. His manner of making Evie feel bold and sexy. Cute. Pretty. Fierce. Desired. The fact that sometimes he’d lie still for once and seek out her fingers across his curls and her lips on his cheek.

   Evie Fenny was a drug and cure to him, all at once. She gave back. Made Billy feel full and light. Made him feel present. Like he could shed his fangs. Lie back and feel the sun on his skin.

   “Confession,” Evie said between quick kisses with her thumb tracing the edge of his jaw, “I want more of you too. After....”

   “After?” He scoffed. “Like tonight?”

   “Just… After.” She slowed to rock into him. Deep thrusts that made them both moan in sync. So close. “After what’s next for us. Life. High school. Whatever. I want you to be apart of my after.”

   He could blame the sex for short circuiting her brain, he’d given it to her pretty hard.

   “I don’t know what I’m saying.” She rubbed her eyes, laughed because it felt silly. Felt Billy swoop in to kiss her. Wordlessly validating it wasn’t silly at all. That was another thing they did, pumped life into hopeful hearts and dwindling thoughts of something more. Something that was waiting...after.

   “We’ll deal with the after.” Billy skimmed a hand between them. Stroked her until she gave a cry into the denim of his jacket. A beautiful note. Evie thought she heard the twinkling music from outside, joyful and airy. Realized that maybe it was just playing in her head. “Right now, I want you to come.” He pecked her parted lips. “Cum for me, Angel.”

  “Billy.” She found his mouth again. They shared a godly nectar in one kiss. He worked her hips into his as she climaxed. Lungs heaving with a great arch. Billy watched her tits bounce and found his own release quick. Let her slip into him as he fell back to the wall. Lungs tried to find some peace. That New Orleans accent laced her tone again. “God damn it, Billy.”

   “Still a church, Fenny.” He massaged her thighs. Eyes shifting while she breathed even and fixed her bra. Tucked her shirt back in.

  “I need a bathroom. This is about to be a mess.” She slipped off him, pulled her undershorts back on because he wasn’t giving her panties up. Thighs hummed, sore and blissful. Billy tucked himself away to fix his own clothing back. Evie poked her head out. “Coast is clear.”

  Without thinking, she laced her hand in his. Hurried him out to the bathroom to pee and wash up. Saw her patchy, red cheeks in the mirror and huffed. Patted cold water on them. Billy finished at the sink and lit a quick cigarette by the window. That chipper music lingered outside.

  “Your mom is going to be here awhile. I vote your place.”

  “Movie on the couch.” She flicked hair aside. Billy flashed a smile, nodding as he snuffed the smoke out.

  “To start, maybe.” Two fingers grasped her chin, angled Evie’s mouth for a slow kiss. Tasted sweet, obscene, and smoky all at once. Made her dizzy.

  “I’d come back here under certain conditions.” He passed to go out with Evie behind him. She found her purse and coat again.

   “Let’s go, you had your fun.” She chuckled as they rejoined the event outside. Wind and all.

  “Uh, I think you did too.” Billy’s arm hung around her shoulder. Easy with their height difference.

  “You two leaving?” Mona had called, edging from her conversation to cross once the teens were outside. Evie pressed her legs together. Smiled. The Pastor who’d been speaking to her mother followed too. Plastic grin upon his face.

  “Ah, yeah, I’ll see you later, mom.” Evie had replied.

  “Thanks for coming to help.” Mona beamed. “Pastor Ray, you know Billy. Our neighbor. He was kind enough to help out.”

  “Mr. Hargrove. I’m surprised to see you here.” They shook tense hands.

  “Only thing I like more than Jesus is Christ. Who doesn’t want to turn water into wine.” Billy’s sarcasm was almost charming. He got a flat look in return.

  “I see...”

  “Evie, can you take some of the food home, honey? We’ll feed the neighbors.” Mona grasped Evie’s arm to pull her forth. “Just put it in the fridge. I’ll organize later.”

  “Sure.” Evie started to follow.

  “Be sure to grab the cherry pie if there’s any left. The ladies outdid themselves this year. Billy, you’re free to take some food home, son.” The Pastor addressed him kindly again. Billy’s grin flashed shiny teeth.

  “I love a good cherry pie, but I filled up on angel cake.”

  He caught Evie’s head whipping toward him as she went. Eyes ablaze which made his smile bigger.

  “Oh?” Ray’s head cocked. “I didn’t see that over there. Must have went fast.”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, sir.” Billy patted the man’s shoulder and sauntered by. “Nice church, by the way. Pointy.” Evie hurried to his car with her arms full of Tupperware and boxes. Settled them in the backseat.

  “You’re so dead.” She looked sweet, waving at her mother across the lot. Billy laughed, starting his car. “I pick the music.” Her hand swatted his and a groan followed as she tuned the radio to some Etta James. Billy revved out of the parking lot, turning some heads as he went.

  “Admit it, you wouldn’t change what you did today. Sinner.” Billy’s free hand found her leg out of his usual habit. “Made my first church going experience special.”

  “Don’t turn on the waterworks just yet.” She teased back, sucking her cheeks in without looking at him. “Still mad at you.” A smile pulled her forcibly grumpy expression. Billy came to a stoplight. Tugged at a curl to let it bounce so she peered at him. Nose crinkling when she broke to chuckle.

  “Admit it.” Billy gave her thigh a squeeze, vibrant eyes flickering.

  “Make me.” Evie said, facing the road. “Later.” Lips lifted before the light turned green. His Camaro lurched forward.

  “Happy to.” Billy caught the song change. “Hey.”

  “Hm?”

  “It’s that song you’re always singing to yourself.” Billy turned it up. Irma Thomas. “The mushy one.” Her favorite. He played like it was a careless thing, but Evie stared at him. Warming. Reeled in too easily.

   Anyone…

   Anyone…

  “Shocked you paid attention to that.” She offered after a beat.

  “I have to hear it every day I see you, Evie.” Billy snorted, ocean eyes intent on the road. Evie knew better. “Not like I have a choice. Singing and plucking that guitar constantly.” He peered at the trees. “That stuff you were rambling about during the sex high about after.”

   “Sex high.” She scoffed.

   “Was that the fucking making a mess of you?” Billy asked slower. “Used to hate me.”

   “I didn’t hate you,” Evie paused when he shot her an unconvinced look, “we weren’t agreeable.”

   “Agreeable? Okay, now you sound like that prissy Austen chick you like to read.” Billy’s retort made her giggle. These little details he picked up about her that stuck with him. It was true, their relationship used to be in the negative for good reason.

   “I like when we hang out.” Evie shrugged. “Labels. Whatever. I just meant, we should...keep hanging out.”

   “After?”

   “After.” Evie produced simply. Billy twitched amusement at her, turned a corner.

   “Well,” he parked, “I don’t know, good. I guess”

   “Fine.”

   “Great.” Billy cut back in, challenged.

   “Wonderful.”

   “Fan-fucking-tastic.”

   Evie grasped his jacket, shut him up with a kiss. Made the boy breathless there. Billy’s blue eyes glimmered at her. Calm seas for miles. The sun shined into his car. Made the teens glow.

   “Movie?” She unbuckled to get out with him following. “Gotta get this food into my fridge.”

   “Only if I pick.” Billy stood there and let her set boxes into his arms before she grabbed the rest so they could walk up the driveway.

   “Sure. Our tastes align.” Evie peeked back at him with doe brown eyes. “I trust you.” She’d offered that too casually, Billy stilled at the door to watch her unlock it. Blinked.

   That was the thing about them, how nonchalant their hearts beat together. A totally on purpose accident. Billy remembering Evie’s quirks and her reluctance to show certain petals sprouting from her stem for fear the world might not like the colors. Budding to flash them with some fire and vibrancy because she had a boy who encouraged them despite it all. And she teased this incandescent quality back out of him with ease. Made him work to be still and feel the world turn once in a blue moon. Billy gave this little smile to himself without her noticing and followed Evie into the house.

   They hadn’t trusted each other before. And now it was approaching the after. Whatever that meant. Evie glowed to beam at him there and few things were mattering today. New beginnings.

   Billy let himself hope that the after would last.

[keelywolfe]

FIC: Bedside Stories ch.3 (baon)

Summary: Edge is finally home, ready for a week of relaxation and healing! Yeah, about that...

Tags: Spicyhoney, Established Relationships, Domestic, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury, 

Part of the ‘by any other name’ series.

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Read it on AO3

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Read it here!

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So, thing was, Stretch loved Edge. Like, really loved him. It was hard to believe a few years ago if he’d stumbled across Edge drowning in a lake, he probably would have offered him a nice glass of ice water. To be honest, Stretch didn’t even like to think about those days because it had a lot less to do with Edge and a hell of a lot more to do with him being a raging dick, but eh, it happened, they’d worked through the hedge maze of their issues, and the prize at the center was finding the love of his life.

A few bumps in the road didn’t change that, a little stupidity shared on both sides. He loved Edge, Edge loved him and that was a fact.

So it was kinda nostalgic, in a way, how much Stretch wanted to murder him.

Okay, not really, but he might’ve considered a little light maiming, if Edge already being maimed wasn’t the main issue at hand.

Literally zero people ever would be surprised that Captain Control Issues was a very shitty patient. Stretch liked to think that he personally raised annoying doctors until they cut him loose to a new artform, destined for museums and private galleries alike. But Edge, ah, he didn’t argue with doctors or nurses or brothers or husbands or whoever took the time to wander into his life to give some much needed medical advice, no sir.

What he did was politely allow them to state their piece and then completely ignore it and do whatever he decided was the best course of action instead, and if that ended up with him passed out on the bathroom floor that one time after a nasty bout of Monster flu, welp, next time he’d probably just try harder not to get caught.

The irony of him demanding to be able to take care of, oh, everyone and not allowing anyone to give back the favor was bitterly delicious.

Getting Edge to promise to behave was a pretty good first move, but that had problems of its own. To begin with, Edge tended not to give promises the weight that Stretch thought they deserved, and he didn’t much feel guilty if he decided it was in everyone’s best interest to break it.

Two, even if he was keeping to the letter of the promise that did not mean he couldn’t be an asshole about it.

Stretch could admit he’d probably been setting himself up for a fail by asking Blue to give them a ride home from the hospital. His reasoning for doing it made sense at the time; Blue was feeling a little left out by his big bro, so while Andy could’ve done it and would’ve probably rejoiced to be asked, Blue had been freaking ecstatic.

Problem was, there was only so much ecstasy to go around and Blue took up all the best shares.

The drive home was like getting served up a nice, rare slice of hell, with Blue chattering nonstop about how Edge needed to follow the doc’s directions and that he needed to listen to Papy, and that he’d be happy to come over and help out with chores and he could clean the kitchen, do laundry, whatever they needed, they only had to ask and Blue would be there in a flash, starry-eyed and ready to work!

Edge’s noncommittal grunts morphed into strained silence, then to something very nearly a subsonic growl of restrained murder, especially when Blue mentioned touching the kitchen. Stretch could only desperately go for the diversions, not an easy task when he was origamied into the tiny backseat, prying his knee out of his mouth long enough to change topics.

He’d felt like a batter at a baseball game filled with maniacal clowns that’d tied one hand behind his back so he was stuck desperately swinging at any ball that got hurled in his direction on the off chance he’d get the miracle of a home run.

The straw that finally broke his wounded camel’s back was Blue innocently asked if Edge had scheduled his mental health assessment yet, and that was interesting for two reasons; one, that he obviously hadn’t and two, that Stretch didn’t know about it, which was a little bit of bullshit. There was already one person in this relationship who liked to lie by omission, they didn’t need two.

“you need to get an assessment?” Stretch asked, cautiously, because he could read a room, thanks, “for what?”

After a long moment of deafening silence, Edge said, “Everyone involved in the incident is required before they return to work, and, no, I haven’t scheduled it yet.”

Stretch got the nuance in that right quick, he was pretty damn familiar with his baby’s quirks, and the growl layered under his voice meant, ‘I do not want to talk about this, so I cordially request you stop, lest I am forced to do something awful that I will feel guilty about for days.’

Shame Blue wasn’t fluent in Edge-ese, since he immediately started in, “Oh, but you should, it’s wonderful! I stayed for a few hours just to chat and--”

“I will get around to it!”

That snarl was loud enough to echo in the car and Stretch cringed as Blue fell silent. This...this sucked, this was awful, a parody of all the times Blue interceded when he and Edge were still at each other’s throats, only Stretch wasn’t nearly as damn good at it, he didn’t want his husband and his brother fighting, but anxiety was choking him as he tried to think of what to say to take things down a notch.

Blue beat him to it, saying with easy mildness, “All right.”

He snapped on the radio, and that he chose an easy listening channel that Edge was fond of was a pretty nice concession in Stretch’s opinion.

He wasn’t so sure Edge agreed. The car had barely stopped when Edge was out the door, simmering gently while he waited for Stretch unfold himself from the backseat and get his crutches out of the trunk. Stretch only offered them silently, watching as his husband bumped his way up to the porch, balancing awkwardly on one leg to unlock the door, which he shut firmly behind him.

Okay, yeah, got that loud and clear.

Seemed like Blue wasn’t as oblivious to the early stages of homicide in the air as Stretch thought, because he didn’t follow, only left the car running as he got out. It was so frustrating, Blue’s heart was always in the right place and damn if there was anything Stretch could think to do about the sadness in his smile as he said, “Why don’t I just bring over a casserole later?”

“that’d be great, bro,” Stretch said honestly, even as he waffled helplessly. He knelt and pulled him in for a hug, holding on tight. That Blue snuggled in happily made him feel a little better, and he whispered against the side of his brother’s skull, “keep me from trying to burn down the kitchen making dinner.”

Blue nodded, his chin digging into Stretch’s shoulder. “Tell Edge I hope he feels better soon? And if you do need anything, please call.”

“i will,” Stretch promised, then lingering outside to watch his brother drive away. Only then did he go in and that was when the real battle began.

Here he was, ready and willing to give his baby anything and everything he could possibly need to help him heal and what the survey was coming back with was that what Edge wanted was absolutely nothing.

Help getting into the shower? Nope. Help propping his leg up on the precise stack of pillows he’d insisted on making himself? Nada. Food at least he took with grudging thanks, eating it with sharp, precise bites while he sat glaring at either the television or his phone. Stretch almost told him if he didn’t pay attention, he was gonna bite off a finger, but eh, there were times when it didn’t pay to test your luck.

Three days in and about the only thing Stretch could be grateful for was that they didn’t have any hair because both of them would’ve been ripping it out in handfuls by now. If Edge was going stir-crazy in slow increments, then Stretch was just plain going nuts. He was sick of watching the news, sick and sickened, all the debates back and forth about the responsibility of Monsters for what’d happened. Two Humans died in the explosion, but no Monsters had and somehow people were adding two plus none and getting bullshit because conspiracy theories were sprouting up like daisies over that. Even worse, since the trip hadn’t been advertised all the junk blogs were howling about deception and plots. Like any other ambassador for any other country went on the press junket before they went out of town?

It was all so stupid and Edge was working on jittering his way to bonkers because he wasn’t allowed to do anything about it. Normally Edge didn’t need much in the way of sleep, but that didn’t apply so much when his body was trying to heal. He should be getting plenty of rest, snoozing away in their bed with Stretch cozied in next to him or sprawled out on the sofa, his leg safely propped up while some ancient black and white movie rambled on in the background. Instead, he was staying up way too late watching the damn news, and if Stretch had known Edge was going to be laser focused it, he would have blocked the stupid channels. Shadows were starting to show under his sockets, faint reddish stains and yeah, he was keeping off his feet, but it wasn’t like the doc knew he was supposed to order Edge to sleep. His fault for assuming the Director of Operations for the Monster Embassy had the common sense of a baby moldsmal.

The fourth day was kicker.

Stretch’s pitiful cooking skills were getting one hell of a workout since he didn’t want Edge to have to live on casseroles and frozen leftovers the whole time he was convalescing. Grilled cheese at least he could manage, he’d helped Edge make it often enough, and he forced himself to stay right by the stove while it was cooking, no wandering off for one second, no quick check of his twitter. He stared that toasting bread down until he was golden perfection. Okay, yeah, the cheese was sort of oozing out of the sides but close enough. That along with some of Edge’s homemade tomato soup was a pretty good lunch and Stretch carefully put it all on a tray to take it out to the living room.

Edge was sitting exactly where he’d been for the past three days, in the corner of the sofa with his cast propped up on a very precisely placed stack of pillows. The side table next to him was filled with pens and notebooks alongside scatterings of post-it notes. He was watching something on the tv with painful intensity, scribbling furiously.

It was hard not to snap at him that he wasn’t supposed to be working, especially since he technically wasn’t because nothing he was doing was getting to any of the folks at the Embassy. Frankly that only made it more irritating, all this stress was for nothing.

“hey, it’s about that time,” Stretch said with forced cheer, carrying the tray over.

“I’m not hungry,” Edge said curtly. He didn’t look up, still writing furiously.

“except you should be, because you barely ate this morning,” Stretch said, calling on reserves of patience that he’d been storing up since he heard Edge would need to stay home for a week.

That only got him a scowl add-in, free of charge, “I don’t want them, I’m fine.”

Stretch gritted his teeth and breathed out through them. “except for how you’re totally not fine. you have a leg that is barely healed from being broken and you need to eat something so you can take your meds.”

“I’m not hungry and I don’t need them right now,” Edge repeated, sharper. “I’m trying to listen to this.”

For fuck’s sake, it reminded him of Blue when he was a toddler and didn’t want to stop playing even for lunch, but the brief mental picture of Red trying to deal with a stubborn babybones Edge wasn’t enough to calm Stretch’s growing irritation. “except you don’t need to listen to it, you’re off the clock. what you do need is to eat something and take your pills per the doctor’s instructions because you told me you would. you promised me.”

Intellectually, Stretch knew what came next was an accident. Edge was only gesturing, a sudden, fierce sweep of his arm filled with all his frustrations that was supposed to punctuate a snarl of what he thought about doctors and promises, and fuckall else that was bringing him down. He didn’t mean to clip the side of the tray, sending soup and sandwiches flying. Totally an accident and that was the truth.

That didn’t stop Stretch from yelping in surprise as he was promptly covered from brow bone to crotch with soup. It didn’t hurt or anything, it wasn’t that hot, but he could only stand there, stunned, blinking at Edge who looked equally shocked through a dripping curtain of tomato.

Okay, yeah, looked like here was a good place for a time out.

Silently, Stretch turned on heel and went right back into the kitchen, ignoring Edge calling his name. He snagged a dish towel and wiped off his soupy face, then tried the same with his sweatshirt and pants as much as he could.

Through the door, he could hear the thump and bump of a skeleton on crutches, Edge would be coming through it any second now.

Stretch didn’t wait around for it. He shortcutted out, even though that was a surefire guarantee that he’d never get the damn stains out of his sweatshirt; apparently a trip through the void made it a lot harder to shout it out.

He only went as far as the porch, dusting the tiny drift of snow off the steps to sit down as he pulled out a pack of smokes. He lit one, inhaling deeply and letting the soothing nicotine wash over him, easing the low simmer of his temper. He couldn’t help being a little amused that it tasted a bit like tomato soup.

The cigarette was nearly burned down to the filter by the time the front door opened. Stretch didn’t look up as Edge limped out, standing behind him, leaning heavily on his crutches as he said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Stretch exhaled a cloud of smoke and said, “gonna need more specifics than that. sorry for redecorating my shirt? sorry for being a shit? sorry for working your ass off when you’re supposed to be resting?”

There was a long silence, the crutches creaking as Edge shifted his weight. “Am I allowed to choose all of the above?”

Wasn’t possible to hide his smile and Stretch could nearly feel the tension easing in the air, “sure. can you come down here?”

“Yes, but I can’t promise I’ll be able to get back up.”

Carefully, Edge eased his way down, his casted foot stretched out in front of him as he settled on the stairs next to Stretch. Not that they stayed next to each other for long, Stretch went ahead and curled around him from the side angle, one leg across his lap and the other knee braced against Edge’s spine. Made it easy to wrap his arms around his baby and pull him in close, pressing a kiss against the side of his skull.

He cupped a hand at the back of Edge’s skull, smoothing along the curve with his thumb. “babe, i know you’re trying to help, but you really need to take care of yourself first. you’re supposed to let me help you, you know?”

Edge leaned into his touch, but his words were firm as he said, “I need to do this.”

“why?”

“I need New New Home to be safe, I need you to be safe.” It almost sounded like a confession and Stretch wondered what was going on in his husband’s beautiful, battered skull. How much he was beating himself up for what happened, because, what, he couldn’t predict the future?

“baby, i need you to be safe, too. safe and healthy and taken care of, no,” Stretch insisted when Edge tried to interrupt. “listen to me now. i let you run a little wild with the protectiveness because i know it’s something you need, okay, but, we’re married, full partnership. that means sometimes i protect you and take care of you, i don’t give a shit what nonsense red’s pounded into your skull. it’s my turn now.”

He waited until Edge nodded, reluctantly but it was there. “and i get that you need to see what’s going on with the embassy, but you aren’t going to be any good to them if you go back exhausted. you need to take care of yourself. let me help. turn off the tv for the day, hide your phone in your desk, and get some rest.

For a long moment there was nothing but the hush that came with lightly falling snow, then Edge sighed heavily, “Okay. “ He swallowed hard and the dregs of shame in his voice made an ache rise in Stretch’s soul as he said, softly, “I feel like I’m doing everything wrong for you lately.”

Stretch pressed a rough kiss against the side of Edge’s skull, breathed in hard the scent of his magic faintly tainted with tomato. “might feel that way, but you’re not, babe. i promise. come on, let’s try something different, yeah?

He helped Edge wobble to his feet and followed him inside, biting back a couple choice words when he saw Edge’d already cleaned up the soup disaster. Not worth an argument and Edge did let him help to get settled on the sofa, his cast propped up on its pillow nest.

“comfortable? in any pain?” For once he wasn’t going to fuss about the pain meds.

“Yes and no, in that order.

“Great.” And without preamble, Stretch pulled his sweatshirt over his head, then pushed his track pants down to puddle at his feet. Didn’t bother to try for seductive, there wasn’t much need, anyway. Edge was usually seduced by him breathing, proved it by staring with wide sockets as Stretch sauntered over. “think you could use a distraction, don’t you?”

“I...yes. Yes.” The word shifted closer to a moan as Stretch straddled him, and he could say with a good amount of smug pride that very soon, Edge was pretty damn distracted.

Afterward, while Edge was sleeping peacefully on the sofa, Stretch went upstairs for some fresh clothes, taking a second to scrub the last dregs of tomato off his bones, ugh, used soup wasn’t much of an aphrodisiac, but he’d made do. Letting it linger like the world’s worst perfume was out of the question, though, people downwind would think he was Sans. He scribbled a quick note to leave on the coffee table and paused, looking down at his husband.

The blanket rose and fell with every breath, and beneath it, Edge was still bare to his bones. His sockets were finally closed in sleep, all the tight stress-lines on his face eased, making him seem oddly young, or maybe just his age. Looking at him, Stretch felt a surge of love so strong it made tears sting. He leaned down and pressed the lightest kiss against Edge’s forehead, the softest touch. He didn’t stir, days of exhaustion catching up to him, although Stretch liked to think it had something to do with the last pleasant hour, too.

He left Edge sleeping and headed out to the bus stop, settling into his seat as the bus droned on to Ebott. There was someone who owed him a favor and Stretch was about to call it in.

~~*~~

tbc

[picassho-18]

Go Puck Yourself

(Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader) 

Along with Your Best Friend (Y/BF/N) x Loki

Hockey Players AU

Warnings: hinting and references to sexual behavior, slight angst, fluff overload, SEXY BUCKY ;)

Word Count: 7,590

Summary: The Bucky x Reader version of a modern day Romeo and Juliet where two best friends deal with their boyfriends, Bucky and Loki, who are on rival hockey teams with the rivalry game coming up. (Read the Loki x Reader (best friend’s pov) version from @gingerwritess)

A/N: To celebrate the last day of 12 Days of Christmas, and Christmas day, you peeps are getting my longest, hardest fic I have ever written. I’ve poured my heart and soul into it for months so please please please leave feedback!!! And moodboard done by meeeeee ;)

You really only thought he was a cute hockey player. But oh boy did he cause you a lot more trouble than the normal person. The moment you laid eyes on him, he drew you in, with how graceful he was on the ice, the smile on his face evident, even through his helmet.  Your heart skipped a beat when somehow, he made eye contact with you, and held it. He didn’t pull away, he just stopped skating in the middle of the rink as the rest of his team warmed up around him. All he did was smile, and stare, his icy blue eyes peering deep into you. Even with the coldness of the rink settling into your bone, you felt your cheeks heat up. With a pounding heart, and not able to think of anything else, you had mouthed “good luck” to him. You could tell he knew what you said, due to how big his smile got, as he mouthed “thank you” back. With that he skated away, getting his head back into the game.

The next game, the second you walked into the rink, he saw you and did a little wave with his padded hand. You hid a small giggle, and waved back, mouthing “good luck” again.

The third, he skated up to you, and you yelled out a goodluck across the plexiglass the separates the two of you. He smiled big, and blew you a kiss this time, and skated back.

And this continued, for games, until somehow, he asked you out, and eventually you ended up in a very complex Romeo and Juliet situation but in a way that could never have been expected.

****** Two Days Before Rivalry Game

“Babe, it will be fine!” you said, as you buttoned Bucky’s vest, giving it a little pat before pulling away.

“I know, Y/N, but the game is in just a couple of days!” he groaned, ruffling his long hair in frustration, “Loki, a.k.a. the asshole will be so obnoxious, remember they won last year!”

“Buck, this is my best friend I’m talking about. You can be civil for just a couple hours so we can go on this date, right? Plus, Y/BF/N has been planning this forever!”

“How did I manage to find the love of my life, only to find out she is best friends with a Frost Giant’s girlfriend?”

“Bucky…” you warned.

“I’ll try… But I can’t promise anything. And I’m most definitely not being anywhere near pleasant when we get on that ice together next week.”

“I won’t expect anything else for the big rivalry game. Just right now, you’re gonna have to put up with him. Loki is Y/BF/N’s boyfriend, and that’s not going to change anytime soon with how in love they are, so you two are gonna have to find a way to be civil tonight.”

Loki and Bucky were captains of rival hockey teams, the Frost Giants, and the White Wolves. And even though their girlfriends were best friends, that did not  mean at all they would be civil. The only way Bucky was going to play nice would be if you gave him an incentive.

You pulled him close to you, cupping his cheeks with your palms. “Me and Y/BF/N are only asking for one night. One. You can manage that, right, big boy?”

“I can manage it” as he growled lowly, pulling you closer, and nipped at your ear, rumbling darkly, sending shivers through your body.

“And,” you whispered into his ear, “if you behave, I might just draw you a bath. You know what that means don’t ya? It’s just you and me, naked, in hot water, as I slowly work my hands all over your body, giving you my famous massage.”

You could feel his breath catch in his throat, causing you to chuckle, as he buried his scruffy chin into your neck, peppering it with kisses.

You melted into him slightly, before pushing yourself away, “Woah, now sorry to tempt you but we have a date in an hour, we have to leave soon!”

He chuckled, “Oh, I can make time.” swiftly grabbing your wrist, and yanking you onto his lap. With a slight shriek, you realized your legs were straddling his. You peered up to him through your eyelashes, blinking  a couple times, before realizing you didn’t actually want to leave just yet.

“Fine, but make it quick.” And with that, you crashed your lips to his.

*****  An Hour Later

“I’m soooo sorry we’re late!” you said, as you rushed into the restaurant with Bucky in tow behind you. “I had some things to do.”

Without hesitation, Bucky added, “And by things, she means me.”

You sighed, rolling your eyes along with Y/BF/N, as Loki gave a high five to Bucky.

“Glad to see you two getting along, even at my own expense,” you sighed, hoping this would settle any nerves between the two.

But sadly, Loki responded, “Relax, I’m just glad to know that my friend is able to score, Gods know he can’t once he is in the rink.” and any hopes of reconciliation were dashed, flying way out the window, as you watched as his smirk grew wider, and felt Bucky tense up besides you, a low growl coming from his throat.

My god, this is not going to work is it? you thought, sighing and shaking your head at Y/BF/N. Those two will be fighting each other on the ice in no time.

Bucky sneered, a thought coming to his mind, and no sensor of his filtering it out, “Ooh, tough guy, huh? That’s a lotta talk, comin’ from a guy who’s hair is longer than his dick.”

Loki froze at his comment, before a sneer came to his face, “A lovely sentiment, truly. Well spoken, James, Y/BF/N, would you care to explain just how wrong he is?” he said, turning to her.

“Shut up,” she giggled, trying to hide her face in embarrassment, but you just shot her a look, knowing exactly what she was feeling.

Loki clapped his hands together triumphantly. “Need I say more?”

With a round of chuckles around the table, the boys settled down temporarily, talking about each of their hockey teams, while you and Y/BF/N started to talk amongst yourselves.

“So,” you asked, curiously,  “how’ve you two been? Everything going well?”

Immediately, Y/BF/N got a smile on her face, explaining, “We’re doing amazing. I’m gonna marry him. I hate him, he’s a little annoying shit, but I’m going to marry him.”

It always made you heart happy to know your best friend was happy. When Loki became such a big part of her life, you saw the change in her. She became such a happier person, and it was the sweetest thing to witness.

“And you? You and Bucky doing good?”

“Yes… I couldn’t ask for anyone better. He’s a real gentleman, Y/BF/N, he really is.” a smile springing to your face as well as you begun to think about your sweet Bucky, holding his hand slightly tighter, as he absent mindedly rubbed his thumb over your knuckles.

You both tuned back into the conversation, just in time to overhear Bucky say he would knock out some of Loki’s perfect teeth in the rivalry match.

You snorted at the coincidence of the timing, and Y/BF/N turned to you, saying “A true gentleman, definitely” laughing along with you.

If only it could have stayed that peaceful… and sober. But someone had taken the pleasure of ordering a round of shots for the table. And the sobriety fell swiftly away with the two boys.

“Only on for me, and only one for you.” you said sternly, as Bucky handed you a shot glass. “You’re way too heavy for me to haul your drunk ass into bed.”

All Bucky did was grin, before sliding up his sleeve to reveal his bicep, flexing at the table. “It’s all these muscles. What can I say?”

With a huff, you rolled your eyes, trying your best to hide the smile that crept up on your face whenever Bucky flaunted like this. You could say you were a proud girlfriend of your beefcake boyfriend.

As discreetly as possible, you softly touched his arm, and leaned into his ear whispering, “Well then, I’d say you should use all those muscles tonight then.” Before pulling away, leaving him slightly flustered with a newly found light in his eye.

He cleared his throat, and adjusted himself, before the two of you turned your attention back to Loki, who had raised his shot glass, “Shall we?”

As the rest followed suit, he continued, “To the Frost Giants never ending reign of victory- HEY!” he paused suddenly, almost dropping his shot, “Bucky kicked me!”

Bucky looked smug, as he swallowed his shot glass in one graceful motion, but you smacked his arm as he clicked the glass back down on the table.

“One decent dinner. You promised me!”

“Sorry, baby. I couldn’t resist, he’s just got one of those faces…” he shrugged indifferently, but you could tell he was enjoying himself immensely, “Makes you just want to kick him.”

Quickly, Y/BF/N interrupted, “Boys, boys, let’s all stay calm!” She put a hand on Loki’s arm, to calm him.

But he threw a retort back, “Am I supposed to be intimidated?” before proceeding to flag down a waiter.

“How can I help you?”

“Bring us two more rounds.”

You stared helpless, as Y/BF/N tried to stop him, “Loki, no…”

But even she couldn’t, he just smirked, staring down Bucky, “Sorry darling. I just really feel like winning at something tonight.” he slid an arm behind Y/BF/N, airing confidence, “What do you say, James? A friendly competition before I murder you on the ice?”

Bucky immediately accepted the challenge, clinking a glass with Loki before they threw back their second shots. After another round was brought over, Y/BF/N slid out from her boyfriends arms, and sat next to you.

“They’re so, so stupid. Complete idiots!” you whispered to Y/BF/N, as the boys stared at each other, before downing another shot, counting out loud each number. “I hate that I’m hoping Bucky wins.”

Hours later, and many many shots later, an extremely drunk Bucky had his head on your lap as you played with his hair, while Y/BF/N was comforting an equally if not more drunk Loki.

“Ah, Buck!” you yelped, as his cold finger slipped up your shirt. “Why do you get so handsy when your drunk?!”

He giggled, as you pulled his hands off your skin, and held them in your own. “Because, my love. This gives me” a hiccup interrupted him, before he continued, “an excuse to touch your perfect skin all I want”

He looked up at you, his blue eyes shining, whether it was from the alcohol or with love, you didn’t know. But when Loki said something about Bucky cheating, he jerked up, grabbing a butter knife from the table, and pointing it threatening to a swaying Loki who also had a knife pointed back.

They continued to argue like little boys, until Loki smiled like he realized something, and shouted, “I challenge you to a duel, good sir!” lifting up his knife.

Bucky’s eyes widened before looking over to you, his eyes pleading for you to say it was okay.

Sighing, you simply shook your head no.

“Sorry, my girlfriend said no.” he said sadly, laying down his knife.

Loki snapped back, “Well, then your girlfriend is a coward.”

“No, she isn’t. She’s… she’s perfect.” His eyes started to glaze over, his thoughts taken over by you. “I have the best girlfriend. I mean… just look at her.” he hiccupped again, his words slurring slightly more. “Her smile, her lips… I love her lips. So… so… so kissable.”

Loki seemed disinterested as Bucky continued his love rant before interrupting, “She’s a wonderful girl, I’m sure. But not the best girlfriend. I have the best.”

Slamming a cup to the table, Bucky raised his voice, “NO! I do! My girlfriend is the most supportive, cutest lil’ doll to ever walk the earth.”

Oh shit, you thought, sitting back and deciding on not interfering with Y/BF/N.

She leaned over, whispering, “This ought to be good.”

Bucky had continued, ranting about the sparkle in your eye, when Loki had enough, interrupting Bucky yet again.

“OH, shut up!” he pulled himself up, leaning against the table to look bigger. “My girlfriend. She is a goddess. The sun hides its face in shame when she smiles, not worthy of shining down on her.”

At Loki’s new height, Bucky tried to match it, struggling to get off the chair, especially with you pulling him down by the arm. All he did was shake it off, whispering to you “No, no, I have to assert my dominance,”  before finally standing tall, but thought still swaying slightly.

Flatly, you shook your head, “You are an idiot, James.”

He smiled big in return, “Thank you, ma’am.” nodding politely to you, before turning back to Loki, gathering his thought.

You turned to Y/BF/N, a tired sigh leaving you, “This drunk fucker…” you groaned.

“As I was saying, sir, my girlfriend is better ‘cause with her, there’s not one minute where you won’t be smiling. Ever. She’s so sweet, so funny, and- and makes the cutest face when she gets worried. Her face goes-” as he tried to replicate the face, scrunching his eyebrows together, and pursing his lips. You burst out laughing at the adorable face, it was so cute on such a large drunk man.

He stopped and looked at you, like you were the moon, when he heard you laughing, a star struck look on his face when he realized he made you laugh himself.

Yes, all this bickering was slightly annoying, but drunk Bucky was one of your favorite Bucky's.

Before he could continue, Loki banged his head against the table dramatically. “Please. I don’t want to hear anything more about your gIrLfRiEnD…”

Bucky hiccupped again, louder this time. “You’re just… You’re just jealous! Y/BF/N is lame and you wish you had a girlfriend like mine.”

Loki’s face went white with anger, before he threw some bunched up napkins at Bucky, “HEY! That’s my WIFE you’re talking about!!”

You giggled as Y/BF/N had to explain to him that they weren’t married, that they only were dating. During that time, Bucky stopped paying attention, and was now drifting off in your lap. His eyes struggling to stay open.

When Loki responded with “Well, that’s ridiculous. Oh, I know. We’re just not married yet…” you actually snorted. Both the boys were completely gone by now.

Then Loki made a weird blinking face, until Y/BF/N asked, “Loki Laufeyson, did you just wink at me with both eyes?”

He giggled and nodded, while she threw her hands up. “That’s it. We’re going home.”

You looked down, and saw the heaping body of your sleeping boyfriend on your lap, and realized how hard this was going to be.

******  Morning of Rivalry Game

“Bucky!” you called out from the bathroom, hoping he could hear you from the bedroom.

“Yes doll?” his throat rumbled, still rough from sleep. You could hear his feet padding their way to the door frame where they stopped suddenly.

“Damn Y/N, you really know how to wake a man up.” he chuckled, admiring your body as you were leaning over the bathtub, in other a rather short bathrobe, your legs on full display, and your butt just creeping out.

Looking behind you, a smile came to your face as you saw Bucky’s hair, wild and crumbled from bed, “Look what I did!” you gestured to the bath, which was candle lit, with bubbles almost overflowing out of the tub, “I added epsom salt and oils for your game tonight!”

All he could do was look at you with love, his eyes conveying the gratitude he felt for you, “I love you so goddamn much.”

“And as I promised for your decent behavior on the date, which by the way, is most certainly debatable, you have earned a world famous massage from the one and the only Y/N!” you said with a wink, as you slipped the bathrobe off, and stepped into the tub, sitting to the side.

You relaxed as Bucky started to take off his T shirt, and sweats, but when he got to his boxers, he looked up and smirked, “Enjoying the little strip show, I see?”

Nodding enthusiastically, all he did was chuckle as he slipped the last article of clothing off, and stepped into the bath, laying down next to you.

An audible moan came from Bucky, his muscles were visibly becoming looser, less tense as his body hit the hot water. As soon as your fingertips touched his back, he slumped over and let you take control. Your hands went to work, finding little muscle knots all over his back, and neck, using your thumbs to slowly massage them away. Delicately, with your soft hands, you kneaded his muscles, humming unrecognizable tunes, as Bucky just swayed in the water, his hand caressing your leg, his finger tracing circles on it.

Even in steaming hot water, it caused a little shiver to rake your body. Bucky noticed, and smile, glad to know he still had such an affect on you.

By now, you had stopped massaging and was just lightly brushing your fingers over his skin.

“Babe” you mumbled, now giving his back little kisses, “I just want you to know I appreciate you immensely. I know I give you a hard time about behaving with Loki, but I see you trying and it means the world to me.”

He shifted slightly, turning his neck to see you fully. A grin was adorning his face, wrinkles forming at the creases of his blue eyes. “I’d do anything for you.” Bucky said simply.

The statement caused your heart to warm, and seeing the way the candlelight bounce off his features, the way the water droplets were sliding down his face, made you want to stay in this moment forever.

“I love you James Buchanan Barnes.”

Tilting his face down until his lips slightly brushed yours, he mumbled, “I love you too” and closed the distance, his lips molding to yours softly, and slowly.

Somehow, after hours of sitting, talking, listening to music in the bathtub, long after the water had gone cold, you dragged yourself away from Bucky, and told him to hurry and get dressed, that you would make in a real big winner's breakfast.

You were in your bathrobe and slippers as you were flipping the sizzling bacon as Bucky came in behind you, wrapping his warm arms around your stomach.

He hummed, constantly, nuzzling his face into your still wet hair, “That bacon smells so good, babe” just as his belly rumbled, causing you both the giggle at the timing.

Creating two plates of food, one big one for you, and a heaping, stacked plate for Bucky, you two settled on the couch to eat.

Usually, and this was no different, it let to small scale food fights, that resulted in you have bits of hash browns in your hair as you laughed against Bucky's chest, him holding you tight on top of him.

It was these moments that Bucky treasured. The calmness he knew could only originate from your soul. The only person known to him that a single touch could settle any nerves of his.

Laying on top of him, the food forgotten, you rested your chin on his chest, looking upward, admiring Bucky's face.

“Buck, are you nervous?” You asked, seeing the set of his jawline, indicating his pregame jitters, that would only come out on the most important games. They were always hardly noticeable, he aired himself in such a confident mood, but you were always able to pinpoint exactly what he was feeling and when.

“Aren't hiding it, well am I?” he chuckled, albeit nervously.

“Not to me,” you joked, “but this year it seems a little worse. What's got you so worked up?” as you slowly ran your fingers around his neck.

“Don't worry. It's just the game. Worried about losing again is all.” he answered, trying to cover how completely nervous he was with a reassuring smile. Only it wasn't the game that had Bucky's stomach in a ball of knots.

You arched an eyebrow, before nodding “Okay babe.” knowing that wasn't the extent, but knowing Bucky would tell you when he needed. “I know you'll do great today.”

With a peck on the lips, you pulled yourself off of him, slapping his chest lightly, “Now, Mr. Muscles, get your ass up and moving  so you won't be late for rivalry game.”

****** Couple Hours Later

A couple hours later, you found yourself in you seat, with Y/BF/N right next to you, watching the Frost Giants, and White Wolves warm up in the ice. Both of you had warm cups of hot chocolate between your gloved hands, sipping ever so often.

“Did Loki seem more nervous today compared to past games?”

Y/BF/N thought for a second, taking a sip, before responding, “Yeah he was, come to think of it. He was acting weird, hardly slept last night, then he said this game would change his life.” She chuckled a bit, as if she remembered something, “I know he’s an overall dramatic guy, but really? I mean won last year, so I don’t think this “life changing” game will be any different.”

You arched an eyebrow at her statement, “Hey now, don’t assume your man’s gonna win… my man will kick his butt” adding a wink to let her know it was all in fun and games.

You both giggled lightly, but looked up to see that Bucky had checked Loki lightly while they were still warming up, pushing him up against the glass with his elbow.

Y/BF/N turned to you, “Well, I don’t think our boys will be civil about it like us.”

“Nope. Not at all.” you said, as you prepared yourself for the next two hours of worrying. Bucky playing always had you on the edge of your seat, hockey was a dangerous sport, but this rivalry game always had more fights, more injuries. You were just hoping Bucky wouldn’t forget his mouthguard.

Finally the warm up period had ended, meaning the game would start soon. You shook your arms out, trying to shake off all the nervous vibes you had going on. All Y/BF/N did was laugh softly at you, getting ready for the puck to be dropped.

You were very happy with your seats. They were right smack dab in the center of the seating stadium, in between and above the two teams bench areas. They gave you both perfect views of you boys on the ice and on the bench.

Loki and Bucky both skated to the center both prepping for the puck to be dropped by the dropped.

With a throw of his hand, the referee let the puck drop to the ice, and in a mad rush of limb and wood, Bucky and Loki fought over control until Loki prevailed, gaining possession and quickly skating to forward.

Next to you, Y/BF/N cheered, “YES! Let’s go Loki!!” she shouted, pumping her fist in the air, proud of her boyfriend already.

A grin grew on your face, before you started to clap, “It’s okay boy, you can get it back! Let’s go, right here!”

So far, the teams looked extremely evenly matched. All the players had looked good from your point of view. Mostly though you just had your eyes on Bucky. Whenever he was on the ice, he grabbed all attention from you. It was in the way he skated so effortlessly, like it was second nature to him. How such a bulky, huge guy, could have such grace and precision on ice like that always amazed you.

There had been a couple shots at the net already, and every time, whether it was your net, or the Giants’, you held your breath, clenching the edge of your seat with your gloved hands.

After what seemed like 10 minutes of the Frost Giant’s on the offensive, getting shots at the net, the White Wolves goalie caught the puck.

You let out the breath you were holding, turning to Y/BF/N, “Oh man, this game already has my stomach in knots!”

“Yeah, same here,” she nodded, before tilting her head, “The amount of shots the Frost Giants have taken on your net  is insane. How have they not scored yet?!”

You giggled, before nodded you head toward the ice, where Bucky had just gained possession of the puck, “I don’t know, but let’s just see what Bucky is gonna do, shall we?” adding a wink, before turning back to the game, giving it your full attention.

Then you heard it. Two rows behind you someone was shit talking Loki. Glancing over at Y/BF/N, you saw her jaw was tight, like she was restraining herself. She most definitely heard it. And barely containing herself.

Turning around in your seat, before Y/BF/N would start throwing hands, you figured out who was talking, just some old guy who probably didn’t know shit, locked eyes with him.

With a glare you cleared your throat, gaining his attention, “Mister, how about you don’t talk about things you don’t know anything about.”

He looked surprised from the fact you called him out on his bullshit, but mostly was confused by your attire.

““Well-you-uh... why are you defending Laufeyson when you’re wearing a Barnes jersey? White Wolves can’t even get themselves any loyal fans, huh?””

Y/BF/N giggled next to you, realizing what the man had just said, and proceed to get himself into.

With a big smile, she said, “You know, being a dick won’t make yours any bigger.” His face grew in horror, before you continued the verbal assault.

All you did was smile wickedly, before clapping a hand on Y/BF/N’s shoulder. “Well, mister, you’re speaking with Bucky Barnes’s girlfriend, and this cutie right here is Loki Laufeyson girl. And if we can handle those two, we can sure as hell shove your overinflated heads back up your asses.!”

A look of horror appeared on the man’s face when he saw the Laufeyson jersey on Y/BF/N, before he nodded and looked away.

You settled back down in your seat, Y/BF/N just chuckling, “Good one Y/N. Way to scared the bejesus out of him. Thanks for jumping in there. I think I would have actually attacked them if you hadn’t.””

“You absolutely would have-”  you trailed off as fight broke off on the rink, drawing your attention back to the game. Thankfully, neither Bucky or Loki was a part of it, but you full on snorted when they both went for each other for their hugging buddy.

After years of watching all levels of hockey games, the hugging system would still get you laughing. Just the fact that the players not in the fight would partner up with the other team (to not accidentally gang up on someone in a group fight) by side hugging was hilarious.

So now, you and Y/BF/N were blessed to see Loki and Bucky side hugging as they watched their teammates fight.

Not able to hear, but you could see they were talking and smiling, probably jokes and banter, but it still warms your heart. They’re was still hope they may become better then enemies one day.

A couple minutes later, Y/BF/N blurts out, “I can’t believe what they were saying! Sorry, I don’t mean to bring it up again, but-but… UGH! Who could think something so rude? I mean, just look at him!” she continued, a look coming over her face, “Oof… just look at him… God damn, he’s a fine man.”

You snorted out loud, the look of her face hilariously lovestruck, “My goodness, you have it bad! Like when are you guys finally gonna get married?!” you joked about, a huge smile on your face, enjoying the moment.

“Oh, I don’t know… but i’m definitely ready. Just waiting on him, but if he’s not ready I can wait. I love him enough.” she said, a smile shining in her eyes.

You wiped a fake tear from your eye, “Wow, beautiful. What couple goals.”

“Ha!” she laughed, “Says the one who gives her boyfriend massages after every game. I couldn’t imagine, my hands would fall off from all that work!”

You both snickered, before returning back to the game.

Soon the time had run out, the loud bell ringing, signaling the end of the first period. Someone from Loki's team, all the way across the rink, hit the puck in one final shot, but the Wolves goalie caught it with ease, and all the players began to skate off of the ice.

Bucky, instead went the long way, skating a quick lap around the rink, to slid by you two real quick. Whipping his helmet off real quick, and a shake of his hair, he gave you his bright smile, sending a kiss to your way, and a wink to Y/BF/N before skating off laughing, when Y/BF/N sent a playful middle finger back.

After the break had ended, which was consumed by yours and Y/BF/N's mad dash to get new cups of hot cocoa, you were barely back in your seats when the puck was dropped again, beginning the second period.

Immediately you noticed a change in both teams. They had gotten antsy with neither team scoring and you could see it in their changes of attitude. Already there was more shoving and the amount of posturing you saw was crazy. Not even a minute in, and a fight had broken out. It was two other players, not Loki or Bucky, and you were thankful. If they had gotten this far without fighting, hopefully they could hold out longer.

There were a lot of more shots at the goal. Both goalies were working overtime, each having their share of close calls before just barely blocking or catching it.

The White Wolves had been on the side of the Frost Giants for a while now. They had been very aggressive and on the offensive. Suddenly Bucky had the puck and had a shot in line.

You screamed out “Take it Buck!” And with a sweeping motion, he swept his stick back and with a powerful thrust, hit the puck and sent it flying to the goal. It seemed to almost make it in before the goalie stuck an arm out blocking it from entry.

The puck fell to the floor before the goalie could gain a safe possession of it, and Rogers, a White Wolves player saw the opportunity and with a quick dunk of his stick, hit the puck in behind behind goalies leg.

You stood up, whooping and hollering as the White Wolves fans around you started to cheer as well. Y/BF/N clapped next to you, a smile on her face, albeit it was directed at Loki who had a pissed expression on his face. Bucky had raised his stick in the air before colliding with Rogers in a tight hug.

The Frost Giants all looked extremely angry, and when the game resumed you could tell. The players were getting even feistier, even more aggressive, and was putting the White Wolves on the defensive.

Even from your position you could tell players were starting to shit talk. At one point, it looked like Bucky said something to the Giant’s goalie, some Odinson guy, which knowing Bucky was some smart ass comment, and caused Loki to slid in front of Bucky, blocking his view of the goalie. He got all up in his personal space, posturing, and said something, before pushing him away.

Bucky just laughed and skate backwards, his ‘I don’t give a fuck’ energy radiating, and skated back to his side of the rink.

When some distance was between them, you let out the breath you were holding.

“Oh thank goodness they didn’t get into it!” you said, leaning over to Y/BF/N, who was just as tense as you were.

“Yeah, that could have been pretty bad!”

After the tense little moment was over, you noticed that Bucky and Loki were continuing to give little shoves and hits throughout the game. At one point Loki had slammed Bucky up against the wall in an attempt to gain possession of the puck away from Bucky. It was really getting heated between the two and set you legal shaking with nerves as the time started to run out for this period.

When there was about 15 seconds left in the 2nd period, Loki had stuck his stick out in front of Bucky causing him to slip and fall forward. Quickly he got up, and at the sight of him throwing off his helmet you knew that they were gonna fight. Really fight.

With Bucky getting up, Loki threw his hands up, “Finally! I was beginning to think you were scared of me”

“Let's fucking go, punk!” as he threw his stick to the side and skated forward throwing the first punch.

Both you and Y/BF/N tensed up, leaning forward with worried hands covering your faces in surprise. Bucky had knocked off Loki’s helmet with a flying fist, who face showing a shocked expression. Immediately he retaliated, pushing bucky backwards who had to scramble on his skates to not fall over. They continued to throw punches, both catching fists with their jaws.

You noticed how the rest of the teams all paired up, no one wanting to interfere with the unusually violent fight.

You hadn’t taken a breath since the fight had started, your eyes not straying from Bucky’s figure as he was throwing and receiving punches, you barely even registered the loud bell signaling the period had ended. The players slowly went to their team rooms, still watching the fight as the referees tried to break it up.

A gasp left you as Loki threw a undercut, that caught Bucky right in the chin that caused him to fall backward. Loki relented, and left him on the ice, as a he skated away, smirking proudly at his defeated opponent, watching the referee help Bucky up, his skates wobbly, and his face white in a grimace, but anger still completely evident. The ref helped him to the teamroom, Bucky having to draw support to not fall over.

As soon as he left your sight, you let out a small “oh my god”

Turning to Y/BF/N, you saw the same scared look in her face.

Before you could see anything else, Steve appeared on the ice, and came to your part of the rink.

He shouted over the plexiglass, “Y/N, Bucky’s hurt. He wants to see you, can you come to the team room?”

Wordlessly, you nodded, standing up. Turning to Y/BF/N, expressionlessly, you whispered, “I’ll be back in a bit.”

You made the trip to the team room door with toxic thoughts filling your head.

What if he injured himself so bad he can’t play anymore??

What if he got a concussion??

Shaking slightly, you took a settling breath, ready to put a reassuring smile on for Bucky, then opened the door to the team room.

The door crepted open as you slowly walked into the room. Immediately, you knew something was off, the entire White Wolves team was standing in a line, all looking forward, starring directed at you. Steve huge smile on his face, standing in the middle. And then, you saw Loki.

What the everloving fuck is he doing here?

He stood next to Steve with a his big classic smirk on his face. Slowly the two parted, revealing a kneeling Bucky behind them.

Still in his skates, he was on one knee, flashing his bright smile.

You gasped at his position, thoughts racing through your head.

“Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N. My love. My light. My everything.” A hand flew to your mouth in shock as small tears started to shine in his eyes.

“Since the moment we met, or should I say since the moment we had eye sex in the rink, I knew that you were the one meant for me. I fell in love with the way your lips shaped the ‘good lucks’ I got from you across the plexiglass. I fell love with the way you always had a cup of hot chocolate in your hand. I fell in love with your positivity, I could take the hardest fall and I knew you'd be right there for me cheering me on, shouting ‘get your ass up’. I fell in love with the way you would hold me like I was your world, the after game massages would relieve any stress from my shoulders instantly. I fell in love with the way you made me feel. I truly believe that you've made me a better hockey player, a better man. My life has changed…” he paused, emotions overcoming him before he cleared his throat and continued, “changed for the better with you in it, and I don't want don't spend another second of it without you. So Y/N Y/L/N, would you do me the greatest honor, and marry me? When he spoke those last words he pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket, and opened it you reveal a small golden band.

A sob came from your mouth, tears streaming down your face, but you still had the biggest smile ever. Shaking your head up and down, violently, you ran forward until you collided with him, holding him tightly.

“Yes, Bucky. Yes, I'll marry you!”

Cheers erupted from the team, Loki's clapping the loudest of them all.

Bucky swiftly pulled you to him, kissing you deeply stealing the engagement. Pulling away, he slowly slid off your glove from your hand. Delicately, and with his calloused fingers, he slid the plain gold band, onto your ring finger.

Slowly, he lowered his lips to your hand, softly kissing your ring and finger intimately. You both started into each other's eyes, wide smiles shining between the two.

“Wait, hold on just one second!” You exclaimed, “Was that fight fake or real?”

Loki laughed before interjecting “Your dear fiancé had planned the whole thing. We would get into a fake fight at the end of the period to get you reason to get in here so Bucky could do his thing.”

“Yup, and it worked out perfect” Bucky smiled, giving your cheeks another peck from his soft lips. “Just perfectly.” he whispered, staring at you in awe.

“Now, my dear fiance, the first thing we need to do as an engaged couple is help Loki propose to Y/BF/N.”

You squealed out with delight, looking between Loki and Bucky, wondering when they ever had gotten this close to do something like this, “I would be honored to!”

“Okay, then” he smirked excitedly, glancing up at Rogers and Laufeyson, “Here’s the plan…”

*****

Breathlessly, you rushed back to your seat, trying to tame the bright smile on your face.

“Hi!” you said to Y/BF/N as you fell into your seat.

“How is he?! Is he okay?” she asked, concern clear on her face.

“Oh, Bucky? He’s completely fine! Um, yeah, he’s good enough to play for the final period.”

“Oh that’s good! I’m so glad, I got really worried for him.” visibly relaxing, then added with a joking smile, “plus, I sent Loki an angry text saying he shouldn’t have done that.”

“Yeah, yeah he’s totally fine. He was just being a little baby about it!” you fibbed, excitement of what was to come coursing through you.

When the teams skated back onto the ice, you cheered, for both Bucky and Loki. And when they resumed playing, you could now see the playfulness that was between them. What you thought was aggression was playfulness, and what you thought was teasing was only jokes. Thankfully, for the rest of the period the two didn’t ‘fake’ fight again, but sadly Buck had to go check someone with his stick, shoving a Frost Giant player with both hands.

At the whistle, you knew that the ref saw it, and it a loud sound signaled that it was a penalty and that Bucky would have to go into the penalty box for a whole 2 minutes.

The thing was, the penalty box was just under you two seats, so when he entered it, he looked up to you, wiggling his eyebrows.

You mouthed the words, “Seriously? A foul?”

He grinned his perfect crooked grin, before mouthing back, “Yeah, I missed you!”

You giggled, blowing him a kiss, after making a little heart with your hands. He dramatically grabbed the blowed kiss from the air and clutched it to his chest.

You shook your head at his childlike manner, still grinning like an idiot, before you pointed to the rink, giving him a fake sternly look telling him to pay attention to his game.

He nodded, giving you one last wink before turning around and watching the game, counting down the seconds he still had in the box.

Now with the Frost Giants in a power play, where the White Wolves were down a player (due to Bucky’s foul) they had become a lot more aggressive, really pushing their offense. After a couple attempts at the goal, Loki had a perfect shot lined up. With a quick swing of his stick, he shot the puck into the upper left corner, getting it past the goalie with ease.

The crowd erupted with cheers, you clapping sadly, but Y/BF/N went crazy, standing up and whooping and hollering, yelling out Loki’s name.

Bucky looked back up to you, an embarrassed look on his face, knowing his penalty had helped the Frost Giants. You shook your head at him, right before his timer went off and he quickly skated back onto the ice.

Now with the game being tied up, the teams became defensive again. No one was letting anyone score. Both goalies were catching pucks like crazy. With the seconds dwindling down, the tension was rising exponentially.

With only about 10 second left of the tied game, the Frost Giants had possession of the puck, and Loki took a shot at the goal, but the goalie blocked it. Quickly, Wilson, a Wolves player swept the puck up and slide it over to the Wolves possession. In a blink of the eye, he passed it to Barnes and with a couple of powerful thrusts, Bucky skated down the rink charging the goalie one on one. In one of the luckiest shots you’ve ever seen, and with only 2 seconds left, Bucky hit the puck with all his might, and launched it past the goalie, the puck hitting the back of the net with a satisfying thunk.

The crowd all roared, the rink filling with noise as the bell rang, the game ending with a White Wolves victory. The team surrounded Bucky as he threw his hands up in triumph.

After the moment had ended, the stadium started to empty out.

Y/BF/N got up to follow the rest of the people, but you held her hand, pulling her back into the seat, “Wait, Y/BF/N. Bucky said he wanted me to stay here, and the boys would bring us to the team room so we could avoid all the people and traffic driving out of here.”

“Oh, okay?” she responded, sort of confused about the change in plans, but thankfully she didn’t question it any further.

After a few minutes, the boys appeared in the stadium, now out of their skates, an arm slung around each other, laughing about something. It made the two of you give a little awe. As they lead you to an opening in the gate, they led you into the team room.

You and Bucky pulled away from Y/BF/N and Loki, as he asked her if she wanted to skate for a little bit. After some hesitation, she nodded, and grabbed a pair of extra skates that Loki would always bring, slowly tying them up.

Bucky leaned over to you whispering, “Did she question it at all?”

“Nope, she was a tad confused but stayed.”

“Then good job, my sweet fiance. Now let’s give them their moment shall we?” he asked.

Glancing up at him through your eyelashes, a seductively smile flashed across your face, “And whatever shall we do in the meantime?” slowly you slid a hand up across his chest, your fingers creeping up to his bare neck, “I mean, you did just score the final point, right? I think I could let you score something else” you added, biting your lip slightly.

Bucky pulled you tight against him quickly, causing you to stumble lightly, before pressing your body flush against him. Eyes bright with happiness, he whispered in his deep rough voice, “Oh, I already scored the best fiance. I don’t need anything else.”

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[a-fangirl-stuff]

You’re Not My Brother

WORD COUNT:  2159

CHARACTERS: Reader, Dean, Sam, John, Sonny, Robin, Bobby.

PAIRING: Dean x Sister!Reader, Dean x Robin, Sam x Sister!Reader, John x daughter!reader.

WARNINGS: a little angsty, very slight child abuse, the reader is a little mean to Dean at the end, John being a bad parent.

A/N: This fic takes place in 9.07 ‘Bad Boys’. Feedback is gladly welcome. Hope you enjoy this and thank you for reading.

You can find my Masterlist HERE.

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The loud groan of the Impala was heard outside the motel room. Sam and you got up from the couch to receive Dean and John and, as always, to offer them whatever they could need after the rough hunt.

The door cracked open, John entered the room and closed it behind him.

You looked over at the door, waiting for it to open again and show you your other brother. Sam’s worried look was pinned on your back, he was as quiet as you. You knew he was thinking the same as you, Dean had been killed.

You watched as John sat on one of the beds of the room and took his boots off. After he saw none of you had said a word he lifted up his head, analyzing you.

“Aren’t any of you asking me if there’s anything I need?” Sam and you exchanged a look as John asked the question. You smiled at your little brother, trying to tell him everything was going to be okay. You were the oldest right now and that’s what you were supposed to do, keep him calm, at least, that’s what Dean would do.

“Where’s Dean?” you shyly asked.

John ignored you and proceeded talking “I’ve told you that whenever I come after a hunt you have to satisfy my needs… haven’t I?”

“Yes, sir.” Sam responded hesitantly.

John nodded at Sam and dropped his sight on you. “I asked you a question, Y/N.”

“I asked you a question too, Dad.” you said as you lifted your chin and straightened your posture.

This sudden courage was new to you. Just as your big brother, you had never confronted your father until now and though you were shitting yourself for it, it also kinda felt good. Sam was trying to keep a straight face either from surprise or laughter. You heard John’s teeth creak and watched his jaw clench.

“Wanna say that again?” your father asked as he got up from the creaky bed, a vein popping from his forehead.

You gulped the big knot that had been forming in your throat. “I said I asked you a question too.” The tension between you and John made Sam take a few steps back. “Where’s Dean?”

John grabbed your cheeks with one hand and squeezed them. “Answer.”

Your breath increased with your father’s closeness. “Y/N.” You heard Sammy’s little voice pleading you to answer before John could hurt you or him, or both.

“Yes, sir.” you finally said. John roughly let go off your cheeks and headed to the bed again. “Where is my brother?”

And as fast as you dropped the question, John turned around and slapped you. “Your brother is lost on a hunt, I’m gonna drop you two at Bobby’s tomorrow and look for him. Now shut up and bring me something to eat.” He told you as he threw some money over the floor.

Sam went down on his knees, grabbed the dollars and took your hand to lead you out of the room.

Once you were far from the motel Sam took your arm and made you look at him. “Okay, I know I always tell you and Dean to face dad but that was not…”

“I don’t believe him.” you interrupted him.

“What?”

“Dean would never leave us just like this, he would at least let us know. He would have called or something, right?”

“You heard dad, he’s going to look for him after he drops us at Uncle Bobby’s.” Sam reassured you.

“Yeah and I heard him tell you the Easter Bunny was real too.” you complained, gaining a bitch face from Sam.

“Come on, let’s go get some burgers.”

You rolled your eyes at your smart yet idiotic brother.

On your way to the diner, you stopped by a library “Hey, Sammy. Would you mind if I go to the library while you order the food?” Sam looked at you with an exasperated look and made a grin, but you answered to yourself before he could complain about it “Yeah? Thank you lil’ bro.”

Then you ran to make a little research.

You rapidly used the computers from the library to search for lost boys or bad behaved boys or guys who had corrupted the law, and printed every single thing that seemed to be useful.

The newspaper didn’t have many things that could help, but you still took one and shoved it in your pants. Outside the library you talked and asked questions to pretty much everyone you crossed paths with before meeting Sammy and the delicious greasy burgers for which you knew, Dean would have died for.

After arriving at the motel and eating, your father passed out on one of the beds and that’s when you began the research to find Dean. The table was full of papers and notes you had written with information you had reunited on the library and the newspaper you stole.

The next day, John took you and Sam to Bobby’s, where you kept your research.

Days passed rapidly and nothing was coming out. You visited the library of Sioux Falls several times, looking for your brother was being harder than you thought it would be, there were no records of Dean and as you didn’t want Bobby to find out and tell your dad, you only worked at night.

The eleventh day you were so tired that you didn’t even notice when you had fallen asleep. A loud snore woke you from your sleep, the clock marked 6:30 a.m. Your eyes looked through the living room, no one was up yet.

Bobby’s duffel bag and a couple of guns were spread over his desk. And right in that moment, you decided on leaving, you would go out and wouldn’t return until you found your brother. You shoved the guns in the duffel bag and placed it on your left shoulder.

You then grabbed the lantern that was beside the nightstand and illuminated your notes. Your hands reunited the most important stuff and shoved them in the duffel bag. You made a quick note for Sammy, telling him you would be looking for Dean and you probably wouldn’t come back soon. You crossed the room and exited it.

Sonny’s Home for Boys, that was the place where every lead told you Dean was.

When you left Bobby’s house, you had walked to the library again and finished connecting the dots but still weren’t sure about anything at all. You were a good researcher but honestly you were way better at fighting. But you owed Dean to at least try at this place.

By the time you stepped on the front porch and knocked the door, it was already past four in the afternoon. A man around your dad’s age with a weird mustache opened the door.

“Hello. Can I help you?” the man nicely asked.

You got inside the house without permission and started looking around. “I came here looking for my brother.”

“May I know who your brother is, miss?”

“Y/N?” you heard from behind.

“Dean.” you said with relief as you ran to his arms and hugged him. “I knew he was lying.”

“What are you doing here?” Dean asked, breaking the hug.

“I could ask you the same question.” You answered smiling. “Come on, let’s go. We gotta get you out of here.” You grabbed him by the hand and pulled at it, obligating him to walk.

Suddenly Dean steps stopped, making you turn around. You looked confused at Dean’s uncomfortable face. A silence followed.

“What?” you asked your brother.

Dean opened and closed his mouth several times and then asked “Did dad send you?”

You laughed. “No he didn’t. He said you were lost or something like that, can you believe it? Cause I did not…”

“Then I’ll stay.” he said, interrupting you.

“Sure, Dean.” you grabbed his hand again and he freed himself from you. “Dean, come on, if Bobby has already realized I’m gone, it won’t be long till he tells dad. He will be so pissed at me for escaping or whatever but the faster we get there the less mad he’ll get.”

Dean didn’t move a finger. “Y/N, you don’t understand, I want to stay here as much as I can.

“Right, Dean.” you mocked. “You want to stay in this crappy house with this funny mustached old man washing clothes and mowing the lawn.”

“Let me explain…”

“Please explain to me, because I don’t understand.” you interrupted him. “You’re telling me you prefer this ball of stranger losers than us. Than Sammy and me, than dad.”

You were stunned, all the research, all the risks, the sleepless nights, the effort and he was telling you he didn’t want to come back, that he was going to stay?

“What the hell is wrong with you, Dean?” you screamed as you saw he didn’t answer back.

“Dean? Sonny? What’s going on?” you heard a girly voice say from a door behind Dean.

A brunette girl around Dean’s age came from the door. “Robin not now, go outside, I’ll be there in a second.”

Dean sounded so different when he said those words, he had this tone in his voice that you somehow knew you had heard before from somewhere but you couldn’t put your finger on it. He looked over his shoulder and pointed the exit to his ‘friend’. Only then you realized he was warning her to step aside, just like he did when he knew something wasn’t safe for you or Sam. A laugh escaped your lips.

“Yeah, Robin. You go and see if the hen has put some eggs.” she stayed in her place. “So that’s it, all this for a stupid girl?”

“I’m not stupid.” she told you.

“Sure you aren’t, hun.” you looked at her with sarcastic eyes.

“Y/N/N.” your eyes were tearful and fists shaking of anger. “I’m really liking it here, everybody is so nice with me and the food, God, it’s delicious.”

“Good, I’m glad you’re liking it here.” you made a pause “Good. It’s good to know at least one of us three is having some fun.”

You turned around and then heard. “Stay for dinner, please.”

“I thought we were going to the school’s dance.” Robin intervened.

“We could stay for dinner and then go, I promise.” He told her.

And ‘boom’ something inside of you exploded after those words came out of your brother’s mouth.

“Okay, I’ve had enough.” you said as turning to face Dean again “You’re going to a school dance? Since when do you date girls? You eat three meals a day, you’re happy, you left without saying anything. It’s been maybe a week and a half and you’ve already made a whole new life, you have a home and worst thing is that you’re looking at me as if you didn’t know me when the last time you saw me you swore you would always be there for me… you’re- you’re not my brother.”

“Don’t say that, Y/N/N.”

“My brother left almost two weeks ago on a hunt and never came back, he’s dead. I don’t know who you are.”

“Don’t you dare to say that.”

“Why not?” you said as tears slipped down your face “My brother would have found a way to come back to us because he knew that we were only eating cheerios once a day, he would’ve known that as there was no much food I would give mine to Sammy and spend three days without eating. He would’ve come back to watch TV with us while our stomachs grunted. And as my brother was there, I wouldn’t have had to ask dad where he was and that would have saved me a slap and a bunch of sleepless nights in which I wondered where he would be or researching. My brother would have come back to us.”

And before you stormed out of the house you saw Dean’s face full of tears.

You arrived at Bobby’s a couple of minutes before midnight and unfortunately John was already there waiting for you. Sam, who was watching cartoons, turned the TV off.

“Did you find Dean?” your dad asked.

You nodded looking at the floor.

“And he didn’t want to come back, did he?” he said as he walked to you.

You shook your head still looking down and preparing yourself emotionally for the beating of your life, but the only thing you got was a hug.

“Did you wanted me to find him?” you asked looking at your dad.

He nodded.

“I wanted to test you.” John saw your sad face and added. “Don’t worry Y/N, he will come back. He will realize he can’t stay around, if you couldn’t make him come back, something else will.”

PART 2!

[ficdirectory]

Disuphere (An AU Fosters family fic) Chapter 39

CHAPTER 39

THEN

Friday, December 25, 2009

Missing: 2 years, 3 months and 18 days

Josh was seriously starting to hate winter breaks.  

Even though nothing was as awful as last year (chained in the basement for a week), this was still pretty bad.  He had left to go visit His mom’s grave, which meant He was totally crabby during Something Else and then just left Josh chained to the bed in his room.  There was a little slack (enough to go to the bathroom, or to His room - disgusting) but not enough to get to the kitchen or the front or back doors which were always locked with 17 billion locks.

He left a lot more food this time.  Josh was relieved about that.  The water situation was solid.  There was heat.  Josh had clothes and blankets.  So he really should stop complaining.  It was just...he didn’t expect to be left alone with the blaring Christmas music again.  With nobody to talk to.  Not even the deer head.  

At least Josh had an alarm clock in his room and a skateboarding calendar to keep track of the days.  (Josh remembered when He started asking what Josh liked.  What other kids had.  The calendar was the first thing He’d given Josh to help him fit in.)  

Instead of thinking of his family, Josh spent hours organizing his food:  How much was left?  How long could he make it last?  Should he have eaten the best things last instead of first?  Too late now.

Ever since August, when He was super mad and kept putting Josh Down There for punishments, Josh had made it his mission to never have to go Down There again.  But when it came down to it, not going made him so nervous.

Josh couldn’t even shut up about it and had to ask Him:

“So, I--  I don’t have to go Down There?”

He’d turned.  Eyed Josh, still chained to the bed.  “Have you done something to deserve it?”

“No.  I’m just asking, because…”

“Relax.  If you haven’t done anything wrong, you’re in the clear.  Consider it your Christmas gift.”

“Okay,” Josh hesitated.  He was staring in that gross way.  Like He deserved something back for chaining Josh in a different room.  Then, he remembered:  “Thank you, Dad,” he recited.

So far, he was doing okay on food and water.  Josh had organized it a bunch.  Now what?  He sighed, looking at his backpack.  All the teachers in sixth grade assigned homework like theirs was the only class that existed.  So, Josh did Social Studies and Science.  Math and Reading.  Language, he saved for very last.  He wrote a haiku poem, because they were doing a whole unit on it in that class.  He put DON’T READ in all caps at the top because they were allowed if something was personal.

Josh still knew better than to make anything seriously personal.  If he did that, he didn’t want to think about what would happen.  Bit his lip and rubbed his ankle where the chain was digging in.  When they went back to school, Josh knew Mrs. A. was going to have them write about how break was.  Josh could use the rest of the time (however long he was stuck here before He came back) to make up the best fake break ever.  Family coming over.  Lots of presents.  And food.

Unfortunately, Fake Breaking didn’t take as long as he hoped.  So Josh just decided to catch up on his sleep.  He slept a lot but didn’t stay asleep because of the music and because his chains kept digging in.  Josh woke up a lot - he kept thinking he heard Him coming back in for more Something Else.

Josh woke up for real when the music changed.  It was the I’m So Dumb song.  Goosebumps rose on his arms and when the music stopped for one or two seconds before repeating, Josh heard it:

A boy crying.

He lurched to the bathroom, dragging his chains and fell on his knees to be sick.

Josh was a terrible person.  Happy he wasn’t locked Down There, when it was really because He was taking another kid.  He needed The Pole and The Mattress and everything for the other kid.  Josh was crying out of control, and felt like he was dying.

All this time - all these months - He had been talking about getting another kid, but Josh never thought He actually would.

Pulling against the chains, Josh screamed.  There was no way to do what he really wanted and rescue the other boy.  Because Josh couldn’t even save himself.

Finally, giving up, Josh lay down on the floor in the bathroom.  He went to Level 3 because the blood was already rushing in his ears.

Josh never dreamed since being Here, but distantly, he had the thought: “Please let tonight be a dream.”

Then nothing.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Missing: 2 years, 4 months and 7 days

For almost three weeks, Josh kept waiting for the other boy to be allowed upstairs.  Tried to talk to Him about, but He was distracted.  His eyes shining in a weird way.  He’d be downstairs then upstairs.  When there was a noise He’d say it was mice.

That made Josh shiver.

Today, Josh came home to a note on the kitchen table.  It said He was working late and Josh better behave and leave the music on.  All the doors better be locked when He came home.

Usually, Josh knew, He waited around to be sure He could lock Josh in, but He didn’t today.  Any other day, that would scream ESCAPE NOW, but his finger was still sore sometimes, and he was so scared of having to go Down There if he got caught.  The truth was, Josh was too scared to try to escape.  Plus, he knew there was another boy.  And this was Josh’s chance to see about helping him.

There was no lock on the basement door, so Josh just waited until he knew for sure (mostly) that He wasn’t coming to check up on them.  Then he opened the basement door and started down the stairs, shaking.

The smell was bad.  The laundry didn’t even cover it.  It was like an outhouse Josh used once, camping out, but worse.  Nervous now, he flipped on the light.

There.

Josh’s stomach dropped.

The boy was skinny.  Pale.  Chains digging in.  A hood over his head.  No clothes.  Holding still like he was frozen.  (Oh yeah, the light.)

For a minute, Josh just stood there.  Then, he forced himself to move.  He got an old towel from the dirty clothes that looked so much cleaner than the boy.  Then, he knelt, and with shaking hands, he took the hood off the boy’s head.

Grey eyes went wide with fear.

“It’s okay,” Josh said, holding his hands up.  Looking the boy in the eyes.  “I’m like you.  Okay?  I’m like you.”  Pushing up his sleeves, his pant legs, his shirt, Josh showed the marks.  Proof he’d been right here once, too.  “My name is Josh.  I’m not gonna hurt you.  I’m not like Him.”

Josh put the towel over the boy, so it at least covered his lap and legs.

“I’m gonna untape your mouth.  Tell me if it hurts, and I’ll try a different angle.”

The boy nodded.  He was so skinny.  There were tears on his face.  Josh could see where they made tracks through the dirt there.

Josh winced, and went to work, carefully peeling away the tape.  The boy made little noises but his voice was gone, like hoarse.

Finally, Josh got the tape off, and he stuck it to another part of the pole but not all the way.  He knew he was gonna need to put it back on eventually, and Josh wasn’t about to go looking for fresh duct tape.

The boy started crying, but no tears came.

“What’s your name?” Josh asked.

“I--  Jacob…” he croaked.

“How old are you?”

“Eleven,” he whispered.  

“Hey.  Me, too.  Oh, I almost forgot,” Josh reached into his sweatshirt pocket.  Took out a can of Sprite, a chocolate pudding and a plastic spoon.  (It paid to save your lunch.)

Jacob’s eyes got big.  His stomach growled.

“I’m gonna help you with these, okay, but I just gotta check something quick.  I’m not leaving you, I promise.”  Josh ran up the stairs and and listened for a car engine.  Boots.  Keys.  The clock on the wall said 4:11.  Still almost seven hours ‘til He came home from work.

Josh just had to be careful.  Because you never knew when He might come home spying.

Back downstairs with Jacob and the horrible smells, Josh opened the can of Sprite and held it to Jacob’s lips.  “Be careful,” he urged.  If Jacob spilled on himself there was the towel to wipe up, but there would also be evidence on it.  They couldn’t risk that.

Jacob chugged the whole Sprite not spilling one drop.  Josh opened the pudding and Jacob had it eaten in six bites.  Again, Josh headed upstairs to throw the garbage away in the kitchen, so He wouldn’t suspect.  Made sure to look around again.  Listen again.  No sign.

Back downstairs.

Josh sat across from Jacob and frowned.  The chains he could see looked so tight.  “Sorry,” he muttered.  “If I had the key, I’d unlock you, and then we could run away.  Get help.”

Jacob sobbed.  “I want my mom!”

“Hey.  I know.  It sucks.  This is gonna sound so bad, okay, but trust me:  You’ve gotta just forget her, okay?”

Jacob wailed louder.

“Listen to me, okay?  I was right where you are.  I’m telling you this because it’ll help you stay alive: It’s easier to just forget.  It hurts too much to remember them.  If you try to find them, they’ll be in danger, too…  You gotta be strong, okay?  You can fight but don’t cry.  Do whatever He wants.  Disappear in your head, so you don’t think about it or feel it.”

“I don’t know how…” Jacob whimpered.  “I just wanna go home.  I want my family.”

“Well…” Josh thought.  “What if I was your family?  Just for now ‘til you get yours back?  Like brothers or cousins, or something…” (Josh didn’t tell Jacob, but he had already started referring to him as “my cousin” in his journal for school.)

Jacob cracked a tiny smile: “Bro-sins,” he offered.

“Deal.  So in order to get out of here, you have to do all the stuff I said.  Then, you’ll be able to walk around like me, and then, maybe we can think of a way out of here.”

“I don’t know how to be strong, though…” Jacob hesitated.

“Are you alive right now after twenty days Down Here?”

Jacob looked surprised.  (There was literally no way to tell days or hours.)  “Yeah,” his voice cracked.

“Then you’re strong. I’m gonna go make supper.  I’ll bring you some, okay?”

“Don’t leave…”

“Listen.  I can’t visit you all the time but I swear I’ll sneak down whenever I can, okay?  When you’re by yourself and scared, remember that I’m here, too.  I’m in The House.  And in The House, we only have one job.”

“What?” Jacob asked.

“Stay alive,” Josh said seriously.  “So we can be rescued.”

“Okay.  Bye, bro-sin,” Jacob called, trying to be brave.

“See ya in a few.  I’ll bring you some pizza.”

Monday, February 1, 2010

Missing: 2 years, 4 months and 25 days

Josh kept his promise.  Every day that He went to work, Josh visited Jacob.  Two and a half weeks after they first met, Josh found Jacob inconsolable.

Checking him for injuries before grabbing a towel from the dirty clothes to cover him, Josh took off the hood and the tape.

“What did He do?” Josh asked, shaken.

“Said she died!” The last word made him choke.  “My mom!  He was saying I’d get to home home, but now He says since I don’t have any parents, He has to be my dad!”

Josh felt sick.  Then mad.  Because he was almost 100% positive he had just seen Jacob’s mom on the news today during current events time in Social Studies, and not for being dead.  (There was a different name, not Jacob, but it was definitely Jacob’s face on the poster, and in the woman’s features.)  She was talking about him.  Saying they were still looking.

(Was Josh’s family still looking?)

It was a good thing his disappearing wasn’t a current event.   It would be too weird seeing his own face while he was sitting in a desk three hours away.  But Jacob had been taken from Santa Barbara, even further up the coast than LA.  Much farther away from San Diego.  Police probably didn’t even think to look for the same bad guy.

“Stop crying.  Stop crying, okay?” Josh finally had enough and grabbed Jacob by the shoulders.  Hung on tight.  “Stop crying so I can tell you He’s a liar!”

Jacob froze.  Stopped crying.  Maybe stopped breathing from fear.

Josh let go, and Jacob dragged in a huge breath.  Then another.  Then another.  Then he said: “What?”

“I swear, as your bro-sin, I am not messing with you.  I saw your mom on TV in Social Studies today.  She was telling you not to give up hope.  That they’re still looking for you.  He probably just told you that because His mom died and He wants somebody to feel bad like Him.”  Josh took Jacob’s face between his hands.  Stared at him hard.  The hardest thing was to not be able to give Jacob a hug when he needed it.

(Jacob needed to get off the damn pole.)

“Your mom is alive.  That’s true.  She just said she’s not giving up.  She just told you not to give up.  So, don’t okay?  Do what He says because you have to...but don’t believe Him.  Promise?” Josh asked.

Tears flowed from Jacob’s eyes.  Even with the towel, he shook with cold.  But he swallowed.  “Promise you’re telling me the truth?”

“Jacob, I wouldn’t lie about this.  I’m like you.  He did the same thing to me as he’s doing to you.  I’m not like Him.”

“Okay,” Jacob breathed, his grey eyes locked on Josh’s brown ones.

Josh checked the time on the old-fashioned watch He gave him, instead of a cell phone.  Almost no time til He came home.

“Sorry, bro, I gotta do this,” Josh apologized.  He took the towel off first and put it back in the basket, giving Jacob as much time to look around, to talk, as he could.

Right before Josh put the tape back on Jacob’s mouth, Josh heard it, just a whisper from Jacob:

“Love you, bro.  Stay alive?”

Josh nodded, tears falling down his own face, as he secured the tape in place:

“Stay alive,” Josh vowed.

Hood.

“I love you, too.  I’m sorry.”

Lights out.

Engine.

Boots.

Keys.

Josh was sprawled on the floor, seemingly absorbed in homework in his room when He passed by.  Level 1 was there to help him not show every damn thing on his face.

“Give you any trouble?” He asked, like they both took a kid from his family on Christmas night.

“No,” Josh said, as if he was surprised to hear mention of another person in the house.  “Forgot he was even here.  Maybe he’s sleeping.”

“Please God…  That one’s such a whiner…”

“Please God...” Josh echoed - not a complaint - but a prayer.