#remember like three replies ago when i said i had an idea? Well my little allusions in rp now come to fruition so you get to see it too lol

[townofcadence]

He's thinking about everything, mulling over the unsaid horror of the carnivorous houses, of how things are different from what he's used to, of the fact that screams in the woods are normal and there's zombies that he hadn't run into around. It's like--- he doesn't know. Some horror story? But one of those abstract ones where the symbolism is symbolism but also physical and trying to kill you, or one where the world turns to a nightmare version of itself. At least there still seemed to be things that were harmless and interesting, but..... there was still a hint of morbidity in it all, that was definitely familiar, yet foreign in the fact that here it was mundane. Except also it wasn't before? Based on what she'd said about changing. Maybe it wasn't a new new thing, or something that just happened, but it was new enough that someone still alive remembered how it used to be before. It's almost concerning how nonchalant it all seems to be for Thursday with that in mind, but he tucks that thought away for a later time.

"Ah... well....." He rubs his chin in thought. The first word he could think to describe his home was 'normal', but that hardly described anything when normal could vary drastically. The clearing ahead they were moving toward with a blue glow would hardly be considered normal at home, yet here it seemed something like that was so normal Thursday hadn't even blinked at heading that way. "It's.... definitely different from here? The houses are just structures and don't eat you. I guess there can be zombies, but they're not like--- well actually I don't know. There's different kinds, but most of them aren't like the movies, but I don't even know if that means anything here." He rubs at his neck with a small patter of a laugh.

"There are....trees? Mn-- trees that look less-- the woods are less haunted looking?" Artair kind of wants to facepalm, but it's hard to describe anything when he's unsure of the baseline. Did they have zombie movies? Were they like the ones at home? Would 'normal trees' just mean the ones in these woods, what he meant, or something else entirely, to someone from here? "There's.... a lot of people, and most people don't know about the horrors out there. It's mostly just--- movies and media for them. It's there, but like-- the less you know the safer you are, almost? Most things look a lot safer I guess. Not that they always are, of course. Also I think most of our plants don't really scream. There aren't bodies littered around covered in mushrooms or anything."

If he'd planned to clarify more, it leaves him as they finally enter the grove. Ahead, the blue glow is obvious. He can see a multitude of those bioluminescent mushroom blocks, like a graveyard in the copse. They all decorate the lawn, a miniature asphalt parking lot the size of maybe two vehicles. Said yard leads right up to a building with sliding glass doors that seem to open and close of their own volition in an endless cycle. A banner hangs along the front-facing wall, over where the name of the store might've been, announcing a Black Friday sale with an uncomfortable multitude of colors and a few smiley faces.

The graves look like they might've been those unfortunate enough to be crushed underfoot a while ago, in an effort to enter the building. Considering he'd heard stories that reflected that about his own world, it was his best assumption. But he's not sure if they're luckier than the ones who probably made it inside. Even without shining his flashlight into those sliding glass doors, when they open his vision is clear enough he can see blood and what might've been viscera or other things, dried and coated onto the walls so thick it looked black. Mold seemed to have taken root too, maybe from the humidity and coagulated wet providing a damp environment. He could see the way it covered everything from across the lot, patches of sickly green and fluorescent orange. The only remains of whoever or whatever had managed it's way inside and become the market's meal are covered now in a thicket of fuzz, and tendrils that almost remind him of a circuit board. Even so, there are still some vague shapes he can recognize almost all too well, even at a distance.

His stomach knots. It's not fresh, that's for sure, but he can only imagine what the prior discovery Thursday had implied must have been like, just seeing this. He wasn't sure he'd want to see something fresh if given the choice. His brain can supply more than enough of an image of something wet and splattered with viscera, from his own past experiences.

He shakes his head. It wasn't new blood or-- other things, like the rest of a body; that meant they needed to keep moving if they wanted to figure out the origin of the screams they had heard. He tries his best not to acknowledge what he sees inside that building-- Thursday probably already knew, if she was familiar with the area, but it wouldn't help them any if that wasn't true. And she'd already been reminded of what she'd seen at least once. The less gruesome recollections they shone their flashlights down on, the better.

"Color me curious," Artair asks, walking with her over the edge of the store's parking lot and back towards the forest. "How do you navigate this place without getting lost? It sees pretty expansive. Do you just have a bunch of landmarks you keep an eye on?" Where he lives, there's a giant forest around town, and when people left the trails, getting lost was easier than you'd think. Getting found was all the more difficult.

As it is, Thursday does chuckle a little bit. "It is all a bit unusual, isn't it? Truth is, we haven't studied all these things all that much. I mean, I personally am not a biologist and I don't think anybody else in the Office is either. I've come out and looked at all this stuff, but I don't know anything about taking samples and studying them under a microscope or anything like that. The way we learned about some of the buildings being carnivorous is, well... you know..." she explains by way of not explaining, instead using her eyes and the way they roll off to gaze in another direction to explain instead. Someone was eaten by one and we saw it happen.

She hurries to explain that lack of explanation, though: "It was one of the zombies around here that it happened to. That we saw it happen to. They stumbled on in there, the doors all shut, and when they opened back up later, it- you know, the zombie, it- well, it was just, it- well, it- Yeah, it wasn't a pretty picture." Thursday is hoping the grimace on her expression is enough to explain this time, because the remains of that zombie really was something right out of a horror movie, and even she doesn't want to describe it.

"But to your point, even though there are a lot of dangerous things around here, there are a lot of interesting things too! Even some of the screams in the woods are interesting, hahaha. Like, there's some little flowers out here that I like to call party screamers, because that's what they do - they scream, but they also shoot this like silly string stuff out if you step on them, ahahaha." Thursday laughs as she keeps her flashlight aimed at the ground, picking her way around all the forest debris here and there.

"What are things like where you're from, Artair?"

[roosterforme]

Whole Lotta Love | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You and Bradley were just friends, and perhaps that was why you trusted him so much. It wasn't his fault that you were secretly harboring a crush a mile wide. When your noisy neighbor becomes too much and you decide you need to move, Bradley helps you brainstorm a solution. But when you set your plans into action, you're surprised to find that he seems almost jealous.

Warnings: Adult language, angst, fluff, drinking, mentions of masturbation

Length: 8600 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Check out my masterlist for more. Banner made by @mak-32

"I need to move."

Bradley looked up at your annoyed expression as you dropped your lunch tray a little violently onto the cafeteria table across from him with a clatter. The top piece of bread slid off your sandwich as you sat down with a pout. 

"Like to a new apartment?" he asked, reaching over to straighten out your silverware and napkin. "Didn't we just help you move a few months ago, Sparrow?"

For some reason that set you off as your clenched fist bumped the edge of the tray, messing everything up again. "Yes, to a new apartment, Rooster! And yes, I just moved six months ago, but I can't take another day of this shit."

"What's wrong?" Jake asked where he was inhaling his food right next to you like he had a vendetta against it.

You sighed, and the sound was so soft and sweet compared to your frustrated expression, Bradley almost laughed. "The guy who lives above me is an aspiring wedding DJ. Do you have any idea what that means for my sleep schedule?"

"Oh shit," Javy groaned from your other side. "Are you getting Cupid Shuffle all night long?"

"Coyote," you whined, "he makes his own remixes! At four in the morning! When I asked him to stop, he said he was perfecting his artform, but that he'd turn the volume down a smidge. Meanwhile, I moved into my current apartment, because my old neighbors were hosting woodworking retreats in their living room!"

Now Bradley really was laughing. "You need a break? You can come sleep over at my place tonight."

You were finally smiling now as you said, "Thanks Rooster, but I've seen the wrong side of your couch before. I had a long, long night in your living room after the holiday party."

"So don't get drunk first this time," he replied easily, remembering that night vividly. You let him carry you into his house from his Bronco while you whispered the lyrics to Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin really slowly to him. It was funny and somehow a little hot at the same time. He liked it a little too much. "Or you can just sleep in my bed."

Your eyes went a little wide. "With you?"

"Of course not," he replied quickly, hoping he wasn't blushing. "We're just friends. I could take the couch for one night so you can have a break. If you want."

You and he really were just friends. You were friends with all the guys. They all loved you and your humor, and you were a hell of a good WSO. Bradley didn't even fly with a backseater, but he always liked getting paired with you and Omaha. You had an ease about you, and it even translated to the way you took a massive bite out of your sandwich after you said, "Maybe I'll just sneak in and break DJ Insomnia's turntables."

Then you smiled at Bradley while you chewed your food, and Javy and Jake started to make up a song about DJ Insomnia. You laughed when they tried to rhyme 'slumber' with 'nightmare', but you were still looking at Bradley as if he was in on some inside joke with you. Your eyes twinkled when he nudged your leg with his boot underneath the table.

"Hey, I'll be more than happy to help you move again, Sparrow, but I think you ought to at least consider having me over around three in the morning with my keyboard. I'll bring these two idiots with me as well, and we can all sing at the top of our lungs until your neighbor moves out."

You tipped your head back and laughed. "Oh, Rooster. You're the sweetest, but he'd probably actually enjoy that."

Now Bradley was definitely blushing as he looked down at his lunch, and he wasn't really sure why.

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

You gathered your things together for the night as soon as you heard your neighbor playing the Electric Slide. If he was already starting at seven o'clock, you needed to get out now. You shoved clean underwear and some random clothing into your backpack before you stopped in the bathroom and grabbed the essentials. Bradley's couch had never sounded better to you in your life, but if he felt like offering up his bed, then even better. Hell, you'd curl up in there with him at this point. What difference did it make? It wasn't like anything physical was ever going to happen.

He was one of the boys, and you loved them all. It wasn't Bradley's fault that his sun kissed skin and wavy hair were kind of your thing. If they were attached to another man, you'd probably have made a move, but he was your friend. Sure, you'd thought about it before, when you were alone in bed and it was very, very late. He was attractive and hilarious, and you were only human. But some things were sacred.

"Yeah, like peace and quiet," you growled as you stomped down your hallway. You grabbed your keys and headed out, zipping along to Bradley's house in record time. You were obsessed with his place which was complete with flower boxes underneath the front windows and a pink front door that he never seemed to get around to repainting even though he mentioned it all the time.

You hauled yourself up to his porch with your half zipped backpack and bad attitude and pounded on his door. You had a spare key somewhere in the bottom of your purse, but you didn't feel like digging for it. When he didn't answer, you pounded again, a little harder this time. 

"Yeah?" he asked, his tone gruff as the door flew open. "Sparrow," he muttered, his voice much softer with your call sign attached to it. "Hey."

But you didn't register too much besides the fact that he was standing there in nothing but a pair of snug boxer briefs with damp hair and skin that smelled delicious just inches away from you. "Hi," you said, sounding as mesmerized as you felt. Golden tan. Sparse chest hair. Perfectly groomed mustache. You wanted to lick him. Where on earth did that urge come from? You never thought about dragging your tongue along his chest and neck and all the way up to his lips. Except that you had... very, very late at night.

Fuck.

It wouldn't be worth messing things up. You forced your gaze up to his brown eyes. "I'm here for our sleepover," you said with as much normalcy as you could muster, but the response you got was Bradley's cheeks turning pink as he leaned away from the doorway so you could step inside. Then you came to a stop and looked at him again. He smelled really good. Like maybe he was wearing cologne. "Oh. Were you heading out? Do you have a date?"

His cheeks grew redder. "Um, no. Not at all. Of course not."

His answer sent a little wave of relief through your body. "Good." You winced at your response as you continued to his couch and set your bag down. "I mean, do you want to order a pizza or something?"

He ran his fingers through his hair and nodded. "Yeah. Sure. Just let me get dressed. I'll be right back out."

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

You actually came over. With your backpack full of your stuff. Bradley wasn't expecting you to take him up on his offer, and now he was doubly flustered; he actually did plan a last minute date, and he just jerked off in the shower while thinking about you.

"Oh fuck," he groaned as he pulled on a pair of jeans. He didn't start off thinking about you. It just kind of happened. At first, he was thinking about a faceless girl sitting on his lap with her hand in his underwear, and then suddenly she did have a face. Your face. And then she had your voice. And then he pictured the two of you on his actual couch. And it was definitely you giving him a handjob in his shower fantasy, and he came all over the tile wall like it was your face. He was lucky you didn't let yourself in with your spare key in time to hear him moaning your name.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" he asked his reflection in the bedroom mirror. He looked wild. Slightly deranged. His pupils were huge, and his cheeks were hot pink. How the hell was he supposed to eat pizza with you while he was thinking about you on his lap?

But the fact that he wanted nothing more than to eat pizza and drink beers with you solidified the fact that he needed to cancel his date with Erin. He was so stupid for doing this. She was a viable option for someone to date. You were not. But he was apparently going to torture himself anyway as he texted her Hey, sorry this is last minute, but I need to reschedule.

He didn't wait for a response as he made his way back to his living room where you had already cracked open a can of beer from the refrigerator and made yourself at home on the couch. You were wearing what you always wore when you didn't have on a flight suit, just yoga pants and a baggy tee shirt. It shouldn't have been cute, but it was. 

You smiled up at him as you nudged the unopened can of beer on the coffee table with your blue painted toenail. "I got you one."

He poked your foot with his finger and picked up the beer as he said, "Yeah, it's the least you could do since you helped yourself to my fridge." 

When he dropped down onto the couch next to you, his weight on the cushions had you colliding into him. "Sorry," you murmured, your hand coming to rest on his abs as you pushed yourself back into place like it was nothing. Meanwhile, he broke out in a nervous sweat. "What do you want to watch?"

"Doesn't matter," he replied, handing you the remote. Then he grinned and said, "Or we could skip the TV, and I could get my keyboard out and play Cupid Shuffle for you. Maybe try my hand at a remix." You tipped your head back and pretended to cry before you started laughing. "What's the matter? I'm sure I'll sound better than your neighbor. Give it a chance, Sparrow," he teased.

You turned to face him on the couch, still laughing with your beer can resting against his bicep. "First of all, no. Please. No. Absolutely not. Second, has anyone ever told you how adorable it is that you have a keyboard that you actually play?"

"I tell myself that all the time," he replied, trying hard not to smile as you laughed. "I say, 'Bradley, you're adorable. I think it's so cool that you want to relive your piano lessons from middle school. Maybe you should get braces again, too.'"

You were cackling now as you gasped, "Stop it."

He sipped his beer and shook his head. "Of course nobody has ever said my keyboard is adorable. It's the nerdiest thing a guy in his thirties could possibly own, and only like five people in total know about it."

With tears in your eyes, you sucked in a deep breath. "I'm so happy I'm one of those five people."

"Yeah, well, keep it to yourself," he muttered with a smile as he took the remote back and turned on the Padres game. You were still giggling softly as you settled in next to him again. "You want pizza?" he asked. 

"I've never said no to pizza," you replied easily, your thigh rubbing gently against his.

"My treat."

"You always say it's your treat. I'll get it this time."

"Nah, you've got to save up your money so you can move out of your apartment, remember?" he asked as he placed the order on his phone.

"How could I forget?" you moaned. "Your house is so nice, I wish I could evict you and move in here."

He set his phone aside and kicked his feet up onto his coffee table. He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye. "That would be a pretty rude thing to do to the guy who always buys your pizza."

Your side eye was impeccable as you said, "It's not like you'd be destitute. I'd let you live with DJ Insomnia. Now I just need a way to make money fast."

Bradley shook his head as the baseball game went to a commercial. "There's no such thing, Sparrow. Nothing legal anyway, and Uncle Sam pays your salary."

You were tapping your beer can with your finger and biting your lip gently, and Bradley's mind drifted back to his shower fantasy. You hummed softly, and he could practically feel the weight of your body settling onto his lap. That's what he wanted. You and he could finish this discussion with you straddling his thighs and his tongue in your mouth. 

He should have gone out with Erin. He should have just admitted that he had a date and told you that you could hang out here while he was gone, because now he was getting his hopes up as your leg bumped his again. He knew he was blushing when he looked at you, so he turned back to the TV just in time for the beginning of a Hooters commercial.

"Wow," you mused with a little snicker as you gestured toward the parade of tits with your beer can. "That really got your attention."

Bradley rolled his eyes. "No, it didn't."

"Seriously? That's a lot of boobs, Rooster. You think we should contact the ad agency and tell them they should feature a few more?"

He turned and looked at you, and you started cracking up again. "I think it was actually just the right amount of boobs," he said, trying really hard not to look at your chest.

You forced your face into a neutral expression. "Do you like to go to Hooters?"

Bradley groaned and tried to stand up but you reached for his arm and tugged him closer to you instead. "Why do you think it's fun to pick on me?" 

"I'm not really sure, but it's great," you replied. "Didn't all the guys go to Hooters for Jake's birthday?"

"Yeah," he replied with a laugh. "Jake got completely fucking wasted and proposed to our waitress. Then he tried to write his number on a napkin for her, but it looked like hieroglyphics. He even tried to follow her into the kitchen at one point, and Javy had to go get him. At least he left her a two hundred dollar tip for being so annoying."

You gaped at him and set your empty beer can on the coffee table. "Two hundred bucks? Oh my god, do you realize how fast I could buy my own place with guys like Jake around if I worked at Hooters?"

Bradley sat up a little straighter and watched as your eyes lit up while you watched the end of the commercial before the Padres game came on again. "You wouldn't want guys... fussing over you like that, would you?"

You kind of shrugged and said, "I can handle myself."

"That's not what I meant. I just-" He cut himself off. What was he supposed to say? Was he supposed to tell you he was already jealous just thinking about it? He definitely couldn't admit that. So instead he said, "Your boobs are too good for Hooters. You should keep them in your flight suit."

Now you were looking down at your body and running your hands up your belly to your chest, and Bradley was entranced as he watched you squeeze yourself through your tee shirt like it didn't even matter if he was there or not. You must have trusted him implicitly as you looked at him with sad eyes and said, "You're probably right. Guys know best about this kind of thing, and flight suits are a catch-all for making everyone's body look identical. Maybe it's better to just keep blending in."

He felt like a jerk, because that's not what he meant at all. He wanted to tell you that you were beautiful and that you'd probably make enough money in two weeks to buy the house of your dreams in those orange booty shorts and the tiny tops, but he couldn't. He wanted to kiss that little pout from your lips, but he wouldn't. Instead he said, "Let's keep brainstorming?"

"Yeah, thanks," you whispered, letting your lips brush against his cheek, and Bradley jumped about a mile into the air when there was a knock at the front door.

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

You and Bradley had given up on the Padres game. Now you were turned so you were facing each other with pizza and paper plates and more cans of beer. "Okay, you hear how quiet your house is? You hear how nobody is annoying the shit out of you right now? No turntables or amplifiers anywhere?"

"Yeah," he said with a laugh. His cheeks had been perpetually pink all night, and it was really distracting. You had to keep reminding yourself that he thought you'd look better in your shapeless flight suit than in a Hooters uniform, and it kind of broke your heart every single time. But that's what you needed.

You forced a smile as you said, "I want this kind of peace in my life. So give me your best brainstorming ideas for how I can make some more money. Go."

"What about cage fighting?" he asked before he took an enormous bite of pizza. 

"Cage fighting?" you balked. "Maybe you don't think much of my face, but I happen to like it the way it is!"

His eyes went wide and his jaw dropped open. "I do like your face, Sparrow. I was just joking." 

He still looked concerned as you waved him off and asked, "What if I started bartending again? Like I did in college?"

Bradley shrugged. "You'll get just as many guys creeping on you at a bar."

You nibbled on your pizza crust and thought about your options. "What if it's the right kind of bar though? One with bouncers and security guards and everything, and oh my god! I've got it!"

"What?" 

You watched him fold another slice of pizza in half and devour it as you said, "The Beauty Bar."

He froze with his mouth full and started shaking his head. "No," he said as soon as he swallowed. "That's like Hooters, but the girls dance. On the bar." 

"Exactly," you told him, letting your hand rest on his knee. "Bigger tips and buffer security guards. Just think about it, Rooster. I could play one of the characters and have my own unique outfit. It's mostly just bartending, but the breaks for dancing would be so fun."

He looked a little constipated, and you almost laughed when he asked, "What kind of outfit?"

You tried to remember the girls from the only time you'd been there. "I think there was a cowgirl and a schoolgirl? Or like a dirty librarian?"

Bradley leaned a little closer to you and said, "Maybe you should reconsider the cage fighting. I could get you like a hockey mask to wear?" He ran his fingertip gently down the side of your face. "You know, to keep you safe?"

"I wouldn't last one round," you told him with a grin. "Besides, The Beauty Bar is mostly filled with bachelorette parties and girls having a fun night out. I think I'll call them or stop by tomorrow and see what they say."

Bradley dropped his hand from your face and muttered, "I'll keep brainstorming. You feel like watching a movie?"

"Sure," you told him as you stretched. "You pick since you paid for the pizza."

A few seconds later, your favorite movie was queued up on the TV, and you tried to get him to look at you, but he was actively avoiding doing so as he tried not to smile. You were halfway on his lap with your hands on his cheeks when he finally met your eyes. "Thanks, Bradley. For the pizza and for the movie and the sleepover and everything."

"You're welcome," he whispered softly. You thought about how good it would feel to kiss him, but you ended up laying on a pillow that was propped against his thigh instead. Less than halfway into the movie, you were sound asleep. 

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

Bradley didn't want to move. You were sound asleep with your cheek pressed to his thigh, and a tiny little spot of drool darkened the fabric of his jeans next to your lips. You had pushed the pillow to the floor, and you had reached for his hand while you dozed.

He'd had a full blown crush on you for a while now. It was useless to try to deny it. But you had him in the friend zone along with Javy and Jake and all the rest of the guys, and he was sure that if he tried to level up, you'd smash him right back down where he belonged.

You were so cute, finally getting the sleep you deserved. Clearly you trusted him, which made him feel important, but he wanted to be important to you in every way. 

When he tried to slide off the couch, you snuggled against him harder. When he tried to wake you up, you moaned and snoozed on. He got himself awkwardly into position to pick you up, and he hoisted you into his arms. Your hand rested on his chest, and your lips met his neck as you mumbled, "I'm sleepy."

"I know you are, Honey." The pet name just slipped out, but you didn't complain as he stood there in his living room trying to stave off an erection as you snuggled against him. "I'm taking you to my bed. You'll be more comfortable."

"M'kay." 

Then he was treated to your half asleep rendition of Whole Lotta Love where most of the lyrics were wrong and it was pretty much completely off key. But you were singing it right next to his ear, and once again, he liked it more than he should. When he set you down on his bed, you immediately burrowed under the blankets like you slept in his room all the time, and he watched you curl up on your side. 

Your eyes were closed as you whispered, "Aren't you getting in?"

He wanted to. He knew the feel of your body well enough to know that he'd love snuggling with you all night. But this friendship meant something to him. "Nah, I'll be out on the couch if you need me."

You didn't respond verbally, but you did nod, and Bradley kissed your temple. Then he grabbed a blanket from his closet and left you alone. His thoughts were a complete mess as he stepped out of his jeans and tossed them on the coffee table. He stretched out on his couch as much as he could, but then he thought about you wearing a Hooters uniform.

"Don't do it," he warned himself, but it was too fucking late. The little orange shorts and the tiny white shirts had been nice on the other girls, sure. But on you'd, they would be lethal for him. 

The idea of you dressed as a cowgirl doing a little dance routine on a sticky bartop wasn't much better. Guys would be throwing tip money at you and begging you to make their drinks. They would all want to chat you up and try to touch you. Bradley would go through the roof if one of them did. But if this is what you wanted to do and it was going to help you reach your goal, then he was going to have to be supportive, even if it killed him. 

After barely sleeping most of the night, Bradley was finally dozing when you walked out into the living room the next morning. His blanket ended up on the floor at some point, but you came right over to him where he was overflowing from the couch in just his undershirt and boxer briefs. 

"You could have slept in your bed, too," you whispered, brushing your fingers through his hair. "You're too big for the couch."

He noted that you were wearing your backpack as he melted into your touch. "Are you leaving? I thought we could grab breakfast."

Now you were smiling. "I'm gonna run. I'm planning to stop at The Beauty Bar later and see if they're hiring any new bartenders. Thanks for everything."

With that, you kissed his forehead, and Bradley's eyes closed as soon as you went prancing out his front door into the sunlight. "I'll keep brainstorming," he groaned.

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

Your interview at the bar consisted of making three drinks and picking out a 'uniform' to wear. Some of the clothing was so tiny, it made the Hooters girls look modest by comparison. But they assured you that you'd love working there, so you accepted the position and took your new clothing home. 

The first time you put on the black leather skirt that zipped all the way up the front along with the cropped shirt, you took it back off immediately. Could you mix cocktails in the outfit? Sure. Could you dance on the top of the bar for three minutes straight three times per night? Maybe not. But then you remembered that they told you some girls made up to five hundred bucks per shift. And then DJ Insomnia started on a remix of the Macarena right above you. 

So you put the outfit back on again and decided that yes, you could do this. And maybe it would help to get a guy's perspective on the way you looked and your dance moves. You wanted to ask Bradley, but you didn't think you could handle the way he'd laugh about this. But there was something about the way he'd been concerned about you when you slept over at his place on Friday night. You almost felt protected. Cared for. God, you were already jealous of the woman he would eventually fall for, because she would be on the receiving end of all of his warm attention. And she'd get to live in that house with him. And he'd actually sleep in his bed with her, unlike the couch when you were there. 

You rolled your eyes in the mirror and added some makeup to your face. This was so unlike you, falling for one of your friends. But you were tired of trying to fight it. And you still trusted his opinions. So you called him.

"Sparrow," he crooned when he answered your call.

"Rooster," you replied in your most matter of fact tone. "I was wondering if you could stop by for a few minutes and help me with something?"

"Right now?" he asked immediately.

You bit your lip before swiping some lipstick on while you said, "Whenever you have a chance."

"I'll be there soon."

He didn't let you down. He never did. Twenty minutes later, there were three taps on your apartment door, and then he was letting himself inside with the spare key you gave him months ago.

"Sparrow, it's me," he called out over the remix of Footloose. "Jesus. You weren't kidding. Your neighbor plays music like this all the time?"

"Yes," you shouted from your bedroom. "Constantly."

"I'm going to go up and have a little chat with him."

You were putting the finishing touches on your makeup as you said, "Don't bother. I've tried so many times. All he's done is lower the volume the slightest bit."

Bradley's sarcastic laugh from your living room made you smile. "I'm sure I can get him to do whatever I say."

That was undoubtedly the truth. You also didn't want him to get arrested. When you ran out to see him, you had forgotten what you were wearing as you threw your arms around his neck and hugged him.

Bradley's eyes were wide, and as soon as his hands settled on your bare waist, he pulled them right off again. "Holy shit. What the fuck is this?"

"Oh," you gasped, taking a nervous step away from him. "It's kind of my uniform. For my new bartending gig?" His cheeks were pink, his lips were parted, and he was gaping at you as he dragged his gaze up and down your body. "Is it bad?"

"Holy shit," he repeated. And then he said it one more time before he met your eyes. "Do you think it's bad?"

You winced and groaned. "I wasn't sure. But you're a guy. If you think it's awful, then I certainly don't want to wear it to my second job." He let out a strangled sound, and you started to turn back to your bedroom. "I'll stick to my flight suits."

You felt his fingers lace with yours before you heard his strained voice. "It's not bad, Sparrow. It's really fucking hot." You turned and looked at him, annoyed that you were feeling so vulnerable. He swallowed hard before he added, "You always look good."

He tugged you a little closer to him, and a smile found your lips. "I think I get it. It's hard to be objective when you're friends with someone. You'd probably like the outfit better on someone else."

Somehow his eyes went wider. "I really don't think that's it at all, actually," he whispered. Then DJ Insomnia started playing a remix that actually sounded good for once, and you tugged Bradley toward your couch with your linked fingers. 

"Here, watch me dance real quick, and then we can just hang out."

"Okay," he grunted, taking a seat.

"Just pretend I'm someone else," you told him as you ran one hand down your side until your palm settled on your hip. You started to turn in a slow circle as you moved your hips to the music that made its way to your living room. 

"I don't really want to do that."

You looked back at Bradley over your shoulder and caught him staring at your butt. "You don't?"

He shook his head slowly as you turned to face him, still dancing. "Hell no," he whispered, watching your face now. He brought his hand up to cover his mouth, and his dark gaze looked almost greedy, but he sat there and watched you dance, barely moving a muscle until you stopped along with the music.

"Well? What do you think?" you asked, holding your hands out to your sides.

He cleared his throat. "I think it's a good thing you don't have a boyfriend, because he'd already be jealous as fuck."

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

You looked exhausted every single day now. Bradley started to bring you extra coffee from his own kitchen to try to combat your near constant yawning and fatigue each morning. You weren't just battling through sleepless nights at your apartment with DJ Insomnia, you were also working all day as a WSO and frequently working late into the night at the bar. 

"I'm a little worried about you," he murmured one morning as you sipped the coffee he made. "You're working too hard, Sparrow." He didn't want to put voice to the way he felt about your bartending shifts. He made it a point not to stop by and see you there even though you'd asked him to. But he desperately wished you would quit. Every time he thought about you in your little costume with your red, pouty lips, he got more jealous inside. He could just imagine dozens, maybe hundreds of pairs of eyes on you, and he didn't like the way he wanted to be the only one treated to that sight.

"I'm fine," you replied softly. "I've already made thousands in tip money, and it's only been two weeks." You tried to smile up at him, but it didn't quite meet your eyes. "I mean, it's not the best scenario, because sometimes the patrons get a little rowdy. But it's not the worst thing. I'll just keep it up for a few months or until I get deployed."

Bradley grunted. "Explain to me exactly how rowdy they get."

Now you were sipping your coffee and staring at the patches on his flight suit instead of looking at his face. "Well, nobody is supposed to touch us. But sometimes guys do try it. Especially when we're dancing. The bouncers are great and all, but they can only get over there so quickly."

Bradley leaned down until you were looking him in the eye. He knew he was no better than some random asshole at the bar. He was probably worse since he thought about you dancing for him every time he took a shower. But he couldn't stand how apprehensive you looked when you talked about that place. You never looked like that when you were alone with him. 

"I think you should quit," he told you blandly. 

"It's not that bad," you replied. "Maybe I'm not doing a good job of explaining it. Come visit one night, and I'll buy you a drink."

"Sparrow, literally the last thing I want to do is witness every drunk asshole at the bar trying to look up your skirt."

You scoffed. "I wear little booty shorts underneath it!"

He closed his eyes and grunted, "I could have lived without that visual." It would just add to his shower time fodder.

"Oh! You should come on Friday night," you said, patting him on the chest. "I'll invite all the guys! There are drink specials. Hey, Javy!"

You wandered away, and soon Bradley's fate was sealed. Javy, Jake, Mickey, Reuben and Bob were all planning on going to The Beauty Bar for happy hour, and he was expected to be there, too. It wasn't like it was your fault he was falling for you, so he was just going to have to go and be supportive. He'd make sure all the guys left you massive tips, too. 

You were still exhausted on Friday morning, and Bradley didn't like the way you were yawning as you loaded into your jet. You were quieter now at work than you usually were, and he was tempted to tell you to start sleeping at his place to try to cut out some of your stress. Having you close by sounded good to him as well.

Maybe he'd hang out at your bar all night and take you home with him. He could carry you to his bed before retiring to the couch and pretending he was also in his bed. Maybe you would even serenade him with the song. You'd get a good night's sleep and then this never ending friendship loop would start all over again.

If he could think of a way to break the loop and turn it into a straight line that led to a relationship with you, he'd take it. That was probably the type of brainstorming he should be working on at this point since you were already working at the bar now. He was still trying to think of a way to tell you how he really felt without destroying the friendship as he drove his Bronco across the city to the extremely popular Beauty Bar. 

"You're kidding," he muttered. There was a line to get inside, and he told you he'd be here by eight o'clock when the dancing started. 

"Holy shit," Jake said as he and Javy headed up the sidewalk and got in line with him. "I guess there's no shortage of guys who want to look at Sparrow."

Javy nodded in agreement. "I mean, I don't really want to look at Sparrow, but I'll gladly take all the other girls."

That was literally the exact opposite of Bradley's thinking. He couldn't give a shit who else was working, his eyes would find you and stay there all night. Whether you were serving drinks, chatting with patrons or dancing, he'd be focused on nothing but you.

The guys all got their driver's licenses out, and the bouncer muttered, "Don't want any trouble from the three of you," as he checked them. 

Shit, what the hell kind of place was this if you got warned at the door on your way in? But when he walked inside and saw how crowded it was along with the two random girls doing a line dance along the bar, he could kind of understand. It was mostly packed with guys, and Reuben, Mickey and Bob were waving them over. Bradley moved slowly through the crowd, and then he found you in your cute little outfit handing someone a beer, and his heart stopped. 

Your smile looked like it was pasted on, but once you saw Bradley, your whole face lit up. You waved to him as you bounced up and down behind the bar, clearly excited that he was here. He started throwing his elbows and shoulders around to get to you, passing all of the other guys in the process. 

"Rooster!" you called out over the music when he got closer. The two girls danced across the bar between you and him, but his focus didn't waver at all as he matched your smile. "Do you want a drink?"

He shrugged and said, "I kind of just wanted to see you."

"Oh," you replied, looking pleased enough that Bradley decided to push the boundary just a little bit. 

"I don't really like it here, actually. If at any time you feel like quitting your job, I'll take you right to my place and let you sleep in peace and quiet again."

You poured a beer and handed it to him. "You don't like the girls?" you asked, glancing at the boots as they went by again. 

"Not those ones."

You looked him dead in the eye and asked, "Which ones then?"

His fingers flexed on his pint of beer as someone tried to jostle him out of the way to get closer, but he didn't look away from you as he said, "Come on, Sparrow." His voice was a little rough, and now you looked confused. He would do it. He'd ruin everything just so you knew. But he didn't want you to feel bad for him. 

Then someone called your first name, and you and he both turned to see an older woman holding up both hands. "I'm on in ten," you told him, reaching out to touch his fingers where they rested on the bar. "Let me take a few more drink orders before I have to dance."

"Right," he said. It was better that you didn't know. You were trying to make some money here, and he was already messing it up by talking to you for too long. "I'll catch you later."

He wandered off in the direction of the rest of the guys. "Yo, that blonde is so hot, and she made my drink perfectly," Mickey was saying as he drank something that looked fruity and sweet. 

"I'm an equal opportunity aviator tonight," Jake drawled. "I see a girl in a little outfit, she gets my phone number."

"You're delusional is what you are," Bradley told him as he sipped his beer. "All of you better leave Sparrow a massive tip. Seriously. I'm not kidding." 

He listened to the guys chat as he turned back toward the bar to check on you. It was almost time for you to dance, and his stomach was churning with anticipation and anxiety. He'd been dying to see you move like that again, but he could do without the memory of everyone else knowing how you looked when you shook your hips. 

Then you broke away from some guy who looked like a real tool who was reaching for you across the bar. You backed up and bumped into the mini fridge behind you and winced, and Bradley took a few steps in your direction. He memorized what that guy was wearing and what he looked like, just in case. 

But now it was time for you to dance, so at least you were able to step away from him. One of the cowgirls was helping you up onto the bar, and the crowd started cheering. The opening notes to Whole Lotta Love started playing, and Bradley's arms prickled with goosebumps as you ran your hand down to your waist and shook your hips from side to side. You were moving just like you had in your living room, but all he could think about were the times you sang this song to him. He wanted all of it to be just for him. He wanted to touch you the way you were touching yourself. He wanted to taste the sweat that glistened on your neck.

His jealousy flared, burning bright inside of him as he watched everyone crowd the bar as you strutted along with a smile on your face. And once again your smile brightened when you found him, and then you mouthed the lyrics, 'Way down inside, honey you need it. I'm gonna give you my love. I'm gonna give you my love.' You mouthed the words to him. 

Bradley grunted. His body felt like it was pulled taut like a rubber band, about to snap. You stopped at the end of the bar and did a little twirl as the crowd sang along to the song, but you kept your eyes on him. Your lips perfectly formed every word, and he'd never forget this feeling for the rest of his life. 

Then you turned away from him, and he instantly missed the way you were subtly giving him your attention. He moved forward a little bit through the crowd, wanting to get closer to you. When you spun around again, he saw you looking for him, and your smile wavered. 

"Sparrow!" he called out, and when you found him again, you laughed. And he laughed, too. But this must have been the breaking point in the evening, because Bradley got hit in the shoulder as a fight broke out to his right. Everyone got shoved forward, and a random glass of beer hit the bar. You tried to jump out of the way as your feet got soaked, and then your boss started yelling at you to keep dancing. Now when you looked at Bradley, you were no longer smiling.

He called your first name this time as you tried to step over the wet part of the bar and continue to the other end. Bradley saw him before you did. That asshole guy was back, and he smiled as he looked up your skirt. Bradley fleetingly remembered you told him you wore shorts under your skirt, and he really hoped you had them on tonight. But that wasn't the end of it, because now he was reaching out for your foot. 

"What the fuck?" Bradley shouted, handing his glass to a stranger as he tried to get to you. With that asshole's hand firmly wrapped around your ankle, you started to waver. You were nine feet up in the air, surrounded by glass bottles, and he knew he was closer to you than any of the bouncers. 

"Stop it!" you shouted above the music as you tried to pull yourself free, but that guy was unrelenting. You took one more awkward step before your body turned sideways. You were about to fall off the bar. Bradley fought his way forward as you tried to correct yourself, but it was too late, now it looked like you were going to land on your wrist on the bar, and probably break a bone. 

Bradley lunged just in time, and thankfully you saw him. You trusted him, and right now he could see that fact in your eyes. You let yourself fall forward into the crowd. Into his open arms. 

"Oh my god, Bradley!" you gasped as your arms wound around his neck and legs wrapped around his waist, clinging to him. You were shaking.

"I've got you," he promised as the song played on. He wanted to throw that guy up against the wall, but he was too content holding you to him as you buried your face against his neck. Letting go of you wasn't really an option. He wrapped one big hand around your thigh while the other squeezed your waist. "I have you, Sparrow."

Jake and Javy were there now, and Bradley nodded to the guy who grabbed you. He'd let them take care of it, because now your lips were brushing his ear. "That was terrifying," you whispered, and someone finally changed the song while another dancer climbed onto the bar.

Bradley made the decision to carry you outside into the cool night, walking slowly down the block where it was quieter as you caught your breath. "Are you okay now?" he asked softly.

You nodded against him, and when he adjusted you in his arms, you quickly whispered, "Please don't put me down yet."

"I won't," he promised before pressing his lips to your collarbone. You whimpered, and he couldn't help it. He said, "I don't ever want to put you down. And for the record, I don't want you to dance here anymore either. I never wanted you to."

You lifted your head away from him, and Bradley practically melted as your fingers tugged through the hair at the back of his head. Your lips were pouty, and your eyes were trusting as you asked, "You never wanted me to?"

"Absolutely not."

"Why not?"

He knew he had to say it and risk ruining everything, because pretending like this friendship with you was enough was actually hurting him now. He looked at your pretty face as he said, "Because I'm in love with you. And I'm selfish and jealous, and I don't want a bunch of other guys watching you dance around in this little outfit. Dancing around to my song."

"Bradley." You leaned closer, and you didn't stop until your lips were on his. This was better than he thought it could be, already so comfortable around you. Already addicted to your voice and the way you felt in his arms. Your fingers tightened in his hair as you kissed him, parting his lips with yours until you were tasting him. When you pulled away with a little moan, you whispered his name again while you ran your thumb along his mustache. 

"Why did you dance to that song?" he demanded gently.

You pressed another kiss to his mouth before you said, "It made it less scary to get up on the bar when I was listening to a song that reminds me of you."

"Why?" he demanded again. 

Then you very easily and simply said, "Because I'm in love with you, too."

"Honey," he sighed against your lips, smiling this time as you slowly unwrapped your legs and slid down the front of his body. Once you were standing on your own, Bradley let his hands fall to your hips, and you wiggled yourself snug against his body. 

You felt just like his shower fantasies and all of his other fantasies, if he was being honest with himself. He thought about you all the time. You nibbled on his lips and dragged your fingers through his hair until he was frankly afraid he was going to get hard in his jeans right here on the sidewalk. He pried his lips from yours, making you pout, and he chuckled as he said, "Sparrow, you're killing me."

Your pout grew more pronounced as you said, "I want you to call me Honey again."

His smile must look ridiculous now as he said, "Honey."

"That's better," you said as your lips curled into a grin. "Let's get out of here."

"Do you think you should go back inside first?" he asked, hoping you'd just ditch the whole thing with him, but you nodded in response. 

"Yeah, good idea. I'll go quit in person," you said, taking his hand in yours.

He stood his ground in response, and you weren't able to move him, but one tug on your hand and you were headed right back to his arms. "Excellent. As soon as you do that, we can talk about how we aren't friends anymore."

"We're not?" you asked, and as soon as that pout started returning, Bradley leaned down and kissed you.

"Hell no," he whispered against your lips. "You're gonna be my girlfriend. And I'll be your boyfriend. And I'm going to take you back to my house. And this time when I carry you to bed, I'm going to stay there with you all night. If that's cool."

"It's so cool," you promised him, and this time when you tugged on his hand, he followed you back up the sidewalk. "It's almost as cool as a man in his thirties who has a keyboard."

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

You were honestly impressed by the way the other guys weren't phased at all. Maybe it was obvious that you and Bradley belonged together, but none of them found it surprising that you were suddenly a couple. It really wasn't sudden at all in your mind though. There was a slow build of trust and appreciation over time that turned physical as soon as Bradley admitted he was in love with you. And four months later, none of it had let up. In fact, you couldn't get enough, and neither could he.

"That's it?" he asked, pointing to the single box left in your trunk. 

"That's it," you told him as you picked it up. And then he picked you up and carried you toward his house while you laughed. You passed the planter boxes full of flowers and went through the pink door.

"Then it's official. You live here now. Welcome home, Honey."

"Oh please," you replied as he set you down. "I've been unofficially living here for months."

"All thanks to DJ Insomnia," he whispered, leaning down and placing an absolutely filthy kiss on your lips.

You moaned. "I owe him so much."

Bradley shrugged and said, "I think we would have eventually arrived at the same conclusion regardless."

"What conclusion would that be?"

"That you're in love with me."

You wanted to deny it, but you couldn't. "Help me unpack the rest of my clothes and shoes so we can explore another one of your shower fantasies."

Bradley moaned and said, "Absolutely. I'll meet you in the bedroom. I just need to get something first."

That's how you ended up putting your clothes on hangers while Bradley resurfaced a few minutes later with his keyboard. Instead of helping you in any way, he sat on the bed and started playing Whole Lotta Love. 

"I asked you to help me," you told him with a laugh as you tossed a pair of your shorts at him while he played. "You're worse than DJ Insomnia."

"Just for that, you get a remix too."

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

I'm not exactly sure how "Sneak Peek: Bradley's Version" ended up happening, but I hope you enjoyed it. I might like it even better than the Jake fic! Thanks for reading, and please let me know what you think! Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

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[honey-on-your-tongue]

This is my first time in general givong a request, but hear me out...

...Logan Howlett/Miguel O'hara x reader, but the reader is tipsy and they go "im dumb" as a small joke. Later on, Logam/Miguel is just pounding into y/n and cooing like "aaaw, little princess to dumb to think. Hm?" Or "such an empty-headed slut" or stuff like that - like a mix of praise and degradation

Kinktober day three

I love this idea so bad I’m such a whore for mean!logan. sir please RAIL ME

Mean!Logan x fem!reader

A couple of nights ago, the team had completed a successful mission. Obviously, you all had to celebrate.

You'd been drinking, more than you intended to, but you couldn't stop feeling so fucking stupid for liking Logan. He was older, probably barely cared about the fact that you existed. And if he did care, there was no way in hell he liked you. Probably thought you were a weird kid, even.

Sure, you two hooked up occasionally. It meant nothing. He probably just saw you as a way to let go of all the tension, while here you were, practically worshipping the ground at his feet.

That's why you're actually surprised when, late into the night, when you're well past your fifth or sixth drink, Logan walks up to talk to you.

“You did pretty good out there, bub,” he tells you. “Real good. Looks like those training sessions helped you out big time.”

You nod. “Oh, definitely,” you reply, words slurred.

He raises an eyebrow. “How many o’those have you had already, hm?” he questions, nodding at the drink in your hand.

“Um…five? Six? Can’t remember,” you shrug, taking another gulp of the alcohol. “Probably ‘cause I’m stupid.”

Logan blinks, confused and shocked. “Stupid? Why would you say that?”

You smile. “‘s just a joke,” you tell him, but he can hear the lie.

He frowns slightly. “It ain't funny, bub. You ain't stupid. You know that.”

You nod dismissively. “Yeah. I know.” You shrug.

For some reason, a few days later, as Logan is busy fucking you dumb, he remembers what you’d said.

I’m stupid. Those were your words.

He spanks your ass when your eyes roll back and you mumble something incoherent. “What’s wrong, baby? Hm? Stupid for me already?”

He smirks at the way your eyes widen, cheeks blushing with delight when your cunt clenches around his cock.

“Yeah? Is that it? Are you just daddy’s stupid little slut?”

You moan, your back arching, and you look almost horrifed at how much you’re anhoying the degradation.

He spanks you again. “I asked you a question. Use your words f’r me, bub.”

You whimper incoherently again and he laughs. “Aw, is daddy’s princess too dumb to think already? Hm?” He smirks, grabbing one of your legs and placing it over his shoulder, allowing him to thrust deeper into you.

You squeal. “D-daddy! Mhmm!”

“Yeah. I know, baby. You get so dumb when you’re on daddy’s cock. I love it so much.” He grunts, thrusting harder, deeper, watching your tits bounce every time.

He places a huge hand on top of your womb and presses down, forcing you to feel him even more. “Is my dumb baby gonna come f’r me? You gonna be good and come on my cock?”

You nod, desperately whining incoherently.

He chuckles. “Yeah, that’s right, baby. You ain’t gotta do anything. That’s why you’re such a good fuck—You get all dumb and all you gotta do is let daddy use your pretty cunt.”

---

Blog masterlist

Kinktober masterlist

UUUGHHHH mean logan has my panties a mess

[leupagus]

Am I writing this largely because I enjoy the idea of Sansa and Stannis constantly hissing at each other like two belligerent cats? Listen,

x

By the first week of the siege, Sansa was forced to admit — if only to herself —that warfare was far less exciting than she'd imagined. When she had been told of Robb's victories in the Riverlands she had always pictured him triumphant upon a fearsome destrier, sword held high as he cut down his enemies before him. Then he'd been killed and she had lived through the Battle of the Blackwater, waiting either rescue or slaughter by the very man who was now her ally. That had not been exciting, precisely, but it had not been this dull and plodding affair. A far cry from the valiant knights and noble battles she'd read when she was a girl; but she'd had precious little turn out the way she'd been taught.

She slept at the camps near the front lines, in the same soldier's tent she and Brienne and Podrick had shared for the past four months. Stannis had made all sorts of ridiculous protests about "ladies" and "danger" until she'd had to remind him, once again, that her eight thousand men gave her the freedom to dictate her own movements.

"All very well while we're waiting out here, my lady," he'd growled in response, after his requisite glare at her flawless logic, "But when battle joins, you'll be nothing more than a nuisance."

"In which case, I'll be quickly killed and you can have Rickon installed as Lord of Winterfell instead," she'd replied, "as you were hoping to do in the first place." That had shut him up, at least, and he'd gone back to scowling at Winterfell's walls.

Every night when she returned to the camp, she stopped at Stannis's tent and joined the conference with their commanders and lieutenants. It was then that she learned about the waging of war: how men were best deployed, how training was maintained even in the midst of a siege, how sickness was kept at bay so that it did not kill more soldiers than did the battles. Stannis disliked her presence there, too, but she was rapidly coming to understand that he would only be truly happy when she was out of his life for good. Possibly not even then. He did not seem a man much given to smiles.

The men did not share Stannis's view, at least; as she walked through the lines each morning and night they stood to bow to her, and press the back of her hand to their foreheads as she remembered they had done to Mother so long ago.

"They say that the old gods have brought you back to us," Lord Reed told her one day, as he accompanied her on her daily walk to the winter town. "That they were angered when the Starks were driven from Winterfell, and that they're drawing you all back here one by one. They say that Robb Stark may come back from the dead, such is the rage of the gods, and avenge all who wronged your house."

Joffrey had been diligent in recounting every detail of what had happened to Robb's body after Roose Bolton had killed him. She repressed a shudder to think of it and held more tightly to Reed's arm, grateful for the warmth of him at her side. "I hope they are not disappointed if all they get is me and Rickon."

Reed chuckled. "They're well-satisfied, my lady," he said. They walked into the winter town just as the sun broke over the mountains. "You're a sight prettier than the Young Wolf ever was, that's certain."

The winter town was where her real work was done each day. It was the custom every winter for the smallfolk of the North to leave their hides holdfasts and journey here, bringing what they could cart or carry. The winter town would eventually house nearly one in three of every soul living in the North, seeking shelter together to endure the cold.

The Boltons had not bothered to do their duty, laying in no provisions and building no new housing. Up until now it had mattered little; even as the winds had begun to blow, few smallfolk had dared to come take shelter under the banners of the flayed man. The town itself had been all but abandoned, until word of the Starks' return had begun to spread throughout the North.

Now the winter town seemed to double in size with each passing day despite the ongoing siege of the Keep. Sansa had her hands full in directing builders, organizing kitchens, allocating what resources they had to feed and shelter everyone. In this she was aided by any number of friends and allies: those servants and household members who had first escaped during Winterfell's seizure by the Ironborn, or who had endured that but had fled the Boltons' brutal takeover; the households of her lords who had come to support the siege; even Lady Umber and her formidable staff lent a hand before she returned to Last Hearth. Her most steadfast assistants were Rickon and Shireen, who at first had joined her out of boredom but were now her little lieutenants, breathlessly updating her on all events of the previous night as she joined them for breakfast each morning. She received aid also from her men in the armies, assigning their builders to fortify the town in much the same way they were fortifying the siege camp.

Her lords approved of this; Stannis, of course, did not.

"You seek another threescore soldiers?" he demanded one evening.

The siege had now dragged on near a month. Bolton's men showed signs of distress, Lord Flint reported with no small satisfaction; they would not last much longer. But this had brought a fresh concern, and Sansa had broached it during their evening conference.

"We need to build up the palisades along the eastern side of the winter town," Sansa insisted, pointing at the map spread out along the table, with the various pieces representing the various companies all arrayed neatly atop. Stannis's wooden flaming hearts were outnumbered by Sansa's wolf heads two to one, though many of hers appeared hastily-carved from whatever spare wood was at hand. She reached for a flaming heart on the far side of the Keep, well away from the siege. "It need only be for—"

"Give me that," Stannis snapped, snatching it back. "Those men are covering the huntsman's gate, should any of Bolton's forces be cowardly enough to attempt escape rather than stand and fight."

"And you anticipate that happening in the next day?" she demanded, resisting the urge to lunge for the piece the way she used to with Robb when he had teasingly stolen her embroidery, holding it just out of reach. "There must be fifty or sixty men out of twelve thousand that can be spared."

"Why are the palisades in need of building up in the first place?" Stannis demanded, as Lord Glover opened and then shut his mouth to reply to her. "This winter town of yours is folly — you cannot grant entry to every farmer and tinker who pleads for shelter."

Sansa gaped at him in outrage, though even as she did so she was heartened to hear the murmur of her lords at such a comment. "That is precisely what is done, and has been for every winter since before Bran the Builder set stones to build Winterfell!" She glared at him. "This is a refuge, Your Grace."

"This is a siege, my lady," he retorted, looming over her. She thought longingly of the beautiful heeled shoes Margaery wore; she needed only a few inches to match Stannis's height, and see what good his looming did him then. "The smallfolk congregate here at their own risk!"

"My people congregate here because they believe I will keep them safe, and I will do so. With or without Your Grace's help!"

"Without, if it pleases my lady!"

Half-ready to club him over the head with the nearest chair, Sansa grabbed the flaming heart out of his hands and waved it in his face. "What are these men supposed to do, if Bolton and his soldiers escape out this way?"

Stannis looked too near a fit of apoplexy to reply, so it was Lord Cerwyn who cleared his throat and answered, "They are charged to report back, my lady, with some following at a safe distance to see where they go."

"It's perfectly obvious where they'll go," Sansa snapped. "Lord Bolton will make for the Dreadfort."

"Of course he will," said Stannis, finding his voice at last, though he did not try for the wolf's-head piece again. "That doesn't mean—"

"I know three dozen local boys who could hide along the route from the huntsman's gate to the eastern road and bring back reports, without clomping about the forests in full armor," Sansa said, slamming the piece down at the winter town. "And they might be able to bring back some food, while they're at it. Unlike your soldiers, they know how to hunt in the Wolfswood without frightening off half the game."

A few days later, she had her men.

[rukia-writes]

Hi! I just came across your writing and I love it! I saw that requests were open, this is my first time requesting lol I just got into record of ragnarok and was wondering if you could do a nsfw scenario with hermes and a female reader?

Plot: you never forget your first time and neither does Hermes 🤍✨

Warnings: 18+, 🔞 no minors, oral sex, BDSM

Author’s note: Felt like Hermes would be a “make love” to me for his first time. Er-I’m a bit rusty. Apologies.

You never forget your first time.

“I am NOT a virgin!”

Ares proclaimed while his face was a dark red, currently the war god was bathing with his brothers in Apollo’s bath house filled with nymphs and goddesses alike. Alcoholic drinks were served by the nymphs while Ares and Hercules talked as Hermes was simply enjoying the hot spring, seemingly the topic came up about virginity.

Apollo didn’t believe Ares proclamation as he simply said, “Of course, I’m sure the god of war isn’t virgin. Tell us a story then.” Apollo’s nymphs kindly egged on the handsome god as well making Ares look around nervously a sign that perhaps the war god was bluffing. Hercules kindly covered in for Ares as he added in that he had a few nights with some women.

As the three gods talked amongst themselves Hermes recalled his first time.

“What was your first time like, Hermes?”

Apollo asked obviously curious if the messenger of the gods had lost his virginity, the proudful smile etched upon Apollo’s lips made it clear he was interested.

After all, Apollo was sure Hercules and Ares were virgins. They were just putting on a show.

Smiling back with his polite smile Hermes simply answered, “It was rather nice. A pleasant experience.” Ares was surprised and thought to himself it was time for him lose his virginity as well soon. Excited, Apollo asked the polite god, “Who was it? Do tell us who shared a night with the Hermes.”

Again, Hermes simply replied back that “It was a long time ago. Not worth mentioning.” While Ares and Hercules bought it Apollo did not and was rather disappointed in being teased about Hermes’ lover.

Hermes wasn’t one to tell, but he was one to tease.

What a first time it was.

Hermes told Apollo it was a long time ago, however Hermes remembered like it was yesterday. Hermes heart was a flutter as he remembered the hot and passionate night the two shared.

Why, Hermes even made a song about it.

But who was it? What started as an innocent question was now the talk of Greek pantheon. Many had their inputs on who it could be.

A goddess? A priestess? A princess?

Heavens, it couldn’t be a human.

Hercules was the one who suggested the idea and Ares was the one to laugh at the idea.

A human.

No one knew who Hermes’ first lover was.

Hermes would sometimes think about her…and would sometimes drop by to say hello. Just a quick hello, Hermes was a busy god after all.

But he always seemed to make time for her.

As a matter of fact, Hermes was long overdue for a “Hello.”

Hermes was rather choosy about his first, couldn’t be too clingy, couldn’t be too innocent, and they certainly had to be familiar with sex. A fine line between curious and innocent.

As luck would have it, he found just the perfect woman.

Hermes first time was blend between a learning experience and the most exciting night of his life. The two were new to the realm of sex and yet it seemed to come naturally.

First, it was the dance.

Music seemed to always put Hermes in a certain mood, to soothe his mind. As they danced together, the sexual tension between them was certainly there but quietly and when the two decided to move on everything seemed

Then it was the talking, of course.

Hermes had to have a little witty banter between them before they succumbed to their desires, Hermes loved just as much as dancing.

Finally, Hermes experienced his first time and how he loved it.

Certain things he would never forget.

The way the moonlight shined on his lover as the two explored each others bodies. Of course, Hermes wanted to be a bit rough but for his first time he wanted it to be an art. An experience he would cherish and to have memories he could remember fondly.

Hermes could be passionate and rough another time.

At times, Hermes liked taking his time memorizing every curve and body part of his lover, his first lover. Kissing the back of her hand and kissing between her thighs.

Oh.

Hermes found something he enjoyed, and that was oral.

Fond of his lover sucking and licking his cock while he did the same, it was something Hermes seemed to enjoy right from the start and he excelled at it.

His lover had no complaints as she was close to her orgasm alone just from his tongue, the only reason she didn’t reach it was because Hermes wanted to not only tease but he wanted to drag out their sexual encounter as long he could.

Slow and passionate.

Kissing and blowing kisses to each other.

Talking to one another as they experienced sex for the first time.

Hermes loved the way she moaned softly in his ear as the two of them “danced” between the bedsheets. One thing about Hermes was he was consistent in his thrusts, Hermes, like everything he did, was perfect in pace and the more he heard her moans along with how her tight cunt milked his lengthy and pretty cock throughout that passionate night the more he wanted of her.

Ah, the first time.

Hermes, learned a lesson.

Sometimes, you just click sexually with a person and when you do it can make your mind numb while making your heart feeling it could burst.

Hermes’ first lover was not only compatible romantically but sexually and that was important to the messenger of the gods.

“This is a bit tight.”

“Hm? Oh dear, not again. I’ll fix it.”

Hermes was presently fixing the blindfold that rested upon his lover’s eyes, his first lover. Hermes wanted to try something new and tying up his lover was something that delighted him. Blindfolds, handcuffs and rope tied around her body. Ropes along her breasts, knees, and wrists.

(Name) noted that the ropes were comfortable.

The two had become comfortable with each other over the years and now here they were. Hermes, reading a book Aphrodite published and of course being the goddess of sexuality there were rules and guidelines on how to tie up your lover. Making bondage a sexual and pleasurable experience.

Hermes was the first to get a copy.

“What made you get this book?”

“Obviously, I wanted to try it out. Now, are you ready?”

While Hermes sounded happy and polite he was quite excited and lust filled as he gently whipped out a BDSM flogger, a excited “Yes!” Left (Name)’s lips.

Ah, the first time is always a wonderful time.

But so is 1000th time with a god.

Especially, with Hermes.

🍂Rukia-Writes🍂

[theidiotwhowritesthings]

New Girl [00]

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

(slow burn, endgame, as in you’ll be seeing some short term pairings here and then as well)

MODERN DAY AU

Word count: 1,564

Summary: Life threw you a curve ball when you walked in on your long term boyfriend making out with someone who definitely wasn’t you. Since living with him was no longer an option, you’ve ventured out at the advice of a work friend and found the absolute perfect loft to reside in. The only issue?

You suddenly have four very odd roommates.

a/n: a long time ago i mentally cast jensen ackles as disaster clint barton in my head and have not shook it since which is why his picture is used above👍🏼

[00]: WELCOME HOME

Chapter Summary: You find a new place to live. Your friend mentioned all the amenities, but left out a very important detail.

The loft was absolutely gorgeous. It had an industrial feel to it thanks to the brick walls and metal beams running across the ceiling. Despite that, the warm light streaming through the multitude of windows gave it a soft vibe. From where you sat on the recliner you could see a small, open kitchen that sat right across from a large dining area all of which was behind the large, ‘u-shaped’ couch. Honestly, the moment you stepped through the door your brain immediately decided that this is where you wanted to live.

However, there was one little flaw you didn’t foresee when you showed up for the interview/tour.

“So, you guys…are guys.” You said slowly. You laced your fingers together and rested them on your knee awkwardly. In front of you sat four men. Very manly men, actually. Enough so that you weren’t sure why your co-worker would think sending you here to live would be a good idea. Scott Lang had mentioned the open room and the great location, but he had left out this huge detail.

“Yes. Good eye for detail.” The man who introduced himself as Bucky Barnes said dryly. He sat at the far end of the couch in front of you on the left side. He had short, dark hair that kind of looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Sweatpants, a t-shirt, and scruff all along his defined jaw. His stormy eyes looked exhausted, his lips looked downturned into a perpetual frown, and it made you mildly curious since it was literally one in the afternoon and he was nearly dead on his feet.

“I know it’s hard for you to not be a dick, but maybe you can, I don’t know, try?” Sam Wilson, if you remembered his name correctly, replied to him from the entire other end of the couch. The black man had his arms crossed over his chest with a raised eyebrow, but there was nothing but amusement in his brown eyes. Unlike the first man that spoke, this one was dressed in much nicer clothes. A button up shirt and khakis.

You opened your mouth to cut in, but another one of them spoke up first. He sat next to the man who had just spoken, “Quick question, are you single?” You knew his name was Peter but you couldn’t remember what his last name was only that it started with a ‘Q’.  He had an impish smirk with sandy blond hair that could only be described as purposely messy. He had a sort of goatee that was mostly just stubble. There was a leather jacket resting on the couch behind him that he had taken off when you first walked in to reveal the tight, gray shirt he wore. “I think it’s the question all of us want answered, right?”

All the men chorused solid disagreements, but it was the man beside him that spoke directly to you. This was the only one who hadn’t actually introduced himself to you. He had come in a couple minutes ago, dropped down on the couch, and then just joined in. You had mentally been referring to him as ‘hot mess’. He had like three bandages on his face, his lip was busted, and he had a fading black eye. His blond hair was also messy, but definitely not in a styled way. More like a ‘I haven’t touched a comb since I was 12’ kind of way. He motioned to you, “Ignore him, the real question we have for you is: Do you have any pets and when can you move in?”

“No.” Bucky shook his head. “We vote before we ask someone to move in. Loft agreement.”

Hot mess spoke again, “Well then let’s—”

“Wait,” You held one hand out and eyes snapped back to you. “Scott told me this was a four-bedroom place, and that you guys were looking for someone to fill a room but…there are already four of you?”

Peter half-heartedly motioned to Bucky and Sam, “These two share a room.”

“Oh!” You bobbed your head with a smile as you motioned to them, “So you guys are a couple?”

“No!” Bucky and Sam both yelled loudly making you jump in shock. They immediately turned and began to bicker with one another.

“Why’re you saying no so fast, man?? I’m a fucking catch.” Sam argued.

“You said no just as quick as I did!”

“Yeah, because I can do a hell of a lot better than a maybe alcoholic still mourning the loss of his psycho ex.”

Bucky sat forward to glare at him, “We are not having this argument again.”

As they continued to yell at one another, while you watched on awkwardly, Peter focused on you with a charming smirk, “They have bunk beds.”

“Bunk… beds?” You questioned skeptically.

“No, no, no.” Sam cut in quickly. He gave up on his argument with Bucky to clarify this. “It’s two very separate beds, on opposite sides of the room. See, I lost a bet so now I’m stuck with his ass—”

“You lost the bet? I lost the bet and now I’m stuck with you.” Bucky argued back.

Hot mess shook his head, “They both lost the bet and now they bunk together like camp buddies.” The two men in question grumbled unhappily. “Also, we’re all super broke so we need someone in the empty room who has a consistent paycheck.” As if to clarify further, he pointed down the couch starting with Bucky, “Bartender at a sketch ass place, in an unknown band, and therapist.”

Sam held one hand up, “I’m the only one with an actual paycheck.”

“I have a paycheck!” Bucky argued.

“And my band is not unknown.” Peter scoffed. “The Guardians have a gig this Thursday!”

Hot mess grinned, “And where are you playing?”

“A Korean restaurant where old men play card game and chain smoke.” Peter mumbled.

You cleared your throat and tried to get this conversation back on track, “You didn’t tell me what your job is. Or your name.”

“Oh, I’m Clint Barton!” He quickly stood up and offered his hand to you. You smiled and took his hand to shake it then he sat back down. “And my job changes depending on the week.”

You bobbed your head once with confused, narrowed eyes, “I, uh, I don’t know what that means.”

Bucky shook his own head, “Neither do we.”

“Well,” You took in a steadying breath, “Like I said before, my name is [Y/N]. And, I actually do have a steady paycheck.” You motioned to yourself. “I work for a modeling agency—”

“Whoa, whoa!” Peter threw his arms out to interrupt, “You’re a model??”

“Uh, no.” You chuckled awkwardly. “I’m more like a manager? Book gigs, manage contracts, help them on set…” There was a pause where they all just stared at you with blank looks. Peter was the only one actively gawking though. You filled the silence with the first thing your brain thought of, “It’s fun! My best friend from high school actually works there as a model so it’s a lot of us just…goofing off? Uh… I don’t have any pets—”

“Meeting!” Peter barked and stood up. He gave you a charismatic smile, “Just give us a couple minutes.” The others stood up with less enthusiasm and began to march out of the room, down the hall. Peter gave you a nod, briefly biting down on his lower lip, bounced his eyebrows up once, then winked at you, “Don’t miss me too much, alright baby?”

Bucky stopped at the mouth of the hall with a frown, and when Peter tried to walk into the hallway he threw his hand out to stop him. Peter complained as Bucky shoved him back then pointed to the short shelf sitting behind the couch. There was a glass jar sitting on it with a pink sticky note taped to the outside that read, ‘Douchebag Jar’ in messy handwriting.

“Jar. Now.”

“That wasn’t even so bad!” Peter argued before pulling a dollar bill out of his pocket and shoving it into the jar. The two of them left to wherever the other two had and suddenly you were left alone in the pretty apartment. Without the yelling boys, the loft became more and more tempting.

You drummed your fingers against your thighs nervously. This was a weird situation and at your age you weren’t really looking to live in a loft downtown with four strange men, emphasis on strange, but you didn’t really have another choice. Your job paid well, but you had lost a lot of money after buying a house with your long-term boyfriend. It seemed like a great idea at the time considering the two of you were coming up on three years together, but when you walked in on him making out with a girl sitting in his lap the great idea died really fast. You didn’t get that money back and honestly you didn’t even try to get possession of the house. You just wanted to be out of his life. Regardless of the cost.

Clint ‘hot mess’ Barton suddenly slid back into the room on his socks making you jump in surprise. He threw his hand out broadly as the others came in as well, “Welcome home, roomie!”

You jumped up in excitement, “Really? You guys aren’t going to regret this!”

[vague-bisexual-crimes]

hiiii I wrote this at midnight last night and edited it like five minutes after I woke up so please be nice and forgive any grammatical errors 🙏

Description: almost 3k words of post-hiatus, pre-relationship Jimmy and Lister, ft. pining and background Frances and Rowan.

Rated: G

TWs: canon-typical anxiety, brief mentions of alcohol and drinking

Without any further ado my first (bicci) fanfic ever!

sleepless nights (as long as they’re with you)

Somewhere between Lister almost dying, drunk and alone in a river some short ways from Pierro’s and the release of The Ark’s first post-hiatus album, Jimmy realized something. Jimmy realized that maybe, just maybe, Lister wasn’t just objectively attractive, but, in fact, Jimmy was attracted to him. Jimmy tries to think back to when they were younger, or even just a few years ago to try to figure out if the attraction is recent or had always been there. Either way, the romantic feelings began to develop a few months after they’d brought Lister home from the hospital.

Rowan is gone visiting his not-girlfriend Frances Janvier, so it’s just Jimmy and Lister in their new-ish apartment. It’s just outside London, close enough for them to be in London on short notice, far enough that they can breathe.

None of the three boys have technically dated during or after the hiatus, but Rowan has been talking to Frances Janvier for a few months, since they’d met at a movie premiere and she had no idea who The Ark was aside from “that’s a band, isn’t it?”, and Rowan was immediately enamored. Jimmy and Lister had placed bets on how soon Rowan and Frances would get together that same night.

It’s getting to be late for Jimmy and Lister. A few weeks into the hiatus they had all begun to put in a genuine effort to get a solid 8 hours of sleep a night, but tomorrow is a day off, and tonight they just don’t care.

The two of them are laying on Jimmy’s bed while Brooklyn 99 episodes auto-play in the background, although they haven’t been watching for some time now.

Lister is ranting about the book series he’s just finished, one that Jimmy read a few years ago and remembers very little of, but is content to listen to Lister tell him the entire plot, along with all of his opinions.

That said, Jimmy is finding it difficult to pay attention to what Lister was saying. Lister’s sitting next to him, wearing Jimmy’s well-loved Black Parade hoodie that Jimmy pulled up from the floor after Lister kept complaining about being cold, but not wanting to get up. Something that should be known about Lister is that whenever he speaks enthusiastically about something, his hands and his arms move a lot. Normally, this is fine and not really notable to Jimmy, however tonight, every time Lister raises an arm, Jimmy’s hair-too-small hoodies rises up and a sliver of Lister’s bare stomach becomes visible.

You would think that when Lister had been laying in his bed shirtless, Jimmy would have been distracted, but Lister had so rarely ever worn anything more than boxers that the sight no longer phased Jimmy. But Lister was in Jimmy’s bed, in Jimmy’s hoodie, and Jimmy was struggling to not stare at his stomach.

“—and I despise love triangles, they’re entirely unnecessary and frankly annoying, but somehow this book did it well?” Lister says, sounding mildly distressed at his own statement.

“Yeah, it’s not like an Edward and Jacob love triangle at all.” Jimmy replies before Lister is rushing off on an entirely different tangent about Twilight.

Blame the Twilight talk, but now Jimmy can’t help but notice Lister’s newest tattoo, a floral piece on the side of his neck. It looks pretty—Lister looks pretty.

Lister looks healthier than Jimmy thinks he’s ever seen him. He’d stopped drinking and was beginning to put on a bit of muscle. But it’s not only that, he has this look in his eye that Jimmy hasn’t seen since The Ark finished recording their first EP Kill It. Like he’s really happy.

Jimmy shakes his head to himself, tears his eyes away from Lister’s neck, and his eyes land on the long forgotten television.

He got over you years ago. Jimmy reminds himself. It would be cruel to do this to him years after the fact. Lister doesn’t deserve that, and Jimmy isn’t going to do that to him.

“—Jim-jam?” Lister’s voice breaks through his thoughts.

Jimmy turns his eyes back to Lister, who seems mildly amused as he takes in Jimmy’s expression.

“Were you listening?” Lister asks, not upset but genuinely inquiring.

“Sorry, I got caught up in my head.” Jimmy replies, which is not technically untrue.

“Are you alright?” Lister asks, his expression shifting just so slightly from amusement to worry, now.

“Yeah, yeah, go on, I’m listening now.” Jimmy coaxes Lister to keep talking and forget his concern.

“Are you sure? You looked upset?” Lister asks. A good and bad thing from The Ark all getting some therapy during the hiatus was that Lister was keen to communicate now. Which was good most of the time, and bad right now.

Jimmy doesn’t say anything, he just looks at Lister. At his Black Parade hoodie, the sleeves fitted where they should be baggy, Lister’s hands no longer moving, but tucked into its pocket. At Lister’s floral tattoo on the side of his neck that Jimmy has wanted to kiss since Lister came home and showed Jimmy and Rowan the piece in the middle of their kitchen while Rowan was making tea and Jimmy was sitting on the counter listening to Rowan go on and on about Frances.

Jimmy’s eyes finally slid up to look at Lister’s face. At the lips he kissed once, in a bathroom, years ago, when Lister had been drunk, and Jimmy didn’t feel that way about him. Where Lister had profusely apologized and begged Jimmy not to hate him. It was an absurd statement then, and it still was. How could Jimmy hate Allister Bird?

Jimmy’s eyes find Lister’s. Lister’s gaze is unwavering and kind. Sometimes Jimmy wonders what his relationship would be to Lister if The Ark hadn’t become what it did.

“Jimmy?”

Therapy also means that Jimmy has learned how to properly communicate. Still, that doesn’t mean he wants to.

Jimmy can feel the panic start to actually build in his chest, the real panic, lively and nauseous, not the thought spiral that Lister had seen moments prior.

It’s now or never. Jimmy seems to realize all at once. He can tell Lister how he feels, potentially ruining the closest relationship he has ever had, that isn’t Rowan or Pierro and Joan, potentially distancing himself from one of the two people in the world who actually know him and understand his life, potentially ruining everything that they had spent the past six months building back up for the band, the band which had managed to have wildly unprecedented success after what their management had considered a far-too-long hiatus.

Or he can tell Lister how he feels and Lister could feel the same way and they can live happily-ever-after.

The latter seems too good to be true.

Lister has always been too good for Jimmy. He always will be. Jimmy is a mess. Even now, when he’s at the best place he has ever been with his mental health and The Ark is doing better than it ever has, what with the new album doing even better than Joan of Arc had at release, Jimmy is still a mess.

But Lister is still looking at him like that. Looking at him like he cares.

“I’m okay, Lister.” Jimmy puts on a weak smile to combat the lumb in his throat. “Do y’want some tea?” Jimmy asks, already halfway out of bed.

“I can do it, watch Brooklyn 99.” Lister says, his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder, gently coaxing him to sit back down.

“You didn’t want to get up—” Jimmy begins to protest.

“I don’t mind.” Lister says so simply that Jimmy nearly begins to cry.

Jimmy says a much-too-quiet “okay”, and Lister slips out into the hallway.

Jimmy tries for a brief moment to actually watch Brooklyn 99 and wait for Lister to get back so he can tell Jimmy about his books. It doesn’t work.

Jimmy sighs in frustration and puts his head between his knees like he can cure romantic feelings in the same way as motion sickness.

Lister either makes the quickest cup of tea known to man, or Jimmy doesn’t notice how long he’s been staring at his fitted sheet, his mind somewhere between a panic attack and a confession.

“Jimmy?” Jimmy wishes he would stop doing things to make his name sound so laced with concern every time it falls off Lister’s lips. “You alright?”

Jimmy sits up and quickly takes the cup of tea from Lister.

“You look like you're about to be sick.” Lister says. “Do you want me to hand you the bin?” Jimmy shakes his head. “Do y’want me to call Rowan?”

“Please, don’t.” Jimmy finally says. He takes a sip of tea if only to avoid this conversation for a moment longer. Chamomile vanilla. Jimmy’s favorite.

He looks up at Lister who’s still standing next to Jimmy’s bed watching him. “You know you can talk to me, yeah?” Lister says, and god there’s a tinge of hurt in his voice that Jimmy knows he didn’t intend to slip through.

“Of course,” Jimmy says, his voice more level than it’s been since the start of this evening. “I tell you everything.” Not necessarily true, but not a lie either. He tells Lister everything…except this.

Lister crawls over Jimmy to get to the other side of the bed, not spilling Jimmy’s tea by some miracle, and immediately wraps his arm around Jimmy. “I love you, you know that?” Lister says with his cheek pressed into Jimmy’s hair.

“I love you, too, Lister.” This doesn’t really feel like a lie. Jimmy, Rowan, and Lister had loved each other for as long as they’d been friends. They haven’t been so vocal about it until their early twenties, but that has never made it any less true.

Jimmy drinks his tea in silence, the only noise in the entire apartment being Jimmy’s TV, and the soft rhythm of Lister’s breath in his ear.

When Jimmy sets his mug on his bedside table, Lister asks, “Want to go to bed?”

It is properly late now and all of Jimmy’s panic has made him exhausted.

“Yeah,” Jimmy answers and Lister’s arm falls away from Jimmy and he begins to crawl out of bed.

Jimmy catches Lister’s arm, moving a bit too fast, and says. “You don’t need to get up. My bed’s big enough for both of us.”

“It’s okay,” Lister begins to slide his arm from Jimmy’s hand.

“Your bed isn’t even made and you’re already here.” Jimmy tries to shrug nonchalantly and sets the TV to turn off after an hour.

“Okay,” Lister says only a bit louder than a whisper.

Jimmy lays down and pulls the covers up and around him, pretending he isn’t aware of every move Lister makes as he sets his phone on the floor by the bed, takes off Jimmy’s Black Parade hoodie and crawls fully under the covers.

Jimmy wasn’t lying when he said his bed was big enough for both of them, there’s a solid foot of bed between them and they still have wiggle room on the other side.

It never takes Jimmy long to fall asleep whenever Lister is there.

***

Rowan comes home the next morning with the news that he’s officially going out with Frances Janvier and Lister slyly hands Jimmy a twenty under the table when Rowan isn’t looking.

“Is she gonna be coming ‘round then?” Jimmy asks between bites of cereal.

“She’ll be ‘round next week, but not for a while after that, she and Aled have some Universe City stuff to do.” Rowan replies.

“That’s great, Ro,” Lister says. “‘Bit jealous that you’re the first one of us to be in a relationship since the hiatus but still.”

Rowan rolls his eyes but his smile doesn’t waver. Rowan and Lister’s relationship has massively improved over the past few years. Partially from Rowan learning that he doesn’t need to take care of Lister all the time, partially because Lister has learned to take care of himself.

“You could date anyone.” Rowan says.

“Of course I could, have you considered none of them are good enough for Allister Bird?” Lister replies instantly.

“Yes, that’s the problem,” Rowan says.

“I’m with Lister on this one, Rowan, how come you’re the one who always ends up in good, long-term relationships?” Jimmy says as he puts his empty bowl in the dishwasher.

“I dated Bliss for two years and I haven’t even been dating Frances for 24 hours.”

“That’s longer term than Jimmy and I for like five years running.” Lister points out.

“That’s a lie! I dated that guy for three weeks when I was 16.” Jimmy protests.

“Relationships from when you were 16 don’t count.” Lister shrugs as though it’s law. “And you can’t even remember his name, can you?”

Jimmy ignores the last part. “You’re counting Bliss!”

“Because they dated while Rowan was also 17 and 18.”

“Impeccable logic as always, Bird.” Rowan says with a pat on Lister’s shoulder. Lister grins smugly at Jimmy.

“Rowan agrees with me.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth.” Rowan says and then they’re all laughing.

***

Frances comes round the week later to stay for two nights. Jimmy and Lister gleefully tease Rowan about having a girlfriend (although they maintain that they’re perfectly nice and civil to Frances, who is lovely), but eventually the novelty begins to wear off and Jimmy and Lister decide to leave Rowan and Frances alone and retreat to Jimmy’s bedroom.

Watching Brooklyn 99 in Jimmy’s room has become something of a routine of theirs lately. Some nights they watch a few episodes until they actually feel tired and Lister will go to his own room to sleep, other nights he sleeps in Jimmy’s room.

Jimmy prefers the nights where Lister sleeps in Jimmy’s room. He can always sleep when Lister is there, despite the background anxiety about his feelings for Lister, he feels safe with him.

Tonight neither of them are really watching the show, instead they’re scrolling through their respective personal social media accounts that the fans somehow have yet to find. It’s a content silence and Jimmy is perfectly happy to continue to watch Brooklyn 99 and scroll through his phone until he falls asleep, but then Lister says,

“Tell me to shut up if I’ve got the wrong idea, but,” Lister pauses and takes a breath. “you seemed genuinely very stressed about something the other night, and you don’t have to tell me, but you haven’t seemed that stressed in so long and I’m worried about you.” Lister looks at him.

Jimmy means to say more, but all that comes out is, “Lister…”

“You don’t have to tell me just…I’m here for you, for anything. I need you to know that.”

Jimmy opens his mouth to speak and closes it.

“Do you remember when you were drunk and you kissed me?” It’s not at all what Jimmy means to say and as soon as it’s out of his mouth he feels shit for bringing it up.

“I—yeah,” Lister looks embarrassed and slightly pained at the memory.

“And I told you, more or less, that I didn’t feel that way about you,” Jimmy continues slowly.

“Jimmy, you don’t have to reject me again. I got it the first time, haha.” It’s the saddest laugh Jimmy’s ever heard and for a moment his entire train of thought derails.

“What?” Jimmy asks.

“I didn’t think I was being that obvious. God, I’m sorry, Jimmy, you must’ve been so uncomfortable.” Lister explains and he looks like he might start crying.

“D’you still like me?” Jimmy’s voice is soft.

“It feels a bit juvenile to say it that way but…but yeah…” Lister thinks for a moment. “What’d’you mean, did you not know?” Jimmy can see Lister trying to work out what the hell is happening and coming up more confused than before.

“No, no, Lister…” the words are still stuck in his throat. It’s now or never.

Jimmy turns to properly face Lister and puts his hands on his cheeks, the tips of his fingers brush against Lister’s soft blond hair. Lister leans in slightly to the touch, but confusion dances across his face.

Slowly, with plenty of time for Lister to stop him, Jimmy leans in. He stops a breath from Lister’s lips and presses his forehead against Lister’s. Lister’s hands come up to rest on Jimmy’s biceps, his breath quickens and seemingly against his will, his eyes flutter shut.

“Can I kiss you?” Jimmy whispers.

“God, please,” Lister whispers and then Jimmy’s lips meet Lister’s and this time it feels right.

Lister’s hands move from Jimmy’s arms to his waist, pulling him gently so that he’s sat in Lister’s lap. Jimmy’s thumbs stroke Lister’s cheeks as they kiss, every anxiety he’d had about telling Lister how he felt washing away with each brush of his lips against Lister’s.

After a moment their lips part from the other’s and Jimmy presses his forehead to Lister’s again as they breathe.

“That’s what you were having anxiety about?” Lister whispers, his breath fanning across Jimmy’s face.

Jimmy nods and slides his arms around Lister’s neck to rest on his shoulders.

Lister kisses him, once, chaste, before burying his face in the crook of Jimmy’s neck. Lister’s arms tighten around Jimmy’s waist and they hold each other for god-knows how long before they hear Frances and Rowan laughing at something in the living room.

They pull back just enough to see each other’s faces. Jimmy runs his fingers through Lister’s hair, pushing it out of his eyes and then kisses him.

“Stay with me tonight?” Jimmy asks.

“Always.” Lister replies and kisses him again.

[rorywritesjunk]

I can’t tell where the journey will end But I know where to start

Prequel to my Kid Buggy fic, set about 11-ish years before that story.

Buggy meets you by chance when he needs his buttons sewn back onto his jacket. He’s young, up and coming, and he thinks everyone should cower before him wherever he goes, but all you do is smile at him.

Rating: PG-13ish just for some swearing. Warning: Buggy’s in his early 20s. He’s an asshole. He just is because I wanted to write him loud, demanding, everything. Chapter warning has drinking, a drunk and all over the place Buggy, and Sunny just quietly being "what the fuck". Also it's Buggy's birthday. A/N: I have no idea when Buggy became a Captain, so he’s a fresh faced captain in this. No clue how long this fic will be. I actually have started rewriting it after chapter 5 because I realized I wanted to change some things up.

Title comes from “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.

TAGLIST: @lostfirefly @ane5e @kingofthemfingpirates @the-angriest-angel @tiredemomama @valen-yamyam16 @i-reblog-fics-i-like @plethora-of-fickleness @uhnanix

Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6 + Chapter 7 + Chapter 8 + Chapter 9 + Chapter 10 + Chapter 11 + Chapter 12 + Chapter 13 + Chapter 14 + Chapter 15 + Chapter 16 + Chapter 17 + Chapter 18 + Epilogue

Chapter 6

“I think she’s heartbroken.” Benji said as he and Miss Pins watched you stumble around the shop, looking through stacks of fabric and spools of thread looking for your tailor’s chalk that was tucked up in behind your ear. You had been acting… odd since you told Buggy to leave the shop three weeks ago. You managed to sew a customer’s order to your lap, sewed cuffs inside out on another one, and just now you spent the last hour looking for the blue piece of tailor’s chalk that you tucked behind your ear. 

“Oh?” Miss Pins replied, head resting in her hand as she watched you look through the same stack of fabric again. “You’re a kid, how do you know about heartbreak?”

“I was in love with a girl and she broke my heart.” Benji told her as you finally found the chalk and set it on the table. “We were 12. She told me she wanted someone nicer, which was dumb. I am nice. I just voice my opinions.”

“Well, don’t get hung up on that young romance. Someone else will come around.” The old woman said as you started looking for your scissors next. They were in a cup in front of you along with other tools. “This is really sad. Did she like the idiot that much?”

“I think so.” Benji frowned. “I didn’t like him.”

“Neither did I.” Miss Pins sighed. “So of course Sunny would.”

“Why did she like him?” Benji asked. Miss Pins shrugged.

“She’s always been kind, ever since she showed up here all those years ago.” Your boss replied. “No matter who someone was or how awful they were, she would just be nice to them.”

You finally found the scissors and held them up triumphantly before pausing and staring down at your work. It took you so long to find the tailor’s chalk that you forgot why you needed it and the scissors. You were distracted, half expecting Buggy to come bursting into the shop any moment now with some silly little thing to fix on his jacket, but you were quite firm when you told him to leave that one day, so he must have taken it to heart. You weren’t going to see him again.

Was it fair you got upset because he couldn’t remember your name? But at the same time, the way he reacted was more hurtful. Something stupid like your name. It repeated in your head nonstop and you wished it wouldn’t. He was just so mean about it. Sure, he had been rude and a bit of an ass since you met him, but it was never mean. 

You remembered what you were working on. A customer wanted his jacket to have reinforced stitches in the sleeves but more room in the shoulders to allow him better movement when he used his sword. He had come into the shop and while you even thought he was handsome, you didn’t hide your disappointment that it wasn’t Buggy. Miss Pins gave the job to you and the man paid ahead of time, so you immediately started working. 

Maybe Buggy would show back up.

~

You had been fast asleep until you were woken up by someone yelling outside the shop. You heard your boss shouting from her bedroom window at whoever it was, but you got up to see what was going on. You heard her shout Dammit Buggy! So you headed downstairs to the shop and opened the door. 

Sure enough, Buggy was standing there, glaring upwards at Miss Pins’ window. He swayed where he stood, a bottle clutched in his hand before he raised it up.

“You’re loud too, Miss Pins!” He shot back before shrieking and jumping out of the way. Miss Pins had dumped a cup of water on him. “Hey!”

“Buggy?” You stepped out of the shop and closed the door behind you. His eyes lit up when he saw you and he had a big smile on his face. His face was flushed and he looked so happy to see you.

“Su-Sunny! You’re still here!” He slurred, grinning as he dropped the bottle and threw his arms around you, catching you off guard. “I thought maybe… maybe you left and never wanted to see me again!”

Oh, this was a happy and drunk Buggy. You could smell the alcohol on his breath as well coming off of his clothes. You wondered how much he had already. It was best to send him on his way, to not get involved, but you worried what sort of trouble he would get into if you left him alone, so you called up to your boss’s window that you’d be back later, you wanted to make sure he got back to his ship safely. You picked up the bottle and put your arm around his waist, keeping a firm hold on him to keep him from wandering off.

“‘S my birrrrthday!” He announced as he slung an arm over your shoulder, laughing loudly as you made your way down the road and toward the docks. “I’m… I’m two months… After you. I’m younger.”

“You definitely are.” You mused as you tightened your arm around him. He looked at you with a smirk.

“You’re touching me.” He lifted his arm to have another drink and realized he didn’t have his bottle. “Where-”

“I have it, Buggy.” You told him, holding it up to show him. “No more, okay?”

He looked grumpy until his hand popped off and grabbed it from you, bringing it back to himself. Smirking triumphantly, he raised the bottle to his lips and continued drinking. You weren’t opposed to drinking at all, but you also didn’t want to be around a drunk pirate right now. You wanted to be home and sleeping.

“Which one is your ship?” You asked when you came to the docks. He lowered the bottle and frowned as he looked at them before pointing to one furthest to the right. You hoped he was right as you walked with him to the ship, still keeping a hold on him. Once you dropped him off you’d head back home, but he turned to you with bright and excited eyes.

“Have a drink with me!” He pleaded. “It’s… it’s my birthday.”

“I know it’s your birthday, you told me.” You reminded him. “And I don’t want a drink, Buggy. I need to get home.”

“Please?” He asked as he stopped in his tracks. You kept your arm around him and looked over at him. The happy and bouncy Buggy was gone, replaced with someone different. He looked unsure of himself right then as he asked you, turning his gaze to his feet. You were going to regret this but you sighed and nodded.

“One drink.” You told him, and before you knew it, he was smiling again and taking hold of your hand, leading you up to his ship with his chest puffed out proudly, looking quite happy once more. You followed after him, shaking your head as he led you to what you figured was the captain’s quarters. One drink, that was it, then you’d head home.

He finally finished the bottle and tossed it aside before stumbling over to a cabinet for more. You took a seat on his bed, watching him as he rummaged around before pulling out two glasses and a bottle. He grinned at you, wagging his eyebrows as he brought you a glass and opened the bottle, but you took it from him.

“The birthday boy shouldn’t be pouring his own drink.” You told him as he plopped down beside you. You didn’t trust him to not spill it everywhere so you poured him a glass before your own, setting the bottle out of his immediate reach (which was silly because he could still grab it with his Devil Fruit powers). “Cheers, Buggy.”

He smiled brightly and let his head rest on your shoulder as he gripped his glass tightly. “You’re nice.” 

“I’ve been told that.” You chuckled. “Thanks.” 

“No, no, no, you’re so nice.” He continued gushing. “And… y’know, I’m gonna marry you. You’re so nice, Sunny, and I’m not married, y’know, so we should get married.”

You choked on your drink and set the glass aside, coughing a bit before clearing your throat. Oh, he was so drunk. You reached up to pat his cheek gently. “You’re not going to remember any of this tomorrow, so don’t propose marriage to me yet.”

He tossed his drink back before giving you his glass. You put it beside yours, not wanting to fill it back up. The moment your hand was free he took it in his own, entwining his fingers with yours as he continued his drunken rambles.

“We’ll get married, because you’re so nice to me, and I’ll be so happy.” He continued as he turned to look up at you. “I want to be happy with you, Sunny.”

“Buggy, I want you to be happy too.” You told him. “I don’t know if marrying someone will make you happy, however.”

“Is it because I was an asshole on your birthday? Is… is that why you won’t marry me?” Buggy asked with a frown. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry I was mean. I was an asshole. I like you a lot and got scared ‘cause I couldn’t remember your name, and you have a nice name, and I didn’t get you a present.” He suddenly dropped your hand and stood up, marching back over to his cabinet. “Wait, I wanna sh-show you somethin’!”

Oh, Drunk Buggy was just a bit everywhere. Happy, excited, emotional, and apologetic. It was kind of fun to see in a way. He rummaged through the cabinet before hurrying back over to you, tripping over his own feet before falling onto his bed beside you. He held up something and you took it. They were photographs of two young boys, one with a straw hat and red hair, and the other had to be Buggy going by the bright red nose and scowl. 

“That’s me,” He pointed to himself in the photo. “Wasn’t sure if you knew. And that’s Shanks. We… we were best friends on a ship together and then we weren’t.” He frowned. “Haven’t been for a few years.” He sat up on the bed and leaned into you again. “You’re really nice.”

“Thank you for apologizing for my birthday, Buggy.” You told him as you looked through the photos. There weren't many, and they were old, showing their age in their wrinkles and fading color. Buggy certainly was a cute little kid. “I’m sorry I was rude to you.”

He straightened up and put both of his hands on your cheeks, turning your head so you faced him. He glared at you and you wondered what was about to happen, but his gaze suddenly softened and he looked down at his lap, his hands still on your cheeks. “Don’t you ever apologize because you’re perfect and have done nothing wrong ever.”

You put both of your hands on his and moved them off your face. “Buggy, I think you need to go to bed.”

He turned red suddenly and pulled away from you, looking down at his lap as you got to your feet and removed his hat, setting it down on a nearby trunk. You noticed he went quiet but decided not to say anything as you looked for some kind of sleep clothes for him, or did he just sleep in his everyday clothes? When you looked back over at him he was struggling to remove his shirt. You sighed and went to help him get free of it. When you saw his face again, he looked away once more.

“What’s wrong?” You asked as you knelt in front of him to help take his boots off. You didn’t trust him to do it himself, afraid he’d topple over and hit his head. 

“I never… with… with anyone before.” He mumbled as he gestured between the two of you. For a solid minute you stared at him as you tried to process what he was thinking, and when it hit you, your face burned as you set his boots aside. “So um…”

“Neither have I, Buggy, but that’s not what I said.” You told him firmly. “I told you it’s time for bed. For you, not me. You need to get some sleep.”

“Canyoustaythenight?” He blurted out. “Please? I don’t… want to be alone.”

You stared at him for a moment, trying to wrap your mind around this. You didn’t intend for any of this to happen. You were just going to bring him home before going back to your place to crawl into your bed, but he managed to get you to stay for a drink (that you didn’t finish) and now he wanted you to spend the night. 

He was looking at you like you were the only thing that mattered in his world right then. It was a little hard to say no, but you did want to make sure he would be okay, so you removed your own shoes before putting your hands on your hips. “Where are your pajamas?”

He shrugged as he fell back on his bed, stretching out across it. His entire body separated for a moment before snapping back together and honestly, it was momentarily horrifying to see it all happen at once. You needed him to explain this but not when he was drunk. You sighed and nudged him to get under the blankets, which he did, watching you once more with bright, excited eyes as you got into bed beside him. Almost immediately he wrapped himself around you, resting his head against your chest as he closed his eyes and sighed happily. 

“So nice, so soft, warm.” He mumbled quietly. You took the chance to remove his bandana, pleasantly surprised to see how long his hair was. Why did he keep it all hidden? You ran your fingers through it as he made himself comfortable against you. “I don’t wanna be away from you again, please, ‘msorry.”

“Get some sleep, Buggy.” You told him as you pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Okay? No more talking.”

“Imma marry you.” He sighed. You rolled your eyes and wondered what you needed to expect the next morning.

[troutfur]

I got the image in my head of Bluestar, as her mental state declines after Tigers betrayal, seeks comfort in a remnant of someone she knew.

With almost all the cats she loved gone from her life, and are in distant Starclanin. Blue is increasingly is drawn the thickets at the edge of the territory (Which have grown out quite a bit) because of the sense of lingering familiarity to them.

Not necessarily a pleasant or good familiarity, but the nostalgia and memories of happier times are there nonetheless.

Just taking a long walk and resting for a minute around the tendrils of the thistle for a moment

So, this mental image inspired a whole ficlet out of me, so, enjoy!

The half-moon hung on the starry night sky as Bluefur walked towards the RiverClan border. She'd just had an argument with Cinderpelt, having forbidden her from making the trip to the Moonstone. And after that and so many moons cooped up in her den she just needed some fresh air.

She felt a tug on her paws, leading her to the RiverClan border. Right at the point where the ThunderClan forest gave way to the sandy banks of the river there was a tangle of thistles, standing tall and proud. She sat about a fox-length away from it and simply dwelt in the silence.

The stubborn plant was the most peculiar thing. Any enemy warrior that tried to cross invariably left with nasty cuts in their pelt, but most ThunderClan warriors could pass through it unharmed. Bluefur was different, though; although never a major injury, the plant had a knack for getting tangled in her pelt or leaving little scratches on her if she tried to go through.

"I never thought I'd be seeking your company, you know?" she meowed eventually. "Seems you are doing well for yourself. I remember a season or two ago I had hope you were finally going to wither."

There was a pause.

Bluefur was unsure what she was expecting before continuing. Could he reply in his current state? Could he even hear her?

"I've been thinking about you a lot more lately," she continued. "I presume you are aware of what your apprentice tried to do."

Out of the corner of her eye, Bluefur noticed a very slight hint of movement in the thistles. Without taking a moment to consider that it could have been the wind or her imagination or something else of the sort, she took that as a response.

"I just..." Bluestar gave a long sigh. "I didn't think you taught him like that. You were many things. Aggressive, rash, sharp-tongued... But would have you killed me to become leader?"

There was another pause. The thistles seemed to remain still this time.

"Did I soften too much?" she meowed. "Was that my problem? Was that that made him think he had to do it?"

Bluefur looked at the ground between her front paws as she went over her memories of these last few years she'd spent as leader. After a few moments she stood up to walk closer to the thistles and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I'd just... taken your offer back when I could."

The thistes rustled vigorously in that instant, and Bluefur flinched. After a couple heartbeats she took a step closer to the thistles once again. "I wonder if you could have come to love them too," she said with a wistful sigh. "Much as raising Whitestorm alongside you made me want to pull my fur out, we didn't do a bad job at all as a team."

The thistles seemed to part slightly, giving her a look the the other bank of the river through its branches. Snowkit... Moonkit... Mosskit... In a sense all three of them had died that night, even if two grown warriors now wore the pelts of the former two.

That pregnancy had come at the most inconvenient time. They had only agreed to remain as empf that long for the Whitepaw's sake. The moment he had his warrior ceremony they had been planning to break up the nest.

But of course he knew immediately that he could have never sired her kits. As much as the idea of half-clanners being associated with him disgusted him, however, he was willing to not denounce them under one condition: step out of the running for deputy. Giving them up had been the only way to get out of check.

As she was lost in thought, the thistles reached out to caress her face. Bluefur immediately raised a paw to her cheek where she felt the thistle connect to her. She held it there for a moment then looked at it. There was no blood drawn.

Bluefur relaxed, letting out her first genuine laugh in many moons. "The things I put up with for Snowclaw..." she meowed. "You really were named well, you know? I still remember how itchy your fur felt back when we were all in the same pfurr. Not having to put up with it any longer is enough to make all those freezing nights in my nest worth it."

Bluefur stayed there for a few more moments, dwelling in the peaceful quiet of the night, before standing up and returning the way she came. The thistles rustled one more time as she left, and she turned to look over her shoulder. "Goodbye, Thistleclaw."

[maarrgarr]

The Unknown Heir

part three

masterlist of the Unknown Heir.

Gojo Satoru x fem! reader

Synopsis: The reader returns after being gone for two years and leaving her boyfriend, Satoru, without giving him a reason. But now she doesn't come back alone.

Warnings: English is not my first language, possible grammatical and spelling mistakes, some plot changes.

A year and a few more months passed since that event, and it seemed that karma was taking its revenge.

That sweet lady who had given you a job in her real estate agency had died of a heart attack. Although at first it seemed that her children were going to take over the business, they all declared that none of them could since they already had their respective jobs. And so you were left without a job.

It was a very hard blow, not only the loss of your job, but also the death of that lady whom you considered a mother.

Although you had your savings, you hated the fact of being left without a fixed income, so you started looking for a job, but this time you had no luck. Many of the jobs were part-time, and you didn't like the idea of leaving Ryusei with someone else for so long. And the ones that weren't part-time, didn't want to hire you as soon as they heard you had a son who was almost two years old. And to top it off, none of them could offer you a salary even close to what you had when you worked at the agency.

"I don't know what to do" you said frustrated to Ieiri through the call, "Well, you always have a very reliable option to choose from" she told you, while you were preparing food for Ryusei, "Oh yeah? which one?", "You can always go back and practice as a teacher here" you let out a laugh, thinking she was joking, but you stopped when you realized she was serious, "Ieiri, it's not an option to go back, tell me, how am I going to show up at school with a two year old, who happens to look like a copy of my ex-boyfriend, Gojo Satoru, who it should be clarified also teaches there? it's crazy". Of course you had thought about going back, from the first moment you did, but you didn't have the guts to face Satoru and tell him the truth. "Y/n, are you seriously thinking of not telling him, you said it yourself, Ryu is a copy of his father and therefore, surely, he's going to have the same skills as Satoru, and that makes him the future heir of the Gojo clan", there was silence in the call and she spoke again "Besides you not only have to go back for that, you also have to claim your place in your clan, your father disappeared more than a year ago and you're still the only heir". You got a shudder when you heard that, you weren't interested in claiming anything and you didn't think it was right to do so either.

"Think about it, you know I can talk to Yaga-sensei and I'm sure he will be very happy to welcome you here again." Masamichi Yaga, besides having been your teacher, was like a dad to you, he always understood you and helped you in everything, you remembered how Satoru always bothered you saying that Yaga-sensei had a preference with you and it wasn't a lie.

"Okay, I'll think about it" you told her, "Alright, I'll call you later, say hi to my cute nephew" she replied. "When he stops eating and pays attention to me, I'll tell him you said hi" you heard her laugh on the other end of the line, "Bye Ieiri" and they both hung up.

You walked over to your son and stroked his white, slightly messy hair, but he continued to eat and watch a children's program on the TV. "Hey Ryu" he finally looked up at you, his big little eyes that seemed to reflect the sky, just like his father's, and the corner of his mouth a little smeared with food, almost killed you with tenderness, "Would you like to go live near Aunt Ieiri?" you asked him and his eyes seemed to sparkle more than usual, and a smile formed on his face, showing his little teeth, "Yes, yes!" he replied. Ryusei adored Shoko, even though he didn't know her in person, he loved talking to her on video call and loved when she sent him toys as gifts.

Even though you were so scared, you made up your mind. You were going back to Japan. You needed work and maybe it was time to face the problems you left behind when you ran away.

And mostly, it was time to tell Satoru the truth.

Hii, I am very happy for the support I am receiving and I thank you very much🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷.

I was just dropping by to tell you that the question box is open for any request you want to ask me!

@idktbhloley

[j0kers-light]

Imagine y/n shows up to joker wearing a playboy bunny suit and ears and fluffy tail with rope in her hands.

I’m squealing just thinking about it.

His Lighthouse: Joker’s Bunny (LedgerJoker x f!reader)

Joker’s Bunny - Oneshot

KEEP IN MIND THIS IS NOT A STORY UPDATE!

Hey hi anon 🖤✨

I love love loved this imagine! I can’t believe tumblr had the audacity to delete it! It’s been sitting in the inbox since August 7th! Yay for refreshing?

Anyhooooooo I’ve been merging asks to dwindle the numbers down and I came across one that…. well.. It’s not my cup of tea. BUT! If it's up your alley (lol no pun intended) it's implied. I’ll mark it with an ** and let you figure it out. I do regret to inform that this is rather short because I love to tease. I will return to this idea later 😏

I won’t add a tag list until I complete this oneshot!

It was only supposed to be a nickname, an inside joke to use however Joker seemed fit. He gave you so many, it was hard to keep up with them all— yet this one stuck.

You were naturally curious, a timid little thing and overly cautious.

You always weighed out the options presented to you before jumping all in. Joker said it as a joke all those months ago but overtime, it became something more. One could argue that you adopted the moniker.

You responded to it without fuss and rarely rolled your eyes or huffed under your breath whenever he used it.

You would tilt your head and scrunch your nose to really bring the nickname to life. One random day you found yourself accepting the name when you used the emoji to refer to yourself.

You were without a doubt, Joker’s Bunny. He never thought you would take the title so seriously.

Joker groaned to himself.

Whhhhhy didn’t he stay with you tonight? You practically begged him to with those e/c eyes of yours but he stood firm on his ‘I have to go, it's im-port-ant’ spiel.

You pouted but sent him off with a kiss. Now Joker regretted his decision as each boring minute dragged on during this briefing. To be fair, it was important. Too bad Joker wasn’t listening. He spent his time staring off into space. daydreaming about you.

He wondered what you cooked tonight. Was it that new recipe you wanted to try or did you play it safe and fix one of his favorites? He loved your cooking and could go for a hearty meal after sitting through this snoozefest.

His thoughts were plenty and quickly changed. Did you take a bubble bath with that new bath bomb he bought you? Joker saw it in passing and immediately thought of you after seeing its onyx and opal swirls in the store.

If he remembered correctly it was called Night Sky and smelled like forbidden fruits. It had your name written all over it. So what if he stole a few for you?

Joker was envisioning your body soaking in the tinted water when his phone chiming startled him out of the fantasy.

He fished it out of his coat pocket and arched an eyebrow when he saw your message come through. Speak of an angel and you appear.

you coming home?

J smirked to himself after reading the word home.

It stirred up a flurry of emotions within him every time you used it. Joker thought he had no need for a home until you entered his life and proved him wrong. Every person needs a home; his just so happened to be you.

And Joker was feeling a bit homesick.

He found your message a bit odd since you knew he was overseeing a meeting tonight. Did something happen or were you just as needy as he was? He really should’ve stayed at home with you in the first place. Joker sighed and scanned the room.

The team was talking amongst themselves on how to pull off the hit without gaining the authorities’ attention. Joker drowned them out thirty minutes ago. He was only here for appearance’s sake and could care less.

They could iron out the details without him and that became the determining factor to answer your question. With a roll of his green eyes, he replied.

What’s in it 4 me?

Joker watched three tiny dots appear and fade multiple times over a course of several minutes. Whatever you wanted to say was deleted over and over until Joker finally got a vague response.

Come and find out 🐰

Such a sassy little thing you were tonight. A few seconds later, Joker received an attachment pic from you. He took one glance at it and reacted.

“Oi! Where you going, Boss?” A henchman called out.

Joker was already storming out the door to even notice that he scared everyone with his abrupt exit.

They were waiting for Joker to voice his opinion and he just up and left. Not like he cared. The small group however began to panic and scrambled to find a way to revise the plans to meet Joker’s high expectations.

They could all die trying to rob the bank for all he cared. Joker’s mind was elsewhere, solely on you.

His Bunny was asking for it.

It was the only explanation as to why the dying sun captured your sexy silhouette oh so perfectly. When Joker got home, he was gonna ruin you.

Joker didn’t notice Frost coming down the hall in his mad dash to the elevator. Frost took one look at his boss and scoffed.

“Let me guess. It’s either the airheads in the meeting or something B did.” He ignored Joker’s venomous glare yet the lack of response spoke volumes.

“Are you coming back after you fix her attitude?” Frost sighed softly.

The elevator door dinged open upon arrival and Joker marched inside to stab the ground floor button. He locked eyes with Frost and set his demands.

“Don’t bother us unless.. I dunno, it’s err raining cats and dogs.” Which meant no, he wasn’t coming back and they both knew it.

Frost spoke his own reflection as the doors slid closed. “I don’t get paid enough for this.”

There really should be a guide to these types of things. How to look sexy for your lover while wearing a ridiculous outfit.

Perhaps you could write a guide yourself; it beat psyching yourself up to no avail.

You planned this for weeks and now the day finally came to commit and you were having second thoughts.

The last component arrived a little while after Joker left for his meeting and you just couldn’t stall another night. It was now or never.

You wouldn’t have the confidence to do this after today. Just looking in the mirror you felt silly all over again. Knowing that Joker left you on read didn’t boost that confidence any higher either.

It wasn’t that disappointing– Joker constantly left you on read in text conversations, the problem was that he left you hanging after you sent him a risque picture.

It took you ages to get the angle, the lighting, and find a pic you actually liked, before sending it to the clown and he didn’t appreciate none of it.

You checked yourself out in front of the floor length mirror and sighed as your heels clicked sharply on the hardwood. You thought you looked cute, hot even! But your opinion was moot if Joker didn’t approve.

Maybe he opened the message and got busy before he could respond? You told yourself anything except the truth.

He probably hated it and didn’t want to hurt yor feelings.

You puckered your glossy lips at your reflection, preparing to take off the ensemble when you heard keys turning in the front door.

Joker was back in record time. It made you wonder how he got here so fast but that was the least of your worries.

You grabbed his gift off the dresser right as you heard the bedroom door slam into the wall.

Joker was going to leave a dent in the wall if he kept doing that. You told him time and time again to stop. You were about to scold him right then but the fiery heat in his eyes stole your breath.

Joker was a raging bull, just shy of steam blowing out his nose.

His target? Poor ol’ you shifting your weight from heel to heel. You hid his surprise further behind your back and of course, he noticed.

“Whatcha got there.. Bunny.” Joker stressed the endearment more so than usual since you were dressed the part.

You wore your tallest pumps and donned a fresh pair of fishnets to go nicely with your f/c bunny suit. It clung to your figure in all the best ways and the white cuff links and debonair tie around your neck was the icing on the cake.

You looked every part the bunny Joker called you. He admired the bunny ears atop your head; one bent, the other straight. He loved every little detail you had.

Joker slowly stalked towards you with his head tilted slightly. “I asked... Whatcha got behind your back Bunny? Is it a surprise?”

You nodded demurely. So that’s how you wanted to play? Joker just grinned.

“Yeah? Is it…. for me?” You giggled when he tried to steal a peek if not for you dodging his attempts at the last minute.

Joker was all for your playful mood tonight and growled lowly, seeing your sly smirk. You did your makeup so pretty, but he was over the moon seeing your plump lips shimmering all for him. You wore that shade he bought you recently. The one that tasted like strawberries.

He wanted to ruin it and you.

His green eyes roamed down your beautiful face to your neck on full display for him to nibble and mark, down to your breasts practically bursting out of your suit.

He wouldn’t be surprised if you bought it two sizes too small with how your curves spilled out over the leather confines. Joker wanted to lay you down and knead your soft flesh and rip holes in your fishnets. You looked so good and he wanted to play.

There was so much he wanted to do! He grew tired of you ducking and dodging and grabbed your arms roughly. “Gotcha Bunny! Now… let’s uh, see what you oh..”

Joker audibly swallowed as you bit your lip and looked away.

Joker stared at the bundle of rope in your hands, honestly at a loss for words. The bright color would look heavenly against your skin tone and you knew Joker wanted to tie you up for months now. He introduced the idea once or twice and tested out the new concept by binding your wrists.

It excited you and drove him wild. It was high time he got his wish by going all in.

Joker rubbed his thumb against the rope and met your shy gaze. “Y/n… are you sure.”

You nodded and leaned up (even with heels on J towered over you) and kissed his cheek but Joker required a verbal agreement.

“I need to hear you say it, bunny. That you’ll let me uhh, tie ya up? You wanna be my sweet rope bunny huh doll?”

You nodded again but Joker reached out and gripped your chin, “Use your words, bunny.”

You moaned out and closed your eyes. Joker had yet to do anything and you were already worked up. “B-Bunnies don’t t-talk.” You gasped.

Joker was speechless as you finally turned around and let him see the fluffy bunny tail** you wore. You walked over to the edge of the bed and bent by your waist to wiggle your buns for Joker.

His breath was shaky but overly excited for what was about to happen. Joker unraveled the colored rope in his hands with a mocking tsk of his lips.

“What a naughty, naughty bunny girl I have.” 

[atlasscrumpit]

Bucky Barnes x Reader

It was stupid, God it was the most ridiculous idea you'd ever had but it was your only chance.

You ran along the streets when your eyes caught two policemen standing outside a store.

"I'm going to get killed..." You muttered before you ran at him and tackled him to the ground before quickly jumping up.

"I'm gonna kill everyone here!" You screamed as the cop quickly and easily took you down and handcuffed you.

"Fucking psycho bitch." He muttered, making you stand up as they dragged you towards the cop car.

"I was just trying to get a coffee, goddamn." The other muttered as you sat in the back seat and sighed, glad you didn't have a bullet in your head.

"I'm tired of these fucking drug addicts." One of them grumbled as you sighed and rested your head against the seat.

--

You sat in a cell as you waited.

Suddenly you heard a noise and looked up to see a familiar face standing with an officer.

"Bucky!" You shouted in relief as you ran up to the door and looked at him.

The officer let you out and you ran to Bucky, hugging him tightly.

"You're lucky you've got rich friends." The officer mumbled before walking away.

Bucky awkwardly hugged you back before he pushed you away so he could see you.

"Y/N, what the hell? It's been three years and suddenly I get a call that you assaulted a police officer." He scolded as you looked at him with tears in your eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Bucky. I just couldn't think of anything else to do." You whispered as you began to cry.

Bucky looked at you better and noticed bruising all over you.

"Y/N, what the hell is going on?" He asked as you cried softly and held onto his hand.

"Can we just get out of here, please?" You whispered as he sighed.

"Okay, come on. We'll go somewhere and talk." He replied as you signed out of the police station and followed Bucky out to a car he had parked outside.

You got in the passenger seat and sighed, he started up the car and began to drive.

"Talk, Y/N. Because three years ago you left with no explanation, I tried to contact you, to find you, anything but I couldn't. You don't just leave someone like that, I care about you." Bucky scolded you as you turned your head to look at him.

"I know... I never ever wanted to leave." You replied as he sighed and kept his eyes on the road.

"If you didn't want to leave then why did you?" He asked as you turned back to stare at the road ahead.

"You remember Jay?" You muttered as Bucky glanced at you for a moment.

"Yeah, your boyfriend." He replied as you tried your best to not cry.

"He didn't let me see you... At first he was sweet and kind and he took care of me... But, it turned around so fast. He started hitting me and being paranoid if I left... Eventually he smashed my phone and locked me in the apartment, making sure I never left. " You whispered as Bucky stared at you for a moment before quickly realising he was still driving a car on a main road.

"Jesus, Y/N. I should've...I could've saved you." He muttered as you turned to look at him again.

"I was finally able to break out of the apartment when he was out. I didn't have money for a bus or train or anything. I didn't have a phone and I knew he would be after me very soon. So, I saw a policeman and attacked him. Knowing I could call you to bail me out." You said making Bucky sigh.

"Y/N, they could've shot you dead right there." He scolded as you chuckled a little.

"I wouldn't have minded." You muttered, looking away.

"It doesn't matter, I've got you now. That's what matters." Bucky whispered as he turned to you when he stopped at a red light.

You looked at him as well and smiled a little.

"So, you're not angry with me?" You whispered as Bucky reached over and gently placed his hand on your thigh.

"Doll, I could never be angry with you. Let's get you somewhere safe, okay?"

[layce2015]

Supernatural (Dean Winchester x Female!Reader)

Swap Meat

Masterlist pt 1

Masterlist pt 2

"Dean and Sammy Winchester. And (y/n) (l/n)." Donna greets us after we pulled up to her white two-story house. Her and her teenage daughter, Katie, lead us into the sitting room and they sit on one sofa, next to a coffee table, and me and the boys sit on the other side of the table in another sofa.

Donna sets the plate of cookies on the table which also held a pitcher of lemonade. I take a cookie as she looks us over. "So, how long has it been?" she asked us. "The summer before 6th grade." Sam said. "Mmm, I remember. You two assigned yourselves your own reading list." Donna said as she pointed at me and Sam. "That’s right. I forgot about that." Dean chuckles then I look over at Katie.

"Your mom happens to be the best babysitter we ever had." I said to her, honestly. "Well, when I was a maid at the Mayflower, out on the interstate – long before you were even an idea – their Dads' used to pass through town and leave these three with me while they went off to...work. One time, they were gone for two weeks." Donna explains to Katie.

"Two weeks?" Katie asked, confused. "Mm-hmm. Oh, they'd always come limping back. John loved you boys and (f/n) loved you, (y/n)." Donna explained. "Did you know what they did all that time?" Katie asked her. "Little Sammy kept trying to tell me. Of course, I didn't believe him. Not at first, anyway." Donna said.

"Katie, our dads', um, happened to be an expert at getting rid of ghosts. And now, so are we." Sam said to Katie. "That's why I called them, sweetie. They can help us." Donna tells Katie as Donna's husband comes into the room, carrying suitcases.

"Sounds like you guys got yourself a poltergeist." Dean said. "Started a month or two after we moved in." the man said. "Yeah, first it was, uh, just bumps and knocks and scratches on the walls. And then it started breaking things." Donna said. "And then it attacked Katie?" I asked her. "That was two nights ago." Donna's husband replied and Donna turns to Katie.

"Can you show them, honey?" she asked and Katie stands up and lifts her shirt, revealing words cut into her skin. “Murdered Chylde.” Sam reads. "Katie, everything's gonna be fine. I promise. Why don't you guys take yourselves a little vacation, and, uh, we'll take care of it." Dean assures them and Donna sighs. "Thank you." she said, appreciatively.

Later, we stop at a fast-food restaurant to get some food. Sam was sitting at a table while Dean and I wait at the counter for our order. Then a young teen boy, with dark hair and short and skinny, comes up with a tray of our food. "Uh, bacon burger turbo, large chilli-cheese fry, uh, a chicken sandwich, large fries, uh, and a Health Quake Salad shake?" The kid said and he looks up at us, confused by that last order.

"We know. We know. It's, uh…" Dean said then he clears his throat. "...it's not ours." Dean said and we accept the tray and take it over to the table. After getting our respective food, Dean and I sit opposite Sam as he adds dressing to his salad shake and shakes it, very thoroughly. 

"Oh, you shake it up, baby. You know that's what momma likes." I teased and Sam gives me a look while Dean chuckles. "Sometimes, I wonder about you." Sam said to me. "You shouldn't, I'm around you two twenty-four seven." I said and Sam scoffs. 

"You know, poltergeist aside, Donna looked pretty good, don't you think?" Dean asked and I turn my head to him. "Don't tell me you've still got the hots for our babysitter." I said to him, questioning. "What? No. That's weird." Dean said before he chuckles. "Dean, I know how you are." I said and he clears his throat. "No, I'm just saying that she, you know, she – she's – she's doing good. You know, with her husband, her kid. This whole Amityville thing being thrown at them, and they're hanging tough." he said and I raise an eyebrow at him.

"Yeah." Sam mutters. "You ever think that you'd want something like that? Wife, rugrats, the whole nine?" Dean asked him and Sam shakes his head. "What? You don't think about coming home from a long hard day at work and see a few kids running up to you? And then this sweet, loving woman comes up to you and gives you a welcome home kiss?" I asked him. "No, not really my thing anymore." Sam said and I frown. "Yeah." Dean said and I look down.

"What about you two? Have you guys thought about that life?" Sam asked us, which made me and Dean freeze and my face feels like it's on fire.

"Uh...well...uh"

"You see..."

Then Sam chuckles at mine and Dean's stutter. "So, you guys have thought about it?" Sam asked us and Dean and I share a look before Dean turns to his brother. "Uh...no comment." He said and Sam scoffs out a laugh. "Whatever." He mumbles and I clear my throat, the heat on my face fading.

"Anyway, what do you got?" I asked Sam, changing subject. "Uh, well, that house of theirs, it's old – really old. Um, hundreds of years. And I found a legend. It’s unconfirmed, but still." Sam said. "Saying?" Dean asked. "Supposedly, in the 1720s, the house was owned by a guy named Isaiah Pickett." Sam said and he turns his laptop to show us a site titled Witchcraft. 

"Legend has it he hung a woman in his backyard for witchcraft – a woman named Maggie Briggs." Sam explains. "Okay, so an angry ghost witch?" I asked. "If it's true. That still doesn't explain what Murdered Chylde means." Sam replied. "No, or where the bitch is buried." said Dean. "You know, I mean, it's a long way back, but I can see if I can find something in the town records." Sam said. "It's worth a shot." Dean said, shrugging, as I nod.

*3rd Person POV*

Sam is walking down the street and was talking on the phone. "So, any luck?" (y/n)'s voice asked him. "Bupkis. Can't even find proof a woman named Maggie Briggs existed, much less where she was planted." Sam replied. "All right. Well, we've got a minute to breathe here, so, uh, let's pick it up first thing." (y/n) said. "Yeah, you bet. See you two in a few." Sam said and he hangs up.

He continues walking and makes it to the park. But at one point, he hears a noise and stops. Then a dart hits Sam in the neck. "Aah! What..." Sam grumbles but then he falls to the ground.

Sometime later, Sam wakes up and looks down at his clothes, which wasn't clothes he recognized. It looked like it was a uniform to a fast-food restaurant. He places a hand on his neck but didn't feel anything.

Later, he was walking down the street when a police car comes up behind him. "Yeah, this is Collins out on Route 30. I think we got him." the officer said into his radio the he rolls down the window and calls out to Sam.

"Mr. Frankel? Mr. Gary Frankel?" The officer calls out and Sam looks over at him. "Who?" he asked, confused. "Your family's worried sick about you, son." the officer said to Sam. "My – my family? My brother called you?" Sam asked him. "Come on, get in before you freeze solid." the officer tells him and Sam gets in the police car.

The police car pulls into the driveway of a blue two-storey house then the officer gets out and opens the door for Sam. "Thanks, uh, but, uh, w-where are we?" Sam asked him, still confused. "You're home, son." the officer tells him and Sam shakes his head. "N-no, officer, I-I'm not staying here." he stated.

Then two older people, obviously Mr and Mrs Frankel, run out of the house. "Gary! Oh, my God! Gary! Oh, God! Gary!" the woman cries as she hugs Sam. "Oh, hey! Hey! Hey!" Sam stammers.

"Are you all right?" The woman asked him. "Okay. Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Um, w-what's going on here?" Sam asked her. "What do you mean?" the woman asked him, worried. "Lady, who are you?" Sam asked.

"Young man, are you drunk?" the man asked, sternly. "And who are you?" Sam asked. "Gary, are you drunk? Answer your father." the woman asked, panicked. "My father? Look…" Sam started to say but then he was able to see his reflection in the police car window. It wasn't him, it was of a young teen with dark hair.

"Who is that?! Who the hell is that?!" Sam asked, panicked, ashe points at his reflection. "He's out of his gourd. Young man, I'm very surprised at you." the father said and Sam scoffs. "Yeah. Tell me about it."

*(y/n)'s POV*

​​​​​​"Has he contacted you back?" Dean asked me, worried, as we make our way to our motel door. "For the hundredth time, Dean, I have called and texted him and he hasn't responded." I said, exasperated, and Dean looked annoyed. "Look, I know you're upset. We'll find him." I assured him and we opened the door to find Sam standing by the mirror of the motel room.

"See! There he is!" I said and Dean rolls his eyes and turns to Sam. "Sam. Where the hell you been, man? We've been trying to call you for hours." Dean said to him as Sam turns to us. "I picked up some food. Bacon burger turbo, large chilli-cheese fry, and chicken sandwich with fries, right?" Sam said as he holds up the bag of food.

"Sorry, man. Really. I-I just – I lost track of time. I didn't mean to freak you out." he said. "Thanks. Don't know why it took you two hours, but thanks." Dean said as he takes the bag. "Oh, you guys are gonna want to eat that on the road." Gary said as we get our food.

"Why?" I asked Sam. "The maid came in, saw that..." Sam said as he points out to all of the weapons laid out for cleaning. "...and now they're all kind of freaking out." Sam said. "Why'd you let the maid in?" Dean asked him, annoyed. "It just happened." Sam replied and I narrow my eyes at this. "Whatever. I got to hit the head, and then we'll take off." Dean said as he heads to the bathroom. "All right. I-I’ll be outside" Sam said while I walk up to the weapons.

"I guess I'll clean this up." I grumble and I start to gather up the weapons and pack them up.

After all that mess, Dean and I walk over to the Impala and I see Sam sitting in the passenger seat. I roll my eyes a bit at this and head to the backseat while Dean walks up and opens the driver’s door.

"Hey. You ready?" Dean asked Sam. "Absolutely." Sam said and Dean gets in. "Hey, can I drive?" Sam asked him and look at Sam, as does Dean. Moments later, he and Sam switch seats and Sam starts the engine. "Oh, this is so sweet!" he said, excitedly, as he revs the engine. "You want to get the lead out, Andretti? Come on." Dean said and I notice Sam putting the car into gear. 

"Reverse. Reverse!" I yell as the tires squeal and the Impala shoots backwards and hits the dumpster, full trash bags fall onto the trunk. My body jerks at this as Dean turns to Sam. "It's in reverse." Dean growls at Sam then he looks over at me. "You okay, sweetheart?" He asked me, concerned, as I rub the back of my neck. "Yeah, nothing's broken. Probably will be sore." I said and Dean nods then he and Sam get out and survey the damage.

"I am really, really sorry." Sam said to Dean. "Shut up." Dean growls as he and Sam get into the car and drive away. The trash bags on the trunk fall to the ground.

"So, uh, where we going, anyway?" Sam asked us, the next day, as we walk down the street to the Impala. "To work. The case?" I said to Sam, as I raise an eyebrow at him. "Oh, right. Yeah – the case. Of course. Where, uh, do you guys want to start?" Sam asked. "Well, since you couldn't find where Maggie Briggs was buried, now we have to do an all-day tombstone roll to see if we can dig her up." Dean said.

"Wait. M-Maggie Briggs? You mean, like – like, the witch Maggie Briggs?" Sam asked. "Yeah, Sherlock." Dean said, annoyed, as Dean and I stand on one side of the Impala and Sam on the other side. "Yeah, she's in the basement." Sam said.

"Come again? W-what basement?" I asked him. "Isaiah Pickett’s house. Okay, there's this legend that he hung her, but he didn't. The real truth is that she was carrying his illegitimate child, and he killed her and then buried her in the basement." Sam said. "The murdered chylde. That would explain the scratches." Dean mutters and I look over at Sam.

"How do you know all this?" I asked him, suspiciously. "Oh, I've done all kinds of research on it." Sam said and Dean and I look at him in surprise. "I mean, you know, last night." Sam stammers. "Yeah. Nice work...I guess." Dean said and we get into the Impala and Dean turns on the radio and Bob Seger's Rock 'n' Roll Never Forgets plays.

"Aw, man, turn it up!" Sam said, excitedly, and I look over at him, so does Dean. "Seriously?" we asked. "Hell yeah!" Sam said, happily, and Dean turns the radio up and Sam bobs his head to the music and sings along. Something's going on... ​I thought as we drive to this house.

Minutes later, Dean, Sam and I walk downstairs and look around with flashlights. "Boo-yah! Master chief is in the house, bizatches!" Sam said and I look over at him and aim my flashlight at him. "Are you all right?" I asked Sam as he recoils from the light shining in his face. "Yeah. Fine." Sam said and I move the flashlight away from his face.

I hum, suspiciously, at this. Normally, Sam would get annoyed if I did that and he always hates Dean's music nor would he ever ask Dean to drive the Impala unless Dean asked him to. Something was definitely going on....

"Well, I'll be damned. Willow moss." Dean said as he points out the moss on the ground. "Yeah, right. It's, uh, supposed to grow over witches' graves, right?" Sam said, nervously, and Dean and I look at him. Why is he saying it like he's guessing? He should know this.​​​​ I thought as Dean said. "Yeah."

Dean and I take two shovels out of the bag and start digging up the grave. "Hey, guys, I'm really sorry about this." Sam said and I stop and furrow my brow. "Sorry about what?" I asked as I look up to see Sam suddenly flying backwards and hit the wall. "Sam!" Dean and I shout as we rush to Sam and help him up.

"You okay?" Dean asked and Sam nods. "Let's get the hell out of here!" he shouts and he starts to run but I grab his arm. "Wait, wait, wait. We still got to burn the body, you idiot. Come on." I shouted but then Dean and I go flying into the wall and the ghost appears in front of us.

She starts to rush at us but then she burns up before she could do anything. We look over and see the flames burning in the grave while Sam stands next to the grave, holding a can of lighter fluid. "Dude, that was sweet!" he exclaims, smiling.

Later, we were at a bar, sitting at a table. The three of us had a bottle of beer. A waitress comes and brings us some more drinks. "Here you go, guys." she said to us. "Thanks." I tell her. "You know, do me a favor, sweetheart. Would you bring me a cheeseburger with extra bacon? And fry an egg on top of it, would you?" Dean asked her. "Absolutely." the waitress said. "Ooh, that – that sounds good. Ditto." Sam said and the waitress nods then turns to me.

"Anything for you, honey?" She asked me while I eyed Sam. "Uh, no, nothing for me, thank you." I said. "Okay. Be right back with your order." the waitress said and she leaves.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with Sam?" I asked Sam, who looks at me in shock and fear. "W-what do you mean?" he asked me. "Bacon cheeseburgers now?" Dean asked. "I don't know. I eat them, don't I? Anyways, we are celebrating." Sam said then he lifts his glass in a toast. "Yeah, I guess. Another one bites the dust." Dean said and he and Sam clink their bottles but I continue to eye Sam. I'm really not buying the excuses Sam was giving us.

"Nice work today." Dean tells him. "You too. I had a, uh, really awesome day, man. Seriously." Sam said before he downs his drink. "Whoo! Sweet." he exclaims. "A really awesome day?" I asked him. "Yeah. Why not?" Sam said, shrugging. "It was a random, D-list ghost hunt. That’s – that's awesome to you?" I asked Sam.

"I can't be in a good mood?" Sam asked, defensively. "Yeah, I guess, I just…No, actually. It's not really your style, Sam." I said. "Well, then, it's a new me. I mean, come on. Why shouldn't I be happy? I've got a gun, I'm getting drunk, and..." Sam said then he points his finger at his face. "I look like this." he said then he sighs while I narrow my eyes at him.

"I don't know. You ever feel like your whole future is being decided for you?" Sam asked us. "Uh, yeah, Sam, I feel like that a lot." Dean said and I nod. "Yeah, every day." I said. "No matter how much you fight it, you can't stop the plan. The stupid, stupid plan. So, I don't know. I guess it's, uh, it's just nice to do a little ass-kicking for a change, that's all. Uh, you know what? I – I'm drunk." Sam chuckles. "Sorry. Just – just forget it." 

"No, no. It's all right. It’s, uh…I'll drink to that." Dean said then they clink glasses and drink while I just eye Sam and drink my drink. "Wow, you know, is it just me, or are we actually drinking together?" Dean asked me and I shrug. "It sure is weird." I said as Sam looks between us.

"We don't do it that often, huh?" He asked and Dean scoffs. "Yeah, you could say that." Dean said. "Well, we should. You're good people." Sam said as he looks between us. "Oh, you are drunk." Dean jokes as the waitress arrives with the burgers.

"Here you go." She said as she sets the plates down. "Mmm. Thank you." Dean tells her. "Enjoy." the waitress said and she leaves once again. "No, but I mean it. You guys really are good people." Sam said to us then he takes a bite of his burger. "Mmm! The bread alone! Mmm!" Sam moans as I eye him, sipping my beer.

Minutes later, Sam gets up and goes over to the bar to get some drinks and I look over at Dean. "That's not Sam." I said, quickly, and Dean looks over at me. "What?" He asked me. "Dean, that's not Sam. I don't know how but...it is not him." I said. "Oh, c'mon, course it's him." Dean said and I raise my eyebrows at him.

"Dean, honey, I love you but sometimes you can be a bit dense." I said and he gives me an offended look. "Hey!" He said, offended, and I shrug. "Well, it's the truth. Are you seriously thinking that is your brother?" I asked him as I gesture my head towards Sam at the bar. "After everything he has said and done. I mean, letting the maid in our hotel room, wanting to drive the Impala, excited to listen to your music and now...eating bacon burgers?!" I listed off and we look over to see Sam talking to a pretty woman.

Then both Sam and the woman leave the bar until Sam turns to us. "We're gonna do it!" he said and I turn to Dean with an I told you so look. "You believe me now?" I asked him as he finally looks suspicious.

*3rd Person POV*

Meanwhile, Sam had been dealing with possessing the boy's, Gary, body. He had been looking for clues on how and why this happened. How it happened was that Gary had found a book of witchcraft and used it to switch bodies with him. Sam didn't find out why because he was now captured by Gary’s friends, Trevor and Nora.

He was now sitting on a coffee table with his hands tied behind his back. Trevor is holding a phone while Nora stands nearby with her arms folded.

"Hey! What the hell's going on?!" Sam asked, panicked. "You can scream all you want." Trevor said. "No one can hear you! My parents are out of town!" he shouts, loudly, showing that no one else was around except for them.

Then Trevor turns to his phone as Gary, the one possessing Sam's body, answers his phone. "Gary." he said. "T. What up?" Gary asked him. "Where are you?" Trevor asked him. "Uh, I can't really tell you right now, but, man, you wouldn't believe it." Gary said.

"Well, where's Dean?" Trevor asked him and Sam eyes Trevor at this. "Uh, the Cloverleaf on Route 6. Why?" Gary asked. "You mean you haven't killed him yet?" Trevor asked, annoyed, and Sam panics again. "What? Wait, wait, wait, wait. W-what do you mean? Kill Dean?" Sam asked.

"Building up to it. Plus kinda hard to kill him when that hot chick hangs around him." Gary said. "And you didn't get rid of her, either? Great." Trevor grumbles, annoyed. "Look, Gary, we got problems here. For one, I'm looking at your body right now – with this other dude in it." Trevor said as he turns to look at Sam.

"What?" Gary asked, shocked. "Yeah, he's been in your house. He's hanging out with your parents." Trevor said. "Okay just...calm down. Whatever he says, no one's gonna believe him, right? I mean, w-we're still good." Gary said. "Would you just hurry up and kill the son of a bitch already, would you?" Trevor said, angrily. "Don't rush me. I'll do it." Gary said. "Yeah, you better." Trevor growls then he hangs up.

He paces for a bit, looks over at Sam then at Nora. "I don't think he's gonna do it." he said. "Just relax, this is Gary we're talking about." Nora assures him. "What the hell is going on here? How do you know who Dean is?" Sam asked them. "Everybody knows Dean. He’s Hell’s most wanted." Trevor replied and Sam sighs.

"Oh, no. No. Have you idiots been talking to demons?" He asked them. "Oh, right. We're the idiots." Trevorlaughs, smugly. "You're just kids. You have no idea what you're messing with." Sam tells them. "Well, we know that there's a price on Dean's head, and we're the ones that are gonna collect." Trevor said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam asked. "About a month ago, we were down here –" Nora begins to explain but Trevor turns to her. "Nora." Trevor growls and Nora turns to him. "We’re not allowed to talk about him?" she asked him then she turns to Sam. "We were down here, goofing around with that book." She said. "Um, I wouldn't exactly call praying to our dark overlord goofing around.” Trevor said.

"Don’t be a loser, Trev." Nora said. "Yeah, Trev." Sam said and Nora turns back to Sam. "Anyway, all of a sudden, the lights flickered and Gary went into this weird trance. He closed his eyes, picked up a pencil, and drew this." She said and she shows Sam a drawing of Dean.

"And you know what's really weird? Gary can't draw." Trevor said. "He said he heard a voice in his head. The demons were putting out a bounty on this guy." Nora explains. "A bounty?" Sam asked. "Yeah, like, every witch or Satanist across the whole country. But Gary – Gary’s the one who spotted you." Nora said.

"And the Freaky Friday crap?" Sam asked. "Another spell from the book. Gary's idea – go in Trojan horse-style. He's really smart." Nora said, smiling. "That is, if he has the beanbags to go through with it." Trevor growls. "Listen to me. You are making a terrible mistake. We're talking about a demon deal – killing somebody. This isn't a game. You're crossing a line you won't come back from. Believe me." Sam warns them and Nora looks at Trevor in alarm.

"What?" Trevor asked her. "Nothing. I-I..." She stammers and Trevor glares at her. "Nora, don't tell me you're actually listening to this jerk." he said as he gestures to Sam. "I don't know. M-maybe. I-I mean, what if he has a point?" Nora asked. "I don't believe this. First Gary, now you. I can't – you know what? Fine. You want something done right..." He said then Nora interrupts him. "What, you're gonna – you're gonna go kill Dean yourself, tough guy?" she asked.

"Don't have to. I can do this." He said and he holds up the witchcraft book open to a page about demon summoning. "N-no, no. Y-you can't be serious." Nora stammers. "I'm calling up one of these bad boys, turning these punks over, and getting paid. Dolla, dolla bills, y'all!" Trevor said, excitedly.

"I-I really don't think that that's a good idea." Nora said, worried, and Sam shakes his head. "It's not. It's a very, very bad idea." Sam said. "No one asked you." Trevor spat at him and he goes back to the book.

Back at the motel, Gary enters the room and looks over at the bed. There was two figures sleeping in the bed, so Gary picks up a gun and aims it at the bed. But before he could do anything, Dean and (y/n) appear behind him and (y/n) kicks the back of his knee and Dean punches him.

"Ow!" Gary exclaims, in pain. "You're not Sam. Who the hell are you?" Dean asked him, angrily, while Gary looks up at the two in fear.

Back at Trevor's house, Trevor was setting up the ingredients for the summoning ritual. "Don't do this. I'm begging you." Sam pleads and Nora looks over at Trevor. "Trevor, I think he's right." she said. "Hey, you want to get into Vassar, don't you?" Trevor asked her and Nora looks down.

"Please! Stop!" Sam shouts while Trevor commences the spell. "You're gonna get us all killed!" Sam yells at him. "Ad ligandum eos pariter eos coram me!" Trevor said but nothing seems to have happened. "Maybe I said it wrong." he said and he turns and sees Nora slumped on the floor.

"Nora?" He asked, worried, as he goes over to her. "No! No, no! Don't touch her!" Sam warns but Trevor doesn't listen. "Nora, you okay?" he asked and Nora looks at him, her eyes black.

"Oh, yeah. I'm peachy." she said and she stands up. "So, what'd you call me here for, Skippy? Unless...it's dinnertime?" she asked Trevor. "What? I-I...n-no. Uh, we have Dean Winchester." Trevor said. "You do? Where?" Nora asked him.

"Trevor, keep your mouth shut." Sam growled at him. "The Cloverleaf Motel over on Route 6." Trevor replied and Nora turns to Sam. "Sam? Is that you in there?" she asked as Sam glares at her then she laughs. "Well, aren't you just 98 pounds of nothing." 

"The kid is a moron. He doesn't have any idea where Dean is." Sam said and Nora laughs again. "So, if Sam’s in this body, who's in Sam’s?" Nora asked Trevor. "A dangerous warlock. Named Gary." Trevor said, proudly. "You mean to tell me you've got Dean Winchester and Sam Winchester's meat suit? An empty vessel just waiting to be filled. And you're handing them both over to me?" Nora asked him, impressed. "Uh, y-yeah. I guess." Trevor said.

"Well...I got to hand it to you. I'm impressed." Nora said. "Thanks. Um, so if you don't mind my asking...there's a reward?" Trevor asked. "Sure. My undying gratitude." Nora said and Trevor chuckles, nervously. "What, are you serious?" he asked.

"Be quiet, you idiot!" Sam shouts. "Consider yourself lucky, kid." Nora said and Trevor sighs. "Um, wait a minute! We worked our asses off here, and, uh, I want my reward!" Trevor shouts and Nora stares at him. "Please?" He adds and she chuckles.

"Okay. I'm sorry. You're right. What can I get you?" Nora asked him. "Well, h-how about a million bucks?" Trevor asked and Sam sighs. "Oh, for God's sake, Trevor, just shut up and run!" Sam yells. "A million doesn't buy you much these days. Why not make it 10?" Nora asked him. "Okay, $10 mill. And I want...I want Mindy Schwartz to fall in love with me." Trevor demands.

"Love...money." Nora chuckles. "Sticking to the basics. I can respect that. But here's my counter." she said then she drives her hand into Trevor’s body. Blood runs from his mouth as he drops to the floor and Nora licks blood from her hand.

"Yep. Tastes like moron." She said and she smiles at Sam.

Back at the motel, Dean presses a button on the motel room phone. Gary is tied to a chair and (y/n) stands next to Dean. "You have 38 messages." the voicemail said and it beeps then plays the messages.

"Uh, this is gonna sound crazy – really crazy – but I think, uh, I think I'm in the wrong body."

"Guys, the guy right next to you is not me!"

"Dean, (y/n), check your friggin' voicemails. Damn it."

"All right, pal. Either you start talking or I start water boarding." Dean threatens Gary, who quickly cowers. "Oh, my God. Please, don't hurt me. Please! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!" he pleads

"Hey, pull it together, champ." (y/n) tells him. "I don't want to die. I don't want to die." Gary pleads. "Where's Sam?" Dean asked him. "In my – my friend's basement. His parents are out of town." Gary replied and (y/n) furrows her brow.

"Parents? How old are you?" She asked him. "17." Gary replied. "17? Huh." Dean mutters and (y/n) pinches the bridge of her nose. "Are you...?" (Y/n) started to ask but her and Dean, both, go flying backwards and fall to the ground, both of then lying still.

Gary turns and sees Nora. "Nora?" he asked, confused,  but then her eyes turn black. "Not at the moment." she said,  smiling, then she unties Gary. "Boy, you earned your dessert tonight, kiddo. Tell me – what is it you want? Anything." she said and Gary turns to her, surprised. "Anything?" he asked and she nods. "Lay it on me." she said.

"I want to be a witch. For real. And really powerful." Gary said. "Mm. Good choice. I get it. No daddy, no M.I.T. No plan. You get to be big and strong, and no one can tell you what to do anymore. There's just one small formality first. You got to meet the boss." Nora said and Gary furrows his brow.

"The boss?" he asked. "You know – your Satanic majesty, or whatever the kids are calling it these days." Nora said. "The devil?" Gary asked, shocked, and Nora nods. "Uh...no. O-okay. Um, it's okay. I...don't really want to bother him." Gary stammers.

"Oh, but he's gonna want to meet you. Relax. It'll be easy. He's just gonna ask you one little question, and all you got to do is say yes. And then, you get your reward." Nora said and Dean, now conscious, swings at Nora with a knife. She catches his arm, throws him to the ground and kicks him.

Then Nora was pushed back by a force and slammed up against the wall. Gary looks over to see (y/n) holding her hand out towards Nora, almost like she was holding her up. "Nice little trick, (y/n)." Nora said as (y/n) glares at her and Dean looks over at Gary.

"Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus." Gary said then Nora looks over at him. "What was that?" she asked and Gary looks at her, nervously. "Uh, n-nothing." Gary stammers. "Spiritus, omnis satanica potestas." (y/n) continues the process.

"Omnis incursio infernalis adversii. Omnis congregatio." Dean said then Gary joins in and all three of them chant the exorcism. "Et secta diabolica. Ergo, draco maledicte. Ecclesiam tuam securi tibi facias libertate servire. Te rogamus." they said, in unison.

"Adios, bitch!" Dean growls. "Uh, it’s adinos.” Gary corrected him and black smoke pours out of Nora’s mouth, and she screams as the smoke exits through a vent in the wall.

(Y/n) lowers her hand, slowly, and let Nora down on the ground, gently. Gary looks over at the two and nods, satisfyingly, at them.

*(y/n)'s POV*

After explaining what the hell happened, Gary and Nora take us to their friend's house where they had Sam tied up. Nora was sitting on a bed wrapped in a robe while Dean and I watch Gary, who is sitting opposite Sam with spell ingredients between them.

"Animae domum redeant. Fas atque nefas instauretur. Potestate et auctoritate, sic fiat." Gary said and he drops powder into the bowl between him and Sam, causing light to flare from it.

When the light dies down, Gary and Sam have changed places. Sam gets up and looks at himself in a mirror. "So, we good?" Dean asked him. "Yeah. We're good. Oh, man, it's nice to be back." Sam said.

"Yeah. Awesome." Gary said, downtrodden. "So…" Dean said before he clears his throat. "Gary." he said and Gary sighs. "I know – my bad." he said, upset, and I stare at him. "My bad? Kid, my bad ain't gonna cut it. See, if you were of voting age...you'd be dead. Because we would kill you." I tell him and he looks up, surprised.

"So either you straighten up and fly right or we will kill you. Are we clear?" Dean said and Gary nods. "Crystal." He said. "Good." Dean said.

The Impala pulls up outside of Gary’s house and all of us get out. "Crap." Gary grumbles. "Gary, take it from someone who knows – chin up, man. Your life ain't that bad." Sam said and Gary turns to him. "Uh, you met my parents." he said, questioning. "Yeah. So what? It's your life. You don't like their plan for you, tell them to cram it. Rebel a little bit. In a healthy, non-Satanic way, of course. By the way, you know why Nora’s into witchcraft?" Sam asked.

"What do you mean?" Gary asked him. "She doesn't like Satan, you moron. She likes you." Sam said. "Really? You think?" Gary asked, hopeful. "Yeah, I know. I'm telling you, kid – I wish I had your life." Sam said. "You do? Thanks." Gary said, smiling. "Get out of here." Sam tells the kids and they head for the house.

"That was a nice thing to say." I said to Sam. "I totally lied. That kid's life sucked ass." Sam said as the three of us get into the Impala. "All that apple-pie, family crap? It's stressful. Trust me – we didn't miss a damn thing." Sam said. "Or we don't know what we're missing." Dean said as he starts the engine and Rock 'n' roll Never Forgets plays loudly.

"Oh, come on, man. Turn it down." Sam said, annoyed, and Dean does so. "Welcome back, Kotter." he grumbles and I shake my head as we head off.

@rach5ive @kitsun369 @itzabbyxx @cevans-winchester @ellie-andthemachine

[thewriterbehindthefanfics]

William Afton X Reader - My boss

(Y/n)’s pov

I opened my eyes, the room was under the deepest darkness. I turned to the other side, trying to go back to sleep, with the movement, I felt his back...

The man lying next to me was my boss, much older than me and had three children...I couldn't believe what had happened in that room a few hours ago.

Yes, we had both had sex and the scenes from those moments remained vivid in my mind, along with the sensation of William's touches.

~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That late afternoon I had finished my shift and was getting ready to leave the pizzeria where I had worked for two years. I picked up my bag, said goodbye to my colleagues and was already walking towards the exit of the restaurant when I heard a male voice say.

“(Y/n)!” I turned my gaze to the source of the voice and came across my boss, William Afton.

“Are you already going?” He asked.

I nodded.

“Yes, Mr. Afton.”

He strode over and said.

“Don't you want a ride?”

I hesitated for a moment, remembering my parents' words, who always told me not to accept rides like that, but the man insisted.

“I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to help you” He opened a huge smile “I heard that you live far away and don't have a car, is that true?”

I looked at the ground a little embarrassed by his piercing gaze.

“Well… Yes…But don't worry, Mr. Afton…”

“I insist... I'm not doing this out of obligation, I really want to help you.” He spoke in a calm voice that almost sounded like he was singing.

I shuddered at the man's request, it seemed like there was no other choice but to accept my boss's offer.

“Well… In that case… Okay…”

Deep down, I didn't want my boss to know about my situation, but at that moment I had made a choice and I would have to see the situation through to the end.

William then took another step forward and spoke with a smile.

“Let's go?”

I nodded and followed him to his car. My boss promptly opened the passenger side door and extended his hand indicating for me to get in.

“You may come in.”

I obeyed him and William soon took his place in the driver's seat. The man promptly put the key in the ignition and drove off, leaving the restaurant parking lot. I nervously played with the keychain attached to the zipper of my bag, already thinking about the man's reaction when he saw the place where I lived.

“So” He blurted out “Where do you live?”

I felt a shiver run down my spine for a moment, but I replied with my address. The man raised an eyebrow, curious, but refrained from making any comments.

My boss then headed towards the address I had told him. We both remained silent the entire ride, and so after about fifteen minutes, William stopped in front of an old, abandoned-looking trailer. Yes, that was where I lived, I had moved to Hurricane years before because of a fight with my parents.

“Do you live here?”William asked, almost as if he didn't believe my words.

I nodded at him a little embarrassed, but the man didn't judge me or make any nasty comments, instead he spoke.

“Do you want to spend the night at my house?”

I felt my face flush.

“But Mr. Afton…”

He waved me to stop talking.

“Don't worry about anything, I'm just offering you a decent place to rest.”

I nodded looking at my shoes, not knowing what to say to the man. William then turned around and drove towards his home.

My boss lived in a beautiful house, in an upscale part of the city, completely opposite to me.

As soon as we arrived at the door, he spoke, his hand already on the doorknob.

“Please forgive me for the mess… I am a single father of three children.”

I widened my eyes in disbelief. I had no idea my boss had children. William was always a good boss, yes, but he was always very reserved.

The man then opened the door, revealing a very clean and organized room.

“Come in, don't be afraid.” He said taking the first step into his house.

I obeyed, still a little embarrassed about the whole situation. At that moment William turned to me, my boss seemed to realize that something was bothering me.

“What happened? Why do you have that face?”  he asked, his voice remained calm and melodious.

“Well, I'm a little embarrassed, you know?” I looked at the shiny wooden floor.

William took a step towards me and placed his finger on my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“You don't have to be like this, (Y/n).”

My boss was already getting a little closer, I could already feel his warm breath added to his woody perfume. I looked into his eyes for a moment and I could see that William was keeping his gaze fixed on my lips. At that moment something made me imitate him, and so I ended up staring at the man's thin lips.

He's going to kiss me...I thought with a strange feeling inside me.

Our faces were just inches away from each other, and at that moment a childish voice sounded.

“Daddy!”

We both turned our gaze to the direction of the voice, a little girl with blonde hair was looking at us with a smile, suddenly she started running towards the man and hugged his leg.

“Daddy! I missed you.”

“Hi, Lizzie.”  William took the little girl in his arms and spoke. “This is daddy's friend, her name is (Y/n).”

The girl looked at me with her huge green eyes, she seemed a little suspicious, but soon she opened a new smile, showing the empty space left by the loss of a tooth.

“Hi, my name is Elizabeth, I like chocolate, do you like it too?”

I nodded to the girl, trying to maintain a serious look, as if that answer was something very important. The girl giggled and said.

“So you can be my friend... Do you want to be my friend?”

“Of course I do.” I replied to her with a smile.

The little girl celebrated while still in William's arms and the man then said.

“Lizzie, (Y/n) is going to spend the night here.” The girl looked at me again with a smile.

“Daddy, can I show my new doll to (Y/n)?”

“Of course you can.”

William placed her on the floor and Elizabeth took my hand and led me to her room.

“Daddy gave me a new doll…” The child explained all the details of his new toy as he guided me down the hallway, but I could still hear when William spoke.

“Well…I think I'll prepare dinner.”

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

A few hours later, we had already had dinner and I had met William's other children: Michael, a fifteen-year-old teenager, and Christopher, a very shy eight-year-old boy.

My boss asked the children to go play in their rooms and so I was alone with the man. We sat on the couch where we talked about various topics, and I opened up about everything that was going on in my life, told him about my past and explained how I had lived in that little trailer for years.

William just listened to me carefully and said so.

“Why don't you live here with me?”

I widened my eyes, again without reaction. What did he want with me anyway?

“Mr. Afton… I…”

“Please call me William, here I am not your boss, I am your friend…”

At that moment our eyes met again, but this time there was something different in the man's blue eyes, there was a different flash there, deeper, capable of hypnotizing me.

We gradually got closer, until our lips touched in a kiss. Soon the gesture became more intense, his hands searched my body with desire, William felt me and I just gave in to his touches, letting out some low moans.

“Let's go to my room…” He whispered in my ear. Already moving off the couch. I promptly followed him to his room.

I didn't have much time to notice the decoration of the room, William kissed me again the moment we set foot in the room.

The man alternated, sometimes kissing my lips and other times, my neck, he still bit and licked my skin, while his strong hands felt my body over the fabric of my clothes.

“We can go further.” He suggested with a hoarse whisper as his tongue danced across my earlobe.  “And what do you want?”

I just nodded, my body was already craving that. Yes, I wanted to do that with my boss.

William quickly got rid of his tie and belt, he even helped me undress, and I did the same, helping him get rid of his dress shirt and pants.

The man threw me onto the bed and got on top of me right away. There we exchanged some caresses, and then William spoke.

“Are you ready?”

I shook my head.

So my boss changed his position on the bed, moving a little away from me, he then grabbed my legs, spreading them apart to force his member inside me at once, I let out a weak moan and William started to move. At first the movements were slow and even careful, but after a few minutes they became faster and stronger.

I had already lost control of my voice and was moaning loudly, he really knew how to make me reach the peak of pleasure.

It was then that I felt the hot, viscous liquid flow into me.

William then lay down next to me, and with heavy breathing he spoke.

“(Y/n)... I have to admit...I always liked you…”

He let out a deep sigh before pulling me into a passionate kiss.

So we fell asleep.

[totowlff]

chapter thirteen — midas’ touch

➝ this is the first time cassie has traveled to vienna. it's also the first time she's announced that she's pregnant to her child's co-parent's family. what can go wrong?

➝ word count: 5,2k

➝ warnings: mentions of child neglect and (probably) wrong austrian german

➝ author’s note: probably the funniest chapter me and ally wrote. i recommend reading with a translator close. btw, happy mother’s day to everyone, and, if you are like cassie, i send you all my love.

13 WEEKS

Your baby is about the size of a peach and has vocal cords, teeth and even fingerprints. You might actually be able to get through the day without nausea or feeling the need to nap.

Cassie was staring out the window of the car as Toto cruised through the streets of Vienna. She was enchanted as she watched the landscape. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, with not a cloud in the sky. She hadn’t ever been to Vienna, but seeing it for the first time was breathtaking — even better than the pictures she’d seen online.

Just the drive from the airport had her completely in love with the city already. The tree-lined streets and the elegant old buildings made the city look like something from a storybook.

— You seem to like it here — a familiar voice said to Cassie’s left. Cassie turned her head to see Toto glancing at her with a smile before he turned his attention back to the road in front of him.

— It’s so nice — she replied, a shy smile on her face — Beautiful. Very different from the UK.

— By that, I assume you mean that it’s sunnier?

Cassie laughed.

— A bit, but we have some sunny days, too.

— Is there? I can’t remember the last one — he replied, laughing.

Cassie giggled and shook her head, looking back out the window. They were driving through some sort of shopping district, and she watched people walking down the sidewalk. There were a lot of parents, some pushing strollers, some walking hand-in-hand with their children, who were mostly wearing small backpacks. Cassie figured they were leaving school. A few months ago, seeing parents with their kids made her sad, but now, seeing it filled her with hope. After all, it would be her turn soon enough.

She placed a hand on her stomach and stroked the fabric of her black shirt with her thumb. She hadn’t started showing yet, and it meant that she was still having a hard time getting used to the idea of actually being pregnant. However, she was reminded of it every morning, when “the little brat”, as Cassie put it, announced its presence by making her take a trip to the toilet every morning, but it was worth it. 

— Where is your apartment? — she asked, as Toto crossed a bridge over the Danube.

— It's in the Innere Stadt. It’s at the center of the city, and where a lot of the historic buildings and important landmarks are.

— Does your sister live there too?

— No, Liliana lives in Rossau, a neighborhood further north. It's close to where I went to school.

— That’s where we’re going tonight, right?

— Yes — Toto replied, stopping at a traffic light — We're going to have dinner at her house with her, her husband, their three children, and my mother.

Cassie hesitated for a few seconds.

— Are we going to tell your family about the baby? — she questioned.

— Yes, Cassie.

— But…what are we going to say?

— What do you mean?

— How are we going to explain… Our situation?

Toto sighed.

— Well, we have two options — he said — We can tell the truth, that we are friends, that we decided to have a child together, and that he or she will be born at the end of this year. Or we could say we got drunk, had sex without protection, and had a surprise a few weeks later.

Cassie clenched her jaw. The second scenario was pretty close to reality — they had sex without protection and had a surprise a few weeks later. It wasn’t as if it was unwelcome or unexpected, but Cassie never imagined fulfilling their plan in that particular way. Despite all of the passion of that night, and the fact that both of them enjoyed themselves, they agreed that it couldn’t happen again, even though Cassie secretly wanted it to. 

— Which option do you think is preferable?

— Personally? I think the truth is always better. My sister knows we were going through an IVF process, so I think she’d be surprised if we told her the second option happened.

She looked at him, her eyes going wide.

— You told your sister?

— I told her that I had decided to become a father and that I would be going through an IVF process with someone that I trust a lot. 

— And… What did she say?

Toto hesitated for a few seconds.

— Well, she asked a lot of questions about whether I was really committed to having a child with someone I wasn’t in a relationship with, and she asked a few questions about you. That’s all.

— That’s all? She didn't say anything else?

— No. Liliana knows that no matter what she or my mother says, it wouldn’t matter. She knows I don’t do things unless I’m completely sure about them.

Cassie swallowed hard. The idea of meeting Toto's family had always loomed in the back of her mind. It felt a bit daunting, especially considering that she was joining his family in an unconventional way. However, the situation seemed even more complex considering that he had only told his sister that they were having a child. 

And now, she was going to be meeting the entire family all at once, where they would be announcing that not only had they decided to have a baby together, but that baby was now on the way. Cassie felt her stomach lurch.

— Will… I, at least, be able to talk to any of them?

— Yeah, Lili, her husband, and the kids all speak English.

— What about… your mother?

— Only if you know any Polish or German.

“Wonderful, another problem”, she thought. She would spend the entire night depending on Toto to communicate with his mother. Her apprehension must have been plain on her face, because Toto took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

— Cassandra, don't worry — Toto said softly — It's going to be alright. They’re going to love you.

Staring at their joined hands, she felt the butterflies in her stomach grow.

— I hope so, Toto. I hope so.

He let go of her hand to shift gears, and then pointed to something on his left. It was an old brick building, with an archway decorated in some sort of mural.

— See that image of the woman, with the gold background?

— Yes.

— That's Minervabrunnen, a fountain dedicated to the Roman goddess Minerva, or…

— Athena — Cassie answered, smiling.

— Exactly.

— Can we go see it before we go back to the UK?

— Of course — he smiled. They drove for a few more minutes toward the apartment Toto stayed in while he was visiting Vienna. He turned right down a narrow street, and they passed some stores and cafes, sidewalks filled with people drinking coffees at tables with red umbrellas. They also passed an Australian-themed bar that reminded Cassie of Daniel Ricciardo. Finally, Toto turned into the entrance of an underground parking garage, finding a spot close to the elevator. 

— We're here — he smiled.

They got out of the car and took their luggage out of the trunk. Toto insisted on carrying everything, even Cassie’s backpack with her laptop. She protested, telling him that she was just pregnant, not sick, and her backpack didn’t weigh much anyway, but it didn’t matter as Toto insisted. 

They rode the elevator up to the street level and crossed a crosswalk into an elegant apartment building. The lobby was elegantly decorated, with a white marble floor. As they passed through to the elevator, Toto greeted the woman at the reception desk in German, and she returned a smile. Cassie stuck to a nod, unsure of how to say “good afternoon” in German. 

As they stood in the elevator, they glanced at each other, a little shyly. It felt to Cassie like they were doing something they shouldn’t, not just arriving at Toto’s apartment. The elevator arrived at Toto’s floor, and Cassie followed him to his door. He unlocked it and stepped inside, gesturing for Cassie to step inside. 

As she stepped inside, Cassie looked around. The apartment was spacious and well lit, with white walls and furniture. It was minimalist, with simple, clean lines. Most of the furniture was dark, with splashes of color from the large sofa and a few houseplants in simple pots. It was gorgeous, but felt a little cold and impersonal, like a hotel room or an apartment from an architectural photoshoot in a magazine. 

— What do you think?

— Honestly? It’s too big.

Toto raised an eyebrow.

— You think so?

— Considering you barely spend any time here, it seems like a waste of money to have such a big place that you’re only in a few times a year.

He gave her a little smile, dropping the bags at the entrance to the apartment.

— The funny thing is, I downsized when I moved to Oxfordshire. I sold my old place, but staying in hotels when I came back home to visit was kind of strange, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a place in Vienna, too. Plus, my plan is to spend more time here once the baby is born.

Cassie raised an eyebrow.

— You told the lawyer you don’t intend to move.

— And I don't. But I think my family will want to be able to spend time with our little one — he replied, resting his hand on her belly. She never failed to get the most delightful little chills whenever he touched her like that — And we need a place to stay when we visit.

— Are you including me in that 'we’?

— Only if you want — he smiled — Come on, I'll show you to your room.

Toto showed Cassie to one of the bedrooms in the apartment, which was also very minimalist and impersonal. “At least the bed is comfortable”, she thought, as she sat down on the mattress, while he dropped her suitcases in a corner of the room. She hadn't brought much, she wasn’t going to be there long. They would be heading back to the UK after the race on Sunday.

— I'm going to make myself some coffee, do you want something?

She shook her head.

— No thank you, I think I'll just get some rest.

— No problem. If you need me, I'll be in the living room. Make yourself comfortable.

— Thanks — Cassie replied, a shy smile on her lips.

Toto smiled back at her and closed the door. Cassie let herself collapse onto the bed, letting out a sigh. Staring at the ceiling, Her mind began to travel, imagining the most different scenarios that could happen later than evening when she met his family, and each was more catastrophic than the last. 

It would be a difficult night, to say the least.

A few hours later, they were standing in front of the door of his sister’s apartment, waiting for someone to answer. Cassie had chosen a light, summery sky-blue cotton dress with a floral print. At first, she wasn’t sure how it looked on her, even though she’d chosen it specifically because it would hide her belly, as small as it was. She changed her mind about it as soon as she saw the look on Toto’s face when she stepped into the living room. If his reaction was anything to go by, she must have looked stunning.

Cassie was pulled out of her thoughts when the door opened, revealing a small boy with light hair and dark eyes. He smiled at them as he pulled the door open.

— Gute Nacht, Onkel! Wie geht’s?

— Gute Nacht, Oskar, mir geht es gut und dir? — Toto replied, hugging the boy warmly — Du bist sehr gewachsen, seit ich dich das letzte Mal im Winter gesehen habe.

— Mir geht es gut. Mama denkt, dass ich nächstes Jahr so ​​groß wie Erik sein werde — Oskar said, smiling. The little crinkle at the top of his nose made Cassie smile. They were similar to Toto's.

— Oskar, this is Cassie, my friend — he said, finally including her in the conversation — Cassie, this is Oskar, one of my nephews.

She reached out to shake the boy's hand.

— Nice to meet you, Oskar.

— Nice to meet you too, Cassie — the boy said, in English — Come in.

Liliana's family's apartment was also large, but it felt much cozier than Toto's, as if it were actually inhabited by a large family. There were pictures on the walls, shoes in the foyer, and the smell of something delicious cooking. It was nicely decorated, but still felt lived-in. It reminded her a bit of Stansted House, her childhood home.

It was where she grew up, where she was when she wasn’t away at school. She could still picture it clearly in her mind’s eye, even though she hadn’t been there in years. The walls were covered in paintings, most of them old portraits of ancestors she never bothered learning the names of. In the few happy moments of her childhood, she remembered playing games with her siblings in their playroom, the smell of fresh biscuits being baked by one of the housekeepers, and romping around the back garden with her sister, picking flowers and looking for frogs in the nearby pond.

They stepped inside and took their shoes off, and Oskar led them into the living room, where two other boys were sitting on the couch beside an older woman, and a middle-aged man sitting in a nearby armchair. As Toto stepped into the living room, the two boys jumped off the couch and ran into their uncle’s outstretched arms.

— Onkel! Du kamst! — they repeated, as they embraced him.

— Natürlich bin ich gekommen, habe ich nicht gesagt, dass ich es tun würde?

They laughed together, and Cassie could feel her heart fluttering as she watched Toto interact with his nephews. Then, she noticed that the older woman stood up with a smile on her face. She was wearing a flowy, long cotton dress, and her long gray hair was tied into an elegant bun at the base of her neck. “This must be his mother”, Cassie thought, as the woman approached Toto.

— Gute Nacht mein Sohn. Wie schön, dich wiederzusehen! — she said, before planting a kiss on his cheek — Wie geht’s?

— Mir geht es gut, Mama, ich arbeite hart.

— Ich kann es in deinem Gesicht sehen, meine Liebe. Sie brauchen diesen Sommer einen guten Urlaub — the woman said, reaching up to pinch Toto's cheek lightly. 

— Kein Grund zur Sorge Mama, mir geht es gut — he said. 

The woman turned to Cassie and shook her hand as she said something in German.

— Cassie, this is my mother, Joanna. — Toto said. He was distracted after a moment, though, as he turned to shake hands with the man who had also come forward to greet him. "And that must be Liliana's husband", Cassie thought. 

— Guten abend, Franz.

As he greeted his brother-in-law, his sister appeared in the room, giving him a warm hug and kissing his cheek. The sight of them all together, smiling and hugging each other, made Cassie feel thrilled, but a bit sad, in a way. She had always wanted a loving family, one that would be happy to see her make a visit back home, one that treated her like someone worthy of affection and respect. When she was a child, she always imagined her parents hugging her and kissing her when she came home between school terms, telling her how much they loved her and missed her while she was gone. 

But, she never heard it, and knew she never would.

They weren’t overly affectionate or attentive as parents to any of their children, but Cassie was treated far differently than her siblings, however, and it had only gotten worse as she grew up. By the time she finished year 9, they treated her like an uninvited guest whenever she came home on the school holidays, and she usually opted to spend most of her time at Sybil’s house instead. 

Her own childhood was filled with trauma and neglect, and she was resolved to not let her own child know what that felt like. She was determined to make sure her child knew that Cassie loved them more than anything, and would do anything to make them feel that love every day. Her child would never have to run away to an aunt’s house to spend Christmas with someone who looked at her with an expression other than contempt. They would be happy. 

— Nun, da Sie alle hier sind, möchte ich Ihnen jemanden vorstellen — Toto said — Das ist Cassandra, oder besser Cassie.

Cassie noticed that the entire family was looking at her with a certain curiosity. Unsure of what else to do, she held up her hand and shyly waved. 

— Hello — she said, her voice quiet.

— Ist sie deine Freundin, Onkel? — the smaller boy, who she assumed was Bjorn, asked, making everyone laugh and Toto blush a little.

— Nein, sie ist nicht meine Freundin. Sie ist eine großartige Freundin von mir. Eine Person, der ich sehr vertraue.

Franz was the first to step forward and give her a generous handshake.

— Schön dich kennenzulernen, Cassie — he said.

— Sie spricht kein Deutsch, Franz.

— Oh, I’m sorry. Nice to meet you, Cassie. I'm Franz, I’m Liliana’s husband.

— Nice to meet you too.

Toto's nephews greeted her, and Joanna commented, through Toto, that Cassie was a beautiful woman. Finally, Liliana approached. Her expression was serious.

— Nice to meet you, Cassie — she said, in a strange, rather cold tone — Toto has told me a lot about you.

After the proper introductions were made, Liliana beckoned everyone to the dining table. Toto had asked her not to serve anything fancy, but the meal looked delicious. She prepared what Toto said was Schweinsbraten, some sort of pork roast with gravy and carrots. There were also potato dumplings, rolls, and some sort of red cabbage slaw. 

The food was incredible. It almost reminded Cassie of a Sunday roast dinner. As they ate, Toto’s mother asked Cassie questions about herself, with Toto serving as a translator. However, the mood at the table completely changed when she asked a specific question.

— Toto, Liebling, frag Cassie, ob sie Kinder hat.

Toto looked at Cassie, a flash of nervousness coming to his face before he looked back at his mother..

— Nun, zu diesem Thema, Mama — he began, setting his cutlery on his plate — Ich bin gekommen, um mit Ihnen allen, genauer gesagt mit Ihnen, darüber zu sprechen.

— Über Kinder?

— Ja — he replied, taking a deep breath — Ich habe Cassie zu Ihnen gebracht, weil wir nicht nur gute Freunde sind, sondern uns gemeinsam entschlossen haben, uns den Traum zu erfüllen, Eltern zu werden.

— Aber wie?

— Wir beschlossen, zusammenzukommen und ein Kind als Freunde zu bekommen. Wir werden ihn zusammen großziehen, aber ohne romantische Beteiligung.

— Und wie willst du ein Kind haben — Joanna said, glancing at her three grandchildren. None of the boys seemed to be interested in their food at the moment — Ohne romantische Beteiligung?

— Künstliche Befruchtung — Liliana muttered. Her mother looked at her, shocked.

— Warte, lass mich das klarstellen, Torger — Joanna said. Her voice sounded irritated — Willst du mir nur sagen, dass du eines Tages aufgewacht bist, beschlossen hast, Vater zu werden, deine Freundin gefragt hast, ob sie es akzeptieren würde, und das war's? Wirst du so ein Kind haben, ohne Beteiligung, ohne Zuneigung, nicht einmal Sex?

— Papa, was ist Sex? — she heard Bjorn ask Franz, who shushed him.

— So war es nicht, Mama. Es war eine Entscheidung, die nach langem Nachdenken von beiden Seiten und mit großer Reife und Ruhe getroffen wurde — Toto replied.

— Du musst verrückt geworden sein — Joanna muttered, shaking her head.

— An welchem ​​Punkt befinden Sie sich in der Behandlung? — Liliana asked. The look on her face was stern and serious. Toto looked at her for a few seconds, in silence. It was all it took for her to put her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide — Du…

— Ich bin mit Cassie hergekommen, um Ihnen zu sagen, dass wir später in diesem Jahr ein Kind erwarten.

— Was? — Joanna exclaimed, pointing at Cassie — Ist sie schwanger?

— Ja, Mama. Cassie ist schwanger — Toto said, taking Cassie's hand — Ich werde dir endlich einen Enkel schenken.

Joanna was too shocked to speak. She set her silverware down and got up without a word, turned on her heel and walked out of the dining room. Liliana was staring at her plate, also speechless. Franz, on the other hand, looked at Cassie with an expression that she knew well. It was the look Sybil always had when Cassie would show up on her doorstep, talking about one of Albert’s violent outbursts.

It was a look of pity.

Toto got up and followed his mother, calling out her name. 

Liliana then lifted her face and looked at Cassie.

— Are you really pregnant?

— Yes — she murmured.

— How far along are you?

— Around 13 weeks.

Cassie pursed her lips. In the next room, she could hear Toto's voice arguing with his mother in rapid German.

— Sie wurde durch die Behandlung nicht schwanger, Mama! Die Behandlung schlug nicht an, wir waren verärgert und schliefen miteinander. Wir haben nicht damit gerechnet, dass sie schwanger wird, aber sie wurde schwanger und wir sind glücklich, Mama.

— Das ist nicht das Problem, Torger!

— Und was ist dann los, Mama?

— Das Problem ist, dass Sie sich weigern, seit dem, was mit Julia passiert ist, eine Beziehung zu haben.

— Mama…

— Ich verstehe, dass du Julia geliebt hast und dass du gehofft hast, sie zu heiraten und Kinder mit ihr zu haben. Ich habe auch erwartet, dass ihr zusammen seid, aber es sollte nicht sein. Und jetzt haben Sie eine neue Gelegenheit, mit einer schönen, intelligenten und wirklich liebenswerten Frau glücklich zu sein, und Sie sagen mir, dass Sie ein Baby als Freunde bekommen werden?

— Mama, Julia ist Vergangenheit…

— Es scheint nicht so, wenn man bedenkt, dass Sie eine schwangere Frau mit zum Abendessen mitgebracht haben und sich einfach weigern, ihr einen Platz in Ihrem Herzen zu geben.

Nobody at the table said anything. Cassie’s heart pounding inside her chest, a knot forming in her throat.

— Cassie hat einen Platz in meinem Herzen, Mama — Toto said, in a careful tone.

— Es ist nicht der Platz, den sie verdient, und das weißt du. Ich sehe in ihren Augen, dass sie anders ist.

— Natürlich ist sie anders, sie wird die Mutter meines Kindes!

She heard Joanna give a sarcastic laugh.

— Du solltest deinen Gefühlen vertrauen und das Richtige tun, nur dieses eine Mal. Du erinnerst dich daran, was passiert ist, als du sie das letzte Mal ignoriert hast.

— Was ist passiert?

— Julia löste ihre Verlobung mit dir.

As moments passed, with nobody saying anything and the sound of the argument echoing through the apartment, Cassie started to feel suffocated.

— Mein Sohn, sei ehrlich zu dieser Frau. Sei ehrlich zu dir selbst. Geben Sie diesem Kind die Familie, die es verdient.

— Ich muss nicht in einer romantischen Beziehung sein, um eine Familie zu haben, Mama. Und ich gehe nicht nur wegen meines Sohnes in eine. Ich möchte ihn nicht unter Druck setzen.

— Es gibt keinen Druck, für einen Sohn zusammenzukommen, Torger.

— Weil du nicht weißt, wie es ist, die Einzige zu sein, die deine Eltern zusammenhält, oder, Mama? Aber ich weiß. Und Lili weiß es auch.

Whatever Toto had just said to his mother, it made Liliana quietly gasp and turn her head towards Cassie, her expression turning to shock.

— Excuse me — Cassie said, setting her napkin down and swiftly leaving the table. She ran toward the bathroom and closed the door. She leaned against the wall and sank down to the floor. After a few sniffles from trying not to cry, she could feel tears running down her cheeks.

She was tired, angry, and sad, all at once. It briefly occurred to her that the pregnancy hormones may have been causing her to feel everything so intensely, but it didn’t matter. She wanted to defend herself against whatever Toto's mother was saying about her, but she didn’t know what that was. She didn’t understand what was happening.

She put her hands on her stomach as the sound of her sniffles bounced off of the tiles. She felt like King Midas, only in reverse. Everything she touched was destroyed, even the happiest of families. She wondered why she seemingly wasn’t allowed to be happy. In that moment, she felt like she always left misery in her wake. She didn’t fit into her own family, why should she have expected to fit into this one? Why was she trying to have her own family, if she made everyone else miserable? Would she make her own child miserable, someone else to be unhappy with her?

She was so focused on ruminating over her own misery that she didn't notice the bathroom door open, or Toto sitting down in front of her, until he took her face in his hands.

— Cassandra — he said softly, running his thumbs over the tears trailing down her cheeks.

— I fucked everything up — she said — I'm a fucking disaster.

— No, Cassie, you didn’t…

— Your mother hates me, doesn't she? Your sister hates me. They hate me because I wanted to have a child and dragged you into it.

— Cassie, please…

— I didn’t come here to destroy your perfect family. I was so nervous about meeting them because of this. I destroyed my own family growing up, my dad always said that I was difficult and that I was a disappointment, and that I caused every problem they had. I didn’t mean to cause problems for you, I didn’t, I didn’t —

— My angel, look at me — Toto said, his voice still soft.

She looked up into his eyes as she tried to blink the tears out of hers. 

— It's okay. My mom doesn't hate you. Neither does my sister. They just thought the idea was a little crazy, but I explained everything. They're not mad, just… Surprised.

— They sounded… And looked angry.

— I think German can sound a bit… Aggressive if you don’t know the language. — he said, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb — It’s all of the short, rough sounds. Even saying “I love you”. 

She stared at him in silence for a few seconds. Uncertainty must have been clear on Cassie's face, because Toto pulled her into a hug, one hand sliding through her hair, stroking the back of her head in an effort to calm her down. With her head nestled in the crook of his neck, she felt strangely safe there. 

— Was ist passiert? Ist Cassie gut? — she heard a female voice ask through the door. Toto released Cassie from his embrace and opened the door. Cassie saw Liliana and Joanna standing in the doorway, looking at her with worried expressions on their faces.

— Ihr geht es gut, Mom, sie ist nur ein bisschen deprimiert wegen der ganzen Situation — Toto replied — Cassie hoffte, dass deine Reaktion nicht so negativ war.

Joanna came into the bathroom and stood in front of Cassie, placing her hands on Cassie’s shoulders. They didn’t have any languages in common with which to speak to each other, but the look on her face didn't need translation.

— Können Sie ihr sagen, dass wir nicht sauer auf sie sind? Dass wir eigentlich sehr glücklich über die Nachricht sind? Wir waren nur überrascht, das ist alles.

— My mother asked me to tell you that neither she nor Lili are mad at you, Cassie. They were surprised, but they are very happy.

Cassie looked at Joanna, who was smiling.

— Sorry for the inconvenience, Mrs. Wolff. It's just — Cassie hesitated for a few seconds — My family used to say I used to make things difficult for them, and your reaction to the news made me think I might have made things difficult for you, as well.

Toto pursed his lips before translating for Joanna, who brought her free hand to Cassie’s face.

— Du hast es nicht vermasselt, Cassie. Sie und dieses Kind sind die fehlenden Teile, um diese Familie zu vervollständigen. Und wir alle lieben euch beide jetzt schon.

— She said you didn't make things difficult, Cassie — Toto translated, the shadow of a smile on his face — That you and our child were the missing pieces of our family…

She looked at Toto, who seemed to be hesitating.

— Anything else? — Cassie asked.

— Yes. She said… We all love you both already.

Cassie smiled as her chest filled with warmth.

— Sagen Sie ihr, wir gehen ins Wohnzimmer, um mehr über all das zu reden. Ich möchte mehr über meinen Enkel erfahren.

— Come on, let's go to the living room. She said she wants to hear all about the baby — Toto said, taking Cassie's hand and leading her into the living room. 

Toto had her sit on the sofa, and Franz brought her a glass of water. She showed Joanna and Liliana the ultrasound photos on her phone and they talked excitedly about the new addition, Cassie started feeling much better. She felt more comfortable as the night went on, getting generous hugs and kisses on her cheek as she and Toto left to go back to his apartment. 

They didn’t say much to each other as they walked back in to Toto’s flat, which bothered Cassie a bit. It felt like there was a lot to discuss right now, especially after the situation at dinner, but she was glad that Joanna had warmed up to her by the time the night ended, and considered things settled for the time being.

— I’m going to go take a shower and get ready for bed — Cassie said, as they stepped into Toto’s living room. She turned to walk down the hallway

— Cassie — Toto said behind her

— Yes? — she turned, a little hesitantly. 

He had his hands stuffed into the pockets of his chinos, his expression serious.

— In the bathroom, you said something that bothered me a little.

— What?

— You said you didn't want to destroy my perfect family.

Cassie looked down at her feet, swallowing hard.

— I mean, I don’t… — she murmured.

— The problem is, my family isn't perfect. In fact, we are far from perfect.

— But, you all seemed so happy together today.

— Yes, today. But it wasn't always this way, Cassie — he replied, approaching her — When I was growing up, a lot of things were difficult between my mom and I, especially after my parents' divorce and with the advance of my father's illness and it strained our relationship as mother and son a lot.

Cassie felt something tighten in her throat.

— We argued, we fought, we’d go weeks without speaking to each other. In the end, we had to figure out how to get along, because we only had each other. We've done a lot of work to get this far. 

Toto gently took Cassie’s hand.

— When I say that you will not destroy my family, it is because we are already prepared for adversity and challenges. We're strong, just like you are — Toto said, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of Cassie’s hair behind her ear — And… We all love you just the way you are. You and our child. We love you.

Cassie pursed her lips, thinking about what he was saying. She couldn't even remember the last time someone had said they loved her, but hearing Toto say it, even in such an indirect way, made her feel like her heart could explode with joy at any moment.

She knew what she wanted to say in response, but she wasn’t sure if she could manage it, so she hugged him instead.

“We love you too”, Cassie thought.

[ohdudedhesflirting]

I will hold onto you (I love you so I let you go, part2)

Part 1. Part 3

Pairing: Seok matthew x f!reader

Warnings: Mention of adult activity but nothing explicit, insecurity (mentionned quickly). Matthew is very sad :(

Tag : @seok02, I hope you will like it Nina, thank you for encouraging me to write <3

Genre: University au, Matthew fell first, friends to sweethearts, angst, break-up.

Synopsis: Y/n and Matthew were in a relationship and Matthew remembers some of their past days, wondering when it went wrong...

Words count : 2581

Notes : I hope you will all love this. There is only one part left. English is my second language.

.....Under the cut ...!

High school, senior year.

Matthew was his with notes from his litterature class, earphones planted in his ears. He wasnt paying attention to anything else around him but what was in front of him. His bestfriend since he was born, Sung Han Bin was next to him reviewing for his physic class he had next period.

In front of them was Y/n doing some volunteer work with cleaning and reorganizing the shelves. Vice-president duty she said, watching her Matthew knew that she did it simply because she preferred to do that rather than doing her studying for her physic class.

Her and Han Bin were in the same class, Matthew was glad of course that there was someone by your side. But he simply wished it was him.

Looking at you he simply forgot about his best-friend presence next to him that was not oblivious to the way he looked at their common friend. Grinning he took a part of his notebook and doodled on it a little chibi Matthew giving heart eyes to Y/N before passing it to him.

The second the young adolescent saw the doodle he gave his friend the worst look he was capable of producing and lightly punched him before going to his notes that he just noticed were upside down.

Laughing at his bestfriend reaction Han Bin slowly took off one his earphone.

"When are you planning on telling her ?"

Eyes as wide as humanly possible Matthew was shocked at the simple idea of telling you how he felt.

Hanbin simply exhaled. He was tired.

He had known Matthew since they were 3 years old, and knew you since you were 6 years old. And ever since the beginning of high school, 3 years ago he had to witness every day his oblivious bestfriend just yawn over Y/N presence.

He was tired and just wanted it to end. Every day watching him try to look at you in the most discreet manner, trying to prepare for excuses to hang out just the three of you over the week-end, studying together...

The worst was since you had started your senior year, it was almost the end of it but Han Bin could swear that he could not even take one more minute of the behavior of his bestfriend. Matthew was always asking about you, texting in class.

"Is Y/N okay ? she had a cold this morning" "Tell Y/N we are eating lunch together in case she forgot" "I brought a scarf for Y/n I will bring it over at the break".

Matthew was fakely going through his notes, trying to give himself a good excuse to not reply to his best friend incquiries.

"I'm serious, when are you going to tell her ? It's been 3 years. How long are you planning to wait ?"

"Forever"

Groaning one more time, Han Bin just wanted to rip off his hair. It was always the same thing, he wasn't ready, did not want to ruin their friendship... Always more excuses, of course he understood he was scared. But you were simply the most oblivious person ever and if he did nothing, someone could totally come and snatch you up and then what ? Han Bin would be the one to mend over little Matthew broken heart. Truly he could not even stand the thought.

University, middle of the first year.

"Y/n, Han Bin wait for me !"

Hands full of packages, Matthew was running after his two friends that were already well advanced on the road.

University had been both a blessing and a cruse.

Matthew had truly found his place, he had made so many incredible friends whom he cherished, he had joined a dance club, and the best of it all was that he got to share that with you.

You shared every meal together, for him it was his little moment of hapiness he was looking for all day long. Every weekend he tried to make the most of his time to see you and hang out with you.

Han Bin wasnt really the one to tag along, he had picken up on many clubs and had made an even more important number of friend than Matthew did, which was a lot.

Of course, the young man was scared that you'd found out about his feelings for you so he tried to maintain a distance, but it was not an easy thing for him. He just craved to be next to you and it was so hard for him to not be able to.

Finally reaching his two friends, Matthew saw his friend, Zhang Hao, waiting next to his car. The day was special, Han Bin was leaving for an exchange dance program in America. And the three childhood friends had reunited to say goodbye to him for a few months.

The atmosphere was full of sadness and excitement, saying goodbye was sad but it was a part of life, of what was better for Han Bin and his hapiness.

YN was the first one to pull him into a hug, saying she was proud was an understatement. She always cherished Han Bin and the way he always watched over her all those years.

Freeing himself from her embrace, Han Bin smiled at Matthew before pulling him into a hug and whispering into his ear "Matthew, when I'm back I want you to tell me good news alright?"

Hearing this, Matthew quickly pushed him away, ears becoming as red as tomatoes.

He stepped back to let Han Bin hop onto Zhang Hao car to go to the airport, seeing his bestfriend of his whole life leave made Matthew feel incredibly empty.

He knew that him leaving his side was for the better. Than Han Bin had a life outside their friendship and their bond but thinking about the fact that for months he wouldn't be able to see him, that he wouldn't be at their place felt incredibly bittersweet to him. They were bestfriend, and breaking appart was just painful.

Matthew was never the one for the goodbyes.

Feeling a hand reach his, he looked over his should to see you calmly putting his hand on yours.

"Do you wanna get breakfast ? My treat."

"That would be great, yeah"

Univeristy, beginning of the summer break

Matthew loves being home. There was absolutely nothing like his mother cooking, hanging out with his sister and just being able to pull all nighters watching animes.

But his favorite part was definitely that he could just come and see you whenever he wanted.

He had grown up since high school, and what he always had wanted to do during that time but unable to due to his shyness he was able to do it now.

Everyday or almost, he was going to your place. He wanted that free time not only to relax but also to build memories with you. It was perfect and he enjoyed every moment of it.

But the blissness of a perfect summer friendship couldn't last forever. Not only was Matthew hurting from not being able to be close to you as much as he wanted which was hurting him. But you were also hurting. Why was he always there ?

So of course one day it came out.

As always both of you had went out on a walk, you were living in the countryside and there lots of orchads around and forest. It was delightful.

That day Matthew felt that there was something wrong. It had been a moment you were bouncy when he was around but this time it was defintely worse.

You were avoiding his gaze, being globally lost into your own thoughts. Matthew could not force you to speak what was in your mind and simply waited for you to be ready to tell him.

"Would you like to go with me to the natural park in like three days ? They rescued a tiger from a circus and I thought it could be a nice day out ?"

YN suddeny stopped in her tracks and looked over at Matthew. She was perpexled and Matthew could see it.

"Why ? Why are you like this ? Taking me out ? Why are you being so nice to me ?"

Matthew was left silenced for a few seconds, but what felt like an eternity to him.

"What do you mean ?"

"Every day you come to my place, we hang out. And it's great really, but why ? When we are at the university I understand that you could feel pity for me to a certain extent and want to keep me compagny, but here..? Why.. are you so nice to me ?"

"I don't pity you. I never did. YN I care about you.."

Matthew could feel the beginning of tears coming to his eyes, did YN not want him by her side anymore ? Why would she believes he pitied her ? He only had eyes for eyes since four long years and could not wish for anything more than to be by her side.

"Why would you ? I was always closet to Han Bin, we met throught Han Bin, is it... is it because he left ? Is that why you keep hanging around me more ? Did he ask you to do this ?"

"Yes !"

In shock, YN took a few step back, of course, there was no way that the sweetheart Matthew was could care about a girl like her just like that.

"No wait.."

The tears were defintely starting to fall down on Matthew's cheeks, he hated the way YN was looking at him, as if all along he had pitied her and just took her in like a lost puppy.

"I like you. I really likes you Y/n and I've liked you for a while. Han Bin wanted me to tell you, he has been wanting since years and I was just a coward that was afraid you'd reject me and I simply never did. And he left and he wanted me to tell you, and we got closer, and I.. YN I like you."

Taken aback, YN could not understand. Since when did he like her ? Had it been a long time ? Or was it pity..

"I am not asking for you to respond to my feelings, just, try being my partner for two weeks, give me two weeks, and if afterwards you are not interested, we will stay as friends"

And Y/n had accepted, she accepted the trial of being his partner, and finally decided to stay.

Those two weeks were not for her the moment to try to developp feelings for him, but rather it was a blooming moment for her to acknowledge those feelings. They always had been there hidden under insecurity.

Second year of university, middle of the year.

"And she just left ?"

Matthew slowly nodded over his head confirming it to his assembly of friends.

Zhang Hao and Han Bin, Jiwoong and his boyfriend and finally Tae Rae were all present in the living room, where the apocalypse and Matthew worst nightmare happened just the night before.

He had called Han Bin on the phone completely sobbing just after you had left. He had just been frozen in place and that until Han Bin and Zhang Hao came, finding him just crying standing up in front of the door.

They had given him both of their shoulders to cry on and had put him into his bed where he started to sob one more time smelling your perfume in the place you normally occupied when you had a sleepover.

They had called everyone over for the day after to just have a discussion and connect all of their braincells to try and undesrtand the situation. Also because Matthew was miserable and nothing was making him cry.

Seeing your toothbrush next to his in the pot had made him spiral into twenty minutes of sobbing, seeing your complete cow milk in the fridge had him hugging the milk with tears.

Truly Han Bin and Zhang Ho were not enough of two to take care of him.

Now they were all together, trying to understand why suddenly you just wanted to break up after many months of hapiness.

"Can I be the devil advocate and say that maybe YN never liked you ?"

Jiwoong hearing this instantly shot a pillow at Tae Rae's face and Matthew just starred at him with big doe eyes, what does he means by never liked him?

"Yn never told you she liked you right ? And even if you are doing all the stuff couples do, its not enough to say she likes you"

"Tae Rae shut up" Han Bin was the first one to react. But it was too late, Matthew just got even more silent hugging one of your pyjamas that had your smell on it.

"She is not like that tho, something must have happened, I'm sure of it"

Jiwoong was your first supporter, being one of Matthew's roomate he knew more than anyone else how you were. and he simply could not tolerate that idea. He saw how you looked at him and there was no way you didnt like him.

"What if she is pregnant and she just ran away ?"

"Tae Rae I beg you stop it"

"Matthew look its possible right ? And I remember a few days ago she was puking"

All of the boys face went to Matthew, that was a possibility defintely. But would you really be the type to break-up because of that and not tell him ?

"Matthew ?"

Now it was Han Bin turn to be worried, sure he had told Matthew to get his girl but not to become a father.

"No. It's impossible. We always.. No there is no way we are always prudent"

All the boys in the room exhaled, they were too young to become uncles.

"So why would she break-up ? Matthew did not forget any date, she wasn't on her peiod, she is not pregnant, and nothing had happened during your movie night so why would she..?"

The room fell silent once again before Matthew just started to silently sob again.

He did not understand the situation. Everything was going great. They were happy, yes their relationship had become known on campus but everyone congratulated him for having a partner.

What was the reason you suddenly pushed him away ? Had he done something wrong ? He truly could not grasp his fingers on the situation.

Ever since he had asked you out on that summer day he had been scared you would just refuse to talk to him and he would not be able to see ever you again.

But most importantly as he was sobbing on his couch, his friends surrounding him, Tae Rae apologizing to him and trying to reassure him he was worried about you.

Had you gotten enough sleep ? Were you eating properly ? Had you remembered to take off your makeup before eating properly ? He was always the one to take it off for you because you always forgot to do it yourself.

He was ready to do anything and everything to understand why you broke-up. Matthew loved you too much and for that he could only hold on to you, and hope for you to hold onto him.